Just a few

Some of the few RAFs and RAKs I have been doing have had a lot to do with this little guy. I got him 9 days ago as an early Christmas present from my roommate. His name is Dash and he certainly has been named appropriately. He takes walks in the morning and at night. But I cannot count those for random acts of fitness, however I will occasionally take him out and go for a quick little walk around the neighborhood just for fun. I have also taken him to campus and he helps me do RAKs by finding other peoples gum on the ground and in the bushes and many other locations. he finds them and I throw them away in the trash can. :) Other things I have been doing are making my roommate's bed when she doesn't have time. I also went over to my parent's house today and swept their floor and help them figure out their new Mac. It truly is a different machine than a PC. I also have done some sets of pushups and sit-ups and squats every now and again. I also picked up a knee race for my mom as well as am designing a rehabilitation program for her and my dad to strengthen their knees that they have had surgery on. I am keeping a tally and will report the final total at the end of the month but these are just a few so far.

Hula Hooping and Hopping

I pulled out the Hula Hoop today and did some backwards and on top of the Bosu!  Then Regan has this toy called the Busy Bee Hopper.  It circles a rod around its base and you are expected to jump over it as it rotates around.  Yep, I did it with the girls.

Thank goodness for little kids!  They keep me RAF-ing regularly!

RAF & RAK

Somehow the RAKs come easier than the RAFs. However I'm working on them. So far I have written a thank-you note and sent it in the mail. I got the little gifts wrapped and took them to Dupters. I gave some caramels to Katrina when she came to pick up the turkey to cook for the Ward Christmas party. I took Dad's wallet down to the dentist's when he forgot it. We went visiting teaching and I took goodies to all of them, even Norma whose visiting teachers we aren't. I walked extra far when I went grocery shopping on Wednesday. I got up during the commercials last night when I watched TV and walked around. I parked at the other end of the parking lot when I went to GESA today. I am now going to go in and write another thank-you note and maybe two. It's a start anyway. I'm only doing this because Santa is watching and Sharon is breathing down my neck. What's everyone else doing?

Mom

Random Act of Kindness

One of my latest RAKs:  I cleaned up some kid's hot chocolate spill at the school's holiday party.  I just happened to be right there when it happened and decided to be the one to run to the bathroom to grab some towels before the mess got out of hand.  I figure it could've just as easily been one of my kids doing the spilling!

This qualifies, right?  What are you guys doing?  Keep track and earn lots of points!

December Challenge

This month is way to hectic to do our voting for the winner, right?  We will do that in January when things calm down. 

Instead, I am issuing a standard monthly challenge to get us through the holidays more healthily and to give some of you one more chance to rack up enough points for a T-shirt.  (Remember, you have to get earn 10 to qualify!)

Challenge:

Random Acts of Fitness and Kindness

You earn one (1) point for each Act that you do.

Examples of RAFs:

(You can read my blog http://www.lazytrainer.blogspot.com/ for some ideas.)

• 100 body squats throughout the day.  (Break into sets of 20 or so)
• 100 pushups...
• 5 minutes of hula hooping.
• Add 10 more trips up your staircase than you normally do during the day.
• Jumping jacks or crunches or lunges or marching in place, or all of these... during commercial breaks.

Examples of RAKs:

• Let someone merge into traffic.
• Compliment somebody.
• Send someone a note in the mail.
• Pick up some litter that isn't yours.
• Deliver a little gift anonymously to a neighbor.

I know there are more/better ideas out there... please share some!

It's a busy time of year, so sometimes things just have to be fit in quickly and randomly, but let's not completely abandon our good deeds - fitness and otherwise! - in the rush and stress of the season.

Back for more

Hey look who finally decided to report. I want to say that I have been following Sharon's posts and even occasionally doing the challenges. Alas, reporting is a whole other story.

But this month I have had great success and could not resist reporting. I almost forgot about the bottle rockets Thanksgiving activity. Not the activity itself, but that it qualified. I did lose 8 pounds in 3 days during thanksgiving thanks to the stomach flu. And I am pleased to report that after over a week since recovering I have only gained 4 of them back. Three of those on the day after Thanksgiving.

I have recently incorporated a shoulder/upper back workout into my weekly routine and the neck stretching has become routine as well. I usually get in a quick stretch before the workout but I have been doing it the neck stretches every morning in the shower. The hotness of the water on my neck as I stretch is a delightful combination. Great way to start the day.

That's my report. WhitebreadToast in the house!

Report for November

Okay, I did the stretching exercises for the maximum amount of days. In fact, I like them so am continuing to do them. However, I did not do any family activity. I stayed in and helped Lynn make ornaments. However, Dad, Devin, Asa and Eli went over to the school and shot off bottle rockets. I should have walked over with them. I exercised as much as I could but alas, I fell short of my desired goal for the month of November.

I did get a reply from Vicki in regards to Sketchers Shape-up shoes. She says she has a pair that she wears while performing her nursing duties. She is constantly on her feet. It has helped eliminate her lower back pain and tired feet. She did comment that she doesn't wear them to exercise in. I seriously think I will consider buying a pair. At least I will look at them.

Love, Mom

Loosey Goosey

Boy did I LOVE this challenge. I didn't realize how tight my neck was and I had never come across that stretch before now. I did 12 of the days. I need to check my email more often so that I know when a new post is up, or I would have had more. Especially because my neck is now thanking me. I get headaches every so often and these stretches really helped when I felt one coming on. My roommate also gets headaches so I still need to share this gem with her. Thank you for this. Oh and I dragged Mom, Dad, and Ali to go play Bocce ball with me after thanksgiving dinner so that we didn't succumb to our food comas before we burned off a few calories. Nothing tells you that you ate too much like bending over every 30 seconds to pick up your ball and feeling your stomach scream in agony that it is getting too much pressure exerted on it from both the inside and out. Hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving!

Report

Thanks for the reminder Sharon.
I did the neck stretch quit a few times because it helps so much with my tight shoulder and neck muscles. (stress)
I am also proud to report that we did exercise over the holidays also. We played Boccee (sp) ball on Thanksgiving then Friday Ali, Karlie, Jeff, and I played Wii fit for about 3 hours. (If you want to see something funny, you should see me run that obstacle course.) Haha. There was someone who is slightly older than me who looked even funnier. We wont name him, but the laughing was almost as much of a workout as the running and jumping.
Oh the fun you can have with family, we are so blessed.

November Report

OK.  Report in, everyone!  I only scored 2 points for my stretching.  My excuse is that it's such a good stretch that it benefits me for many days, so, even though I encourage daily stretching, just getting it in when you can will be beneficial, as well.

I also scored a point for doing something active with my family over the Thanksgiving holiday.  We actually did more than one thing.  Thanksgiving day we hiked to some Indian petroglyphs (sp?) and on Saturday we participated in the Johnson Golden Sneaker Challenge (pictures will be coming soon!).

So, three points for me in November, how many for you?!?

Bonus Challenge

Okay, I have to throw an extra Thanksgiving challenge out there.  If you do something active with your family over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, you earn a point.

Go for a walk, play some football, do a Wii dance competition... whatever it takes to get you moving as a family.

I know us Johnsons will earn our points down here in Vegas.  I'm planning a Golden Sneaker challenge for us - similar to what we did on the beach this summer... only more Thanksgiving-themed and less beachy.

Anyway, don't just gobble, gobble this weekend... get moving and earn your extra point!

Celestial Stretching

Anyone stretching out there?  I've only taken the time to do it once so far (after I tell everyone how easy it is to fit in even several times a day!  Sigh.)  But, even doing it that once has benefitted me for days.  Sometimes my neck starts to get so stiff, that I fear another "neck episode," but these stretches really help loosen it back up!

And I know that Mom is!  I don't think it's inappropriate at all to stretch in the Celestial room.  In fact, it's certainly a prime location to do the "thankfulness" part of the challenge. 

And the thing I focused on during my little stretch the other day was how thankful I was for my family.  I know it's a little routine to declare gratitude on that topic, but it is one of my greatest blessings, so I take every opportunity I can to make sure that Heavenly Father has no doubt how grateful I am for my wonderful, incredible, awesome family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm Thankful for November's Challenge!

We’ve been working all year to try to combat our hard-heartedness with exercise and now let’s focus on improving our stiff-neckedness with stretching! 

It became evident from talking with several of you this summer that most of us have tight and painful neck issues.  I think poor stress-management runs rampant in our family!  So this challenge is designed to help with the emotional/spiritual side of reducing stress while dealing with the physical ramifications of such strain.

 November Challenge:

Do the following neck stretch and chest stretch at least 1x/ day till the end of the month.

Start by aiming your nose toward your arm pit like you're trying to smell it.  I am quoting the physical therapist's very instructions to me.  He says with that descrption, it'll be memorable.

Keeping ear close to shoulder, start to turn head to look away....

Keep looking away from your smelly arm pit until you're looking forward with your ear still close to your shoulder.
Repeat on the other side.  And try not to look as grumpy as I do.

Find a doorway or a corner and stretch away.  Hold for 10-20 seconds.  And breathe.

That’s the challenge but you don’t have to have a perfect performance to benefit.  You earn 1 point for every day that you do both stretches at least one time.  I recommend doing these stretches 2-3 times a day, but you’ll get the point for doing them at least once.  Sorry, no points for the extra effort, just the added health benefits!

Plan ahead and pick a time when you’ll do it.  For example, when you take your lunch break, plan on taking a few minutes to do the stretches.  Or, first thing in the morning after you potty.  Or at night after you brush your teeth…  Set a timer or alarm if you need to, in order to remind yourself.

Okay, now the mental/spiritual side.  While your stretching for a few minutes, do a little mini-meditation/prayer and think about what you have to be thankful for in your life.  Think about a few of your blessings and even take a moment to thank Heavenly Father for those blessings. Lay aside any stressful thoughts for those few moments and get your Zen on! 

Appropriate for Thanksgiving, right?!  Plus, it’ll help us all manage the upcoming stress of Christmas, I hope!

Music

Now you know why you used to wake up to Seseme Street, Herb Alpert or Charlie McCoy. Dad was getting revved up to do his exercises. He doesn't listen to those anymore but he always has some music on when he exercises. I hate to admit this, but I didn't recognize most of those songs you mentioned. Sigh! I'm telling my age.

Love, Mom

Ms. Bossy Pants

Keith and I each earned one more point by doing the paper plate workout.  I have to say that my bossy trainer mode has, indeed, kicked in this last month.  Two weeks ago I started a weekly boot camp at the park with some gals from the ward and I've also been meeting up with a friend - and former client - once a week who has been wanting to start exercising again. 

For me, it's almost impossible to promote health and fitness to others without it benefitting myself as well.  It's like I don't want to be left out of the fun!  Because fitness IS fun, people!!!

wow, Ashlee

I think you just passed me in points. Way to go! Just keep looking over your shoulder cause I'll be there. I asked Sharon to take it easy on me for the rest of the year but she had no sympathy for me. She just said if she went easy on me then it wouldn't be a challenge. I think I'm running out of steam.

Love, Gram

October check in

First off I would like to say that if I were to win the challenge I would use the money towards the vacation I am taking in June to Hawaii. Next I would like to report that I got 6 people to do the mini workouts for the month for a grand total of 12 workouts. Most of which were done by my roommate and a few of which I made the students I supervise at school do. It did feel kinda good to be bossy at least for a good purpose. So I believe that that makes it 13 points for me this month. Which I find quite fitting for the month of October. Happy Halloween!

October challenge

This is to report that Dad and I both got 1 point. We did the exercises using the paper plates. I'm not sure if Sharon had seen them if she would have given us points. It would probably be more like minus points. We both got laughing and Dad said, "We should make a video of this." No, we shouldn't! I think we cheated a little bit as we clung to a chair and the bar while we were doing them. When you get older, your sense of balance isn't very good. I will report, however, that we did get our heart rate up and we did the whole 6 minute workout. I did the standing push-ups and Dad did the regular ones. If we get around to doing any of the other ones, I'll let you know. I wanted to get Lynn and Brock involved but we couldn't ever get together. I would like to have gotten more points but feel good about the one that I did achieve. We both had fun with it.

Love, Mom

One Week Left - Get Going!

Well, if you read Keith's latest report, you'll see how we each earned one point so far with this challenge.  I plan on earning more this week by making him do the other two.  They're so quick and easy, people!  C'mon you gotta try at least one of them out.  The paper plate one is so simple yet surprisingly effective and the one I can see most of you doing.  By the way, I didn't show it on the video but the sliding push-ups can be done on the wall, so you don't even have to get down on the ground!  And also, I'm finding that 30 seconds is plenty on the unilateral exercises.  So on any of them, switch sides at 30 seconds and you'll have worked both sides in 1 minute.  Make sense?

Don't forget: you have this week to tell us how you would spend your $250, if you were to win the Golden Sneaker Challenge.  Easy, easy point.  Go fantasy shopping... it's almost as fun as the real thing!

To Keithy Baby

Almost thou persuadeth me to feel sorry for you. But I don't. Ah, that all of us were doing so great. We're all in this together -- thanks to your industrious wife -- and we're all struggling, some more than others. Keep up the good work.

The Complete Workouts, Including Videos!

These workouts are all easily adaptable and should be do-able by all of us regardless of our fitness/injury/bodily issue status.  In the videos, I tried to show a lower- and higher-intense option... and, of course, if something hurts or doesn't feel right, don't do it!

Now, get busy and make someone else work out!

Workout #1 – Paper Plates (everyone has these in the house, right?)

• 1 minute alternating sliding reverse lunges (start shallow and go deeper as knee health and/or fitness level allow).
• 1 minute alternating sliding forward lunges.
• 1 minute speed skaters.
• 1 minute sliding push-ups (regular, knee, or wall; start shallow and go deeper as shoulder/wrist health and/or fitness level allow).
• 1 minute running man.
• Repeat as necessary for optimal torture level.

Workout #2 – Resistance Band or Tube (if you don’t have one you should get one)

• 1 minute squat & row
• 1 minute wall band push-ups
• 1 minute side-to-side band X
• 1 minute other side-to-side band X
• 1 minute static lunge and curl
• 1 minute static lunge and curl, switch feet
• Repeat as necessary for optimal torture level

Workout #3 – Dumbbells 

• narrow squat and press
• Triceps dip and kick
• Lunge and curl
• DB halo
• Sumo squat and swing
• Repeat

October Workout Challenge

You know how fun it is to tell other people what to do?  Well, this month you get points for being bossy!

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get tired of ordering myself around.  Especially because I’m a lousy listener.  So it’s your challenge to order someone else around and make them exercise.  They still may be a lousy listener, but it’ll give you a break from annoying yourself!

There are 3 possible workouts to choose from and each time you force someone else to do one of them, you get a point!

So, torture your spouse, your child, your parent, your brother or sister, roommate or friend… a complete random stranger on the street…

Of course I’m hoping/thinking the person you choose to torture will appropriately seek revenge and likewise torture you back!

Workout #1 – Paper Plates (everyone has these in the house, right?)

• 1 minute alternating sliding reverse lunges (start shallow and go deeper as knee health and/or fitness level allow).
• 1 minute alternating sliding forward lunges.
• 1 minute speed skaters.
• 1 minute sliding push-ups (regular, knee, or wall; start shallow and go deeper as shoulder/wrist health and/or fitness level allow).
• 1 minute running man.
• Repeat as necessary for optimal torture level.

Workout #2 – Resistance Band or Tube (if you don’t have one you should get one)

• 1 minute squat & row
• 1 minute wall band push-ups
• 1 minute side-to-side band X
• 1 minute other side-to-side band X
• 1 minute static lunge and curl
• 1 minute static lunge and curl, switch feet
• Repeat as necessary for optimal torture level

Workout #3 – Dumbbells or Medicine Ball

• Coming soon!

In writing these up, I see that I’m going to need to include demonstration videos.  The exercises are simple, but you might not get what they are from the name.

So, give me one day and I’ll have videos of 3 workouts you can choose from.  But this will give you an idea so you can start planning your attack!

Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Of course my $250 would be used to buy me some shoes.  Of course.  Probably some runners.  But then the leftovers would go toward some fitness gadget.  Perhaps a TRX Suspension Trainer.  Keith has rigged up a chain version in our garage but it has some limitations.  Or perhaps a Ugi Fitness Ball. 

Or maybe, just maybe, a spa massage treatment!

The rest of the October Challenge will be posted tomorrow! Stay tuned!

$250 -- Wow!!

What would I do with $250? If I were younger, my desires would be too long to name. However, in my old age I have everything I could desire or want (except for my feet to quit hurting). I think what I would do with it is put it toward next year's kitty, barring any unforseen medical or dental expenses. Aren't I a GOOD guy??? If you want me to win and have a $500 kitty next year, then vote for me. Is this an election sort of thing?(Or maybe I would buy me another good pair of shoes.)

Love, Mom

I would probably buy some new clothes and a Bosu ball. (I think that is how you spell it.)

Sharon's September wrap-up... and October challenge!

Well, I once again thank several of you for reporting and motivating me that last week of September.  I needed it and it made the last 3 days of the month quite active for me.  In my opinion, you definitely earned and deserved your points.  Unfortuantely, over the weekend I got into a slump yet again!  Which is why I'm excited for this next challenge. 

I think it will be fun and motivating in a different kind of way... but you have to wait for it!  I'm just putting the last details into it and it'll be ready in the next day or two.

So while you're anticipating the next challenge, I issue a call to action:

There are 3 (three) (tres) (kolme - right, Devin?) months left in 2011.  I'm sensing a bit of lethargy in some of your commitment to improving your health and happiness.  I feel that even those of you who have been plugging along could use a good boost right about now to finish the year strong.  Heck, my own enthusiasm and participation have been a bit spotty, so I've admittedly not been the best example.

But the point is, I do feel that I thought more and actually did more than I have in the past to focus on and improve my health and happiness this year.  And I want to finish this year with a bang so that I just cruise right in to the next without slowing down!

Everyone join me!  If you aren't working toward your goals, start today!  Do a Random Act of Fitness that I'm always blogging about!  Repeat one of the monthly challenges or do one that you didn't get around to before.  You won't earn the point toward the "Not-So-Dumbbell" prize, but it could get you closer to winning the "Golden Sneaker" award.  Which brings up the point:  Have you forgotten, THERE'S MONEY TO BE WON HERE, PEOPLE!!!  There is cold, hard cash sitting in my safe just waiting to be tucked away into your wallet.

In fact, I've just been inspired to issue the first challenge of October:

Look over at the amount in the cash pot and tell me what you would do with that money if you won the 2011 "Golden Sneaker" award.  You will earn 1(one) (uno) (oh... never mind) point if you send your answer to me via email or blog post/comment.  Put a little thought into it and send in your answer before Oct. 31!

Killing 2 birds with one stone

I apologize for not posting for a while. I have been busy for almost a solid 2 months. August was full of 2 a day practices I had to cover and so that left only enough time for sleeping and eating. And September brought many challenges as well one of which was our internet service was being quite fickle. Anyhow I would like to report that I did attempt August's Grueling challenge and I only accomplished 6 days of feeling like a vegetable since that is what it made me feel like after stuffing myself to the brim with those. I can definately say that has probably been the most challenging of all of the challenge's so far.

As for September's challenge I did get in 2 great work outs this week. We don't have any television at our house because I am to cheap to pay for cable as well as an antenna. So I had been waiting to watch the TV on Hulu the next day. And since I said our internet was being fickle I needed a way to fill the void in my life every night I wanted to catch up on the office of Parks and Rec, or Grey's Anatomy. Then I remembered I have a membership to Gold's Gym. And yeah I did have to remember. I really don't go that often. Anyhow, they have cable there and they also have many cardio machines with a tv mounted right in front of you at arms length. It truly was a perfect match for me. So I have been going to the gym for 2 hours a night and watching television. It is fantastic. Commercials aren't quite as bothersome anymore. I have been doing an hour on the elliptical burning around 900 calories and then I move over to the bike and do that for as long as I can before my legs tell me enough is enough. Then I will move over and walk on the treadmill. I haven't been burning much for that second hour since the bike and walking are easier. all in all I burn around 1200 calories a night.

I like doing the elliptical the most since I burn the most calories and can just get into a rhythm and keep a consistent pace. Eventually I am going to incorporate some weight training in. But I have less motivation since there aren't TV's attached to all the weight machines.

So there it is that is how I killed 2 birds with one stone.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!!

I did it.  I did a real workout today!  I headed to the garage and did the elliptical combined with some heavy bag and it felt AWESOME! 

You guys seriously, truly helped me out and I thank you.  Between my Random Acts of Fitness and good workout today, I had three good active days in a row and I think I'm back on track.

And I never did officially report on the fruit/veggie challenge.  I counted about 6 days that I hit the recommended 7 servings of fruits/veggies.  I really seem to be stuck at about 6 daily servings.  I think this challenge did indeed qualify as challenging.  Not many of you reported hitting the 7 serving mark, but I hope it got you thinking about it and adding at least a few more servings than you usually do.  This is one to definitely keep working on.

September Report

This is to report that I completed the September challenge. I rode on the recumbant bike three days in a row this week. Who gave me that bike anyway? However I didn't get on it today. I came home from the temple and took a nap instead. Sigh! I didn't sleep very well though as my feet got cold. Serves me right! I think fall is in the air. Congratulations to Rebecca, Marie and Jenny for their success. Rebecca, you did good with the cookies. I would have eaten a dozen. I was doing pretty good on my regular exercises until I flopped over and cracked my head. I'm getting back in the groove again though. Believe me, I don't do anything insane though. Hey, Ashlee, you were my closest competition. What's happened? If we could just keep life from getting in the way.

Hey, Keith, we need a full report on the bike ride from Las Vegas to Ely. We're waiting to hear that you came in first.

Mom

100 Pushups Today!!!

Baby Madison should be doing some of
these about now, huh?

 Thank you to Rebecca, Marie and Jenny for reporting your activities.  So far your contributions have helped me get in some great RAFs - today I did 100 pushups!  I still haven't gotten in a formal workout (what is WITH me lately!?) but I've got one more day to get that accomplished.

Who else can inspire me?!  I still need it!

Some of you have apologized that your workouts aren't all that interesting, but, who cares?!  You're doing them, aren'tcha?  So, good job!  Besides, I have a fun little challenge in mind for October that should help spice things up on that front.

Also, I love Jenny's fruit and veggie recipe challenge.  I'll send one in!  It'll be fun to see what everyone comes up with.

Back in a Routine

I have also been doing the elliptical. Something about the return to school and having a schedule just works so much better with exercising. I did some minor weight lifting on Monday also -- thinking that might help the pudge in the arms. Sigh.

But I did fail miserably with fruits and vegies in-take. It made me realize that is a major misstep in my diet. We rarely eat dinner together so I'm big on putting together the main dish and cutting up some watermelon but salads have pretty much gone by the wayside. That helped motivate me to make a spinach salad with garden tomatoes drizzled with balsamic dressing. Now if I can just keep it up.

I think everyone needs to submit a good salad, vegie or fruit recipe to the family cookbook! Make that a goal for October!

I have been doing the eliptical, but that isn't fun nor exciting, I also have been doing situps on our exercise ball, still not fun and exciting, but I feel great after doing these things AND THAT IS EXCITING.
Hope there is some inspiration somewhere in that.

100 Lunges Today!



Lunges keep me and Spidey in
tip-top shape.  We could be twins...
except I'm not such a leotard fan.

 Okay, Mom and Dad Johnson and Mom Taylor reported in some of their workouts lately.  Thank you so much.  You seriously inspired me to get in a few Random Acts of Fitness today.  I did a total of 100 lunges by breaking them into 5 sets of 20 repetitions throughout the course of the day.  I did a mixture of front and back lunges and, sadly, I'll probably be sore.  A month ago that wouldn't have even phased me!

I'm positive this will lead me into my full-blown "real" workout tomorrow.  I'll let you know.

Thank you!  But I still need more inspiration from the rest of you.

Last-Minute September Challenge

Hey, if it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done, right?!

For this challenge, I need your help!

Okay, we've got 4 days to get this one done and it's all about ME.  Well, and it benefits all of you as well. 

Since accomplishing my amazing feat of running a half marathon (thankyouverymuch), I haven't done a thing except eat.  (To my credit, there have been some fruits and veggies involved in that eating).  Not a single workout to be had, though.  It's my goal to get at least ONE (and hopefully more!) workout in before Sept. 30, 11:59 pm. 

Please join me and report about it.  I need your inspiration and motivation!!! 

If you have been exercising, then this should be no problem for you, just email or leave a blog comment about what you've done and you'll get a point!  Easy peasy!  If, like me, your workouts have been struggling, let's do something these next few days.  Head out for a walk, hop on the bike, tread or elliptical, pump some iron.  It doesn't have to be anything kiiller, but it does have to get your heart pumping!

Let's do this, family and friends!!!  Please help me!!!

Combat your inner couch potato and Overcome Lazy this week!!!

Augusts Report

Yes it is now the end of September and I am finally reporting on August. I have a list of excuses but none of them are good enough for me not to have reported.

Jeff and I did the challenge, he made 7 days and I made it 8. I have to say this was one of the harder challenges for me to accomplish. Getting in 7 fruits or Vegtables was amazingly difficult for me, who knew it would be so hard. Maybe if my tomatoes would have been ripe at that time it would have been easier. I know Erin said it is very expensive to do it without a garden. I know that we either pay for it now or in the long run, but the now is where we are at and it is hard to look to the future at times.

Anyway that is our report.

I will try and comitt to do better in the future. I have been exercising again so at least I am off to a good start that way.

Enjoy Conference,
Love you all,
Marie

Veggie/fruit update

I am pleased to note that I made 13 out of 17 points on the latest challenge. It took me a while to get started. I kept coming up a little short. My complexion is somewhat like a tomato and my face resembles a cucumber but I made it. Dad asked me last night at supper if I were getting tired of cucumbers and tomatoes and I had to admit that I was. I am more aware of what I am eating but I now think I will cut back a little bit. Is that okay?

I also am continuing to read the Ensign and New Era from cover to cover. I have slacked off on my exercising but am starting that up again. The weather is getting cooler. I continue to do my physical therapy exercises which takes me about 1/2 hr. per day and I hop on my recumbant bike whenever I find time. So things are going along pretty good. I'll see where I stand with everybody else.

Love, Mom

Portions

I'm sure you are right on your portions. Are you sure that zuchinni bread, strawberry ice cream and banana nut cake aren't considered a fruit? Tonight when I finished dinner I still only had six portions for the day so I grabbed 1/4 cup of raisins to get my 7 in. I have cucumbers and tomatoes for lunch and again for dinner. I rebel at having to eat them for breakfast. I'm just glad I like cucumbers and tomatoes.

Mom

More Veggie/Fruit Pointers

Thanks for your pointers on the serving sizes. I think I'm been fudging (Did someone say 'fudge?') a little bit on my portions. But then again maybe not. I've got tomatoes and cucumbers coming out my ears, I've been eating so many of them. I did think that 10 grapes was a serving. I'll work harder at it. I do think I'm eating more than I usually do, but hopefully it's better food. I want you to know that I take these challenges seriously.

Mom

Distant memories

Thanks for your distant memories, Devin. It was fun to live our vacation all over again with you. I'm working hard to win one of your T-shirts.

Mom

P.S. I like white bread toast. Every once in a while I have to buy me a loaf of Cinnamon Burst Bread and just toast it away and eat it. I just wish it had some veggies in it. Sigh!!

More Veggie/Fruit Pointers

As I've been recording my fruit servings, I actually looked up the info on how much a serving is to make sure I was being accurate.  A serving is generally measured as 1/2 cup.  So, sliced/chopped or small fruit/veggies that are about that amount will be a serving.  Also, don't forget that means that 1/2 cup salsa and tomato sauce, apple sauce, etc. are a serving.  So there's all kinds of ways to get the fruits and veggies in.

By the way, I thought I'd be cruising through this challenge - getting a point every day, easily - but apparently I've only been getting about 6 servings regularly.  So this challenge has made me more aware of my intake and I find I'm having to work at getting a few more to start earning my points!  But it's easy enough to do, it just takes a little more thinking on my part.

Click HERE to see one of my all-time favorite ways to incorporate vegetables into our diet.

And here are some more guidelines to help you:

1 Serving of Fruit

• one banana
• six strawberries
• two plums
• fifteen grapes
• one apple
• one peach
• one-half cup of orange or other fruit juice

1 Serving of Vegetables

• five broccoli florets
• ten baby carrots
• one roma tomato
• 3/4 cup tomato juice
• half of a baked sweet potato
• one ear of corn
• four slices of an onion

Distant memories?

It's been a little while but I still have fond memories of Gleneden Beach. Here are some pictures that sum it up pretty well. I'd have to say playing in the pool was probably what it all revolved around for me, but there were so many other good times. One of the best memories was walking way up the beach with Rebecca combing for treasure early in the morning. You guys are all great but she's my favorite. Also watching the young kids chase the waves. I remember doing that when I was a little and it's fun to relive that through them. Next time we got to the beach let's make it Florida or Hawaii so we can actually swim in the ocean.

Oops

I forgot to put in how we dipped the zucchini's in a mixture of: 3 beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of buttermilk, then breaded it in the Panko mixture.
Sorry.

Zucchini Pizza

Here is an Idea/Recipe for getting our Veggies in.

ZUCCHINI PIZZA

1 Large Fat Zucchini cut in 3/4inch thick (apox.)
1 cup Panko
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp. Basil
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
½ tsp. Italian Seasoning
½ tsp. Salt
------
Favorite Pizza Toppings

Bake @ 425* for 8-10 min. depending on thickness.
Top with favorite pizza sauce (I use canned spaghetti sauce) then top with your favorite pizza toppings.
Bake again for 3-5 min. (Till cheese is melted to your liking.)
ENJOY!

Marie

August Challenge (It involves eating!)



Awww, so cute you could just eat 'em up!

 Wow, is it already mid-August?!?!  This gives us a 2.5 weeks to accomplish something healthy this month.  I realize that schedules and motivations are all over the place this time of year with summer wrap-up activities and school year preparations.  So, let's keep things simple.

If any of you out there are like me, you find yourself falling victim to stress-eating.  My snacking and portion sizes are out of control lately!  So I thought we could all benefit from a nutritional challenge.

We'll worry about making sure our workout routines are on track next month once we settle into our fall schedules.  But for now, let's finish the month eathing healthily and taking advantage of summer's fruit and vegetable bounty.



Fresh, frozen, even canned... it's all good!



August Challenge:

Eat the 7 daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.

Point Value:  Varies.  One point for each day that you accomplish this.

This is an easy way to rack up some major points!  Some of you may already be accomplishing this, so your goal is to keep track and keep it up!

I'm going to email y'all with a simple chart you can print off to easily track your progress and at the end of the month, you can add up the amount of days you reached this goal and report in.

I personally plan on not only incorporating both fruits and veggies into each meal but also not allowing myself to eat a meal or snack without first eating a fruit/veggie serving.  I'm stocking up on apples, baby carrots, small cans of V8 juice and making sure I've got plenty of cut-up green peppers, watermelon and cantaloupe handy while they're still in season.  I also try to keep plenty of canned fruit in my pantry for times that I don't have anything fresh on hand.  I love canned pears and mandarin oranges in particular.

Eating more fruits and vegetables helps you improve the vitamins and nutrients of your diet, increases your intake of fiber and helps tame your hunger for fewer calories.

So print out your charts, keep a tally, and rack up the points this month!

Lynn's Memories (In her words)

Okay, first of all, I'm reeeeeaaaaaalllllllllllly dumb and don't know how to get onto the blog, so I have to e-mail everyone my memories and second of all, Sharon so kindly gave me a break this time because I'm, as Brock keeps reminding me, middle aged, and I can't remember a darn thing and deadlines!  

So, here you are, my lovely memories from the coast in no particular order:

 

(Sorry no pictures, that's way beyond my capabilities)

•   Relaxing
•  reading a good book
•  spending time with my kids and creating memories
•  going to a informational Trendwest hardcore sale w/ Amy & Al and getting a $75 gift card
•  being on the beach @ night w/ a bonfire and trying to stay warm
•  flying a kite at the golden sneaker challenge and having the kite break off and fly away because it was so crazy windy
•  going shopping (even though we only had a couple of hours and trying to rush through)
•  hearing about how Devin and Becca forgot their suitcase and had to go out and buy all new clothes
•  making duct tape wallets which I will cherish forever
•  going out to lunch at a lousy restaurant with lousy service and spending way too much but the company was great
•  teasing all my nieces and nephews ( I hope they still like me)
•  laughing, reminiscing and the feeling of belonging even though I'm 400 lbs heavier and wearing no makeup
•  spending time with everyone and catching up
•  just hanging out and eating (its what I do best)
•  Oh, yeah, riding in the car with Mom and Dad and being the "navigator" (thanks, mom and dad for taking me)
• 
  I had a great time and I always love getting together with everyone!  Let's do it again, baby!!!!!

Lynn's Memories

Way to go Lynn! I'll bet it only took you two hours to write that. I understand what it's like to be one of the older set. Sometimes your brain just refuses to work. See, Al, someone else had to fly a kite and she loved it.

By the way, Lynn, everyone knows how much fun it is to ride with Mom and Dad. You were the lucky one and got to do it. Isn't it fun to not pay any attention to the GPS and just go your own way?

We love you!

Mom

Memories

Amy, you're not so stoooped. I've tried two times to leave a comment and end up just leaving it because it won't send. Then yesterday I typed a post and the home teachers came so I just left that and Dad deleted it. So.....

It was so much fun to read everyone's memories of the reunion. It was almost like living it all over again. Thanks for the memories! I'm sorry Al, to have left you flying the kite but you were doing such a good job. You should have come up to me and said, "I'll hold Zoey and you go fly the kite." I was afraid to move her -- afraid that she would wake up. Grandmas have such nice laps. Thanks everyone, for such a nice time and such happy memories.

I wish I could have sent the first post and comments. It seems that I remember that they were a lot better.

Love, Mom

Oregon Coast Fave Memories!

I got to spend time with the people I love the most in the whole entire world! If I could chose who to hang out with -- all of you would be included! I can relax and be my obnoxious self and you all still love me! Amazing! You do . . . don't you?

I loved catching up on everyone's life, playing games, crafting and the golden sneaker challenge and Eli's comment when he saw the golden sneaker -- "why would you even want that?" He just doesn't know how important bragging rights are!! Sharon being really nice about the ones that are still fluffy (me) and just being positive and encouraging .

I loved when mom and dad got up and shared stories. What great examples they are to all of us!! I liked seeing the cousins hanging out -- especially Brock, Asa and Jordan! I liked relaxing, laughing, hot tubbing, teasing Ella about not even knowing who Amy was -- sorry Amy -- we set it right in the end, ping ponging it with Asa, Jordan and Courtney AND Texting amongst the girls -- I hope Allison doesn't think her Aunts are crazy.

It was great revisiting Lincoln City, where David and I spent our Honeymoon, twenty-five years later! Great memories!! I love my family!

My Favorite Part of Vacation

It was awesome to see everyone again. It was nice just to relax and visit with everyone. I think my favorite part of the vacation was just sitting around and playing games. It was fun being on the beach and watching the kids play in the water and then wonder why they were so cold. The food was awesome, and I also got sleep in for 6 days in a row. That is hard to beat. We have a great family.

Love,

Jeff

So Enjoyable

I sure loved our time with everyone at the beach. It was cold, but so enjoyable being with those you love. I enjoyed being down on the beach with the campfire blazing, ("Thank You" Keith)jumping waves with the other winners of the challenge, playing games, having the fireworks go off over our heads on Mom and Dads balcony, and reading a good book.
I love you all so much, thanks for the great memories!

I sure hope the pictures work, I am a bit worried since it shows up as a bunch of garboly guk on this post. If it shows up as garboly guk someone help me no what I did wrong, ok.

Memories

When you get older and can no longer do the things you once did and still want to do, you live with your memories. It is too hard to pick just one so let me mention just a few. One of the things I enjoyed most was watching my grandkids interact with each other. They willingly went and did the things others wanted to do. They even went down to agate beach even though there were no agates to be found. They hunted for shells and jumped waves and skipped in the sand. They played games in the swimming pool. The older kids watched out for the younger ones and helped them be a part of the group. I love my grandkids. They are the joy of my life. I also enjoyed watching my own kids interact with each other. I took great pride in watching my kids and their spouses. It was fun to watch everyone's talents come out as they made Duct Tape wallets. Sharon's dishrag turned out great even if it was shaped like a triangle. I hope it gets lots of use. Everyone had a big part in the success of getting together. I'm amazed at how many were able to be there and some of the sacrifices that went into getting there. I'm really, really, really proud of my family. Thank you so much!

While I'm here, I'll report on the month of June. I can't remember much about it. I think I did fairly well the first part of the month, then other things got in the way. I know I didn't reach my goal fully that month but I do want to report that I have faithfully been doing the exercises that my physical therapist gives me and I hope it is helping. I hope that counts for something for my July report. I will report again at the end of the month.

Mom

The Reunion of Our Family

So when we think about our latest fantabulawesomazing family reunion, what will we remember most?

(I know there are a ton of pictures, but please read all the way to the end because July's bonus challenge is waiting for you there!)

Will it be...

Our amazing forbears responsible for all this...

The spectacular scenery and cool nature finds... (notice there are no agates in these pictures)

Zoey's perma-wedgie...



(Close-up)

 Our beachfront campfire and free fireworks show...

Our fantastic Golden Sneakers Beach Challenge...

The amazing virility displayed by some of our tribe's males...

Our hike/mudslide to the suspension bridge and waterfall...

Everyone's favorite place to hang...

Our all-important Silver Whistle awards ceremony...

Or just... everything!

So what was your favorite memory?

This is the bonus challenge for July.  Before the end of the month, you must post the answer to the above question here on this blog.  (I encourage you to include pictures as well, but not necessary).  If you haven't done this before, well, stop being lazy and figure it out!  This is an EASY way to earn a point.  Everyone who was able to attend will automatically get a point, so everyone's on the board now in competing for the Not-So-Dumbbell award.  Don't forget:  10 points will earn you a T-shirt!

I can't wait to see all your posts!!!