Weigh-in Wednesday: Friday

07/27/2011

I weighed in on Wednesday, but this is the first time I have had a chance to sit down and write. What a week I tell ya! I’m getting ready for BlogHer next week and it has been a touch of chaos in my office. What is BlogHer you ask? Just about one of the coolest conferences ever for us bloggers – look for my blog post about it in a couple days. I am so freaking excited to go, and it doesn’t hurt that it is in San Diego! Ordered new cute blogging business cards, a twitter nametag, and have a new blog skin about to be pushed out. Whew, what a week!

I bet you are wondering if I have kept up my yoga routine? I have!!! I went to yoga 5 of the last 7 days and to make up for the 2 days I missed, I did double ups. Yes, you read that right – 3 hours of yoga for 2 days! It was intense. This Yoga Core class that Blissful Yoga has seriously was one of the toughest things I have ever done. My abs still hurt and the class was on Monday! For all of those that think yoga is just about light stretching has not gone to these intense classes before. I’m so excited that Filtrete is sponsoring Waterfront Yoga at BlogHer and that I am able to attend! We have Matthew Reyes, celebrity trainer to stars Reese Witherspoon and Brooke Shields, to lead us through our Sun Salutations – yay!

I don’t know about you, but when I am super stressed I can get very crabby. I’m actually slightly depressed right now and just can’t shake it. Feels like everything I try to do I keep coming up against roadblocks. Normally, I push through them and all is good. But every now and then, I just need to walk away and regroup. I’m really looking forward to some mind-clearing walks on the beach… 5 days away and counting.

Weight Loss

Lost 2 pounds – Was ecstatic to see this.

What I Did Right This Week:

• Eating fresh strawberries and apples for snacks
• Ate a lot of spinach. An insane amount.
• Did Yoga 5 days, 7 classes total
• Went on a 4-mile training walk
• Meditated each morning
• Drank a lot of tea – enjoying Earl Grey Tea at the moment

What I Did Wrong This Week:

• Drank Pepsi 4x. It’s like crack.
• Had some yummy ice cream
• Didn’t eat enough lean proteins

Goals For This Week:

• Do 7 more days of the 40-Day Yoga Challenge at Blissful Yoga
• Cook at home 3x
• Be in the moment when I eat and workout
• Workout 2x, walk 20 miles, yoga 7x
• Meditate every morning

My intention for last week was Good Thoughts. I actually did this! I checked myself and every time I thought something negative about someone, I thought back to my intention and then wondered if something else could be going on in their lives to do whatever it was that they were doing. I empathized more! It is hard to do for sure, but try it. Think good thoughts about people even when they are in the process of annoying you. Spread the love!

My intention for this week is Structure. I have a lot to accomplish in the next few days so I must focus and structure my time accordingly. I do like some structure to my day and need to see how to use this tool correctly. I’m also working on structure in my professional life – more guidelines written down, best practices used, and good ways to improve how I communicate. What has the most structure in your life or is it a little 4-letter word to you?

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Weigh-in Wednesday: Just Say YES

4/13/2011

Have you ever just said “yes” instead of automatically saying “no”? This last week I really stepped out of my comfort zone a few times. First off, I went dancing. Yes you read that right. Usually I am too self-conscious to get out there and shake my groove thang. Well when my girl Jackie starts to dance, (she is an awesome dance choreographer btw) someone has to go out on that dance floor and push all the boys off of her! Here I am at a Scottsdale dance club, not caring at all about what I look like and having the time of my life. I had SO much fun! Can’t wait to do that again. Jackie reminded me that I also let my hair down at the Oscar Party we went to and danced so much that I injured the nerve in my foot that took weeks to heal. I forgot how liberating it can be to just relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about other people’s perceptions of you. Lesson learned!

The next night, @justchrisbyrd and @aclevergirl threw the infamous #dbsparty where you had to dress up. Honestly, I am not the Dress-Up-Kind-Of-Girl, but I did. I actually even won a medal for my costume! Sorry, no pictures were allowed to be taken Let’s just say – can’t wait until the next one! I have also been saying yes to guys who ask me out. Now my date on Monday was for the record books on what a guy should NOT do or say on a date, but man did it give me fodder for Twitter for the day. It was THAT bad. I also finally said yes when a friend, who has supported me through some tough times, asked me out on a date . We shall see on this one, curious as to the outcome for sure. I’m actually allowing myself to be optimistic without prejudgment. Ok – there is a tad of prejudgment, but I’m working on it!

Why don’t you try it this week – just say YES. Say yes to that new project, say yes when your partner wants to try something new, say yes to that internal voice that wants you to get out and live. Just say yes.

I had quite a few people who wanted me to finish my 37 While 37 list – so here goes. This will e the complete list. Seriously – which one are you going to do with me?

1. Lose 30 pounds this year – hey, it’s what Weigh-In Wednesday is all about!
2. Honor my friendships and be the great friend and confidant that also brings out my amazing nurturing side.
3. Be more communicative with my family and work on those relationships that are sometimes the hardest to understand. This would bring be great peace.
4. Go skydiving!
5. Ireland. Enough said. Cliffs of Moher are calling and so are my ancestors to have a pint of Guinness.
6. New York – I must meet you this year. I’ve heard good things about you. Plus, I have lots of great friends there that need some big hugs from me.
7. Figure out how to put bait on my own fishing pole and catch me some Bass. Or Walleye. Just not catfish
8. Declutter my house and declutter my life. This would be a huge accomplishment for me.
9. Learn to not care what others think about me and value my opinion of me above all others.
10. Create a money budget and get back on the savings track. Don’t let finances run my life.
11. Increase my business by 20% and to let go of the fear of great success.
12. Finally finish writing one of the 3 books I have started! What an accomplishment that would be.
13. To fall in love with a man who is emotionally available, kind-hearted, funny as all get out, intelligent, and who treats me with the upmost respect, kindness, and shows his love unabashedly.
14. Go out to nature once a week whether just to the park, the lake, or take a day trip to see one of the amazing National parks we have – thanks to my brother for the National Parks Passport.
15. My most important goal is to allow each person, situation, heartache, feeling of doubt or fear to teach me the lesson I am supposed to learn and embrace that lesson and actually learn from it!
16. Say YES to something I normally would say NO to once a week.
17. Allow my heart to love and let go of its fear of abandonment.
18. Go back to Colorado and take a picture surrounded by my favorite flower – Rocky Mountain Columbines.
19. Swim with sea turtles.
20. Give in instead of always having to be right. When this happens, go ahead and call Oprah. (BTW, would love to see her show before she goes off air!)
21. Reconnect with someone I had a falling out with and rekindle our friendship.
22. Learn how to canoe.
23. Hike the Grand Canyon.
24. Go camping, preferably at Yellowstone. Stay up all night telling ghost stories, roasting marshmallows, and trying to name all the constellations (with the help of Google Sky of course)
25. Hire a personal and business assistant. I so miss having an assistant!
26. Donate more of my time and passion to charities that echo through my soul.
27. Help a new businesswoman find her dream without asking for anything in return.
28. Tell each member of my family what they mean to me.
29. Create a garden haven on my balcony and grow my own herbs and vegetables again. Sustainability baby!
30. Rescue a pooch.
31. Always speak my truth and be true to myself.
32. Love more.
33. Make yoga a part of my everyday life.
34. Look into my options of being a parent.
35. Allow him to love me.
36. Create a cookbook of mine and my family’s recipes.
37. Make a difference in someone’s life.

Rocky Mountain Columbines – So Beautiful!

Weight Loss:

Lost 0 pounds – better than what I thought, because I feel heavier, glad the scale said I was wrong.

What I Did Right This Week:

• Drank Kombucha daily!
• Stocked my fridge full of fruits and veggies
• Took apple cider vinegar capsules daily
• Worked out 1x
• Made green protein shake 1x
• Canceled all my evenings appointments so I could take time for myself
• Meditated every morning

What I Did Wrong This Week:

• Didn’t work out the other 6 days
• Drank Pepsi 3x
• Partied like a rock star for last 10 days

Goals For This Week:

• Cook at home 3x and make healthy lunches daily
• Make my protein shake 3x
• Workout 5x and do home yoga 3x
• Drink more water
• Meditate every morning

I made myself a priority the last few days. I actually said no to some social engagements so I could recharge my batteries. My couch was so happy to see me – he had missed me. I honestly took time each day to let my mind and body relax. Business has been coming fast and furious and I am trying my hardest not to let my stress level get out of control again as I work on staying on top of all of my responsibilities. I made a yummy veggie omelet on Sunday morning and a good friend dropped off some out-of-this-world Quinoa – will try to get that recipe! Happy to say that I have ate at home 80% of my meals the last few days. I have missed using my kitchen for something other than my paper pile. My biggest goal for this last week was to get my eating back under control. This next week is to get back to the gym and to the yoga studio.

My intention for last week was Balance. For me, balance meant back to working out daily, eating healthy, making time for friends and family, but most importantly making time for me. I struggle with balance in my life. I still have a lot to work on with balance, this is not an easy attribute for me to master. Each day though before I open my eyes, I state my intention for the day – for business, who I want to be and what I want to accomplish, and what I need to work on. These 10 minutes help to balance me and keep me focused throughout the day. When I go to bed at night, I check in with myself to see how I did. Sometimes great, sometimes not so great – but the big thing is – I at least tried.

My intention for this week is To Say Yes. This is much harder than it sounds. I am saying yes to new experiences, new ideas, new projects, and saying yes to myself. I was raised where the first automatic response out of anyone’s mouth was No. I find myself doing this in business dealings and in personal relationships – well, not this week. I want to say yes and then make the plan of action to accomplish that bold statement. So if there has ever been a time when you wanted to ask me for something or to do something with you – ask away, because I will most likely say YES.

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Weigh-in Wednesday: Life and Love

3/9/2011

I had another really great weekend. I really did. Started out at the big Yelp party where I hung out with my brother from another mother @ChrisB357, @skinnyjeans, and @1tap. Ran into @goodgreasyeats where he introduced me to the sarcastically funny @glutenfreeaz. It was so much fun laughing with friends and drinking champagne – oh yeah – Narcisse had a Champagne Lounge there! Check out my tweet that night:

There is a @NarcisseBubbles lounge at the #yelp event. #thereisaheaven #iheartchampagne cc @skinnyjeans @ChrisB357 @1tap

Friday night I laughed even more watching @ComedianMorris and a few other comics do their thing. This was shaping up to be a great weekend, and the big event hadn’t even happened yet! On Saturday, I went on the 1st ever Gluten-free Foodie Tour #GFFoodieTour with @SustainableKen, @skinnyjeans @1tap @callaman @glutenfreeaz @sherrybutlerpr, @ladyslomski, @josephranseth, and @chrisb357. Check back for the full scoop on the tour.

Gluten-free Foodie Tour Gang

A good friend of mine told me that I always seem happy whenever he sees me. And two separate people told me that when I walk into a room I light it up and that I have been exuding warm positive energy lately.  Those two comments really stuck with me over the last few days. Neither of them saw me when I was so depressed I couldn’t get out of bed or so uncertain as to who I was as a woman that I doubted every decision I made. I have come a long way this last year.

That is a happy girl!

One year ago this week, I created the social media component to my business Orange Dragonfly. That alone has changed the course of my life. But the really big emotionally driven thing I did was file for divorce. It was not a decision I took lightly, nor made easily. I loved my husband but we were not the right fit for one another. We brought out the absolute worst traits in each other. I knew in my heart that we both deserved to be with someone who would value us and love us through all of our faults and support us through our successes. So I moved out of my gorgeous home into an apartment – I hadn’t lived in an apartment since I was 25. I kissed my pooch Kirby goodbye and promised the little guy that I would always love him and would visit him as often as I could. I left my home with a heavy heart and mind, but at the same time I felt lighter. I cried everyday for over a month. I’m crying now writing this. Those feelings of failure, being desolate, knowing I had really hurt another human being, plus wondering if I would ever feel the love from a man again, engulfed me. Would I ever have a man hold me again or kiss me passionately every chance he could? I am still hopeful, and very optimistic that the wonderfulness of life and love is still part of the path of my future.

I wouldn’t have made it through this last year if it were not for my friends and family. I need to say a special thank you to those of you that were there to support me, remind me of the woman I used to be and the woman I could be again. Thank you for showing me that even though some people might not like me, there are many more who do. I never say what I should, I say what I think and sometimes people like that about me and others times they don’t. And that is ok. I’m not living my life to please you, but rather to please me. It took me all year to learn that lesson. I would always bend to everyone’s else’s whims and desires and forget about my own. Not anymore. I am important and valuable too. So thank you for helping me find my voice again.

One last thing though… Some people criticize me for being so open and honest on Twitter and Facebook. I will continue to be transparent with my life as long as I keep receiving emails and messages from people that say through the courage and strength of my words they have been able to make positive life changes for themselves. I might cuss, I might put my foot in my mouth, or I might share the honesty of falling in love or having my heart trampled on – but one thing you can be certain of, I will always be honest. I’m not perfect, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I am human and emotionally driven and absolutely love that about myself.

Love this dress! What a night!

Weight Loss:

Gained 1 pound – That’s ok. Doesn’t bother me at all.

What I Did Right This Week:

• Worked out 4x – Took a couple days off to recoup, more on that below.
• Went to Yoga 0x – I definitely missed this. Sure hope I can budget for it again in March.
• Made my Green Protein Shake 5x
• Had Kombucha 7x – I go to Whole Foods once a week and stock up.
• Still drinking a glass of wine everyday – this is the secret to my weight loss!

What I Did Wrong This Week:

• Not eating right for dinner lately. Been kind of lazy actually. Want to cook for more than just one.
• Tried to make a gluten-free chicken soup that came out less than desired.
• Drank Pepsi 1x
• Had a craving for Taco Bell. Don’t judge.

Goals For This Week:

• Drink Kombucha daily.
• Make my protein shake 3x.
• Workout 5x and do home yoga 3x
• Drink more water
• Work on more gluten-free recipes

Remember how I told you I went to The WillingWay’s Oscar launch party? Well, I am still having problems with my toes on my right foot. The current thought is that I actually incurred some nerve damage from those damn high heels. I have had some of the most painful, tear inducing knots worked out from my foot and calves, but my toes still feel like someone is pricking me with a needle. No fun. This has slowed me down at the gym because I have been losing my balance a  wee bit.

I was tortured with the medicine ball this week from my trainer… I was not a happy camper. It actually hurts to type right now because my arms are so dang sore. Don’t tell him, but I kind of liked the workout. I need to find my focus again and try to go 5 times this week. My birthday is in a month and I would love to have dropped another 10 pounds. Not gonna lie, hope I am relaxing somewhere not in Phoenix enjoying a frothy beverage with a cute little umbrella in it. My feet can be in the sand too… I doubt they would complain!

My intention last week was Clarity. The one attribute I struggle with the most. I am one of those that always needs to know what is going on, where I stand, and the details of the situation. This kind of drives the people in my life crazy. But it makes me oh so happy. Clarity makes me feel settled, secure, whole. I did find some clarity this week in regards to my divorce, but the two areas where I sought clarity I did not find the answers nor peace of mind that I was searching for. Damn you Clarity for besting me once again! Still my arch-nemesis.

My intention for the this week is Patience. This is one quality that is so elusive it could be the Loch Ness Monster for all I know. I have to give props to those friends of mine that have a lot of patience, because I clearly do not. One of my good friends told me last week that the reason certain situations were in my life was to teach me patience. Really? But I don’t wanna! Yes, I’m whining like a child This week though, I will try my hardest to learn to have patience with people, in situations, and with people’s emotions.

So this week if you see me out and about try not to judge what you do not know is going on. This is a good lesson always actually. I try to hide my pain through smiles and laughter and if you don’t really know me, you would think I am always a happy girl. One person recently has been able to see me, can read my face, and somehow knows when I am hurting. That is a very powerful tool to possess because I am the Queen of masking what I am really thinking or feeling. And yes, it scares the bajeebus out of me. I leave you with this tweet:

One man pushes me down as the other raises me up. One man makes me remember all of my faults and the other sees my soul, sees me.

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Weigh-in Wednesdays: Rockstar

I’m just gonna say it – I partied like a Rockstar this week and lost… drum roll please…. 4 pounds!! I couldn’t even wait to get to that part of my blog. I was like a little kid on Christmas when I stepped on that scale this morning. Can I get a Woot Woot? I stared at the number and thought I was seeing things… what a great way to start the day!

This last week is kind of a blur actually. I had some low points of insecurity, but for the most part, I felt my mind and heart opening up and flying free. Most of the week I felt surreal, like I was in another space, another moment in time. I felt confident, sexy, mindful, and very conscious of my place in this world. Those are some strong emotions to have in one week. Sometimes I felt my heart exploding as I allowed new friends in, honestly met people who my soul thought I had known my whole life. Surreal indeed.

From Thursday through Monday, I had an event every night. Surrounded by old and new friends alike, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment and not worry about what any of it all meant. If you couldn’t tell by my previous blogs, I am a worrier… not my worst trait, but one that does keep my mind reeling at night. I had an amazingly good time at the #Beer4Brains event put on by @FoodiesLikeUs that helped support Trish’s brother who has brain cancer.

One thing I started to do this weekend that I haven’t done in YEARS was dance. Ended up at Narcisse Champagne Lounge on Friday night and who knew that my hips and shoulders wanted to move to the music? I couldn’t stop myself. So there I was – enjoying the company I was with and dancing. It was actually quite liberating. One dark moment though occurred this night – I felt I looked really good – then I went into the restroom and saw my reflection and realized I was twice the size of all the Skinny Giants that were roaming around the lounge. My confidence plummeted, my mood became dark, and I had a serious moment of what the f*ck am I doing here? Thanks to my girlfriends for telling me it doesn’t matter, just enjoy who I am and be confident in all of my attributes. So I did. Took me a bit to come out of that awful place, but smiles and laughter from my friends helped. Flirting sure helped too.

Love to see them laughing!

The highlight of my week was the @TheWillingWay Oscar Party Launch by Morris Callaman, Mariel Hemingway, and Bobby Williams at the Hotel Valley Ho. Their mission is to spread the greatness of living authentically both physically and mentally. I am very excited to see what this new company is up to! Now back to the party…

I had this amazing black halter dress that looked amazing on me, and my friend Stephanie Bond made me the most absolutely beautiful jewelry to go with my dress, custom-made for me. I felt like a Princess! Irene Groh graciously did my makeup – love her!

Let’s talk about dancing – I was a dancing queen, shocked my bff Lisa that I was dancing. Seriously shell shocked. Who knew that I could be that free, that happy, that instead of worrying about, well, anything, I just enjoyed the moment? I truly enjoyed each and every moment. I knew about half the people there (mostly from Twitter) and had some great conversations. I was on a natural high. Felt like I owned the night. I felt liberated. I felt alive. I finally felt free to be just me. I was a happy girl.

What a great night for The WillingWay!

Weight Loss:

Lost 4 pounds – OMG – can you BELIEVE it??

What I Did Right This Week:

• Worked out 7x – You read that right!! I have been in a zone. I even tried that crazy Insanity workout!
• Went to Yoga 0x – I definitely missed this. Sure hope I can budget for it again in March.
• Made my Green Protein Shake 2x
• Had Kombucha 6x – I love this stuff! Love being back on Kombucha! I need stock in this company.
• Still drinking a glass of wine everyday – this is the secret to my weight loss!

What I Did Wrong This Week:

• My eating schedule is whacked. Can’t remember sometimes when I ate, although I know I did.
• Drank Pepsi 4x

Goals For This Week:

• Drink Kombucha daily.
• Make my protein shake 3x.
• Workout 5x and go to home yoga 3x
• Drink more water
• Not to drink too much this weekend! Hahaha, right.

My trainer even noticed I have been in a zone lately – I’m doing everything he recommends and sometimes even want more. I finally took @SherilynMcClain up on her recommendation to come to her weekly boot camp. I walked in and they were doing Insanity, took all my willpower not to walk back out the door. I am STILL sore from that workout on Saturday! OMG it was a killer, but I was so proud of myself for even trying to do it.

This week my intention was Empathy. I honored my mother by practicing this everyday. I have a very caring and loving soul and truly try to sympathize and empathize with those around me, even if they are the ones that hurt me the most. It is good to realize that we are all people with emotions and feelings. You have no idea why people do what they do, so try not to assume their motives, just ask them. Be open to what they have to say.

My intention this week is Clarity. Ahhh clarity – this is the one attribute I struggle with the most. I am one of those that always needs to know what is going on, where I stand, and the details of the situation. This kind of drives the people in my life crazy. But it makes my oh so happy. Clarity makes me feel settled, secure, whole. I try though to remember that just because I ask a question for my own well being, not everyone wants nor has to answer it. It is hard for me to move on from situations without clarity, or to move forward in new relationships. Clarity, my bff and mortal enemy – let’s work on you this week.

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