Days 6-7 Collection

Day 6: Your plans should reflect your values.

This memoir was given to me by my supervisor, Nola. We were meeting in her office, and discussing the leadership retreat she had attended this past weekend. And she asked me: do your plans reflect your values? 

And then she counted the words and realized she had said a six-word memoir. It was cute and she said she enjoyed reading mine. We talked about the process of creating one, and then journaling about them as I'm doing now. She and I are very much alike in how we live our lives spiritually; in how we mean to be intentional and lead meaningful lives day by day. 

So to answer her question- do my plans reflect my values? I think they do. I value equity and equality. I value compassion and love to and for others. I value kind words, thoughtful messages, and genuine smiles. I want to work in student affairs and/or mentoring. It all relates. I want to see a happier and more equitable world. I am living and working towards doing my part. That's my passion. That's my work's mission. 

What's yours?

Day 7: It's like vacation in a cup!

Definitely more light-hearted than my other memoirs but this was said by one of my lovely board members last night. We were having dinner with President Freund and she mentioned her favorite mixed drink and described it as "vacation in a cup!" How exciting!

Vacation in a cup! What a thought.. it made we wonder.. how could you bottle up your best vacation and place it in a cup to take with you to work each day? What would that look like? Is it a memorabilia? Is it a note? Is it a six-word memoir like these posted on your bulletin board? Is it a picture? How do you take the happiness you experienced in one area of your life and translate it to all?

When you find out, let me know.

Days 4-5 Collection

Well.. life got busy and I wasn't able to update this as I would like, so here's the compilation over the past few days.

Day 4: Weekends are no longer my own.

I think this is pretty self-explanatory. I had great dreams of taking the weekend off. Doing nothing all day Saturday and Sunday, the only plans were making pizza with Diana. All that changed in a matter of 20 minutes on Friday. Two meetings were scheduled; one from 8-11am and another from 12pm- until. We lasted till 7pm. And then we had a follow-up meeting the next morning (yes, I work on Sundays now) at 9am. What happened to rest on weekends? There is no such thing anymore. I have to be incredibly intentional about how I spend my time, and when I say yes or no. I have taken on a lot of responsibilities, which I'm quite positive I can handle.. but man if it doesn't scare me. 

On Friday, I think my body just gave out. I had operated at 95-100% all week that when it came to Friday, I just gave out. I had no motivation and no energy. I had an evening meeting on Friday, that I was just a mess. A silly, entertaining mess because I was sooo tired. I was falling asleep by 9am. I woke up the next day at 8am still tired.. I can't be like this this year. Luckily, this Friday I had no major projects to complete. However, if I don't pace myself and pay attention to my body, I may have the unfortunate outcome of being too tired on a day when I need to be performing at 100%. God help me.

Day 5: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

I went to church this morning....

For the first time in months. I had a 9am meeting that ended around 11am and I passed a church that started at 1130am. I had been a couple times to this ministry and probably won't go back, but it was nice. Not feeling like a wretch... while I was there.

I do need to find a church home. If I'm not careful, CGU will be just like NCSSM.. a bubble that I can't get away from.

Day 3: Lessen the Excess Chatter in Life

Early August, I noticed on my car rides to work that I was continuously changing radio stations, not satisfied with any of the music playing. Occasionally a song would come on that I'd jam to (90s-00s hip hop, Carly Rae Jepson, Beibs As Long As You Love Me- judge me not), but for the most part, I was never satisfied. One day, I was so fed up that I did the unthinkable.. I turned off the radio. I've done it before for lent (gave up listening to music) but that was years ago. This seemed different. It was a quiet ride home but I realized I wasn't annoyed. Score one for me!

Jump to the following week- it's two weeks until move-in day, and the Chaplains Office is offering RA Orientations. Rabbi Daveen begins talking about the meditation sessions offered on Wednesdays and I'm intrigued. I've come to think of my silent car rides as something similar to meditation. Calming.

Last week, I challenged myself (I'm all about challenges) to take a break from all the noise, and just listen. Granted I was on day 2 or 3 of no music in the car, and my tv hadn't been turned on since the weekend but this time I wanted to be intentional about it. I was intentionally lessening all the excess noise and chatter that clouded my mind. I had/have enough going on from a day to day basis, why add more? Especially when it annoys and frustrates me?

So now I'm on week two. It's been an interesting. A couple times this week, on the last five minutes of the drive, I'll turn on the radio to see what's on and it's still the same thing. Me flipping through stations. So off it goes. I suppose I could put in my ipod, but even that's used rarely. When I run, I go solo. No ipod. No headphones. It's safer that way.. but it makes me listen to my breathing, take notice of my surroundings. I feel like my senses are on overload because for once.. I'm not closing myself off to the outside world. I'm allowing every part of me to really listen to every part of me.

This is my meditation.

Day 2: I'm Where I'm Supposed To Be

It took me awhile to think of one today. I actually woke up trying to figure out what would be my six-word memoir for the day. A bit obsessive? I think so. I typically do this though.. when I'm starting on something new, I'm in it 100%. It's after the shine has dulled that I lose my intensity. Anyway, I thought of this memoir at work while I was at the Chaplains Office. It just came to me. It wasn't that I was particularly happy to be doing what I was doing.. I just felt content. I do remember waking up thinking, I'm the most content I've been in years. But I didn't quite know how to phrase that in six words. And then it came to me.

I'm where I'm supposed to be. Exactly where I'm supposed to be.

I can't describe how comforting it is to know that I'm in the right place. In the right space. I've always felt like I was just passing time, going back as far as high school. Nothing felt right. Nothing felt soothing or foundational. But I move to California... it's in the air (minus the smog). I just feel like the me that's always wanted to be, finally has the room to be. It's like finding the perfect size slipper or eating the right temperature porridge. Finally, my happy ending is in sight!

I say in sight, because I'm not there yet. A happy ending would be a happy and blessed marriage, children, a career that I love, friends I adore near and far, pets, and a healthier and more spiritual me. I'm no where near that.. but I'm getting close. It's like I was lost and finally, I'm starting to recognize the landmarks.

Exhale.

Six-Word Memoir 30 Day Challenge (Day 1)

I've been intrigued with the six-word memoir since the NASPA conference in February. It was a meaningful activity that I took away and occasionally find myself trying to sum up my day or week in six words. This past week I decided to google the six-word memoir to see where the idea started. SMITH magazine was the first to start the project and from there, it's become a national project similar to Post Secrets and FOUND.

In keeping with the spirit of meditating, and being mindful about my daily actions, I've decided to start the 30 day six-word memoir challenge. My hope is to post it on facebook each morning, and "journal" about it here or in my private journal if I don't feel like sharing. When I journal, I don't really pay attention to punctuation or grammatical rules. I type as I talk. In short and sometimes, incomplete sentences. Deal or move on. :)

Day 1: I am not a morning person.

It's pretty self-explanatory but this morning, I woke up at the God-awful time of 630am. My sleeping schedule has been all over the place these past two weeks, but in particular today, I had to rearrange my schedule to accommodate an evaluation workshop. I had grandiose plans of waking up at 630am (which I did) and go swimming (which I didn't). Instead, I just stayed in bed thinking.. I am not a morning person. And then I counted, and it was like providence. Six words! BOOM as JP would say.  It's not that I don't like mornings.. I enjoy them a lot. And even when I woke up at 630am, it wasn't like I was pressing the snooze button. I was alert and very conscious.. I just didn't want to get out of bed.

Life is so Good

Yesterday (Saturday), I hiked Hermit Falls (see my new blog, Big Girls Do (not) Hike for a review and some pics). Even though it was one of the harder hikes I've done, I think I did quite well. I didn't stop as much or as long. It was encouraging to see how my body has not only adjusted to the long runs, but my spins and hikes as well.

Today (Sunday), I woke up thinking this is going to be a long day. I had three meetings planned that should've lasted 3-4 hours each. Luckily, that didn't happen. My morning meeting started late when we decided to get breakfast. We only met for an hour and some. Then my afternoon meeting only lasted two hours because one of the team members couldn't make it. And my evening meeting was rescheduled. So I came home on a Sunday around 230pm with nothing pressing to do. So I hung out with my new roommate and her sister. Drank Blue Moon and hung out in the pool. Then I took a nap with my new roommate and her sister outside.. near the pool. It was the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday.

I just can't get over how wonderful life is.. sometimes change is the best thing that can happen to you! So embrace it.. you never know what the future will hold if you don't. So life is good. No complaints. :)

Fantastic News

I've lost 10 lbs in two weeks!!!!

I haven't lost this much weight in years. I feel good and I'm inspired and encouraged to keep up with my routine. I actually like it which helps a ton.. it doesn't feel like a chore. It feels like I'm participating in a hobby.. a working out hobby that includes running 3 miles, working out around the track, spin class, swimming and hiking (see schedule below.. if you're curious). And I'm eating well and on a budget (which is key). I'm drinking 100-120 ounces of water a day (I need to drink about 30 more to be on target). I'm eating more fresh veggies, and fresh fruit.

California really has done my body well. I don't know if I could have done this in North Carolina but I'm happy about it regardless. :)

Workout Schedule:
Sundays: Swim for an hour
Mondays: Run for an hour (right now that's 3 miles)
Tuesdays: CGU Fitness Challenge which varies from endurance, or strength training workouts
Wednesdays: Spin Class
Thursdays: CGU Fitness Challenge
Fridays: rest
Saturdays: Hike one of the local trails (typically 3-5 miles) *check out my other blog, Big Girls Do (not) Hike for my hiking expeditions*


Fiona, the trainer for the fitness challenge also gives me homework to power walk at least 30 minutes every day. I haven't been able to do it everyday but it gets me outside during the lunch hour, and walking more during the work hours.

Glutton for Pain- Hiking to be Specific

Who knew I would come to love hiking so much?

Well I don't actually love it but I've been doing it for about 3 out of 5 weekends and it's become an interesting hobby of mine. I decided that I'd add another site dedicated to the hikes that I go on. From the hikes that I've looked at, none of them address hiking for your full figured hiker (also most unfortunately known as the overweight person). I'm calling it Big Girls Do (not) Hike! :D

So if you're interested in learning more, go to the link above or go to the Take a Hike tab at the menu bar to learn more. :D

I did it!!!

Long Beach Pajama Run

I ran in a 5K last week! I made in under an hour which was an accomplishment. I cannot believe I did it! My legs were tired once I finally stopped but I wasn't too out of breath.

On Mondays, I run 3+ miles around the Claremont neighborhood. I didn't time myself today, but I think I ran faster and stronger. I wasn't able to finish in 3 miles though, which made me quite sad, but I ran faster.. I'm sure of it.

During today's run, three people "cheered" me on. Two rounded the corner and looked surprised to see me running- they both said great job. Then, when I got to mile 2, a guy on a bike said "good for you! nice evening for a workout!" I swear, either people are surprised to see a colored girl (or a colored girl in general) running or they're surprised to see a big girl covering the pavement. Maybe both. It makes me laugh and encourages me to keep going. I've read lots of articles that do not recommend people my size to run... they say you should do (light) cardio and weight training until you drop more pounds. Ah well.. as long as I don't hurt myself, I will continue to run. No excuses. And if I can run (or jog) carrying all 280 glorious pounds, then all these other skinny minnies weighing less than me can do the same. No excuses.

Lena and I are going to run a 5K in August so I have a month to shave at least three minutes from my last time. The goal will be under 53 minutes since I finished the Long Beach 5K in 57 minutes. Yay me!

"I Be Up in the Gym Just Working on My Fitness!"

Hello All,

So I've been pretty busy this past week. When I said I was back in the game, I was not playing. Tuesday, I went to the fitness challenge workout. We ran for 30 minutes straight. I did about 7 laps in that time.  On Wednesday, with very sore thighs I went to the spin class. Jesus Cristo! I did it... and I stood up. I wasn't sure if I could do it standing but I did and it actually helped with the numbness. The next day.. I was still sore. Thursday was another fitness challenge workout and we did squats, lunges and push-ups. In between each set, we did a lap around the track. Talk about overwhelming.. but I did it! Friday and Saturday were my rest days, and Sunday, I decided to be something like Super(big)woman. First I swam in the pool for about 30 minutes. An hour later, I took Diana to the Claremont Wilderness Park. It's a 5 mile loop. All the reviews said it was manageable but they must hike and bike often. I could only do 1.5 before I had to turn around. I was getting out of breath and so tired. I was so mad at myself for quitting.. I wanted to go this afternoon and try it again but I just don't feel comfortable hiking by myself. Even if there's a trail. So today, I ran around the Claremont neighborhood. 3.5 miles of walking and jogging. 80% jogging and 20% walking. Nola invited me to run in the Pajama 5K in Long Beach on the 30th and I think I'm going to do it but I want to be somewhat prepared. So tomorrow is another fitness challenge workout.. we're working on abs. Should be fun.. I really don't see a reason for me to work on them just yet. It's kind of pointless since I have (obviously) lots of fat covering my abs. I have to lose that first but I'll be there. Learn a few workouts and probably run the track afterwards (if I'm not tired).

So now, I just have to start eating right. I think my calorie diet is around 2200-2400 but I can't be sure. It may be much lower but I'm thinking I probably eat more calories at lunch and dinner than I realize.

So here's the plan for this week:

Sunday: Swim/ 3 mile hike
Monday: 3.5 mile run
Tuesday: Ab workout/ 1 mile run
Wednesday: 1 hour spin class
Thursday: Fitness Challenge workout
Friday: rest
Saturday: Swim
Sunday: Swim/ Play tennis (maybe?)

I'm Back!!

Oh my... it's been so long!

Well my last post was sad.. I had joined a spin class and today, was my second day going! haha.. shame face. Anyway, I have a plan!

Quite a bit has happened in the past two months including finishing my first year of grad school, going to Hawaii for the Merrie Monarch!!!, elected to be a part of the Graduate Student Council, as well as moving. My new place has a pool which I will be using. My plan is to try and swim at least two times a week (possibly Monday and Friday mornings) and then on the weekends if there is time. On Tuesday and Thursday, I will run with the Fiona and her Fitness Challenge. And then on Wednesdays, I'll go to the spin class.

I think I did well today at the spin class. I wasn't able to get into position 2 or 3 often (where you're standing up) but I did it a few times. It's fun.. I just NEED to find something for my booty. I felt more pain in my booty sometimes than in my legs. Every part of my pelvic area went numb at one point during the workout. No lie.

But I'll be back... I am convinced that I will lose weight this summer. My goal is 25 lbs. I think that's doable. I'm feeling quite positive about my life and all the goals I have. A healthy life is one of them.. so here we go! :D

Sadness

So... I stopped working out... and I gained 8 lbs. :(

I joined a spin class this morning.. this was before I wighed myself. I will definitely be up early tomorrow running again. I just.. I'm tired of being overweight.

So here I go again.

Wish me luck.

Six Word Memoirs

Hello Everyone!

It's been such a long time since I was last here. Blame it on mid-terms. It's been a crazy time for me with work, school, volunteering, and committees. But I just had to write about a wonderful session that I went to today for the NASPA Conference in Phoenix! The session was called A Phoenix Rising: Professional Renewal Through Meaning-Making. The presenters were Dr. Michele Murray and Dr. Robert Nash. Amazing topic. Halfway through their presentation, they asked everyone in the room to create a six word memoir that answered one of these three questions:

1. What have been major themes of your life?
2. What themes describe your professional experiences?
3. Which six words best describe you, thus far?

They were asking us to write concise and succinct personal narratives. Do you think you can sum up some of your most challenging experiences in six words? I didn't.. and yet.. here are mine...

1. Hakuna matata. It means no worries. (The Lion King)
2. Strength is weakness leaving the body. (Marine Corps slogan)
3.  Ariel: God's Lioness. I don't roar.
4. When the rains come, I dance.
5. Home is where my parents reside.
6. I'm multiracial. Don't call me Other!
7. What a difference a year makes.
8. Reality called. Dreams Deferred. What's next?

And here are a few that my group wrote:

1. Deeply content. Still searching for inspiration.
2. A fortuneteller told me "believe yourself."
3. Please don't yuck on my yum.

 What is your six word memoir?

Rest In Peace, Whitney

Whitney Houston passed away on Saturday. It was so sudden... I found out on twitter smh. I had just finished spending the afternoon volunteering at a horse rescue with Diana when I just signed on to twitter. Someone tweeted "it can't be true.. not Whitney." My phone updated 100 times in 10 minutes. It was so crazy. I went to my apartment, turned on CNN and listened as Don Lemon confirmed her passing. The TTs on twitter soon enough became a playlist of Whitney's greatest hits.

Her death brought back my love for R&B from the early 90s. It's always been there but mainly for the late 90s. I got on iTunes and bought her self-titled album and the Bodyguard. I remember the first time I saw Whitney with the buzz cut.. my mom had that album on cassette. She pulled the case out of this box full of other tapes and there was this thin, stately black woman with such short hair like I'd never seen before. The first cds I remember having were The Bodyguard and Mariah Carey's Music Box. Listening to The Bodyguard made me listen to Mariah Carey's Music Box and Daydream so I had to buy both. And then I saw an icon for TLC's CrazySexyCool album. I played the last song on the album, Something Wicked Come My Way and I remembered every. single. word. I could not believe myself. I used to LOVE that song. I started remembering how hard I practiced Left Eye's verse from Waterfalls and how upset I was when this kid in my class doubted me when I said I knew the verse by memory. Ha!

But long story short.. Whitney was a bridge. She's younger than my parents by about 5-7 years. My parents listened to her in the 80s and respected her in the 90s. I grew up with her in the 90s. She was a bridge between generations. Her and Michael (you could probably add Prince and Madonna in there too). They were the two that bound my parents musical tastes to my own. That's what is so sad. There are ties that bind my parents and I. Many actually. We're a tight and very close family. But to know that some of those ties, no matter how weak are loosening.. well that's sad.

I run to live. I live to run.

As I passed the fourth block on my uphill run this morning, I thought.. Ariel, you're running to live and soon you'll live to run. I have no idea if it's already a slogan (probably is) but it will be my mantra during this weight loss journey. I never thought I would say that I enjoy running. But here I am, waking up in the morning knowing today is my day to run. I get sad when it's my "short run" day. I'm annoyed when I can't run in the mornings, but then I get excited because afternoon runs are pretty energizing as well.

At 27 years of life, I weigh 269 pounds and my metabolic age is 90. I truly am running to live. I am someone who thinks about life and death all the time. Death scares me. Every day I pray today isn't my last day because I don't feel like I have accomplished anything that I have the potential to do. When I die, I want people to cry because they will miss me. I want them to cry because they know there will never be another like me and what I did while I was alive, impacted thousands. Conceited? Possibly, however this is my truth. But to die from my weight. I refuse.

So here I am, running to live. I ran and walked 3.22 miles today, essentially my first 5K. It took an hour because the last .5 mile I walked.. slowly. But I did it. I ran 2.7 miles uphill and downhill. I only stopped three times. This is coming from a girl who could barely run one mile without stopping.

I did all this in one month. Can you imagine where I'll be by March?

Discoveries

Sad news... Don Cornelius passed away this morning from an apparent gun shot wound. One of my college friends wrote "wishing him love, peace and soul." Kind of sad to think he may not have felt that before he passed. :(

He wasn't the original reason for this post, but I thought I should acknowledge his passing. The original reason was my discovery of Favorite Run. It's a website that helps you log different running routes in your area, and see where others are running. I've logged in five different routes so far, including a dream run of four miles. I'm hoping to run this in March, April at the latest. If you're in Claremont, check out my runs at ladee5o. Also, keep in mind, I'm a newbie jogger/runner. My routes are quite short.. for now. :D

Also, I need a running mantra. I don't really need it, but Runners World suggested it and I think it's a good idea. Any suggestions?

Shake It Out

It's the start of week four which means I have officially passed the "21 days to form a habit" marker. Here's the progress for the week: I lost 2 pounds! My total for the month as been 5.5 lbs lost and 5 inches from the last time I measured myself two weeks ago.

A few things I've found out about myself in the past three weeks:

• I like to run to semi-slow music. It's relaxing, and it helps me relax and focus. The past two weeks, I've listened to Adele and Florence + the Machine. Florence has really become my new obsession. Even though her albums are quite old, I love them. Especially No Light, No Light and Shake It Out. Drumming Song is also a good one. And of course, Adele. That girl is a beast.
• I like running in the morning. It makes me feel a bit better as the day progresses. My body has also adjusted to waking up earlier. Last semester, I could barely pull myself out of bed before 9am. Now, I'm up between 630-7am every morning. I also like running after work. The drawback to running after work is diminishing sunlight. I don't like running or walking home at night. Too many Criminal Minds episodes.
• I have to start strength training workouts. All this running is great, and I'm seeing improvements in my upper body and my thighs.. but not my hips! During my run last night, I saw my shadow and goodness gracious, if it wasn't clear that my waist is a lot smaller than my hips (currently 10 inches).  
• I'm in a cooking phase, and I think I may try to keep it up. The outcome is always a fun surprise. I record Giada DiLaurentiis shows from the Food Network. I've tried three or four of her recipes and really like them. Last night, I baked salmon in foil, and then had black eyed peas and salad. It was so good, but I dropped one of my salmons. Thankfully, I made two but one was supposed to be my lunch today. Le sigh.
• I bought this heart monitor and used it yesterday, but have no idea how it's supposed to work. Towards the end of my run, I just timed myself. I found that my heart rate was at 150-160. At the end of my run (which is uphill), I was at 180-190. I really have no idea if that's good or not. I've read conflicting statements on how to track my heart rate. I'll probably read the directions more carefully tomorrow. I would like to get an exact reading.
• My uncle and two partners have opened up a nutrition bar in Long Beach which sells Herbalife memberships. He's been telling me about it since I moved out here and I think I'm going to finally commit. I got my Health Report done which tells your weight, BMI, Body Fat Percentage, Muscle Mass and all that other good stuff. I really felt like I was on the Biggest Loser going to see Dr. H. Apparently, my metabolic age is 90 years old. Yikes! So we set a goal to lose 86 pounds by December. That's roughly 2 pounds a week, which I'm on the right track.
• I can handle three classes, a full time work load and still have a semi-social life. I have to be very diligent in managing my time but I can do it. And do it well.
• I'm really scared I'm going to end up an old maid, as Anne Shirley would say.

I see black people!

I seem to be writing a lot about my weight loss journey.. so lets switch it up.

I had a brotha sighting today!

(Tangent ahead) I walk to work now. Since I live 5-10 minutes away from campus, and the weather has been in the 80s, it just seems like the sensible thing to do. Save gas. Get some exercise. Enjoy the weather before I'm cooped up inside all day. And it gives me the chance to process my day. (Back to the story) I got off work around 430pm and was walking home. On the way back, I did my mental checklist and tried to figure out if I wanted to run or not. (Another tangent) It's really hard to get motivated to workout. Don't get me wrong.. I really love running (who would've thought?). I feel empowered and ready to take on the world. But before my feet pound the pavement... I'm actually debating whether I want to feel this sense of euphoria. I told a friend a week or two ago that the hardest part is getting there, whether it's the gym or the outdoors. I'm not sure why.. You know you want to but you just start thinking about all the other things you could be doing. (Back to the story) The thing I was debating doing instead of running was laundry and homework. So on my walk home (it's a great time to process the rest of the evening), I decided to start my laundry, and then go out for my run. That way, when I come back, it's time to switch the load. (Tangent again.. sorry) The sunset was beautiful today! There weren't a lot of clouds in the sky but the ones there reflected the most beautiful array of purple, blue, pink and orange. It was gorgeous. I really want an iphone so i can listen to my music, take pictures and have my phone readily available. Anyway, as I was locking up my apartment and admiring the sky, I saw a brotha! Not a brother, as Rick Perry would refer to Hermain Cain. But a brotha!!! Hermain Cain's cousin. He was wearing all black, had the black man strut and just looked so "out of place" that I almost wanted to follow him to see if he was going into one of the apartments or just walking by. I didn't see his face but if he had turned around and saw me.. he probably would've thought I was attracted to him or something, because I WAS staring. But ONLY because he was black! There was no pull. More shock.

I should be ashamed of myself... but I NEVER see black people here! Scratch that.. I rarely see black people but today, they were popping up everywhere. I saw two black girls (who apparently live right below me) for the first time walking to campus! In my three classes, I'm the only "black" person and then there's Nicole but she's mixed like me, so I guess together, we could be one "black" person and then in my leadership class, Shanda's there with me. We are THE minorities in a room full of minorities. I am THE minority in a valley or empire (whichever you prefer) of whites and hispanics. I haven't felt any kind of discrimination, but it's just weird not seeing people who look like you. Especially after living in Bull City. I don't feel out of place, but I definitely feel like something is missing...

And it's black people!!

Although I have begun to fancy some of these international guys. I just wish they were a little bit taller...

Progress!

I wasn't planning to blog today BUT a few things happened that made me super excited for my tomorrows.

1. I woke up this morning weighing 3.5 lbs less than I did last Sunday, and 2 inches lost. 
2. I ran for 30 minutes straight for 2.3 miles and then walked another mile home! I was not sure if I could make it but I did! No this is not the best number BUT it's what I can do and I'm quite proud of it. 5K.. here I come!
3. I finally had my Hollywood touristy moment today. I went to the Wax Museum, the Guinness World Record museum, and then went to Griffith Park and saw the Hollywood Sign. It really wasn't anything special BUT it got me motivated to visit Griffith Park again for a hike!
4. While at the Guinness World Record museum, there was an exhibit for the heaviest man weighing in at 1,000+ lbs. I really don't know how he lived to be that big. Anyway, they have a scale and Diana (my mentee) wanted to weigh herself. Chica came in at a whopping 115 lbs (skinny minny). She then said "I want to see you on the scale." Well, the old me would've said no and walked away. However, the new me stood on that scale. I thought of all the Biggest Loser contestants and looked at my number. It was a lot higher than I wanted it.. but I thought of how I would like to come back in the summer to see how much I've lost.
5. My heart rate monitor came in today! I have no idea how this thing works or what it'll do but I'm excited to have it.

Other super exciting news that happened this weekend:

• I bought my plane ticket for Hawaii! I'm going to the Merrie Monarch!!!!!
• I found a 5K to run in March. :D

Two Weeks Down, Nine to Go

Today concludes week two of my 5K training schedule. I won't be able to run 30 minutes today, but I'll do it tomorrow morning before church. I did well though. On Tuesday, I ran for 15 minutes (1 mile) and on Thursday I ran for 20 minutes (1.3 miles). Last week, I ran for 15 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday. My goal next week is to continue running on T/Th/Sat but add strength training at the gym on Mondays and Fridays.

As much as I am not a fan of tracking my food, I think I'm going to start. I stepped on the scale today and I haven't lost a pound in two weeks. I haven't measured myself yet, but I will tomorrow to update my numbers. Mom offered to sign me up for Weight Watchers. I may try it... in a month or two, or maybe tomorrow. I'm unpredictable and spontaneous when it comes to these things. I just don't like these weight loss programs. Call it pride- I want to say I did it on my own. My diet will be important this semester though. I'm taking three classes and working full time. I am not eating out for lunch, but bringing meals in (turkey sandwiches, soups and salads). I also have to drink more water but they say you should be drinking half your body weight... well that seems slightly impossible when you cross the 200 lbs mark.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Just wanted to let everyone know the running is going well. I found a few 5Ks in March that I may run in. Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure is on March 24th in LA. I would love to run that but they're going to be in Dodger Stadium and I hate running in circles... I just don't run the distance that I would if it's a neighborhood. I get like that when I'm on a treadmill too... I have to cover up the time and distance or else I'll stop sooner than later. If I see the "finish line" too soon, I have a harder time pushing and convincing myself that I can or have to go further.