One month from my goal date.

Or rather my updated goal as originally I wanted to be in the jeans before 2012. But it didn’t happen so I set a new goal. But no more sliding dates! Here is my “S.M.A.R.T” goal.

Specific – Zoe-style, Mavi jeans size 28, bought April 19, 2011

Measurable – jeans on and feeling good

Attainable – I have the jeans in my closet

Realistic – this isn't just a 5 week effort but several months in the making 

Timely – one month from now – March 31st

To do it, I’ll have to continue to make healthy and enjoyable choices at the grocery store and in the kitchen and keep up the walking, dancing and kicking. 

And keep in mind what this is really about. It’s just a pair of jeans and fitting in them is not a measure of my happiness or worth.  And rather than keep looking back where I was when I first wore them I am instead going to look forward to the fun, and adventures that are ahead and where else I’ll take the jeans (not where they’ll take me). 

More on Belly Dancing

I've had 6 belly dance classes and I enjoy it so much, the shimmies, the sashays, the music.  It has improved my posture and freed the tightness in my neck and shoulders, strengthened my core and are mucles. Last night we did a lot of 'hip snaps" which is kind of the motion you use to push a car door or drawer closed with your hip and to make it really "snappy" you have to tighten the glutes. After the class I could feel it, but in a good way like a butt-lift.

Like this.

I also really enjoy the chance to move in a "pretty" way.  I was always a bit of a tomboy and did sports over dance growing up so I never felt particularly graceful.   And yes the class is supportive and encouraging and welcoming of all shapes and sizes and I can see it's very much "what you do with it, rather than what you have". And that feels great. 

I hope she runs another session soon,  I don't think I'd ever want to perform but this is something I want to keep up.

Problems with comments

It seems like quite a few bloggers are having trouble leaving and reading comments.  Thanks T for letting me know there's been a problem here as well.  

A 63 year-old kicked my butt

My TKD instructor is out for a few classes so some of the black/red belts are taking turns leading the class. Wednesday was Mary... a gentle-looking soul that I initially took to as she was so nice and welcoming (and the only person older than me)...I figured her to be about 50 and thought it was cool she was there kickin and giving it.

Found out Wednesday, she luvs to spar and has the heart of a drill sergeant. And that she's 63. By the end of class, sweat was rolling down my temples and my sit-ups were shrugs. (Who still does sit-ups? I thought they were long extinct in favour of crunches, planks and almost anything else)
So tonight should be interesting, one of the "kids" (read insanely fit 16 year olds) is leading the warm up and then she's doing the class again. 

I think it's excellent that she started at 59 and kept with it.  I'd luv to think I'm still as engaged and active even if it's not with a combat sport. She is keeping with who she is and not just settling in with her old patterns of things.  And still challenging herself and others.

Speaking of which, oh my...must go drink more water now.

Happy Valentine’s day

I remember when it was a fun day at school, everyone would dress up in red or pink and bring in matching foods.  We’d decorate brown paper bags with our names and classmates would distribute little valentine’s to everyone else in the class. I remember saving some of those from friends or boys I had crushes on.   

 
Back then there was no expectations or angst or stress or worry about romance or gifts or who was single or where the relationship was going or not. I've had some fun ones as part of a couple and single and I’ve had some where it’s a regular day. I don’t get too worked up either way but like any chance to wish people a happy day. 

So here people - is my valentine for you - have a happy one!

All in my head...and that's where it counts

Over the last two weeks I've had several compliments on my shape, one friend asked if I'd lost weight and another asked how long I'd been doing TKD and shook her head after I said a week. Here's the thing...pound for pound, inch by inch, cm by cm - there is little/no change.

But in my my mind, just by making the decision, taking action (instead of pondering like the last umpteen months) and following through, that is where the real change is taking place. 

And the result, my head is higher, my shoulders are relaxed, my soul is lighter. And that is a beautiful thing. 

the jeans are on, sorta

It took a lot of finagling, shimmying and hopping but the jeans are on.  Not yet done up, about a thumb length gap at the top.  And they are a tighter in the the thighs than I like or would be comfortable wearing.  But by gosh they are on.  The walks, dance class and being more aware of my eating habits are not showing much on the scale but the jeans say yes there is progress.

is chewing pencils considered exercise or food?

I wish TKD wasn't cancelled last night (snow storm), I could use the destressor. 

I’m trying to get finish writing a speech, it’s for someone new, whose speaking style, expertise area and tone I don’t know.  And it was dropped on my desk late yesterday for tomorrow and there’s a bunch of protocol to follow and I have to work in the Queen (Elizabeth II, also the Queen of Canada). 

Sigh...deep breaths...maybe a few minutes in the meditation room (I'm lucky to have one at my office)

And of course it’ll get done and it’ll be fine…but I’m running out of time and I’m sure there’s flecks of yellow paint on my mouth.