Can't Sleep!

Alright... I know I've been a little MIA. Not good for kicking off a new blog... start a page, then ditch it. But I swear I'm back, with new purpose. My computer has been down for a while, which limited my online access at home, but I splurged and got the cutest little netbook yesterday... in hopes of reconnecting, literally!

I'm kind of in a rut right now actually. I was doing SO well at the beginning of the year. My boot camp program netted me a loss of about 15 pounds. BUT - that ended a month ago and since then I've been treading water. The gym is suddenly boring, not exciting. Bad food is suddenly tempting, not repulsive. And my mornings are suddenly better spent sleeping in and watching mindless television, not being productive. SO I'm vowing to refocus, reenergize, and renew my quest! The three R's! We've all fallen off the wagon. How do YOU get motivated again?

My goals this week:

• Get back to the gym, perhaps try a couple new classes to spice things up.
• Start food journaling again. It feels like homework (ugh), but it helps keep me honest!!
• Give up diet pop... AGAIN! Passing it by, naturally makes me drink more water.
• Put down the remote. Instead of watching TV, aim to increase productivity, even if it's reading or restarting a hobby/craft that I've been putting off!

Final thought... don't wait for your life to get "started", start living it NOW.

Just a couple things...

Today was supposed to be Michigan's controversial "Meat Out" day. This after Governor Jennifer Granholm decided to rally behind the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, consequentially shunning meat/dairy farmers across a state dependent on their contribution to the economy. Now, I get the debate. But she at least made a couple points we should ALL listen to. Fruits and vegetables are vital to a healthy diet, regardless of your flesh eating standards. Also, buying local... from a fresh farmer's market or perhaps a family-owned market is a great way to keep our dollars in the community. Despite this... Carnivores of the human variety across the Great Lakes state were outraged that she would even suggest a thing like "Meat Out" day. Some even vowing to make a statement by having a massive meatalicious cookout on the lawn of the Capitol. March Madness tailgate anyone!?

So, that being said, I decided not to take sides on this one, I enjoy both worlds for many reasons. I supported both today. I had soy milk on my breakfast cereal and a veggie burger for lunch... but then decided to fill up on a fabulous piece of juicy, grilled chicken for dinner. So there. Here's to simply eating healthy, making smart choices, and if possible supporting the local peeps who work so hard to contribute to our meals!! :)

On a completely different note... I went shopping today. The goal? To find a cute, black satin dress for a friend's wedding. A: Shopping and I don't always get along, my body doesn't look like those mannequins, if you get my drift. B: I'm not a typical girly-girl, therefore, I dislike dresses in a pretty unwavering way. Mostly because I feel awkward and don't want my legs out there for the world to see/judge. Critical points aside... I went in with a positive attitude. The bride is one of my best friends of nearly 20 years. Long story short... VICTORY!!!! Not only did I find a cuuuute dress, but it was the FIRST one I tried on AND in a size SMALLER than I expected to buy. That right there, is reason to keep it up and kick things up a notch!!! Woooo!! More on my current mission later...

Goodnight friends!

"The journey of a thousand miles...

...begins with a single step." ~Lao Tzu

That step my friends... is in part, this blog.

My Mission: To post with as much honesty as I can about all things related to my personal journey of dieting, health, & fitness... but also about the over-arching goal of finding a strong sense of self, body confidence, and positive outlook in an often times, superficial world.

I am a rollercoaster of progress and pitfalls.
One moment I'm on the horse-- the next minute it's kicking me in the mouth.

I win.

I fail.

But then again... don't we all? Without failure we can't learn from our mistakes. And without that critical balance, what would life be? Boring.

So, join me on this journey to stay ON the horse... AND to be able to look in the mirror EVERY TIME and LIKE what we see... :)