Tuesday 19 August 2008

Beginnings and Endings

Ecclesiastes 7:8 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

8 Endings are better than beginnings.
Sticking to it is better than standing out.

I read this verse this morning and it said something to me! It's always easy to start something but harder to finish. Isn't that true?

January 1st is full of good intentions as we sprint out of the gate with our eyes on the finish line, but staying the course is harder and by August it would be rare, I think, for many to still be in the race. We are, and I know it's because of our mutual support.

I had a busy week last week and didn't post my weight. It was 151.2, and today I weighed 151.4.
I'm feeling like I want to renew my focus on my goal, put my head down, and go for it.

My goals are:
Exercise at least three times a week for an hour of walking.
Indoor exercises with weights at least 4 times a week--arms and legs.
Lose the final 7 pounds.
Get at least 6 hours sleep a night, but mostly 7 (I'm not kidding, this would be a big improvement :) )

I've made a new Excel schedule and it looks like a place of safety and health for me because I've scheduled in rest as well as activity.

Here's to a wonderful and healthy fall. I know it's not here quite yet and I'm not rushing summer; but I'm gearing up for the next step.

Wednesday 13 August 2008

Maintaining

Hi All,

I continue to weigh 150 lbs. at home and 145 lbs. at the cottage- a descrepancy between scales. I have been doing interval training 3 times a week for the past two weeks. Out for a brisk walk for 50 min. with a minimal of 12 minutes jogging during that time.

Maintaining is all I can do right now it seems. The stress is high with a hospital trip by ambulance for one of the twins, Jason being sick for 6 days (he is finally beginning to get well), transitioning from the house to the cottage and back every week-end, and beginning schooling and planning for the next school year. I am content with what I am doing right now because it is all I can do. I am aware that things will slow down by the end of the month and even calamities end in their season.

I have found I have been struggling with my self control with both carbs. and sweets and it seems to happen when I'm under stress- go figure.

Thinking of all of you battling the same fight. We'll cheer on as we get healthy together.

Belinda, it has been great to hear about your new walking lifestyle.

Shan, I often wonder what it's like on the west coast and think of you hiking, biking, or kayaking. Way to go with increasing the activity.

Susan, How's it going with the new plan?

Just checking in. From the lightbulb.

Tuesday 5 August 2008

Strong Arms in the Making

Psalm 144:1 (New International Version)
Of David.
1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.

I have always loved this verse from psalm 144. I find it inspirational and the image I get is of good strength.

This week I weigh 151.4, but this journey is becoming less and less about numbers and more about a healthy lifestyle all around.

I'm loving my walks with Molson; sometimes chasing grandchildren on bikes at a jog-walk. It's happening about 5 nights a week and I can see that I'm trimmer for it.

This weekend I pulled out my old Weight Watchers pamphlets and reread some of them. There are a couple with exercises to tone the arms and legs. On Sunday I started with the arms. Tomorrow I'll start with the leg exercises and add these 15 minute workouts on alternate days.

I can FEEL the muscles under my skin responding and coming to life--being stimulated. It's a good feeling.