Casa Del Sol- Phoenix Rising

[solstice]

Figured it was time to start a journal in here Casa Del Sol means 'House of the Sun' a nod to my handle, Solstice. Phoenix Rising is in reference to the mythological creature that transforms itself from its own ashes. Right now I'm transforming myself out of mine.

I've got a solid meal plan and gym schedule and I'm rolling along nicely. Yesterday I went to the gym- had a great workout- did an aqua class as well as swam laps. (I'm a water baby- love it!) The water makes cardio with my lymphedema a non-issue. If I'm walking etc. for cardio I run into problems with my affected leg, so I've let that get me off track far too often. Now that I've switched gyms it's not going to be something I allow to mess me up anymore. If I have a bad day with the leg, I'll just do laps. Easy peasy. Weights have never been an issue- I enjoy those- but I'm waiting for my doc's clearance before I can start in on them there. (My gym is fab- it was voted best in the city- but it's hospital affiliated so it requires doc clearance if one has any sort of medical issue- and with the lymphedema and hypothyroidism, they want me to get a note.) I've been using my DBs here along with exercise ideas from this site and a few books I have until I can get in Thursday for my appt.

The meal plan is going well- day 2 of my 1800 cal clean eating plan that I posted for commentary. I need to find a new salad blend- but other than that- I'm loving it. Definately not hungry in the slightest LOL!

I took 'before' pics the other night and OMGS. (Makes crazy face).

So- here I am.

[solstice]

Well, looks as if I need to find another aquatic option- the aqua class is far too easy. I ended up ducking out of the class into the lap lane. Used to be when I'd go, they had all age ranges and weight and fitness ranges because the classes were phenomenal- but this particular class just isn't cutting it. So- I'll try the other one on Thurs. and will pick up something else on M, W, F for the one I had schedulled.

They have some other options at different times/days- I've got Thursdays already on my roster. I think I'm going to switch up my cardio M, W, F with half swimming laps and half on the treadmill. I want to start getting my leg used to lots of walking (sometimes that works- sometimes it doesn't with the lymphedema) so this way I can start off on the treadmill and if it starts bothering me just throw on my suit and hit the lap lanes.

Docs appt is tomorrow so I can finally play with the fun toys at the gym Friday when I bring in my paperwork

Next Friday starts ballroom dancing lessons for hubby and I- that should be fun And then Tues. the 15th I start Tai Chi. I'm excited about those

[solstice]

So far so good- 3lbs down and going strong.

The meal plan is working out great, the gym is wonderful (I look forward to the 'me time' ) and now that I have my doc's note, I'm good to go to play with the rest of the machines etc.

I meet with my personal trainer Tuesday morning to get me into the system (they have a great computer program that you can set up a workout series and it tracks you through the machines etc. it's pretty nifty)

Today I picked up some great new gym shoes at New Balance. With the lymphedema it's hard finding good shoes, and good gym shoes are a MUST- I want to condition my leg so that I can do a 5K this fall.

[buttercup963]

Hi there,

Really pleased you have started a journal, before I started mine I used to workouts as when I felt like it, but its a huge motivator,
Well done for losing 3lbs, thats fantastic progress already, before pictures are really good, I hate my before pictures, I have no shape at all so I am hoping in 4 weeks I would have done something!
I look forward to keeping up with your progress, good luck with your goals!

By the way, I would love to do ballroom dancing but I am a tinky 5'1 and fiancee is 6'2 so we look kinda funny! :-)

[solstice]

Thanks!

Yeah- I have lots of 'before' pics- (Usin' em to scare away the door to door evangelists right now) KIDDING!!!

I'm going to enter a couple of transformation contests... I'm just not posting the pics publically -just- yet LOL (Cringe!)

Hey- it's no worse than me bein 5'5" and DH bein 6'8"! I love the height, but sometimes it can be a little awkward! *chuckle*

Originally Posted by buttercup852

Hi there,

Really pleased you have started a journal, before I started mine I used to workouts as when I felt like it, but its a huge motivator,
Well done for losing 3lbs, thats fantastic progress already, before pictures are really good, I hate my before pictures, I have no shape at all so I am hoping in 4 weeks I would have done something!
I look forward to keeping up with your progress, good luck with your goals!

By the way, I would love to do ballroom dancing but I am a tinky 5'1 and fiancee is 6'2 so we look kinda funny! :-)

[amj0883]

Ooohh I love me a tall man

I can't wait to see the tranformation pics - keep up the hard work!

[buttercup963]

Crikey your hubby is 6'8? Wow that is so tall!
That would be fab if your are going to enter transformation contests!
If you dont feel comfortable posting them then thats ok keep them for yourself, it will still be a motivator for you, I am thinking of posting some in my journal rather than on my bodyspace, not to sure yet but ether way we are all here for the same reason, to make ourselves feel better and live healthy. What are your goals at the moment? Do you have a timescale for your goals aswell?

[solstice]

Originally Posted by amj0883

Ooohh I love me a tall man

I can't wait to see the tranformation pics - keep up the hard work!

Thanks!

Yeah- he's tall allright! (LOL) I LOVE standin next to him And he's got the VanDyke goatee type thing goin on... Even after 10 years bein married to him he still gets the pulse goin

[solstice]

Yep- I've got my eye on two of them (contests). Even if I don't win, it's great motivation to keep my ass in gear! Just like some of the ladies around here do the contests and say it keeps them motivated (I bet! Standin on stage in three square inches of sequined fabric is a mighty strong motivator! LOL!) Someday maybe!

Right now my goals are to get down to 140-145 and then assess where I want to go from there. I have a timeline all mapped out and I'm right on schedule so far I have my three month projection with a 2.5lb loss for each week (average). So- (and here's where my OCD organizational self kicks in LOL)

April 7- 232.5
April 14- 230
April 21- 227.5
April 28th 225

I'm OCD with the organizing- but I'm also realistic with the goals- I understand that any number of things can cause a stall (including muscle gain etc.) so I'm looking at the overall *trend* and won't be (too ) disappointed if I don't make those so long as I'm seeing steady progress overall and am giving it my best

The end of my 3 month goal has me at 202.5 (June 30th)

And- two MAJOR goals- under 200 at the end of July and at 175 for our 11th Anniversary and trip to Vegas (end of November)

Originally Posted by buttercup852

Crikey your hubby is 6'8? Wow that is so tall!
That would be fab if your are going to enter transformation contests!
If you dont feel comfortable posting them then thats ok keep them for yourself, it will still be a motivator for you, I am thinking of posting some in my journal rather than on my bodyspace, not to sure yet but ether way we are all here for the same reason, to make ourselves feel better and live healthy. What are your goals at the moment? Do you have a timescale for your goals aswell?

[freebirdmac]

You've done awesome so far; cleaning up the diet, getting an exercise plan in order, setting goals, taking progress pictures, and now starting a journal. That is most definitely a recipe for success!

[buttercup963]

Ooooooh holiday at the end of november to vegas? Thats great, so thats about 7 months away....so thats about a loss of 70lbs if your on track and with an average of 4 weeks per month. That would be absolutely amazing wouldnt it?
I am so excited about following your journal with you! I am not to good on the advice on nutrition but I will be supporting you and motivating you every step!

[solstice]

Thanks!

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

You've done awesome so far; cleaning up the diet, getting an exercise plan in order, setting goals, taking progress pictures, and now starting a journal. That is most definitely a recipe for success!

[solstice]

Yep We try to get out there as often as we can- it's a fun place.

Yeah! It's going to be awesome! I've got my eye on a cute dress I want for the trip too

It's nice knowing that there are people around here to help cheer me on (((Thanks)))

Originally Posted by buttercup852

Ooooooh holiday at the end of november to vegas? Thats great, so thats about 7 months away....so thats about a loss of 70lbs if your on track and with an average of 4 weeks per month. That would be absolutely amazing wouldnt it?
I am so excited about following your journal with you! I am not to good on the advice on nutrition but I will be supporting you and motivating you every step!

[solstice]

Today was a cardio day- I split up my walking- I was getting bored on the treadmill so I grabbed the kids out of the childcare room, (they were outside playing which was nice- another reason I LOVE my gym!) and I tossed the bags in the van and took us all to the park where we walked the trails through the woods. The kids had a blast- I got a nice walk in- and even did a bit of running (which is something I am SO not up for in a packed gym just yet LOL!) But out on the trails where it's just me and the munchkins I'll take off and sprint like nobody's business LOL! (Let the squirrels laugh!)

Kids got nice and tired out- they're napping now and I'm enjoying a nice big salad with grilled chicken. Yum- O!

Tomorrow I have a meeting with my trainer to get me set up on the weights and into the system- I'm really looking forward to that. I want to have an idea of what I want to be doing- so I'm writing up a plan for myself today to show her tomorrow, then we can discuss and put the finishing touches on it. I want to start out with an hour long full body routine (after some of the gals around here said they did their best weight loss with total body lifting workouts I figure I'll give that a whirl for awhile. I was doing a 3 day split with my last trainer- but I'm open to anything )

So that's where things stand today- more to come tomorrow! (Same bat time, same bat channel )

[vanillabn]

Good luck with the trainer! That's exciting you'll be getting a routine down. Walking outside is a nice break from the treadmill, that's for sure! Good job fitting that in...

[solstice]

*Fume* OK so I schedulled my appt. with my trainer today- went over the time requirement three times with the chick doing the schedulling- saying the childcare room had to be open when I went in. I get there at 8am this morning and it's closed. Apparantly it doesn't open till 9. Now- yes- I -should- have known this- but being new to this gym, and not having it written down and memorized yet, and assuming the *staff* there knew its hours- I was pretty perturbed when I get there and find out it was a mostly wasted trip. I *was* able to chat with her for a bit- went over my prospective routine, handed in my paperwork from the doc- but still- I'm pissed that I couldn't stick around for a workout. It would have been an hour until it opened so staying until then wasn't an option (can't entertain the heathens THAT long LOL)

SO today is dumbbell day in my livingroom instead. *sigh*

[buttercup963]

Oh sorry to hear your fisrt day didnt go to plan, thats a shame, but hey its one day out of the rest of your live, and now that you know, it will be alot better, stay positive and focused, you would think the staff would know when they'll facilities are open wouldnt you really? lol!
When are you next off to the gym?
Hope you ok

[solstice]

(((Thanks)))

I'm heading up definately tomorrow for my deep water class and may throw in today as well (hubby is home and we're getting ready for the in laws so it depends on how long it takes to get things done around here ) I got in some cardio yesterday and some lifting with my DBs- I just wanted to be in the system at the gym and all set up. I have an appt. next Tuesday for that, (when the kid room IS open LOL) but- now that my paperwork is turned in technically I can just go up and turn myself loose on the equipment- so I'll just do that.

I was more irritated yesterday because it was a wasted trip- had to get up early and get everyone up, fed, dressed, packed up- and the kids were so excited to be going up there (they -adore- that gym) and then (after reminding the staff member THREE times the appt. had to be when the place was open) WHAP- they're closed *scream* I can get a workout in here (not as fun a set up- but eh- you'll have that ) but they were SO bummed! (knowing that they love it there so much gives me great incentive to get ME up there LOL!

I know I'll be getting some good cardio in today though- we're cleaning out the garage and fixing a fence and some other projects that need doing

And- if I have the garage cleaned out- I can carve out a space to put a heavy boxing bag.... (Wicked evil grins) I've always wanted one of those. Already have a set of gloves and wraps- just need something to pound on now LOL!

Originally Posted by buttercup852

Oh sorry to hear your fisrt day didnt go to plan, thats a shame, but hey its one day out of the rest of your live, and now that you know, it will be alot better, stay positive and focused, you would think the staff would know when they'll facilities are open wouldnt you really? lol!
When are you next off to the gym?
Hope you ok

[amj0883]

A boxing bag - woo hoo- talk about getting some aggrestion out!

Oh that would be such fun

[solstice]

Originally Posted by amj0883

A boxing bag - woo hoo- talk about getting some aggrestion out!

Oh that would be such fun

OH yeah I am REALLY wantin one of those- it'd definately relieve alot of tension *ahhhhh*

[solstice]

Tonight is our first night of ballroom dancing lessons! I'm so excited! I can't believe he (hubby) consented to do this! LOL!

Tuesday (the 15th) starts my Tai Chi classes... Can't WAIT!

This weekend is going to be busy- the inlaws will be out for a visit- but I'm going to make it a point to either get out and walk the trails in the park or get to the gym and hit the treadmill. I have "family food" made- a chicken casserole and a breakfast casserole- (quick and easy for them to just heat up and enjoy) and I'm just going to make my own stuff. Saturday will be easy- hubby and I are going out for dinner and I know I can easily get a great piece of grilled chicken and a fabulous salad and grilled veggies. No worries there.

Next week's schedule-

M- 10-11:30- (15min treadmill, 60min weight training, 15min treadmill) Abs!

T- 9:30 Personal Trainer appt., 10:30-11:30- Tai Chi

W- 10-11:30- (15min treadmill, 60min weight training, 15min treadmill) Abs!

T- 9:30-10:15- Deep Water Aerobics (this class kicks your ass Competitive swimmers take it and are beat afterward LOL) I can keep up with most anyone in the water classes though- I love water workouts Maybe it's cuz I'm a Pisces

F- 10-11:30- (15min treadmill, 60min weight training, 15min treadmill) Abs!

S- Recreational activity- (walk in park with kids, etc.)

S- Gym- treadmill (time dependant on how leg is doing- go as long as I can.)

__________________________________________________ ______________

For my M, W, F workouts I may do my weight training and skip the treadmill in favor of the pools lap lane depending on how the lymphedema is doing. Either way- I'm doing 30-45min of cardio. Doesn't really matter how I get it- although I do want to work up my time on the treadmill because I want to do a 5k this fall.

I may start ducking back to the gym some evenings rather than doing cardio just before or just after my lifting. I like the water classes for cardio but the ones in the morning are too easy for me- the deep water classes are more my style and they only have one in the early part of the day during the week. So I'm experimenting with what fits best into my schedule.

[buttercup963]

Wow really hectic and busy schedule there! Well done, thats loads more than I do, puts me to shame! lol!

You sound full of enthusiasm aswell which is brilliant, let me know how the ballroom dancing was! Might get my OH signed up to something like that!

[solstice]

I have a lot further to go than you do hon- so I pretty much HAVE to do more And with the PCOS and hypothyroidism my metabolism *sucks* LOL So a few more hurdles to overcome there too. Everyone just does what they have to do. For better or worse- this is what I have to do. Just consider yourself blessed/lucky that you *don't* have to do all this LOL!

Yeah- it's hectic and busy- but the kids enjoy it- gives them changes of scenery and other kiddos to play with- so it's good all around Much better than just hangin out here all day (We all get stir crazy when we do that too many days in a row LOL!)

I'll definately post updates on the ballroom dancing. Hell I might even get PICS LOL! (Probably not tonight- but one of these weeks LOL) I gotta have PROOF that he did this LOL!

[solstice]

Today was my first day of Tai Chi- it was great! Not a cardio or strength workout- but it's a fun activity that I can enjoy- the stress relieving properties alone are well worth it

I went through the upper body machines with my trainer- Thursday we're going to do lower body machines- and get me set up in the system (it's great- it gets entered into the computer and it saves my seat settings- my last weights used- and I can change the program as I increase weights.) She was impressed- she said I was pretty strong. I had her increase my weight settings (some even double LOL) on everything we set me up on LOL

I don't plan to stick solely to the machines- but I do love the computer set up- it's a great way to keep track of everything. I scrapped the triceps machine right off the bat- it just didn't feel right- so I'm using the cables and DBs instead.

Tonight I am going to really sit down and make a regular grocery list- I realize that I've about tripled our normal grocery budget since I've started being strict with eating clean LOL So I want to get a standard list and stop grabbing 'a little of this, a little of that' because it's adding up

Ah well- better it be adding up out of my wallet than adding up on my thighs

[vanillabn]

Originally Posted by solstice

Tonight I am going to really sit down and make a regular grocery list- I realize that I've about tripled our normal grocery budget since I've started being strict with eating clean LOL So I want to get a standard list and stop grabbing 'a little of this, a little of that' because it's adding up

Ah well- better it be adding up out of my wallet than adding up on my thighs

Oh, I definitely hear you on this... my grocery bill has gone up SO much! I think a lot of it comes down to making that regular list, rather than taking tiny little trips and getting whatever you want (which I always tend to do)! Good luck with that!

[amj0883]

LOL - I love that...I'd much rather add to any bill over my thighs...hehehehe!!

The machines will be a great start to help with form, etc...then you can move to the free weights once you get comfy!!

I hear it takes a certain personality to like Tai Chi. What do you think?

[solstice]

Originally Posted by amj0883

LOL - I love that...I'd much rather add to any bill over my thighs...hehehehe!!

The machines will be a great start to help with form, etc...then you can move to the free weights once you get comfy!!

I hear it takes a certain personality to like Tai Chi. What do you think?

I work with DBs here at the house- I'm certainly not afraid of the free weights- but yeah- some of the machines are alot more... secure for me right now

I don't know about the 'certain personality' bit for Tai Chi... I think it's for anyone really... For me- I love the meditative properties- it's a moving meditation- very tranquil- calming... I think it almost forces you to quiet your mind, in that the movements aren't very fast- so if you have to be constantly entertained and can't settle down enough to enjoy being in the moment- then I think one would have a hard time with Tai Chi- but other than that.... I think that anyone could really get into it...

[buttercup963]

Originally Posted by solstice

Tonight I am going to really sit down and make a regular grocery list- I realize that I've about tripled our normal grocery budget since I've started being strict with eating clean LOL So I want to get a standard list and stop grabbing 'a little of this, a little of that' because it's adding up

Ah well- better it be adding up out of my wallet than adding up on my thighs

This happens to me aswell you know, I will do my shopping and try to make as much of it as healthy as I can and it comes to double the cost??? Mind you I think when you buy it and always have it in you wont notice, but yeah I am finding the same thing happening!
Glad you enjoyed tai chi, I really want to start getting in to some sort of class, might check it out actually.
Hope your doing ok.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by buttercup852

This happens to me aswell you know, I will do my shopping and try to make as much of it as healthy as I can and it comes to double the cost??? Mind you I think when you buy it and always have it in you wont notice, but yeah I am finding the same thing happening!
Glad you enjoyed tai chi, I really want to start getting in to some sort of class, might check it out actually.
Hope your doing ok.

It's scary! And trying to get a family of 4 eating clean? Eeeeek! My bank account is scared! LOL!

Tai Chi is great! In a couple/few months I want to take up Hapkido or Kung fu as well (More of a workout)

Check out Zumba if you get a chance- it looks AWESOME- more like a dance party than a workout class I'm checking out an intro class tomorrow

[buttercup963]

Hi, hows it going? You've not added to our journal for a few days, just checking up on you