So, what does that mean to me today?  Nothing.  That's right.  Nothing.  Because those calories were burned yesterday, on yesterday's fuel.  I start today at zero calories burned from exercise.  Every single day I start from scratch.  Luckily, I still have gardening to do.  Maybe another thousand calories' worth, too.  But tomorrow it's back to the gym because I can't just do nothing. 

I knew all of this already.  I knew it from when I was a teenager first considering a reducing diet (before I was even heavy).  I knew the benefits of regular exercise when I started teaching aerobics at 17...when I didn't have a weight problem of any kind all through my 20s.  Before I became sedentary and lax in my exercise motivation and behavior.  I knew it when I taught Step and Pilates.  I knew it.  I just didn't do it.  Well, no more.  Now I know AND I do.

Hope we are all learning this once and for all.  Don't you?

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

I don't have any deep, dark secrets.  I'm pretty transparent.  But I have eaten off plan for about a week - partially because there was a refrigerator emergency (I accidentally blocked the vent and iced the channel again - ARGH!), and partially because SonBo was gone and HusBo and I went on some dinner dates.  So here's the confession:  although I ate off plan and ONE of those off plan things was some gelato, MOSTLY I ate fish and salad and eggs.  Nothing (except the gelato) was unacceptable, the gelato was eaten on a day when we walked ALL over the universe, AND I have lost another half pound.  I will celebrate this arbitrary scale victory today because every ounce lost is an ounce in the right direction.  This proves something really important to me: I HAVE LEARNED TO CONTROL PORTIONS!  This is a very big deal.

Last week was dedicated to fixing SonBo's room and getting some work things done and our vacation organized.  I didn't set foot in the gym.  Today I MUST get my plants in the ground in the front yard and finish pulling weeds.  If there is time left I will head to the gym.  If not, I will be there tomorrow; however, gardening is an excellent workout - especially with all I have to do. 

But, my friends, this is really why I have adopted the NS lifestyle - day in and day out:  I went in my bureau this morning to find some clothes to garden in.  I pulled out a pair of shorts.  I pulled out a tank top I bought in Hawaii several years ago (thinking "It will fit sooner or later")...I slipped them on.  No tugging, no tightness.  Just comfortable clothes.  I am a happy camper.  I will stick with NS for as long as it takes to reach my goal.  I know that if I must eat in the real world that I am able to make the best choices consistently.  I feel great about that.  I know that calories IN must be countered by calories OUT.  That's really the simplest formula, isn't it?  I know I have to fuel my metabolism constantly for it to work for me.  I know I am up to the task.

For the record, though, that gelato was fanfreakintastic.

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

We went to see the King Tut exhibit at the de Young museum in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco this morning...and do you know that Steve Martin's song lyrics would NOT get out of my mind?  How incredibly silly!  The exhibit was fantastic - so much more than when I saw it in the 1970s - they now have x-rays of the actual sarcophagus and mummy.  SO cool.  The condition of the artifacts is spectacular.  We truly enjoyed ourselves.  Afterward we went for a short walk in the rose garden, for coffee in north Beach, and then home.  Hus-Bo is restoring a moped and SonBo and I went off to secure his gym membership and get my nails done.  Now I am home and getting ready to work (I love self-employment!)...but what's still going through my mind?  You guessed it:

King Tut (King Tut)
Now when he was a young man,
He never thought he'd see
People stand in line to see the boy king.

(King Tut) How'd you get so funky?
(funky Tut) Did you do the monkey?
Born in Arizona,
Moved to Babylonia (king Tut).

(king Tut) Now, if I'd known
they'd line up just to see him,
I'd trade in all my money
And bought me a museum. (king Tut)

Buried with a donkey (funky Tut)
He's my favorite ***!
Born in Arizona,
Moved to Babylonia (king Tut)

Dancin' by the Nile, (Disco Tut)
The ladies love his style, (boss Tut)
Rockin' for a mile (rockin' Tut)
He ate a crocodile.

He gave his life for tourism.
Golden idol!
He's an Egyptian
They're sellin' you.

Now, when I die,
now don't think I'm a nut,
don't want no fancy funeral,
Just one like ole king Tut. (king Tut)

He coulda won a Grammy,
Buried in his Jammies,
Born in Arizona, moved to Babylonia,
He was born in Arizona, got a condo made of stone-a,
King Tut!

Make it stoooooooop!  LOL!  Maybe veggie fajitas will do the trick!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

We picked SonBo up when he returned from camp.  He looked so handsome and happy to be home.  He hugged both of us...when he did I couldn't believe how relieved I felt to hold him.  It's nice to have my family all in one place again.  Whatever will I do when he's off to college?

Anyway, he loved how his room looked, the new storage system under his bed, and the fact it is clean and smells great.  He's even ready to get curtains - he resisted for several years.  Bizarre.  He slept like a rock and this morning got up and started sorting through the bags of stuff - most of which he will toss out, but he has to make that call.  I am truly hoping he will adopt this new, organized lifestyle - it will make applying to colleges easier, finishing his senior year, and completing his Eagle project.  It's a big year ahead.

I feel accomplished in a strange way.  I will finish all of my work today and then go to the King Tut exhibit tomorrow in San Francisco.  Then I'm going to finish my fron garden, clean up the patio and start the round of parties that will be the next two weekends...SonBo is turning 17 in 2 weeks!  Where has the time gone!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

Well, our son returns from scout camp this afternoon.  I can't wait!  First off, I missed him.  Secondly, I can't wait for him to see his room.  Although all I did was remove the carpet and clean it, it looks completely different.  I made a storage system for under his bed that will allow him to maximize sentimental storage while minimizing clutter.  A miracle from The Container Store!  Wahoo!

It will be nice to get back to my own routine.  I love a project - and I'm a little OCD about it - I start and stick with it to the end.  So, now project completed, it's back to the gym. 

Short and sweet today.  Piles of my own work to finish before we pick up SonBo at 1:30. 

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

with my son's room!  He's been at scout camp this week and before he left he decided he no longer wanted his carpet in his room.  We have nice wood floors and I put the carpet down 3 years ago, so I knew removing it wouldn't leave a scarred floor...so I said I'd do it while he was gone.  I am an idiot.  LOL!

It took 3 days to remove the carpet because of the furniture configuration.  I finally got the last piece out about 20 minutes ago and I am taking a break.  The floors do look great, but now I have to move all of the furniture around again (there's lots because he's the grandson of a decorator) and clean everything.  Last night I wrapped all of his coins - that was a time-consuming effort, but boy, that kid has some money!  I am headed off to either Bed, Bath and Beyond or The Container Store (did I just hear Suzanne squeal?) to buy underbed storage boes for him - he's got to quit keeping the Playstation stuff where his clothes should be!

I always feel really good when I complete a project.  Hus-Bo is still super skinny, but today it doesn't bother me.  Today I accomplished something I can see and that is very rewarding.

Well, SonBo comes home on Saturday and I still have loads to do before he does.  Wish me luck!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

I've got to say it.  I am jealous.  My husband is now 200 pounds of lean running machine.  His BMI is 24.7 - although I don't know how that can be since he has no perceptible fat left.  He ran today for 2 hours.  Uphill.  Geez.

I don't want to be my husband.  I like my curves.  I like feminine softness.  I also like toned, defined, soft, feminine curves.  That's my goal.  I have to say that is at least 35 pounds away from where I am.  I'll get there.

But it is SO difficult not to despair when the one closest to you devotes his soul to losing weight and achieves it in short order.  Apparently I lack that type of dedication.  Mine is more of an everyday, plod along, do my best slowly.  Tortoise marries Hare.  But it actually hurts to see him blaze by me while - despite my success so far - I look fatter because of his proximity.

He has supported me 100%.  He lets me know in lots of ways.  But in order for me to reach my own personal success goal in a shorter amount of time I would have to keep up a ridiculous schedule - and I just can't manage (and do not desire to) that and everything else I must do.  So, I will stick here, keep moving slowly toward my goal and be proud of my handsome, sleek, super-fast husband.  But Diet gods, if you're paying ANY attention, could you PLEASE send me a little extra kick in the loss department?  Thanks mucho.

Peace and joy, folks ~ Shannon

Hus-Bo and I are on our own this week.  SonBo is at camp and won't be back until Saturday, so we are having a week of dates.  Yesterday I was too worn out to go on our movie date, so we stayed in and caught up on bad television.  (Nurse Jackie - my new guilty pleasure!) 

It's weird for us.  We've been together 3 years, but we've always had someone with us, so being alone together is exciting and fun.  Tonight we are going to catch the local movie...The Proposal is the plan.  We also are picking up our newly engraved wedding rings (and skinny Hus-Bo's had to be sized down).  It should be a very romantic evening.

It's kind of like being new people, too.  We have lost 133 pounds between us.  That's an entire human...or two fat bulldogs...or...well, you get the point.  It's a big shift in our perception of each other.  We can walk with our arms around each other, we fit in smaller seats, and we DO walk everywhere these days.  We talk all the time, we're silly, and we get to laugh everyday.  It's just the best being married to each other.

Well, must walk the pup before Hus-Bo and I go on our date!

Peace and joy, NS friends ~ Shannon

Howdy, folks.  This past weekend was busy!  We had relatives in town and our family picnic followed by a movie and salads out (and a really long walkie.)  Then Sunday dawned early to take SonBo off to scout camp (I miss him!) and when I came back - having had less than 5 hours sleep - I thought I would go back to bed, but instead I started ripping up the carpet in my son's room.  He now wants hardwood floors and that will be nicer for him.  The floors are beautiful under the rug and maybe this change will help him get a little more organized for senior year, you think?

As well as carpet demolition (phase two is today), I cleaned the house, did laundry, and prepped food for dinner with our friends.  Our temperamental refrigerator (which is new for a fridge, but has issues) decided to not cool as well as it could, so we decided to invite everyone over and start cooking before anything had a chance to spoil.  Now, this in itself is a sweet victory, because our freezer is filled with chicken, fish, salmon burgers, etc.  It's just a healthful feast waiting to happen.  So we grilled the chicken and some corn (yes, I know - it's a starch) and made a huge salad...sounds like an NS meal, right?  Yeah.  That's how we roll.  The only poor choice was the killer cobbler I made from nectarines, apricots, blackberries, strawberries, and fresh cherries.  It was fantastic.  300 calories per serving, but I did it without guilt.  A gallon of water ensured that nothing stuck.  We then played our new, improved version of Catch Phrase.  Fun night.

This morning I stayed in bed reading.  I just needed a break, you know?  I won't go for a run or to the gym today - I'll resume ripping out carpet and see what else I can get done around here.  I just want to get my house in order.  That makes a difference in everything and mine has been in disarray too long.

Hope all of you have a fantastic, productive day!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

I logged in this morning only to discover someone (probably the IT department) had a glitch that changed my user name to HUBO.  Are you kidding me?  I mean HUNBO has meaning.  HunBo is who I am.  Who is HUBO? 

Poor Neal nearly had an apoplectic attack trying to find my page.  Luckily, when I called customer service, the nice woman (Hi Beth!) was able to change it back to HUNBO.  Thank goodness.  But I notice that it still says "HuBo" in the "welcome" section of each page.  Hmmmm.  Maybe another call?

Here are answers to some things people asked me recently:

• No, Neal, your MIL is not here.
• My MIL made lamb chops because her children are condiment-phobic.  There is a long story behind it, but it makes picnics difficult.
• I eat eggs, tuna, cheese, Greek yogurt, and roasted turkey for my main proteins.
• Yes, I am in love with the Gravitron.  Really.
• Seaweed is supposed to increase thyroid function.  You buy it in packages at the grocery store in the International Food section.  It is also available at some coastal farmer's markets.
• My husband is hot.  Very hot.  And there will be suit photos as soon as they come back from alterations.

I think I got most of them...

Have a groovy Sunday!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

My sister-in-law was in town with her 3 year old son today and we had a picnic.  It was gorgeous out, we went to a great park, and my husband's other sister and mom were also there with us.  It's so easy to pack for a picnic lunch - there was fruit and water, of course.  My MIL brought sandwiches and lamb chops (don't ask), and a salad.  Such a healthy lunch!  We sat on a blanket, talked, and laughed as my son took his cousin repeatedly down the cement slide (it is SO cool).  A good time was had by all.

Tonight we're going to a horror flick with my sister-in-law.  She and my husband are really into them and I go along for the fun.  I'll watch with my hand over my eyes, though.  Afterward we are going for salads.  I have discovered that with my increased workouts that I am really hungry - so I can eat a HUGE salad.  The workouts are making a difference in the way I feel, the way I look, and my weight.  Yay!  But I am ravenous!

I thought we were cutting it too close to walk there today, but we haven't!  So, I am going to get a long walk in, too!  Yay!

Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

Sit down, people.  Hus-Bo is WILLINGLY going to the Nordstrom half yearly sale today.  He has lost so much weight (yeah, 90 pounds) that all of his dress clothes are way too big.  So he's going shopping with me!  Who knew NS would make my shopping dream come true?

Usually I pre-shop so he can just walk in, try on, get fitted and walk out.  We're talking 15-30 minutes.  Today will require a bit more effort on his part and a few extra stores because some casual clothes must be purchased.  Although he looks hot in his Levis 501s, he cannot wear them everywhere and his khakis are so big we can both fit in them.

In other exciting news (not), SonBo and I went to the gym today and worked off our excess.  He's in for a week of hiking and horseback riding at camp next week, so he's definitely increasing the effort.  I was a dripping rag, of course...and I spent quite a bit of time with my new lover, Gravitron...he's so sleek, so tall, so helpful.  Ahhhh.  My arms are showing a glimmer of definition...there is hope!

OK.  Off to Nordies.  Wish us luck!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

Danger and evil lurk around every corner in the grocery store...especially the mainstream ones.  You'll be looking at organic fruits and vegetables...right across the aisle from the chips and sodas.  Looking for free-range chicken?  Oh, that's right next to the bacon.  Do you think this is an accident?  No way.  It's the Corporate Evilmongers trying to fatten up America for the Diet Industry (no offense NS).  Need some detergent?  You can reach it behind the display of Ho-Hos and Twinkies right there.  See it?

I am wise to the grocery store.  Most of the time I can shop as though I have blinders on.  I make a list.  I follow the list.  I do not deviate unless it is a paper product or something I forgot that Hus-Bo or SonBo call to remind me of.  But I do not buy additional food. 

Want to know another way to get through the grocery store unscathed?  Order online and have it delivered.  Sure, they charge you $7 to do it, but I'd spend $7 in unwanted items that might end up on my thighs...know what I mean?  Invest that $7 in protection from the check-out magazines and candy!  Besides, if you sign up for delivery they send you free delivery coupons to keep you coming back.  I used one today...and I saved myself from the deli counter torture.

Do you make a list?  Do you stick to it?  I'll bet you do and I'll bet you feel fantastic after shopping.  Here's to staying on plan and a cart full of salad!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

I started NS eight months ago on October 17, 2008.  I have lost 53.5 pounds to date and expect to lose another 30 or so.  Here's what losing 53.5 pounds means to me in REAL LIFE VALUE:

• The ability to move easily.
• The ability to fit into smaller clothes - and pack fewer suitcases when I travel!
• New, amazing friends I will have long after this journey is completed.
• Renewed interest in toning my muscles.
• I stopped using my son to fetch things for my lazy self.
• I want to take the dog for his walks - and they are long!
• I enjoy wearing color again.
• I make healthy grocery and restaurant choices all the time.
• I don't feel fat everywhere I go.
• Although I didn't have health issues, I feel confident that I am even healthier now...and I want to stay that way.
• My husband got on board and became a stellar example of successful weight loss and fitness...and I don't hate him!
• I feel confident I can make it to goal - even though at 6.6 pounds per month it may take another 5-6 months.  I am OK with that.

If you are new to NS, KNOW that following this program will make you successful.  If you've been at it a long time like me, know that sticking with it is going to change your future and just keep pluggin' away.

This is just fantastic and I am glad we have it in common!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

I love working out...after it's over.  I cannot tell you the epic battle of wills that occurred in my head this morning before I left for the gym.  In order to get a seat in spin class I need to be 15 minutes early...and I procrastinated like heck so I'd miss that deadline.  Went to the UPS drop off, bank, and took a circuitous route to the gym.  My thighs STILL hurt from the 2 classes last week.  So, I got to the gym and opted for the treadmill...at 4.1 MPH and a 4 incline for an hour and 5 minutes.  So I burned about 550 calories and ended up dripping.  Wiped down the machine and headed for the GRAVITRON...where I spent about 15 minutes total.  One set, rest, another set, rest, another set...and my trainer walked in just as I was finishing and said, "Ah, I see you used the spray bottle to impress me," in reference to my drenched shirt.  How cool is it to have your trainer see you really work out without coaching?!  It felt good. 

So, now I am down about 600 calories for the day, I've gotten in the workout, my dog is looking at me with anticipation in his eyes for a long walkie this afternoon...it just feels good.  And, although I missed spin class, it will still be there later this week when I go uninjured.  Because being fit is one thing - getting broken in the process is quite another!

I am so inspired today - feeling great is just the best NSV!  It seems like lots of other bloggers are feeling the victories, too, today.  Maybe it's the build-up to the Summer Solstice...I hope it is an omen for our mutual success!

Get smaller, get fitter, get healthier, get more active, get out there!  I love you guys!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

AmyWare and Phildo are both fans.  My son loves it.  My husband has given it the seal of approval.  I can't get enough of it.  Yes, I am talking about the Gravitron.

This fantastic creation is changing my life.  Who would think that a Nautilus machine could make such an impact? 

Here's the thing.  I cannot do a pull-up.  It is not a weight-related issue.  When I was in elementary school I could not do a pull-up.  I could shimmy up a 50 foot pole faster than any boy, but I couldn't lift myself by my arms.  Pole climbing requires killer thigh strength.  ONE FREAKIN' PULL-UP requires strength I was not innately given.  So, I have decided that I WILL do one pull-up.  I must. 

Enter the GRAVITRON.

This thing acts as a counterweight.  You pull the pin on the side, set it for a point less than  your body weight and then climb up onto the platform on your knees and let it assist you in the proper movements to develop upper arm strength.  It is phenomenal!  I can already do 35 pounds - 3 sets of 15!  The last 4 or 5 of each set are really, really difficult, but I can do it!  Lucky for me I have a massage scheduled for this afternoon because I worked that Gravitron yesterday!

The only problem I can foresee is doing the Gravitron too much.  Like a clandestine love affair...will I sneak out right before everyone gets up to get a couple of sets in?  Will I "go to the grocery store" only to stop by the gym to spend a little quality time with "Grav?"  I'm thinking that it may be the case.  My nail salon is just around the corner, too...I can see a pattern here.

Maybe you should develop a love affair/addiction to the gym equipment!  Any other machines I might love?  (Oh, there's a lower abs one that could move up the list...)

Have a great Sunday!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

My son had to be at the ACT testing site at 7:45 this morning.  That means I was up before 7 to get him going and awake enough to do well on this exam.  Anyway, he had to be there at 7:45.  So, what would YOU do if you were already up, dressed and awake enough to drive on Saturday at 7:45?  Well, in the old days, I would have driven back home and climbed into bed to grab a few more snuggly sleep hours with Hus-Bo. What do you think happened today?

Well, I had planned to take the spin class at 9 with my friend, but she was at the ER all night with her dad.  She's kind of in the place I was about 18 months ago.  So, she bailed by email.  There was my "out."  But I'm not that girl these days.  I just modified my plans slightly.  Instead of going to the spin class that would make me wait an hour, I decided to do an upper body and abs workout and then get in a few miles on the treadmill.  One hour later, drenched in sweat, I emerged from the gym feeling pretty proud of myself!  I got home by 9:15 and have caught up on email.  I'm going to settle in with some work, coffee, a snuggly bulldog and a subtitled French flick for the remainder of the morning.  I'll walk the dog around noon and pick up SonBo at 1.  This afternoon we may go to the Juneteenth festival down the road.

I would like to announce to the world that I love the GRAVITRON.  I have NEVER been able to do a pull-up on my own and this machine is going to make me strong enough to do it.  Just one.  That's my goal.  I am currently woking with about 30 pounds of resistance.  It's seriously difficult.  I am SO upper-body-strength challenged!

Hope you all have a fanfreakintastic day!

Peace and joy ~ Shannon

WHO LOVES FLAPPY UPPER ARMS?  NOT ME! NOT ME!

So, I told my trainer that above all goals I wanted to avoid "upper arm wings."  He said that the reason that happens is most exercises fail to engage the upper third of the triceps!  He then promptly showed me what to do...and now I am going to share!  Who's your buddy?  LOL!

It’s simple and you can do it sitting or standing:

If you are standing you need something to lean on that allows you to keep your arm straight down from the shoulder; if you are sitting you need a bench so you can put your hands next to your hips.  Here’s what you do:

1. Extend the arm down, palm FLAT and FACING FORWARD on the surface.  Make sure your arm is as close to your body as possible.
2. Keep your elbows straight.
3. Press down into the surface until you feel the back of your arm (tricep) engage – this