Keeping It Lit

[h82bl8]

T- YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Hugs to you guys...Amber and h82bl8

Having been out of town Friday through Sunday, I was anxious to get to the gym last night after work. My energy was a little low because I was behind on sleep, both from the weekend and from the drive home. But I made it through, and as expected, I felt better and more energized and like myself AFTER my workout.

I had managed to get in 30 mins of cardio yesterday morning before work, 90 pushups, and 3 sets of deadlifts; the gym plan was delts and cardio.

My plan would normally have been to get in some early morning Callanetics and cardio this morning, but they're doing health screenings at the courthouse this morning, and I had to get here bright and early -- F A S T E D. I knew there was no way I could maintain sanity that long w/o my morning coffee. And I don't do it black. (Black coffee is sexy----looks good, smells good, but I just can't do it black!) I had to be here between 7:30 and 7:45 to get screened. Within 5 minutes after I finished, my coffee was ready and I went to town on the brew! Ahhhhhh, sweet bliss.

Okay. I can think now. I can function. Life will go on.

[h82bl8]

COFFEE- I need and crave it every morning. I am like you when it comes to the way I like it served- never, ever black!! Once it passes through my lips the day has started and all is well in the world!!

[Bejewelme]

T- I know I probably asked you this do you put skim milk in your coffee or half and half? I still use half and half and probably should not use so much since I drink so much, but darn it is the nectar of God in my opinion!!! I use liquid splenda in it too.

There is nothing worse than surgery or blood work when you cant have coffee, LOL

[h82bl8]

OK Twyla you can give me a good kick in the you know what!! I have read through page 22 of your first journal and writing down your cal, carbs, prot, etc and also reading about your carb "reloading " experiences. Well lo and behold I found a copy of the TNT Diet by Jef Volek that I bought 2 years ago and used it maybe for a couple of weeks because I just did not get the hang of it. NOW, with your explanations, I get it!! THANKS!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

T- I know I probably asked you this do you put skim milk in your coffee or half and half? I still use half and half and probably should not use so much since I drink so much, but darn it is the nectar of God in my opinion!!! I use liquid splenda in it too.

There is nothing worse than surgery or blood work when you cant have coffee, LOL

Amber, I'm quite the SNOB with my coffee preferences. I drink it with half & half (reg or fat free) or whole cream only. Milk doesn't cut it for me. And I DEFINITELY won't use the powdered crap, nor the crappy, syrupy-sweet "fat free" flavored creamers. Can't do sweet coffee at all!

So when I travel/visit other people's homes, I always travel with green tea bags and Splenda, just in case they don't offer some sort of plain half & half. That way I won't be caffeine-less in the mornings.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by h82bl8

OK Twyla you can give me a good kick in the you know what!! I have read through page 22 of your first journal and writing down your cal, carbs, prot, etc and also reading about your carb "reloading " experiences. Well lo and behold I found a copy of the TNT Diet by Jef Volek that I bought 2 years ago and used it maybe for a couple of weeks because I just did not get the hang of it. NOW, with your explanations, I get it!! THANKS!!

Well-ah-right-then! I'm gonna take that as a compliment.




When I think back to that time of my journey, how scared I was of carb loading, and how SURPRISED I was at how effective it could be when strength training, it makes me smile big inside and out. Good memories, valuable lessons learned.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by h82bl8

COFFEE- I need and crave it every morning. I am like you when it comes to the way I like it served- never, ever black!! Once it passes through my lips the day has started and all is well in the world!!

And WHY is it that the FIRST cup always tastes better than all the rest?

[h82bl8]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

And WHY is it that the FIRST cup always tastes better than all the rest?

[Bejewelme]

Yep T, I hate flavored coffee, yak, but I do like my splenda in it, I sort of refuse to give up the half and half cause it is just delicious, I tried the Fat Free, OMG that is gross and I figure that corn syrup and stuff that is in it is bad for you anyway. I will not mess with my coffee, that is one thing off limits, LOL And it is so true that first cup is always the best!!! And it's always better if like Tony fixes it and brings it to me, LOL I dont know why but it is!
T- I am going on 8 weeks of slugsville here, I am so ready to tear it up soon, I think MOnday he might let me do light arm weights, I will do as he says but man it is hard, I have to be so careful with the eating, ughghg.
I have a friend in England she knows I lost weight doing low carb, well she has been traveling and gained a few well she wrote me about this terrific diet sweeping across England, the Keto Diet, LOL I said yeah its low carb, and she was like oh yeah! LOL

So what's shaking T, what are you focusing on body wise, anything special? Did you decide on any shows? I know you always have something up your sleeve, any vacation plans for the summer with the boys?

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Yep T, I hate flavored coffee, yak, but I do like my splenda in it, I sort of refuse to give up the half and half cause it is just delicious, I tried the Fat Free, OMG that is gross and I figure that corn syrup and stuff that is in it is bad for you anyway. I will not mess with my coffee, that is one thing off limits, LOL And it is so true that first cup is always the best!!! And it's always better if like Tony fixes it and brings it to me, LOL I dont know why but it is!
T- I am going on 8 weeks of slugsville here, I am so ready to tear it up soon, I think MOnday he might let me do light arm weights, I will do as he says but man it is hard, I have to be so careful with the eating, ughghg.

I have a friend in England she knows I lost weight doing low carb, well she has been traveling and gained a few well she wrote me about this terrific diet sweeping across England, the Keto Diet, LOL I said yeah its low carb, and she was like oh yeah! LOL

So what's shaking T, what are you focusing on body wise, anything special? Did you decide on any shows? I know you always have something up your sleeve, any vacation plans for the summer with the boys?

Keto diet, great NEW diet, huh?

It will be a relief for you, I know, to get your body in motion again. I can only imagine how you must feel from having to sit still and remain inactive for this long!

Focus for me? Mostly just trying to lean out a bit for bikini/beach time. My husband and I will be taking my youngest son and his friend to our usual vacation getaway (Marco Island) in mid June, so I need to really watch between now and then. My son will enjoy himself far more having someone closer to his age with us on vacation.

My husband and I may not get to relax quite as much as we're used to, since being responsible for someone eles's child puts us on elevated alert, so to speak. My son knows the rules, knows the limits, the boundaries, the curfews, etc., but his friend does not. Supervision wise, my husband plays golf some while there, so I’ll trade my “shift” while he’s golfing for his “shift” while I’m hanging out with the women in lah-lah land in the afternoons – my fav time on the beach!

It will be here before I know it -- Can't wait. We look forward to seeing our friends there each year, our "other" family.

Heading to my son's track meet now, which is just a couple of miles away from the courthouse. So I'm headed out here in a bit. Hoping the rain holds off for tonight as they forecasted.

[h82bl8]

Have an amazing weekend Twyla. Remember you are my inspiration.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Yesterday morning's cardio was five mins warmup brisk walk, then intervals of 45/30 (jogging-walking) all the way to the steep hill into our subdivision. At the hill I sprinted up the hill for 30 secs, and walked down for 45, repeating that for 8 intervals, then resumed 45/30 sprint or jog interals, zigzagging the streets back through my neighborhood for a total of 35 mins.

I have done this cardio pattern twice so far this week. Tues I alternated elliptical with Turbo Jam's Cardio Party workout, for a total of 40 mins.

Gym yesterday was legs. Loving the exhaustion, both to the muscle and aerobically. Hard at it for a full hour, and as kicked as I was, I felt like I was on top of the world. A true "Rocky" moment. Looking forward to many more.

No gym today.

Juggling life, and work, and family, and commitments is no easy task, but somehow I'm managing. The last three nights I've slept like a ROCK. Such a good thing. My body just SHUTS DOWN. And strangely, the last two mornings, I've woken up just minutes before my alarm went off. Circadian response at its best:

"Circadian rhythms allow organisms
to anticipate and prepare for precise and regular environmental changes."

This seems to be both the conscious and the subconscious undercurrent of my mind.

Morning cardio awaits.

[Bronwyn]

Hi Twyla! As always, I enjoy your recent post. Just wanted you to know that today is Day 3 of my 4-5 times per week! However, I've gained 2 lbs of water and I think it's because I'm not drinking enough fluids after getting home from work -- I drink 2 liters of water at work but because DH is not eating dinner, I'm not eating, either. That means I'm not drinking additional fluids. Need to change that so as not to be dehydrated. Does this means that my muscles are holding onto whatever fluid I have to compensate for the more intense (consistent) exercise?

Have a wonderful afternoon and evening!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bronwyn

Hi Twyla! As always, I enjoy your recent post. Just wanted you to know that today is Day 3 of my 4-5 times per week! However, I've gained 2 lbs of water and I think it's because I'm not drinking enough fluids after getting home from work -- I drink 2 liters of water at work but because DH is not eating dinner, I'm not eating, either. That means I'm not drinking additional fluids. Need to change that so as not to be dehydrated. Does this means that my muscles are holding onto whatever fluid I have to compensate for the more intense (consistent) exercise?

Have a wonderful afternoon and evening!

Bronwyn, just for the record, that recent post was actually just a REpost of one earlier in my journal, underscoring the need to PREPARE when trying to accomplish short and long-term goals. Just a reminder kind of thing.

Day 3 so far this week! There ya go, girlfriend.

Yes, you're likely retaining water. Do you like green tea? That is a great diuretic, and it helps with healthy antioxidants too. I usu drink 2-3 cups a day, in addition to my 80+ ounces of water quota. Definitely drink that water. Get a really cool, fun-n-jazzy water bottle that really stands out. It will serve as a VISUAL reminder to you to drink that water. It helps in SO MANY ways.

I've lately been enjoying a big "cocktail" daily also. I have a shaker cup from Netrition, not sure how big it is, maybe 20-25 ounces or so? I add 1 tsp acai berry powder, two cups green tea, 2 tsp lemon juice, and 1 grape Crystal Lite straw, then fill the rest all the way up with ice cubes. I sip on that throughout the day. It's loaded with antioxidants and it helps to keep me happy and satiated and cleansed. Might wanna try it out...?

[Bejewelme]

T- had to get caught up, your trip sounds fun it is so beautiful there in Marco Island I have not been there in ages!! It will make the trip better for you and hub to that son has a buddy, LOL But I know what you mean, always more worry about someone else's child.

I finally got cleared to go back to the gym, and OMG I feel better, I said all that sitting around was making it worse, but he thinks the stump inside is healed I have to go easy, yeah right, I am sweating and loving life again! Yesterday they have a new class cardio fusion, loved it, jumping around and free weights and lots of lunges and squats I am so sore this morning, 8 weeks of inactivity not good! My mood is so improved too, losing my job is really sucking, but I have to admit that I love having time to go to the gym in the morning! I would so love to be with the kids but I know I have to find a job. Since the house is still listed we have a showing today but with me not working we will not qualify for enough mortgage for the house we wanted, ughghg. Still did not see my trainer, have gotten 2 weird texts and that is all I know she and her BF of 11 years split up, the gal at the gym said she is hardly there only 2 or 3 people to train she is doing another job, I cant really afford it now anyways with losing my job!

OK ramble over, LOL Have a good weekend T!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

T- had to get caught up, your trip sounds fun it is so beautiful there in Marco Island I have not been there in ages!! It will make the trip better for you and hub to that son has a buddy, LOL But I know what you mean, always more worry about someone else's child.


Yes, the trip will be better for everyone, having his friend along. I am counting the days. I feel like I've left a piece of my heart at Marco Island, and when I return there, I'm made complete again. Such beauty and happiness there. I want to share it with everyone!



I finally got cleared to go back to the gym, and OMG I feel better, I said all that sitting around was making it worse, but he thinks the stump inside is healed I have to go easy, yeah right, I am sweating and loving life again! Yesterday they have a new class cardio fusion, loved it, jumping around and free weights and lots of lunges and squats I am so sore this morning, 8 weeks of inactivity not good! My mood is so improved too, losing my job is really sucking, but I have to admit that I love having time to go to the gym in the morning! I would so love to be with the kids but I know I have to find a job. Since the house is still listed we have a showing today but with me not working we will not qualify for enough mortgage for the house we wanted, ughghg. Still did not see my trainer, have gotten 2 weird texts and that is all I know she and her BF of 11 years split up, the gal at the gym said she is hardly there only 2 or 3 people to train she is doing another job, I cant really afford it now anyways with losing my job! OK ramble over, LOL Have a good weekend T!

Woo-hoo on the clearance for working out again. I'm glad you're getting UP and at em, but do please be careful and REALLY listen to your body. Think of that...8 weeks of nothing...your body IS healing still, you know. You don't have to start in fifth gear, girlfriend. LOL

I'm really sorry to hear that you've lost your job. It sounds like there might be a silver lining in that scenario. At least I hope so for you and your family and your son. As for the house thing, I'm hopeful for you that doors will open in all directions so that you guys can find a prospective buyer at just the right time, even if it means renting a place temporarily with things in storage until you can find the perfect house. It will all work out. There is a BIGGER plan in all of this.

Enjoy the time off with your son for now. Pamper yourself. Dig being a "kept" woman for a while. LOL

Lifestyles of the ____________. Have fun with that one.

Hope your weekend is good too. I'm headed to the gym in the morning. I haven't been there for a few days, having been covered up with a zillion other things. Very busy week each evening this week. Gonna knock it out tomorrow and get recharged.

I was inspired when I read this article today in an old Elle magazine. Quoting Kristanna Loken, the actress playing the cyborg villainess in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines:

Regarding her training for the part, having shed 19 pounds of fat and adding 10 pounds of muscle to her 5'11 frame in less than eight months...

""To get that very lean, cut up look, you have to vary your routine so that the body can't cheat..."

Loken's trainer pushing her with high intensity intervals, jumping rope, weight lifting, versa-climbing, and running stairs with a weighted vest, she found herself checking the scale for weight gain. "It's interesting, as a woman you always try to be as tiny as you can, but I actually loved seeing myself get bigger and buffer...I'd see all these well-known actresses at the gym, all trying to get smaller, meanwhile I was bragging that I'd put on another pound of muscle."

I N S P I R I N G

[Bejewelme]

T- no kidding, I would gladly take the scale going up if it were solid muscle, I am not going to freak that the scale is going up, I am hoping its all the activity! Although my tummy looks less swollen than it has. I was going to go to spin class but I slept in and that felt good, I went to this women's networking thing last night, you know as many times as I woke up and thought ughgh I dont want to go to work it sucks when you do and I swore I would never be dependent on a man again after my ex. So I saw my aunt last night and she owed me money for some hair stuff I got her, so I am tkaing $20 and betting all long shot trifectas on the Derby today, LOL That is my employment plan, win about a quarter million and not work, LOL We have a really good Mexican place I am taking my low carb tortillas and having them make us shrimp tacos to watch the Derby. I am being careful with the eating, it is crazy how getting this tummy fixed people think I have lost like 20-30 pounds, it really is keeping me on track though all this hard work and hard recovery there is no way any junk is passing my lips and letting it get bad again! Ughgh now if only I could get on to losing some more weight I swear my bod just doesn't want to let it go, I am anxious to have all those hormone tests done with the endocrinologist and see if they are whacked!

Anyways, have an enjoyable weekend T!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

T- no kidding, I would gladly take the scale going up if it were solid muscle, I am not going to freak that the scale is going up, I am hoping its all the activity! Although my tummy looks less swollen than it has. I was going to go to spin class but I slept in and that felt good, I went to this women's networking thing last night, you know as many times as I woke up and thought ughgh I dont want to go to work it sucks when you do and I swore I would never be dependent on a man again after my ex. So I saw my aunt last night and she owed me money for some hair stuff I got her, so I am tkaing $20 and betting all long shot trifectas on the Derby today, LOL That is my employment plan, win about a quarter million and not work, LOL We have a really good Mexican place I am taking my low carb tortillas and having them make us shrimp tacos to watch the Derby. I am being careful with the eating, it is crazy how getting this tummy fixed people think I have lost like 20-30 pounds, it really is keeping me on track though all this hard work and hard recovery there is no way any junk is passing my lips and letting it get bad again! Ughgh now if only I could get on to losing some more weight I swear my bod just doesn't want to let it go, I am anxious to have all those hormone tests done with the endocrinologist and see if they are whacked!

Anyways, have an enjoyable weekend T!!

Amber, you have a lot on your plate. It's probably a good thing to stay busy, though. When I get idle I tend to think on things that upset or worry me, and when I'm busy or distracted, it serves to lift me up and keep me moving forward, kwim?

Hope you have a good week, good news, good vibes. -- All Good.

[h82bl8]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Amber, you have a lot on your plate. It's probably a good thing to stay busy, though. When I get idle I tend to think on things that upset or worry me, and when I'm busy or distracted, it serves to lift me up and keep me moving forward, kwim?

Hope you have a good week, good news, good vibes. -- All Good.

ITA Sometimes when I get idle my thoughts go back to things I wish I could forget.

[lola001]

Hi Twyla- love ya!
Thanks for the inspiration. I plan to use my journal for inspiration this time around instead of focusing just on food in and exercise!
You are look so fab!

[Bejewelme]

Hey T hope you had a good weekend, and a good week ahead! I did not win on the Derby, LOL But I saw my trainer, oh it was good to catch up she has a mess of things on her plate with her break up and some serious money issues, but we had a really big chat yesterday and this morning we are doing that cardio class together, so I feel really good that we were able to reconnect, I guess some people sort of retreat when stress hits and dont blab it all out there like I do, LOL

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by h82bl8

ITA Sometimes when I get idle my thoughts go back to things I wish I could forget.

Yes, it's sort of my autopilot reaction to self-preservation. When life brings hurting or hardships, I do far better by staying distracted, both mentally and physically. I try to smother out what hurts with distractions that bring me joy, strength, laughter, light to my life.

It's my way of handling things. And I realize that this can be both good and bad, because depending on what's bothering us, never addressing the issue head on, embracing it, we run the risk of never healing. So I guess it becomes a balancing act, depending on the issue.

Being a rather private person, however, over time I've gotten pretty good at maintaining "control" on the outside, regardless of what is going on in the inside. We're all different. It's what makes the world go 'round.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by lola001

Hi Twyla- love ya!
Thanks for the inspiration. I plan to use my journal for inspiration this time around instead of focusing just on food in and exercise!
You are look so fab!

Lola, my girl, love ya back. Makes me happy seeing you here again. It's a healthy approach you're taking, using your journal for inspiration. Whatever works. So many ways to gather inspiration and internalize it to make it work for us.

And thank you.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Hey T hope you had a good weekend, and a good week ahead! I did not win on the Derby, LOL But I saw my trainer, oh it was good to catch up she has a mess of things on her plate with her break up and some serious money issues, but we had a really big chat yesterday and this morning we are doing that cardio class together, so I feel really good that we were able to reconnect, I guess some people sort of retreat when stress hits and dont blab it all out there like I do, LOL

Amber, sorry about the Derby disappointment. I was in Louisville when they were gearing up for the Derby, attending a competition purely as a spectator. Loved networking with like-minded athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Louisville is SUCH a fun city. Derby merchandise everywhere we looked -- really beautiful things among the displays.

Sounds like your trainer/friend needs you as much as you need her. It's good that you guys got to spend some time together "outside of the gym."

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

It's nice getting a chance to sleep in a little later this morning, being off for the election primary. That worked out great, given that we were out very late last night out of town, supporting our son at his last track meet of the season. He placed first and set a PR in one of his events, the long jump. He's made great gains this year, and I'm quite proud of him. He did well in his other three team events, and his school performed very well in overall meet results.

He's grown a lot in a year's time. The first shot was track season 2011, the second shot 2012. It amazes me how tall he's grown so quickly, and the amount of LBM he has built just since having begun lifting seriously and training with his coach this past winter. This really excites me to see him excel.





I plan to hit the gym today, grill up some chicken for meals this week, vote, grocery shopping, and just catch up some things around the house. It's raining out; that's okay with me. Rain is good sometimes. I'll try to get a run in tomorrow morning. No time for gym again until Thursday.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

One of my most recent new downloads from Amazon for my cardio playlist (seems to work for lifting too!)...LOVE THIS!

Armin van Buuren feat. Laura V - Drowning (Avicii Remix)...

[kmcentire]

Good Morning Twyla...Well I was able to do a little with my hands Monday at the gym.

I did some lunges, squats, and step ups holding...HOLDING a 7.5lb weight in each hand. I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's huge for me since I was not able to do this for ~2months!!! I have truly missed going to the gym. I have been going off and on since breaking my finger, but not faithfully like had been doing.

I do have a question, I know that you get tired of questions, but I know that you know because you have done your home work. I am 195+/- and I know that I need to loss weight. My questions is, can you lose weight and gain muscle at the same time? A trainer at the gym told me that you could, but...it would be some work and dedication. He told me to do about 150g protein, 100g carbs, and 50g of fat...? He said to eat the carbs early. He asked me what I was looking for. I told him that I am NOT focused on a number on the scale...flat stomach, non jiggly inner thighs, ripped arms (or Twyla arms, but he doesn't know you....) and just to look good is what I want. THanks so much for all of your help, encouragement, and knowledge!!!

Congratulations on your son's accomplishments!! I know that you are so proud. My daughter is playing softball and was actually able to hit the ball and make it to 1st base Monday night and you would have thought that she had just signed a contract for millions of dollars... She has never played or ever been exposed to ball....

Hope you have a great day and thanks again!!!

[Bejewelme]

Oh T, wow he did get big you must be so proud of him!!! Cool you were in Louisville! You know my friend she did the Beverly International show in KY last month, I think she finished in the top 3, not bad for a 54 year old she is looking fierce I am so proud of her!!!I am loving working out again, I did push ups!!! It hurts being in plant position for too much but I figure I gotta start and just do it a few a day even! I am loving my new class I hope I can lose some weight, I am like Kristi clinging to stay under 200 I gotta plenty of meat to spare I dont know why we cant lose it!!!

Kristi we are in this one together!!!! I would say try it and see what happens, I am doing more cardio then I was before surgery I do think we need it!

New Journal T
Wonder Woman in Onederland

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by kmcentire

Good Morning Twyla...Well I was able to do a little with my hands Monday at the gym.

I did some lunges, squats, and step ups holding...HOLDING a 7.5lb weight in each hand. I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's huge for me since I was not able to do this for ~2months!!! I have truly missed going to the gym. I have been going off and on since breaking my finger, but not faithfully like had been doing.

I do have a question..............

Hope you have a great day and thanks again!!!

Hey, Kristi. I am happy to help you and try to answer some of your questions from my personal experience and perspective, but I'm in court, getting ready to commence a jury trial (second day) and short on time.

I'll try to get back to your questions on my lunch hour, K?

Hey, Amber!

Gotta run for now.