My quest thus far has been very successful. Generally speaking, I've experienced minimal withdrawal and maximum benefit.
Shopping- I haven't had much urge to splurge yet. About a month ago, I started a wish list on my phone of things I want to buy at some point. Let me tell you, that list has doubled in the past 4 days. I had a moment of weakness today when I got an e-mail from JCrew, saying it's the last day for 20% off all their sale items. Let me interject this-- does it count as shopping if I use a gift card? It seems like I'd be bending the rules, but I still wouldn't technically be spending money. Also, I have to return a couple things in the mall soon; setting foot in there could prove to be tempting. I'd go buy a pair of blinders, but, well-- you know. Shopping...
Artificial Sweeteners- Needless to say, I've used them because I can't (pardon the pun) swallow the idea of depositing so many grams of figure-filling sugar into my body via desserts, drinks, etc. So without the artificial stuff, I've eaten fewer sweets all together. The other night I did make whole wheat banana bars, and they were like ecstasy slices, with cream cheese frosting and walnuts.
Facebook games- Best change I've made so far, which I thought would have the least impact. In case you missed my last blog (loser), it wasn't the game itself, but the sitting down at the computer. Then I would get hooked into other things and waste hours online. I can't believe how much I've gotten accomplished by crossing that off my agenda . On day 1, I picked up dinner after work, went straight home, cleaned my house and went out to a movie with a friend. And we had a blast. I may even give up those 2 games all together. Maybe.
36 days to go. I'm a tenth of the way there.
2.20.2010
2.16.2010
Re'lent'less
In the words of Cosmo Kramer, "You know what I discovered? I like depriving myself of things! It's fun!!"
Ok, so maybe I'm not THAT extreme, but boy, do I love a challenge!
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent, and I spent a lot of time thinking about what habits I would benefit to forgo. At first it seemed tricky-- I don't watch much TV or spend excessive time online. I don't drink. I eat a healthy diet. By no stretch am I perfect-- I have my share of bad habits. I DID end up choosing a few things that can and should be sacrificed. This isn't really based on religious grounds. I think it's a great opportunity to break some habits and be accountable for it. So the next 40 days in the life of this Paige will be spent without:
-Facebook games. I'm not really addicted, but I have to be at an actual computer (as opposed to my phone) to play them. I go out of my way to get to a computer and end up staying there too long. So Cafe World is closed for a while.
-Shopping. Oof, this is a rough one. Shopping is one of my many and favorite hobbies. Spending money on fabulous things is something that DOES have a hold over me. Needless to say, I will have to go grocery shopping, but my aim is to buy nothing that I don't NEED or isn't edible. Today someone encouraged me to put the money I save on shopping toward buying more organic vegetables. Great idea! By the way-- I would like to add that I'm taking a trip to Iowa City at the end of the month and will more than likely stop in Williamsburg and cheat on the way back. You can't blame me for that.
-Artificial sweeteners. Oh, buddy, I will miss it. I can indulge in so many more sweets thanks to Splenda. But I KNOW that it reeks havoc on my-- everything. Including lifespan, most likely. I'm still very aware of the simple carbs in sugar, so I estimate a decrease in my consumption of sweets. That will be good. Fortunately I drink very little pop so that won't be too terribly missed.
What could stand to be changed in your life? Replace TV with reading? Coffee with tea? Gossip with hobby chat? Too much dairy? Profanity? Negativity? (And please don't give up Facebook. I will miss you!) Feel free to join my challenge. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. I may even add more summons.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have about 14 cups of sugar free pudding waiting for me in my fridge, and I only have until midnight.
Ok, so maybe I'm not THAT extreme, but boy, do I love a challenge!
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent, and I spent a lot of time thinking about what habits I would benefit to forgo. At first it seemed tricky-- I don't watch much TV or spend excessive time online. I don't drink. I eat a healthy diet. By no stretch am I perfect-- I have my share of bad habits. I DID end up choosing a few things that can and should be sacrificed. This isn't really based on religious grounds. I think it's a great opportunity to break some habits and be accountable for it. So the next 40 days in the life of this Paige will be spent without:
-Facebook games. I'm not really addicted, but I have to be at an actual computer (as opposed to my phone) to play them. I go out of my way to get to a computer and end up staying there too long. So Cafe World is closed for a while.
-Shopping. Oof, this is a rough one. Shopping is one of my many and favorite hobbies. Spending money on fabulous things is something that DOES have a hold over me. Needless to say, I will have to go grocery shopping, but my aim is to buy nothing that I don't NEED or isn't edible. Today someone encouraged me to put the money I save on shopping toward buying more organic vegetables. Great idea! By the way-- I would like to add that I'm taking a trip to Iowa City at the end of the month and will more than likely stop in Williamsburg and cheat on the way back. You can't blame me for that.
-Artificial sweeteners. Oh, buddy, I will miss it. I can indulge in so many more sweets thanks to Splenda. But I KNOW that it reeks havoc on my-- everything. Including lifespan, most likely. I'm still very aware of the simple carbs in sugar, so I estimate a decrease in my consumption of sweets. That will be good. Fortunately I drink very little pop so that won't be too terribly missed.
What could stand to be changed in your life? Replace TV with reading? Coffee with tea? Gossip with hobby chat? Too much dairy? Profanity? Negativity? (And please don't give up Facebook. I will miss you!) Feel free to join my challenge. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. I may even add more summons.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have about 14 cups of sugar free pudding waiting for me in my fridge, and I only have until midnight.
2.12.2010
"Nice weather we're having, huh??"
I'm an oddball. I could barely care less about what the cumulus clouds are doing today. Pardon the pun-- "whether" it be autumn's crisp P.M's or spring's dewy A.M's, I am not an outdoorsy person by any stretch. People tend to use the weather as a go-to file for small talk. Because we all have the weather in common? Eh-- debatable. That being said, I can't help but point out a few reasons why I look forward to Jack Frost's return back from whence he came:
-My nasal innards will remain well-thawed at all times.
-The sun will not seem to abscond with the day at 5:16 every afternoon.
-I can stop feeling guilty for my cowardice to try wearing hats.
-I can finally go back to putting my tongue on whichever darn metal pole I please.
But I will miss:
-Hiding an imperfect manicure beneath my powder grey gloves.
-Close-toed shoes and long, chic coats.
-Tracks of fleet little woodland creatures around my house.
-The excuse to put off repainting my back porch.
Once again, pros and cons cancel each other out. Yup-- I couldn't care less about them cumulus.
I'm an oddball. I could barely care less about what the cumulus clouds are doing today. Pardon the pun-- "whether" it be autumn's crisp P.M's or spring's dewy A.M's, I am not an outdoorsy person by any stretch. People tend to use the weather as a go-to file for small talk. Because we all have the weather in common? Eh-- debatable. That being said, I can't help but point out a few reasons why I look forward to Jack Frost's return back from whence he came:
-My nasal innards will remain well-thawed at all times.
-The sun will not seem to abscond with the day at 5:16 every afternoon.
-I can stop feeling guilty for my cowardice to try wearing hats.
-I can finally go back to putting my tongue on whichever darn metal pole I please.
But I will miss:
-Hiding an imperfect manicure beneath my powder grey gloves.
-Close-toed shoes and long, chic coats.
-Tracks of fleet little woodland creatures around my house.
-The excuse to put off repainting my back porch.
Once again, pros and cons cancel each other out. Yup-- I couldn't care less about them cumulus.
1.26.2010
Lately I've taken great pleasure in watching classic Disney movies. They make for good background noise while I'm trying to get things done around the house. I hope it goes without saying that 'Cinderella' has been a particular favorite.
I just love the opening scene where Cinderella first wakes up in the morning. When she starts changing her clothes, the female mice shoo all of the male mice out of the room.
I really wish those female mice worked at Victoria Secret.
I just love the opening scene where Cinderella first wakes up in the morning. When she starts changing her clothes, the female mice shoo all of the male mice out of the room.
I really wish those female mice worked at Victoria Secret.
1.20.2010
My heart walked the plank and stood poised on its edge.
You sauntered blindly to take the ship's wheel.
I plummeted deep off the long wooden ledge,
The day you crushed virtue beneath your heel.
I had drawn my sword and fought to the death--
Now peering on as you sail into the blue,
I make my way toward shore to catch my breath--
Bemoaning, I'd done it all for you.
You sauntered blindly to take the ship's wheel.
I plummeted deep off the long wooden ledge,
The day you crushed virtue beneath your heel.
I had drawn my sword and fought to the death--
Now peering on as you sail into the blue,
I make my way toward shore to catch my breath--
Bemoaning, I'd done it all for you.
1.16.2010
Yesterday I was quite pleased to have the day off. In search of a particular book, I headed out to browse through endless rows of them. A lovely way to spend an afternoon!!
While exploring the aisles, I found myself very annoyed by the 2 women at the front desk, chatting in hushed tones. "How unprofessional," I thought, "whispering at work like a couple of gossips."
And then I remembered I was at the library.
While exploring the aisles, I found myself very annoyed by the 2 women at the front desk, chatting in hushed tones. "How unprofessional," I thought, "whispering at work like a couple of gossips."
And then I remembered I was at the library.
1.11.2010
How to Fail a Diet, in 10 Days or Less
Well, the New Year is upon us, and hitched to its wagon are the innumerable resolutions made by optimists 'round the globe. Yet, according to surveys, only 8% of these propitious promises will be kept by at LEAST the end of January. So, if you are one of those diligent few, disregard the following. This is not for you.
Believe me; I've hit the skids on a diet or five in my time. Now I don't claim to be the slimmest Jim in the pack, but it wasn't until recently that I finally found how to do things right. Of course, I could certainly offer my two cents worth on how to conquer the calories-- but you can't swing a baguette around without hitting a pile of books that will tell you how to do all that. No, I have the silent majority, the other 92%, in mind. I have plenty of pointers on how to skip the pain and head for gain. Literally. Here is my top ten in finest wisdom on how to fail a diet.
10. Call it a diet.
9. Tell everyone you know you're on one. The more hoopla, the better.
8. Demand results within the first 36 hours of initial hunger pangs. When results don't ensue, there's definitely no need to continue suffering.
7. March ardently into the challenge like a torch-wielding villager. Be sure to start off sprinting. That way you are certain to be wiped 3 miles into your marathon.
6. Never, even for a minute, lose mental track of your sustenance condition. ALWAYS be aware of however hungry, full, miserable, or content you are.
5. When you slip and eat a handful of Cheeto's, it's over for you. No good can come of your regaining momentum. Let out a sigh and an "Oh, what the hell", and make your way toward the bottom of the bag.
4. Eat fast.
3. Sit as still as you can after nibbling on those raw carrot sticks. Enjoy digesting. Not only will immediate movement speed metabolism, but you will be distracted from thinking about whether you want seconds.
2. Always be deprived. Don't bother with retraining yourself, your brain, your stomach to use portion control. Developing new habits won't do you the slightest bit of good.
1. Make a lot of free time. If you are busy with work, with life, with hobbies, you will find yourself without a spare moment to think about what lurks behind the pantry door.
And don't forget... NEVER desert dessert.
-P
Believe me; I've hit the skids on a diet or five in my time. Now I don't claim to be the slimmest Jim in the pack, but it wasn't until recently that I finally found how to do things right. Of course, I could certainly offer my two cents worth on how to conquer the calories-- but you can't swing a baguette around without hitting a pile of books that will tell you how to do all that. No, I have the silent majority, the other 92%, in mind. I have plenty of pointers on how to skip the pain and head for gain. Literally. Here is my top ten in finest wisdom on how to fail a diet.
10. Call it a diet.
9. Tell everyone you know you're on one. The more hoopla, the better.
8. Demand results within the first 36 hours of initial hunger pangs. When results don't ensue, there's definitely no need to continue suffering.
7. March ardently into the challenge like a torch-wielding villager. Be sure to start off sprinting. That way you are certain to be wiped 3 miles into your marathon.
6. Never, even for a minute, lose mental track of your sustenance condition. ALWAYS be aware of however hungry, full, miserable, or content you are.
5. When you slip and eat a handful of Cheeto's, it's over for you. No good can come of your regaining momentum. Let out a sigh and an "Oh, what the hell", and make your way toward the bottom of the bag.
4. Eat fast.
3. Sit as still as you can after nibbling on those raw carrot sticks. Enjoy digesting. Not only will immediate movement speed metabolism, but you will be distracted from thinking about whether you want seconds.
2. Always be deprived. Don't bother with retraining yourself, your brain, your stomach to use portion control. Developing new habits won't do you the slightest bit of good.
1. Make a lot of free time. If you are busy with work, with life, with hobbies, you will find yourself without a spare moment to think about what lurks behind the pantry door.
And don't forget... NEVER desert dessert.
-P
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