Wii Tennis Elbow Anyone?

Okay, now this is a bit embarrassing but my arm is sore today from Wii Tennis. Really, that’s just a bit embarrassing, maybe more than a bit. I work out almost every day and today I was almost brought down by the Wii? Sad, Sad, Sad for multiple reasons including the fact that I'm not even very good at it.

Prince Charming and I (emphasis on the “I”) have been knee deep in contractors, public adjusters, etc. this week. We had some good news (some insurance money that we didn’t think that we were getting – big, big YEA!!) and some bad news (there is a huge, huge amount of the bedroom and laundry room walls that need replacing because of some ongoing leaking). We were given some hope (we love, love, love our public adjuster because he may be able to squeeze a few more bucks out of the flood / wind insurance companies) and had a little time to reflect on just how much still needs to be done. Overall though I would have to say that things are looking up and we are grateful.

While I am in the grateful department I want to put in a big plug for my lovely Pumpkin. I am soooooo soooooo sooooo lucky to have a daughter like her. Love you baby!!

I’m working out with Little John tomorrow. Wish me luck although I’m not going to push it by playing Wii Tennis tonight so I might just be okay.

Have a good one!

Ella

Hi Five's for Helga

WARNING! This post is going to be a big ol’ Wii testimonial.

When I ordered the Wii Fit I did it because I thought that just having it around and fun might encourage me to exercise just a little bit more, even if it was just 10 minutes extra a day. I thought that it might be fun but mostly it was just to squeeze out a little more exercise, a few more calories burned. Little did I know that it would help me with my brain – muscle coordination and help earn me a Hi-Five in step class.

Yes, you heard it here first I earned a Hi-Five from the instructor in Step Class! I actually have improved so much that I can make it through 1 segment of the routine without a mistake (maybe only once but it is once more than I used to)!

I think that I am the poster child for stick-to-it-ness at a step class. I have been floundering around in that class for over 6 months. When new folks come in and seem lost the instructor always points to me and basically says “look at her, she is still working at it after 6 months but she’s here”. Naturally, they all “get it” in a week or so and execute complicated routines like they were born to it.

Not I. Every new routine is like having to solve one of those math word problems we all hated in grade school. Every new sub-routine is like learning another language. Well, it was like that … Now, I have enough of the “steps” that I can do several in a row without completely being lost and, back to the testimonial, I thank the Wii Fit.

With Wii Fit you have all these “Balance” games that are really coordination games. I actually have graduated to the advanced level on one of them where just a few months ago my Mii hung her head in shame on every game.

My trainer, Little John, has also noticed a difference with my balance and core strength. I don’t know whether it is the Pilates, the Wii, Step Class or a combination. I’m just glad to say that it’s all working … and I am glad to get that Hi-Five! (Can you tell?)

Have a Wii Kind of Day,

Ella

A Good Day!

I just met with some contractors (post Ike) and I really liked them. They are with Sanctuary Homes which is a name that I can appreciate. They stayed for 2 1/2 hours talking to me, looking at the damage, taking measurements, etc. I think that they are pretty high end but they are willing to work with the insurance adjustors and hopefully we can get a better settlement than we were offered before (a settlement that barely covered ANYTHING).

So I feel buoyed! They had some definite thoughts about what is causing the leak in the laundry room! We have identified previously unidentified roof leaks that were caused by Ike and would have cost us a bundle. For the first time in a long while I feel hopeful where this house is concerned.

This morning I worked out with Little John the trainer from 24H Fitness. He is a young little hottie but seems to know his stuff. Most of the 50 minutes was spent evaluating my fitness. I am a little sad to report that, despite working out fairly regularly for the past two months, I have A LONG way to go! The good news is that I can only improve!! I promised Little John that I would keep a food log. I think that he was a little horrified that I had 28% body fat. My body is a little deceiving in its looks. It doesn't necessarily look like I am carrying around that much fat or that much weight and so people are often surprised when I tell them the actual numbers. I am used to it by now but he definitely was a little shocked. I have a few main food issues that I am working on that hopefully the food log will help keep in check -

1. I love sweets and am a sucker for chocolate. This is something that I have been working on for a while now. I am definitely MUCH better than I was. This holiday hasn't helped my cause but I am ready to get back on the chocolate / sweet limit bandwagon. I believe that an allowance of 100 calories per day on sweets would be reasonable.
2. Portion Control! I believe that this is an important contributor to my difficulty in losing weight. By being more aware of my portions I can reduce my calorie intake. Keeping a food log will definitely help me here.
3. I need to increase the number of fruits and vegetables consumed each day. I have not been as vigilant about this as I could have been over the holidays.
4. Menu planning is key. Before the holidays and since Fitness Ridge I had been very good about menu planning for the week and making sure that the menu was "Fitness Ridge approved". As long as I keep up with the menu planning I have a much better chance of succeeding not only with my weight loss but also with making sure that I have a healthy balanced diet.
   

My sister-in-law emailed me the other day to tell me that she has been steadily losing a pound a week for the past 5 weeks through healthy eating and exercise. This is TERRIFIC as I know that she has been struggling in the past. I think that if we keep each other accountable through our email updates we will both succeed. I am looking forward to showing off our hot bods to each other at the cottage this year :)

And how does my To Do list look today?

• Little John the trainer (9am)
• Meet with contractors (11am)
• Drop off library books
• Clear fridge
• Clear kitchen island
• Blog
• Menu planning (remainder of week)
• Christmas tree denuded
• Christmas ornaments away in boxes
• Pay Gap bill
  

I hope that you have as terrific a day as I am having!

Ella