100 Days From Today - Second Challenge of 2014

My first challenge was a relative success.  I felt so great about it that I'm psyched to do a second challenge this year.  Tomorrow, April 23, 2014 begins my second 100 Day Challenge.

This time around, I know better than to expect to predict a clear day every day for the next 100 days.  I'm no Lekeisha Shurn - just starting out in life and learning all about how to love oneself in the process of building your wings.  I have a husband and a 7 year old son who count on me for stuff.  So, with that in mind, I have set goals to achieve by July 31, 2014 - the 100th day following tomorrow.

Along with Lekeisha,  I found another inspiration on the internet.  This bundle of inspiration is named Ernestine Shepherd.  She's currently 75 years old and is currently the oldest known female bodybuilder currently in the competition circuit.

This is her story:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIxmj_HHfWA

"Ernie", as she prefers to be called, did not even start exercising until she was 53-years-old. She didn't start competitive bodybuilding until she was 56-years-old.  Yet, at 75, she has the body of a woman 40 years younger.  I want to be Ernie when I grow up.  With that in mind, as soon as my doc gives me the clearance to restart exercise, I will be doing the Body For Life 12 Week Challenge with ever increasing weight training goals.  I have until May 6 to begin this challenge and still complete the 12 weeks by July 31.  Here's hoping I can get clearance to recommence exercise by then.

I have plans for school too:  I will be getting involved with the campus radio station, I will also be starting the Economics Club up again. I'll be meeting with Professor Deb to discuss my options for grad school as well as meeting with Professor Baker to work on my undergrad requirements.  (CUNY Bacc).  I'll be applying to the CUNY Bacc program and will be studying for the GREs.  I intend to take the GREs sometime this year.

I have creative writing plans as well. I will continue working on my story, researching what I need to know about getting published.  I will also be working on articles.  It is my intent to complete 6 articles in this 100 Day Challenge.

I'll be continuing on the wellness program I began in the last challenge; I still have several appointments to get through. Mammo (April 29), Colono (TBA), dental (TBA) and orthodontic.

That's it! Everything I hope to complete by the next 100 days.  I did a lot in the past 100 days. I can do this too!

Day One Hundred - The One in Which I Wrap It Up

Done and done. My first 100 day challenge didn't turn out as I'd expected.  Then again, to be fair to myself, the weather didn't help much. 

There were five activities I said I would do daily.  Unfortunately, not one of them made it to daily practice.  Two of them; creative work and math study - fell by the wayside completely.  What DID happen daily was SOME sort of activity towards my long term goals of wellness and graduate study.  Getting to the dentist for the first time in nearly 20 years was, in itself, a major accomplishment. Getting to the OB/GYN again was also an accomplishment.  These wound up being difficult to plan and arrange.  My dentist has select limitations that made a restoration impossible to complete. My cycle and the weather interrupted the OB/GYN more than once.  But I did these things.

More importantly, I finally accomplished the weight loss that had been so elusive for so long. It took the use of protein shakes, but it happened.   That has now led me to form a new plan of weight training. 

I have learned to set goals instead of daily intentions.  Daily intentions are a great way to get started, but they can be burdensome and easily interrupted.  If you're already used to setting goals, then a better way of achieving them is to engage in some constant steps towards them instead of dictating a specific activity each day. 

So for my next 100 day challenge, which begins tomorrow, I will set five separate goals to achieve in that time.

Thank you again LeKeisha. You have really inspired me and I achieved these goals because of you!

Peace out,
Lynne

Day Ninety Eight - The One in Which I List All The Things

I slacked! I goofed off! I didn't blog!!!!

But I didn't give up - on anything. 

So I'm not Lekeisha.  WHO IS??  There can be only one Lekeisha. But I'm me.  And my life is, indeed, very different than it was on January 11, 2014, when I began this challenge.

To begin with, my physical stats:

Measurements:

                     1/5/14                    4/18/14
Bust:             36.75                      35.75
Arm:              11                           10
Back:             32.5                         32
Waist:            30                           28.75
Abdomen:      33                           31.5
Hips:              37.75                      37.4


Weight:         146.8                    136


Gym Attendance:   5-6 days a week every week up to 3/31 

Clutter Clearance:   Bedroom done.  Living Room rearranged.  Kitchen 1/2 done

Creative work and math work - these two took a back seat to my new class and my new project ideas.
I've been kicking bootay (so far) in my class. 

I have gone to a dentist AND a periodontist!  The bad news is that I still haven't gotten the restoration work I need done.  (But I tried!!).  The additional bad news is that out of 31 teeth (one never developed), 30 of them do not need periodontic work - after all of those years of fears.  And the last one is too far gone too help.  He said it could be in my mouth for "years and years", but that there's no use trying to save it.

Oh well.

This didn't stop me from getting a much needed bleaching. 

I have seen my OB/GYN and my General Physician. I scheduled a mammogram, but it won't happen until April 29. 

Still on the health agenda: a colonoscopy, the molar restoration and Invisalign.

And on the Alex front:  WE HAVE A 504!!!
His teacher has lost patience with him at this point, but the better part of that is that he's one of five boys in the class with whom she's lost patience.  She truly has a zero tolerance policy for bullying of any kind, so his social life is fine, even if he still dislikes school.  He still says he feels like a "bad kid" in school sometimes, but it's not every day.

Best news on the Alex front: He's now going to Keeps (and loves it) and he'll be going to the Children's Learning Center again in the summer.

He's passed his 7th birthday and his Science Fair (DNA project). 

The school, however, is finally off my case.  I'll deal with his medical needs on a timetable that works for US instead of their pressure and demands.

But my biggest news of the whole 100 days:

A photo from January 11, 2014




And one from April 17, 2014

 

 YEAH! I had "it" done!  Woot!!

I put off the molar restoration to have this done at a time that I could take a week for recovery.  The molar restoration was a nightmare and a half, but it's in the past.  I'll find another dentist who can deal with patients that have stubborn nerves like this tooth has. 

I've written to my old professor. I started a study group.  I told my classmates about my plans to start the Economics Club up again as well as talk to the grad advisor.  I plan to do both the week I get back.  

I also have a NEW internet inspiration.  Her name is Ernestine Shepherd and I plan to write all about her in a later entry.

Big things have come of this challenge.  BIG things.  And even bigger things are set to come.

Day Sixty Five: The One in Which I Take Some Stock

My challenge status so far:

Exercise: The best outcome of them all.  I began strength training as well.  I cut it down to 6 days a week and found this the most workable, weather permitting.  I'll bet Lakeisha didn't take on her challenge in the dead of winter.

Meditation: The runner up to best.  This has been happening on a regular basis, anytime I need a break or right after exercise (to bring down my heart rate).  It's been at work at the dentist's office.  It's been handy at night.  A good practice this.

Math Study: The big loser.  I lost my place in my Coursera course by the second week. Then my real class started and I couldn't spare much time for math study.  I've plotted a way to deal with this during the summer.  I MUST take the GREs this year.

Clutter Clearance:  A near loser.  I had to give up on the volume of clutter collection because of the weather.  The snow and ice made it impossible for me to make space in the garage for spare stuff.  I tried rearranging the basement, but it wasn't enough.  I've been living all winter with boxes of clutter stashed in the corner of my bedroom.  This lost to the winter.  Once March is done, I may rethink doing this in pieces on the weekends.

Creative Work: This too took a backseat when realized just how many materials I would need to enact my visions.  I've been slowly organizing my supplies.  I've been doing a small piece of enhancement here and there, but I need more stuff to bring my projects to life.  And with all that has been happening between the dentist and doctors (I'm fine, just delays), I just can't spare the expense or time.  It's not a dead end.  It's just proceeding v-e-r-y slowly.  This will likely overlap with the radio station and article writing I plan for the spring and summer.  (I'll count those in this same challenge while the work is done.)

Overall, this challenge required a focus.  And in this winter, it was my health.  Some of it was long neglected (like my teeth).  Some of it was short term neglected due to not being able to get coverage for child care and having too many health scares in the interim that demanded immediate attention.
And the weather has NOT been helpful.  I've had to cancel more than one appointment due to travel challenges because of the weather.

But here's the good news:

- Since the beginning of this challenge (which is only 65% over), I have lost an inch from each of my bustline, waist and hips and TWO inches from my abdomen.  I've lost about five pounds. This came about through a combination of diet and exercise, helped along through meal replacement shakes.

- I've gotten a much needed dental cleaning.  I received good lab reports from my general and specialist check ups.  I received the go ahead to take DHEA, which has made all the difference in the world in my energy level and overall mood. 

- I've made it through a horrible winter without being my usual unproductive and depressed self.  That was aided through a practice of getting out every morning for sun light, regular exercise, DHEA and a Vitamin D supplement.  With only one more cold day on the weather horizon (and due to DST starting), it seems that it all may be over soon.

- I've set a date for my surgery and am really looking forward to it.

- I've pushed through insurance challenges and unforeseen dental problems to keep pushing for treatments from an endodontist and a periodontist.  I may have to put off the periodontal work I need because I don't have enough insurance for it.  I find that out tomorrow.  In the meantime, we're seeking a dentist for my molar.  It's yet to be decided whether or not I go ahead with the root canal.  I may not after all.

- Alex's 504 hearing happens this week.  After that, I hope to never have to deal with this constant complaint nonsense again.   I'll set my mind to the expectation that I won't be dealing with any reasonable teachers and administrators until he's out of Daniel Warren. One the 504 plan is in place and operating, I'll know what special classes I have to get him and we'll proceed the following year or two from there.  Once he's in Bellows, I'll be able to deal with a new set of people and have a 504 plan IN HAND in which I will be able to set the pace instead of being a punching bag for their stress.

- I received a B+ on my first midterm with opportunities for extra credit. I'm sure my first assignment has already made that an A-  I now know what's expected and I can easily prepare for the next test.

- I've planned out how I'm going to proceed in the summer.  I'm hoping to learn from KEEPS that they have space for 1 or 2 days a week. I'm hoping to learn from the CLC that I can take a class that ends shortly after 5.   I plan on using the alternative days to study for my GREs as well.

For now:

My first 100 day challenge ends on April 20.  My second starts the next day and continues to July 29. I'm just about to set my preliminary schedule for Alex.  For the next two weeks, I must prepare for Alex's birthday parties, my dental work and my second midterm on April 7.  Following April 7, I'll be able to turn my attention to other work.

I'm also going to try to clean some today.  That will go a long way to making me feel more productive.

So, that's it!  From now to April 20th - Well being and health, economics study, creative/career work at Hunter, meditation (goes in well being) and maybe - just maybe - some clutter clearance on weekends! Yesssss! 

Day Fifty-Three: The One in Which I Check In

What can I say? This has been a horrible, horrible winter.  I preserved as much as I could; getting to the gym in the evenings, walking through frigid, icy streets to get there; working as much as I could on home projects; meditating when I remembered.  It was all too difficult to keep up with once the bad snows and my class started. 

I decided that I would rededicate this 100 day challenge to Wellness. It's the one goal in which I've persevered the most.    When I wasn't trying to get to the gym, I was eating according to plan.  When I wasn't logging my food intake, I was getting to numerous doctor's appointments of my own.  I've tended to long neglected health issues, like my teeth.  I've even planned a periodontal visit and intend to follow up with a treatment plan. 

I had to postpone my mammogram because it was the wrong time in which to do it, but I plan to follow that up too.  I plan to do my colonoscopy when it's warmer out.  I've planned my facial surgery for April 10th (recovery during Alex's Spring Break).    Furthermore, I have to research the BRCA gene test further.

I got bad news from my dentist today, but I'll persevere.

I also made a plan to get involved in activities at school.  I set up a Wiggio group for my International Econ class.  I got an application for Alex to attend the CLC in the summer. I also got Alex into Garden Crafters again for the Spring.

On the exercise front, I've gotten to the point where I can run for 5 minutes at a time. This brings my total interval jog length to 2 miles each time out on the treadmill. I also kept up with strength training.  I finally brought it in and continued to do it.  I saw results in as little as two weeks, which is a great incentive to keep at it. Additionally, even the weights are getting heavier in just two weeks.  This is all good stuff.

Plus, my OB/GYN gave me the go ahead to continue on DHEA.

So, Wellness has become the single focus for these next 47 days.  Wellness.

Math, you will follow when I'm done with doctor's appointments.  Sorry!!

Day Thirty-Two: The One in Which I Am Renewed

Today I faced a fear: I went to the dentist for my first cleaning in twenty years.  She says I have been blessed with great teeth. The amount of build-up I had on nearly all but the front bottom four was the same as she's seen on some who come for cleanings every six months.  However, genetics is working against me on those front bottom four.  I have bone loss on the front teeth and will likely need a bone and gum graft.  I'm ready for it.  I'm steeled. I can do this - to save my teeth.

The great news was that she said I could get Zoom whitening after the second part of my cleaning.  It appears that by the close of this challenge, I will have quasi-healthy (save four), white teeth.  By the close of my second 100 day challenge, I may even have ALL healthy teeth.

I took on a weight training challenge as well.  For now, I will go to the gym six days a week, working alternatively on my upper and lower body.  My lower body needs less work, since I train those by running and walking.  I've set a new workout schedule that challenges me.  I've seen improvement in my running too.  This is exciting.  Best news of this week: My abdomen is measuring .75 inches smaller. My waist is .5 inch smaller. My bustline is .5 inch smaller. Yay me.  I'll bite the bullet through the lack of sustaining weight loss (briefly 142 and change this week, but during the day usually back up to 144). I have evidence that things are changing.

I'm following my International Econ class well enough.  I'm excited by it too.  My other world "visits" have changed in their character.  I play myself in the new daydreams.  That's always a good sign. 

I'm feeling horribly old at times, but I've shelved those feelings for now.  I will think of myself as younger.  I'm still able to afford the surgery even without the second bonus.  I will be able to work out any kinks in the plans.  And, best of all, I've seen proof out there that a woman in her 50s can have the body of a woman in her late 30s if she really works at it.  I intend to really work at it.

I have formulated a plan for the living room, considering a corner desk, room divider shelves, bookshelf movement and Creation Station movement.  I've also considered some fabric covered foam board solutions for the space behind the television.

I'm considering getting a leased car.  I've realized that I need better mobility if I wish to pursue what I want to pursue.  I have set my sights on Hunter's radio station.  I'm also steering my Creative Work to some documentary reviews I wish to do for Crasstalk.

I've reached out to friends - both old and new.  I may be able to make lunch plans with the Crassers.  I have every intention of visiting Lisa in the coming months, sans Alex.  I WILL mail the frame to Christine.  I WILL select a sympathy card for Karen and send it.  I WILL write to Jen and to Christina.  I will also ask Trina for a copy of her query letter. 

I have a lot of math work to do.  So that, and not a rigid adherence to the five, is the plan today.  Clutter Clearance will have to take a back seat to the math and econ work. 

Most of all, I'm busy.  I'm getting busier every day.  Just like when I was working and I would imagine what I would do with my time if I had it free, I'm finally working up to that time. 

And this in the dead middle of winter.  Imagine how I'll feel in Springtime.

Day Twenty-Nine: The One in Which I Come Back From the Brink

"Learn how to fail small!!!" I've read that all over the place when it comes to losing weight.  I guess it can apply to any goal. 

So where have I been? The BRINK, my friends. The brink.  I was thisclose to restarting it all.  Then I realized that such would be a waste of a month.  OK, so it snows in winter.  I knew this.  And colds are to be expected in winter. I knew this too.  NO, I have not done my five activities religiously every day.  With Alex having school cancelled and my having a hard time getting around (because of all the snow), it's been a hairy few weeks.

Yeah, well, I'm back.  I'm back from that brink of surrender and failing small.  Right here, right now.

My class started.  I had a few days of tight money . Alex needed new boots.  I've been down in the dumps without exercise - and sunlight.  I've been tired as hell. 

So WHAT?   Now is the time to get back on track. 

And you know what? I lost weight this week too.  How much better news can there be? Well, OK, there can be a LOT better news around, but, right now, it will do.

I just completed a lot of creative work.  I'll be checking in to my Calculus course later today.  I've done my housework.  I'm about to sort a drawer or two of junk.  This winter is about challenges - and cocooning. 

I'm just strengthening my wings, s'all.

PS. Trina had the most inspiring news yesterday.  I'm psyched for her and totally pumped.