P90X Delayed - Accidents Will Happen

Little excitement at my house! Last Sunday afternoon after returning home from Texas, I attempted to repair my oven door. Our glass door got broken right before vacation. I ordered the replacement glass and repairman said it was an easy fix and I could save myself a service call if I did it myself. To replace the glass front on our oven you have to remove the oven door. Actually removing the door was really simple. There are two safety latches that you bend down (about 1 inch long) and then you lift up and unhook the hinges. A few screws loosened, pop in the glass, tighten the screws and reattach the door. Simple right?

Well when I attempted to reattach the door one side didn't quite catch. I didn't want to drop the door (which was much heavier with the glass), so I was sitting on the floor balancing it on my knee and reached across with my right hand to try and lift the hinge on the other side. The hinges are spring loaded. When I lifted the door the hinge snapped shut sending the safety latch piercing through my right hand just below my thumb. Actually it made such a loud noise and happened so quickly like a mousetrap snapping shut that at first I didn't even realize it had pierced my hand. I grabbed the hinge with my left hand, pulled it open and noticed this big red mark that I thought was a blood blister. By the time I stood up a stream of blood about 1/4 inch thick started spewing out. It was just like what you see in one of those horror movies.

I ran to the kitchen sink and it immediately filled with blood. I tried to hold my wrist tight and stop the bleeding putting my hand under cold water and it just kept bleeding. Finally I had to put my left thumb in the hole and keep pressure to slow the bleeding. Drake (my eight year old) was trying to call Rod (hubby) who was at work, but we couldn't get through. By that time I was starting to pass out. So he called 911. By the time the ambulance got here I could barely stand. When they tried to move me from the sink my knees buckled and I fell to the floor.

Needless to say they freaked out because my blood pressure was 60/40. They couldn't determine how much blood I lost because I washed it down the drain. So I got oxygen and they attempted an IV but my vein just blew out. So I got an ambulance ride to ER. Where they made me drink so much water trying to get my pressure up. The whole time it never would come up past 70/40. They made me eat a half sandwich and drink some milk. X-rayed the hand-fortunately it missed the bone and didn't go completely through. The doctor said another millimeter and I would have crushed my thumb. After 5 stitches and making me eat a tray of food and drink what felt like 3 pitchers of water my blood pressure came up to 88/60.

They think my doctor has overshot my dosage on the Lisinopril...surpise? Yeah, I tried to tell him that. So they told me not to take it until I got with my doctor to adjust the dosage. My hand was pretty swollen. Monday my thumb swelled up the size of my palm. I didn't get much sleep because they didn't give me anything for pain. So Monday I didn't get to push play. In fact, no pushups or pullups for at least 10 days. Can't really lift weights right now, might bust open the stitches.

By the way, later Sunday evening Rod attempted to put the oven door on and the spring-loaded hinges snapped at him. He had to use pliers and a screw driver to force them open. They are that tight. I opened it with my left hand when the right hand was trapped...so that has to tell you what your adrenaline can do when you panic. I sure couldn't open them now! Amazing huh?

Tuesday I made up my mind I couldn't afford to just not do anything. So I am doing the Debbie Siebers Slim Series until the hand can fully recover. It has been fun getting back to those killer glute burning workouts that only Debbie can get you through. This morning was Tear It Up! OMG! How I had forgotten what a major BURN that workout is. 177 HRM and 888 calories burnt! She is totally going to keep this gal P90X ready.

Also, this month Team BeachBody is running an exclusive sale. If you purchase a month supply of Shakeology, you can get Debbie Siebers remastered Slim in 6 program for 25% off! Great Deal and a must have for any Team BeachBody Library. You never know when you might have to "modify" your workout regimen to accommodate one of life's little hiccups! Offer ends April 30th, so don't forget to check the details!

Looking forward to getting back to the P90X, but I know I am in good hands with Debbie until then!

Vacation is done! Time to get back to CLEAN EATING!

For those of you wondering where I have been, well it is a long story. First off, I went to Texas to visit my son, his girlfriend, my grandson, my folks and the greatest friends anyone could ask for. Thank goodness for my Christmas present, my Garmin GPS! Made the trip a breeze to get around in those CRAZY streets in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. I made it safe and sound right to my son's front doorstep without a hiccup one. I had so much fun getting to know his girlfriend and her family. Awesome people! Downright southern hospitality the whole time I was there.

After a few nights there, I ventured on to Grand Saline, Texas. Now my parents live in the "boonies." I could not get a signal the whole time I was there. That is how buried in the sticks they live. But I had a wonderful time cooking for my parents and giving them some good tips on how to eat clean and not break the bank doing it. I think my dad actually enjoyed all the fresh vegetables. Especially when I made him my Black Bean Stew. So I had plenty of catching up to do with the folks and of course, shopping with Mom. Who doesn't like to go shopping with their mom? It was so much fun!

I also got to go visit my dearest friend. It has been 15 years since I saw my old BFF and roommate. WOW! She looked fabulous. I don't care how much time has come between us, that one night it was as though all the years melted away and there we were back in the good times we had before. We went to a place called Gilligan's in Arlington, Texas to an outdoor block party with a live band and complete with River Dancers to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Happy to say I drank good old fashion H20 the whole time we were there, which was from about 4:30 PM until 11:00 PM. I had a blast! Definitely not going to let another 15 years pass until we see each other again!

After that I got to spend a fun day back in my hometown of Red Oak, Texas. OMG! I could not believe the new High School. It was AMAZING! My eight year old smiled at me in awe and says, "Mom, when I grow up I want to go to college there!" Yeah, it was that BIG! I would have given anything to have attended it now. My hometown used to be a spot on the map between Lancaster and Waxahachie. Now it is it's own little country. Still can't get over the fact that when I was growing up we had a Dairy Queen. Now it is home to several places to eat, shopping centers, etc. Good for Red Oak!

I also got to visit with two of the greatest people I had the pleasure of going through those awkward high school years with. After 25 years of not seeing each other, it was all squeals and hugs! You know you go through your whole life and no one in this world will ever be as close to you as those you grew up with. Those friendships are truly ones that will withstand the test of time. Every memory came flooding back just as if we were going to hook up after school to go "cruising" once again down the DeSoto strip.

I had a great time! Now I am home and ready to get the "Clean Eating" back on track. I have another Tony Horton Clean Eating Throw Down starting on Monday, April 5, 2010 through Sunday, April 21, 2010. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend. Just come visit us at The Cinderella Pact and check out the details. Life is good. So get ready to Bring It!

Setting Up a New Diet Plan

Now that I have successfully completed Tony Horton's Eating Clean Challenge, you might wonder what is next on the game plan. I think now is the time for me to move forward and continue the momentum. After two weeks of a restricted vegetarian diet, I will be the first to admit a little meat on the plate was a welcomed sign. However, I don't want to discredit the value of adding in all those vegetables and fruit. I will definitely continue spending more time in the produce aisles of our local grocery store.

My next adventure into nutrition is going to include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has done a wonderful job of putting together a booklet, which outlines a nutritional approach to taking control of your blood pressure. Even if you don't have high blood pressure this is definitely a great way to eat healthy. The booklet offers great information, a handy printable grocery shopping guide and even a free menu planning section. You can download the booklet for FREE in pdf format, or if you would rather have a print copy - you can order it from their website and have it mailed to you for a minimal cost. The diet plan emphasizes on eating a well balanced diet consisting of: fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low fat milk products, whole grain products, lean protein and nuts. I would call that pretty much a Team Beachbody winner. Plus it focuses on lowering your sodium intake. A definite bonus for those of us that are trying to cut back and even for those looking for a good preventative measure.

This gets a "thumbs" up from me. Definitely worth looking into and at least a nice reference to have handy when trying to plan healthier meals.

Challenge DONE!!!

Hey guys, just wanted to stop in here and "celebrate my success" with everyone! Yesterday ended the Tony Horton Clean Eating Challenge. Yes, I survived 2 weeks of limitations only to come out on the other end a changed person. I have experienced better quality sleep, my mind is clear, my ability to think has improved and the best benefit of all - I totally FEEL AMAZING! I lost a total of 14 lbs. Coming from a person who was stuck in a major plateau, that is just incredible. I have moved out of my comfort zone and opened a whole new avenue to explore in the world of fitness.

I have to admit, I was really thrilled today to get to have an omelette. Yes, I ate eggs. I have missed my little balls of protein. As much as I enjoyed the exploration into the vegan world, I don't think I am ready to totally convert just yet. I did, however, make a MUCH healthier omelette than I would have in the past. Today I threw in some diced green onion, broccoli florets, red bell pepper, cauliflower and topped it with imitation sour cream made from tofu. No dairy added! So I do believe there is good that came from my restrictions. I will carry it forward.

I am so excited about the results I got that I am sharing the wealth. I have created a new thread on the Team BeachBody message boards called "Cinderella Pact - Get Ready to Live the P90X Fairy Tale." I am planning to start the challenge once again from Monday, April 5, 2010 - Sunday, April 18, 2010. I wanted to be fair to everyone and didn't want to set anyone up for failure. Sunday April 4, 2010 is Easter Sunday. I realize a lot of folks will be doing family gatherings and portion control will be hard alone...trying to throw all those restrictions in there would have people dropping faster than flies on a UV bug lamp. I really want everyone to reach success and come out finally realizing: CLEAN EATING + EXERCISE = AMAZING RESULTS! If you are looking for a place to learn more about eating clean and get the support and motivation you need to be successful - come check us out and stay awhile! Having a good support system is key to working towards your goals. I find the message boards a great place to build that support system. What better place to try reaching your weight loss and fitness goals, than with like minded people! Keep Bringing It!

I Survived a Trip to the Badlands!

 Today was a test of my willpower for sure. I had to pick up the little guy for his bi-annual cleaning at the dentist. In spite of our very best efforts, my child has yet another cavity that will have to be filled. How old does a child have to be before it is considered too old for you to brush their teeth for them? Just kidding. It seems every dentist appointment we have, there will always be a followup for the filling of a new cavity. So glad we have dental insurance.

After all the fun at the dentist my little guy insisted that he hadn't eaten all day (though his school lunch was about 30 minutes before I picked him up). I looked at my watch. I had a meeting in less than 45 minutes and I had to get him back to school. Feeling frazzled, but not wanting my child to go hungry, we made a detour to our local Burger King. Mind you I have been on my best behavior during this challenge, but walking into one of those places takes a considerable amount of willpower. As bad as I know this convenient cuisine is...my head immediately starts going places it ought not go. I start rationalizing out each item on the menu and how I could fit them into my challenge. I mean a "french fry" is a potato, isn't it? OMG! They have "apple fries." I had to dig deep and get a grip! No, no, no! Bad food...bad, bad, bad.  I looked at the clerk,  sighed and said, "I will have a side salad, no dressing with a small ice water." There it was. I did good. Of course my little guy had chicken tenders, french fries and a chocolate milk. I know, not healthy. Convincing an eight year old to order a salad and a glass of water just isn't going to happen. It's not the norm. Don't worry. Today was just a "treat" for him. Me? I remained challenge faithful! I will lead by example.

Tonight I did come up with my own creative quick dinner though! We had homemade Succotosh and gluten free pasta! Yummy, quick and simple! Three of my most favorite things. Bon Appetit!

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Succotosh  Made Simple

1 cup Edamame beans
1 12oz. pkg frozen corn (thawed)
1 can diced tomatoes and jalapenos (drained)
1 cup spaghetti sauce (I used tomato basil - no sugar)
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp minced galic
1 tsp basil
1 tsp sea salt

Mix all ingredients in medium sauce pan. Bring to rapid boil. Boil about 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. So yummy! You can eat it plain or serve it over your favorite gluten free pasta. One dish delish!

Day 60 Results!

YAY ME! I am down 12 lbs and 6 inches!!! I know I still have a ways to go, but it is so exciting to see that scales moving. Today is a GREAT DAY!

Down, But Not Out - The Human Side

"Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be. ~ Charles "Tremendous" Jones

I had a really tough day yesterday. I was so excited to be finally going to see my doctor after being medication free for one month. I can't believe how anxious I was to get there. The nurse escorted me back, asked me to step on the scales and "SURPRISE" - 12 lbs lighter than last month! WHAHOO!!! I did it! I broke my plateau and life was sweet. I could do nothing but relish in my inner most praises for Tony Horton, P90X and eating clean.

When I got to my exam room, she took my blood pressure. I could tell by the grimace on her face it was not good. She looked at me and says, "Your blood pressure sucks." As unprofessional as that may have sounded, I don't think any other words would have softened the blow. My heart sunk deep in my chest as she went to get the doctor. I may never know what that first reading was. Maybe I don't really want to know.

My doctor came in and took my blood pressure once again: 164/106 resting heart rate 96 - not good. He was very complementing on the weight loss. Made the normal chitchat and then came the, "we really have to fix the blood pressure though." I sighed heavily. I knew exactly what that meant. No easy way around it. I am going back on medication. It was a hard pill to swallow, but nonetheless the one life just gave me...again.

Now I allowed myself a day to grasp just what happened in that tiny exam room. I let myself feel defeated. I went home, took my medication and basically sulked. I have been working extremely hard, haven't I? Well, yes. I am making healthier choices; exercising more...I am with the program. True. So what is the deal? The deal is it has ONLY been one month of doing everything the way it was intended to be done. It is not the end; just a new beginning.

I do have power and that power is choice! I can choose to remain defeated and accept this is how it has to be or I can take it all in stride and be the best I can be. Tony Horton taught me that. "Be AMAZING. Set your mind to it and be the best you can be. Make others take notice," he had said to us in one of Team BeachBody's chatrooms.  I remember those words so well. I wrote them down as I often do when I get the chance to listen to him. I visit my notes daily. They inspire me and they fuel my passion to be better. Now this has become more than just an "eat clean challenge." This is my way to show the world diet and exercise can make a difference. I can make a difference. I choose to be "AMAZING." I will walk the talk and I will succeed! This isn't about diet and exercise – this is about my life!

Broadening our Taste

I am now into the next week of Tony's Eating Clean 2-Week Challenge. I am learning this can be quite the adventure. Now instead of my normal 15 minutes in and out of our local grocery store, I am finding I can spend a considerable amount of time shopping. I am especially fascinated by produce department. How did I manage for all these years to not notice the assortment of hidden treasures waiting to be explored? I literally spent over 30 minutes just taking in how many varieties of certain items there were. Until today, I wasn't even sure what a shallot was. I find that amusing because I have always prided myself on being such a good cook. I actually thought a shallot was some sort of seafood. Now I know what it is and even helped the check out clerk by proudly telling her what was in my produce bag. See, I'm not the only one.

Tonight for dinner I made Bean and Kale Ragu .This is simply marvelous! Our family is giving it 5 STARS! It is definitely a surprise of spice combinations. I don't think I would have ever thought of combining ground cumin with oregano and basil. But WOW, totally perfect combination. I can also honestly say this was my first experience with kale. Cooked in this dish, it was beautiful and rich in color as it was flavor. My husband and I both will definitely be keeping this dish on the menu.

We also made Garbanzo Bean Burgers. These were very good. My 8 year old ate them without any complaints. With ketchup, of course. Shopping for the ingredients was yet again, another seek and find mission in the grocery store. This recipe called for Tahini Sauce.

I searched endlessly through all the spices, sauces, salad dressings never once thinking I probably could just ask a clerk. Not that I am really sure any of them would have had a clue either. Besides, this was an exploration. I am learning my grocery store. For those of you curious and that don't already know, Tahini Sauce is a sesame paste. After spending close to 45 minutes in the specialty section, I came across it in the Mediterranean food section. You will also find the cannellini beans for the first recipe there, too. But don't let them fool you. Cannellini beans are simply "white" kidney beans. Save yourself a few bucks and shop for those in the regular foods section.

We served our dinner with fresh cantaloupe and red seedless grapes. Dinner was very delicious and healthy. I'm learning that eating healthy isn't as hard as I thought it would be.

Our Dinner Plate