Determined To Succeed

Hey there, crew! How are you? (I’m a poet and didn’t know it)

It’s Saturday and I have decided that my brain needs a break from writing sometimes, even if it’s just one day a week. So, starting with this Fourth of July holiday weekend, I will be doing one weekend post to cover Saturdays and Sundays while still maintaining the daily Monday through Friday weight loss blog. My brain just needs a break from writing because I am just tired. Doing my awesome martial arts class is just that, awesome. However, I must have some time to re-juice the batteries, too, mentally and physically. I am, after all, human.

And speaking of my martial arts class, it continues to rock. I have started altering my tricep dips so that the work is being done by my arms exclusively instead of both arms and legs. Ouch!!! Wow, those 20 were hard. Hard, also, is shadowboxing for a three minute mixed round. Kicks, punches, foot movement…it takes a lot out of you but it is so worth it. I am already seeing some definition in the muscles in my arms and back (so cool). There is a saying in the facility that I look at when I arrive and when I leave – “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” It is so right. As with weight loss, skill, precision in movement, toning and definition won’t happen overnight and I can’t wait to see where I am in a few months. Again, if you want to try this stuff please consult with your doctor and/or find a fitness program that’s good for you to begin.

As I ease on down the brick road of this holiday weekend I am also trying to eat better, too. Eating grilled foods instead of fried. Fruit instead of candy. Water instead of pop (or if you’re not from the Midwest, soda). I desperately want to have July be THE month I finally lose the last ten pounds I need to lose to get back to my goal weight, understanding I am building muscle at the same time which is heavier than fat. So we will see and I will keep you posted.

My blog today is rather, well, bloggy, isn’t it? It feels random because it is random. Again, my brain is only firing on, like, two-and-a-half cylinders and needs to re-juice. Hell, I even just inappropriately used the word “like” in a sentence. This summer rambling I am doing is simply fitting for a lazy holiday weekend. Things remain the status quo, which is good. I continue to do some of my martial arts “homework,” which is also good. Most of all, I take a deep breath and admire the clear blue sky (something we all need to do from time to time, especially in weight loss).

I guess, my friends this entry is the equivalent to seeing each and every one of you at a BBQ. You know, you grab a (hopefully recyclable) cup from a table, belly up to the drink station, pour yourself something over ice and catch up with a few friends, talking about everything and nothing. If I have to be “on the clock,” as it were, and talk about weight loss I would just say to think about two things:

1) Control your portions.
2) Know that one day of eating isn’t going to derail your weight loss journey. Just get back into your healthier routine Monday.

Those two things, plus the tips on my homepage, should help you get through this and any holiday situation. In the meantime, let’s be “off the clock,” sit a spell, catch up on things and enjoy the fireworks together as we celebrate freedom and independence (always tipping a hat to our service women and men who give their all every day – sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice – so we can enjoy silly things like cookouts and enjoy lazy holiday weekends).

That’s all. Happy 4th of July, everyone. Take care and I will check back in with you on Monday.