a new decade...a new perspective

artwork a la Arden-grade K

Welcome Back!

Well...it has been a LONG time since the blog was used.  Much like the snowman above, I kind of melted away from my writing and posting to focus on some other areas that needed it at the time...mainly ME!

When I first started writing this blog, back in the days of it being Waits and Measurement(s), it was primarily my way of tracking and being accountable for my health and fitness goals.  I was just one out of a zillion people blogging about the same topic.  Don't get me wrong, if this platform is the best way for people to stay on track and accountable, the I applaud the time and effort they give it.  In an era of social media and the ability to quick post, taking the time to sit and write may fall to the wayside.

There is also the idea of putting your thoughts and words out there in a more meaningful way that comes with blogging that has a certain amount of fear attached to it.  You are opening yourself up to a far more sever kind of judgement, but as opposed to things like Facebook and Instagram, the judgement may be less "viral" on a blog.

I have always enjoyed both reading and writing.  This blog does have a facebook page attached to it, and I will be utilizing both as I can, but this will be a more meaningful way to get my thoughts across.

So, I come back to this space from the same starting point as before, wellness.  What makes it different this time?  I have FINALLY truly realized the importance of overall wellness.  It isn't just about numbers on a scale and what size pants you wear.  To truly embrace wellness you need to see it from all angles...the most poignant being inward.  To start with self care and self love.

Over the years my husband and I have tied all the workouts and diets hoping to find the :"magic solution" that would make us feel and look the way we had hoped to look and feel.  We have done weight watchers, beachbody, biggest loser, Tae Bo, Atkins, vegetarian...you name it, we have tried it.  And they each worked great...until they didn't.  After turning 40 and seeing weight creep on and not drop off no matter what I did, I resigned myself to the fact that it was a part of life in a new age bracket.  As other "things" started to happen thought too (brain fog, fatigue, congestion that never went away) I started to again.  No I have done LOTS of research over the years in my own way, trying to piece together ideas of what would maximize my health.  I always come back to gut health and inflammation. After seeing a functional medicine doctor and talking more in depth about hidden inflammation and triggers, the hubs and I started 2019 off on a serious detox program cutting out foods and trying to narrow down triggers.

That was hell.  I won't lie.  If you have never done an in depth elimination diet, count yourself as one of the lucky ones.  It sucks.  BUT it helped me realize how crappy certain carb based foods and sugar made me feel.  This led us to tying the keto diet.  Just over a year later, having had cheat days (weeks) I have found that keto is still what works best for me at this point in m,y life.  I am not saying it's the ultimate answer, but for now...it works.

Keto led me to the one of the biggest break ups of my life.  Diet soda.  I bid farewell to my beloved fizzy goodness in May and haven't looked back.  This was HUGE.  If you have read my blog in the past you know that this is a struggle I honestly never thought I would win.

Outside of finding a new way to eat to make me feel better, like actually begin able to tell that my body was not in a constant state of inflammation, I also stepped away from "box video" workouts.  This was another huge one.  I started watching tutorials that my hubby shared on how to use certain machines and free weights at the gym (I had a real fear factor of these) and am finding a harmonious balance between those and my beloved running.

I also added grad school to my plate last year.  This has been such a rewarding experience.  I feel more confidant in the classes I am teaching and reconnecting to what made me love theatre to begin with.

So that is kind of 2019 in a nutshell, an overview if you will.  Because I am human, the holidays have gotten me off track with my food, and I can feel it, but I am working to get back on track.  I am focused on how good I felt when I cut out the garbage that brought on the sleepiness and pain.  I am starting to really love some of the strength workouts that I am creating for myself to work the areas I want to improve and seeing how it helps me in other areas of life.

What does 2020 look like for me?  Progress.  It is moving forward and continuing to make myself a priority.  I have started reading again for the love of reading (not just my textbooks for class) and have joined a book club.  I am reconnecting in more meaningful ways with friends, and maximizing every moment with my family.

What do you have on deck for the new decade?

I am a runner

I am a runner.  It has taken a long time for me to feel confident in saying that.  Despite years of track and soccer, despite running on and off over the years, despite completing (finally) my first 5K...it's just been in the last few months that I feel like I have REALLY become a runner.  I make time each week to run, whether it's outside in the cold or sun...or inside on the treadmill...I do it.  It's my time for me.  When I workout at home, I get a cheering section and sometimes even company...and I LOVE that, but sometimes I need to just be on my own.

For me, running has always had a relaxing effect.  I still fall into the same breathing patterns I learned when I first made the track team in 7th grade.  An easy in through the nose out through the mouth rhythm that times out with my footfalls.  I pop in my earbuds, turn on  my audio book and just go.  It's my way of getting back on track mentally.

What I have found since completing my first 5K last year, is that the high that comes from crossing that finish line is addicting.  It keeps poking it's head up and saying "don't you think it's time to do it again?!?!"  And I do.  I really do.  And even though I make sure I make time to run every week...making time for races is a whole different thing.  Our weekends are packed generally with the girls activities and family fun and I wouldn't have it any other way...but still that pull for a medal hanging proudly on my wall is there.

I started to look into virtual races, ones where you can sign up and do your run and they mail you your medal.  I know this lacks the camaraderie of an actual race, but for me...that part isn't as important since running is a solitary thing for me.  As this idea started to take root...fate intervened.

Do you remember how when I kept hinting about a running belt for Christmas and didn't get it how I bought one, and then literally right after was approached about reviewing one?  Well maybe I need to hone this skill more on lottery numbers, but as I started looking into various runs online, I was connected with Brad at Level Up Runs.

Level Up Runs is a company "run" by runners.  They set up various virtual races so that all runners can have that medal earning opportunity.  They know how hard it is to get those races on the calendars sometimes, so they allow for you to do it on your own time!

As a lover of all things Disey, and feeling pretty Bada$$ when I complete a run, I am VERY excited about their upcoming virtual race, The Incredible Virtual Run, I mean check out this awesome medal!

The Incredible Virtual Run is open from April 15-30 for completion, all ages and levels welcome.  You can even chose your race 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon.  You can register online here.  The cost is only $25, and for you, my fine readers, they are offering a 10% off coupon code SAVE10.

I am hoping that since the hubs has started running again that he may even join me on this virtual adventure!  Have you ever done a virtual run?  What do you think of the idea?

My Fitspiration-an honest look in the mirror

I stumbled across this picture  the other day (as you  may have seen on my facebook page) and honest  to  goodness, my first thought was "I HAVE to blog  about this."  It has been a long time since I have felt that strongly about needing to get my thoughts out and I think this is all part of my overall "acceptance" of things.  I need top keep  moving forward and finding the things that I can own, that I can hold myself to, and these two ah-may-zing blogs I am fortunate to be a part  of,  both Waits and Measure(ments)s and The Journey, allow me to  do that.

I  have challenged myself this  year  to do right by ME.  I took the time (and bravery) to take physical measurements and put them out there to all of you.   Numbers in print that can't be taken back...well, I  mean I could delete the post but we all know once its in cyberspace it is  there forever.  I have been working through the pain in my hip, I have been trying to focus.  The past few months have been hard.   My who-knows-why-my -hip-hurts chronic pain, yep I said  chronic.  Did you know that if you suffer  from pain for  more than six weeks it's considered chronic?  I didn't until my doc told me. My poor husband with his back pain that turns out to be not one but TWO herniated discs and just keeps  plugging away as best  he can.  The winter blues, thee kids activities, life in general.  It's so easy to get bogged down, and that is not  good.  It (at  least for me) leads  to feeling blue  and that  leads to overeating which leads to guilt  which leads to more eating, which ultimately leads to your pants feeling just  THAT much to tight.  I know, I  have been living it.

I was feeling puffy and gross and shameful for allowing myself to get  this way.  How does someone who writes for  not  one but TWO health focused blogs spiral down like  this?  Could you feel my shame,  I mean, I fell off  the face of  the earth with my blogging.  I  wanted to disappear, but I didn't. My family inspired me, as they always seem to do.

When my hubby and I went to see  the kinesiologist  we found the reason for  my hip pain, at least  part of  it...bad foot.  Crazy I know,  but the doc gave me an orthotic insert and I felt relief for  the first time in a long time.  While there, both the hubs and I took a nutrition survey for toxicity.  WOW was I shocked.  I mean, I know that we  don't always eat what we  should, I know that I don't exercise as much as I should...but there is SO much more than that when figuring out why you feel the way you do.  The survey covered topics like: digestion, ears, emotions, energy, weight, head, skin...to name a few.  It asked about our risk exposure  ton  things like household chemicals, pesticides, and pets.  Once we finished, after picking my jaw up from the floor, I knew it was time to do something about it.

We took home the detox cleans the doc suggested  and read through what we needed to do and decided to get started.  This was  all before the herniated discs were actually diagnosed...just severe pain for  my poor hubby.  It got to  the point where he  knew after
no  relief came from the AK doc that he  needed to  see  someone how would help with the pain.  With that in mind,  we decided to put the cleans eon the back burner for a few (who wants to  cleanse pain meds out when you feel as   awful as  he does).

Fast forward  a few weeks and we are on the long wait to see  thew spinal surgeon, so meds are in place for a while.  Dear hubby encouraged me to  go ahead  and start  the cleanse, he can always do  later.  So I do...I can't even begin to tell you how much better I felt after just a few days.  The puffiness and bloating I'd been carrying in my midsection is gone.  My hubs even said my face looked less puffy and more sculpted like  it used to.  I  got  complimented at work by someone who said I looked as though I was"glowing".  All of this from detoxing?!?!  I mean, I wont get into the details but my little 5'2 frame was really holding onto a lot of stuff it shouldn't have been.

So as I am progressing, my hubby goes to see  a pain management doc.  The pain management doc is having him  wait on pain blockers until he tries some water therapy...ok, at least  we have something in place now.  I am feeling pretty good at this point but still not getting back on the workout trail.  Do you ever feel guilty for working out when someone else can't?  My  hubby has ALWAYS been my workout buddy.  He pushes me to keep going, keep getting stronger, and with him WANTING to work out and not being able to I felt as though I couldn't or at least shouldn't enjoy those endorphins without him.  And because he knows me so  well, he knew  I was stalling.

He told me that I was NOT to wait  for  him, that if he  was  able he'd be working out everyday, and I know he means it.  So I  hit the mat.  I am aiming high too for just really coming back.  I figure February is a short month so why not try to do SOMETHING everyday.  Whether its walking, a full on cardio or  strength workout...whatever....as long as  its something!  AND even better, PT has encouraged swimming for the hubs, its supposed to be a great way to  workout with herniated discs s o  he is re-upping the rec membership so he can start to swim and try and get himself back on track and stronger  and more fit wile still dealing with this pain.

Its funny because I have really only been out of my routine for about 6-8 weeks which in the grand scheme isn't a lot, but even with the setbacks I must have been doing something right.  My kiddos (well  the little one at least) actually will sit and watch and CHEER for me as I burn those calories,
and then they hit the mat together too.    They know the importance of it.

the girls  doing a little yoga together :)

So we are moving forward, and finding/making better choices and I feel like there  are  some GREAT things on the horizon for  my  little family!  Feeling fit-spired!

Not "flaking" out

As the weather gets colder and we distance ourselves from News Years's I know that in the past with the dropping of snow flakes came the dropping of resolutions, at least it always did for me in the past.  But this year I am not (snow) flaking out!  I can tell that this time around with my workouts and eating habits its different.  This time it feels like the stakes are higher, like we (the hubs and I) are REALLY going to commit to it.  Some of it is that we are realizing we aren't getting any younger (HA) but I think it all comes back to one conversation, one moment after a workout when my amazing hubs said he felt ALIVE!!  That made it all click into place.

Part of what spurred me to start this blog was the need for accountability out side of myself.  To know that there is a group of people who are looking for me to succeed, who are cheering me on from a distance.  I love that about this blog and about the facebook page, but it's more than that. I wanted to be a good role model for my kids and inspire them into being healthier.  And I have to say I am seeing it succeed!   My oldest has always been good, she is an athlete.  She is also now a pre-teen though which means a good chunk of her free time is supposed ton be dedicated to texting, instagraming, and pinning right? LOL  So when there are breaks in her sporting schedule we do need to nudge her some...this has been fun.  I did get her to join her sister in some Wii fit games last week and that was fun, after forcing her to do boot camp a few weeks ago (terrible Mom I know).  :)

My mini me, well she is a workout junky!  She loves her yoga, just "upgraded" (read more expensive) dance classes to one that includes acrobats along with tap and ballet, and we took the plunge (love my wordplay today) with swim lessons.  SHE is the one who asks the hubs and I everyday...when are you working out today?  Are you working out.  She likes to sit on the couch with the ipad and look up and cheer us on, or count down reps with the videos.  How awesome is that!

And yesterday, I caught the hubs tracking his food on myfitnesspal too!  We are finally becoming the family I had hoped we would become when this blog started!  And as we get closer to better health, I realize what seemed like such a HUGE step then is really just a baby step now.  This isn't about losing a few pounds anymore, this is about life style choices....and life in general.  I am proud to sit here and say how STRONG I am starting to feel.  Thin, no but strong YES!  And I can honestly say I'd rather be strong.  I am proud to see muscles toning and building, and I LOVE the way I feel.  Just as my hubby said almost 2 short months ago...I feel alive!

 

2014....this is OUR year!!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary my dear readers!  Today we celebrate a year together on this strange and sometimes crazy journey!  I share today with you as it is because of you that I continue to come back and challenge myself.  It is because of you that I refuse to give up.  It is because of you (and the fam) that I am grateful for all that I have accomplished over the past year.

I have been thinking about what to write in today's blog for sometime.  What are the things that are most important?  What goals did I hit in the past year?  What goals did I miss?  Then I re-read that very first blog post, Bring it on 2012!, and it occurred to me, that was never the REAL point to this blog.  I said it myself, " I will measure them in terms of good and better...failure is not an option.  I am a work in progress."  In my heart, I truly believe that 2012 was not just good, it was GREAT! 

In my first year of blogging I have been lucky enough to have some of you not just read a post or two, but to look forward enough to my crazy ramblings that you even follow this blog.  AWESOME! I have found some other great blogs to follow myself and draw inspiration from, and had the opportunity to guest blog for a dear old friend on No Thanks to Cake.    I have kept with my healthy choices (for the most part).  There are ups and downs in every situation, but the ups are certainly more prevalent then the downs for me...even overcoming the slump from surgery that could have been my undoing.  A few years ago, it would have been.  Three weeks off my feet would have been the end of an motivation I had built up.  But I can honestly say that I made promises to you and to myself, and I had no intention of letting either of us down.

This blog is something that was just for me, then as I became more confident it started to become more.  I started to want people to read it.  I sent my link to people to make sure they did read it.  I hoped they would.  I started to hope they would share it.  I open my blog and get such a kick out of seeing the "followers" number slowly climb. 

With this in mind, my goal for 2013 is to continue building on what I have started.  To continue to focus on my health and the health of my family; to continue to make fitness a priority for all of us, and to continue to build confidence in this blog.  I have some ideas cooking up...and hope that you do too. 

What are some things you'd like to see from Waits and Measure(ment)s this year?  what are some challenges you'd like to make to me?  Let's not WAIT to see how far we can go!