funnymoods.com

I received an email from an angry reader (okay, maybe she wasn't that angry, just curious) about wanting pictures after I (A) went and cut off 5 inches of my hair and then (B) dyed it red. I made a deal with said reader that I would try to get some pics while I was home in Wisconsin and had access to my mother's digital camera. Lo and behold, though, my brother had the camera at his place because of the above party. So, the moral is, this is the only shot I have of my from this weekend which is less than flattering and doesn't really show the true "red" that my hair is. But it will give you a hint. And perhaps I'll get some more shots this weekend when we return to pick up my car.

The above party was to celebrate my brother's 24 birthday and recent engagement. The girl on the far left with her mouth open (she'd probably kill me if she knew this shot was on the internet) is Amy, my brother's fiancé. James is on the right saying something to her and I'm behind him grinning about whatever it is that was said. The other two people are acquaintances we met that evening.

So. Back to my entry.

The Self Challenge has started. Or is starting. I've started at least although I have a feeling it "officially" starts next week because technically it is still February. I'd been thinking about the Challenge recently. Mainly because I've been trying to get back into my healthy habits and start a regular exercise schedule. I was thinking about how the Challenge has helped me stay on track in past years. Although, last year (like in 1998), I had to stop half way through because (both times) I was in the middle of a move. Well, I guess I didn't "have" to stop. But moving does wreck with your schedule and add an extra amount of chaos that I have yet to master.

At any rate, I am not planning on moving anywhere anytime soon. If James came home today asking me to pack, I think I might knife him. I've had my share for a bit here and I need to settle in. I know we have to find a house eventually. But give me 8 months. That's all I really need.

So, I'm not moving and I was thinking about the Challenge. And I was also thinking about how my Self Magazine always arrives late and most years I've had to start the Challenge late because I didn't get my mag until the first or second week of March. This year though, in an ounce of prevention, I went online and it was all up and available. And since it was Monday, I figured why not start right now.

The challenge this month is 20-30 min. cardio 3x/week; 10 min. flexibility 2x/week, 20-30 min. strength 2x/week and four nutrition challenges to be focuses on each week. The first month is usually pretty basic for me because my exercise schedule is pretty much set above what their requirements are. However, as the months progress, I find I have to squeeze in 4 cardios and 3 strengths sessions per week... well, that's where they get me. The nutrition challenges are also a biggie for me because that is an area I don't focus on nearly as much as a should. I usually figure I eat "well enough" and don't dwell on it. But I'm also sure that is why I overeat. Because I'm not keeping track, I'm not keeping track. This week, because of the challenge, I've been journaling my food and actually counting calories. It was a rude awakening when I figured that I'd actually eaten 2300 calories yesterday when I thought the day was "good." While 2300 calories isn't terribly bad and within what I'm allowed (145 lb., hr. cardio), it's stretching it to the edge and would be completely unacceptable had I not worked out that day.

To help me with the Challenge, I've been working on FitDay's website. My journal there is public, so feel free to check it out to see how I'm doing. I've been using FitDay for a few months now, but never consistently. I thought, though, that it would help out a lot for the Self Challenge because I can log my food and exercise all in one place and online -- not in my little note pad that often gets ignored.

So, that's where I'm at in my health/fitness world. Once again getting ready for spring and trying to get this bod into better shape.

I also signed up to take a yoga class on Thursday evenings (I can't believe I had the power to schedule a class during Survivor) and am getting a new bike (it's a BEAUTY!). So, I have every reason to get in awesome shape and enjoy it along the way.