I've decided that since I have zero motivation and even less willpower, I need professional help. I decided to call in the big guns, my friend Bridget who says her profession is as a personal trainer/ nutritionist, but I am pretty sure she is actually G.I. Jane.
Immediately my friend jumped into action and sent me a daily workout detail and meal plans. She had to send it to me because she lives a safe distance away (6 hours) in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This woman's body is waaaaayyyy too intimidating to have her train me in person. My cellulite would cry and tremble with despair simply having her in the same room.
I have to admit, I am a wee bit scared...but as you all know from reading this blog over the years, I only seem to accomplish my goals when I am fearing for my life. So, I have been working out (I'm in prep for the scary week next week) and I actually ate tuna fish seasoned with jalapeno, lime juice and pepper, with a side of cucumber slices and carrots. This may sound normal to some of you, but for those that know me well, they will be shocked by this information. The only thing I hate more than tuna fish, is vegetables. Shhhhh... don't tell my son, because I make him eat vegetables. I don't make him eat tuna fish because he literally throws up when he tastes the texture of meat and fish... and I have to clean that up. I should mention that I might, however, actually have a serious allergy to working out, we are looking into it. I feel like I may need extra wine to choke this all down. Oh yes, she is letting me keep my wine. She might be scary in shape, but I am a monster if someone tries to step between me and my wine (imagine the mom saving her baby by lifting the car...only that would be me getting to my wine).
So there you have it, G.I. Jane and I are going to tackle this project and separate my butt from my thighs.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Running on Wine; from Marathons to Rafting to "Fueling" on the Patio, We are Fueled by Vivác.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
New Year, New You...or Maybe Not
New Year's Eve...some people's heaven, other people's hell.
Are you one of those people that on New Year's Eve writes a list of all the things you will change in your life with the new year? Did you formulate strategies on how to accomplish all your new goals? Did you promise to start 2016 with working out, eating right and saving the planet?
I sure as hell didn't. I drank a ridiculous amount of wine, ate a big plate of birthday brownies in honor of the birthday girl who couldn't make it to her own party and lied about resolutions. I said I'd make changes, but clearly my flabby, lazy butt likes the sofa better than that horrific word "exercise".
When New Year's Day was rang in, the party was at a glorious roar, clearly the time for outrageous statements that include words like "Marathon" or "weight loss" and glorified ideas of the future (meaning you think you will suddenly have willpower and motivation simply because the date changed). By the time the day was more in focus, I had a glaring headache and the call of the great outdoors was more like a horror movie scream. There was no way I was leaving the comfort of the cabin in which we were cuddled up in. And in fact a mimosa would be mandatory. And what of those glorified statements about running and getting fit? Well, they would have to wait till Sunday. Sunday is such a good day to start new things isn't it? It sets the tone for the entire week and sets you right. Yes, Sunday would be the 1st day of the new me of 2016!
You know what sucks about Sundays? It is the end of the vacation, it is the signal that the work week looms. It is NOT a day for exercise. In fact if you are a football fan, it is distinctly meant for Bloody Mary's and hot wings. And I am a football fan.
Mondays are busy with back to work routines and Tuesdays just suck so WEDNESDAY it is. Wednesday is the start of the new me in 2016 and it will be epic!
Now to find a glass of wine in order to cheers myself on how awesome I will be starting Wednesday.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Are you one of those people that on New Year's Eve writes a list of all the things you will change in your life with the new year? Did you formulate strategies on how to accomplish all your new goals? Did you promise to start 2016 with working out, eating right and saving the planet?
I sure as hell didn't. I drank a ridiculous amount of wine, ate a big plate of birthday brownies in honor of the birthday girl who couldn't make it to her own party and lied about resolutions. I said I'd make changes, but clearly my flabby, lazy butt likes the sofa better than that horrific word "exercise".
When New Year's Day was rang in, the party was at a glorious roar, clearly the time for outrageous statements that include words like "Marathon" or "weight loss" and glorified ideas of the future (meaning you think you will suddenly have willpower and motivation simply because the date changed). By the time the day was more in focus, I had a glaring headache and the call of the great outdoors was more like a horror movie scream. There was no way I was leaving the comfort of the cabin in which we were cuddled up in. And in fact a mimosa would be mandatory. And what of those glorified statements about running and getting fit? Well, they would have to wait till Sunday. Sunday is such a good day to start new things isn't it? It sets the tone for the entire week and sets you right. Yes, Sunday would be the 1st day of the new me of 2016!
You know what sucks about Sundays? It is the end of the vacation, it is the signal that the work week looms. It is NOT a day for exercise. In fact if you are a football fan, it is distinctly meant for Bloody Mary's and hot wings. And I am a football fan.
Mondays are busy with back to work routines and Tuesdays just suck so WEDNESDAY it is. Wednesday is the start of the new me in 2016 and it will be epic!
Now to find a glass of wine in order to cheers myself on how awesome I will be starting Wednesday.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Hating the Hate
What is the story that is ruining your life? What is the story that you believe so deeply, you see it as truth?
Often it is painful and difficult to look at these stories and question them, as if they are a childhood blanket that you need to insulate you from the world. Only the funny thing is, it is your story that is keeping you from experiencing the joys of the world.
My story (one of the many) is that my body should be better than it is. When I was younger, I scrutinized over every bump, lump and imperfection. Now approaching 40, I would give anything for those imperfections. I struggle to find the beauty in my aging body. I recently found myself saying to a friend that my body was better post baby than it is now. But 'post baby' was almost 10 years ago! Shouldn't I be able to see the progression as natural without wanting to change it? Shouldn't I be able to look in the mirror without uttering moans of disgust?
I have to take a moment to complain, because...that is what I do well. I realize that I am more fit than some and thinner than some, but regardless of your size or health, we can all agree that there is always something you tweak over right? Mine is my butt and upper thighs. I hated my lack of butt when I was younger, but the fact that what little I had has slid down into the cellulite on the back of my thighs, I down right loath it. When I get out of the shower and glimpse the horror of my backside, I morph into a replica of Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream".
So, if we examine this story I have and ask if it true, my answer is "uhhhh...yes! You should workout more and eat better so your butt finds its proper placement!" but this isn't helpful. And when I really take a deep breath and look at this story, I know that being incredibly hard on myself for the way my body looks is ridiculous. I see the older women at the gym walk around completely naked and secure in their bodies. Their skin sags and their lumps roll and their imperfections fade away. When I see these confidant women, I don't see flaws, I see beauty. Each body is unique and tells a story of their lives, the children they have had, the hardships and the struggles as scars caress their curves. And as I rethink my thinking, I see that my insecurities around how my body looks, actually makes me behave in a shielded, unconfident way that ironically, is what is ugly.
Maybe what the truth is, is actually the opposite of our stories. Maybe the pain we cause ourselves is literally all in our heads. Maybe detaching from the story we believe so deeply can give us exquisite freedom to really live, really feel, really enjoy the world around us.
I am trying to workout more. I am trying to eat healthy (sometimes, but hey sometimes is better than never). But the BIG thing I am going to do, is stop believing in the story that my body should be better than it is. After all, when I am 70 I'm going to envy the imperfections I have now, so I might as well enjoy what I've got while I've got it.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Often it is painful and difficult to look at these stories and question them, as if they are a childhood blanket that you need to insulate you from the world. Only the funny thing is, it is your story that is keeping you from experiencing the joys of the world.
My story (one of the many) is that my body should be better than it is. When I was younger, I scrutinized over every bump, lump and imperfection. Now approaching 40, I would give anything for those imperfections. I struggle to find the beauty in my aging body. I recently found myself saying to a friend that my body was better post baby than it is now. But 'post baby' was almost 10 years ago! Shouldn't I be able to see the progression as natural without wanting to change it? Shouldn't I be able to look in the mirror without uttering moans of disgust?
I have to take a moment to complain, because...that is what I do well. I realize that I am more fit than some and thinner than some, but regardless of your size or health, we can all agree that there is always something you tweak over right? Mine is my butt and upper thighs. I hated my lack of butt when I was younger, but the fact that what little I had has slid down into the cellulite on the back of my thighs, I down right loath it. When I get out of the shower and glimpse the horror of my backside, I morph into a replica of Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream".
So, if we examine this story I have and ask if it true, my answer is "uhhhh...yes! You should workout more and eat better so your butt finds its proper placement!" but this isn't helpful. And when I really take a deep breath and look at this story, I know that being incredibly hard on myself for the way my body looks is ridiculous. I see the older women at the gym walk around completely naked and secure in their bodies. Their skin sags and their lumps roll and their imperfections fade away. When I see these confidant women, I don't see flaws, I see beauty. Each body is unique and tells a story of their lives, the children they have had, the hardships and the struggles as scars caress their curves. And as I rethink my thinking, I see that my insecurities around how my body looks, actually makes me behave in a shielded, unconfident way that ironically, is what is ugly.
Maybe what the truth is, is actually the opposite of our stories. Maybe the pain we cause ourselves is literally all in our heads. Maybe detaching from the story we believe so deeply can give us exquisite freedom to really live, really feel, really enjoy the world around us.
I am trying to workout more. I am trying to eat healthy (sometimes, but hey sometimes is better than never). But the BIG thing I am going to do, is stop believing in the story that my body should be better than it is. After all, when I am 70 I'm going to envy the imperfections I have now, so I might as well enjoy what I've got while I've got it.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Monday, November 16, 2015
Traveler's Triathlon
You know what is an intense workout? Going to the airport!
Do you remember when flying use to be an occasion to dress up? Do you remember cocktails and smoking on the plane? Do you remember nice flight attendants? Ahhh those were the times. OK most of that I don't actually remember, but I watch a lot of TV and if it was on TV, then it happened right?
Now, we are cattle herded into lines and screamed at, stripped down and fondled...yes today at the Austin airport security, the security person actually grabbed my boobs, is that really allowed? I mean it happened and I didn't object so I guess it was allowed, but it was very weird. I mean at least buy me a drink 1st lady!
With a reasonable tweaker's early arrival to the airport, these things don't usually fluster me. However, after finding out my original flight was cancelled and being re-booked on a new flight, that then was delayed, then making my connecting flight impossible, I was told to go get my checked luggage and start the entire process over! Ya, talk about a nightmare for my sensory overloaded, control freak little mind.
(The following reenactment was brought to you today by my vivid imagination)
You ready for exercise class people?
"No! I'm wearing the wrong shoes for this!"
Great more resistance!
"No, wait, I got here early so I wouldn't have to do this!"
Don't be a whiner!
"ahhhhhh!!!!"
It is now a fast tempo walk back and forth across the same one mile distance of the airport from desk to desk, because no one really knows how to help you. Then it is stairs, fast, because the escalator is broken and you are in a panic (cue the burn from Pilates class yesterday!). Then more stairs only now with weights (aka your luggage). Then back through the lines of security where the eager people behind you encourage you to hop from one foot to the next removing your shoes while juggling various bins to hold all the crap you have to unload from your seemingly small carry on all while tripping over things you trail behind. Imagine a untalented circus clown jumping rope. And like a fun house mirror, out I pop on the other side, undressed and in a shamble.
Finally, I escape the hordes and find my new gate. As I sit, relieved to be back on the path to my final destination, I realize I wasn't groped this time at security and I start to wonder if maybe that really was out of the norm and inappropriate. At this point I couldn't just use a smoke and a drink. I think I deserve one!
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Do you remember when flying use to be an occasion to dress up? Do you remember cocktails and smoking on the plane? Do you remember nice flight attendants? Ahhh those were the times. OK most of that I don't actually remember, but I watch a lot of TV and if it was on TV, then it happened right?
Now, we are cattle herded into lines and screamed at, stripped down and fondled...yes today at the Austin airport security, the security person actually grabbed my boobs, is that really allowed? I mean it happened and I didn't object so I guess it was allowed, but it was very weird. I mean at least buy me a drink 1st lady!
With a reasonable tweaker's early arrival to the airport, these things don't usually fluster me. However, after finding out my original flight was cancelled and being re-booked on a new flight, that then was delayed, then making my connecting flight impossible, I was told to go get my checked luggage and start the entire process over! Ya, talk about a nightmare for my sensory overloaded, control freak little mind.
(The following reenactment was brought to you today by my vivid imagination)
You ready for exercise class people?
"No! I'm wearing the wrong shoes for this!"
Great more resistance!
"No, wait, I got here early so I wouldn't have to do this!"
Don't be a whiner!
"ahhhhhh!!!!"
It is now a fast tempo walk back and forth across the same one mile distance of the airport from desk to desk, because no one really knows how to help you. Then it is stairs, fast, because the escalator is broken and you are in a panic (cue the burn from Pilates class yesterday!). Then more stairs only now with weights (aka your luggage). Then back through the lines of security where the eager people behind you encourage you to hop from one foot to the next removing your shoes while juggling various bins to hold all the crap you have to unload from your seemingly small carry on all while tripping over things you trail behind. Imagine a untalented circus clown jumping rope. And like a fun house mirror, out I pop on the other side, undressed and in a shamble.
Finally, I escape the hordes and find my new gate. As I sit, relieved to be back on the path to my final destination, I realize I wasn't groped this time at security and I start to wonder if maybe that really was out of the norm and inappropriate. At this point I couldn't just use a smoke and a drink. I think I deserve one!
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Once Upon a Butt Kicking
Ever get so fed up with yourself that you decide to kick your own butt? That was me yesterday. I decided that I needed to really rev up my workouts, sorta a punishment for not working out all weekend, yep I am that twisted. I'm like my own wicked witch tormenting the sweet, healthy, fit me hidden deep inside.
Yesterday I got to the gym and instead of my usual lazy approach of warming up with a cup of coffee and a half hour of emails (yes I do do that, don't judge), I hustled into the cardio room and ran on the treadmill for 25 mins. OK I walked and ran...maybe I walked more than I ran. But THEN I took the Power Circuit weight class.
After this thorough butt kicking, I had an "adventurous" work day (that would be code for what-the-hell-is-up-with-this-stupid-day), then made it home in time to clean my house before dinner. It was a day of slaying dragons. By the time I poured a glass of wine I was asleep. No really I closed my eyes for a moment and awoke from a death sleep at midnight. I'm pretty sure I'm a Disney Princess now, you know she falls into a spell bound sleep and something important happens at midnight, oh and she has a rockin body without having to do anything...ever.
What? I said I worked out really hard! Surely one day of kicking my own butt will give me that perfect body right?
After solving all the worlds problems from midnight to 3am (clearly this is my Disney Princess special power, they all have them and since I can't sing and don't have woodland animals coming to my window, I think mine is solving problems in the middle of the night), I arose to a beautiful new day...and one sore body. My boobs even hurt.
Funny how the mind tricks you into thinking one day can radically change your body. How one day can erase a lifetime of cookies. But in truth, one day can make a difference. One day can kick start a new way of being in the world, a way of pushing yourself past what you think you can handle and make you rise to the occasion, be it another day at the gym, or slaying more dragons, or quitting the bad self talk. The biggest adventure every Disney Princess ever faces is defeating that wicked witch.
Cue feel good song sung by a bunny while rainbows arc across the sky. Oh and lets make sure that bunny brings the Princess a glass of wine, she missed her quota last night.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Yesterday I got to the gym and instead of my usual lazy approach of warming up with a cup of coffee and a half hour of emails (yes I do do that, don't judge), I hustled into the cardio room and ran on the treadmill for 25 mins. OK I walked and ran...maybe I walked more than I ran. But THEN I took the Power Circuit weight class.
After this thorough butt kicking, I had an "adventurous" work day (that would be code for what-the-hell-is-up-with-this-stupid-day), then made it home in time to clean my house before dinner. It was a day of slaying dragons. By the time I poured a glass of wine I was asleep. No really I closed my eyes for a moment and awoke from a death sleep at midnight. I'm pretty sure I'm a Disney Princess now, you know she falls into a spell bound sleep and something important happens at midnight, oh and she has a rockin body without having to do anything...ever.
What? I said I worked out really hard! Surely one day of kicking my own butt will give me that perfect body right?
After solving all the worlds problems from midnight to 3am (clearly this is my Disney Princess special power, they all have them and since I can't sing and don't have woodland animals coming to my window, I think mine is solving problems in the middle of the night), I arose to a beautiful new day...and one sore body. My boobs even hurt.
Funny how the mind tricks you into thinking one day can radically change your body. How one day can erase a lifetime of cookies. But in truth, one day can make a difference. One day can kick start a new way of being in the world, a way of pushing yourself past what you think you can handle and make you rise to the occasion, be it another day at the gym, or slaying more dragons, or quitting the bad self talk. The biggest adventure every Disney Princess ever faces is defeating that wicked witch.
Cue feel good song sung by a bunny while rainbows arc across the sky. Oh and lets make sure that bunny brings the Princess a glass of wine, she missed her quota last night.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Monday, November 2, 2015
Halloween Horror Story
The Halloween Haze is lifting and revealing the ghastly truth of reality. The reality is that you can not avoid working out, drink booze like a fish and eat candy like you are a child who's strict parents aren't looking without some sad consequences.
As you all know, from my incessant complaining, that I haven't had the drive or will to workout (thank you crazy hormones). My once intense running career seems to be that of yesteryear, but my "running" eating habits have kept up in full swing. Maybe it was the fog of denial, but I actually didn't see the effects...until Halloween.
As if in some cruel Halloween prank, the party photos revealed the truth I was trying to ignore, my weight gain and unhappiness was evident, like a ghost finally revealed in a mirror. Somehow I had been able to hide it, covered it up with clever clothing and make-up, but in the Halloween Horror I could see the change in my face shape, the sadness in my expression and my clothes didn't fit right. It was the scariest of revelations.
Well, after a final look at the Halloween Horror of Facebook photos, I decided things needed to change NOW. I didn't drink wine last night (GASP!!!) and went to bed early. I woke up this morning and hauled my big ass to the gym, sausaged into workout clothes. I worked out really hard (not CrossFit hard, but you have to start somewhere), and had a healthy lunch, no sugar, no wheat, no processed foods. I feel better already.
I remained the same weight for 9 years after having my son and knew as I got older that that would shift, I don't mind that, but this is ridiculous. Screw the hormones, I'm fighting back!
Maybe Halloween is my New Year, a chance to see the scary and make a change. Don't worry, I won't cut out wine entirely, that isn't healthy.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
As you all know, from my incessant complaining, that I haven't had the drive or will to workout (thank you crazy hormones). My once intense running career seems to be that of yesteryear, but my "running" eating habits have kept up in full swing. Maybe it was the fog of denial, but I actually didn't see the effects...until Halloween.
As if in some cruel Halloween prank, the party photos revealed the truth I was trying to ignore, my weight gain and unhappiness was evident, like a ghost finally revealed in a mirror. Somehow I had been able to hide it, covered it up with clever clothing and make-up, but in the Halloween Horror I could see the change in my face shape, the sadness in my expression and my clothes didn't fit right. It was the scariest of revelations.
Well, after a final look at the Halloween Horror of Facebook photos, I decided things needed to change NOW. I didn't drink wine last night (GASP!!!) and went to bed early. I woke up this morning and hauled my big ass to the gym, sausaged into workout clothes. I worked out really hard (not CrossFit hard, but you have to start somewhere), and had a healthy lunch, no sugar, no wheat, no processed foods. I feel better already.
I remained the same weight for 9 years after having my son and knew as I got older that that would shift, I don't mind that, but this is ridiculous. Screw the hormones, I'm fighting back!
Maybe Halloween is my New Year, a chance to see the scary and make a change. Don't worry, I won't cut out wine entirely, that isn't healthy.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Turning Over a New Leaf
Fall is in full swing! The leaves on the trees are golden and falling and for some unknown reason it always inspires me to change things up. But changing habits is beyond difficult. When I 1st started my gluten free diet (yes I am one of those annoying people), it was insanely hard to pass up wheat products, but with time I found I stopped craving it and learned to enjoy the cardboard items masquerading as bread. And working out has always been one that takes a few days to get me into the rhythm. Except for this go around. This period of my life seems to be dedicated to laziness.
My lack of motivation has been astounding. I actually texted my friend from the dressing room of the gym, already dressed to work out, asking if I could get out of it! I mean this is really desperate. Maybe it's that I try to tackle too many things all at once. I decide today is the day I will start working out, stop eating sugar and cut back on caffeine. Of course I had 2 cups of coffee this morning...well maybe one and a half since I spilled half of it all over my car. Maybe it is that I decide today I will start working out and will work out every single day from here on out. I mean who can keep that promise? Maybe it is that I'm stressed with work and that has zapped all my energy. Maybe I need an intervention.
Needless to say, I did actually run on the treadmill. I can't say that it was that torturous either. But I can't imagine doing it again this week. Surely running once a week is enough right? It is if I cut back on the sweets... maybe. Which I will do right after I eat these cookies.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
My lack of motivation has been astounding. I actually texted my friend from the dressing room of the gym, already dressed to work out, asking if I could get out of it! I mean this is really desperate. Maybe it's that I try to tackle too many things all at once. I decide today is the day I will start working out, stop eating sugar and cut back on caffeine. Of course I had 2 cups of coffee this morning...well maybe one and a half since I spilled half of it all over my car. Maybe it is that I decide today I will start working out and will work out every single day from here on out. I mean who can keep that promise? Maybe it is that I'm stressed with work and that has zapped all my energy. Maybe I need an intervention.
Needless to say, I did actually run on the treadmill. I can't say that it was that torturous either. But I can't imagine doing it again this week. Surely running once a week is enough right? It is if I cut back on the sweets... maybe. Which I will do right after I eat these cookies.
-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com
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