I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. Making a statement like a New Year’s resolution is almost a sure-fire way to ensure you’re going to fail. So, instead of a resolution, I’m embarking on a new project. Though, I’m sure there will be plenty of house, crafting and decorating projects going on around here this year, the project I’m posting about today is a bit different. I’ve been calling it: Project Me. I’m beginning this project not with resolution but with enthusiasm and a little curiosity. Where will this project lead?
I’m on a quest this year to take a little better care of “me.” The older I get, the more I’ve come to realize just how wonderful our bodies are. They are beautiful, brilliant machines, machines that are always adjusting, always doing their best to correct or fix the “less-than-healthy” lifestyles we sometimes keep. You know what I mean…not sleeping enough, not exercising enough, eating too much of the foods that heap stress on our bodies.
I didn’t start out Project Me with any kind of plan. Most projects around here normally get started with some kind of idea or plan. This project has just sort of happened, created and guided by my subconscious I suppose. Weird, huh?
I think its been marinating for a while and somehow slowly a course of action formed without me even realizing it. Blogging full-time is often a very sedentary job. There are momentary intervals of physical activity, like building bookshelves , painting rooms or putting up Christmas trees. But there are many hours spent sitting, writing, reading and posting and as we all know, sitting can lead to Blogger’s Butté . ;)
So here’s the progress so far on Project Me.
I ordered a set of Dr. Fuhrman’s DVDs so I could learn what foods our bodies need, how to eat better so the cravings for the not-so-healthy foods go away. Do you ever watch him on PBS? I love his programs because he doesn’t just tell you to eat better, he goes into great detail explaining what the healthy and the not-so-healthy foods actually do inside the body. When you listen to him, it makes you want to eat better.
I also ordered these from Lands’ End…comfy, stretchy pants, great for exercising. That’s them in the bag above. They just arrived today and I’m wearing them now. It took a couple of weeks for them to arrive…they are so popular they are backordered.
And I ordered this. When it arrives, I’m going to set it up here in the office and hop on it several times a day. I know me and I know this me isn’t going to get in a car and drive to a gym. And this me isn’t going to go for long walks or runs on cold drizzly days. But this me will hop on something that’s just a few feet away and exercise while watching/streaming a movie or something entertaining for 15-30 minutes at the time. It was $129 from Amazon with free shipping so definitely worth the investment if it gets me moving a bit more. It folds up so I’m hoping it will store neatly behind the office door or in the office closet whenever I need to tuck it away. (Pic below from Amazon)
There were so many of these types of machines to choose from online. I was super tempted by the “Total Gym” available at their site online or the “Total Fitness Total Gym Achiever” available at K-mart, since those both have a special leg assembly attachment you can use to really work the legs. Actually, I think you have to pay over $100 more extra to purchase the leg assembly with the Total Gym, but the Total Gym Achiever (which was very affordable) comes with it or at least the Kmart ad said it did.
The Total Gym was a lot more than I cared to spend costing between $600-$1,000 and the Total Gym Achiever (made by Total Gym) didn’t have the foot thingy at the bottom or the handle bar thingies at the top, and I really liked those features.
I also looked at the “Jillian Michaels Ultimate Body Shop” on Amazon but it was almost double the price of the Weider unit. Jillian’s does come with a “Workout Card” you can plug into the machine and play to work out to, but I know I would never use it. I’m planning on watching a movie or something fun while working out on the Weider unit. If it isn’t fun, I know I won’t do it.
In a perfect world, here’s where I’d be…riding The Silver Comet.
For over a year I biked The Silver Comet trail 3-4 days a week. I always drove way, way out and started at the Florence entrance which was the 11 mile marker. I’d bike to the 22nd mile marker, known as Rambo, turned around and biked back. It was a 22 mile trip each time and I loved it! The reason I started so far out was because there are few roads to cross and almost no people or dogs to go around if you start out near Florence. It’s pretty isolated and absolutely beautiful.
So, 3 to 4 times a week I biked 22 miles on this little bit of heaven on earth. Then a biker was sexually assaulted and murdered while biking the trail. It happened near the 17 mile marker, the exact area I drove through every single time I biked. There’s a memorial there now…in the spot where it happened. There’s also a bench dedicated to her on the trail. I know it so easily could have been me; I don’t know why it wasn’t. After that, I could never enjoy biking there alone. I found myself always looking back over my shoulder.
When I bike, I prefer to do it alone. Biking was my therapy, a time I could de-stress while cruising through gorgeous scenery, up and down gently rolling slopes, listening to my favorite music or just the birds. I saw bunnies, deer, birds…it was paradise. I miss it. I told a friend the other day, if I ever win the lottery (I never play, so will never win) I would hire a body guard to bike about 100 yards behind me several days a week on The Silver Comet.
You can see more of The Silver Comet trail in this post: The Silver Comet
In the meantime, the scenery will be a movie while Mr. Weider and I get better acquainted.
Do you have a “Project Me” planned this year? Need something to motivate you? Watch Dr. Fuhrman on your local PBS station. He will light a fire under ya! 
Update: Here’s a few short videos I found online of Dr. Fuhrman speaking: Dr. Fuhrman, Part 1 and Part II and Part III
i enjoyed reading your ‘Project Me’. how sad that you had to stop what you enjoyed doing for such an horrific reason. I too enjoy walking on a very similar track & it never enters my head that something so dreadful could happen. It has made me rethink, about where I walk, even though I live in rural France. Thank you.
Barbara, somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew it was a bit risky…being out there in the woods, by myself. I knew it wouldn’t take that much to get me off the bike since I don’t ride super fast. I loved it so much, I just pushed it out of my mind. Please, please be careful!
Sounds like a great plan Susan. All the best!
Thanks, Pat! ♥
Great way to start the New Year! Best wishes!
Thanks!
Great idea, Susan! Deciding to do it is half the battle.
We joined Planet Fitness a couple of years ago, and I went faithfully til a couple of months ago, when I got sick. Anyway, at that point I started working out on my rowing machine 45 minutes a day, and I have lost about 8 lb, and feel great!
Working out regularly these past couple years has showed me how much better I feel, gotten rid of some aches and pains, made me feel mentally better and is a great stress reliever, and makes me feel like I look good.
Working at home is a time saver too, without all the driving! Plus, I can do it in spurts, and in my undies if I want!
That’s awesome, Carol! I’ve noticed just sense I started eating better, I’m more alert and feel so much better. My allergies are a gazillion times better, too. That’s what I’m hoping for…working out in spurts. I don’t like to go to a gym and spend an hour there, plus all that driving time in ATL traffic. I think I’m going to love this machine. If it wears out in a year, it would have been worth it and I’ll buy another one. Thanks for the encouragement and congrats on your success!
I am starting Nutrisystem on Monday. The food just arrived, so I am almost ready. I don’t like to cook much and love the convenience of this. I know you will succeed.
Me neither, Nancy…unless it’s for a party or something special like the holidays. I’m hoping I can find some quick things to fix from the Dr. Fuhrman video. I just started watching one of them last night. Some of the foods he shows, I’ve never eaten before so I don’t have a clue how to even cook them. lol But I’m going to try.
Good luck with Nutrisystem and let me know how it goes!
Susan, I did “Project Me” last year when I decided that it was time to get rid of the extra weight. I really watched what I ate, went to Pilates once a week and tried to do stretching when getting up and before going to bed. I also started using the “My Fitness Pal” app on my phone. It helps you keep track of your food, water and any exercise (including household chores). I have lost a total of 25 pounds so far and hope to lose another 5 so I may splurge sometimes. I’m with you, having equipment close by makes it easier to use it. I’m so sorry you no longer have your area for biking. Dawna
Dawna, that’s amazing! Good going!
Hooray for you! Keep us informed. It’s always good to share your successes/
In fact I do have a project in mind
. Last year I ‘resolved’ to lose weight to take stress off my back. No set number, no set plan. I lost 45 pounds ( yes, yeah me!!!). This year I’d like to do it again. Can’t wait to see where I end up because the results – back pain wise – have been marvelous.
Suzi, that’s wonderful! What an accomplishment! I can tell you’re going to do it again…I can just hear it in your words.
Can’t wait to see how it goes for you! Please keep us posted! I too have become so very aware of the things I need to do as I get older. It would be fun for you if you could find another place to ride your bike….a place where you feel safer. So sad you had to give it up all together.
Angela, I just don’t think that will happen because one of the reasons I love The Silver Comet was for how secluded it was, which is also what makes it so dangerous. I’ll def keep you posted. I’m so excited to get the machine and get going!
Oh.. I am so sorry as to why you had to stop biking. But I can relate.. I used to walk 4.5 miles daily on our local greenwood trails. Then one morning, I was followed. He was not secretive about it.. was following me rather boldly. Grinning every time I looked back at him. Then a few days later, men were picked up on the trail for exposing them selves and trying to harass a woman. I have never been back. They took away my bit of alone time and joy!!! Now I work at home w/ a trainer.
Glad to see your new piece you ordered. I am getting back inot things this month after being ill since July of 2012.
Here’s to a new US!!!
Cheers, Gee
Gee, it’s sooo frustrating as a woman to not be able to go and do as you wish. I hate that you went through that…how scary! A man was also attacked on The Silver Comet trail by a gang of teenage/older boys, but they were just trying to rob him. So no one is safe there, I guess. I’m sorry you’ve been sick since July…so glad you are doing better!
Please give an update later on how you like the “gym”. I would be interested in it also if you like it. This time last year I weighed 60 lbs more than I do now. I am diabetic and my blood sugars were dangerously high so I made dramatic changes in my diet. Now I am 60 lbs lighter and my blood sugars are completely normal. I need to exercise more and would be VERY interested in checking out the total gym you are using.
Lynn, that is awesome! I know you feel like a new person! Dr. Fuhrman talks all the time on PBS and on the Dr. Oz show about reversing diabetes and you did it! What an accomplishment! I will let you know how it goes. I like all the variety of exercises you can do on it. I get bored very easily so that’s one of the things that attracted me to it.
Thank you so much! I saw Dr. Fuhrman on Dr. Oz just yesterday about reversing diabete. I cut out sugar and simple carbohydrates. I want to read Dr. Fuhrman’s book about diabetes. You will feel so much better soon – with more energy and clarity!
Lynn, both my brother and father were diabetic so I’m always worried about that. I have a serious sweet tooth, so I’m hoping I can get that under control. Dr. Fuhrman says a lot of the bad cravings come from our bodies not getting the micro-nutrients that we need…all that good stuff that’s in the leafy green vegetables. I have a feeling I’m going to be shopping in Whole Paycheck a lot more.
My “dream project” was to write the first book and self-publish it which took me off of my on-going Project Me schedule for almost 4 months. Got the book done by the end of December, just signed up for a month’s unlimited use yoga pass at a local yoga studio that I can walk to on good days and will get back into the lap pool pretty darn quick.
Here’s to Project Me! (So sorry to hear about what happened on the bike trail you loved so much. )
Yay, Kathy! Congrats on your book! Here’s to 2013 and Project Me!
I say go ride and live your life without letting fear get in the way. The chances of that happening again and happening to you are so small, it isn’t worth giving up something you love.
Unfortunately, two other woman who were running on the busier section of the trail, were attacked but they both ran and got away. A gang of five guys attacked a man on the trail, knocking him off his bike and demanding money, which of course he didn’t have since he was wearing a biking outfit. They eventually let him go. So it’s just too dangerous a world for women, and sometimes even men, to bike in the woods alone.
susan, good for you and your”project me”.
Thanks, Laura!
Sad to hear you had to give up you biking because of something like that.
I gave up a lot of my walking due to not feeling safe, and need to find an alternative for the exercise.
Enjoy your weekend.
I know, Glenda. It really gets me mad if I think about it too long…that we can’t enjoy the things we wish due to things like that.
Ok, yeah, in that case I agree! That is really too bad because it looks so beautiful. I live near there but am newer to town so I hadn’t heard the bad news about it.
Sally, you may want to read this since you live in the area. It really is sad because it’s a gorgeous place. http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/cyclists-assaulted-on-silver-comet-trail/nFB3h/ Also, Google Jennifer Ewing and The Silver Comet…at least that guy is in jail for life.
That really is horrible! My dad came to visit and he had heard it was a good trail so he went by himself to ride. I had no idea it was ridden with crime. Thanks for the info!
I can totally empathize with you, Susan. I’m always very very aware of my surroundings when I’m out running – and always carry not only my cell phone, but pepper spray, too. It’s so sad, the world we live in. Where a woman can’t even go for a bike ride along a pretty path without losing her life.
I have a Total Gym in my basement, and used to use it pretty religiously. But found that I would rather run outside or on the treadmill. They say that you’ve got to find something fun to do…that way you’ll stick with it! Good luck, girlie!! When my life calms down a bit, I plan to head right back to that treadmill for the winter. 
xoxo laurie
I know…it makes me mad when I think about it. And it is sad. I hope I’ll enjoy the total body gym. If not, at least I only have $129 in it. I think I’ll like it because there seems to be a lot of variety of how you can use it. Of course, it isn’t aerobic…but it’s something. Better than sitting all day!
Have fun with your treadmill! I’ll be thinking of you on your treadmill when I’m working out on the Total Body Gym.
I was just going to suggest you get a few friends to join this walking trail with you. There’s too many things happening now days. This world gets crazier every day. Look who would have ever thought parents would have to be scared to send their kids to school? When we arrived at the bowling alley on Tuesday morning, we heard that our leader had been knocked down, and her purse snatched..14 year girl from a group home did it.
It had happened the week before and she was still shaken up about it.
Thanks, Betty. I know…I still think about that.
Susan congratulations you’ve taken more than just the first step. I tried different things throughout my life and never stuck with them because I always seem to get bored. Fortunately I have good genes when it comes to metabolism but it has started to catch up with me after three kids (a twin pregnancy) and 47 years. I also have pretty good eating habits and for one reason or another never drank soda ( which seems to be a big problem) and adds a lot of wasted calories. so I never felt like I was depriving myself of food. Anyway last year right after the first of the year I joined the local Jazzercise. It has been the best thing I have ever done in terms of exercise. it is so much fun. I don’t even feel like I’m working out. I mean of course I am because I work up a good sweat and really get my heart rate going, the hour goes by so fast and it is so much fun that I look forward to it, getting up most mornings at 5:30a. The other bonus is I have met so many wonderful women who also have made Jazzercise a part of their life and we encourage each other. My only regret is I didn’t know about Jazzercise years ago when I was trying every other crazy way to exercise and keep myself in shape. The final bonus is my 13-year-old twin girls go with me from time to time so it’s a great way to spend time laughing with them and teach them about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. I do have to say I have whiled away time and calories walking on a treadmill in front of a good movie so I think you’ll have good luck with your chosen method of exercise too. Unless you’re somebody that loves exercise,and I’m not;I think the key is keeping yourself distracted from the actual work. For me that is Jazzercise. For you I hope it is your new machine. One final quick thing. I bought a bullet last January 2 and every morning when I get back from Jazzercise I have a smoothie. It is easiest thing in the world. It is almond milk, a banana, a big handful of organic spinach and frozen mixed fruit that I have thawed only slightly so the smoothie is nice and frosty. It is so refreshing after a workout. Best of luck to you. this should make for a great before-and-after.
Angela, that’s wonderful you found something you love! One reason I never take exercise classes is because they usually involve dancing and I really don’t like that too much. Wish I did but I’ve tried it before and just didn’t like it. I am eyeing a better blender…to make some of the vegetable based drinks, although I think I’d rather get my veggies eating them than drinking.
I bet the smoothies are great on hot summer days! Good for you for not drinking soda. So smart! Those are definitely not good for you…wish I didn’t like them! Thanks for the encouragement! Wish that machine would get here so I can get going!
Oh you all are awesome! I bought an expensive bike…rode it maybe three times…parked it and then sold it. I am horrible when it comes to moving!!
Me, too, Vicki…unless it for antiquing! Then I can move quite well!
Susan, you stay off that bike trail, you hear! It’s too risky, and I think you’ve come up with a good plan. I am unfamiliar with this Dr. Fuhrman, but I will seek him out because I need someone to light a fire under me!!! I was going to suggest that you grow some different lettuces in pots on your deck in early spring. You’d be amazed at how fresh it tastes!
Yes, Ma’am…I hear!
It’s no fun biking looking over your shoulder the whole time, anyway. I just finished watching both DVD’s and I’m definitely going to make some of the dressings he uses, but I’m not crazy about his soup…too much work…the way he makes it. Also, I’m thinking he may be a vegetarian because he really doesn’t use any meat in his recipes. So I’m thinking I’ll cook the beans he suggested, make the salads and eat that will lean chicken and the fish that he says is safe with the least amount of mercury. I really liked the DVD titled, Eating Like a Nutritarian because he takes you to Whole Foods and shows you how to prepare and eat a lot of foods I’ve never eaten, like Bok Choy. Apparently, all these recipes are on his site, too…so you can get the dressing recipes off his site, I think. When I start making some of these, I’ll try to do a post on them. I didn’t know you could grow lettuces in pots on the deck….love that idea! Thanks for the suggestion. When is the best time to get them going? Only one small section of my deck gets sun…wish I didn’t have so many trees in the back yard.
Susan,
You are always such an inspiration to all of us in the Land of Blog…
no doubt, you will have us eating healther and excerising more ~ sooner than you think!!!
Keep us posted on how you’re doing!
Fondly,
Pat
Thanks, Pat!
Sounds like a wonderful idea! I wish you the best and I hope you blog about your experience. I will look into the DVD’s you suggested. Thanks for the motivation.
I’m glad you aren’t biking there anymore by yourself. Always take a friend!
Thanks, Mary!
Oh Susan, me too!!! I so agree with you on this “Project Me.” I think this is the best thing you can do for yourself this year. I’m not good at resolutions, either; but I’ll tell you, I’ve got to make some changes. At the risk of sounding like a whiner, I have put on so much weight lately, and I’m totally out of shape. I have no stamina and am really disgusted with myself. I have a physical coming up next week, and I know my doctor’s going to be unhappy (and so will I) because I’m not having any success getting my blood pressure down. I know it’s because I’m eating all the wrong things and not getting enough exercise.
You’re absolutely right that blogging is a very sedentary thing to do. I love it, but I’ve been sitting way too much. You’re setting a great example for the rest of us, and I’ll be cheering for you.
I’ll also have to check out this Dr. Fuhrman.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Denise
It happens so easily, Denise. It just sneaks up on you. I want to lose 20 lbs but mostly I just want to get healthier in general. I just added links to two of Dr. Fuhrman’s videos at the end of the post. They are a great listen! You’re going to love what he says about blood pressure!
So glad you found something you are excited to start. Love the idea of ‘project me’! I could use a little of that myself!
Go for it Lizy!
Hooray for you! It sounds like a good plan and much better and less dangerous than the bike trail. I am not familiar with Dr. Furhman but I am going to research him as I am supposed to be on a strict diet of vegetables and fruits….no meats due to a health issue. It is hard being a vegan (no animal products at all) especially when no one else in the family is so I am interested in finding more recipe ideas and information. I wish I had a place for a treadmill as I think I would use that daily and watch a movie or TV while walking on it but, like you, I am not going out in rotten weather to walk the neighborhood. Just too wimpy, I guess! lol Good luck on your Project Me and keep us updated. You go, Girl!!!
Thanks, Linda! I think there are a lot of vegan type recipes on Dr. Fuhrman’s site. I wonder if they make treadmills that fold up that you could store under a bed.
Susan…this is a wonderful and inspiring post. I really identified with your third paragraph. I’m very much a homebody and particularly didn’t want to exercise in a co-ed gym (vanity of course, the devil), but I did join a gym at a university just blocks from my home and have been doing very well there. Age, hormones, having kids, wrong food choices…well, I have a weight problem. I feel very good about what I’m doing and so happy for you and happy you wrote this post. It does take a bit of courage to acknowledge our fear of being honest about our personal feelings on the way we look and feel about our bodies and then sharing it with others.
I have always had a fear of hiking and doing any form of exercise in a rural area and I remember your post about a year or so ago about your bicycle trail and it scared me…so many unsolved and horrendous stories I have heard, and now you have given me more reason to fear trekking out alone without a companion or even a (large) pet. Such a shame but we can’t be blind to how crazy our world has become. I live in the city and believe it or not…jogging or walking the dog is safer as there are so may people around. At our country home, I feel a bit more nervous. What a shame.
I wish you all the best in getting fit in 2013 and for writing a very relevant and inspiring post.
XO,
Jane
PS…thanks for stopping by last week…you are the real deal and SO sweet!
Thanks, Jane! I could stand to lose about 20 lbs but mostly I just want to get in better shape and eat better…just take better care of this body so it will last a long time.
That is wonderful that you are going to the gym! I know it’s sad we can’t feel comfortable walking in the woods or in the country where it’s so beautiful. Congrats on what you are doing…very inspiring! 
Susan, I live south of Atlanta and remember watching on Atlanta news about the beautiful lady that was murdered on The Silver Comet. What a shame that we no longer feel safe to venture out alone! I started to Weight Watchers last year and also go to a personal trainer twice a week. It is more expensive than a gym membership, but well worth the money. I do not feel comfortable going to a huge gym that is packed every day. I have lost 40 lbs and feel that I owe it all to my trainer who popped her whip when I was lazy. I also have an appointment with her so I have to show up. Also, a doctor of mine had suggested Dr. Fuhrman’s book. I am yet to get the book, but will very soon. Good luck to you!
I am so happy that I found you on Pinterest and love every picture and article that I read of yours.
Angie
Thanks, Angie! I don’t have his book…I should order it because he really is inspiring! That’s wonderful you found something you are enjoying! 40 lbs is amazing! Awesome!
Good for you Susan!!! As I was reading, I thought to myself….wait a minute….didn’t she used to take these long bike rides???? And then you explained it……how awful, did they ever catch the criminal?? So sad.
This past year I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, time to take a look at your life…….little by little my diet changed, I started swimming at the YMCA, and making some other changes too. The side effect of certain medications I take is high blood sugar, so while my diet was basically good, however too many sweets and carbs……so in September I started a diabetic medication and got really serious on paying better attention…….the one thing that has helped me is making my own vegetable soups, they are filling and satisfying and get me through the afternoons until dinner time. Lotsa veggies and lotsa salads and lotsa lean protein……….no packaged products, no pre made products, no powdered drinks, and no substitutes. Had my yearly physical today as a matter of fact and since last January I have lost 17 pounds,(think it was in my neck, ankles, and wrists), lowered my sugar and cholesterol, raised my Vit D and my B 12 levels, most of my depression has lifted. I am having the best winter in years!!! I have to swim because my knees are very bad and can’t be on a bike or run or do much bending there…..so exercise equipment is not for me. The other thing I learned….drink a LOT OF WATER….all day long…….
You can do this…….this was a great post and inspiring for all of us………now, keep us posted and hope we can share recipes for healthy eating!!!! hugs…cleo
Cleo, I’m terrible about not drinking water much during the day. I so need to fix that. It is amazing what you have done! I’m insulin resistant but not diabetic yet. Both my brother and my father were diabetic so I know I could end up that way if I’m not careful. I’m sooo impressed with what you’ve done! You are too funny about the neck, ankles and wrists. Why can’t we lose it in our hips and thighs!!!
Thanks, Cleo. I’ll keep you posted how it goes! I’m not much of a soup person but I will definitely be making a lot of salads! The hardest part will be giving up my daily Coke. Waaaaa
That looks like a lovely trail! I would miss it too
. In the house we just moved into, there is a walking trail directly behind it. I haven’t tried it yet because it is too cold and icy. I used to walk on a two mile trail near our previous home. It was private but yet you were rarely completely alone. It was just the right compromise. As someone said, pepper spray can literally be a life saver, but if you’re not comfortable anymore, it’s not worth it.
I used to belong to a gym for about 10 years but them I stopped after our daughter was no longer at home and converted her room into a gym. It was convenient to roll out of bed and do a workout to a DVD, but I never really felt like the workouts were doing much. I do better in a group setting. I joined a gym again and was going regularly. It was literally 7 minutes away, but now it is twice that and I’m finding I don’t get up early enough to make the 9:30 class so I’m only going once or twice a week right now. It will expire in March at which time I will join something closer. Our weekend home is remote, but we have friends that live in the community year round. One of them drives to the YWCA regularly to work out at least 2-4 a week and it is 45 minutes one way! That’s something I would hate to do!
I love to dance, and wish a jazzercise was nearby. I agree the key is finding something we enjoy so it doesn’t feel like work! Good luck with your new regimen. It sounds like it is a great alternative for you!
Doreen I thought about the pepper spray. Maybe if I hung it around my neck I’d be able to get to it quickly if I needed it. I’ve also heard if you miss when you use it, they can turn around and grab it and use it on you. I’m with you…don’t think I would drive that far, although I did have to drive about 40 minutes to get to the Florence entrance to the trail. I hated that drive but I loved riding the trail so much I did it anyway. By the time I drove 40 minutes, rode about an 1 to 1 1/2 hours and then drove home, it was a 3 hour+ commitment each time. The year I rode 3-4 times a week, I was working toward the direction of the trail and so it was more like a 25 minute drive to the trail and I rode after work. You are so right…the key is finding what you love because then you’ll stick to it. Hope you find a place closer by that you love going!
Good luck with Project Me! Perhaps I’ll dust off the stationery bike which just steps away from the computer. Computer…bike…computer always wins. There are also several fitness dvds which have never been opened. Can we say…procrastination? Keep us posted on your progress.
lol I know what you mean…computer is way more fun, isn’t it! Will do!
Susan, a few thoughts. The word simplicity comes to mind. There are basics to losing weight. Decide on the amount of calories you should be consuming on a daily basis. Consult your physician and a nutritionist for guidance. Plan your menus for the week and have the ingredients on hand. Remove all foods that tempt you greatly from your shelves. Have a brekfast, lunch, dinner, snack, you can have a “sweet” that satisfies you and does no harm. And then record what you eat at each meal, portion control is key..weigh your portions, measure the amounts you can have at each meal. Watch your salt intake. ask the nutritionist to give you info on salt intake numbers…very interesting and you will find that the up two pounds, down two pounds that you notice when weighing yourelf daily is water retention… salt holds water in the body and is more prevelant as we get older. Take some sort of exercise daily….walking, working out at home or at a gym, some sort of exercise so you can burn calories. And on weekends, if you can do so, treat yourself to some food that you crave, in moderation. Strict denial will only drive you crazy..discipline in what we choose to indulge in is something we have to practice and cultivate. And like anything else, we do get use to what we are required to eat, and knowing that we can treat ourselves occasionally, it is doable. Because of my illness, I have learned to love fruits, the taste of delicious cold water, smaller portions, and only one serving, not two, when I think I haven’t had enough. You need to saisfy you desire for foods to chew…pizza crust makes me drool occasionally, and I do have some occasioally. Because of the many medications I’m taking, I’ve lost my sense of taste..I can only taste salt and sugar. Because I have to limit my salt intake to a very, very low amount of salt, and because I can consume only 62 ounces of liquid daily, not to mention monitoring my sugar intake because of Type Two Diabetes, I have big limitations. There is no pleasure in eating, because I can’t taste flavors, just textures, how I do miss the taste of meat, the flavors and the seasonings, the true taste of liquids….it does make you crazy at times. But I’m told I may be able to get my tasting ability back…we’ll see.
But you do what is best for you. You are a good soul and I don’t want you to stress yourself unnecessarily. Take a deep breath and enjoy everything that you do. Give Max a big cat kiss for me, and thank you for listening, it was theraputic! Looking forward to your blog entries in 2013. Such joy!
Thanks for this good advice Esther. I only need to lose about 20 lbs, mainly want to get in better shape. I never knew medicines could make you lose a sense of taste…so not fair. I hope that comes back! Don’t give up hope on that coming back!
You really gave some awesome advice. I do want to keep it simple. I want to come up with a set menu of certain foods so I don’t have to think too much about the preparations. I don’t cook that much so if it’s too time consuming, I won’t be willing to stick to it. Thanks for all this great advice. I really should write down what I eat because it helps to be accountable. Thanks for those kind words. I’ll give Mr. Max a big kitty kiss right now and tell him that’s from Esther!
Hi Susan,
I’ve made some changes in my diet as well and am feeling soooo much better. I had a terrible scare last summer when diagnosed with a rare ovarian cancer. It was such a shock because I take care of myself. Most ovarian cancers are deadly because they cause only vague symptoms and aren’t caught early. Granulosa cell tumors, on the other hand, are almost always discovered at stage 1 because they produce estrogen and cause bleeding in postmenopausal women. I consider myself blessed to have had that symptom that got me right in to my doctor! I’ve recently retired since my job was creating a huge amount of stress due to an insane workload and I’m focusing on staying healthy. After doing a lot of research, I decided to give up meat for the most part. I eat tons of fruit and fresh veggies and try to stay with organic. Whole Foods is my new friend, too. I feel so much better! I’ve checked out all of the gyms in the area and have decided to try Jazzercise. I’ve taken exercise classes in the past and enjoy the social aspect. Here’s to a happy, HEALTHY 2013 !!!!
Wow, that really IS scary! Thank goodness you caught it early! Have fun with your classes…sounds like you will really enjoy them.
YIKES!…not good,don’t blame you!
Good luck with your endeavor to be healthy.
I’m doing the 52 week organize Home,maybe we all need to do the 52 week “ME” challenge.
~JO @ LoblollyLane
lol That’s a good idea!
Susan, so many thoughts after this episode of your blog…How horrifying for you that people were assaulted where you enjoyed exercising! That would be too much stress for me to continue also, but how sad you had to give up something you loved & enjoyed. It’s not fair. But, let me applaud your purchase!! (As well as having enough room in a closet to be able to store the treadmill! Cleaning out my closets are one of my goals for this year.
)Aches & pains are visiting me & seemed to have moved into my body now that I’m older & I’ve found the best therapy to combat them is some daily exercise, too. I do it on an exercise bike though so I can read while I pedal. It’s fun; I get some free time to read while doing something good for myself that doesn’t make me feel guilty; & my arthritic knees don’t ache so much afterwards. Exercise is a wonderful way to clear your head, too, since it releases all of those endorphins that make you feel the world is a lovelier place. So walk on, baby!! Thanks for sharing & Happy New Year!!
xo
Alicia
PS OH!! Been meaning to tell you your champagne punch was a HUGE hit at my Christmas brunch!! My step-daughters oohed & ahhed over the sugary glittery glass rims & we all enjoyed the refreshing taste. It was such a nice change from boring mimosas. It will definately be a staple on my holiday tables.
That’s true…forgot about the endorphins!
Love the idea of being able to read while you exercise!
Yay…so glad the punch was a hit! I love it and still make it at least twice during the Christmas season. If you ever serve it for a party celebration, you can dip the rims in colorful nonpareils. I LOVE how those look around the rim.
If you haven’t had Bok Choy yet, you do have to try it. I first discovered it about a year ago, and we love it. I have only bought Baby Bok Choy and it’s always good. I lost 25 pounds about a year & a half ago without exercise. I have gained a couple pounds back and really want to get that off. I know I need to exercise but it’s hard to want to. I think you will inspire us with your new exercise equipment.
I will def buy some…I’ll look for the Baby Bok Choy…thanks for mentioning that! I think we need to change up what we do often, Linda. The same thing can def get boring. I may ride the trail some this spring and just ride in the more populated area of it. Ugh.
Great idea! You are on a roll! Too bad about your bike trail. I think I would still go there- perhaps with a friend and or personal protection like mace and a phone to call 911. It looks like a lovely place to ride. Isn’t it a shame that these creeps come out an victimize people. We had some issues here with some vagrants bothering people, but it was always a scenario like a woman out near dark and by herself. Seems like bad planning to me. The Dr. Fuhrman book and videos will probably be interesting! I’ve never watched him in PBS but I’m sure his thinking is correct! Ho hum… I’m so out of shape I can hardly believe it!
Liz, I was driving home with a friend one evening very late at night after a party a few weeks ago and we passed a woman walking with a dog. I couldn’t believe it! Someone could just shoot the dog and grab the woman. I guess she thought the dog was all the protection she needed. Scary! Watch some of his videos I just added to the end of the post…they really do inspire!
Susan, what a good idea! I have a similar machine, but it is in the basement and my computer is not. The machine will not work in my study – maybe, I should move my computer to the basement ( not really practical, either!). The murdered woman was, of course, from your home town and was the sister of my daughter’s doctor. It was a very big story here and so sad. I am not sure we are safe anywhere, but we have to go about living our lives, somehow. Impressed with your solution!
That is so sad. My heart breaks for her husband, children and all her family. The guy is in jail for life but nothing will replace her loss. I’ll keep you posted how this goes…hopefully I will love this machine. It’s a big seller on eBay and has a good many stars so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Good luck with Project Me. Please take us along on your journey. I’ve not seen Dr. Furhman, so will check him out. I’ve dubbed 2013 as “My Year”. I’ve implemented “healthier” eating strategies and will resume using the ellipitical machine I purchased last year and used for a few months, I slept so much better at night. I would feel exactly the same as you with regard to the biking trail, that’s so sad.
Melinda, we’ll do it together! I hope exercising helps me to go to sleep easier. Once I’m out, I sleep 8 hours, but it’s the falling asleep part that’s tough for me. I just need to give up the Cokes! Waaaaa
Happy New Year Susan,
Once again you have inspired me… I am always working on Project Me, as I too work to keep my weight from getting completely out of hand… But that is only part of the inspiration this post has awakened. I am a Health Coach and have to admit, I had just about given in to my gremlins. Your post and the comments so far have really given me a “big slap upside the head” … I am jumping back in to my field with a renewed spirit…
Dr Fuhrman offers an excellent plan… Dr Amen, another presenter on Public TV also offers useful advice and I especially like Dr. Mark Hyman and his book, The Blood Sugar Solution…
Bottom line ( no pun intended ) most reputable diet gurus are saying the same thing. Cut out SUGAR and foods that easily convert to sugar in our bodies. Watch portion control and get exercise.
One important point I like to make is the need to replace the sweets our body has been craving with the sweets our SELF craves. Discovering or rediscovering what it is that makes our hearts sing truly helps make Project Me a lasting success…
Thanks so much Susan,
SheilaC
Sheila, that’s wonderful! I have heard Dr. Hyman, too…he and Dr. Fuhrman are both so inspiring! Yep, although those processed foods and sugars are so bad for us…I know. Thanks Sheila! That’s my biggest downfall…sweets! Here’s to a great 2013 and taking better care of ourselves!
I had been doing very well, but with the bath remodel, our daughters wedding and then CHRISTMAS…all that food…well, I need to get back to it! I have all the machinery and videos needed…just have to make it a priority again. I have found that portions is the most important thing. Can exercise everyday and if it is followed up with some chips and a latte…oh well! Too bad isn’t it
Hope you accomplish all your goals Susan!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
Good choice Susan! I came across Dr Fuhrman’s teaching back in August and it has changed my life! I have so enjoyed how much better I feel “eating clean.” I have more energy, a clearer mind, and am 25 lbs lighter! I start each day with a green smoothie and this is the first holiday season in my memory, that I didn’t get some kind of cold or flu while it seemed everyone around me did!! There is something so satisfying about knowing I am eating the best foods for my body and truly enjoying them … I am addicted to roasted brussels sprouts! The weight loss is” icing on the cake” or perhaps I should say “hummus on the kale” heehee!! If you haven’t come across them “Forks Over Knives” documentary and The Engine 2 Diet are inspiring as well. Enjoy!!
Marilyn, that’s amazing! Congrats on making such a wonderful change! Any tips for getting through those first 3 days that I hear are the hardest? I’ll look for those programs/documentaries…wonder if they are on Netflix…I’ll check. Thanks for telling me about them!
Funny you should dub your project like that. My birthday is the 13th (tomorrow actually) and since I was born on the 13th day of the year, and with this year being 2013, I started at the end of December to say “This is MY year!” So when January got here, I was geared up and ready to go. I rented a treadmill and am doing much like you. I put the treadmill in my computer room/office as well. I am recovering from a torn achilles, so I only rented the treadmill for the time being. If all goes well, I will purchase my own. I too want to stay on top of this aging thing! My mind is still young, I need my body to be!!!! Good luck to you. Lori Lucas
Lori, My B’day is tomorrow, too! How about that!
Happy Birthday a few hours early! Best of luck on your Project Me this year! 
Sounds like you have a wonderful plan!…I need to get out and walk more…!!
♪ ♫ ♪ Happy birthday to you, ♪ ♫ ♪
♪ ♫ ♪ happy birthday to you, ♪ ♫ ♪
♪ ♫ ♪ happy birthday, dear SUSAN, ♪ ♫ ♪
♪ ♫ ♪ happy birthday to you… ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
~♥~♥~♥~♥
Happy birthday, dear friend, and good luck with your “Project me”.
Seven years ago I started my own “big” project (me) to make me “smaller” (LOL) and lost 30 lbs (!) in 10 months by changing my eating habits (less pasta and “Italian” bread and more veggies and wholemeal) and working out on my “Stairmaster”. Now, I love stairs! LOL
~Hugs to you~
Cecilia
Thanks, Cecilia! You are a love! ♥ Wow, you go girl! That’s awesome! I’m hoping I wouldn’t mind losing 20lbs but mostly just hoping to eat better and take better care of myself.
you go girl! i need this kind of inspiration! {and i also need to stop eating peanut brittle! ;}
m ^..^
Very inspiring post. You sound determined and I bet you will succeed. I love the idea of a project me!
Good for you, Susan ! Our bodies such a gift, and I feel as if I have been not making the most of mine. I am with the others in feeling sorrow that you cannot ride your trail…you never think of things like that. Anyway…my new year’s goal was HEALTH…not weight loss for looks but for heath. 10 yeas ago I lost 28 pounds with a move, change in schedules, and LIFE….well it has slowly crept back on. I want to lose it to be healthy – and really want to live a long life. I lost my brother this summer to lung cancer. He had been a smoker years ago, then had liver cancer and survived a transplant for 5 years when the lung spot showed up. But he walked on his treadmill each day praying for people he knew who needed the prayers. He enjoyed what time he had and I wish he had more. I had the terrible/beautiful gift of holding his had as he passed away. That experience has been percolating in my mind since then and the new year makes me realize that I want to live my life to the fullest. My dear husband and I do eat well ( really dropped the numbers on our cholesteral from just diet) but we can do better and I need to EXERCISE. You have inspired me. I need to get up at 4:20 to fit in a 1/2 hour workout and get to school on time. SO easy to hit the snooze and say sleep is important, too – but I promise to get up and do the walk everyday this week. I look forward o hearing tips and tools from your blog as the year goes on. Thanks for the inspiration !
My Dad keeps talking about Dr Fuhrman and the things he’s read about his methods–I would be interested to know what you think of the DVDs… Such a sad story about your trail–I confess, I walked a similar trail for 5 months last year (early mornings and just before sunset) and I never thought about anything happening until an elderly lady who frequently walked the trail went missing. It was in a small community back in Canada, and nobody every thought something like that could happen there. It sure made me stop and think! I hope you’ll be able to enjoy your equipment instead
The DVDs are helpful. Eating Like a Nutritarian was the better of the two DVDs to me. In it, he’s in a Whole Foods and he shows which vegetables are really great to eat regularly and how to cut them up/prepare them. Really, his philosophys can be summed up to not eating processed sugars, processed foods, fast food, etc… and always making salads the main course. He really encourages eating a lot of vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts and limiting meat to just a few days a week and smaller portions than what most folks eat. The thing that he says that really interests me is that cravings for the foods that aren’t good for us go away when we are eating the good stuff and getting all the nutrients we need that you can only get from whole/clean foods.
That’s awful about the lady who went missing. So sad. I wish this world was different.
All this time reading your wonderful posts and we live so close to each other! Thought you might like to know the trail is patrolled by the police now. I work at Rambo and see them at least 3 times a day, if you do get out our way again stop in.
I wonder if it’s being patrolled a lot more? When I rode for over a year, I only saw the patrols twice…once on bikes and another time in a golf cart…guess it was a golf cart. The trail is so long (which I love, so there’s a lot to patrol. It would be great if they are patrolling it a lot more now. When you say you work at Rambo…do you mean in relation to the trail itself? Do they patrol it every day? Thanks!
The county sheriff patrols in a motorized cart. They have been very vigilant since all the trouble. I work at the part of the trail in Dallas at the Rambo Nursery growing annuals and perennials. I hope you had a great birthday celebration before the weather changed back to winter.
Oh, I always saw the nursery when I rode. Thanks, LuAnne. I hope they continue doing that and hope it makes a difference with the crime that was occurring.
Happy Birthday Susan!
Funny this is my year for me also! I hadn’t called it ‘project me’ , mine is ‘my plan’, although I think I like your title better. Fortunately for me, I don’t have any weight to lose, I just want a healthier me. Now that I am close to my late 50′s, I know it’s time to get more exercise, eat better, and drink lots more water that I have been. I’ve begun walking, but I’m finding that boring. Can’t decide if the gym is next or for now, just keep up with the walking / running.
Good luck with your project!!! I am going to succeed with my plan!!
I love this idea! I also love it being called “Project Me”. I also need some work on my body (ok..actually I need a LOT of work on my body!) and perhaps if I call it a “project” I would get it done like I’d get done other “projects” around my home. Thanks so much for sharing this! A great read! =D
Thanks! That was my thinking. I like projects so I’m turning me into one!
Dear Susan, Good luck in your Project Me. It sounds as if you are starting in a great way. You are making changes but not trying to turn your life upside down with them. I signed up for a gym membership the Saturday after Thanksgiving and had been faithfully working out until I got sick really right after Christmas. My motivation was a nagging inside that told me I needed to start doing something for my health – which is actually not bad- just out of shape from too much blog reading. I am still fighting a cough and wheezing from bronchitis but I have made an appointment with a personal trainer in two weeks. I cannot afford to do that all of the time but my appointment will be my push to get back to it. I used to use gym equipment in my house and would tape my favorite shows. I would only allow myself to watch them while working out. I now live in a teeny house and can only work out at the gym. Again , good luck. Iris
Iris, hope you get over the bronchitis rea soon. I know that just wears you out and zaps your energy. My brother used to get it a lot. That was so smart to make the appointment, just don’t push yourself too soon. You really sound motivated…that’s so inspiring! My exercise gym thingy is supposed to arrive on Wednesday, so hopefully I”ll be able to get busy learning how to use it soon.
This past year was my Project Me.. I lost 50 lbs.. this year I embarking on the Happiness Project.. Totally love the book and am trying to employ the techniques.
I had a great park to walk in. I posted it online one day and my neighbor promptly linked up an article from the day before of a woman getting abducted. WHY WHY WHY do people want to take the goodness out of things.
I haven’t been back since.
Vicki, that’s amazing! Way to go! That’s awful about the park…meanness everywhere these days.
I don’t blame you for not going there…doesn’t sound safe. So sad that evil people take away the things we love.
So good for you! I love the Silver Comet Trail and, like you, am a little skittish about going alone again. Maybe we could go and not talk to each other…ha! This year, I am trying to eat cleaner, better foods ~ better nutritionally and grown better. I also want to take time to invest in a few things I enjoy. I can get so busy with stuff that time just passes. I am trying to be intentional and schedule time to enjoy my hobbies more.
lol That’s an idea! Ha! Jenny, you are so smart to do that. I get overwhelmed some days with commitments and that’s when I eat poorly and resort to bad choices. Trying to work on that this year. Keep me posted on how it goes!
I think this is a good unplanned plan. I wish I had the foresight and understanding I have now when I was in my 20′s and 30′s. I would have made many different choices. But, here we are now – I think really at the peak of our lives. It is a wonderful time to take care of ourselves – if you’re anything like me – the earlier years were focused on taking care of family (I am so much like my Mom in that regard) and putting ourselves last. All the while, the better we take care of ourselves, physically, mentally and emotionally then we are much better for our families.
So, with all that said, I too am embarking on making some changes…for Dearest and myself. All the best to you and I look forward to reading more of your progress.
God Bless,
Kathy
We are at the peak our lives…good way to put it!
Thanks, Kathy! Wishing you well on your quest, too!