I'm sick of getting sick. So I'm finally going to do something about it.
You would think that with all the access I have to information regarding healthy living -- the importance of proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep -- I'd be a paragon of fitness and well-being by now. Oh -- and have I ever mentioned that I've worked in the fitness industry for the last five years? No, of course not.
I'm a bit of a rebel -- a quality which has not served me well in life, I'm afraid. I don't like to be told what to do and when to do it, and I especially don't like to be reminded of what's supposed to be good for me. The only thing that saves me time and time again is that I like to keep myself informed. I also think constantly and often, so eventually something deep inside of me kicks in -- and kicks me into gear. I suppose you can say I'm stubborn but not stupid.
But I haven't been making smart choices for way too long and my body has been protesting loudly and wildly at least for the past few months. My brain's also been whispering nonstop that I need a change of lifestyle and I've finally decided to pay attention. Recently I've been more mindful of what I eat (and don't eat), I've been sleeping a bit earlier at night, and have set for myself some simple goals. Like: get to the gym. Right now I don't even think of what I'm going to do once I get there -- my goal is just to get there.
And tonight I signed up for the Self Challenge 2007. It's basically a three-month plan for getting fit and is focused on helping one adopt and maintain sensible lifestyle changes. Does anyone out there care to join me? The kickoff is on February 26, just six days from now, and I'm ready. (I think. No, I am. Really.)
Of course, I usually keep things like this on the down-low so no one starts bugging me about how my new diet and exercise plan is coming along. So please don't say anything if I choose to watch a Man Vs. Wild marathon on a lovely, sunny Saturday afternoon instead of going hiking up some mountain or kayaking down a river (I'd have to figure out first where the nearest mountain and river are located around here anyway) -- my heart will be pumping plenty at the sight of my man doing both, don't you worry. And I promise I won't be posting charts and progress reports here either. Wish me luck, you all. I'll need all the help I can get.
Hey, if Oprah can do it, anyone can do it too!
Just think how wonderful it would be to get into size 8 or less!
Posted by: Jase | February 20, 2007 at 04:15 PM
Good luck Gigi!
I strongly recommend walking as exercise. At least thirty minutes a day to see more of your beautiful place, to meditate or just be quiet, to listen to your I-pod, or to have a nice walk/talk with hubby can do wonders for your health as well, with minimum body strain. Increase your pace as you see fit.
Speaking of health/lifestyle, etc. , commercial: I am joining the Sunday Organic Market at Paseo de Magallanes starting this Sunday. Although it's a 6am - 4pm thing, I might be there only in the morning. Tell your parents (pati Magallanes friends na rin!) to visit my Kitchen Herbs booth. And buy everything I have - ha ha!
I'll be selling around 25 varieties of fresh-cut culinary herbs, a special lettuce -arugula mix that's ready-to-eat, salad dressings and potted herbs, for a start.
We can see each other there too net time you visit Manila.
By the way. I was intrigued by your side bar entry on Incognito's Tin Man. I finally got to hear the song on the radio. Wow! I really enjoyed it!
Posted by: Gej | February 20, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Hi Jase - I'm guessing you mean a UK/British size 8 (US 4/6)? :) Anyway, I have this pair of DKNY jeans (from the brand's first or second season pa, so you can imagine how old it is) that I keep to remind myself of when I was in the best shape of my life. The day I can slip into them again will be one of my happiest days in recent history.
Hey Gej - Ay naku, I'll make sure dad goes (and will spread the word around -- at least through my sister, AKA Ms. Maga.) I'll email you and let you know if my folks are coming for sure. Do you have an email announcement you can send me so I can blast it away to everyone I know?
RE: Tin Man. Were you able to listen to the song via my sidebar? I uploaded the file on my site so all you need to do is click on that play thingy. Let me know if there are other artists you want to listen to so I can put together a cd for you, OK?
Posted by: Gigi | February 20, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Naku, just found out I am in the waiting list. Most probably I can start by March 18 pa, but will have to confirm. But the market will start this Sunday, so your folks can still go and see the other booths.
Good idea, will make an announcement. Uhmm, is that announcement pure text, or is it in graphics form na.
Another uhmm: what do I click on to listen to the song? Tried doing it but could not get anywhere. But I know how to turn the computer off, so I'm not totally computer illiterate.
Posted by: Gej | February 21, 2007 at 08:48 AM
Hi Gej - Just click on that triangle (play) thingy on the bar (underneath blurb). I can't imagine why you wouldn't be able to listen since the file is stored in my account -- but what do I know, I'm tech-challenged. Let me know if you don't see it and I'll send you the file another way.
Yes, please write up an email with details of your booth -- like your company name, what kinds of herbs you sell, etc etc. Ay naku Gej, this is such a good time for you to be doing what you do -- the craze for organic/natural/green is HUGE over here and is spreading fast all over. I think you should really consider those small recipe cards I suggested before, which you can produce on your own (on recycled paper sana). Because a lot of times people don't know how to use the herbs -- but if you give them ideas, they'll be sure to buy more di ba? Ay naku, I have so many ideas for you!
Anyway, send me the email when you get it done and send it to everyone you know. Then I'll blast it to everyone I know over there. Then maybe you should do your own PR and pitch a story about organic gardening, how you got into it, etc. Email me nga on my private email (I can't find yours) so I can share some ideas with you. :) I really want to see you succeed at this -- such a worthy vocation. Good for you, good for us, good for the earth!
Posted by: Gigi | February 21, 2007 at 07:08 PM
i suppose this means that the next time i'm at your place, you'll be joining me at a yoga class... no excuses!
Posted by: sistah #1 | February 23, 2007 at 10:53 PM
Good for you! Good luck.
I haven't been exercising as much either :-(
Posted by: Cai | February 24, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Sistah - As long as I can take a beginner's class, no problem. Sandra and I are going next Saturday in fact!
Cai - Thanks! Really? I'm stopping by to see if everything's OK. Can't imagine you without your gloves on.
Posted by: Gigi | February 25, 2007 at 10:57 AM