I'd be so hot if I didn't have to work

Seriously.  I worked from 7am to 7pm yesterday with no breaks.  No Jillian.  No evening walk with Bodhi.  A couple of stops at the candy dish on my admin's desk, and too stressed to even feel guilty about it.

Thank God for my wonderful dear fiancé.  He had a nice dinner waiting for me when I got home.  Well, sort of waiting.  I kind of had to help him out a little.  But it's the thought that counts.  

Joshua

Cats find the coziest little places to curl up.  There's seriously nothing cuter.  (And no, I still haven't unpacked my suitcase from my trip to Michigan...) 

Countdown: 258 Days

I'm off to a good start.  Did Jillian's video yesterday.  Thought I was going to throw up and was sore as early as a few hours later.  This morning I was REALLY feeling it.  It's great actually - I'm sore everywhere so I know it's working!

Ran around with Bodhi at the park this morning.  Like I mentioned, Bodhi likes to play with his mama more than with the other dogs, so at 6am I was running around makeup-less, retainer in, and hair unbrushed while the other mamas sat chatting on benches.  (Better to avoid joining in the chatting than to try to carry on a conversation with my retainer in anyhow.) 

Did Jillian's video again.  It felt quite good this time, probably because I needed to warm up and stretch my muscles so badly.

Started reading Julie and Julia last night.  I've had a hard time getting into books lately.  I started two recently and dropped both within the first few chapters.  But this one's pretty good.  I like the premise and think she has a unique voice.  So far it's a bit cliché with all of the woman-pushing-30 angst, but I can understand why she used it so I forgive her.  

Dreading going to see "District 9" tonight.  Yes, I'm being made to see this despite the fact that "The Time Traveler's Wife" came out this weekend.  Oh well.  The things we do for love...

Other Healthy Stuff

I keep this list on my desk at work to remind me of what I can do every day to keep myself happy and healthy.  These are things I've tried and they really work for me.  And I know if I make them a priority, I will have more luck getting into shape.  

7 Empowering Steps You Can Take In Your Life Right Now

(Taken from one of Deepak Chopra's newsletters)

- Meditate daily

- Know your doshas and understand your mind-body constitution to bring balance into your life (take the dosha quiz here: http://doshaquiz.chopra.com/) 

- Experience nature - touch a natural body of water, walk barefoot on grass, sit under a tree, stand in the rain

- Write a poem (or journal entry or whatever)

- Commit an act of love today, maybe by making amends to someone you've hurt or forgiving someone who hurt you

- Make a powerful decision, even if it's a baby step - throw something away that no longer serves you; wash your car; get rid of paper congestion; clean a closet, a room, or a drawer; give away an item of clothing

- Perform a vital physical practice - go to yoga or pilates, go for a vigorous walk, practice deep breathing, or nourish yourself with a massage 

Countdown: 259 Days

It sounds like a long time, but it's really less than 8 months!  There's a whole lotta stuff to get done (and money to save) before the wedding!

Joseph and I are pretty prepared - we've secured all the vendors and we're just making decisions about the details now.  And we started planning our honeymoon!  We have the travel coordinator creating an Italy/Greece itinerary for us.  I can't wait.

But...  I really have to get serious about shaping up now!  Especially if I'm going to be lounging in the sun on Santorini!  

So I figure I can track my progress here, and maybe it'll make me more accountable.  I plan on:

- Incorporating running into my 2 daily walks with Bodhi, or running at the gym or work gym 

- Daily 30-minute shred with Jillian Michaels after evening run w/ Bodhi

- Weight training @ gym (or work gym) 2-3 days/week (probably on weekends)

- Yoga 2-3 days/week 

- Follow my weight watchers plan (only 18 points per day... *sigh*) 

- Lots of veggies and fruit 

- No cereal!  (I swear this is my downfall!  Oatmeal is allowed though.) 

- No snacking mindlessly at work 

- Plan for easy healthy dinners during the week 

- Lots of water and plenty of green tea (should be easy - this is what I already do) 

- Research workout DVDS specifically for arms (gotta look good in that dress!) 

Shooting for 10lbs, but will be happy with a solid 5.  

I already did Jillian's workout today (now have jell-o arms).  And I plan to take Bodhi to the park later where I always run around with him.  (I'm like the only person there who does this, but he only likes to play with me and not the other dogs.  Yes, I'm sure I look like an idiot.) 

Wish me luck!

More Santa Barbara Pics...

Happy Birthday to Joseph!

Joseph's birthday was Sunday, so I took him to Santa Barbara for the weekend.  We spent Saturday afternoon walking along the beach and checking out the art fair, and then went to dinner at night.  We also went to the "Old Spanish Days" festival and watched the singing and dancing and ate churros.  Walked around downtown at night and stopped at Starbucks for a hot chocolate.

We stopped for breakfast on Sunday morning, then took the long way home on the PCH.  Such a pretty day!  Joseph got tickets to see Pearl Jam in San Francisco and Raiders tickets for the day after for his birthday present.  I also made him spaghetti and cake and ice cream, and Bodhi, Joshua, and I sang happy birthday!

I'll try to post more often.  My sisters are inspiring me.  I'm not making any promises though.