It's been a great day :-)
My muscles are a little sore from the free weight workout that I did on Monday - so started the day of with a Stretch & Flex class. This allowed me to stretch some of the stiffness away. I followed this by a NIA class - I really enjoyed this one - the long name is Non-Impact Aerobics - and combines, aerobics, martial arts and dance. The teacher was a lot of fun - she's holding a workshop this weekend that combines NIA and the Artist Way - I am trying to figure out if I can get there to do it- it's about an hour away and would mean that I'd have to rent a car in order to get there - unless I can find someone else from Durham that's heading that way.
I was so energized and psyched from the NIA class that I decided to join the Group Cycling class - I soon discovered that it was like a beginner's spin class. It was HARD work!!! I really admire those that can do the full blown work out - not to mention folks like Moira & Julian that cycled across Kenya!! After 20 minutes on the bike - with steady, sprints and hills .... my thighs were screaming for mercy ...and everything touching the seat had fallen asleep. I did one more combo - and then begged for mercy - the advantage of being the only one in the class today - we went into cool down - and then stretched for 10 minutes.
After lunch - it was time for our groups intro to weight training class. I paired up with our lone guy - he's great fun and reminds me so much of Randy - very similar speech patterns and humor. Two more lectures to attend ...I skipped the second one ...my inner rebel won out ... and chilled for the hour before dinner.
After dinner - I attended my final fitness class for the day - "Resist-A-Ball" or Pilates on a ball. I was tempted to pass on this one - but as I had signed up for it - decided to go - it's a fun class - but hard work - certain movements served to remind me of my sore muscles!
Tomorrow morning will be busy with an appointment with the nurse at 8 a.m. and then a 2 hour fitness evaluation (I am hoping that I won't be too stiff!) I've signed up to do cardio ballroom and a pilates class - so we'll see.
I have been fighting the urge to check in with the office. It's a bit eerie not having any emails or calls from the office. I know that they are fine- and things are well - but am struggling with the feeling of "not being needed" - it sounds silly - but it was the first thing that popped up when I asked myself the question this afternoon when I opted to skip class and chill out. I haven't figured out the answer as yet ...obviously something for me to work on.
That's it for today!
Lots of love,
Norma
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Day two ....more lectures!
My second day here is drawing to a close .... it's been a busy day - another early start (8 am with the nurse) and then back to back lectures / classes until 3:00 pm ...Before coming, I had not really given much thought to why it was called "Structure House" - and after all the lectures - I now have more clarity - and have to say - it's the structure that I struggle with most -My inner child wants to rebel - and challenge everything - but they've been around for 30 + years ...so have been suppressing the urge. (so far so good :-))
Everyone keeps telling us that this first week is intense from an educational standpoint - and that we'll have more free time next week. Although ...after meeting with the fitness instructor this afternoon - I'm not sure how much free time I will actually have - there were a few tonight that were inviting everyone to a ping pong competition - I passed as I am tired!
Tomorrow is another full day - rather than back to back sit down lectures - it looks like I'll be in back to back fitness classes. I have a stretch & flex class at 9:10 a.m followed by a Nia (creative movement / dance class) at 10 a.m. - Intro to weight training at 1:10 and Pilates on a ball class at 6:30 PM .... It's all a little intimidating, especially as I'm feeling a bit stiff from the Free Weights class I did yesterday.
I am adjusting to the food - at meals it seems like a lot - but then am finding that it's not long before I start feeling hungry again ...as snacking is not an option - I try to keep busy - so did some time on the treadmill and the stepper - like machine. I figure that it will be at least a week or so before this feeling subsides. So for now - I remind myself of my goal - and that it is still early days.
Thanks all for your words of support and encouragement :-)
Much love,
Norma
Everyone keeps telling us that this first week is intense from an educational standpoint - and that we'll have more free time next week. Although ...after meeting with the fitness instructor this afternoon - I'm not sure how much free time I will actually have - there were a few tonight that were inviting everyone to a ping pong competition - I passed as I am tired!
Tomorrow is another full day - rather than back to back sit down lectures - it looks like I'll be in back to back fitness classes. I have a stretch & flex class at 9:10 a.m followed by a Nia (creative movement / dance class) at 10 a.m. - Intro to weight training at 1:10 and Pilates on a ball class at 6:30 PM .... It's all a little intimidating, especially as I'm feeling a bit stiff from the Free Weights class I did yesterday.
I am adjusting to the food - at meals it seems like a lot - but then am finding that it's not long before I start feeling hungry again ...as snacking is not an option - I try to keep busy - so did some time on the treadmill and the stepper - like machine. I figure that it will be at least a week or so before this feeling subsides. So for now - I remind myself of my goal - and that it is still early days.
Thanks all for your words of support and encouragement :-)
Much love,
Norma
Monday, April 28, 2008
The first 24 hours
These past 24 hours have been filled with lectures on various topics, meeting with the nurse, nutrition and fitness teams - so that they can make recommendations for activity levels, number of calories, etc.
The food has been OK ...the closest thing to dessert - was applesauce last night. Thankfully each table has black pepper, hot sauce and some Italian herbs...and so far - a meal has not passed were at least one or more of these extras has been added to the food!
The days start early - as newbies - orientation started at 7:45 a.m. (yes ...I made it ...on time!) One of the first things that we had to do was get weighed - it appears that we are required to swipe in and get weighed every morning before breakfast. The nutritionist use this information to calculate the number of daily calories that we are allowed to have. Apparently, we'll soon learn how to do this ourselves and will be required to calculate it ourselves.
We had 45 minute break this morning - one of the women has her car - so we popped over to Target to pick up some supplies. I picked up water and sugar free/caffeine-free green tea soda, laundry detergent and that's it! I walked past the snack aisle ...and was very tempted ...but opted not to. :-)
Each new group starts on Sundays - and attend all classes together - we're a small group this week (only 4) which means that we all get lots of attention. There seems to be people from all over - several appear to be repeat guests.
They don't expect you to attend any of the gym classes or work out until Wednesday or Thursday. Myself and one of the other newbies opted to attend a free weights class today - and then I persuaded him to do some cardio as well - So all in all - 10 mins stretching 45 min free weight class and 20 mins on the treadmill. Not bad for my first day!
I told the nurse of my goal - and told her that I felt that it was possible - but was open to reassess it if necessary.
I have a massage to run to now ... and as we have another early start tomorrow ....will likely call it a night!
Lots of love,
Norma
The food has been OK ...the closest thing to dessert - was applesauce last night. Thankfully each table has black pepper, hot sauce and some Italian herbs...and so far - a meal has not passed were at least one or more of these extras has been added to the food!
The days start early - as newbies - orientation started at 7:45 a.m. (yes ...I made it ...on time!) One of the first things that we had to do was get weighed - it appears that we are required to swipe in and get weighed every morning before breakfast. The nutritionist use this information to calculate the number of daily calories that we are allowed to have. Apparently, we'll soon learn how to do this ourselves and will be required to calculate it ourselves.
We had 45 minute break this morning - one of the women has her car - so we popped over to Target to pick up some supplies. I picked up water and sugar free/caffeine-free green tea soda, laundry detergent and that's it! I walked past the snack aisle ...and was very tempted ...but opted not to. :-)
Each new group starts on Sundays - and attend all classes together - we're a small group this week (only 4) which means that we all get lots of attention. There seems to be people from all over - several appear to be repeat guests.
They don't expect you to attend any of the gym classes or work out until Wednesday or Thursday. Myself and one of the other newbies opted to attend a free weights class today - and then I persuaded him to do some cardio as well - So all in all - 10 mins stretching 45 min free weight class and 20 mins on the treadmill. Not bad for my first day!
I told the nurse of my goal - and told her that I felt that it was possible - but was open to reassess it if necessary.
I have a massage to run to now ... and as we have another early start tomorrow ....will likely call it a night!
Lots of love,
Norma
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Today - it' here :-)
I realised that I started the blog - and didn't really give much detail as to how I got "here".
Taking time for me, is something that I have wanted to do for some time - and realised as March drew to a close that my life was spinning out of control. I found that I had mastered putting "me" on hold and that waiting for the time to be right to make or commit to a change of any kind would never happen unless I made it happen.
A series of events triggered a floodlight within me - that made me realise that if I kept on doing what I was doing that I would find myself in a life threatening situation - so without further ado, I made the call to one of my ultimate bosses aka my "guardian angel" and within 48 hours I managed to get signed off of work for 3 months, identified, booked a place at Structure House, told my family and started transitioning my work to others.
To my surprise, every time I told someone of my plans - their immediate reaction was positive often the first sentiment was "it's about time" - and then expressing how worried or concerned they had been for me.
My family have been very supportive - My mom was ecstatic - when I told her of my plans, she cheered and gave me a big hug! - I guess I've been living in a fog of sorts - and was totally unaware of that fact that I was NOT living but existing.
So ...today is the day! I check out of the Embassy Suites in an hour - and have arranged to be picked up at 3 pm.
Thanks again for all your support - it's really comforting to know that I have so many that are here for me as I step on to the dance floor of my life!
Much love,
Norma
Taking time for me, is something that I have wanted to do for some time - and realised as March drew to a close that my life was spinning out of control. I found that I had mastered putting "me" on hold and that waiting for the time to be right to make or commit to a change of any kind would never happen unless I made it happen.
A series of events triggered a floodlight within me - that made me realise that if I kept on doing what I was doing that I would find myself in a life threatening situation - so without further ado, I made the call to one of my ultimate bosses aka my "guardian angel" and within 48 hours I managed to get signed off of work for 3 months, identified, booked a place at Structure House, told my family and started transitioning my work to others.
To my surprise, every time I told someone of my plans - their immediate reaction was positive often the first sentiment was "it's about time" - and then expressing how worried or concerned they had been for me.
My family have been very supportive - My mom was ecstatic - when I told her of my plans, she cheered and gave me a big hug! - I guess I've been living in a fog of sorts - and was totally unaware of that fact that I was NOT living but existing.
So ...today is the day! I check out of the Embassy Suites in an hour - and have arranged to be picked up at 3 pm.
Thanks again for all your support - it's really comforting to know that I have so many that are here for me as I step on to the dance floor of my life!
Much love,
Norma
Saturday, April 26, 2008
One more night...
I'm glad I decided to give myself a day "off" to chill before heading over to Structure House. I arrived in Raleigh Durham on Friday evening, feeling extremely tired. So, opted to order room service and watch a bit of TV. The weather has been fabulous - I was surprised at how warm it was when I stepped out of the airport - the young guy that picked me up from the Embassy Suites was very nice - he's studying computer programming in college and has plans to study law next. He's from Chapel Hill and had lots of recommendations for places to visit and explore.
Today, I explored the mall (5 min walk from the hotel), had a manicure and read "Day 1 - There is a Better Way" of the book "How Did I get So Busy? The 28-day plan to free your time, reclaim your schedule, and reconnect with what matters most" by Valorie Burton. So far it's seems as if the book was written for me - so much of her story is mine - she has a quiz in the introduction that asks - How Busy Are you? - When I started, I knew that I would score high - and as I made my way through the list, I found it unnerving - as just about every box had a tick - I only missed 2 out of 25 - (in all honesty - if I had done this a few months ago - then I could have easily scored 100%) - not that it would have changed the end result - my score determined that my 'busyness" level was "Out of Control" ...so no matter how I look at it ...out of control is ...out of control - argh!!! The sad thing is ....is that I can't remember a time where I wasn't busy - I see that I thrive on being busy - when the weekend comes ...and I have some time for me - I am too tired to actually do anything much - except for the essentials.
For the last while I've felt sleep deprived - never really catching up on sleep - and even when I had an opportunity to catch up or sleep in - I don't.
As much as I am looking forward to getting started, I am most afraid of having so much time to focus on me - life is so much easier when it is filled with "stuff" - as this makes it easier to avoid taking care of me ...and as I am learning - I am worth it!
I think that's one of the reasons why I was attracted to this book - Ms. Burton focus is to help me develop an understanding of the shifts that I need to make to move forward. She writes "Many of the shifts I will encourage you to make are ones you've probably been longing to make for some time. Your journey through these pages will be a practical, but also soul-nourishing, one. It is not enough to talk about what you need to do differently; you must also take a deeper look at who you really are and the motivating forces and fears that drive you. Without assessing our internal battles, it is impossible to make a permanent change. My goal is not only to help you become less busy, but also more fruitful, well rounded and productive. My hope is that when you have finished this 28-day program, you will be inspire to adopt these changes as an ongoing way of life."
So today - I walked over to the mall - picked up a US pay as you go phone - got a great deal with AT&T - had a manicure, wandered around the shops. This evening I went to the movies - the only thing that was playing when I arrived was BabyMama - very light comedy - with some good lines and funny moments. I have to say, the folks here are all very friendly - you do need a car to get around though - especially if you're not in the city. All in all, it's been a great day. I'm looking forward to tomorrow - getting settled and getting started!
Until then ...pleasant dreams!
Hugs to all,
Norma
Today, I explored the mall (5 min walk from the hotel), had a manicure and read "Day 1 - There is a Better Way" of the book "How Did I get So Busy? The 28-day plan to free your time, reclaim your schedule, and reconnect with what matters most" by Valorie Burton. So far it's seems as if the book was written for me - so much of her story is mine - she has a quiz in the introduction that asks - How Busy Are you? - When I started, I knew that I would score high - and as I made my way through the list, I found it unnerving - as just about every box had a tick - I only missed 2 out of 25 - (in all honesty - if I had done this a few months ago - then I could have easily scored 100%) - not that it would have changed the end result - my score determined that my 'busyness" level was "Out of Control" ...so no matter how I look at it ...out of control is ...out of control - argh!!! The sad thing is ....is that I can't remember a time where I wasn't busy - I see that I thrive on being busy - when the weekend comes ...and I have some time for me - I am too tired to actually do anything much - except for the essentials.
For the last while I've felt sleep deprived - never really catching up on sleep - and even when I had an opportunity to catch up or sleep in - I don't.
As much as I am looking forward to getting started, I am most afraid of having so much time to focus on me - life is so much easier when it is filled with "stuff" - as this makes it easier to avoid taking care of me ...and as I am learning - I am worth it!
I think that's one of the reasons why I was attracted to this book - Ms. Burton focus is to help me develop an understanding of the shifts that I need to make to move forward. She writes "Many of the shifts I will encourage you to make are ones you've probably been longing to make for some time. Your journey through these pages will be a practical, but also soul-nourishing, one. It is not enough to talk about what you need to do differently; you must also take a deeper look at who you really are and the motivating forces and fears that drive you. Without assessing our internal battles, it is impossible to make a permanent change. My goal is not only to help you become less busy, but also more fruitful, well rounded and productive. My hope is that when you have finished this 28-day program, you will be inspire to adopt these changes as an ongoing way of life."
So today - I walked over to the mall - picked up a US pay as you go phone - got a great deal with AT&T - had a manicure, wandered around the shops. This evening I went to the movies - the only thing that was playing when I arrived was BabyMama - very light comedy - with some good lines and funny moments. I have to say, the folks here are all very friendly - you do need a car to get around though - especially if you're not in the city. All in all, it's been a great day. I'm looking forward to tomorrow - getting settled and getting started!
Until then ...pleasant dreams!
Hugs to all,
Norma
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
48 hours to go!
It's hard to believe that in less than 48 hours I will have arrived in Durham NC!
I'd love to say that my bags are packed, my to do list completed and all is in order. Alas, such is not the case and as usual, I find myself going into overdrive as my self imposed deadline looms ahead. My inner perfectionist wants it all to be "just so" but the reality is that it will never be perfect and that it is time to make peace and accept that "it" is what "it" is!
As I take stock - I realise that much of what I wanted to do at work has been done - there is one major item that needs to get done before I turn off the lights tomorrow evening. I know that it will get done - so as much as I am fretting - it really is not as bad as it seems.
I know that I could have completed this last item earlier - and by not tackling it earlier is a familiar pattern. The root cause of my procrastination is connected to my need to be busy or have something to do. I have to admit that I am very nervous about the leap that I am about to take and what it will mean to take all this time to focus on "me". It's also intimidating to share my thoughts and feelings in such a public manner and then I remind myself that I elected to do this as a means to keep me "on track".
Since my return to Bermuda last year, I've been more or less a recluse - I go to work, I go home, I venture out to go shopping with my mom, perhaps catch up with my daughter and on a rare occasion catch up with a friend. In so doing I immersed myself in work - and just kept going.
This need to "keep going" has been my focus for several years now - so much so that I struggle to remember a time when I did not. The thought of taking three months off for me - is daunting - I am unsure of what will unfold - yet excited at the prospect of trying something new.
So many of you have written or called to offer support, it is overwhelming to know that I have such a great network of friends and family. For many, it has been a while since we connected. I have not had an opportunity to respond this week - I will do so soon.
In the meantime, it's time for me to hang on tight ....my ride is about to begin!!!
Thanks so much for your support!
Much love & hugs to all,
Norma
I'd love to say that my bags are packed, my to do list completed and all is in order. Alas, such is not the case and as usual, I find myself going into overdrive as my self imposed deadline looms ahead. My inner perfectionist wants it all to be "just so" but the reality is that it will never be perfect and that it is time to make peace and accept that "it" is what "it" is!
As I take stock - I realise that much of what I wanted to do at work has been done - there is one major item that needs to get done before I turn off the lights tomorrow evening. I know that it will get done - so as much as I am fretting - it really is not as bad as it seems.
I know that I could have completed this last item earlier - and by not tackling it earlier is a familiar pattern. The root cause of my procrastination is connected to my need to be busy or have something to do. I have to admit that I am very nervous about the leap that I am about to take and what it will mean to take all this time to focus on "me". It's also intimidating to share my thoughts and feelings in such a public manner and then I remind myself that I elected to do this as a means to keep me "on track".
Since my return to Bermuda last year, I've been more or less a recluse - I go to work, I go home, I venture out to go shopping with my mom, perhaps catch up with my daughter and on a rare occasion catch up with a friend. In so doing I immersed myself in work - and just kept going.
This need to "keep going" has been my focus for several years now - so much so that I struggle to remember a time when I did not. The thought of taking three months off for me - is daunting - I am unsure of what will unfold - yet excited at the prospect of trying something new.
So many of you have written or called to offer support, it is overwhelming to know that I have such a great network of friends and family. For many, it has been a while since we connected. I have not had an opportunity to respond this week - I will do so soon.
In the meantime, it's time for me to hang on tight ....my ride is about to begin!!!
Thanks so much for your support!
Much love & hugs to all,
Norma
Sunday, April 20, 2008
It's My Time To Dance!
Wow ...a blog! I never thought that I would create one - but as I prepare to take 3 months off from work - my doctor asked me if I was going to have a blog. I heard myself stammer "No!" but deep inside there was a little voice saying "Yes!". Obviously the "Yes" won ..as here I am with my first blog!
I chose the title "It's My Time To Dance" because that's what it feels like. As I write, I'm not sure what my dance will look like or where it will take me. I am looking forward to exploring, learning and trying out new moves.
I invite you to join me in my quest - as I am sure there will be times when I will need encouragement and support, as well as cheer when as I remember some of the steps of years gone by and learn new steps along the way. My goal is to make them my own and carry them with me, wherever the dance takes me.
On Friday, I will board a plane and head to Raleigh, Durham, USA to take up residence at Structure House. This will give me an opportunity to release and let go of some of the excess baggage that I've been carting around of late.
I've set a personal goal to "gift" Structure House with 50 pounds of excess baggage. Some have said that it is ambitious ...but I figure that if the folks in "The Biggest Loser" can do it . . . so can I! They sent me a sample schedule for the first 4 weeks ...and as I will be there for 6-8 weeks, I truly believe that it is possible and that I can do it!!!
So, my friends, watch this space :-)
Lots of Love & Hugs,
Norma
I chose the title "It's My Time To Dance" because that's what it feels like. As I write, I'm not sure what my dance will look like or where it will take me. I am looking forward to exploring, learning and trying out new moves.
I invite you to join me in my quest - as I am sure there will be times when I will need encouragement and support, as well as cheer when as I remember some of the steps of years gone by and learn new steps along the way. My goal is to make them my own and carry them with me, wherever the dance takes me.
On Friday, I will board a plane and head to Raleigh, Durham, USA to take up residence at Structure House. This will give me an opportunity to release and let go of some of the excess baggage that I've been carting around of late.
I've set a personal goal to "gift" Structure House with 50 pounds of excess baggage. Some have said that it is ambitious ...but I figure that if the folks in "The Biggest Loser" can do it . . . so can I! They sent me a sample schedule for the first 4 weeks ...and as I will be there for 6-8 weeks, I truly believe that it is possible and that I can do it!!!
So, my friends, watch this space :-)
Lots of Love & Hugs,
Norma
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