Lisa

The Sky's the Limit!

2007-05-25T19:22:43Z

happy colours of the sky
Originally uploaded by *Betti*

Here's to a wonderful 12 weeks of learning (even by my own mistakes). I have enjoyed this time. I did not aim too high to maintain consistency. I also did not want the stress and guilt of not reaching a high goal to cause depression. But you know, I have really surprised...ok...SHOCKED myself at how much I have done. I have learned a valuable lesson that if "its" not in the house...you won't eat it. Whatever your "it" is, I've learned that healthy alternatives are key. My goal in the beginning of the twelve weeks were to simply be able to button my pants and I'am proud to announce.........I CAN!

Love you guys! You are the best! Thankyou AHA for everything! And thanks for all the CYBER CHEER!

PS. I think I might stick around for awhile! :-)

Fear of the Unknown

2007-05-20T04:28:10Z

Have you ever left a familiar place to venture out into something totally new? I think we all have at some point in our lives. At that moment there is a mixture of excitement and a little fear. Fear of what? one might ask. Perhaps its the fear of failure, change, the unknown, lack of control, or a combination of them all.

We Made It!

2007-05-18T20:50:00Z

Golden Curve
Originally uploaded by bitefight.

I've missed you all!

A two day trip with 22 hours of road traveling.....I'm happy to say we have made it safe. I used alot of helpful tips from AHA to help me avoid the pitfalls of less healthy eating while on the road. I had my share of a few fastfood places...boohoo... but I did incorporate fruit, veggies, nuts, and water while traveling. I have been hitting the treadmill since we have arrived and I actually like it! WHAT! ME! Wow...that's all I can say is...wow. It feels good to be back in cyberspace. It feels like I've been gone forever. and you know what else???...ONE MORE WEEK TO GO!!!!

Applause

2007-05-11T23:09:53Z

Applause
Originally uploaded by BayerNYC.

Just a little note to thank everyone for their support! For all of the "you can do it's, you go girl, wow, thats great". And for all of the good, sound advice. And for meeting such great women with a shared interest in a healthier lifestyle. I know the program is not over yet but I just feel mushy! It's my last day at work and goodbye's get me like this. I feel so grateful! Everyone in the CTM program offered something unique and I'm truly grateful. This group of ladies certainly offer a variety of laughter, honesty, and support. This may be a premature salute...but in my book...we've already won!
Here's to Kara, Vernita, Melanie, Kathleen, Ruann, Zulema, all the choose to move ladies who have joined us or supported us, and... me!

My Hurdle

2007-05-08T21:27:35Z

Cool Water Bottle
Originally uploaded by ward thompson.

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO......

What I need. want. But seem to miss the mark.
WATER! or the lack thereof.

I've put everything in it that I possibly could...lemon, sweet powdery substances, glitter, sparkles, blue diamonds, green clovers...ok ok Lisa...but really I just don't drink enough water. I've even had to make it the only thing in the house! Its starting to be one of two choices in the fridge. Either drink it or die of thirst. With the weather warming up and with all this activity, I know it is very important. I think I've been so obsessed with my step monitor that I've neglected this vital key in overall health. I will try to have balance and remember all the things that work together for a balanced, healthy life.

Keep It Movin!

2007-05-07T17:54:59Z

Keep It Movin!
Originally uploaded by lisadhammond.

Every Little Step Counts!

2007-05-04T21:58:14Z

This is a pretty good start....or finish! It is recommended that we have an average of 10,000 steps a day. I think I may be obsessed with the step monitor! Every chance I get, I'm looking at this monitor to see my progress. It's like I can't function without checkin it. Throughout the day, you will find me taking it off to see. I just have to see. Please let me see! haha The best step action that I've done was this week. I have gotten up early and gotten on the "you know what". Yep...the Dreadmill! Ok ok. I'll admit its not that bad. But I'm surprised at my numbers when I reach pass 10,000 steps. You should've seen me just trying to get up to 10,000. So all of this to say....THANK YOU CHOOSE TO MOVE! You've come a long way baby!

Moving Jitters

2007-05-01T19:30:22Z

Relocating to a whole new state can be challenging! When thinking about all the things I have to do, I'd really rather just eat something greasy, take a nap and wake up in Virginia. Ofcourse that is not an option. This challenge helped me come to the realization that often times food can be used as comfort during a tough time. The goal is to not let food or anything control us. Eating and taking a nap will not change the fact that things need to get done. They will still be there. So why not eat something that will give me the energy to tackle the tasks!

Heading To The Top!

2007-04-27T20:19:40Z

Heading To The Top!
Originally uploaded by lisadhammond.

So Close Yet So Far Away

2007-04-27T17:37:14Z

All that I need is right in my complex. There is really no excuse for me not to be active. There is a pool, volley ball net, walking space, and a gym right where I live. So why do I still have so many excuses??? It seems like this week has gotten away from me. I returned from 8 hours of flying from Hawaii at 5:30am on Tuesday. It seems like I have to get the ball rolling again. My husband is home from a 6 week trip so I'am very tempted to sit on that forbidden couch and eat. But I will really try to get up and out into the community thats so close yet seems so far away!

Progress Report

2007-04-27T15:01:01Z

Do you remember getting a progress report half way through the school year that showed you exactly where you were with all the tasks you had been given. Well this time....I have to rate myself! Can an "A" equal effort? In that case, I have all "A's". But if I be realistic, my progress report would look like this: Eating Habits- ology: B- Physical Activity- ology: B- Stress Handling- ology: B Teacher's Note: Lisa has truly improved from the beginning of the school year. Before the year began, she was a mess! I'm proud of her improvement. She has fallen from time to time but overall she is better than she started. Please keep encouraging her so she won't lose sight of her goal.

You Are What You Eat

2007-04-23T01:03:45Z

Hawaii
Originally uploaded by lisadhammond.

If that saying, "you are what you eat" is true, then let's see if I can figure out what I'm. Before Choose To Move, I was a supersized french fry and a fried chicken leg. I don't want to forget about being a big buttery biscuit as well. Now I think I'm a little less grease with alot more salad and nuts. I was probably "nuts" before the program. I've eaten so much salad, I think I'm growing bunny ears! I've even been able to eat my salads while here in Hawaii! Now I can't say I've not had my share of chicken strips and fries but nothing is better than a pineapple in Hawaii!

After reading information on fast food, I have decided that if I MUST eat it then I really should keep my portions small. Its amazing how in some places, a whole meal is less calories than a burger by itself. Oh well, no more supersize fries for me!

Video Blog

2007-04-20T18:06:49Z

Stresses Of Life

2007-04-18T20:13:12Z

How do I spell relief? H-A-W-A-I-I There is alot going on right now. Dealing with the stress of a 22 city tour which includes 22 hotels, 22 promotors, 22 contacts, 22 deposits, blah blah blah. Now I have to deal with the additional stress of relocating to Virginia in about 2.5 weeks! Finding a house, packing and moving across the country requires alot of planning. Not to mention I MISS my husband like crazy! Ok, I'm done whining! But the best way I deal with stress is to stop, breath, and retreat. I hate flying but LOVE to travel! Weird I know, but flying is faster. Getting away is a perfect time to sit back...well not couch potatoe sit back...but a time to reflect and enjoy seeing a new environment as I choose to move. So I'm excited about this time although I'm still working while I'm here. And my little cousin/god-daughter is keeping me on my toes! SHE IS THE CUTEST LITTLE HANDFUL! Whew! :-)

I've Found Someone

2007-04-14T20:28:58Z

My friend Lori in Los Angeles is on the same road to health as myself.....the problem is she's in a different time zone! I'm here is L.A. and I'm so excited to find someone who is going on this journey to better health. I wish I could put her in my pocket and take her with me back to Texas! But I'm happy with this time to encourage each other even in the spirit. It's good to spend time with people with kindred spirits. I'm so grateful for life! I'm grateful for everyone that has been in my life. I take today to simply be grateful for the opportunities I have had and the people who have touched my life. I'm feeling mushy right now..haha. I'm here visiting before my 6 hour flight to Hawaii, so I have to go! I'm going to eat something healthy!!! See ya!