the first step is making a decision to change...

Happy New Year everyone!  Here's to a happy and healthy 2012 for all of us ~ clink!

2011 was a great year filled with family, friends, music and laughter.  I continue to count my blessings for the fantastic circle of people that I have around me.  My life is richer for having all of you in it.  

The biggest change for me in 2011 was my voyage into the land of ayurveda wellness.  Let me tell you - it has changed my life in a multitude of positive ways.  It's remarkable how 6 months can change so many aspects of your life.  I am so happy that I am on this fantastic journey to a healthier me!

It's kind of funny to think that a year ago the following were not in my food "vocabulary". I have been having fun experimenting with new foods/healthy preparations (suggestions always welcomed):

ghee

quinoa

herbal tea

almond butter

celery root

cream of wheat

flax seed

raw sugar

Slow and steady wins the race. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing ~ knowing that I'm creating a healthier future for myself.

I sincerely hope that everyone is excited about all of the prospects that 2012 holds.  Let's keep in touch and share how we are doing with our personal goals.

Happy New Year!

Cari

30 Day Challenge

Holy cow ~ over a month since I've posted anything on my blog!  Time sure has a way from slippin' away from me sometimes!  

I'm sharing this with everyone as it will make me more accountable.  I've decided to take on a personal 30 day challenge.  Just for me, to prove that I can follow through with it.  Simple enough.  I recently purchased a workout DVD called "Hip Hop Abs" ~ I've challenged myself to do the 30 minute DVD every day for 30 days, no excuses.  Of course eating well, drinking lots of water, and trying to lower my stress level are givens during this time period as well.  

I started the challenge last Monday - so today is actually my 7th day of doing the DVD. So proud of myself. Especially since during the week I got up early every day to ensure that I got my work out in. 

As you all know, I'm all about baby steps.  I would be THRILLED if by the end of my 30 day challenge I could lose 5 pounds and 5 inches.  Of course even more would be awesome....I just want to make sure that I'm setting attainable goals.  

I have to give a shout out to all of my friends who have been working so hard on their health goals ~ Marci, Nikki, Guy, Lori, Heather, Wendy, and Laurie you all inspire me.  Runs/walks/crossfit events etc. I am so very proud of all of you.  If I'm missing someone I apologize (hey give me a break, I'm getting old).

If anyone has any workout DVDs that you love - please let me know.  I'm more prone to things that involve dancing!  But all suggestions are certainly welcome.  

Also any secrets that keep you motivated - feel free to share!  

I will keep you posted on my progress - feel free to share your success stories.  I LOVE hearing those!  

I'm giving myself the advice I give others ----- DO IT!  

Ayurveda - here we go!

As some of you may have read about on my Facebook page, I am embarking on a new journey. Yes, ANOTHER thing to add to my "year of reinvention"! This journey involves working with an ayurvedic practitioner (and since that is just to flippin' much to type, from here on out it's simply "Jamie"). I have talked to some of you about this and there was some interest in me sharing some discoveries along the way.  My hope is that by me sharing my journey, it may just help one of you with some self discovery.

Jamie recently completed her ayurvedic training.  Part of the program is that she needs to complete an "internship" with 10 students before she graduates.  I am one of the chosen ones (ha!).  My initial fee includes 4 sessions with Jamie.  Any herbs that I  want along the way or future appointments are extra. This is meant to be a stepping stone.  Where I decide to go with it after these initial appointments is entirely up to me.

The first appointment was an in depth question/answer session.  Almost 2 hours of all things Cari (oh my!).  I won't get into the nitty gritty details, there is a thing as too much information.  But I will say that she asks about just about everything you can imagine.  The answers to these questions along with an exam, a reading of my ayurvedic pulse, and a visual observation gave her the tools to prepare my assessment  (which is thoroughly detailed in the second appointment I had last Friday).  I'll get to that in a minute.

I mention the word ayurveda in conversation and more often than not I get a confused look.  Many people do not know what it is.  There is oodles of information on the internet as well as a plethora of books on the subject.  I won't delve too deep into that here, but I do need to give you the basic premise.

The basic rule in ayurvedic healing is that whatever you can do yourself to improve your own health is more effective in the long run than what another person can do for you.  It is in balancing the doshas (primary life forces behind all physiological and psychological function) that the roots of the symptom/s are cut off and you can live in health and harmony.  The fundamental treatment for the doshas is not something clinical done by a practitioner but rather it is the self care you give yourself on a daily basis.  It's really all about balancing current imbalances.

The foundation of ayurvedic treatment is to balance the digestive system.  If you are not digesting food property or are taking in foods that are not healthy for your body, you are unable to form healthy tissues and may be left with toxins in your system.

Ayurveda is made of up of many different components and it's really just a matter of working with your practitioner to see what works best for your lifestyle.  Some of these components are:  diet, herbs, color therapy, yoga/meditation, aromatherapy, and detoxification.  One of my favorite parts is that you aren't expected to jump in head first and change everything at once.  In fact that is discouraged.  Your body needs time to acclimate itself to the changes you are making along the way.  You may remember me saying "baby steps" in previous posts.  Well that is EXACTLY what this is all about.  NOT drastic lifestyle changes but rather more of a self awareness to what your body needs to treat whatever "symptoms" you are experiencing.

Back to the assessment.  Ok, everyone has what is called Prakriti (also known as your constitution).  This is your state of health at birth.  It's the essence of who you are.  It represents the ideal balance of doshas for you to be in a state of health.  As a result of that first visit (questions and exam), Jamie analyzed that my constitution is:  primary dosha is Pitta.  Pitta is primarily composed of the element of fire.  Positive qualities of Pitta are that when in balance Pitta gives a sharp mind, clarity in thought, leadership, bravery and courage.  Secondary is Kapha. Kapha is made up of the earth and water elements.  When balanced Kapha gives you a calm and patient disposition (clearly I'm out of balance because we all know patience is NOT part of my vocabulary), contentment in life, a loving and compassionate nature and a stable, loyal presence.

Clearly if this is all about balance - and being healthy when in balance - it makes sense that I would also need to know which of my doshas are imbalanced (this is called your Vikruti).  Well in my case - all three have something going on (go figure! have to be an "over achiever"!). My primary imbalances are Vata and Pitta.  Vata, which is composed of air and ether which are cold, light, dry and mobile.  According to Jamie, my sinus and allergy problems as well as my neck and shoulder pain are all related to the imbalance in my Vata dosha.  When Pitta increases, fire increases in the body leading to different kinds of inflammation and heat issues.  Being critical and jealous are also a result of this imbalance.  Interesting.    Finally, my Kapha imbalance is also at the root of my chronic sinus congestion (as well as a number of other) issues.

So how does one become imbalanced?  Well just as every human has these life forces, so does everything around us according to ayurvedic teachings.  A great example is our diets.  You can become imbalanced by eating foods that are not complimentary to your constitution.  Your daily lifestyle effects your imbalance ----where you live, what you do for a living etc.  Everything around us has an impact on our life forces.

I know this is a lot to take in.  But it's really very fascinating.  For example - one of the "baby steps" that I have been given is to eat only warm foods for breakfast and to increase the amount of protein.  My typical breakfast is either a bowl of cereal or a bagel with cream cheese.  Cold foods add dryness to the system.  So just by looking at my diet - I've already discovered one way that I'm adding to my Vata imbalance.  I am adding dryness every morning through my diet.

There are a few more things I will be incorporating into my daily routine - again, all very subtle changes.  I just picked up my herbs today.  There are two different capsules I will take every day.  One is comprised of herbs specifically designed for digestion and one is for my mind/nervous system.  Unlike pharmaceuticals, these are comprised of all natural ingredients designed to aid me as I find balance.

What I find most fascinating (as someone who is perpetually starting a new diet) is that it's not just about eating foods that fit into your daily calorie  allotment...it's about eating foods that are promoting balance within your system.  That goes hand in hand that what works for one person may not work for another.

This may sound like a whole lot of mumbo jumbo ----but I'd be lying if I said I'm not excited about it.  It all just makes perfect sense.  I have some very specific health issues that I am working on, we'll see what happens.  And yes, I'll keep you posted along the way!!!!!

The Year of Reinvention ~ Update #1

I'm pretty happy about the baby steps I've taken so far this year.  The Year of Reinvention is off to a great start! Some updates:

*Shaking it up even more where the healthy living is concerned.  Not seeing the results I want with the way I'm doing things.  Sooooooo......going to try something else.  Rather than get frustrated and throw in the towel I am going to channel that energy and focus on making additional changes....positive changes!I will not be defeated dammit! 

*With that being said.....let me tell you about my first Zumba class.  For those of you have been to a Zumba class, you already know.  For those of you who haven't, I'm here to tell you that once you go through a 45 minute Zumba class you will hurt in places you didn't even know existed.  It is very high energy and a ton of fun.  Jeanne and I are definitely going to go at least once a week.  Lots and lots of calories being burned.  Maybe somewhere down the road I can teach a class---do the Zumba Latin signature moves but put it to some rock-n-roll music.  I'm telling you she did one routine to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and I was able to get through the whole thing because I could sing along!  If you haven't tried a class......I highly recommend it!

*Trying to have more patience and not sweat the small stuff.  That is a constant battle for me.  I like everything the way I like it, when I like it.  I am not good at working on other people's time tables.  I have a lot of talks with myself when it comes to this. 

*One of the things I mentioned in my original "Reinvention" post was that I want to be more involved in church activities at Crosspoint.  This is also a work in progress.  My friend Cheryl commented to me one day that she thought I would be a great person to work in the youth ministry.  I took her advice and have been in communications with the Pastor of Youth Ministry.  I have a bit of a scheduling conflict as far as getting involved with the cell groups that they hold each week.  The details aren't important and they will sound like excuses anyway......bottom line is that I live in West Allis and go to church in Oconomowoc.  It's just going to be tough to get out there twice every week.  Right now I'm looking at getting involved with their special events as a volunteer.  Perhaps I have to take baby steps in this area too.  It will all work out. 

*I saved the best for last.  Cheryl and I have embarked on a very exciting new journey.  We enrolled in an American Sign Language class at WCTC.  We had our first class this past Tuesday.....LOVED it!  The instructor, "Suz", is amazing.  She is completely deaf, yet is able to speak perfectly.  That was a God moment when I found that out.  She has never heard a sound, never will - yet she can speak more clearly than many hearing people I have met.  She took the experience of a very rocky childhood (16 - yes I said 16 - foster homes) and used that as her driving force to succeed.  Not only does she teach sign language, she also teaches psychology at WCTC.  She shared with us that she was the first Latina woman in the United States to receive her doctoral degree.  Probably comes as no surprise that she is a sought after as a motivational speaker. It's worth the price of the class just to hear her story.  What an inspiration. 

The class was mostly an introduction.  We went through the syllabus and a few group activities.  I'll tell you this, sign language is not for anyone who is self conscious or afraid to express themselves.  I guess I'll have to learn how to break out of my shell a little ha!  It's another language and another culture to learn about...I'm very excited to learn more.  Did I mention that starting next week (yes, the second class) we will not be able to talk?  Yep.  She will not be speaking either.  She is going to teach us everything through signing.  Way to jump right into things! 

A little tidbit that some of you may want to look into.  She has a business where she teaches children 4 months to 5 years old....hearing and deaf.  How cool is that?  Apparently these classes are big on the West and East coasts and just now gaining attention in the Midwest.  Here's the link if you want to check it out (there is also a bio about Suz). 
baby signs
I hope that everyone is having a terrific year so far....thanks for reading!

zumba!

Soooooo.....I'm finally taking the plunge. Tomorrow night I will be going to my very first zumba class.  I have to admit, I'm a little scared :)  My only experience with zumba is what I've seen on infomercials!  I like to dance and I'm not afraid of making an ass out of myself so I'm thinking I will be just fine!  I have a number of friends who swear by zumba.  They tell me that it's so much fun...not only that, but you burn a ridiculous amount of calories.  Truth be told, it's so hard for me to stay motivated with working out because I get bored.  I'm hoping this will be my new favorite thing! Anyone have any good or bad experiences with zumba? Please share.  Wish me luck!


~As a little side note, I used to go to a jazzercise class and L-O-V-E  loved it!  I'm hoping that this is similar with the high energy. Heck, I once had a dream of teaching jazzercise, perhaps someday I will teach zumba (it's a goal right?).  Baby steps...

Rainy Days and Mondays~baby steps

For those of you who have been following along with the blog postings, you know that I have dubbed this the year of reinvention.  Part of that reinvention is finding my "happy place" both mentally and physically.  I'm  not going to lie to you. It is by no means easy.  I'm struggling big time.


I will share one small self discovery ----- I have realized that my bar is set waaaaaay too high (for myself as well as those around me).  This leads to a good deal of disappointment.  My own fault.  Part of the reinvention process.  I can change that. I'm already actively working on it. 


As far ramping up my exercise......slacking. Big time.  I am still not making myself the top priority. I am still not making my work out the most important "appointment".  It's hard.  Not only to juggle a busy schedule...but to get motivated to go to the gym after work.  I have to find a way to be excited about it.


Eating healthy? Yes and no.  I'm not consistent.  I'll do really good all day....will get to dinner time and I overdo it.  It doesn't help that my husband is a fabulous cook.  NO, I'm not blaming him.  He's not forcing me to overeat!!!!


It's a mindset.  I'm talking the talk.  I'm only walking the walk maybe 70% of the time.  That's not enough. I don't expect to have perfect results...I doubt that my effort will ever be at 100%.  I would be very happy to be at around 85%.


This post sounds more like a rant.  Not meant to be.  I know that there are others out there reading this who have shared with me that they are going through similar struggles.  I just want to be honest with you.  It's not all puppies and unicorns.  What does help is knowing that I am not alone.


Let's keep going people.......baby steps are better than no steps at all!

What a Long Strange Trip its Been...

Let me start out by saying I am blessed.  I have my health, a terrific husband, a loving family, and the most amazing friends a girl could ever ask for.  This past year proved it to me once again - that even at the lowest of low times, we always need to remember to count our blessings.


Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes.....how do you measure a year in the life? Man o man so much can happen in the course of a year...


My first memory of 2010 was attending the funeral of my lifelong friend Beccee Kujawa.  No one single event in my life has made such an impact emotionally on me.  It was the most surreal feeling walking into the sanctuary for the first time.  Being completely grief stricken yet feeling totally "at home" all at the same time.  Beccee brought me back to the church and I became a member at Crosspoint this year.  The outpouring of love that day was indescribable.  Hundreds of people from all stages of Beccee's life were there to pay their respects to a friend that had made such an impact on their lives. I remember giving Ron a hug in the receiving line and thinking he looked so broken (wouldn't we all?).  At this time I hardly knew Ron...pretty much just from our time together planning the benefit.  As I said, things can really change in the course of a year :)  I remember Carol as she was leaving with the family.  We made eye contact and she stopped and gave me the biggest hug ever.  I know that there is no way that I could have, but if there was a way I could have taken away even one small portion of her pain and sorrow that day I would have done it in a heartbeat.  It was bizarre to see faces from my "other" life so long ago...the Mirgage guys, Benet, Lisa, etc.  I remember the video playing at the end of the service with Beccee singing.  I literally could not move.  I could not take my eyes off of the screen. Even though I know with complete certainty that Beccee was taken home to be in Heaven....saying goodbye completely broke my heart.  Beccee's passing has affected me profoundly. Not a day goes by where I do not think of her or pray for her family.  Beccee's light continues to shine in my life....I imagine it always will.


In January I became a Supervisor! Go figure!  I am very fortunate to have a team of people who are dedicated to their jobs.  I'd still drop everything in a heartbeat for a job at Summerfest (in case anyone is connected) - but I honestly am lucky to have a job that pays my mortgage and puts food on our table.


My friends continue to amaze me with their "wonderfulness" (my blog, I can make up words if I want to!).  I just can't express how cool it is to be surrounded by such amazing individuals.  Some friends I am lucky enough to see on a regular basis - but even those that I see only occasionally continue to be a HUGE part of my life.  Know that each and every one of you plays a very important part in my life. Thank you for putting up with me.  I  know that I'm opinionated and relatively (ok VERY) impatient...but I mean well :) I am also excited about the new friendships that developed this year.  It's always very interesting to me how certain people are put into our lives.


It was a tough year in the job department for Casey.  This put a lot of stress on us emotionally and of course financially.  I won't drudge it all up - but I will say that I am very happy that he has settled into the job at Nona's.


I "retired" from my (very small) role in the music business.  I had been managing Majestic Mudd as well as booking them and a few other acts from time to time.  I said I would get out when it wasn't fun anymore and that's what it boiled down to.  We all know I don't like to chase people (musicians, bar owners - anyone).  It just wasn't a good fit for me anymore.  Now I'm a fan....and please do not call me a groupie ha!  


Where one door closes, another one opens.  My dear friend Laura Kiley asked me to work with her on her latest business venture localstopp.com.  We will be going full force come the new year....it's a brand new website devoted to all things Lake Country.  The backstory is what I find most endearing.  Laura came up with a business to fund a foundation to help others.  She's my hero. More to come on that soon.


I've been bouncing around an idea to start an online bakery business.....thoughts?


Of course the year was filled with seeing live music......Amileigha and Mike,Majestic Mudd, Keith, Ryan, Phil, Rebel Grace, the Love Monkeys, Erin and Matt, Ron and Droopy, Old Mil, and the list goes on and on! Love me some live music! 


I no longer make resolutions (Brea and Debbie will remember our NYE at Cactus Jacks writing resolutions on bar napkins!).  I will say that I am very excited about the new year. I'm calling it the year of reinvention.  Stay tuned!


I hope all of you are doing something special to ring in 2011.  Here's to a happy and healthy New Year for all of us!!!!

Rainy Days and Monday ~ at somewhat of a standstill

I've been remiss about posting for awhile. Bad Cari! Really ...there is not too much to report.  I messed up my knee about a week ago.  I wish I had some really exciting story to share about how it happened.  Unfortunately, I have no clue how it happened.  Since the knee went out, going to the gym has been put on the back burner.  Not happy about that, not happy at all.  Let me just say I don't think one really appreciates their knees until one of them isn't functioning properly :) 


Some tidbits:


*Still focusing on "waist management" vs. "weight management" as that is what Dr. Oz says is crucial to optimal health.  Have lost a few inches so that makes me happy :)
*I really like almond milk.
*I still have a tough time getting all of my water in.
*I have started drinking green tea.  Fabulous antioxidant.  I'm not a fan of hot bevvies (except hot chocolate and that would certainly be defeating the purpose) but it's growing on me.
*I rarely have more than one soda in a day.  Soda is just plain bad for you. The body doesn't know how to digest it. 
*We cook just about every night. Real food....no boxed/pre-packaged foods in this house.  
*Dessert is becoming something of the past.
*I am trying really hard not to eat anything later than 8.  With my lifestyle that is very very difficult.  It will definitely not happen every night....but I'm making an effort. That's what counts right?
*Staying away from deep fried food as much as possible. Period. 
*Alcohol---have not been drinking a lot.  Lots and lots of empty calories in alcohol!


There it is.  I am continuing to take one day at a time.  I feel better, I feel stronger.  That is a great first step as far as I'm concerned. For any of you reading that are also on a path to a healthier you....I hope that you are finding successes on your journey as well!  Keep it up!

Rainy Days and Mondays ~ Dr. Oz

Well let me start by saying that I am very happy this morning.  I had set a goal to lose weight over the Thanksgiving holiday...and I did!  Not much...but that wasn't the point.  I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it!  Yay me!  


I have started re-reading "You:  On a Diet" by Michael Rozien, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.  Do yourself a favor - if you've never read the book, pick up a copy and read it.  It's full of information about how your body works - written in layman's terms.  It's getting down to basics.  One of my favorite quotes from the book: "...think of your body as an orchestra.  All of its systems, organs, muscles, cells, fluids, hormones, and chemicals play different instruments, make different sounds, and produce different results depending on how you use them.  They work independently, but only when they're played together can you appreciate the magnificent symphony of your own biology.  As the conductor of your biological orchestra, you control how the instruments interact and what the final result will be."  I am the master of my destiny.  Amen.


It's still all about baby steps.  I encourage anyone else out there who is working towards a healthier lifestyle to join me in celebrating the small victories along the way.

Rainy Days and Mondays (once again, a day late)

ha! I think I should have just picked Tuesdays for this feature!  A couple random thoughts re: the whole "healthier me" thang.  


*our gym just installed tv monitors on all of the treadmills and elliptical machines.  what a difference that makes!  i watched NCIS last night while on the treadmill and the time went by just like that!
*water and i are becoming better friends.
*even with the best intentions --- it's hard work to eat healthy.  there is a lot of extra planning involved for something as simple as snacks.
*I feel better-those core muscles are getting stronger.
*I have to remember not to compare myself and my progress to others....I just have to be the best that I can be.


That's all I've got for this week.  I will keep on keepin' on until I get to a place that is just right for me :)  


If anyone has suggestions for healthy snacks (besides raw veggies) please do share.  Always looking for stuff to take with me to work!

Rainy Days and Mondays (A day late)~Week 2

Here are my thoughts after week one:

• Drinking lots of water is really an effort for me and I don't know why.  Still working on it.
  
• Journaling/counting calories helps keep it all in perspective. So does measuring portions.  Buy a kitchen scale.  Excellent investment.
• Oranges are not in season.  In my attempt to eat more fruit I had a very, very nasty tasting orange the other day.
• Even though I couldn't make it to the gym last week (because of my cold), I am giving myself a pat on the back for riding my exercise bike at home. 
• The elliptical machine is evil.

It was a good week.  This week will be even better!

Rainy Days and Mondays~Day 1

Mondays have always been my day for starting over.  Starting over with a diet.  I think I've been on a perpetual diet on and off for most of my adult life.  Heck, I'm quite certain that if there was an award for the most "day 1's", I would be the winner.  Not exactly sure that is something to be proud of or not.

I won't get into the nitty gritty details, but the bottom line is I'm once again starting over.  It's Monday and it's the beginning of the month.....seems like the perfect day to start over.  I get so frustrated with myself.  I know what needs to be done, I just fail to put myself first to get it done!

I have learned a lot through the years about how to be healthier, I just need to apply it.  Mondays will be a day to share stories of my journey to a healthier lifestyle.

It's all about balance.  It's not about starving yourself, it's about making better choices.  It's about making time to exercise---putting yourself first.  It's about realizing that change comes from within.  Most importantly it is the realization that making the changes have to be for YOU....not for anyone else.

I don't want to make this a check in point where I have to disclose how much weight I've lost each week.  I want it to be more about discoveries along the way.

This week I've given myself 2 very easy and attainable goals.  The first is to drink more water.  This one seems like a no-brainer----but I find it is very easy to get caught up in the convenience of grabbing a soda.  Water!Water!Water! The other goal is to keep up with my food journal.  Many years when I belonged to WW that was the best piece of advice I received.  It's an easy and effective way to count calories, keep track of exercise, etc.  Simple stuff right?  Well, we shall see!