1. It is obvious that our summer (meaning "real summer") is over in the PNW.
I really love the HOT HOT days of summer when it gets light at 4 a.m. and doesn't get dark until 10:30. (The fact is we didn't really have a good hot summer this year, like we did last year, so I feel kind of cheated too.) Yes, we'll still have some beautiful, warm days...but the sunsets are coming earlier and earlier, the nights are already chilly, and the leaves are turning color. This always makes me sad...nothing different this year, this always makes me sad.
2. August is the month of both my dad's birthday and the anniversary of his death in 2006. Although I'm not a real sentimental person when it comes to dates like this, my mom is. So she brings me down with her focus on these occasions. I spend a lot of time comforting her.
3. My ankle sucks. Really sucks. So I'm not able to go for any good walks. I'm getting acupuncture, which seems to be helping, although I'm not sure if it's just
better because I'm not using it much. Every time I go for acupuncture, I ask the Dr...When can I go for walks again? She says...Don't be in such a hurry. I ask...Not even treadmill? She says...No. I persist...How about walks as long as long they are not too strenuous? She says...No, don't walk any more than necessary. So I'm trying to be a "patient patient"...But it still sucks. I miss my walks both for my physical and mental well being. 4. Even though my weight is stable, I've noticed my love handles increasing. I REALLY noticed it this morning. I figure this is as a result of lack of aerobic exercise. I hate my love handles...they make me feel self-conscious and unattractive. They make me want to wear baggy sweaters.
So, what to do to get out of this rut?
1. Schedule a trip to somewhere that is is summer all the time, like...Hawaii!
(Done!...only one month before we go!)
2. Talk to Dr D about my mom issues, and hang on until September.
Dr D is always helpful for working through family issues, and things will be back to "normal" (whatever that is) with my mom in September.
3. Continue ankle acupuncture and rest.
(I have to admit, occasionally the thought will cross my mind...I'll go for a walk JUST THIS ONCE and the Dr will never know...but I'll know. And then I tell myself, Don't be stupid. What's the point of spending time and money on acupuncture, if you're only going to disregard her advice?)
4. Find some other form of aerobic exercise.
*I hate swimming. (I hate to put my face in the water.)
*I hate bike riding. (I'm always afraid I'm going to get hit by a car or I'll do something stupid to get honked at or yelled at.)
*I hate hot yoga. (I spend all my time in dead pose because it's either that or faint.)
*I've been going to Curves, but all I am allowed to do is the weight-lifting part, not the jump-around-in-between-each-machine part. I can't seem to get an aerobic work out just doing the weight lifting.
So, what to do...?
*Take a spinning class.
I've never taken a spinning class. That's definitely aerobic exercise, and would be relatively easy on the ankle. Our local 24HrFitness is offering a 7-Day free pass, and they have spinning classes every day. So, I've printed out my free pass already and I'll go in tomorrow.
*Reduce carbs
I found through research that refined carbs supposedly contribute a lot to love handles.
Anyway, that's the plan. The first three ideas are already in motion, and I'm starting tomorrow on the spinning class and lower carbs. I'll let you know how it goes.
Don't be afraid to do your own thing/pace in the spin class. Make the class work for you and what you want to get out of it. The instructor is making "suggestions" not barking orders ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry your ankle is still giving you trouble. I can see why you are frustrated.
Here's hoping we all make our way out of the doldrums and soon.
Lowering the carbs will definitely have a good effect on the love handles! I hope you feel better soon. It must be so frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThe carb thing rings true - no matter what plan a person follows!
ReplyDeleteAlot of people who have limited use of arms or legs or whatever...
They do a little Sit-ercise! Just moving in the chair!
Or stretching....or deep breathing!
When I started, I couldn't do anything do anything but stretch.
I am sorry that you are down in the dumps, but it sounds like you have a plan and are taking back your power! Woo-hoo! Hope you feel better soon (including your foot!)
ReplyDeletecan't wait to hear about how you like spinning. I hated being told what to do..... but I see now that I should have just gone at my own level. Roxie is bang on.
ReplyDeleteI've been having weight collect around my middle - but have decided to try to combat it with pilates - to make my core look smaller - AND - I'm going to start eating two veggies & meat for dinner instead of veggie, rice & meat. See how that goes.
my feet have also been killing me. sore feet makes me feel really old. I just don't know what to do to make them feel better.
Just wanted to leave a note to say I have been wearing the bracelet you sent me ever since Monday, when we laid sweet Lo to rest. She struggled in the end with nerve damage to her spine that basically caused her not to recognize how to stand on her back legs. The jade bracelet has been a comfort to me. Thank you. And I hope you're feeling well again soon.
ReplyDeleteGrace - I hope you see this. The Geneen Roth workshop is this weekend! I can't believe it's already time for it. Time really does fly by.
ReplyDeleteI've searched my emails and can't find the emails we exchanged in July. If you get this, my email address is ww.lady@gmail.com and my cell phone is 206-355-8991. I really hope to meet you at the workshop and hopefully get to hang out with you.
I have mixed feelings about the whole intuitive eating concept. I tried it for a couple weeks and couldn't quite get it to work for me (in other words I gained weight!). But I'm still really excited to hear Geneen speak, and even more excited to meet you. :)
Talk to you soon I hope and I'll see you this weekend!
Call me or email me. Please.