GwenniePie

January 4, 2012

Goals Should Be:

1. Specific
Set out to just “be healthy” and you’re selling yourself short. Vague goals give people too much leeway and can lower their motivation to push themselves, says Powell. So be precise and say, for example, that you want to lower your body fat by 5 percent or be able to run a 10-K.

2. Measurable
You should be able to gauge and quantify your progress, both in the short-term and long-term. Set micro (weekly) and macro (monthly) goals to keep yourself on track.

3. Attainable
If you can barely find 20 free minutes in your day, don’t set yourself up for failure by saying you’ll run for 50 minutes five days a week.

4. Realistic
Even with the smartest plan and the strongest determination, your body can only handle so much. Sure, fast weight loss is possible, but if you drop more than about a pound and a half a week, you’re most likely looking at muscle and water loss—not fat.

5. Time-sensitive
Deadlines create a sense of urgency and make your goal a priority, says Powell. Give yourself a year to drop 75 to 100 pounds, four to six months to train for a marathon (if you’re a new runner), and two months to lose 10 percent to 12 percent of your body fat.

Therefore:

Lose 30 pounds
17 weeks @ 1.75 pounds per week = 30 pounds! Micro: 15 pounds by March 1 (half-way point)
Exercise 4 days per week/Follow PointsPlus 2012 CLOSELY Sun-Friday and allow myself flexibility on Saturdays
Yes – would like to say 50, but know that would mean losing 12 and a half pounds a month for the next 4 months.
By May 1, 2012

I have been seeing my doctor (who I adore if you are looking for one in NoVa) fairly regularly for the past few years. Beginning with my thyroid condition and continuing with blood pressure concerns following my Dad’s open heart surgery, I’ve been into her office regularly almost every 6 weeks for the last two years. FINALLY (no thanks to my weight re-gain) my blood pressure is stable, as is my thyroid. So I don’t have to see Dr. Handler again until May 1, 2012. That’s a HUGE gap for me at this point. My goal is to lose weight, hopefully 30 pounds, by that appointment. I know my doctor would be extremely pleased with that, as would I. Like I said above, I’d love to say I’ll lose 50 pounds by then, but I have to be reasonable. The weight didn’t melt on, it won’t melt off, and certainly not as quickly as “the last time.” But I am confident that I can make some very powerful strides in the right direction by then!

Do your goals follow this outline?

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Filed under Weight Loss and Food Issues

January 3, 2012

New Year, New Motivation, New Desires

I choose to believe that 2012 will not mark the end of days, though I’m sure the Mayans are all really nice people. I very much enjoyed visiting their home last February.

While I do not believe we are doomed, I do believe in living 2012, and every year and every day to the fullest. Not as though it were my last, because that is far too morbid, but too their full potential. I love Hallmark’s most recent campaign, “Life is a special occasion.” And therefore, I think this year should be treated as such. I’ve already told you about exciting family news, which means another summer full of events (and I was JUST saying, I didn’t know when I’d be back in Vermont next!). And I’ve already shared my goals for the coming year. But already, just three days into the new year, I’m finding myself with new motivation and new desires.

New motivation wise, well, for one, my cousin’s wedding. It’s absolutely the bride’s day, but I want to treasure the memories (pictures!) from her big day as much as I treasure those from mine, and I don’t want to dislike the way I look. Plus, I anticipate needing to fit into a bridesmaids dress (for the first time ever in my soon to be 31 years!). And then of course there is the motivation I’ve been sharing for a while, a mini-Gpie.

So I’ve got to get to work. Lifelong healthy, a wedding, and preparing my body for a baby – ready, set, go!

While I’m on the topic, can I tell you something else I’d REALLY like? One of these (or two, if Hubs would let me).

That’s right, let’s pile it on. I want a baby. And a dog. A German Short-haired Pointer to be exact. I’m really not picky on the breed of baby

The issue? 1090 sq. feet here a) doesn’t allow pets and 2) doesn’t provide a TON of space for a baby.

Which has me toying with the idea of moving back here.

Oh sweet baby Jesus. I know that’s what you’re thinking. It’s the conflict that lives inside me too. We aren’t in a position to buy ANOTHER home, so our choices right now are condo (close to work, close to DC, perfect for 2) or townhouse (far from work, far from city, LOTS more space and dogs allowed). I should really re-read my post titled “I Blame Fairfax,” in which I state “…Fairfax has sucked the life out of me.” But, I’m wondering if I’ve grown, or changed since April 2009. I’m wondering if 2012 Gwen can make Fairfax a real home. (Also doesn’t hurt that our very close friends just bought a house down the road from the townhouse so I wouldn’t feel “alone.”).

Why do adult decisions have to be so hard?

2012, you’re coming on fast and furious. And I really wouldn’t have it any other way. Also, Gwen/Self, girl, you’re achangin.

2012 – Already Wonderful!

This is Sis (aka Melissa) and Tucker.

Sis is my sister, cousin and best friend. She has been ever since we were little.

She was my maid of honor.

And on New Year’s Eve in Montreal, Tucker asked her to marry him! (Finally!) My Sissa is getting married! When she called to tell me on New Year’s Day, I jumped out of my car and did a happy dance in Dupont Circle and cried!

I couldn’t be anymore thrilled! Congratulations Sis and Tucker!

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Filed under We Are Family! (by choice or otherwise)

December 30, 2011

Home for the Holidays

Do you ever struggle with feeling as though you have two homes? I certainly consider both Vermont and DC home. I truly feel that part of me is in both places and they are both my home. Hubs, MIL and I journeyed to Vermont to spend Christmas with my family last week. It was a beautiful five days with lots of family time, puppy cuddles and far too many gifts exchanged. Here are some of the photo highlights.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

A couple of weekends ago, Hubs, my mother-in-law and I put up our Christmas tree.

The Christmas tree is full of traditions. First, my parents have given me a new Christmas ornament every year, and after last year, I brought all of mine back to NoVa with me to put on our tree. Second, Hubs and I started collecting ornaments on all of our travels. From multiple trips to Hawaii, to Booth Bay Harbor Maine, to Aruba for our honeymoon, these are such special reminders of our memories together traveling. And lastly, we also collect the White House Christmas Tree ornaments. I started this tradition about 6 years ago, and would like to have one for every year I’ve lived in the Washington area. Additionally, we have other ornaments from special events such as our wedding, and when I ran the marathon! I imagine it won’t be long before our tree is VERY full. But there is something so meaningful and magical about looking at a tree lit by not only lights, but by treasured memories as well.