Feeling the burn....

As a continuation of my last blog...I took on Day 2 of my Wii Zumba party.  Whew!  One hour and 7 minutes of insanity!!!  I burned 1104 calories and LOVED it.  I didn't love it while I was doing it.  I thought I was going to vomit at around the 43 minute mark.  That avatar was kicking my ass and she knew it.  But what a great feeling when I finished.  With legs like noodles and sweat falling off me like water off an overwatered plant....I planned the next event.

I am part of a "Loser" competition with my co-workers.  There are 38 of us competing for the title of "Loser"...and the competition is quite fierce.  Most of us eat together during the lunch hour, which is nice; I am able to see what the competition is up to, and of course offer them some nice cream filled dainties or frozen cream snacks at the end of their salads.  Some call me a saboteur, whatever, I call it GAME PLAY.

Regardless of my antics, I am fascinated with people's diets/regimes/plans.  Mine isn't all that exciting - eat less and move more.  I have seen "the cabbage soup diet", weight watchers, no flour/no sugar, those fat burning pills, high protein/low carb and the list goes on.  They have more will power than I.
I have tried a few of those plans in the past.  The worked, but had no longevity.  I needed to make a lifesytle change, something that will last forever.

So, as part of my "moving" program I have incorporated a couple of more things into my week.  I'd like to do Zumba ALL of the time - but I am sure to sicken myself of it before too long.  I use the T-Zone machine - it's pretty cool to do....I would imagine that it's not very cool to watch.....ME standing on the machine shaking at about 90kms/hr....there's not a whole lotta control for the body parts that aren't taut and toned....if you catch my drift.

And my other new activity is the laundry-steeplechase-marathon.  Rather than plunking all of the laundry into a big basket and hauling it up the stairs to the respective rooms....I take two or three atricles at a time - run them up the stairs, put them away and run back down.   Given that the house is a vertible laundry factory, the marathon aspect holds true.

Well, all that being said - I'm about a week and half in - and down 6lbs.  Ahh....still in the honeymoon phase....let's see what next week will bring :)

WHAT???? I'm Fat??????????

So.  New Year's day has come and gone but people are still buzzing about RESOLUTIONS.  Barf.  I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions.  One should be able to resolve whenever they want to or need to.  As it turns out.....this year I NEED to make a resolution or two NOW. 

I weighed myself.  Not cool.  So I went on this cool website, plugged in my height, weight, age blah blah blah....THEY told me that I am OBESE.  Not overweight, not pleasantly plump, not ideal....but OBESE.  Screw them, must be a sham.  So I went to another site.   NOPE.  Not a sham.  The other site was just as rude.  Man, the truth hurts. 

So, I AM FAT.  I don't think I am fat.  I think I'm quite HOT.  BUT, the scales don't lie.  And apparently, neither do these evil calculating websites.  This is it.  I weigh....A LOT......my goal weight is about 50lbs less than A LOT.  I have a plan.  It will work.  Over the course of the next few months I will be blogging on my journey to my ideal weight.  Anyone care to join me?

For Christmas, I requested from Santa (knowing that I was not naughty and would get what I asked for) a copy of Zumba for the Wii.  Yesterday I fired it up.  I created my profile - put on the belt - moved some furniture - and DANCED!  Thank God no one was watching.  I love dancing and I love Zumba, but seriously....I DO NOT have the moves like Jagger.  I shook my booty until it hurt.  A one hour dance off - just me and the Wii.  I burned 994 calories.  NOT BAD.  I think I can get used to this.

This morning, I am sore.  Yesterday's 994 calorie burn hurts.  But alas, I have made the pledge to improve and gosh-darnit-all I WILL do it.  I will be dancing again today.  Tomorrow I will be shaking up a storm on the T-zone. 

I have resolved to lose weight before and I didn't do it.  I have been hovering around the same weight for years.  I am content.  THAT is the problem.  I'm getting older, and NOW is the time to make the changes. 

I have admitted that I have a problem.  I am taking steps to improve on the situation - for me and for my loved ones.  Day 2 - I am coming for you.  LOOK OUT!!!

I will post in a week - let you know how I'm making out.

You asked….Why am I so pretty?

Prettiness is a matter of perception.  It’s defined as “pleasing to look at”.  So that being said, PRETTY to you may not be the same as PRETTY to me.  I think you are pretty. 

There are a number of factors that influence the admirer.  Personality and attitude being the key players of influence.  A good example of such is the song by the Nothern Pikes, that came out years ago – “She ain’t pretty, she just looks that way”……to the passers-by you may look down right gorgeous, but once they get to know the demon within – the true colors show.

Now, I am not saying that this is you. You are pretty inside and out.  :)

Genes also play a role in determining how one will look, but not always how you would think.  How many have you run across over the years that are UGLY but have beautiful parents…..or better still, the really good looking ones with um, not so pleasant looking parents….HOW does that happen??????? I wonder how many hundreds of thousands were spent over the years trying to figure that out......hmmmmm

Luck of the draw I guess.  Boy are we lucky!!!I guess that’s why we are drawn together….and that brings me to the next question – why can’t I stay away from TK?  It’s a well known fact that people are drawn to those who are pleasing to the eye…..it’s the Pied Piper effect….so it’s not your fault you can’t stay away from her – it’s a like a gravitational pull. Take a look around – most of the world leaders are fine looking.  People tend to believe in, trust, and value the opinions of the better looking.  Is it RIGHT?  Not really….but it is what it is….that’s what makes us human.

Don’t fight it – you will be happier that way.

Have you checked your girls lately?

Well, as a matter of fact, I have.  I wasn't going to tell the masses about it, but .....since you asked.....
I check all the time, a bit obsessive maybe, but I am a CHECKER.  Now, there are a number of ways that you can get the job done - in the shower, in the bed, on the sofa, in the backyard (not recommended if you don't have a fence - some people's neighbours aren't as cool as mine), just about anywhere really.....BUT - if you are really paying attention to THE GIRLS - you need to take a good look at them...get to know them.  Don't be embarassed or ashamed....these are YOUR boobies...just as unique and beautiful as your eyes or your lips.  Now phase two; how do they feel?  I like using the circular motion - but you can use the grid (up and down), or the clock (not my fave....too much thinking, then I lose track of where I am....just takes the fun out of it all together).  Now if you were to follow all of the RULES, you would check them standing up and laying down, and while you are looking at them......NOT ME....I'm a rule breaker from way back.  I check all the time, so I break it up a bit......at least once on month in the shower, and once while laying down.....and again while Mother Nature makes her visit......mostly because I have nothing better to do *wink* *wink*.
As mentioned in an earlier blog, I embrace wholeheartedly the importance of maintaining breast health.  It's no different than the effort you put into your teeth.....proper maintainence will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.  AND, if you need even more reason to look after your TAA TAAs....reward yourself with a new bra everytime you get the job done.......YOU deserve it.

Have you lost weight?

Man, that is a LOADED question.  Loaded in the sense....that dependant upon my mood - the response can be loaded with all kinds are sarcasm and nastiness.  As we all know, I am involved in a "Biggest Loser" type contest - where the goal is to lose weight.  So to answer the question directly - YES I have lost weight - not as much as I could have or should have, but a loss nonetheless.  Now....for the rant...
"have you lost weight?" is a dangerous question - no matter if you are asking a man or woman.  To ask the question implies that the QUESTIONER feels that the QUESTIONEE has weight to lose.  Most people have weight to lose.  And they likely KNOW that they have weight to lose - but it's their dirty little secret - deep down they are are hoping that no one notices the few extra pounds, that no one notices the little muffin tops peeking out over their jeans, and then they are EXPOSED - "have you lost weight?".  *gasp* - the dirty little secret is not that secret is it???? 
Now, for the QUESTIONEE - there's no malice intended.  Asking the question is just an ice breaker - a compliment really.  What they are intending to say is - "hmmmm...you are looking good - trim and svelte - keep up the good work!"  But asking if you have lost weight is easier - puts the onus on the QUESTIONEE to divulge information and saves the QUESTIONER from having to dish out a true compliment.  An issue that will be exposed in a later Blog - Our generation's complete inability to compliment and share positive energy with one another.
So - in the end - be careful.  Weight is a VERY sensitive issue for a lot of people - regardless of their perceived level of fitness and confidence.  Try some general compliments - "wow, you are looking great" - is perfect.....your friend will get the message that you noticed an improvement, he/she will feel a little better, you will have passed your message along - Win win!  BUT - if this doesn't work for you...try this "thought you were on a diet? you're still pretty chunky..."  Let me know how you make out..... ;)

Have you ever been to one of "those" parties?

LMAO! Really?  I played coy at first....maybe she didn't know.  It is that time of year that people start hosting their "home" parties.  There's something for everyone out there - cleaning products, candles, home decor, smelly things, pretty things.....and THOSE things.  She was truely disgusted at the thought/idea of someone coming into her friends home with "EEEEKKKK" SEX toys!  She was appalled that her friend could do such a thing.  I am chomping at the bit to confess.....but I can't.....not yet.  She rants on and on about how she "would never be caught" at such a party - and then she says - really Tara, could you go to one of THOSE parties.....
I then EXPLODED!  I was grinning from ear to ear, giggling like a child when I said - I used to be a comsultant for THOSE parties.  And quite frankly, I LOVED it!  And part of me would like to get back into it.
She almost died.  I know her heart stopped a little... "open mouth - insert foot" LOL!!!!!  She stuttered and stammered, not knowing what to say.  I spoke.  I explained the TRUTH about THOSE parties.  The "toys" are part of the program - but they are not the main event.  The WOMAN is the main event.  Most come in to these parties out of curiosity.....or coersion from their buddies....
But once they get there and see the fellowship, the beauty products, the candles, the lingerie, and the toys.  They talk to others who also have the temptation to ALLOW themselves to be as sexy, beautiful, alluring, desirable, and satisfied......they FEEL....some of them FEEL for the first time in years if ever.....that they CAN be EVERYTHING they want to be.  That they can be a MOM, and be a Lover.  They learn that the toys and products aren't being sold to replace their lovers - but to enhance their relationships - buy improving communication and confidence.
THOSE parties may not be for everyone - but they certainly deserve an open mind.  And for the record - she will be attending the party - and I quote "REALLY? I had no idea!".  I'm sure she will have a blast!

How do you say "no" when you don't know how to say "no"?

Well, spring is upon us - and with spring comes the impending wedding season.  I know it's not really a "season" per se, but it seems at this time of year the plotting and planning of nuptuals is epidemic. That being said it is also the time of year that all of the "good friends" out there must plan their budgets and vacation schedules to accomodate the love birds.  Seems quiite simple doesn't it?  But it's not.  As much as it is an honor to be chosen to be a member of the Bridal party - it is a huge committment - emotionally, financially, and physically.  It's not just about "the big day" - there are a number of lead up events - showers, planning sessions, stag parties, decorations, attire, speeches, meeting the extended family.....it goes on and on.....the Bride and the Groom can become very needy and controlling creatures as "the last day of their lives as they know it" quickly approaches.
SO - this brings us to the question at hand....how do you decline the request to be part of the party?  It's tough to say "no"; but in fairness to the Couple - you must be honest with them.  It's a huge committment.  IF you can't afford it, IF can't make time necessary to be an effective member of the party, IF you have "issues" in your own life that are being dealt with, or IF you are simply not comfortably being part of the "head table" - you must tell the truth.  It's going to suck - BAD.  Your buddy will be miffed, and will offer you several solutions - but you must stick to your guns if you DO NOT want the job.  If the friendship is a true one - you will be forgiven.  Just make sure you get them a GREAT gift!
Now, if the above reasons don't cover your issue - you will have to do some fancy dancing.  If you don't like one of the marrying parties, or if you don't agree with the union - you may have to tell a white lie to get out of it.  Telling the WHOLE truth is a whole new kettle of fish.
A Bride or Groom will be more understanding than you would expect.  They will be a little hurt; but in the end - they know how much time and effort is going necessary - and they will want the best help that they can get.  You don't have to be part of the PARTY to be a great friend - and there are plenty of other ways that you can still be part of their special day.
Hope this helps.....thanks for your questions! :)