Throwing My Weight Around

Yesterday, my husband and I were off from work. For those not aware, Scott and I work together, managing a large (8.5 acres) mini-storage property. We (typically) work 6 days a week, and Tuesday is our regular day off.

Yesterday we had a laundry list of errands to get accomplished. We were pleased that Hurricane Gustav (we live just south and west of Houston) passed us by and therefore kept us from being limited to staying home or driving in rainy, blustery weather. We started our day at Ikea where we bought some really cool stuff, then hit Walmart for some normal shopping.


While we were at Walmart I remembered 2 things that I'd failed to put on our list: pedometers and hand weights. We've both chosen (at least for now) walking as our main mode of exercise, but other than some manual calculations we'd done in a breathy (while walking) moment, we haven't been sure exactly how much ground we were covering. And, all I've had at home are 1 pound hand weights that really aren't accomplishing much, even for me. And, considering the fact that my upper arms are among my top 2 problem areas, I need all the help I can get.

After carefully reviewing all of the options that Walmart offered we settled on 2 sets of hand weights: 3 pound weights for me (with cool straps to help hold them to my hands while walking) and 8 pound weights for Scott. We also picked up 2 pedometers and a new set of tension bands.

When we got home, we were thrilled to see that our 2nd shipments of food had arrived while we were gone! So, after putting away our stuff from Ikea and Walmart we hefted the boxes of food into the kitchen and began to oooh and aaah over our new supply as we put it away.

Last month I'd ordered the 'favorites', figuring that was my best way to find out what I really liked and what I didn't; Scott had actually pre-selected his first order, wanting to avoid what he KNEW he didn't like, but then found himself getting bored with the same things over and over again. This time around we both pre-selected our meal items and are really looking forward to the menus we've each created.

One of the beauties of this plan for us is that we're not limited to both having to eat the same things. We do share vegetable selections, and our salads are basically identical, but our entrees and snacks are totally different, and we have suprisingly different tastes.

Included with my shipment was my 10 lb. bear (woohoo!!) and at this morning's weigh-in I've officially dropped another 5 pounds. I'm still inspired and highly motivated to keep it up. I haven't felt this good in years! And I'm looking better with each day that passes.

Had a minor cheat during the hurricane weekend when my cousin and her family had to evacuate their hometown and came to stay with us. They BBQ'd one afternoon and I gave in and ate 1 bratwurst w/bun and a couple of tablespoons of macaroni salad. I didn't feel too terrible (emotionally or physically) but I was proud of limiting myself to just that, and then getting right back on track. That's my first cheat in a month's time, so I refuse to beat myself up over it.

I hope everyone is feeling fit and fine today. Good luck on this week's goals, too!