Paying Attention

Today I set out to walk 20 miles.  The AWBC is only 2 weeks away, and you need to rest the last week, so this was my opportunity to really push myself.

I had breakfast, got dressed in my favorite wicking yoga pants and socks, put on my AWBC tee and stretched.  I got my water and my fanny pack (yup, I said it...) and had Sam & Gregg drop me off at the forest preserve at 8 am.

It was HOT.  Already 80 degrees at 8 am with high humidity.  But I was committed.  The first 10 were no problem.  Piece of cake.  I stopped for lunch (Gregg brought a picnic) and some Sam lovin'.  1/2 hour later, I was ready  to go again.

Okay, a bit more difficult this time.  It had climbed up to 90 degrees and this portion of the trail didn't have as much shade.  I was trying to stay hydrated but after a while (mile 15) realized I had stopped sweating and it was getting difficult to breath.  Then I started getting dizzy.  I sat down on a log and realized I was getting dehydrated and showing early signs of heat exhaustion.
In the past, I've had ice-baths, IVs and ER visits for heat exhaustion and dehydration.  So I KNOW it's a slippery slope.  I called Gregg and with big sobs asked him to pick me up.  Problem was, I was in the middle of the forest and it wasn't vehicle accessible, so I had to walk out.  About 2 miles later I met Gregg (literally) on the side of the road.  I had only walked 17 miles.
It took a couple hours of rest, 1/2 gallon of watered-down apple juice, a couple of handfuls of pretzels and a 45 minute cool shower, but I'm better now.  I'm very disappointed that I didn't finish the full 20.  But I'm glad I paid attention and didn't end up collapsed on the trail or in the hospital.
This was unusual weather.  We don't see heat and humidity like this until July/August.  In fact, last week it was 58 degrees when I started my training walk.  I seriously doubt it'll be 90 degrees with high humidity walk weekend.  I really think I can do the full marathon on Saturday and 1/2 marathon on Sunday.  Of course,I'm going to pay attention, and won't see it as defeat if I need a sweep (van takes you 2 miles to the next rest station) or the medical tent.  But I REALLY hope I can keep hydrated and healthy and finish the walk.

Local walker buddy

We've all been told how important it is to have an exercise buddy: someone to challenge you, keep you on track, and someone you feel responsible to (ie: you don't skip workouts.)  

Thus far, I've been training for the AWBC (click on the icon to check my fundraising progress) w/ Sam in the stroller.  Now, don't get me wrong, Sammy is an awesome stroller baby and great training partner.  But he will only last about 5 miles, requires snacks, and isn't the best conversationalist.

Several weeks ago I posted on the AWBC board that I needed a training partner in my area...and got a response.  So today I trained with my new buddy, Christine.  It was amazing!  I felt energized by our conversation and we kept a great pace.  We even walker further than we had anticipated (8 miles) and it seemed like an easy 8.  We have a schedule worked out and will finish 2 weeks before the walk at 20 miles Saturday and 10 miles Sunday.  The next week (Memorial Day weekend) we'll do some easy 4s or 6s in our neighborhoods and then we'll be all set for Walk Weekend 2010: June 5 &6.

Zenful Mommy and her hubby are walking too .. we have a team of about 15 amazing individuals (Team Breast Intentions.)  But Zenful Mommy lives about 45 minutes away so it's great to have a buddy close by (10 minutes.)

I'm very excited ... we have less than 3 months of training left but I KNOW I can do this.  My buddy Christine and I have committed to each other to keep pace and stick together (ie: if one is injured or has to slow down we both do.)  We'll cross that finish line together (hopefully with Zenful Mommy, her super-hubby and other members of the team as well.)

So today I'm feeling confident in my workout abilities, strong and well, GO ME!!

Monday check-in

Slow and steady wins the race.  

I've always been the hare...running, running, running.  Often frantically.  My husband calls it "jazz hands."  But now, I'm trying to slow down.  Thinking about what I put into my body.  Meal planning so I'm not getting something on the go.  Planning time for workouts.  I'm staying veg and fitting tons of fruit, veg & fiber into my everyday eating.  I'm more satisfied.  I'm actually fuller eating about 1/2 the calories I used to.

And I've found that I WANT to be the tortoise.  Because the tortoise is winning.  I am winning.

Since January 1st I'm down 14 lbs and 1 size.  I am sleeping soundly and have energy to spare.  I run around with my son and hold nightly "dance parties" (which is quite interesting with a 1 1/2 year old in case you haven't tried it before.)

Thanks Zenful Mommy for challenging us ALL to be healthier mommies!

Portion control & 150 a week

I have now learned the art of portion control.  I had NO IDEA how much I was eating before.  300 cal of healthy food is still 300 cal.  I took about 3 weeks to measure things out and now can pretty much eye-ball it.  I can tell you what 2 c of spinach, 1/4 c nuts, 1 serving of pretzels, 1 inch cube of cheese all look like.  I've also been getting my 150+ minutes of exercise a week.  That represents 30 mins/day for 5 days.  Last week I got in 180 minutes and my goal for this week is 200 minutes. 

Overall, I've lost over 12% of my weight-loss goal (okay, I'm just gonna say it and get it out of the way, I'm trying to lose 100 lbs to reach a healthy, "normal" BMI.)  I've given myself 18 months to lose the weight...slow and steady wins the race and insures the weight will STAY OFF this time around.

Stats: down 12.5 lbs in 7 weeks and almost ready to go down a dress size from where I started.

How are you doing on your "get healthy" goals?

Sam's Mom's Monday progress Check-in

Since Zenful Mommy has taken the helm and is checking in on her progress weekly, I figured I should do the same, since we are sisters in this 52 to Fabulous/get healthy/ build a better life endeavor.

I got the the gym 2x and logged a total of 14 miles.  I would have preferred to get in 3-4 times for shorter workouts, but with a toddler I'll take what I can get.  Once the weather clears I'll start walking at 5 am.  Don't particularly trust myself driving to the gym at that time of day.

I kept within my calories all week (currently 1360).  I also kept strict veg.  That's almost 3 weeks now. It helped to have similar meals to my husband & son (ie: when they had burgers I had a soy burger, when they had fatty homemade mac-n-cheese I had polenta w/ a bit of Parmesan...etc.)  I think I did a good job getting enough protein in as well.

I lost a total of 3.5 lbs for the week.  I'm not anticipating that loss every week.  It was a great jump start for me though. 

Total of 8.5 lbs loss in 7 weeks, which is just above 1 lbs a week.  That's a healthy loss so I'm thrilled.

How are you doing on your quest for a better you?

Small Steps to a Better Me

I don’t know about you, but I’m quite inspired by Zenful Mommy’s progress in the past few weeks.  I’m making my own small changes, and having some small success.  I wanted to share some of these things – maybe they’ll work for you.

1.     I resisted pastry/bagel day at work (every Tuesday) by bringing a Kashi GoLean bar to work.  It was super-filling with loads of healthy carbs, fiber & protein.  With coffee, the bar, and a bottle of La Croix, I was too full to even look at the pastry/bagel table in the kitchen. 

2.    I’ve been packing my lunch EVERY DAY.  This has really helped my temptation for fatty lunch foods, as I would feel guilty if I didn't eat what I packed and/or to spent extra money.  The lunches I’ve been taking are planned the night before and are usually left-overs from dinner.


3.     Oh right!, I’ve been planning and making healthy dinners: a grain (Thai red rice, quinoa or brown rice) several sautéed veggies (loving dark leafy greens and cabbage lately), and protein (tofu or egg.)  The grains and veggies are really filling.  On the occasional times I have pasta with my guys, I half a ½ portion and supplement with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or red pepper strips.


4.     I’ve been packing snacks for work: portioned out dried fruit and nuts.

5.     I’ve been chewing gum.  This really helps in the afternoon when I’m craving an UN-healthy snack.  Its sweet and keeps my jaw moving, which gives me the sensation of eating.

6.     I’m back at the gym.  WOW that feels good to say!

7.     I’m tracking all my progress with a food/calorie diary and exercise diary.  This really helps accountability-wise.

I hope to soon be seeing Zenful Mommy sized results!





What little secrets/tips do you have to stay “on target” with your healthy-living goals?

Mamavation Monday

There is an amazing group of mom's over at Bookieboo...it is a group of moms with one thing in mind, a healthier lifestyle. I am joining a group over there called the Mamavation Sistahood, which is a group of women that will all support one another while obtaining a healthier lifestyle. This is something that I so desperately want...to be healthy, NOT super skinny just healthy, WHATEVER that may mean for MY BODY, I accept it.


Over the last week, I made some definite changes.

Nutrition: I became conscious of EVERYTHING i put in my mouth and made deliberate decisions not to eat off of my kids plates(or finish their dinner). I ate 5 to 6 small meals a day and drank tons and tons of water. My meals were all (ok, NOT ALL) healthy, no chips (except for the one that I tasted while making my daughters lunch), no cookies, a couple of peices of chocolate(enough to satifsfy my craving..but not a whole candy bar), and TONS of fruits and veggies (which I think sent my body into some sort of shock ☺)I even ate out but made sure not to choose healthier items. I added extra calories to each of my meals as I am still nursing my son but made sure that they were healthy choices and not empty calories.



Workouts: I did 6 days of workouts, alternating between strength training and cardio(kick you butt fat burning stuff!) My workouts were done at home using the Power 90 tapes...they kicked my butt but I got results! I didn't want to work out on several days and tried to talk myself out of it, especially when it was already 9pm when I started to work out!



This is the first week in a long time that I have :

1. Slept soundly

2. Had energy throughout the day

3. Cared about what I put into my body

4. Been able to fit into a smaller pair of jeans...





Results from week 1:

3.5 pounds lost

2 inches lost off of my waist

1 1/2 inches lost off of each thigh



I NEED TO "HIGH FIVE" somebody! I feel great and am going to keep it up! Thanks everyone for your support! We'll see what next week brings but as for now, I am taking one day at a time.

Going Veg

I used to be vegetarian.  I kept it up religiously for 8 months once, and then 9 months after a break of about 1 year.  I was good: tofu, eggs, dairy, beans for protein.  But I'd fallen off the wagon for about 1 year again.  Now I'm back on, and really committed. 

You see, for me eating veg is eating healthy.  I don't eat prepared (ie: frozen food section) veg protein patties (high in sat. fats), I don't eat gobs of cheese pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches, or other similarly fatty foods.  When I'm veg I'm hard core.

They say it takes 28 days to make a habit and 90 days to break it.  I've been completely veg (no fish) for 7 days now.  I was semi (just a bit of fish and one meal w/ turkey) for about 28 days prior. The first week is always the toughest and I feel like I'm really on track now.  Hard because my husband is a chef, and makes lovely pork & veal meatloaf, roast chicken and Italian sausage regularly...but after 1 week, I must admit the thought of those foods make my stomach turn.

My fridge is stocked w/ eggs, low-fat dairy, and tofu.  My pantry is stocked with dried and canned beans and quinoa (a grain high in protein.)  I even have veg chili (tofu &  red beans) for lunches.

I must say, I FEEL better when veg.  Not necessarily thinner or anything like that, just better.  Like my insides are getting clean.

I'm pretty proud of myself, making this commitment.  I hope to keep this habit FOR LIFE this time.

Have you recently made any dietary changes that make you feel GOOD on the inside?

Self confidence courtesy of Old Navy

This weekend I went shopping for a new pair of jeans.  I had lost 4 lbs in December, but then gained it back over the holidays.  (boo-hiss!) But my old jeans were looking really frumpy.  You know, when the gut of the jeans is too baggy and makes your pooch look even bigger than it is?  Like that.  I tried on some of my smaller jeans (I have about 4 different sizes in my closet), but they were a tad snug.  So I went out looking for a slimmer cut of the same size.

Now, I would love to report that I found I could wear a smaller size at Old Navy.  But I cannot.  Instead, I can report that I found a pair in a much slimmer cut: not the forgiving "trouser" jean style I had been wearing. They are definitely smaller in the thigh (circumference) and I believe smaller waist and seat, if only slightly.

I feel more confident in these jeans.  I felt like my old pair were a bit of a cop-out. These jeans are more flattering BECAUSE THEY ACTUALLY FIT.  I have a tendency to wear too-big clothing but I know that's not the most flattering.  Clothing that fits is always more flattering. I love these jeans.

These jeans also make me feel like the food and exercise changes I'm making are paying off.  Even if not on the scale (yet) I think I'm losing centimeters (I wouldn't say inches yet.)

Do you have a special piece of clothing that makes you feel more confident, no matter your dress size?

Julie and Julia

I've settled in with and movie and a glass of wine. I don't think I've done this in over 2 years. I can't tell you which is better, the complete silence in my home, or the delicious bottle of wine that I picked up in anticipation of the kids going to grandmas. My choices tonight are Julie and Julia and a glass of New Age white wine from Argentina(which is yummy by the way).

If you don't know anything about the movie, you can get some info here. Basically Julie, started a BLOG about cooking all of the recipes from Julia Child's cookbook in 365 days. This is a true story and the blog became immensely popular, thus the movie.

In the beginning of the movie when Julie started blogging, her mother asked her why? Why add another thing to your plate of working long hours, being a wife? Her response.... to have a regimen, to be accountable to something on a daily basis and to set small daily goals.

What am I getting from the movie (still watching it)? Commitment and Inspiration. The commitment to keep blogging and the inspiration to try new things and not let anything get in my way.

I don't make New Year's resolutions but I must say that 2010 will be a year of Happiness, Good Health, Peace and Joy.....more time spent with friends and family, more time doing the things that I enjoy, more time taking care of myself inside and out.....(say it and CLAIM it!)

Tonight I am taking some time for myself.....and enjoying it.

What inspires you?

Doing it for ME

A bit late on today's posting...but better late than never, right?

I have been so frustrated with my health/lifestyle lately.  I WANT to make positive changes, but I cannot seem to stick with them.  I WANT to eat healthy but feel I'm sabatoged by fast food and my husband's cooking.  I WANT to exercise, but I tend to blame the early darkness and the lack of energy to get up at 5 am.  I guess that means I don't WANT it badly enough.

So drastic times call for drastic measures.  Last week, I joined Calorie King, which is an online tool & community to promote and help you STICK with a healthy lifestyle leading to weight loss and weight management.  It IS calorie counting, but you don't do it...the computer does.  You have to be 100% honest and log every single morsel that passes your lips.  Every single one.  It then calculates your calorie intake for the day, and logs & graphs your nutritional intake as well.  Based upon your current weight, and how active of a lifestyle you lead, it calculates how many NET calories** you need a day to lose a healthy 1-2 lbs/week.
** NET calories are the calories you intake, minus the calories you burn through exercise. 

Calorie King promotes "incidental" exercise.  This is the exercise you don't know your doing.  Not running, not going to the gym.  But parking your car in a far-away space and walking through the parking lot to the store; taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator; walking the long way around the office to the bathroom; dancing at night w/ your child; pacing while on the phone, etc. etc.
For now, I need to take in around 1730 cals/day to lose weight.  Once I start exercising more (ie: gym) I'll need to take in about 150 more/day (if I go to the gym 3-4 times a week.)  I've found it's actually HARD to eat enough calories when you are watching them, spacing out your meals, and eating healthy foods.  For example, the leafy greens recipe I posted on Friday fills me up a lot more than bread or white rice would.  Come 8 pm at night, I've found I HAVE to eat something (fruit, yogert, popcorn) just to get enough cals in per day.
The site also has support groups to join, based upon how much weight you are trying to lose (decade club, century club, etc.) and age (silver club, golden club) and lifestyle (SAHM club, working moms club), etc.

The moral of this story: I think I've found something that will work for ME.  And I'm doing this for ME for the first time.  Not to look good in a particular outfit.  Not to be "skinny."  Not for low self-esteem or a myriad of other reasons.  But for ME.  And I think that's pretty great.

If you are trying to get healthy/lose weight what's working or not working for you??

Twihard with a vengence

We traded off last week: G had a night with the guys at his Alfa Romeo club meeting on Thursday, and I went out to see New Moon on Friday.  G didn't want to go see it with me, which was fine.  I actually went with his best friend because we are now officially "movie buddies" which means that I get a night out once a month to see whatever movie I want to see (G and I don't have the same movie taste.)  And yes, we are working on the whole "date night" G & me thing as well.  Although my MIL is moving to California soon, we have several recommendations locally and one is actually a preschool teacher so I'd have no reservations leaving Sammy with her, assuming he likes her.  Chances are, we'll do a 7:30pm date, so I'll put Sam down to bed before we leave.
But back to ME TIME.
Did I love the film?  No.  Did I like it? YES.  The action was great, the scenery was great, and they did a really nice job taking a very long book and fitting it into a 90 min movie.  YES they had to cut some scenes but I think the scene selection was the best they could have done.  Oh, and let's not forget the miriads of EYE CANDY on the screen.
All-in-all I had a great time, and strengthened my relationship with G's BFF, who has been in our lives since we met (G and Q have been friends for over 20 years and he was the best man at our wedding.)  It was nice to have an evening out, and believe it or not, I was 100% okay leaving both Sam and G.  G and I then spent some QT together on Saturday night, and I actually stayed up until (gasp) 11 pm, so we could have real time together, no just 1 hour after dinner.
We also had fantastic weekend weather, so I got a 6 mile walk in on Sunday, which was fantastic ME TIME.  Sam is a super-duper stroller baby and just sits back and relaxes.  I played some of my favorite music on my phone (without headphones so I could hear my baby) and that really motivated me: on the faster songs I picked up the pace and at one point was even jogging!
I'm really working on this balance thing and think I'm getting the hang of it.  Next up: DATE NIGHTS.
How are you taking time for yourself?

It will be ok...

So tonight, DH and I are having a night out on the town. Yes, we need some time for each other. Yes, the kids will be fine. Yes, I will worry all night but YES I will be ok.

It has probably been almost a year since DH and I have gone on a "date". With his crazy work schedule (12 hour days) and me being pregnant and now having the newborn we haven't gone anywhere. When he was home on the weekends, we spent time as a family and took the time to adjust to having another baby in the house. As Sam's mom has said before, we NEED time for ourselves. A month or so ago, my husband came home and told me that he bought season theatre tickets. (what?!!!how could you without asking ME first?)His thoughts were that if he bought them, we would have to go. Don't get me wrong ,I know that we need the time alone but I was and AM a little freaked out about leaving my 11 week old. I know that my DD7 and DD4 can take care of themselves and will be just fine with G'ma and G'pa but what about the baby?Did I mention that we are staying overnight? I get nautious thinking about it...

So today is the BIG day and my anxiety has set in. Apart from the stress from packing stuff for the kids to take with them to the G'parents, the baby needs a trunk load of stuff...and what if they don't know his different cry's, how to comfort him the way I do?What if I worry so much that I call them a million times or what if I don't call(as not to embarrass myself) and worry myself sick? What if his parents think I'm a bad mom for leaving my baby so early? WHAT IF?

Cross your fingers and your toes for me! I will enjoy dinner with my DH, The kids will be fine, and YES it will be ok.

How do you deal with leaving your children? What makes it easier?

Why isn't this working?

So on October 1st I decided to make it my JANUARY 1st...you know, the day when everyone starts their new workout program, eats healthy for a few weeks and make many resolutions that they don't keep. My idea was to start on October 1st and my goal was simple, a healthier lifestyle.

My 1st week went quite well. Six workouts with my Power 90 video tapes, the Fat Burning series. It was definitely no joke and I was sore! I also made healthy food choices for the week fruits, veggies, Veggie Burgers etc..and ate 5 small meals a day. I found that I was VERY full and didn't need to snack and didn't crave junk food which is MAJOR for me as I usually consume chocolate and potato chips daily, its that sweet and salty combo that gets me. So at the one week mark , I weighed myself to see what my progress was and much to my surprise, I weighed exactly the same. I thought to myself WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING!!!(ok, those weren't the exact words but you get the point) I went back to my handy dandy book and realized that I should measure myself and compare my measurements instead of the wieght and much to my suprise I had lost 2 inches in my waist and an inch off of each thigh..YIPPEE and GO ME!!! I so freakin' excited that I couldve' done a back flip. My goal live a healthier lifestyle and oh yeah...fit into a bikini for our summer trip. So many people have told me that you'll always have a litttle "pooch" after having kids and probably won't ever wear a bikini after 3 kids...well I am here to proove you wrong .

What is your goal when in comes to overall health? How do you fit in workouts?

P.S. I did take a before picture of myself which I will post once I reach my goal...its pretty eye opening to take a picture of yourself in shorts and a sports bra when you are out of shape...

I think I got "The Eye"

Lately I've been feeling, well FRUMPY. 
I think this has been going on since I left for Ethiopia.  I took mostly uber-comfy (ie: not cute) clothing in-country.  I didn't do my hair or even mess with makeup most days because I was busy trying to find my groove with a 10 month old.  My cell phone was dying and I forgot my watch so I never really knew what time it was and subsequently always felt rushed.  Oh, and let's not forget the fact that from October '08 -- June '09 I gained approximately 40 lbs of "paper pregnancy" weight.  When I lost 55 lbs from January -- July '08 (while training for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer marathon), I threw out all my "fat" clothes, so the pickins were slim for my trip to Ethiopia.  I felt fat and BLAH and FRUMPY.  I came home with a new child, and continued to feel that way.  When I was on maternity leave I routinely didn't get showered/changed out of PJs until around 12 noon.  I cancelled several hair appointments because I either didn't have the time or didn't want to spend the money. I continued to eat for convenience, not health.  I wasn't getting any exercise: those thoughts of long walks through the forrest preserve with the jogging stroller DID NOT materialize.
Then, I had to go back to work.  I had to scramble and find some appropriate clothing THAT FIT, and get my hair done and at least file my nails, and slap on some makeup.
Then, we started this blog and I thought "holy cow Ms. Frumpy-Dumpy!  you are asking other mothers to find their inner HOTmama but WHAT are you doing about it??"
So, I have been trying to remember those tips I got when I went for a "make-over" at Bare Minerals last November.  I have actually put on eyeliner for 3 days in a row!  I have made an effort with my hair (which I'm growing out and HATE but still...)  And I'm wearing clothing that FITS.  Doesn't matter that it's an entire size LARGER than I was wearing a couple months ago.  Doesn't matter that it's about 3 sizes larger than I was wearing this time last year.  Clothing that fits ALWAYS looks better than clothing that is too snug.

Which brings me to today.
My hair cooperated, despite the 70% humidity.  I put on smokey eyeshadow and a hint of blush and some shear gloss.  I dressed in a new pair (thank you Target!) of trousers that I think are pretty hot, and a 3/4 sleeve forrest green top with detailing at the neckline which looks pretty cute.  I wore my favorite earrings, and some tri-colored suede pumps.  I finished with one of the scarves I got in Ethiopia ... it coordinates well with my fall jacket.  I was looking good.  I was feeling good.  I went to court for some hearings.  while walking back to my car, a tall, dark, attractive man looked my way, raised an eyebrow and smiled.  I smiled back.  I then checked to see if their was food in my teeth/coffee on my jacket/ gum on my shoes or anything else that would have caused his reaction.  But there wasn't.  He must have JUST BEEN SMILING AT ME.  He MUST HAVE BEEN GIVING ME "THE EYE"!!
This is not something that happens to me often, but I must admit it really gave me a much-needed confidence boost today.

What happened this past week to give you a confidence boost??

Milestones

We all count the milestones for our children.  Some have baby books, some scrapbooks, some record in their Blackberry, and some are "old school" like my mom and record on wall calendars.  We count first teeth, first words, first steps.  I know I've counted all those with my son, even though we've only been together 3 months now.  In fact, yesterday he took his first solo steps and I couldn't stop talking about it. 
Does any parent lose the glow of those "firsts"?  Does any parent get tired of telling stories to family/friends/co-workers/gas station attendants?  NO.  And we shouldn't.  The milestones our children reach are some of the most important moments...for them and for us.  It's reassurance that they are developing on-target.  It's reassurance (at least for me) that we are good moms, making sure our children sleep enough, have a healthy diet, are happy.

But who is counting OUR milestones?  Are you?  Do you make a notation when you chose a yogurt instead of chips as a snack?  Or when your favorite jeans fit a bit looser around the hips?  Or when someone complimented you at the grocery store about your fabulous hair cut/color/style?  Do you have a mini-celebration, a GO ME! day when you walk that extra 4 blocks with the baby in the jogging stroller? 
These are all VERY important moments.  I think oftentimes as moms we lose track of these and downplay their importance.  But WE are just as important as our children.  In fact, studies show that happy, self-confident parents raise happy, self-confident children.  And isn't that what we all want?  Our children to be happy with themselves and their lives.  To be confident at school.  To be comfortable in social situations. 
Studies also show that children learn more by observing their parents, than by the audible instructions their parents provide.
Don't get me wrong; we all have bad-hair/feeling fat/cannot find a suitable outfit/drive the kids to school in PJ days.  A wise woman once told me, on those days, you have to "fake it 'til you make it."  Studies conducted in Japan have shown that laughter decreases stress and releases endorphines into the brain, stimulating our pleasure centers.  Basically, sometimes we can force our brains to FEEL happy.
Not all days are going to be GO ME! days.  But I think we should celebrate them when they come around.  It's good for us, and it's great for our kids to see that kind of self confidence and happiness.
My GO ME! moment this week?  I took some of my favorite "sexy" heels, to the "shoe doctor" and got them re-heeled and spiffed up. I haven't worn these in FOREVER because they were looking shabby.  Okay, I haven't worn them in forever because frankly it's easier to wear flip-flops to work and change into the SAME pair of shoes at my desk every day.  It's easier NOT to expend any effort.  But today, as I type this, I'm wearing my lipstick-red croco heels, and I must admit, they make me feel sexy and confident.  I'm having a bad hair day.  I forgot to iron my sweater.  But those heels are making me feel like I could concour the world.

What was GO ME moment this week?  Did you stop to soak it in?  If not, try to look out for a GO ME moment this weekend. You deserve it!