tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9522798539790722262024-03-12T17:14:44.600-07:00Life and Times of Team WhisnerA Dog Agility Blog with day to day observations and dog agility antics.vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.comBlogger828125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-81126516320383081242018-10-22T08:05:00.000-07:002018-10-22T08:05:26.681-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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72 days no sugar. Eating veggies, protein, and fruit. About 1200 calories a day. Big spurge, had movie popcorn when I went to the movies. Planned for it and enjoyed it. 17 pounds down.</div>
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Honestly I feel like I should have lost 50 with how I'm sticking to this silly lifestyle change, but it is what it is. Headed to the Doctor this morning to see if my blood work shows a difference. I'm really curious how this no sugar thing is working and whether I can reduce or get rid of meds I'm taking for blood pressure and cholesterol. </div>
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Many people call what I'm doing a low carb diet or Keto. Yes, I would say overall my carbs are minimal. I have eliminated bread, potato, rice, noodles, sugar from my diet. I have increased my veggie and protein amounts and not worried about fats (I don't try to eat loads of fat, but I'm not worried about avocados, salad dressing, mayo, Olive Oil, etc). For the most part I'm not really hungry although I do notice I have more mood swings than I used to. One of my favorite meals that seems so decadent is the cauliflower margarita pizza. ALMOST like the real thing. :)</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhtzXarHH86pxK_5tc4VK-V7wisty93n-qADAiuzWAq-peSoVaeO4SacNtKk7R4ZEM-a1YDNiOUQB2vNxDGRdKIF4f73KP16OwFhEyS4qgvu7z8k-MtGW_-ggzX6wjtIZbO1Eil0YPXI/s1600/IMG_5704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhtzXarHH86pxK_5tc4VK-V7wisty93n-qADAiuzWAq-peSoVaeO4SacNtKk7R4ZEM-a1YDNiOUQB2vNxDGRdKIF4f73KP16OwFhEyS4qgvu7z8k-MtGW_-ggzX6wjtIZbO1Eil0YPXI/s320/IMG_5704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I seem to be living a changing life. An opportunity came and despite the fact I have absolutely no time for it, little Pyrotechnic has joined the Whiz kids. He is almost 8 pounds of shear force. So smart and fun I can't believe it. </div>
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Joy thinks he is her personal toy and he agrees. They get along really well. I'm not sure what's going to happen when he gets older, but he really has a nice disposition and I'm hoping for a life long friendship.</div>
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I've had to really structure my time and barely am able to sit at the computer or watch TV anymore. Those moments that I can are really enjoyable</div>
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He already knows where the potty area is and doesn't have to be carried from the bedroom with me running as fast as I can so he can go potty. Now, I release him from his crate and we all run down the long hall to the outside where he goes exactly where he should go. Such a smarty pants. </div>
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His sisters live close by so he gets some time to play with them. He spends most of these visits getting his arse kicked. He just lays down or runs to me if it gets too much. He also has a great extended family and gets loads of appropriate dog play.</div>
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He is a good little pup and I am the luckiest girl in the world as I have good friends helping me out so I get the opportunity to have a little Firework in my life.</div>
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A few things happened over the past week that have been difficult and took my emotions for a ride. Not important to mention what, just that every day seem to bring challenges. What I'm most proud of is my focus on responding to these things, accepting what it is, and acting on it in a mature way. Sure the stress gets to me, but I'm not letting it derail me from my long term goals as I have a tendency to do. When life gets too much, I love to:</div>
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<li>Sit on the couch, watch something on TV to take my mind off my woes, and eat.</li>
<li>Go for a drive, get drive through, listen to a book on tape, and eat.</li>
<li>Go to Mexican restaurant, read a book, and eat</li>
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These are the behaviors I'm trying to change. Face my anxieties, fears, stresses head on instead of wrapping myself in a carb fantasy that everything is going to be ok.</div>
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With the small weight loss, I am feeling much better about moving and heading to the agility field more for working pups. Joy is getting really good at her handling and soon I hope to start competing again.</div>
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<br />vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-36792187416473194932018-09-14T16:07:00.000-07:002018-09-14T16:19:32.354-07:00Back to the Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some things change and some things remain the same.<br />
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Lots has happened in the past two years. Life has changed considerably. My last post, "I deserve this hill!" was one I try to remember every day. I still struggle with the fight against my emotions and eating and once again I find myself on the journey to live a life I want to live and not the life that food has created for me.<br />
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I am working on a low carb diet. Toying with Keto. Trying to balance my veggies/fruits with some protein. Loving that I can eat as much avocado as I want, but really missing the "crunch". Getting back into exercising and want to start hiking again.<br />
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Loss and sadness have a way to get you off course and I believe that is what happened in 2016. I still miss that existence of feeling powerful after fighting cancer and hopeful for the future of my life. But circumstance change and the only thing I can control is how I respond to those circumstances. Today I'm taking a stand and working towards that healthier life I crave.<br />
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I've been 27 days free of sugar. No added sugar to my diet. 21 days free of eating bread, rice, or potato. No tortilla chips (I miss them), potato chips, or crackers. In a way it's been easy. Just say no. In a way it's been hard. It's a slippery slope out there and I'm trying to stay above the slope line.<br />
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Getting back to working on the treadmill and continue to walk the pups. Ahh...changes there too. Olive is living in Canada. She just didn't respond well to the changes (me moving and going to a job 12 hours a day). She simply wasn't happy and I couldn't have that. I miss her every day but I can't thank her new mom enough for taking on my white angel of death and giving her the chance to have a life she wants. Believe me when I say she is enjoying Canada and her life up there. <br />
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I lost Tazz last Christmas to bladder cancer. Fin and I were pretty lonely... but surprize, we have Joy in our little family. I needed some Joy in my life and she is a spark of sunshine every day. She is learning her agilities and is a delight.<br />
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I'll be checking in here to discuss my progress, but so far so good. Looking forward to a great end to 2018 and a undeniably awesome 2019.vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-63959322928034530642016-09-12T21:20:00.001-07:002016-09-12T21:20:59.286-07:00I deserve this hill - Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today I took a little longer hike than usual. Thinking I had a contract that would start today, I didn’t have anything on the calendar except hike. My hiking buddy woke up sick so I was on my own. It would have been easy to not go…I almost just sat at my desk instead. Then something inside me said, “GO!” </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The hike I took was a little longer and had a few more hills than I am used too. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br /><br /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Usually when I hike up hill I blame myself for my difficulty. While going up the hill I tell myself that the reason I’m struggling is because of what I did to my body. The reason I’m struggling is because I’ve eaten foods that weigh me down. Basically negative talking, berating myself and making the struggle even worse. To the point I just want to give up….and then I’m negative talking about how I’m a quitter. And so on for the entire hill. It is torture.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today I hit the hills and I found myself thinking different thoughts. The hills were hard. I had to stop a couple times. But I found my self-talk congratulating myself. Instead of saying what I terrible person I was, I was saying get that hill. You deserve this hill. This hill is your reward. It was really weird.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Crazy, I know. But it is the truth. Something is shifting within me. It is another result of eating healthy I think. A result of a more healthier diet is that I am kinder to myself.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">You guys know me as an optimist. What you don’t know is that I also suffer from depression just like everyone. I just mask it (or if you look at me I don’t mask it at all). Food in general has been for me a way to console myself. I’m an alone eater. A hoarder of food. A eater of large quantities. A person that dreams of being slimmer but doesn’t act on that dream. A person that forgets that dream for a few minutes of comfort reading a book and putting food in my mouth.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today, however, I’m changing the person I am. Today I’m a person that puts my long term goals first. Today I’m a person that sees a reality of a future that isn’t weighed down by my weight. A future that I’m not afraid of trying new things and a future that my weight won't prevent me from doing things I’d like to try.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This doesn’t mean I won’t forget. This doesn’t mean I won’t have a vacation and not indulge a little. What this means is I don’t want to be the old Vici. I want for myself a life free of the requirements of an addict. And yes, I am an addict. An addict to behaviors that are destructive to myself. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">If people can say no to heroin. I can say no to eating McDonalds in my car for a few minutes of enjoyment. Yesterday, I found myself on the coast and I hadn’t planned on being gone so long and didn’t bring any food. I thought I could just stop and eat mexican. How bad would it be? Instead I stopped at a fruit stand. I got strawberries, plums, english peas, and string beans. I munched on that healthy food as I drove and felt full and happy to be doing something good for myself. What a treat. When I got home, I didn’t feel deprived of not eating french fries. I honestly felt good.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">We’ve got 18 days left in this month. Make each of these days count!!!</span>vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-56304589844158039832016-09-06T20:55:00.001-07:002016-09-06T20:56:27.697-07:00Attention to Detail Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I walked into the garage and something scurried. Yikes. I decided it was my imagination. Went to the dentist (on my list of todos that I hate). Stopped by the store. Drove back into the garage and closed the door. Something definitely was in the garage. I hate it when this happens. </div>
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So, I brought in the expert. I figured I needed her to tell me whether or not I was imagining things. What transpired was a great deal of searching, then cornering, then barking, then screaming (I did not know that rats screamed…there would be bark, bark, bark, then screeeeeeeeeeeam), then me picking up Olive and running into the house. I did not have the heart to help her get into the corner to kill the rat. What I did do Is open the garage about 3 inches and wait.</div>
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An hour later, I took my expert to the garage and she searched and told me that the little rat had moved. She was really searching, but didn’t find it…the movement was in the direction of the open door.</div>
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Two hours later, she was more interested in the ball then the garage. Whew….a nice happy ending.</div>
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So what does this have to do with attention to detail. Well my friends, often when I don’t want to deal with something, I ignore it. That rat running wasn’t a rat. Just my imagination. Maybe even forget about it. Did I really eat so much while I was cooking. Was that snack really that fatty? How many nuts did I actually eat…I didn’t eat that whole bag….some must have fallen out. </div>
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If you find yourself stuck, you might want to pay more attention to the foods you are putting into your body. It might be that you are not paying attention enough. I know that I simply forget about food I eat sometimes. Also change it up. Add more veggies and variety to the meals you eat. sometimes the change up gets your body in that weight loss mode again.</div>
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So, don’t ignore the rat in the garage. Notice the things that are happening and face up to it. Olive can’t help us with our diets, only rats.</div>
<br />vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-73982051476368603182016-09-05T20:56:00.000-07:002016-09-05T20:59:03.920-07:00Appreciation Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIeonsOM0i8Mwbdn9lU_g1tPSOeXB4ESIZGOUGo2EJJ3vN3v5MQzkVcBB0pnuxqVJUXIO50UCsixDEKbN3AI0Wc5m81iwo5GuSScsDJWKKDBczujsWikZ-vfDXqdMlTe563M6oIoVVIg/s1600/FullSizeRender+24.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIeonsOM0i8Mwbdn9lU_g1tPSOeXB4ESIZGOUGo2EJJ3vN3v5MQzkVcBB0pnuxqVJUXIO50UCsixDEKbN3AI0Wc5m81iwo5GuSScsDJWKKDBczujsWikZ-vfDXqdMlTe563M6oIoVVIg/s400/FullSizeRender+24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">So a friend of mine stopped me this weekend at the agility trial. Out of the blue she said to me, “Vici, someone said something to me that totally made a shift in my thinking. He said if we substitute appreciation for expectation, it makes a big difference.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">That thought has stayed with me. I’m often at odds with my expectations and gratitude. I find myself disappointed in myself. I become disappointed in people when they don’t live up to my expectations. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I’m often not fair to myself or others when expectations aren’t met.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">My new thing is going to be when I find myself having these expectations (real or imagined), I’m going to work hard to change that expectation to appreciation. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Today I looked at my photo of me and Fin on the podium. I expected to see me looking thinner and honestly was so freak’n disappointed that I didn’t look that good. Instead of dwelling on that, I want to say that I am grateful to be there, I am appreciative I could share it with my friends, and gosh darn it, I got down on one knee and then got back up without help and making an embarrassing scene….my exercise is working.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I am incredibly grateful for my life. Even on the tough days. I am grateful that I have friends and family that I can depend on. I’m truly grateful for the gifts of companionship that I have. Today I’m most grateful that I’ve been able to make a shift in my thinking about how I eat to enable me to follow an eating plan that is working. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I’m out of my Friday funk. Olive was awesome this weekend giving me really great attention and focus. Fin was the bomb and I even danced Sunday night. Humor, laughter, and good friends. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Tomorrow, up early for a walk. I’m exhausted!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We are on day 5 of our month of September! 100% tracking so far. What are you doing to make your September a success. What are you grateful for?</span></div>
vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-44962903731442835552016-09-02T20:11:00.000-07:002016-09-02T20:12:26.146-07:00Not Making Headway Friday<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I feel fat today. Not sure why. Doing what I need to do. Was really hard to get my steps in even though I was out setting up for agility. Body not feeling sprite and light. Body is feeling sore and tired.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sometimes the day just doesn’t go as planned. Or even the planned day doesn’t live up to expectations. What has to happen is I have to move past it and keep plugging away. Take Advil and know that the aches and pains are a part of life. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Most importantly: Don’t let other people determine how I am going to respond to their behavior.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Long term goals. What are they? How do we meet them? By not giving up what I want long term for what I want today. Today I was able to fight my evil demons that wanted me to give in to my dark thoughts. Tomorrow I will wake up feeling refreshed and enjoy a wonderful day with friends and my dogs! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">How about you? What do you do when the day just brings you down? How do you respond?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I’m thinking of each of you every day and the fact you are out there struggling along with me makes me stronger. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Suck it up Buttercup is my motto and I’m going to live it.</span></div>
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vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-27027995093110406552016-09-01T10:39:00.001-07:002016-09-01T10:40:54.683-07:00Re-Committement Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I ended my month with a BANG! lost 2.8 pounds this week! That brings my total for when I started July 30 to 17.6. Although I wish it were more, I can’t believe that I have turned this corner and am committed to the behavior change that is creating a better me.</div>
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Today is the first of the month. Weigh yourself today or tomorrow morning. Write down that weight. We are starting fresh. </div>
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I commit to tracking my food every day for the Month of September. It is only 30 days. I can do this.</div>
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I commit to 12000 steps 5 days of the week for the Month of September. It is only 30 days. I can do this.</div>
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I commit to dragging my butt to a gym and find out about joining (at least trying the gym out for free). It is only a gym. I can do this</div>
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What are you committing to for this month? Think about what you can do to make this journey more accountable. You don’t have to do the weight watchers app. There are plenty of free ones for your phone:</div>
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<li>Myfitnesspal. </li>
<li>MyPlate calorie tracker</li>
<li>Loose it!!!</li>
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I know that accountability is hard. I know that having to write everything down is a pain. I also know that because I’m writing everything down, I am accountable to myself for the results that I attain.</div>
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Contemplate. New month. New goals. Or the same goals. </div>
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I know it isn’t about the number. But actually it is about the number. I want that number to be less! It is our choice to make that number less than it is today. </div>
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Good luck!</div>
vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-88171922409910876342016-08-31T14:44:00.002-07:002016-08-31T14:44:23.104-07:00Last Day of the Month Wednesday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here we go. Tomorrow September one starts a new day. Finish today strong!!! </div>
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Today I'm tracking my food like a rockstar!!! I'm adding tons of veggies to my food plan so that I am completely full. Yesterday I ate so many veggies for lunch I couldn't finish it. Whoa!!!! When is the last time that happened? I do not know. (I bet if lunch was french fries I could'a ate the entire plate...but veggies, well when I get full, I get full.)</div>
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Tomorrow I am starting off early taking a walk along a nice trail and headed to weight watchers for my meeting. I really don't expect a huge loss. I've been the same pretty much every day this week. But there will be something there. I know I'm doing well because I actually wore jeans and a really nice shirt to my meeting today. Haven't been able to button that shirt since I purchased it. Yes, the jeans were a little tight, but heck, I wore them and didn't feel uncomfortable at all! </div>
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So the month of September. A new start. The weigh in tomorrow will be my starting weight. Then we will see what can happen in a month. </div>
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Life is good, tremendously complicated and fraught with emotion, but good.</div>
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vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-51930259117357221272016-08-30T13:44:00.001-07:002016-08-31T16:17:28.866-07:00New Start Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxb-ZUCf8lJtuAh_T7cNx_Zr2NORjgdsuYJ-XdWXnhq09vSB4AAjC0iD70gJen4rEx6gr6mIMbE5aTuECjhdA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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I was headed up the hill for agility class and chatting with Laura. I proudly commented that I was on day 31 and looking forward to day 60. During this time, I was mentioning that I wanted to up-the-anti on my weight loss next month. This month was about planning and tracking. Being accountable. I’ve been 100% accountable even when I stretched the limits of what I should eat a little. I still wrote it down.</div>
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I want to keep my accountability, but I feel like I’m ready to add a new dimension. I feel like I need to up my exercise next. Just get out more. Train a little harder. I’m pretty overweight so I can’t get crazy. Don’t want to injure myself. But I do want to increase my metabolism a bit and start to get stronger.</div>
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Then the idea hit both of us. Why not reset September 1 and start fresh. Rather than day 33, September 1 will be day 1. So instead of trucking along, I’m starting a whole new month. Going to rock this month!!!</div>
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I’m recommending that you start fresh September 1. Put last month behind you on Thursday. Celebrate it, but It is in the past. Fresh start Thursday as we are setting the clocks anew. No more trudging along….leave that to later in the month. September 1 is exciting, it is new, it is a chance to improve.</div>
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Now don’t go crazy on me. The old Vici would say…well, I should have potato chips to celebrate and restart on Thurs. NOOOOOOOO! We have to finish this month strong! Do good meal planning to end out the month heading to ONEderland. We all want to be there. Let’s get it done.</div>
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Then onThursday, what are you doing to start your new month out right? Pick one thing that you will add to help you reach your long term goals. For me, here’s what I’m doing in September:</div>
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<li>Committing to 12000 steps a day. Each day. Not average. Right now I’m averaging just about 12000, but my weekends are making up for the weekdays I’m not getting there. I am doing it. 12000 steps a day.</li>
<li>Joining a gym. I need to get on the treadmill and do interval training. Absolutely need to do that. Joining the gym and committing to 2 times a week in September.</li>
<li>Doing something for myself. Going to a new art class (glass fusing) in September. Something just for me. Truly looking forward to it.</li>
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So, end this month strong and reset the clock Thursday morning. We are going to truly Rock this month.</div>
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Lastly, I have to talk about my lunch. OMG! It was fabulous.</div>
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Hot pan, spray with Pam.</div>
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<li>crumbled cauliflower</li>
<li>mushrooms</li>
<li>onion</li>
<li>bell pepper</li>
<li>garlic</li>
<li>salt and pepper</li>
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Saute</div>
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Microwave small bag of noodles (ramin) do not use seasoning packet (sugar)</div>
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Once veggies are nicely cooked add 1/2 pack ramin noodle and 1/2 tablespoon of your favorite sauce..I used Korean BBQ.</div>
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Stir and set aside.</div>
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Make meat or fish (I used pork) I pan cooked (with 1/2 tbsp Korean BBQ) using pam for sear then steamed with water.</div>
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Mix in some shredded cabbage to veggie mix. Put in bowel, top with meat and enjoy. I could not eat it all and am VERY full! Yum.</div>
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vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-64744520795034217322016-08-29T14:15:00.001-07:002016-08-29T15:11:45.152-07:00Great Expectations Monday<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Well it is Monday. Last night I had a dream where I was looking at myself in the mirror and saw ribs. It was sorta like that selfie shot you sometimes see on FaceBook where someone is showing their abs, but it was from the side. I could see my ribs and as I looked it seemed I was getting smaller and smaller. It was a nice dream.</span><br />
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I don’t know about you, but I have expectations. Expectations that often aren’t met. I’m still wondering how after all this work and 30 days of food management I still look fat in my videos. I guess my expectations are very high.</div>
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A few things I have to remember:</div>
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<li class="">No one said as I gained weight: “OMG you are getting so fat!” I have to remember it takes time to show on the outside.</li>
<li class="">It is already showing on the inside. I am a healthier person. Much healthier. I ran better this weekend. Yes I pooped out at the end of the day. Yes I’m feeling that my legs and feet and knees are burning up, but gosh darn it, I had so much more energy this weekend then in the past month.</li>
<li class="">Time. It just keeps ticking. 30 days ago I decided that I was done being fat. That doesn’t make me instantly a thin person…even though that’s what I really want. It takes time. I could be the same or more today, yet I’m not. 30 days from now I’ll not be the same as I am today. Time just continues and I have the power to change who I am and it only is time. The trick is, that time happens whether I use it wisely or not.</li>
<li class="">Earning it. I feel I have to earn this weight loss and fitness. It was me who got me into this black pit of unhealthy behavior. It is me that is going to get out of it.</li>
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So I’m learning to manage my expectations and match my expectations to my output. I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t have the most high expectations of myself, but rather than getting mad and focusing on the negative of expectations not met, I am measuring my expectations to what is actually possible and still reaching for the stars, but accepting my earthly foothold.</div>
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So work on reviewing your expectations today. Make sure you are not setting yourself up for disappointment. Manage your expectations to balance with real possibilities.</div>
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vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-2147724528296179732016-08-27T15:09:00.000-07:002016-08-29T15:11:26.760-07:00Sunshine Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihfAb9WJL3bbvc9PA3nC_GvxqxeqIDTuBmwQ0rUKH_hOt4tYy9BOSRPnHUtjDGgMuRiSYaSYp1G07HN-fRWjDytADV6hppkijfwDZruIdBVZkKdbCE3ZV1TU_UzDZDgsDBBpCbN_sZkY/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihfAb9WJL3bbvc9PA3nC_GvxqxeqIDTuBmwQ0rUKH_hOt4tYy9BOSRPnHUtjDGgMuRiSYaSYp1G07HN-fRWjDytADV6hppkijfwDZruIdBVZkKdbCE3ZV1TU_UzDZDgsDBBpCbN_sZkY/s320/IMG_4012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I'm just plugging away at life and my diet. Wore a top I haven't worn in ages and feel pretty confident. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Find something to be happy about today! Stay focused and we will live happy lives!</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Congrats on the accomplishments!! </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today I hit 17 pounds!!!!! Now to keep it up.</span>vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-88350249985499771172016-08-26T15:05:00.000-07:002016-08-29T15:14:24.841-07:00Carbohydrate Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgpwIwxuwh_JT2F11vqm8ghc4563vOzTUDMPYZshCVdiUQYH54n3S9x7OVqzNaS7bW8ts_dqdsfJJXLZwp3OE28KPx8JkCczy_nLSMqubCi4puZEWyryfXcWtL_RdOhtYKH1YS2HUirU/s1600/IMG_0225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgpwIwxuwh_JT2F11vqm8ghc4563vOzTUDMPYZshCVdiUQYH54n3S9x7OVqzNaS7bW8ts_dqdsfJJXLZwp3OE28KPx8JkCczy_nLSMqubCi4puZEWyryfXcWtL_RdOhtYKH1YS2HUirU/s320/IMG_0225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Weight loss for me is less about what I’m eating and more about the why and how I’m eating. I’m changing the how and why I eat even more than what I eat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Of course there are foods I no longer eat because I feel those foods are my gateway foods (potato chips, fast food). But it is less about that food than how and why I eat that food (binge eat - eat the whole large bag of chips while driving/watcing TV/on the computer….get fast food in the car and eat while driving). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">AT the camping trip I ate garlic bread. OMG it was so good. So I made a salad and grilled chicken (everyone else ate pasta and meatballs). Then in front of everyone I put one small piece of garlic bread on my plate. I waited for everyone to say, “WTF! You are NOT going to eat that” While their plates where piled high. But no one said anything. I enjoyed that garlic bread so much I went back and had another (with some veggies of course). Then I went and started clean up and had two more where no one was watching. Those are the ones that I regret. If I could have stopped at the pieces I ate with everyone…but no. It was my guilty pleasure rather than just my meal and I hid the fact that I ate more from everyone….old behaviors….not the new me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">I believe we have to eat carbohydrates to be able to lose and maintain that loss. But they need to be part of the food plan. Many foods have carbs in them (veggies/breads/rice/potatoes). It is how I incorporate those foods into my diet that will lead to success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">So what Carbs don’t I eat right now? Fried carbs - just gotta stay away from breaded/fried foods, fried potatoes (chips and fries). I also try to select carbs that are better for me and eat them as part of a food plan rather than plan the meal around my carb. I tend to eat more fried carbs…put a pile of french fries and a a pile of celery sticks. I could probably eat 2 celery sticks…while I’d eat the entire pile of fries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">For my Mexican flavored meals (tacos, burrito, etc) I choose corn tortilla over Flour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">For my tuna sandwich, I have my english muffin, sometimes I have the sour dough but sometimes I have the whole wheat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Everyday I have carbs in my eating plan. I just make sure that I’m not falling into the old behaviors and making poor decisions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">We are in it for the long haul. Too much sacrifice will undermine our ability to do it for a long time. Remember, it isn’t just about the loss. It is about the maintenance of that loss and our ability to sustain behaviors over the long haul. I don’t know about you, but I will eat cake sometime along my journey. I’m going to drink alcohol. I want to feel I deserve these things rather than feel that they are a guilty pleasure. I’m not eating cake or drinking wine right now….right now I’m in loss mode and understand I’m about the number…but what I want to do is put behaviors in place that are sustainable so that I have the tools to maintain my weight loss a year from now when I’m wearing smaller cloths and thinking I got this……. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">I do not want to gain the weight back and I will if I don’t create a lifestyle of sustainability. This is why I have not maintained my weight loss in the past. I’ve never really dealt with the why and how. I’ve only dealt with the what.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">So do plan a diet where carbs are part of it. Just look at the how and why you are eating them to determine whether they are appropriate for your food plan.</span>vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-52363852321051791412016-08-23T15:06:00.000-07:002016-08-29T15:06:58.473-07:00Stats and Health Check Tuesday<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Today I went in to my regular 3 month checkup with my Oncologist. All clear! So a couple things of note. His scale was 20 pounds off! In my favor. I started laughing when I weighed in. I knew what I weighed. I weighed myself that morning. It made me giggle that that I could lose 20 pounds in the drive from my house to the Dr.s. Also of note, my blood pressure was AWESOME. Even with meds, my blood pressure hasn’t been that good. 110 over 75. Really just about perfect. The nurse and Dr. commented on it.</div>
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So let’s talk stats. </div>
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<li class="">It is important to measure yourself. I know, I know. Don’t tell me your measurements. But think about getting the tape measure out and noting it somewhere private. I’m doing that. Once a month pull it out and see where you are. </li>
<li class="">Health measure. Make an appointment for a regular exam and get a baseline. Then in 6 months do it again and see if things changed</li>
<li class="">Mammogram. Have you had your mammogram within the last year. If not get that appointment as well.</li>
<li class="">Colonoscopy. Just do it if you haven’t. I had mine last summer.</li>
<li class="">Pelvic. I get one every 3 months so I’m good. What about you. A pelvic saved my life. </li>
<li class="">Walking. If you don’t have some device to measure you walks look around. There are bunches of free apps for your phone. One thing that is important with walking is that you increase your intensity or duration on an ongoing basis. Having a device or app can help you increase your workouts slowly. I’m thinking of getting the couch to 5K apple app. </li>
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Hugs (how many calories is a hug?)</div>
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vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-71732651918949236622016-08-23T15:05:00.000-07:002016-08-31T15:01:20.709-07:00Back Home Tuesday<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">I really did a great job with the eating on the camping trip</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVtZbWMZJUEfZRbi14oYP-7m2UAXwuKlsucbnplR5OlWP4e8Yh35y98QVsd35nX2ZZ_tZlAlzahOhUoOOSyngiVl9sgodZgTEht5_LPGE05AZpJBpOPLkfZAkemTQNXWhl0GoU6kQAtI/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVtZbWMZJUEfZRbi14oYP-7m2UAXwuKlsucbnplR5OlWP4e8Yh35y98QVsd35nX2ZZ_tZlAlzahOhUoOOSyngiVl9sgodZgTEht5_LPGE05AZpJBpOPLkfZAkemTQNXWhl0GoU6kQAtI/s320/IMG_3622.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Even brought my scale to weigh my proteins. It was hard. Very hard. Food everywhere. Drinks everywhere. Loads of people having a great time snacking and drinking. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">To be perfectly honest, there were times I just didn’t feel part of the group since what was bringing them together was booze and food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">I just simply didn’t participate. I’d get up and go take a walk, play with Olive, or find someone that didn’t want to drink and take a walk with them. I did over do the walking a bit and am paying for it, but I’d rather do that then feel sorry for myself. My goal was 20,000 steps a day on the hike. I hit 24,000 Sat, 27,000 Sun, and 22,000 today. My fitbit was working overtime!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Tomorrow I have a 3 mile walk planned and I will stick to my food plan. Have all I need to be one with my meal tracking and I’ll keep trucking along. No matter what, if I keep doing this, I will see improvement. The same for you. Keep it up!</span>vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-74138775792621793832016-08-20T15:01:00.000-07:002016-08-29T15:02:13.138-07:00Off the Grid Saturday<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9430cXSNz900jjs3Qv0NsPEid7Ipr5D49MqqXqoLI1U9kIE3rx5xf4_cORPrF8iEzjKI9elhFCh02GuVvue7lOEW4ensYYLAOfhqMBvwBOZ-UyNz52RWrLuHR4B4O3UYZJ-gAxnTuSY/s1600/CIMG2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9430cXSNz900jjs3Qv0NsPEid7Ipr5D49MqqXqoLI1U9kIE3rx5xf4_cORPrF8iEzjKI9elhFCh02GuVvue7lOEW4ensYYLAOfhqMBvwBOZ-UyNz52RWrLuHR4B4O3UYZJ-gAxnTuSY/s320/CIMG2892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm headed to Mt. Madonna for camping. <br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Sometimes we are in situations that we can’t control everything. I’m using this weekend as a great way to do what I’ve been practicing. I’m bringing my scale so I can weigh my proteins. I’ve got tons of fruit I’m brining. I have a plan for lunches and breakfast. I know what people are serving for dinners and I can pick and choose. Laura says she is going to hike my ass off (I’ll admit, I’m scared). </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Stick to a healthy lifestyle and focus on how your behavior is helping you achieve your goals.</span>vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-42234275112357172902016-08-19T14:57:00.000-07:002016-08-29T14:58:33.742-07:00It's Closet Shopping Friday<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This morning I tried on jeans I haven’t looked at in 6 months. I put them on and didn’t have to lay on the bed to do so. I’m actually sitting at my desk comfortably wearing them right now. Ok, I’ll admit it, I’m also giggling and smiling.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I don’t know about you, but I get into clothing ruts. I wear the same things because I know those things fit. My closet if full of cloths but they didn’t fit so I ignore them. I ignore them because I don’t want to face the fact that I can’t wear them. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">One of the cycles I get in is I lose weight and start to feel better and go online and purchase stuff that will fit as I lose weight. Then I don’t stick to the program and that clothing item sits in my closet and is not looked at again. Closet is full, but I’m hardly wearing anything in there. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Instead of shopping online, I’m shopping in my closet!</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">What I’ve done is started a purging process (I have to so I can move…so there was motivation), but this purging has been incredibly freeing. I have given away much of what has been taking space in my closet. Things that don’t fit, I got big bins and labeled them by size and am ONLY keeping stuff I really love. I have size 18 and size 16 bins. I have one shirt that is a size 8 that I absolutely LOVE so I’m keeping that one as a dream shirt. Stuff that is left hanging and on the shelves is stuff either I wear every day or stuff that I almost can wear. There is still a lot of cloths, and I think I need more purging, but at least I can see what I have now.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">So this weekend, get in that closet of yours. Start to organize your cloths. Do a little shopping in there. You might be really surprised at what you find.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmzRXWTlNjVkEV64eZREb0AW2y-aH-ZUuoedmDlA2PRqEiEjZk3qFnKBtIUnLReyP1dwz1VCoRgvP8h8vW5J1v5iPB024MD7SH0h__qhJclLNg2fgeO_1oUIEtwxtbm6Zi8oTbw_mQX0/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmzRXWTlNjVkEV64eZREb0AW2y-aH-ZUuoedmDlA2PRqEiEjZk3qFnKBtIUnLReyP1dwz1VCoRgvP8h8vW5J1v5iPB024MD7SH0h__qhJclLNg2fgeO_1oUIEtwxtbm6Zi8oTbw_mQX0/s320/IMG_3966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" />vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-13609022123521505052016-08-18T14:53:00.000-07:002016-08-29T14:55:56.076-07:00Disappointment Thursday<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">How do you handle disappointment?</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">There comes a time in your journey where you will be disappointed.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I know for me this is very hard. I want to go eat more to feel full and comforted. I want to have tequila without thinking about it. But today I’m doing something different….or maybe the difference is I’m not doing something different. I’m going to keep my menu planning going. I’m going to continue to make choices that help me meet my end goal. I will continue to drink water. I will continue to see the good in things.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Life is full of disappointments. I am going to acknowledge that I have disappointment in my life. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today how I am going to handle my disappointment is take a walk with some really awesome music. (after I finish entering all the entries for SMART!)</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I know this Thursdays inspiration isn’t really inspiration. But sometimes Life happens. Sometimes getting through the mud that you are stuck in is inspiration enough :)</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Hugs!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC9xt-zphuh_dFDmMVFw9jd5hZaM0_hcL4TJsmzYjTD5D65uhNcpDfKEC6UM8dnmgkzdeb3wqJju-Zd-SB6fn-g4eRlS_FIDn0Rd1tsBfbtz4tN5LcNazXUd3jbdqj78cqM9iC0VBNkU/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC9xt-zphuh_dFDmMVFw9jd5hZaM0_hcL4TJsmzYjTD5D65uhNcpDfKEC6UM8dnmgkzdeb3wqJju-Zd-SB6fn-g4eRlS_FIDn0Rd1tsBfbtz4tN5LcNazXUd3jbdqj78cqM9iC0VBNkU/s320/IMG_4436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-85605308549814829752016-08-17T14:52:00.000-07:002016-08-29T14:53:15.397-07:00Fitness Wednesday<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Even though I would like to think that if I change my eating habits, I will loose the weight, the reality is that physical movement is as important. Think of doing something different today. Walk around the block, go up and down stairs, something new. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today I'm meeting a friend for a walk. </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Hope you are having an awesome Wednesday!😎 Vici</span>vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-2973280547950079452016-07-30T14:33:00.000-07:002016-08-29T15:13:20.915-07:00Back at it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Starting up today doing weight watchers. I'm sick and tired of being this person that I've allowed myself to be. I don't want to do surgery. I don't want to do fads. I'm doing behavioral change. </div>
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I'm doing this for me. I'm doing this for my dogs. I'm doing this for my family.</div>
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I hope to find a couple people to participate in this journey with me. Sorta not optimistic yet about my chances of success but I'm doing stuff this time I haven't done before.</div>
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Joining weight watcher and going to meetings. Planning my menu and tracking it online. </div>
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Doing it...rather than trying to do it.</div>
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<br />vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-86743577407906664582015-01-20T14:16:00.000-08:002015-01-20T14:17:41.149-08:00This Shit Never Gets OldI was sick with a head cold last week. Pretty darn miserable. Then I went to an agility trial.<br />
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Fin was super happy and speedy. No "Q's" on day one, but oh what a ride. Walking to the line with Fin is like getting on the best roller coaster money can buy. She is super fun and gave me tons of attitude this weekend. Loved running her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVYhK0bdJurWMlTFN7DcwsEXPG9RPedIjGtGtfPMKIJrVcyAB9IIZ_AVUnDB4TKLw0O6WMO-HIuAqoQ6a95FLyalPF-6kzEd3IRvi7N7yrILOCvrZeouwoqW09f7pUZ5BP7kLpXtaOlg/s1600/Olive+-+Thorsons+jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVYhK0bdJurWMlTFN7DcwsEXPG9RPedIjGtGtfPMKIJrVcyAB9IIZ_AVUnDB4TKLw0O6WMO-HIuAqoQ6a95FLyalPF-6kzEd3IRvi7N7yrILOCvrZeouwoqW09f7pUZ5BP7kLpXtaOlg/s1600/Olive+-+Thorsons+jumping.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Olive was a superstar too. <br />
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Given where we were last year (couldn't even get her to run in a group class), I gave her time off and started her back to agility after the babies went to their new homes. When people ask me when I'm going to show Olive, I tell them that Olive and I are on Terrier time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCaNw-G_N3YfKjfEAZxskLx5EIfhJ7Wicjl1S5oaAKXaFEQOeTu7IYX0XuMfV2vLadZyRxT1swToLtNi5gK3n_NHKpug1FODGzbwi274ZjoHdnms2lgtG_4wmNyGwqrSa8nyWoPGEGKI/s1600/Olive+-+Thorsons+jmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCaNw-G_N3YfKjfEAZxskLx5EIfhJ7Wicjl1S5oaAKXaFEQOeTu7IYX0XuMfV2vLadZyRxT1swToLtNi5gK3n_NHKpug1FODGzbwi274ZjoHdnms2lgtG_4wmNyGwqrSa8nyWoPGEGKI/s1600/Olive+-+Thorsons+jmp.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Olive and I started back in agility just the two of us, playing in the back yard and then eventually at the agility field. Once I felt the love for agility was building, I put her in a group class. Group class seemed to be getting better and better....so we went to our first fun match. It went very well. <br />
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I thought, let's just sign up for one run each day. She was AMAZING!!<br />
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Although I've been sick and feeling sorry for myself. You could not wipe the smile off of my face.<br />
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I simply love this sport. I simply love my dogs. I am incredibly grateful for the friends that I have and the support that I receive through the agility community.<br />
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Thanks to Ian from Ian Coggins Photography for the photos!vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-37328229871079755832015-01-07T15:43:00.001-08:002015-01-07T15:43:31.352-08:00LIfe Goes On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fin and I are back at it this weekend. SMART trials are very fun and it is here in Morgan Hill. 10 minutes from my house!! I might even have a run or two with little Olive. We will see how she is in the environment.<br />
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Weather looks cold but dry. Good for the dogs. Great for agility. I am very excited about trialing again. I've literally been to one day of one trial just before surgery. Fin Q'd in Steeple (yeah!) but now we need a ton of Q's for Nationals next October. Going to be a bumpy road but I'm hoping that we succeed.<br />
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Fin is very excited about getting out and doing agility again. I expect a high crazy dog (the way I like them). Olive, I'm hoping for some focus. I'm not planning on trying to Q, just planning on running as fast as I can and see that she runs with me. A good test for the Spring trial season.<br />
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All is good in crazy cancer land. Start my radiation today. The worst is behind me I hope. Exercise, eat right, and stay focused on the good stuff.<br />
<br />vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-69897180387352969082014-12-11T17:23:00.001-08:002014-12-11T17:23:34.162-08:00No more DecisionsThe Dr.s have made the decisions for me. I was leaning toward not doing anything. They lean toward radiation. NOW! <br />
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Good news. I will be done before February 11. <br />
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Bad news. Side effects...if they happen. Hopefully with my sunny disposition, those side effects will not impact me.<br />
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I continue to be optimistic and look forward to February 11 when all this will be done and I will be in Hawaii. :)<br />
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Then it will be a busy, busy, trial season for me. Catching up on lost trials and qualifications. Looking forward to perhaps getting Olive started in April! Whoo Hoo!<br />
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Today I am grateful that I stuck to my healthy eating all week. I am grateful that I have friends who helped remind me that I must get my walking in. I am really thankful that the scale reflects the hard work I put in. Next year... it is going to be a good one!<br />
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vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-23245097750533863552014-12-10T11:07:00.001-08:002014-12-10T11:07:59.261-08:00Decisions, decisions, decisions.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am fraught with indecision. To get more treatment or to not get more treatment.<br />
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All options have consequences. Doing nothing, surgery, radiation. Surgery sucks. Radiation really sucks. Doing nothing is scary.</div>
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Meanwhile I have life. It does go on. Have a trip I have planned for February. I have trials that I want to attend. Trying to fit radiation into my schedule is seriously inconvenient. Do I go ahead and do it now and risk suffering from side effects while I'm on vacation. Do I forgo the radiation completely? Do I wait and do it after vacation and risk missing dog agility trials?</div>
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I have trialed ONE day since cynosports. ONE DAY!!! Yes I got a steeplechase Q because Fin is awesome, but I need a ton of Q's for Nationals and feel like I'm running out of time.</div>
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In the meantime, I am eating healthy. Walking daily. Letting time go by. </div>
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Yesterday. Today. A bit of a funk. I'll get out of it. Nothing to be done until December 17 when my Doctor comes back. Doing nothing. I can do that.</div>
<br />vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-65307622051158619672014-12-07T12:19:00.001-08:002014-12-07T12:19:41.621-08:00Things have changed...yet they remain the same.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Damn Cancer</div>
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I feel normal most of the time. Just a regular Joe. It is easy to not think about...just like with any problem. Dust Bunnies? Nope I don't see them. Leaves on the ground? I'll get to them later. Diet, oh hell, I'll get to it Monday.</div>
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Then I'm reminded. I have to deal with the reality. Dr. Visits coming up. Got to fill out more forms than when purchasing a house. Have to plan my questions...do I even want the answers?</div>
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Gotta check the box marked cancer. Makes me feel weird.</div>
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I'm really lucky as my cancer is seriously not bad. Stage 1a Uterine cancer can be cut out and be done with. Sometimes it is a little more complicated and decisions have to be made. In my case I may have to have (ok reality check)...will have to have radiation. I'll find more about that next week.</div>
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Family is bugging me to make sure I make my appointments. I don't want to be bugged. I like feeling great and not thinking about it.</div>
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I've been living a life that makes me sick. Not everything, but I've got to change and clean up my pond. In some ways I feel the Party's over. Never thinking about my behavior has been fun. Thinking about change makes me feel less fun. Much of what I perceive as fun is associated with food (and sometimes drink...but generally food). This has to change.<br />
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Although not thinking about my behavior is easy, never thinking about my behavior has consequences. Things for me are changing. I'm looking at the world around me and seeing how I can change my lifestyle to give myself a better chance at a healthier life.<br />
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I'm already up and out walking the dogs. Working my way up to 4-6 miles. I'd like to be walking six miles and the Mt. Madonna loop by February 15. That's 10 weeks. I'll get there.</div>
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Changing eating habits. I was doing so well right after surgery. Then, I started making bad choices. I noticed that hard won 15 pounds was slowly disappearing. A good kick in the arse by a friend and I created a food plan. Part of that plan is joining weight watchers. The accountability is what I need. I know how to eat, I just don't want to. Specific things I'm doing:</div>
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Cooking - it is easy for me to go purchase food and eat it. But I am making a commitment to cooking my own meals. The results are astounding. Food is really delicious. I have some challenges coming up with the holidays. But I'm up with it. </div>
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Not eating out - I can eat out a bunch. Love to go and have lunch with my husband. Not doing it right now. I can have a meal out once in a while, but honestly I have to choose better. When I do eat out, I will have a plan before so I make good choices.</div>
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Measuring and documenting - I am tracking everything on my IPhone. Making choices that keep my calories at a minimum. Not eating anything I can't track.</div>
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Beef - giving it up. One of my true weaknesses. When it comes to beef, I don't believe in lean. I love a good fatty rib eye. I'm leaving the cows alone.</div>
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Organic - I am choosing organics when available to me.</div>
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So in a way life is better than it has ever been. It is also harder. Waking up with bright thoughts. Waking up knowing that I have to follow my eating and exercise plan is hard. Sometimes it is day by day...sometimes it is hour by hour. <br />
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I am confident that I'll get it done.<br />
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<br />vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952279853979072226.post-17249833632589365652014-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:002014-12-05T19:39:03.288-08:00The More I know, the Less I Know...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today the blog-o-sphere is talking about continuing education. Read more about it here:
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/continuing-education/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/continuing-education/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I remember long ago when I knew it all. When I was a teen, I told my mom all the time that I knew so much more than she did and felt the master of my universe. Those were the good old days. Now I look at things differently. Knowledge has opened up the wide universe to me and I begin to comprehend how much I do not know. It is intimidating.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3JLS89BnPGoOCgtnbHKpu8elWxu36lUqs8_zHyYLoh7s-z0tvLVMwSpG7fNkUHyQxPQNCFXPPA0cOrQIHJNDGVZkX5oibPHKEVbv1Qi1jHAytuQyX8UDb5CLSYaqlPq22OD39MtVgHU/s1600/scales.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3JLS89BnPGoOCgtnbHKpu8elWxu36lUqs8_zHyYLoh7s-z0tvLVMwSpG7fNkUHyQxPQNCFXPPA0cOrQIHJNDGVZkX5oibPHKEVbv1Qi1jHAytuQyX8UDb5CLSYaqlPq22OD39MtVgHU/s1600/scales.png" /></a></div>
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In an effort to make myself a better person I seek information about things. I like to learn things and in learning things I open myself up to understanding that the more I know the less I know. Those scales will never be balanced because there is always more to know. </div>
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As I look at my dog training and agility life, I am interested to know how to train better. There are many resources available online now, it is a very exciting time. In my endeavor to make my dogs more competitive, I seek the next topic that might help me with my current dogs or even future dogs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhSXwr39fZslJqMO8Lj9-mOyUvZQNSxxNJjhyphenhyphenUJi_7BytL9b3KCBC-6so9oRmwjKMXHjFVH27oeyqG6eOE498xDOSFxShfQCQJM2qG1CVGGzJAYAgiEzzjZuYKrlqRIpDAb4LXDMGXrA/s1600/20140823-IMG_1163-001-001-ZF-2070-41666-1-001-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhSXwr39fZslJqMO8Lj9-mOyUvZQNSxxNJjhyphenhyphenUJi_7BytL9b3KCBC-6so9oRmwjKMXHjFVH27oeyqG6eOE498xDOSFxShfQCQJM2qG1CVGGzJAYAgiEzzjZuYKrlqRIpDAb4LXDMGXrA/s1600/20140823-IMG_1163-001-001-ZF-2070-41666-1-001-002.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fin is trained. However, I still need to fix her contacts and as I watch my videos with her, I can see that I can work on tight turns. Also, teaching her some new moves to help me get where I need to be is a possibility. Learning more is exciting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9mRHzau_JjytLwIL94XYKWiRF3oVFw4HbkPwe8rS7EHPfOb-pci3fr9RhRL_okfREjBKhfdYB-zW8kFan-BtTWdU4m5iHkSPndj-By_HfeIF_i2FgwDqUkSlvZyBQGWiUMbr28zprVo/s1600/20140201-IMG_2329-(ZF-9624-74045-1-002).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9mRHzau_JjytLwIL94XYKWiRF3oVFw4HbkPwe8rS7EHPfOb-pci3fr9RhRL_okfREjBKhfdYB-zW8kFan-BtTWdU4m5iHkSPndj-By_HfeIF_i2FgwDqUkSlvZyBQGWiUMbr28zprVo/s1600/20140201-IMG_2329-(ZF-9624-74045-1-002).jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
Olive is not trained. She has opened up my knowledge to learning to work on Terrier time. I find myself looking for classes and/or reading books on motivation and drive. I spend time with her differently than I spend with Fin. With Olive we are building a love for the sport and tight turns are not really important.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXFt3OD0xqixY6YP305a65MOXsYdNNV94-M7k3FFFTQQuCJQnQzZ8mCMID5Pa2E2oNZwCRCGAgCqc8ww6TKsA0379DsyDLRcKaZV9JPYHFtr6gHS1qXaSK0MvMh-qjgwraN_CF9TP8jI/s1600/double+point.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXFt3OD0xqixY6YP305a65MOXsYdNNV94-M7k3FFFTQQuCJQnQzZ8mCMID5Pa2E2oNZwCRCGAgCqc8ww6TKsA0379DsyDLRcKaZV9JPYHFtr6gHS1qXaSK0MvMh-qjgwraN_CF9TP8jI/s1600/double+point.png" height="281" width="320" /></a></div>
Is Vici Trained? For my handling, I am constantly looking at how I can improve. I often watch my video or look at a photo and ask myself, "what in the heck was I thinking?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl75pG7OyZePrZK9jzkxe_7BdM5PFWhGO1oOQXeNO6Q641XtnEcJ2MTx6igvEJGm-42BAgfRvR4WLUDKuEbuOqFf_9jvjUG-GgqtR9hcfGzdMB84HJKy3cOlEzpF10-YcCVGtLhXA7tw/s1600/Olive+lead+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl75pG7OyZePrZK9jzkxe_7BdM5PFWhGO1oOQXeNO6Q641XtnEcJ2MTx6igvEJGm-42BAgfRvR4WLUDKuEbuOqFf_9jvjUG-GgqtR9hcfGzdMB84HJKy3cOlEzpF10-YcCVGtLhXA7tw/s1600/Olive+lead+out.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
All in all, for me continuing education is what makes this sport so rewarding. It is because no one has all the answers, that finding the answers makes it much more interesting then if I trained my dogs and we worked like clockwork. <br />
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That said, sometimes it is difficult to find the learning resources that can help in expanding our knowledge. Two of my favorite resources are Denise Fenzi and Susan Garrett. I truly appreciate the information they provide and the biggest difficulty I find is finding the time to take all the information in.vici whisnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358421902429845686noreply@blogger.com1