Well this little year long experiment was a - - -

I think the path I chose is obvious!

This was the success path....

The failure path was this...

Yes, this feeling does suck. 

and I think the answer to my results is: 

I'm going to end this blog for now. 

Thnx for following.

33 days

I'm going to attempt to slap myself into being better starting today.
I was going to wait until tomorrow, but the scale screamed, NO TODAY!!!!
So far - 1 cup of coffee with 2 tbsp hazelnut creamer.  And I plan on going for a walk to bike ride today.
Yesterday in Best Buy my son and I were looking at DS games.  In the pre-owned section, I saw this

It was only $4.99, so I thought, well both my kids have a DS so I'll let them use the ipad when I want to use their DS.  ha ha ha

I can't post today and say something about Memorial Day.  I looked on the website, but I could not find the story I saw on the news last night.  There is a group called tag, or something similar, for family's that lost someone in the military.  Yesterday they all wrote notes to their lost loved one, attached it to a balloon, and then let them go.  There was a little boy who just said, "I really miss my dad.  He didn't do anything wrong.  He was a good man."  OMGG I tear up just now thinking about it.

Remember today, those who fought for our freedom, and the sweet ones they left behind.

38 days - why why why

38 days to go until I'm 40. 
Why the hell am I so lazy?  Why the hell can't I do what I need to do to be where I want to be on July 1st?  Why can't I EVER meet a goal?  Why do I get so distracted? 
I won't be at 140 like I wanted.  I wont even be in the 150's.  I'll be right where I am now - 160 something and disappointed in myself.
And you can't tell  me anything - Oh Sheri you can do it.  I know I can but I just don't.  Sheri you just need to be focused - duh, I can't focus on anything! 
I don't have time I don't have the energy.  I'm just lazy.  And what do lazy people accomplish?  Nothing!

65

Starting to get back on my feet today. So far the headache is at bay this afternoon. I was hungry although my stomach is a bit queezy, and after a friend mentioned hummus, my mouth started to water. I had just about everything I needed to make some. So off to the kitchen I went.

What is it that I'm making you ask?  Ahhh, spinch artichoke hummus!  YUMMUS!!!

I thought the chick peas and the spinach looked so pretty layered!

This recipe is so easy, it's what I call a "dump" recipe, which doesn't sound pleasant, but you simple dump everything in and mix (or process).  The spinach is just so beautiful in this recipe.  I think I make a center piece out of the layers and just look at it!
Topped off with artichoke hearts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, salt and pepper...

Then.... (click the arrow below the blank box below)

I decided to also add in a little cucumber, onion, parmesean cheese and chick pea reserved juices.  I can say right now, this is the most dangerous recipe I've made. Why? Because it turned out so great, that if I didn't have an ounce of self control, I could easily eat the enter batch myself!!!

 

My sister-in-law, Leah, is rocking it in the fitness department!  She's been running marathons, working out, and becoming a great fitness motivator. She started a group that is all motivational, posting pixs, workouts etc.  It's great because each day, and sometimes a couple of times a day, she posts some great cartoons and serious quotes that just make you laugh or push you to keep on going.  Well, today I found this workout from one of my favorites -Tosca and posted it on her fitness group!  Then I realized, I'm gonna have to do this if I post it.  So I did - sweat out the germs, right?

Oxygen Women's Fitness | Fat Loss | Kick Calories to the Curb!

Let me tell you I only got through the workout twice in 13 minutes without weights, unlike the suggested 3 times in 12 minutes with weights!  And I was sweating!!!    I need to get a set of small weights.  3lbs?  5lbs?  Any thoughts?

I think I shall shower and go and lay down.

66

Still feeling like crap.  I left work yesterday about 4pm with the 2nd worst headache I've ever had.  The pain above the top of my eyebrows made a ring around my head that hurt so bad, it actually burned.  I came home and claimed the couch until this morning.  I still wasn't feeling well today, so I called in sick to work. 
On top of being sick, my body aches from P.M. Yoga the other night.  My chest muscles must have really opened up cuz I can feel it!  =)
While recooperating, I'm thinking, and trying to plant seeds today for my tomorrows. Lots of thoughts and questions, as always, in my life.
I need today to rest.

Stop by and say Hi!

I have a Feedjit app on this blog.  Some places that pop up, I know exactly who is checking in on me.  Others, I'm clueless!  If you stop by to check on me or check me out (first time visitors) please leave me a comment under the post you read!  I love visitors, constructive feedback, and/or encouragement!

67

I was feeling better yesterday.  And I thought I'm going to work out.  Of course, the usual life events - including a mystery rodent in our backyard - starting closing my window on the a time to do this.  9:30pm the kids were asleep, hubby was tucked in bed early for once, and I thought SEIZE THE DAY (or night).  But then Cardiomax at 9:30pm just didn't seem "right" to me since I planned on going to bed directly afterwards.  Now let me explain, I wasn't looking to get out of doing the Cardiomax, I actually really wanted to.  I had to talk myself into understanding, p.m.yoga might be a wiser choice.  So I did it and it was wonderful!  I actually layed in crypt pose as the video ended and music played over, and over, and over before I woke up and had to go to bed!
This morning, though, I got up and going at 5am!  This time, Bob Harper and I went head to head!

That Bob seems so darn sweet, but he really is a mean evil man that makes my quads burn!!!! 

I'm thinking about a heart rate monitor to determine the calories I burn.  I can never figure it out well.  After Googling it appears I burned about 300 calories doing this work out. 

The scale is 162.9.  I believe that is up from where I was last week.  But I'm still on My Path and trudging along!

68 - Tonsilitis, Pharyngitis, Sinusitis, and a Fever

Well Thursday I got sick.  And it hit me hard! 
Friday I was going to stay home from work, but just couldn't.  So I went in for half a day and then I went almost straight to the dr and he told me I had pharyngitis, tonsillitis and a fever.  Then sinusitis hit me that night.  UGH.  Unbelievably, though, as horrid as I have felt, I couldn't sit still.  I mowed the dang lawn!  I was sweating and cold and dizzy, yet I couldn't stop mowing.  What is up with that!?  Of course, afterwards, I collapsed on the couch after chugging Nyquil.
Saturday I drugged myself up with Sudafed and Dayquil and went to our preplanned mommy/daughter conference.  It was so much fun, and although I did the sweat/shiver/dizzy routine most of the day, I made it through.  The things we do for our kiddos!
Sunday I was a bit more cognative and contemplated going for a walk, but the headache came back full force, so more Dayquil, more Sudafed, and housework.  That's definitely a workout! 
Today I got up and thought maybe I could do CardioMaxx before work.  Instead I slept another hour.  I think I've needed that.  If I can get over this, then I can work out better.
Why is it EVERY time I start a new health routine, I get sick?!?!?!?
I did get ginger root the other day.  Let me tell you that is ONE bitter root!  All I did was touch my tongue to the juice and it was PopRocks!  BAZINGA!

I also got whole flaxseed and ground it all up in my food processor.  I've really missed having that every day.
And I got quinoa - about 3 pounds!  And it was only $8.  It's like $6 for 1lb at Publix!  Love me some Whole Foods Market!


I'm hoping to maybe try to exercise tonight.  That way I can get back on my habit track!

72

My basic workout for the next 73 days.
I started it again last night and was pleasantly surprised that after not doing for 2 months, I wasn't too far off of where I left off.  I was able to do everything - even the torturous leg lifts!  The run, although short, is perfect for my knees and it feels great.
If anything, I'll try to lengthen the running time if I can.
And this made the little red devil take off running himself!

73

The devil works in evil ways  - makes me think I'm too weak, that I'm too busy, that my goals are impossible, that I'm aiming too high, that I've never been "that girl" (which in reality I have been), that I'll never have six pack abs-----okay I'll give him THAT ONE! 
Yesteday was no score for me.  I was exhausted from a 4 hour night of sleep.  You can't work on 4 hours, you can't get strong on 4 hours.  I left the house at 7:40am with my pedometer on and salad in my lunch bag, I got home at 9:30pm.  I attempted to read Oxygen but fell asleep.  Okay, devil, you win yesterday, but I'm rested and ready to go today!  Watch out!

74

...Yes, yes I did. 
So far I'm up after just a few hours sleep (this is gonna change starting tonight no matter what), had my coffee (no Sweet N Low), and a big heaping bowl of oatmeal.
This is my early morning Me desk - -

Clockwise from top - my Quaker oats cilander,my coupons I cut out, lap top up and going ready to post this post actually, bowl of quick oats with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsbp cinnamon, my Nook and look who is on it - Tosca!  I subscribed to Oxygen via my Nookcolor last night.  Above that my coffee, next to that my Bible with the year reading plan, and then my green recipe folder with the Crock Pot lid on top of it - I'm making Mediterranean Chicken with pepperoncini and kalamata olives tonight and so looking forward to it.

I get up with my husband about 5am every morning.  I walk him out the door and the come to this breakfast counter and love this quiet time.  I try to plan my day, get my daily dose of spirituality, and hopefully some breakfast.
I weighed in this am and lost 1.3 pounds.  I think my body is used to 164 NOT being my normal weight.  I'm more normal in the 162 area.  That's going to change, too!  I measured myself today too.  I hadn't done that since Jan 1st.  I lost 1/2" in my neck (that can't be right), 1/2" in my waist, and 2.5" in my hips.  I don't think I measure myself right.  But we'll see.
Does anyone else read Oxygen?  I was so excited to tap through the pages, but mostly I saw vitamins and pills and powders.  Am I so naive to think the bodies on those pages are purely by Clean Eating and working out? 
While I ponder that thought, I'm going to knock out some situps and work these abs!  
Have a great day!

75 days - I need some motivation, OUCH!!!

Man that hurts. 
That's definitely my theme, isn't it?
I have 75 days to do what I set out to do.  Surely I've been told that the 40 by 40 was too much and that I didn't need to lose that much weight.  So I don't feel too bad.  But 20 by 40 - that's doable.  It's still doable.  And I can't say I didn't start a year ago, I did!  But my new job interferred, an excuse, yes, but the truth. 


I bought a swimsuit Sunday and surprisingly I love it.  And what does that mean? It doesn't mean I look hot and sexy, it means it hides everything well without being a moo-moo suit.  I hung it up on my dresser mirror to remind me every morning - I can do better! 
I can do better than skipping breakfast and then eating Doritos during the day cuz I'm starving.
I can do better than 2 Starbucks Doubleshots and a 5 hour energy drink.
I can do better than eating cheese
I can do better than surfing the net at breaks and lunch rather than walking
And I sure as hell can do better than 164 pounds!!!

75 days and counting!!!!!!

87 Days - National Walking Day

87 more days?!  OMG so scary!  But I'm confident.  I think.  Ugh.

Starting my return to the blog (sorry, it has been CRAZY in every sense of the word), it's a perfect day because it's National Walking Day!!!!


I clipped my pedometer (still at 20975 from the zoo over a month ago) on after I've been up for 3 hours (missing those steps) but I'm gonna hit 10K today.  Our office is celebrating by walking outside for 30 minutes!  I'm so excited, not just for me, but to hopefully see lots of people donning their tennis shoes and lapping our campus!

I had a good breakfast with my daughter this morning!
Scrambed Eggs with salsa on honeywheat toast!

And for my happiness portion - look what a wonderful husband got for us?!?! 
MOTLEY CRUE!!!! and KISS!  What an awesome combo!  I am excite beyond belief!!!

And on that note, let's KICK START our HEARTS to start the morning off right.....

112 Days = less than 4 months!!!!

What I am not going to do in todays post -
I am not going to tell you I've been on a eating binge from hell this past week!

I am going to tell you that, once I again, I was reminded that acting on the bad cravings never really satisifies the desire.  However, when I eat healthy, I'm usually content.

This weekend my husband and I started building a 10'x12' outdoor playhouse for our kids.  So I'vve hauled 2x4's, 4x4's, deck planks and sheets of plywood.  In addition to that, I tored down our old wire/post fence.  One would think that not such a hard job, but one would be wrong.

This is not my yard, but this is what was up when we bought the house. 
This weekend I got to rip that down.  Large wire cutters, heavy hammers and sledge hammers were all the required tools.  Those posts are in the ground and held with cement.  When my husband told me I could use the truck to push them over, I didnt' realize he meant VERY SLOWLY and just GENTLY PUSH.  I didn't rev through them, but 2 I broke off, then requiring me to HAND DIG THEM OUT!  ARGH!

So I have definitey gotten lots of fresh air as we were outside from morning to night.  And I definitely got my workouts in - YOU try slinging a sledge hammer!

Although I did get fitness in, my diet suffered at the hand of quick no-bake food, i.e. fast food and chips!  ARGH!  But thinking as I soaked in a tub of epsoms salts last night, starting to beat myself up, I once again remembered this quote:

“Courage doesn't always roar.

Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ”
― Mary Anne Radmacher

So today I had a small but decent breakfast, I've had my iced coffee (no sweet n low), and to settle my queezy stomach, so pita chip crumbs.  ha ha ha  I just ordered my grilled chicken salad with balsalmic vinegarette dressing and am about to get up to get a large tumbler of iced water.

Happy March - Day 117

First of all, I saw this and thought it worthy to note.  It's National Nutrition Month! 

This was a great reminder to me, that my plate is probably not in the shape I want it in lately, which is not good for my goals, which then reminded me.....

Once again Im making very little progress.  I am 117 days away from my birthday and my goal.  What is holding me up?
I do try to eat right - smoothies for breakfast, quinoa salad for lunch, dinners are questionable.
What am I doing wrong -
*we had wine this weekend - lots of it!  It's gone, now, though, and I'm back on water!
*pizza - it's been a freaking pizza fest at our house lately!  I don't care if the pizza is only $4.99 no more of it for ME!
*Chai Lattes - yes I love my chai lattes, but I'm a long way from my Chai's being special and only once a week.  Of course Wal-mart isn't carrying my Twinings Chai tea anymore so I was forced to pick another brand.  I chucked it out the window as I was driving to work today.  Now what?
*Lack of exercise - My knees are just weak lately.  I'm fearful of an injury.  I need to start doing my 100 Workout again (only did it once last week).
*Hummus.  Now I know hummus is healthy.  the problem is it tastes so darn good I eat half the container!!!
*Water decrease - I  have not been drinking as much water as I used to or need to!

This all made me think of where I was when I started this blog and that made me realize I missed my Sheri's Path 1st Anniversary!


I've gone through a lot since Feb 23 of last year, but I think I've come out a stronger, healthier woman physically, emotionally, and mentally.

So Happy March, Happy 117 Days left to go, and Happy 1st Anniversary!!!

131 - More Adventures

I went to the zoo!!!

And really, who doesn't look fabulous in a wooden giraffe mask!

I love the zoo!!  Yet we had never been to our local zoo since we moved here.  I was so excited - probably more than the kids!!

This was the bamboo trail - it was pretty cool strolling through tall thick bamboo and checking out the birds!

These little meerkats are so darn cool!  I want one!  Maybe I'll adopt one!

I'm not usually much of an amphebian lover, but this frog just seemed so cool - hanging out like, "what do you want from me?"

If you don't already know, I am deathly afraid of OWLS!  They scare the crap out of me.  The kids know this well.  We were in the petting zoo checking out some kangaroo like hoppy animals and the turkey exhibit was next.  My son says Mom - come see this turkey.  So I come around the corner, they're pointing, I look up and BAM!!  This owl is staring me down!  I took off running!  I did get myself together and faced my fears to get this photo from very far away - I zoomed in!  What I don't do for my blog!!! Even this picture creeps me out! YUCK!

 

When it was time to eat, I was glad to see amongst the nachos, hotdogs, pizza, burgers and candy, that there was a black bean burger!!  No fries for me!!!

On the property, is this original 1810 farm home.  I fell in love with it immediately!!
From the gorgeous balcony to the Cracker Barrel rockers on the front porch...

 ...to the rustic gardens...

...to the walk back to the house.  I just loved it and it felt so peaceful here.

The other animal I really appreciated was the giraffe!  This tall glass of water was so charming and cool it was actually comical.  He posed, he strutted, he slowly moved around and would look right at you.  Such a graceful beautiful animal!

By the time we left, we were all happily exhausted!  I checked my pedometer that I cleared when we got there, and it read 12943 steps!  As I look down now, 6 hours later, it reads 20369.  We put a lot of miles on today but it was awesome and a day I won't forget!!!

Geology Walk

Our mayor of Nashville, Karl Dean, has promted the Walk 100 Miles Nashville.  He hosts several walks and runs (5k, half marathon) in and around Nashville.  Today, my daughter and I went on the Geology Walk! 

Mayor Karl Dean was present.  Normally I wouldn't be overly impressed by this as it is his walk, but he and his family suffered a loss this week.  His 2 year old niece died when her father accidentally ran over her in the drive way.  How horrific! 

This was one of the geologists.  She showed that Nashville is actually in a bowl - yikes, like New Orleans?  Hope not.

My daughter loves rocks so this was a special treat!  She collected rocks all along this walk and filled her back pack.

Here we go, up that big slope!

See all the people in front of us?

And here are all the people behind us. 

It was a varied group of ages, babies in carriers, toddlers, young kids, teens, adults, and even elders!  It was impressive!

Nashville is mostly limestone!  Thus why everything is above ground!

In the middle of winter, when everything is brown and grey, this bright green moss stood out!

Still going up - work those legs!!!

That is the slippery ridge some crossed.  We didn't after a young woman slipped and broke her arm.

Still going up to the peak!!

But what goes up....

Must go down, down, down!!!

Me on the mossy rock!

After a long walk, this nature bench was a welcome sight!  So exhausted!  ha ha ha

It was a little over 2 miles they said, but we went slow with all the up and downs and slippery areas.  I've walked 2 miles before and I've walked 5 miles before.  It felt the same today on this walk!