Surviving The Hot Summer

The fans are going WILD!!!!!

No, I'm not at a sporting event or a concert.  I'm not even in the vicinity of those right now.  I'm sitting in my home office, at my computer, in a house with no air conditioning.  The only thing saving me right now is the desk fan my husband got for me, so I don't become delirious while trying to write.  (although I might come up with some VERY interesting stories that way!)

Our air conditioner bit the dust at the end of last summer.  We had it checked, and found out that the unit the builder used in our house (which is only 10 years old) is no longer being made - nor can we get parts for it.  So...that means we have to buy a whole new unit.  We didn't have the money to do it then, but thought we would by the time this summer rolled around. 

Well, we still don't have the funds.  Car repairs and other emergencies came up, and our budget is extremely tight.  So we're fighting our way through this especially hot summer, thankful for each time there is a break for a day or two from the intense temperatures.  Anytime a breeze blows through a window, I say a prayer to God thanking Him for it.  And the fans really are going wild - the one at my desk, plus the three others that we move around depending what room we are in at any given time.  Most days they help...unless the temperatures climb into the 90's when it just feels like hot air blowing around.

You know what it's like when the heat gets to you, especially if you are still overweight.  And that's the case for me.  Although I'm down over 35 pounds, I still have quite a bit to lose.  So it's uncomfortable.  But I also realize it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't lost any of the weight yet!

The real trick is getting my workouts done without passing out.  When I go to spin class it's fine, because the studio has plenty of air and fans to keep us sane.  It's working out at home that becomes challenging.  I'm so grateful that our finished basement is much cooler than the rest of the house, because I can do DVD workouts there.  Sometimes I still exercise on the first floor, using my step and kettlebells with a fan going.  But if it's in the mid-90's or above, I don't exert myself like that.  It gets to be too much for my body.  Then I try to just go for a light walk if I can to at least keep moving.

The other key is to stay hydrated.  I'm drinking cold water like it's going out of style, but it's necessary in this heat - before, during, and after exercise.  I've also been known to open the freezer door and stand in front of it for a quick cooldown. (And possibly get a little jealous of my frozen foods right now...)

The weight is still coming off...a little slower than before, but that's OK.  I'm doing my best with what I have, still moving forward.  I'm not just giving up and sitting around all the time because it's so hot; I won't give up on my progress just because of the heat. 

I will continue with my fitness no matter what.  It's something I can be proud of, and will push me to get stronger in the long run.  Will keep working on that hot body - and I don't mean overheated!

Biggest Loser 13 Challenge - Progress?

I THINK I made some progress this week.

I lost .6 pound...slightly more than last week, but since I was sick all week I didn't really work out much. And we had a major family party yesterday - which included my celebrating my dad's 80th birthday, which is technically tomorrow. All in all I did OK.

It's very frustrating, however. I need more hours in each day. Yes, I know I'm not the only one who needs that. But I'm so stressed that I don't sleep well, which doesn't help me with any of my activities, and probably didn't do me any favors when I got sick and needed rest. I NEED to lose this weight. I NEED to finish revising my novel and do more writing. I NEED to be creative - and working the full time job is causing me stress over all of this because I have no idea how I'm supposed to do it all, yet I know I need to do all of those things to be my authentic self.

I also know we need my paycheck very badly. I feel trapped, suffocated, and depressed. There has to be a better way, and I'm praying every single day to God to help me find it.

If you would please pray for me as well, I would really appreciate it. Here's hoping for a much better week.

Faith & Progress

I am now on Day 4 of 8zone...and so far so good! Every morning I take the Redzone that I mentioned on Monday, and in the early evening I take the Whitezone which helps with nutritional replenishment, revitalization, anti-aging, and immunity strength. Both of these formulas are already making me feel better, and I have more energy to complete my workouts. I take the Bluezone an hour before I go to bed...this assists with better sleep, muscle recovery, and antioxidant protection. I have definitely been sleeping better since I started on Monday, and I don't wake up feeling like I still need more sleep.

My faith is becoming stronger through this experience as well, along with many things that are happening in my life. I am attacking as God says, and I am starting to see the victories that are on their way. He is showing me smaller victories as I keep attacking toward a better life, both physically and mentally. I also truly trust in Him that more are on the way, as long as I keep working toward what He wants for me and the people in my life. The one thing He doesn't want me to do is give up...and I definitely won't. I am on the right path and it feels amazing!

Signs of Progress!!!

It's been a pretty good week so far...I'm dealing better with the stress and not turning to sweets to make me feel better. I'm also not letting my allergies stop me from exercising. Sure, my sinuses are not happy with me while I'm on the treadmill or working out to one of my dance DVD's, but that's OK. It will make for a healthier me in the long run, instead of being twice as miserable!

I am starting to notice some real signs of progress now. The one I really love is the definition I'm starting to see in my calves. No, they don't look like the picture above yet...but I am on my way to that! After seeing the improvement in my legs, I decided to try on my favorite pair of dark brown boots from last fall. I had such a hard time getting them zipped all the way last year. I got them to work, I'm sure just out of sheer will on my part. However, I was always afraid that the zippers were going to bust from forcing myself into them. When I put them on today, I had no problem zipping them up! I love these kinds of little victories!

I'm also enjoying the fact that some of my pants are fitting better, and that a couple of shirts that couldn't quite button last year now fit nicely. I know I still have a long way to go, but I like to see how far I've come. These are the things that keep me going, even when the number on the scale isn't exactly what I was hoping for. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I will keep going in the right direction, celebrate every mile marker that I pass, and continue on until I win the race!!!