Back on dry land. And lemme tell ya being healthy whilst cruisin' is a bigger feat than I imagined. Shocking, I know.
A few fun facts about our adventure in the sun:
-There are 14 occasions for meals each day; that is, if you ignore the fact that the pizzeria and deli are open 24/7.
-I have never ever ever seen fatter ugly people en masse in my life. I'm not joking. It was unbelievable. Where do these people come from.
-It is impossible (for me) to escape 2 days on Mexico's beaches without an encounter with a frosty beverage. Guilty as charged.
-My mother and I should have worn shirts that said "anti-tourist". No souvenirs, no playing dress up, no $500 bar tab, no visits to the formal dining room--mas fun!
-Towel animals are harder to make than it looks.
-The Carnival mascot strangely resembles a stuffed IUD (birth control device).
-Coconut water (the fad isotonic beverage) comes from actual coconuts--who knew!
-If you are on a double decker bus tour in Progreso, Mexico and the guide yells "duck-power lines," he means it.
-A great way to avoid the midnight buffet is to go bed before it starts. And it is possible to have only tea whilst at high tea. Much to my mother's chagrin.
-Somehow, I managed to not gain weight. Net-net, down .6 lbs. I'll take it.
Back to the real world I go!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Test
So, I'm going on this cruise today. Some would consider going on a cruise whilst focusing on getting healthy to be counterintuitive. I look at it as a challenge--one that I'm up for.
It's a good sign that cruise day 1 started off with a 6am rendezvous at the gym. Bodes well for the rest of the trip, I figure.
Deck walking and beach tromping will be a nice break from seemingly endless time on the elliptical. The timing is actually pretty good. I've been a bit bummed out lately about missing the Q1 show season. I hate everyone having fun w/o me!!!
The copious amount of food is admittedly less good, however, resisting is totally doable (for the most part). My goal is to stay within my daily WW points. Similar to my objective every day; for the next five days, more of a feat. The solid news is, we are going on Carnival--so the food isn't that compelling to begin with.
Plus, I look really good tan. So there is always that.
It's a good sign that cruise day 1 started off with a 6am rendezvous at the gym. Bodes well for the rest of the trip, I figure.
Deck walking and beach tromping will be a nice break from seemingly endless time on the elliptical. The timing is actually pretty good. I've been a bit bummed out lately about missing the Q1 show season. I hate everyone having fun w/o me!!!
The copious amount of food is admittedly less good, however, resisting is totally doable (for the most part). My goal is to stay within my daily WW points. Similar to my objective every day; for the next five days, more of a feat. The solid news is, we are going on Carnival--so the food isn't that compelling to begin with.
Plus, I look really good tan. So there is always that.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Training Day
If there's one thing I've learned so far on this journey, it's that the quest is much easier if you don't go it alone.
I am sooooo sooooo soooooo fortunate for all of the support I've received from all angles. Beyond belief.
My trip to the gymnasio this morning reminded me of just how lucky I am in one particular aspect of my adventure.
Today my training session kicked my ass. Everything was harder than I'd remembered; just plain difficult. No particular idea why today was more of a bear than the others. Five minutes in I was drenched in sweat, and therefore equally saturated with grumpiness. I can't stand feeling weak.
If I had been at the gym by myself, I no doubt would have bailed. No question. However, there was zero chance that was happening, if my trainer had anything to do with it. As the hour wore on and I wore out, it was truly only the pushing by my saint of a trainer that kept me on those machines. Today it was his will, not mine, that got me through.
Tomorrow will be better. And if not, I am not above harnessing the strength of others. I am one lucky, lucky girl!
I am sooooo sooooo soooooo fortunate for all of the support I've received from all angles. Beyond belief.
My trip to the gymnasio this morning reminded me of just how lucky I am in one particular aspect of my adventure.
Today my training session kicked my ass. Everything was harder than I'd remembered; just plain difficult. No particular idea why today was more of a bear than the others. Five minutes in I was drenched in sweat, and therefore equally saturated with grumpiness. I can't stand feeling weak.
If I had been at the gym by myself, I no doubt would have bailed. No question. However, there was zero chance that was happening, if my trainer had anything to do with it. As the hour wore on and I wore out, it was truly only the pushing by my saint of a trainer that kept me on those machines. Today it was his will, not mine, that got me through.
Tomorrow will be better. And if not, I am not above harnessing the strength of others. I am one lucky, lucky girl!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Blackjack!
Statistically speaking, January 17 (today) is the most depressing day of the year. According to the radio jock I heard it from, it's something about Christmas bills being due, bad weather with no end in sight, and the holiday cheer having officially worn off.
I woke up this mornin having a similar view. Today is gyno day--which therefore makes it my least favorite day of the year. Add to that a romp on the elliptical, a trip to the trainer, and a stop to weigh in, and you've got the January 17 blues.
And so, I grumbled through my early am rendezvous with the elliptical followed by my weekly one on one time with the scale.
Only, this time when the cards flipped--BLACKJACK!
In a truly shocking turn of events, I managed to drop 7.2 lbs last week-a 21 lb loss total. How crazy is that!!!!!!!
So, today I will waltz into the gynecologist with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. And when she asks how things have been going, I just might shout "blackjack!"
I woke up this mornin having a similar view. Today is gyno day--which therefore makes it my least favorite day of the year. Add to that a romp on the elliptical, a trip to the trainer, and a stop to weigh in, and you've got the January 17 blues.
And so, I grumbled through my early am rendezvous with the elliptical followed by my weekly one on one time with the scale.
Only, this time when the cards flipped--BLACKJACK!
In a truly shocking turn of events, I managed to drop 7.2 lbs last week-a 21 lb loss total. How crazy is that!!!!!!!
So, today I will waltz into the gynecologist with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. And when she asks how things have been going, I just might shout "blackjack!"
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Meh
This week found me significantly lacking motivation--a general sense of "meh".
Not particularly sure why, but the result was less cardio than intended (and blogging delinquency). Ungood. On the upside, my eating and training were pretty solidly on track--that does not make up for my not being as active as I should. Thank goodness for the trainer; having an appointment in the gym at least keeps me from flaking 3 times a week.
I feel like I need a jumpstart. I am utterly hopeful that that does not come in the form of yet another lackluster weigh in. Not that I wouldn't deserve it.
I look in the mirror and I feel fatter. It is wholly and completely impossible that I actually am. Perhaps a mind trick brought on by guilt due to lack of cardio.
Next week it will be better. I will make certain of it.
Not particularly sure why, but the result was less cardio than intended (and blogging delinquency). Ungood. On the upside, my eating and training were pretty solidly on track--that does not make up for my not being as active as I should. Thank goodness for the trainer; having an appointment in the gym at least keeps me from flaking 3 times a week.
I feel like I need a jumpstart. I am utterly hopeful that that does not come in the form of yet another lackluster weigh in. Not that I wouldn't deserve it.
I look in the mirror and I feel fatter. It is wholly and completely impossible that I actually am. Perhaps a mind trick brought on by guilt due to lack of cardio.
Next week it will be better. I will make certain of it.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Incredible
So, I only lost .4 lbs last week. Sigh.
Considering I was traveling and slightly less than virtuous, I WOULD be almost ok with the negligible loss. However, I come to find out that my mother and cousin who are also on the program shed 2.6 lbs and 2 lbs respectively. Maddening.
How that is possible I have no idea, considering that we literally ate the same food and did the same amount of exercise. It's as if my body is laughing at me or something.
The whole thing is infuriating....but I keep telling myself that it is a marathon and not a sprint. On the plus side, I am averaging 2.2 lbs per week. The pros say that that is the safe amount to lose. I say that at this rate I'd better hope that they have WW in the old folks home I will be in, still not having reached my goal weight.
Considering I was traveling and slightly less than virtuous, I WOULD be almost ok with the negligible loss. However, I come to find out that my mother and cousin who are also on the program shed 2.6 lbs and 2 lbs respectively. Maddening.
How that is possible I have no idea, considering that we literally ate the same food and did the same amount of exercise. It's as if my body is laughing at me or something.
The whole thing is infuriating....but I keep telling myself that it is a marathon and not a sprint. On the plus side, I am averaging 2.2 lbs per week. The pros say that that is the safe amount to lose. I say that at this rate I'd better hope that they have WW in the old folks home I will be in, still not having reached my goal weight.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mi Familia
My family is not Italian--however, if I were to use one word to sum us up, it would be "mangia!"
This weekend we ate. And when we were done eating, we ate some more. Utter gluttony. Some of the more memorable moments included the following exclamations:
"It's really too bad you are not eating (due to Weight Watchers), the food is sooooooo good here!"
"There is not a thing in this world I have discovered that I don't like to eat."
"This cake is sooooo good. Pass me that third one."
"I had two egg salad sandwiches, two chicken salad sandwiches, and two corned beef sandwiches. Hand me the potato salad."
When we were eating breakfast, we discussed lunch...during lunch, the talk turned to dinner...and so on and so on.....
In a shocking turn of events, I mostly was able to steer clear of all of the food pushing that went on. That's not to say that I didn't do some tasting off the record; I most certainly did. HOWEVER, a glutton I was not--and that is a true success in and of itself.
This weekend we ate. And when we were done eating, we ate some more. Utter gluttony. Some of the more memorable moments included the following exclamations:
"It's really too bad you are not eating (due to Weight Watchers), the food is sooooooo good here!"
"There is not a thing in this world I have discovered that I don't like to eat."
"This cake is sooooo good. Pass me that third one."
"I had two egg salad sandwiches, two chicken salad sandwiches, and two corned beef sandwiches. Hand me the potato salad."
When we were eating breakfast, we discussed lunch...during lunch, the talk turned to dinner...and so on and so on.....
In a shocking turn of events, I mostly was able to steer clear of all of the food pushing that went on. That's not to say that I didn't do some tasting off the record; I most certainly did. HOWEVER, a glutton I was not--and that is a true success in and of itself.
Friday, January 7, 2011
It's in the Genes
Well, I definitively figured out why I’m fat. Let me set the stage.
My family gathered this week in Florida for my Great Aunt’s 75th birthday. Last night those of us who had arrived got together for dinner at my grandmother’s place. It hadn’t been ten minutes before the childhood stories started pouring out of those of the older generations. Thirty seconds into story hour the focus of the convo turned to food. The next two hours sped by as each family member regaled the group with vivid descriptions of each and every favorite meal that had passed across the family table over the years. Stories so graphic, you could literally taste the delectable treats and feel the lard appearing on your thighs.
As I was falling asleep last night I reflected on the evening that I was fortunate to be a part of. In addition to feeling tremendously fortunate to have this time with my family, it became more apparent than ever what a huge undertaking I have chosen. In deciding to rework my lifestyle, I am not only tackling my demons, I am also flying in the face of generations upon generations of talented eaters. I was born into seeing food as both a blessing as a curse, just as the women in my family have for as long as we have been a family.
I am pleased to report that in addition to the traditional main activity of eating, we have thus far been successful at weaving exercising into the itinerary for this week. For this, and for the time with my family, I am truly thankful.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Not So Banner Day
Today was kinda a rough elliptical day. Honestly, not sure why—shouldn’t have been. I just could not seem to get past the usually miserable first few minutes and into a groove.
Generally, the first 10 minutes are bleh, the middle 10 are awful, and the last 10 minutes on the machine are a breeze. I know, I know—it totally does not seem to make sense that the last part of the workout would be the easiest. I think it’s kinda like a trail horse that bursts into a sprint the moment he sees the barn.
Today, however, I almost burst into tears at how excruciatingly difficult my short 30 minute workout seemed. It was just plain hard—every second of it. And it took literally every ounce of willpower I possess and half of my mother’s willpower for me not to bail. LAME.
The worst part of having a bad workout, is the fear that it will be that unpleasant the next day, and the zillions of days thereafter. It’s especially troubling, as I thought that I had gotten into a not-so-awful groove with this whole workout thing.
I truly am dreading tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
What Not to Wear
It's officially the start of week 6 of the "journey to Aryn version 3.2"--if I hear "New Year, New You!" one more time, I may just scream.
The big news so far this week (aside from the 4.2 lb loss that I have been skipping around telling anyone who will listen about), is that for the first time I wore a color coordinated outfit to the gym.
Generally, I show up at the gym resembling a homeless person. No, really. Perhaps it is because I miss the streets of San Francisco. More likely, it has something to do with my personal view that my time at the gym is all about utility. I mean, I'm gonna come out of the gym looking like shit--so why put much effort into going into the gym. In fact, you are lucky I wear pants at all!
However, after looking around at all of the non-sweaters at my training gym I noticed that in addition to being bone dry and smiley, they all look cute.
So, I decided today that I would try it. Well, sorta.
In lieu of my usual baggy grey t-shirt with some university or other on it and black ill-fitting adidas striped pants, I went for the purple ill-fitting adidas pants and a FITTED SHIRT that had a hint of purple in it. Crazy, I know. Now, I would definitely not go so far as to say that I looked hot...or even cute. However, I definitely did not look like a vagabond.
The weirdest thing happened. I'm fairly certain that I walked into the gym with a bit more of a spring in my step. The mirror even became less of my foe. And as odd as it may sound, I felt a bit more like I belonged there.
All of this from just taking 30 seconds to consider what to wear.
The big news so far this week (aside from the 4.2 lb loss that I have been skipping around telling anyone who will listen about), is that for the first time I wore a color coordinated outfit to the gym.
Generally, I show up at the gym resembling a homeless person. No, really. Perhaps it is because I miss the streets of San Francisco. More likely, it has something to do with my personal view that my time at the gym is all about utility. I mean, I'm gonna come out of the gym looking like shit--so why put much effort into going into the gym. In fact, you are lucky I wear pants at all!
However, after looking around at all of the non-sweaters at my training gym I noticed that in addition to being bone dry and smiley, they all look cute.
So, I decided today that I would try it. Well, sorta.
In lieu of my usual baggy grey t-shirt with some university or other on it and black ill-fitting adidas striped pants, I went for the purple ill-fitting adidas pants and a FITTED SHIRT that had a hint of purple in it. Crazy, I know. Now, I would definitely not go so far as to say that I looked hot...or even cute. However, I definitely did not look like a vagabond.
The weirdest thing happened. I'm fairly certain that I walked into the gym with a bit more of a spring in my step. The mirror even became less of my foe. And as odd as it may sound, I felt a bit more like I belonged there.
All of this from just taking 30 seconds to consider what to wear.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Isn't It Ironic
Well kiddos, after 63 days of unemployed bliss I am somewhat returning to the grind. Shocking, I know.
I will continue to maintain my hiatus status, however, have picked up a side gig doing marketing consulting for The Chocolate Bar. The Chocolate Bar is pretty much exactly what it sounds like--a fab local spot featuring a delectable, dynamic collection of all things chocolate.
Yup, that's where the irony comes in. I now spend my days strategizing for an establishment that is inherently my frien-emy. I can't eat one darn thing in the place....but I strongly encourage Houstonians to!
It's kinda like a meth addict doing PR for a meth lab. Brilliant.
In all seriousness, I am stoked at the opportunity to get my head back in the game. And am utterly amused by the ironic twist.
In other news, week 5 of my quest finds me 4.2 lbs lighter--13 lbs total. Can I get a what-what!?!
I will continue to maintain my hiatus status, however, have picked up a side gig doing marketing consulting for The Chocolate Bar. The Chocolate Bar is pretty much exactly what it sounds like--a fab local spot featuring a delectable, dynamic collection of all things chocolate.
Yup, that's where the irony comes in. I now spend my days strategizing for an establishment that is inherently my frien-emy. I can't eat one darn thing in the place....but I strongly encourage Houstonians to!
It's kinda like a meth addict doing PR for a meth lab. Brilliant.
In all seriousness, I am stoked at the opportunity to get my head back in the game. And am utterly amused by the ironic twist.
In other news, week 5 of my quest finds me 4.2 lbs lighter--13 lbs total. Can I get a what-what!?!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Un-Resolutions
Warning: The entry below is the second in a two part series of self indulgent posts.
Considering the whole leaving my life in my rearview thing, I think I'm a bit past making New Year's resolutions. That's not to say that I don't have a plethora of growth areas for 2011--oh boy do I ever!
Naturally, I wish for my family, friends, and the world in general peace, happiness, health, and comfort. No kidding.
In addition to the obvious, I am also selfishly hopeful that my 2011 will include the following (in no particular order):
-Gaining a stronger sense of self
-Ending 2011 half the size that I started it in
-Finding someone who I have the ultimate connection with
-Obtaining a level of fitness that I can be proud of
-Uncovering my next professional adventure
-Gaining greater understanding, compassion, and acceptance towards others' situations, challenges, and opinions
-Scoring a hot, new wardrobe
-Having the opportunity to continue to explore this vast world
-Participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer--39 miles..whew!
-Ending my committed relationship with carbs
-Being able to hop
-Getting a new, edgy haircut
-Taking advantage of every moment that I have been fortunate to spend with family and friends during my hiatus
Bring it on 2011!!!!!
Considering the whole leaving my life in my rearview thing, I think I'm a bit past making New Year's resolutions. That's not to say that I don't have a plethora of growth areas for 2011--oh boy do I ever!
Naturally, I wish for my family, friends, and the world in general peace, happiness, health, and comfort. No kidding.
In addition to the obvious, I am also selfishly hopeful that my 2011 will include the following (in no particular order):
-Gaining a stronger sense of self
-Ending 2011 half the size that I started it in
-Finding someone who I have the ultimate connection with
-Obtaining a level of fitness that I can be proud of
-Uncovering my next professional adventure
-Gaining greater understanding, compassion, and acceptance towards others' situations, challenges, and opinions
-Scoring a hot, new wardrobe
-Having the opportunity to continue to explore this vast world
-Participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer--39 miles..whew!
-Ending my committed relationship with carbs
-Being able to hop
-Getting a new, edgy haircut
-Taking advantage of every moment that I have been fortunate to spend with family and friends during my hiatus
Bring it on 2011!!!!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Ode to 2010
I intended to post this pre-2011, however, life got in the way.
This entry may seem a bit self indulgent; I believe I owe the cosmos a huge thank you for all of the milestones I am fortunate to include as part of my 2010. In somewhat particular order:
-Enjoyed a more dynamic dating and social life than any year prior
-Fell in love
-Saw my best girlfriend get married and have a baby
-Survived the most insane show season that I have ever experienced in my professional life
-Hit ticket sales records on multiple events
-Joined my family in exploring China
-Experienced the Giants winning a World Series
-Succumbed to the pressure to start a blog
-Began the year gaining weight and ended the year losing it
-Made the decision to make a change in favor of fitness and life balance and actually made the change
And that's just the big stuff....
Here's to a tremendous 2011!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
This entry may seem a bit self indulgent; I believe I owe the cosmos a huge thank you for all of the milestones I am fortunate to include as part of my 2010. In somewhat particular order:
-Enjoyed a more dynamic dating and social life than any year prior
-Fell in love
-Saw my best girlfriend get married and have a baby
-Survived the most insane show season that I have ever experienced in my professional life
-Hit ticket sales records on multiple events
-Joined my family in exploring China
-Experienced the Giants winning a World Series
-Succumbed to the pressure to start a blog
-Began the year gaining weight and ended the year losing it
-Made the decision to make a change in favor of fitness and life balance and actually made the change
And that's just the big stuff....
Here's to a tremendous 2011!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
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