Screw Everything I Said before....

... I'm starting over! Not really starting over, but declaring a new starting point. I have had a revelation and have decided to make it a point to always live THE BEST LIFE I can live; to always put a positive spin on things, the make/take new adventures - both big and small, to try new things, to be happy with myself and my surroundings, to live with purpose, to value my friendships and strengthen my relationships, to indulge in the best things life has to offer, and to always grow in mind, body and spirit. I am the "master of my domain" :) and I choose to live a happy life.
I CHOOSE TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE!

Could Work - Money

So I have a new idea that might help my finances -

A) my tax refund goes straight into savings - thats a given.

B) Put the ATM/Debit Card/ My Life into my lock box.

C) Take the Credit Card from the lock box and put into the "other compartment" of my wallet where it will be out of sight, out of mind but there in case of an emergency. 

D) Use only cash. Set a certain amount for the week, put the rest in the lock box. Once it is gone, its gone.

E) The rest of the pay check goes untouched (except for bills) in the bank.

I'm going to start this Friday - the weekend will be a challenge. Will post results.

Of Course -Fitness

Just as I suspected, the P90x routine I "revised" to fit my needs is going to have to be postponed, again!! Like I said, I am away from home for a few days. I brought my laptop, set it up in the make shift gym they have here, and was ready to go. But, lo-and-behold, my laptop doesn't read DVDs? I don't really know how that is possible bc the PC is only a few years old, but I've never tried to play a DVD on it until now. So today, the gym was crowded and I only got in 20min on the bike before I had to leave. Then, later, I went back and did 15min on the eliptical, a few ab moves I remembered from "Ab Ripper", and a weightlifting moves for arms. Thats my workout for today. Pretty sad isn't it. I'll be back to P90x on Friday. Tomorrow promises another day like today.

So here is how things add up for today so far:

Coffee w/ soy milk and sugar - only had a few sips.

1 pc wheat toast w/ "ICB its not butter" spray

Subway 6' Turkey and Ham on Italian Sub with lots of veggies and a little Honey Mustard; Coke Zero.

Dinner: hasn't happened yet but Rotiserie chicken, rice and veggies is planned.

If I can eat this, and only this, I think the sad gym time will be compensated. 

Life Resumes today... - Fitness

Things are back to normal today. After 2 weeks of laying around and eating my face off on my min-vacay (bad idea)... I am back home, resuming my regular habits full force. I am working a lot the next 2 weeks (OT) which will most likely mess up my P90X schedule. I started back up today but decided to do things my own way. The general plan, enacted today, is to go to the gym to do cardio - come back to the house and do about 10min of plyometrics (SO HARD), 10 strength training on a specific group of muscles, and 10 min of ABS. I think I might increase this to 10min plyometrics, 10 min cardio dvd, and 10 min of the power yoga at the end. That should bring me to 1 hour of interval cardio, plus all the other mumbo jumbo. Again, I judge a workout by the pain I feel the next day, so I'll let you know if this is a keeper tomorrow.

So far - my diet has been great - a soy milk/slim fast shake before the gym, a PBnJ after, mini box of rasins, and I'll probably hit up 1/2 of a sandwich or cheese or something at work, before eating a decent dinner. I'll let you know how that goes.

I won't be at home the next few days so that will mess with the workout. I'm bringing the DVDs with me, but my gym access will be limited. My cardio will take a hit.

The goal is to lose 10lbs, and 1 inch from every major region from my body (arms, hips, thighs), and of course, toning at the same time. I'll have to check my body fat percentage tonight (will post, along with poundage and BMI).

** Update** Dinner was take-out (hey, I'm out of town): Pad Thai with shrimp, 1/2 a cupcake, 100 calorie pack.   I guess it could have been worse.

 Stats are coming, promise.

RE DO -Life

On top of "tightening the purse strings," I have decided to re-discover my passion for "simple living." Not as extreme as "voluntary simplicity," I have found a balance with normalcy and simple living. Basically, I am going to have to go through the remains of my belongings (i've already done it once) and find the things I love and use and get rid of the rest. I also want to get back to basics when it comes to food - eating real foods, making fresh dishes, shopping at farmers markets etc. I also want to cut back on my "media/electronic" usage (not so much my TV, but definitely my computer!) I also want to get out of the house more often - doing things like walking or working out and discovering new things. I want to put more (re)emphasis on my faith, family and friends, and the simple pleasures in life. It will take a while to get back into the swing of things, especially with this "2nd" job that sucks up my life, but by June, I hope to have my whole life where I want it -- mind, body, and soul.

The "Want" List - Life

The Want List: Items I don't "need" per se, but the I want/ would be nice to have. I have a "waiting period" for these items, which may vary depending on whats going on (mostly with my checking account). Also, I have to be specific in what I want (ie -"clothes" is not specific. "1 pair of shorts" is more specific w/o being super detailed aka annoying).

1. Small Fan for my room ---> this will soon be a necessity. I'm on the 3rd floor and it gets very stuffy, even in spring. Date: 3/28/09

2. Crock Pot 3/29/09

3. Waffle Maker 3/29/09

4. Tanning Membership 04/01/09 - Yes, I know I'm buying my own cancer.

5. A few various Vitamins 04/01/09

Crash - Fitness

So, obviously P90X didn't go so well - and I'm also on the last day of my mini-vacay... so, that is on the back burner for now. Starting Monday though, I'm going to get back on track and modify p90x to fit my lifestyle. I like doing cardio and muscle building together everyday (or most days) so I think I'm going to have to mix up the tapes - 30 min Cardio, 15 min Muscle and 15 min abs? I have to get my money out of these dvds. Also, I kind of like the workouts so, It should all be ok.

But here is another challenge, on top of getting my life back together after this 2 weeks of BLAH!
Saving money. Spending less. Making wise purchases ---> I think that is the most important. I really need to have a purpose for the things I buy and really think about what I will be getting for the cost and is it worth it. $100.00 at a clothing store for 3 items? I bought 3 summer pieces that I loved, and I paided full price for them ---> Which I NEVER do! I love the items but... wow $100? That is my big splurge for the summer.

Anyway... I'll be getting 2 pay checks at the end of this week so that should make my bank account a little more normal. Also, my tax return $$ should be coming in soon and after debating over it for awhile... I've decided its all going into the *inactive* savings account.
I am going to clip coupons for things that I NEED, try to plan exactly what I am buying etc. and see how that goes for awhile. Working out and Faith need to be my top priorities right now and I need to get both of them back on track --> Big time. This "Vacation" wasn't the best thing for me. *Sigh*