OK, so it's not uncommon for me to have a glass of wine almost daily.  I'm making an effort to cut down to like Thursday-Sunday (if needed, LOL).  Also, I'm working - and it's kind of hard, I'm finding - to up my water intake throughout the day. 

 10 to 15 lbs... no problem.  It's in the bag.  Do you take water with you to work??

Hi Andrea - I have a 16 cup of water contantly on my desk.  It gets refilled a couple times a day.  Not enough, but I'm working on it.

Keep at it.  I travel around in the car sipping away on my errands, but then, I need a washroom often and absolutely hate having to stop into a coffee shop or something for a loo.  Speaking of errands... must head out and away from this computer, otherwise, it'll be Pizza Night a day early in this house.  Ciao.

 Hi zinful, you can so do this. I dig your anti-diet methods. Moderation, for some, is waaaaaay better than abstaining. 

You're going to nail this!

Thanks for your support, Jo!  Yesterday was a day 'off' from exercising.  I tried to keep up with the water intake as best I could. 

Today is "mad cleaning" day because I'm having company tonight, so I really need to focus on water intake and a good plan for tomorrow morning's exercise.

 How did your 'mad cleaning' day go Zin?  I'm having one of those myself over here - only it wasn't a planned thing.  A special surprise compliments of one of our family kitties (we have two) was discovered this morning while I was trying to wisk everyone off to Italian school.  There was no mistaking the pungent aroma that greeted me from my front closet because the kids forgot to leave the door open for Smokey and Nibbles to get to the basement where their litter is kept.  Ok, so somehow, we make it to Italian school only a half hour late.  Bring the kids home after we got the groceries and bam, my son dropped a full jar of tomatoes on the floor.  The jar broke into a zillion pieces and the tomato sauce splattered every which way.  .  Thankfully, no tiles were broken and it wasn't the carpet.  Could have been a whole lot worse.  No glass in the eyes and amazingly, even the kitties had sense enough to stay away until all was cleaned up.  How's your Saturday going?  Aside from mad cleaning, weekend plans for working out?  

Well, the "mad" cleaning was Friday (for company).  It went pretty well.  Today, I spent most of my day working.  I'm heading to Ohio for work for training on the 23rd, and I've got tons to do before we go.  This is going to prove challening for all of my goals, but so far, so good.  I was able to read some more in my Dave Ramsey book (tithing goal) and share some of what I learned on Shea's goal (cutting grocery bill).  I picked up the book at the library Earn It, Learn It that you had suggested (kids/money goal).  I came up with a brilliant plan to purchase Turbo Fire (see Turbo Fire goal).  That's in the works.  Lastly, my decluttering goal - I put the kids on that and they cleaned out my front closet.  And, they actually did awesome!!  This allowed me to focus on work. 

So, all in all, a somewhat productive day goal-wise!!  Tomorrow, probably not so much.  I've got church in the a.m. and then a family party which will probably take up much of my day.  Hopefully, I'll at least get some reading done...

 How was your weekend Zin?  You're working on a bunch of goals right now.  So great that you're getting help at home with that decluttering goal too.  Do you check your progress on the scale on a certain day each week?  I was checking to see if you'd seen a difference on the scale.  My progress is slow going this time around.  Just 2 measly little lbs so far this month and it's already the middle.  Yikes.  I need to step up my game.  Will check in again tomorrow.

Weekend was busy, but OK.  Mostly just watching how much I put in my mouth!!  I am making Sunday my weigh-in day, and I'm down 1 pound.  Have to focus a little more this week.  Today was tough, I was off of work, but ended up working from home more hours than I would've if I was at work.  What????  So, I would normally have had time to exercise, I couldn't today.  BUT, good thing about today was that I didn't snack all day, which I often do when working from home, so I look at that as an amazing plus!!!

Watching what goes in is just as important as exercise. Good for you for not snacking!!!!! That's a huge one!

 Congratulations on the first pound.  One down, only 4 to go.  Great job on watching that intake - it does make such a difference.  

keep it up Zin! you are doing well!!!

OK, so while I wasn't going to weigh in until Sunday, I took a sneak peak...  down another 1/2 pound.  WooHoo!!!   I was able to squeeze in a sculpting workout yesterday. 

Yes! You are making it work, Zin. You are my inspiration when it comes to this, simply because I love your perspective. It can't be an all-or-nothing project, because life is too short to live without. But because you are focused and mindful, I come back to check on you. It reminds me to do the little things, and that they definitely add up.

Girrrrl, you have so many goals going at once, you must be an unbelievable multitasker. I can relate, but I only define the ones I can put into action right this second. You are making incredible progress for the 21-DC, keep up the good work. I will check on you again tomorrow. Hopefully you will find time to pump up the jam and get in motion. Exercise makes you feel good! (Well, so does pizza, but with repercussions... :)

So, yesterday wasn't an exercise day for me, but I did keep a watch on all that I ate.  I still have to up my water intake.  I didn't think that part of this would be so hard!

WooHoo!  Congrats on the half pound.  Making progress.  I like how you tie all these goals together too.  Can't wait to get your next update.

 I agree with you that increasing water intake can be really challenging. But you're doing so well!  

So, yesterday, while I had no desire, what-so-ever, to exercise, I put in my 45 minute cardio work out and it was amazing.  Like, amazing. 

What I really like about this DVD is that she really motivates you throughout the whole thing.  She reminds you that the energy is coming from your head, and when you need that second burst in the middle of the work out, she'll tell you to just tell yourself you have it.  And, what do you know?  I did.  Towards the end of the video, she also tells you to think about how you feel "now", and how good it feels to have done that ~ and, then remember that feeling the next time you don't feel like working out to reminde yourself to just do it. 

 Ok, so what's the name of the workout?  Congrats to you going into the weekend Zin.  You're doing so awesome.

do tell....what is the name of the DVD? congrats on your successes! Now go and enjoy a glass of wine...rrr...bottle!

The DVD was the Cardio Party party.  It's part of the Turbo Jam work out.  Yesterday, the Turbo Fire set arrived.  I'm excited to get started on that. 

Yesterday, I did a Wii Cardio workout.  Not bad, only 1/2 hour, which is all I had, so I was glad I took it because it felt good.  Then, I dropped my son off to go to camp, came home, had a salad and a glass of wine for dinner.  Really, a perfect end to the week. 

I'll try to weigh in tomorrow and see how I'm doing...

 Hope you have a pleasant surprise on your date with the scale Zin.  Thanks for the info on the DVD.

 Hi! I'm starting Turbo Jam & Fire too!!! I"m not the most coordinated! Let me know how it works for you! ;)

No change on the scale.  Still have 3 pounds to go.  I have to remember that this will happen, muscle weighs more than fat, blah, blah, blah...

Jenipher - I have been using Turbo Jam for years. Chalene is very motivating.  Cues are good and everyone in the "class" is so full of energy, you just want to be like them. 

I did myself a little preview of Turbo Fire this weekend.  I'll start it full on when I get home from my business trip next weekend.  I did the Fire 30 /Stretch 10 yesterday and found it to be more fast-paced than I'm used to.  I think that's good, though, because if it's not a challenge, I won't be as interested.  This morning I did the Stretch 40.  Loved it!  But, I totally and completely love Yoga, so it was perfect for a Sunday morning. Good Luck with it!

 These workout videos sound great. Keep going, you're so close to your goal!

I tried to sneak in a weigh-in today, hoping yesterday was wrong.  It wasn't.   Leaving today for work, the hotel has a gym.  Hoping to utilize it as much as I can!!!  I'm really afraid this week, as breakfasts will be the hotel, lunch will be whatever is ordered by our trainers, and dinner out every night.  I have GOT to keep an eye on my intake.  This will be a tough week for me...

 It will absolutely happen Zin.  You are doing everything you need to to achieve your goal.  Just stay mindful of the things that you can control and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Here's an article I found this morning that might motivate you to keep drinking that water: Says it affects your mood, brain function and muscles. I had no idea. I have been shouting about how I need more water, now I really know why!

http://caloriecount.about.com/can-water-improve-mood-b551388?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_20120124&utm_term=continue1

Hope your trip turns out great and doesn't derail you! Hang in there, you're doing great.

Trip is definitely proving challenging, but hopefully I'll prevail!!

Yesterday was lunch at the airport.  Stuck with a salad.  Did a margarita pizza for dinner - suppose I could've chosen better, could've definitely been worse.  Stuck to cereal for breakfast this morning (raisin bran) instead of all the other junk available...  Today's lunch was ordered in - Chipotle (OMG, it's so delicious).  I did a fajita that had chicken, onions, peppers and some cheese.  I opted out of rice.  We're doing Japanese for dinner, so I'm hoping there'll be good options there with it really just being stir-fry anyway.  No time today for exercise.  Will have to try to get up earlier to get something in tomorrow morning before the long day starts, as they'll be taking us out for dinner, again not leaving me exercise time.  Wish me luck!!!

 Hi Zin! It's so scary trying to accomplish weight loss while on the road! I'm totally impressed by your progress so far! Great job with your food choices this week....it's SO hard, I know! I wish healthy food was more available outside of the home! I started turbo jam, and i really like it, i'm so uncoordinated so it takes a minute to get the moves down, but i can dig it! Good Luck today! :)

Yea, once you get used to her style, it's fairly easy to follow.  And, her motivation is so great.  You'll do fabulous with it!!

So, as for me.  I'm afraid.  I'm very afraid!!!!  So, I was thinking Japanese ~ stir fry.  But, can you say BUTTER??  And, like tons of it.  I've felt so sick all day today from eating that last night.  I couldn't sleep.  No way could I get up to exercise this morning. 

Had a lighter lunch (basically more along the lines of just taking less).  The software co took us out to a brewery for dinner tonight.  Really good, and I had a much lighter dinner (and I did have a beer).  I can say that I really feel alot better now, though. 

Really, I can't wait until I just get home so I can focus.  I need to be/feel normal again (really, I need to see my family - totally miss them).

  Hey Zin, I was catching up on your posts and it looks like you're doing great with your choices.  I have the A,B,C's of Healthy Living to share over the last few days of this contest.  Here's the first few: A - Ask Questions when dining out.  Don't hesitate to ask your server how a dish is prepared and feel free to request it to be altered in a way to make it more healthy... as in, sauce on the side, without oil, substitute fries with a salad... B - Budget For Snacks - don't give up all your favouite treats - just plan for them ahead of time and adjust your eating in the day to allow for them.  That way, you won't feel deprived if everyone at the movie is having a treat except you.  C - Cancel The Pity Party if you feel discouraged about the number on the scale or how slow progress is going, remind yourself that everyone struggles on this journey and that you're working through it and sticking to your plan.  D - Distract Yourself when you're hungry between meals or snacks... call a friend, go for a walk, write an e-mail, drink water - do anything that doesn't involve food and you'll notice the hunger usually passes within minutes.  E - Eat Slowly when you sit down for a meal or snack.  If you eat too quickly, it's easier to miss the signal from your body that you're satisfied.  In fact, put the fork down between bites if you're having a conversation with friends or relatives at the table.    Hope some of these are helpful and there are more to come over the next few days.  Hope you make it home safely and are able to settle back into your routine.  You must totally miss your family.

zin...I travel a lot for work...and can totally relate! my trainer friend put together a quick 20 min exercise program that I can do in my room...with no weights required...but an awesome workout. there are a lot of squats, burpees, planking, chair work, etc. i will look for it and post it for you...so that you have something to follow next time u r travelling. It is always a challenge on the road...however i LOVE Andrea's suggestions...the A, B, C's are AWESOME!

Keep it up Zin...u are rockin it, and may be even more surprised when you return home. Drink lots of water on your flight!

 So glad you like them Heather because I posted them for you too.  Here's the next installment Zin.  I have more A,B,C's of healthy living to share with you.  F - Focus on the presentation of your food on the plate.  Arrange it attractively on a pretty piece of china, this will help you feel more satisfied.  G - Give new habits time because change doesn't happen overnight.  It may take 21 days to break or create a new habit, but it takes about six montns for new habits to feel natural or automatic.  Make a commitment to stick with your new regimen for at least that long.  H - Hang out with optimists.  The can-do spirit is contagious.  It can bolster your resolve and help fuel your weight loss goals.  I - Inspire yourself with a list of activities that you've put off doing - going sailing, learning to salsa dance, travelling to a far off place - this will provide a built-in incentive to stick to your plan.  J - Join Up - exercise with others, whether it's joining a hiking club, a fitness club or a recreational softball league - all of this offers a sense of accountability and a feeling of community. Hope you find something helpful.  More to come in the next few days.

 Okay, so I would secretly love to travel with your company for a few days....the restaurants sound great! Good for you for having a beer! With SO much temptation you are doing a great job with it! I'm sure you can't wait to be home with the family...don't beat yourself up! You will be home soon! 

OK, so I'm home.  Andrea - Love the ABC's!!!!  That's awesome. 

Sadly, I did weigh myself this morning.  Back to square 1.  Ugh.  OK, pity part over.  I pulled out a meal plan that came with my Turbo Fire and while I know I can't stick to it completely, I'm going to take many of the snack suggestions made and I know this help me out a great deal.  I'm a little tired today, flight delayed last night for weather, blah, blah, blah.  Anyway, I will exercise today.  I will have hubs grill the chicken tonight instead my original fried plan and will make up a schedule/plan from there to get me through this last partial week of the challenge - hay, maybe I can lose those 5 pounds anyway.  I had a great start with a real challenge in between.  I guess that's why we call it a 21 day "challenge" right???

 Oh NOOOOoooo!!!  Ok, no worries - just get back onto your plan.  You're doing so awesome and will see a move on that scale needle in the right direction the next time.  Remember to hydrate.  DO NOT let that scale discourage you and it looks like you're already making wise healthy choices.  Hydrate!

 Happy you love the ABC's Zin.  Here's the next installment:

K - Keep Your Focus as you're losing weight, notice what you're gaining as well:  a slimmer profile, better fitting clothes, more confidence, a more restful sleep, a new love of exercise, a more healthier YOU all around.

L - Lighten Up Your Favourites... with new low-fat cookbooks.  Experiment with your favourite Chinese, Mexican, Italian dishes with substitued lighter ingredients.  Or try a different cultures' cuisine.

M - Make Over Your Kitchen and get rid of trigger foods.  Restock with healthier choices to make snacking easy.  

N - Navigate Your Way Out Of Your Comfort Zone and try a new exercise at least once.  Discovering how much you enjoy new activities will help create your new healthier lifestyle.

O - Opt for the 10-Minute Rule even if you don't feel like exercising.  Get moving in some way for at least ten minutes and if, after that, you still feel uninspired, give yourself permission to quit.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend back at home Zin.  Here's the second to last ABC's installment for your enjoyment.  

P - Push Yourself to try one new fruit or vegetable each week - or try them prepared in a different way.  You'll be treating yourself to a new taste sensation and expanding your culinary repertoire in a healthy way.

Q - Quit the Clean Plate Club and get into the habit of eating only until you're satisfied.  This way, you'll spare yourself loads of unnecessary calories.

R - Reward Yourself with a new 'busy hands' skill to stave off snacking after dinner - take up knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or beading.  Or, give yourself a mani/pedi.

S - Stand Up Food Pushers at the party by politely indicating that you have your eye on another dish at the buffet.  Complimenting the hostess on the food she's offering will distract her from her agenda and help you stick to yours.  

T - Treat Your Body Like A Temple.  Start exercising regularly and taking care of yourself as if you were an athlete.  Fuel your body with energy-boosting foods and plenty of sleep and water.  

 Aw, zinful. It's tough to return to the beginning, but you know you can do it. 

hi zinful! i am sure that you are doing great...u just dont realize it :). its not just the number on the scale...it is the inches and the creation of a habit...and you are on track! Good luck with the snacks and with the upcoming 2-3 days...u can do it! And as Andrea says...hydrate!!! and maybe a little cayenne, lemon juice and maple syrup...lol!

 Hi Zin.  Hope you've had a nice weekend.  I have an inspirational message for you today:

"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there."

- Kofi Annan

Thanks everyone, I figure it will actually be easier to get back into it this time, even though the scale number is starting from scratch.  At least there was a habit started before I left that will be easier to get back into. 

I had an awesome workout on Saturday that I felt all through yesterday and still feel today, so it will be great to build off of that in the coming days/weeks. 

I did put a workout schedule together that gets me through until my ski trip in a few weeks.  This will not only help me lose weight, but be in better shape when I put those sticks on my feet!

 WooHoo ... ski trip.  Sounds great.  Where are you skiing?

Here's some more ABC's:

U - Use Your Lunchbreak Wisely by walking for half of it.  Taking a midday jaunt can boost your energy, reduce your stress, and give you more time after work with family and friends.

V - View Sweet Treats Wisely - Don't deprive yourself of cravings always.  Find a lower calorie substitue that satisfies you and have that as a reward or as a weekly treat.  Put a limit on rich desserts.

W - Write a Gratitude List - Each day, jot down or journal a few things that you're grateful for.  When spirits sad or when stuck in an especially aggrivating day, reviewing your gratitude list can boost your resolve to stay on track.

Hope you find something helpful.

awesome...where will you be skiing? I am going to assume that squats and lunges will be on the agenda in your preparation! good luck with the continuation of this challenge!

Heading over to PA to ski, Camelback and some others (whever I have a coupon to that's in the area). 

So, last day of the challenge, and I'm only down one pound today.   Soooooo, amazingly enough I am NOT discouraged.  I have created a habit that, while it got side-tracked with a business trip, was a habit I was able to fall right back into when I got home.  I had an awesome workout yesterday and I'm looking forward to another today...

 One pound is one pound gone.  Pick up a pound of butter and that's what has left your body.  It's like you gave that pound to me though because I was a pound up yesterday.  I'm going to attribute that to water weight and keep on trucking through to February.  It's been fun following all these awesome goals.  Keep up the fantastic work.  Here are the last ABC's for your enjoyment.  Hope you find some of them helpful.

X - Xerox Exercise Moves as you come across them in magazines and books.  That way, when you're doing your workout or putting together a routine, you'll have a bit of a library built up with proper techniques outlined and pitcures to show how to get best results.  Happy strength training

Y - Yearn To Accept Where You Are Now if you get discouraged about your rate of progress or if you hit a plateau and get frustrated, try to accept and appreciate where you've come from and the journey to get to where you are currently and where you want to be.  Enjoy the process.  After all, you are doing what it takes to make a difference with your health and fintness.  That alone is commenndable.   

Z - Zero In On Your Body - be sure to listen to the signals your body is giving you.  Treat your body as you would an infant child -  with compassion, patience and love and understanding.  Give it healthful, nutrient rich food for energy only when it's required, quench it's thirst with water freely and give it the exercise it needs for optimal health and fitness and your body will reward you in unbelievable ways.  

 Hi Zin! Congratulations on your motivation! Glad to see you are moving forward! I will be checking in over the next few months to see how you are doing! ;) Skiing is an AMAZING way to burn those calories! Too bad I just ROLL down mountains haha. Good luck in Feb!

awesome...have a great time skiing and congrats on the habit building. U are rockin' it!

 Another pound is another win! I think that developing the motivation is half the battle. You're almost there. Go go go!

Feeling awesome after a 55 minute TF workout yesterday.  Weighed myself again this morning.  Another pound =)

These last 3 will be easy-peasy!

 Congrats on the next lb Zin!!!  That's awesome!  

 Hey Zin! Thanks for the reminder! I've posted my success story! YAY for another pound!!! Way to go the whole 55 with TF! I'm stil on Turbo Jam, but I did an hour of hip hop on wednesday and holy I have no rhythm, but I sweat it out!! woo hoo! one step at a time lady! :) Thanks for always keeping me in check and giving me that extra push! :)

The scale hasn't budged.  Not entirely surprising, but I'm ready to get back into another week, full steam ahead!

 Hi Hi! Happy Monday! Wanted to update you on the zumba, um it was AMAZING. I highly recommend going out of the house and to a class. The one I went to is held at a church and it's $8 drop in, THE best work out I've had so far. I'm also enjoying several on demand tapes, but try it. I can't believe how happy I am to have hurt so bad. HAHA. Best of luck this week! You are doing great! ;)

I'll have to check around for the zumba classes in the area.  The only one's I've seen so far, are in "studios" and aren't that cheap.  But, you never know when you find something.  I'll keep an eye out. 

As for this week, it's not going well.  I worked late yesterday, and had a meeting at church last night, only having time to get the kids homework & dinner in between.  Then, after my church meeting (which ended at 10~ FYI my bedtime is 9), I had to go food shopping!!!  Get home, unload groceries, try to relax, it wasn't lights out until 11:30 - that 5:20 alarm came waaaayyyy too soon.  So, I'm doubtful I'll have an ounce of energy to put into exercise today.  I am putting a stretch 30 or 40 minutes on my calendar.  It's the only somewhat realistic possibility.  And, if nothing else, I try to be realistic. 

Looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight and Turbo it back up tomorrow =)

 Zin, I have a tip that might help the next time you're behind your schedule with sleep.  Whenever I know I'm going to be super short on sleep, I tell myself that this four hours of sleep I'm getting are going to be plenty and super charge me enough to get through the next day.  I swear, it helps.  Don't let your brain hear yourself say or think you didn't get enough sleep  ONLY let it hear a positive response about the sleep you do get.  It's almost like tricking yourself.  You'll be amazed at how little sleep you can go on.  I'm not saying make a habit of it.  We all know how important sleep is, I'm just saying, don't let yourself think you should be exhausted.  Let yourself think that you had plenty of sleep - sleep enough to spare.  Get up, put a smile on your lips, do your regular routine and just slip into bed a little earlier when you can.  I lived for six years with little more than five hours of sleep this way.  You'll be amazed.   Think of it this way... if you were heading out on an early morning flight to the Caymen Islands (or whereever your dream vacation might be), would it matter much what time you went to bed??  I bet, you'd be up before the alarm the next morning regardless of how little sleep you actually got.  I know, I know, today, you didn't head out on your dream vacation, but,  next time, find something exciting about the day to look forward to and be sure not to dwell on that clock when you do climb into bed.  Happy turboing.

Blech.  That's how this goal is going. 

Not all is lost however (though I wish it was).  My focus has simply been on other goals.  Getting things clean, working on the kids financial plans, getting my own financial plans in order, etc. 

Heading out for a ski trip next week.  I'm sure I'll exercise some before, but have no real plan for this week.  Skiing is great exercise, so I'm looking forward to that (assuming the weather gets a little cooler). 

I'm sure when I get back, I'll re-title my goal "Lose 5 pounds in March", LOL. 

FYI - I'm still only one pound down, there was another, but it appears to have snuck back in.

 Hey Zin, thanks for the update.  Sounds like you have a lot going on.  Where are you skiing?  

Pennsylvania.  We're away for a week. Skiing a few days - depending on what coupons I have to go where.  Still, of course, watching my budget!

 Sounds fantastic Zin.  Happy skiing to you - and congrats again on the other goal.  What a fantastic win.

OK.  Back home.  Working on getting all of my goals back on track.  Just posted success stories on a couple others. 

Hoping to make this one a sucess as well.  I've now changed the name (like I said I would) to be 5 pounds in March. 

I am planning to take my "before" picture today or tomorrow.  I will weigh-in tomorrow a.m. and basically start over.  I will use the Turbo Fire program as my base, but adjust as needed (may want to do more outdoor stuff as the weather improves, so week by week I will arrange my schedule and do whatever it takes. 

Thanks to everyone for the support and ask that you continue as I reset my goals and push myself through. 

Oh, and the bonus ~ hubs is feeling like he wants to work out and eat better as well.  Sometimes it so hard when you want to eat healthier and your partner doesn't, so I'm totally pumped about this.  Yesterday, I went onto the cooking light website and found some really delicious-looking recipes.  So, I'm excited to get (re)started. 

Did my weigh-in Monday morning.  As expected, I'm back to square 1 - but at least it's square 1 and not more!!!  I'm happy about that =)

I also did before pictures.  These will not be posted!  At least not until after I go through the program and end up looking awesome.  LOL. 

So, this week was tough.  I did a great workout on Monday and then the rest of the week got away from me, very busy with meetings, work, etc.  I do have a work out scheduled for tomorrow morning, and the last couple of days I'm focusing on my water intake.  It's not where it should be, but I'm working on it. 

Thanks to everyone for their support.  Let's all keep up these goals!

 Thanks for the update Zin.  The month is young and you've got all kinds of time to achieve this goal this month.  Keep up the great work.  You're doing awesome.

Not doing great on the exercising, but have been eating better.  I'll weigh in on Monday and see how it's going. 

Month half over.  I did forget to weigh in this morning. 

First clue that I need more exercise - I went bowling on Saturday night and the muscles in my left butt cheek hurt, like, a lot. 

I bought a Groupon for 10 yoga classes locally.  I can't wait to start that.  I think mixing that in with my Turbo Fire will be fantastic for me.  That's what I miss most about the gym, is the yoga. 

Yoga last night was more amazing than I could've imagined.  I didn't realize how much I really did miss it until I got in there.  Awesome. 

TF HIIT 20 (high intensity inverval training), stretch 10.  So, should be a quick, but intense workout this afternoon.

So, yesterday, I didn't do my TF workout.  I had to go to the library so I got to looking at the DVD's there.  I picked up Prevention's Belly Fat Diet Workout.  I popped that in instead.  I could see that over time, I would probably get sick of this DVD, but I really did sweat it out.  It felt awesome.  Today's a day off (or since it's sooooo beautiful out, maybe a walk with the dog).  Planning a TF workout tomorrow.

I did a weigh in this morning.  I have lost 2 pounds.  3 more to go this month =)

January, February, March, April??  One of these months, I'll lose that 5 lbs!!!!

Yoga tonight.  That's one thing I've been now doing once a week.  Work has me quite busy otherwise, and yoga is the only thing I've been forcing time for (well-deserved, well-spent time). 

I'll check in again soon to let you all know where I am. 

OK Zin, I have a perfect question that you can answer, with your knowledge of wine and such. How does alcohol affect a weight loss goal? Does one glass a day (or seven in one sitting??) really affect the overall rate at which you lose? I have a friend who is trying to make weight for an Easter sailing regatta in South Carolina and we have been working hard since she found out she made the cut. We have been working out like mad, upped the water intake to sometimes as much as 80 oz a day. Yogurt, may it burn in hell, has become breakfast. And she has plateaued with a week and 3 pounds to go. I was wondering if wine (even as little as three glasses a week) could be causing this?

What says you, guru? 

Ha!  Maybe that's my problem, too much wine =)

Anyway, I'm sure that seven in 1 sitting will affect weight differently than one glass a day (for many reasons, but I am referring to weight loss).  Here's an article I found that someone sent to me a while back...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/03/08/us-wine-weight-idUSTRE62759S20100308

I did also read somewhere that since wine stimulates the appetite, you should only be drinking with your meals anyway, so as not to start snacking in addition to your drinking.  But, also may fill you up a bit more so, when having with dinner, you may end up eating less. I'm not sure this all makes sense, but I get it. 

Hope this helps.

Good one! I will totally twist that article to my purposes. Mmmwwaahahaha. :)

But yes, I totally get it. It breaks down to carb, right? So you have to pair it with other food, just like you would any other carb, otherwise all it does is open the gates to hell and snacking. Gotcha.

You'll get there for sure Zin.  

April is now upon us, and I'm a pound up in the end.  Not surprised.  It wasn't a good "time" to weigh myself, so I won't be discouraged.  I will, however, once again, rename my goal!

Last week was definitely a bit more productive.  Wednesday was yoga - amazing.  Thursday, I did do a TF workout.  Friday I took off because Saturday I did a 10 mile hike w/ my kids and the Boy Scout Troop.  Can you say sore?? 

Anyway, I'm signed up for yoga night to work the rest of the kinks out from Saturday's hike and have a TF plan for the rest of the week. 

Looking forward to pushing these pounds out this month - FOR REAL!

So, I did Yoga on Monday.  Unfortunately / Fortunately, it was "restorative" yoga.  This was 75 minutes of resting poses.  So, it didn't help me work out the 'kinks' I needed from Saturday's 10-miler, but WOW, what a good night's sleep I got that night! 

Tuesday ended up being work late & date night (with some exercise - TMI, I know), LOL.

Yesterday, I did a 20 minute Core, 40 minute stretch with TF.  Today is a a cardio day.  Tomorrow is a High Intensity cardio day (shorter duration, much more intense).  Hope I get out of work on time to squeeze them in! 

Latest... So, last Thursday I did the TF Fire 45 with a 10 minute stretch.  I found it very difficult for me.  My cardio skills apparently not being what they used to be.  Friday was when I did the HIIT training - hard, but went by very fast.  Saturday was "off" but Mega Laundry day so constantly up and down the stairs.  I'm not sure I've EVER done so much laundry in one day!  Sunday - Easter - off. 

This week:  Monday - yoga ~ awesomeness =).  Tuesday I did the Fire 45 again.  I got through it much, much better this week.  Today will be Core 20 Stretch 40 (assuming I can fit it into my busy afternoon/evening). 

I'll check in again soon!

Tell me about yoga awesomeness! That's great! 

Laundry is in my future, too, I can't even see the laundry room floor right now. Bleh. That has to count for activity points.

The more I spin, the more endurance I get. Have you been trying any weight training? That is kicking my butt... but in a good way!

OK.  Last week did not get the Core 20 Stretch 40 in, but did another Fire 45 on Thursday.  Saturday, took the boys on a 3.75 mile hike through town.  One of the most beautiful days ever...  ever.  Sunday, D & I rode our bikes to church.  Yesterday was a HIIT 15 Tone 30.  That was rough.  I'm gonna feel that one today.  Plan for the rest of the week is Fire 45 today, yoga tomorrow, then another Fire Thursday, HIIT on Saturday. 

So, ended up with no work out on Tuesday (sometimes that life thing gets in the way, blessed as it is).  Last night I did another amazing yoga class.  Weighed myself on Tuesday,  not happy with results, but I'll keep pushing as hard as I can for the rest of the month, and beyond, and hope to see that number go down. 

 Horray for yoga!  Are you journalling your food at all Zin?  I know that helps me so much when it comes to wanting to see results at the scale.  

This is almost a joke at this point.  My work has me sooooo crazy, I just can't get to exercise.  I've been loving my yoga classes at the studio, and have 2 left in my groupon. 

I did however sign up for yoga classes through the town parks & rec program.  Had our first one last week, and I couldn't stop giggling the whole end of class.  It was different than what I'm used to. 

One day, I'll succeed at this, I just don't when I'll start at this point.  I'm thinking maybe I have to walk in the a.m. just to do something.