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Agh! I hate rain. I’m fighting off the last little remnants of my cold, and here in St. Louis, we’ve been experiencing rain of Biblical proportions. I’m going to start looking for the ark in a minute…. Since it was so yuck outside and I’m still waiting for my fingerprints to come back from the FBI so that I can start my new gig, I decided to work out from home. Last week, I probably should not have asked the background screening guy “If an alarm would go off if I was crazed criminal on the run?” He gave me a strange look and said “No, they have to send the prints to the FBI first, and they would notify them.” My inappropriate question might be what’s holding up this employement screening process. But I was just curious you know, about how it all worked…Anyway, today I decided to work out to exercise DVDs in my living room. I did “Sit & Get Fit 
” and Mel B’s Totally Fit
. Sit and Get Fit was for seniors, it had some good moves and stretches, but was super boring with no music. I was on the phone with my sisters during most of it. I got a good laugh when both of them asked me who was the weird old guy in my house they heard through the phone. Then they got a laugh when told them it was an old guy wearing slippers doing chair exercises 
Mel B’s video was cool and the arm exercises were a killer. I couldn’t do all of it, it’s definitely not a DVD for beginners. She’s got a banging body! It makes you want to keep going hoping that one day you might come close to looking like that.
What Did Carli Eat Today?
B- Spinach and Onion 3 egg Omelet and Whole Grain Toast
S- Homemade caramel popcorn, Special K Protein Water
L – Whole Wheat Grilled Cheese Sandwich
D- Veggie Stir-Fry w/ Chicken and eggplant and Rice Got tired, ate leftover spaghetti
I know everyone hates being sick, but I really just hate it! I woke up at like 3AM with snot running and throat hurting, *sniffle* it’s just gross. I took some expired Nyquil and tried to go back to sleep. When I got out of bed this morning I still felt pretty yuck. My friend was nice enough to swing by in the rain to bring me some Dayquil
. I was just praying that I got better because I knew I had to teach the fitness class tonight at church tonight. During the day, I did a little bit of reading and researching and I found some pictures in SELF magazine with this cute little dancer from whatever that celebrity dance show is called. She had some ballet dance moves in there, and I thought how unique, I’ll add them to my church class routine. I like to do moves that are different and fun to keep the people entertained.
With the rain, I wasn’t even sure anyone would show up. But I had 5 students, 3 of which were Mom and both sisters, but nonetheless there were 5 attendees. We had great time. We did some real cardio, we ran laps in the basement, did jumping jacks and of course I incorporated the ballet dance moves, and instructed everyone to be graceful and controlled like a ballerina. It was a good sweaty work out. I guess the prayer and Day-Quil made it all possible.
What Did Carli Eat Today? Nothing to brag about…
B- Beef Stew – too sick to cook, so I just warmed this up.
S- Mixed Nuts
L- Homemade Hamburger and spaghetti
D- T-Bone Steak, salad, and Baked potato and Texas Toast (take-out)
I’m counting down my days as a free unemployed woman. I’m pretty sure next week after the drug and fingerprinting test results come back, I’ll start my new job. This morning I got up at 8 something and went to the gym. I ran for like 30 minutes, a little bit of walking, but mostly running around the track. Afterwards, I was good and sweaty. I climbed down the stairs, and went to the actual workout room with the equipment. I remember last year I would look at people and say, how in the world can you RUN, and then go and workout again? I just thought that was so crazy! It’s amazing what a little time will do. I got on the elliptical and did about 20 minutes. There was a plus sized lady on the machine next to me, and she had that same “how can you do all that” look I used to have. I told her; “hey if I can do it, so can you” It felt good to encourage someone.
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reading and researching about growing and improving and bettering yourself and stepping outside of your comfort zone. I decided take a bold step and go to the front desk and ask the lady what it takes to teach a class at the YMCA. She told me you need CPR certification. I told her confidently, “Oh I’ve got that,” not telling her I just got it yesterday! LOL! She said you also need some sort of fitness instructor certification, to which I replied, I’m working on my ACE certification now. I described to her the details of the type class that I would like to teach, and she said, “Of course we have an opening for a class like that, fill out the application, and we can get you started!” Oh wow, I exclaimed. I totally didn’t think things could move along so fast. Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it! Maybe those of you in the St. Louis area will soon be able to come to the Y and take my class!
In order to sit to take the ACE Group fitness instructor exam, you have to first be CPR and AED certified. I was neither, and didn’t even know what AED (Automated External Defibrillator) stood for, so I signed up for the classes with the Red Cross. When you walk in, they give you this creepy looking rubber face in a clear plastic bag that you later use to place over the mannequin’s head for sanitary reasons. I named mine “Henry.” LOL, he just looked like an old guy named Henry to me. Little did I know, me and Henry would get to know each other really well. I saved his life, I gave him mouth to mouth and even plucked imaginary food from his mouth when he was chocking. Seriously though, I learned a lot, especially when we had to lie on the floor while another class participant pretended to save us. CPR is hard work, most of us agreed that after 2 minutes of doing it properly, (not what you see on TV), your arms are really tired. At the end, we took a test of what we just learned. Being the nerd that I am, I got 100% right. However, I still hope and pray that nobody falls unconscious during one my exercise classes. But, if they do, I can save ‘em, and I got a little red and white card to prove it.
What Did Carli Eat Today?
B- Slim Fast Hi- Protein Shake and Protein Bar
S- Diet Coke
L- 6 Chix nuggets, no sauce, Apple Dippers, Dt. Dr. Pepper
D- Chicken, Broccoli and a side of pasta, Hawaiian punch
I spent the last 3 days in a Rich Dad, Poor Dad
“Launch Your Business” Seminar. It was so long, every day from 9 a- 7 p. But, I learned a lot about real estate and have some REALY BIG dreams about my own business. I can’t go into too many details because my idea is unique, and I’ve already told too many people. When I presented my idea to the class, they thought it was a great idea and gave me positive information about how to make it better. But, I can tell you that the main idea is that I’ve found a way to help mentor people like me through the process of getting fit and reaching a healthy weight. It’s going to be big y’all. I have to do a whole lot of research and studying so that I make sure I do this right.
Tonight was Week 2 of the church fitness class. It was great! People always ask, how do I know if a certain food is healthy? So I taught the class the 2 tests. The first is test is “Is it a food that God made?” and the other is “Was it here 100 years ago?” If you answer yes to both of theses, chances are that it’s a healthy food in moderation…. Last week after teaching Week 1, I realized that all of my students were ladies, so I spiced up the exercise routine. I added a few hip swirls that I learned from cardio strip fit class and some booty lifting exercises at the end. I guess it wasn’t too sexy for the church ladies, because they were giggling and had fun with it. I also had to step it up a notch, and make them work a little harder, after all it was week 2. We were all sweating by the end of class, and I was even a little sore. When I laughed after class I definitely felt the effects of my ab rountine. At least I know it’s working. It’s so weird to say “Man, I worked myself out” Well I’m off to study, so that one day I’ll actually be certified and not just making stuff up.
What Did Carli Eat Today? – 2 many carbs not enough veggies…
B- Bowl of Cereal
L- Breakfast Casserole I made (special request from my God-brother)
S- Small Salad before class
D- Chicken sandwich and a bowl of Chili
S- Mountain Dew
Today, I went to a 12 step program meeting with someone I know. I went to support them, but I was actually able to get something out of the meeting myself. A primary focus of the program is to be anonymous, so I can’t give too many details…. But, it was such a warm and inviting environment, it reminded me of church. One woman spoke about how her addiction turned her from a successful business woman with employees into a minimum wage worker at a fast food joint. She had so many inspirational things to say. But the phrase that stuck out in mind was “You don’t have to “use/drink/eat/smoke/shop/sex” whatever your thing is…if you don’t want to.” And that seems so simple, but so true. I related her story to my love/abuse of food. Sometimes we feel so compelled to eat the turtle cheesecake or drink the sugary drink. We feel like we have to have it, even though deep down that’s not what we want. But in reality, we don’t have to have it, if we don’t want to. I like that she made a decision to take control over her life and not let her “thing” control her. She said if you’re using that “thing” as the solution, then you need to ask what’s the problem? Often times, once we figure out the actual problem, we realize that our doing our “thing” only makes things worse. So today, before you get stressed at work and eat a donut, or let that person get on your last nerve and drive you to the ice cream shop, try to address the problem, with a real solution that might actually work. 
Today was the Black MBA Association Career Fair that I’ve been talking about. All week I kept talking about the irony of an unemployed person hosting a career fair. At the fair, all of the applicants were pre-screened to confirm they had at least a bachelor’s degree. It turned out to be a huge success, many of the employers/vendors said it was the best one they’d ever participated in, and really liked the quality applicants we presented. The MBA society has been putting this event on for 16 years, so that was a huge compliment and made me feel like all of my hard volunteer work paid off. Sonia, one of the best entrepreneurs I know, was the chair-person; and she made sure everyone ate good! There was a breakfast, a real lunch and even snacks throughout the day…. When I had a quick chance to slip away and check my voicemail there was message from one of the employment recruiters that I signed up with stating that she wanted to talk to me about the job I interviewed for last week. Now y’all know I’ve been doing this whole interview thing since, August, so I KNEW a phone call was much better than the crappy “thanks but no thanks” letter employers usually send.
I called her back and she said that all 3 people that interviewed me really liked me and that they thought I was way over qualified for the law clerk position I interviewed for. So, they essentially created a new temp to permanent paralegal position just for me!!!!! As my Pastor says, “Ain’t He alright!?” I’ll be making just a little bit less than I was as my old firm….but I love that the new company has a huge commitment to the community. You can donate like $25 at the beginning of each month to a charity, and wear jeans every day. I love it! Especially, since I only have one suit jacket that actually fits and isn’t too big. I’m really excited about it……Unfortunately; I’ve been doing a lot of emotional eating lately. That emotion I’ve been feeding is BOREDOM, hopefully now that I’m gainfully employed, that’ll cut out some of the boredom. Actually, it’s crazy, but I’m more motivated to work on my own business ideas, now that I know I have to punch somebody else’s time clock… But, for right now, I’m happy and thanking God that I’m moving on to the next level….
What Did Carli Eat Today? (Enough for 3 fat people)
B- Eggs, hash browns, grapes and a biscuit
L- Baked Chicken breast, Mac n cheese, spoonful of mashed potatoes, salad, and Another Biscuit. I skipped the cheesecake dessert….that is, until they brought out the chocolate chip cookies….
S- 2 Chocolate Chip cookies…or was it 3, I can’t even remember. And Hot wings…OMG, I’m getting sick just writing all of this.
D- White Castle – Double cheeseburgers sliders, cheese sticks and a non diet soda. Whew, what a day, I probably gained 6 pounds! Glad I’ve got a job and can afford to go back to my weight management meetings!
I was signed up to run my 4th 5K on Saturday in O’Fallon, Mo. Friday, I had an interview out there, so I went ahead and picked up my race packet. I had my t-shirt, and my number laid out on the bed. I had everything except the desire to do it. I just didn’t feel like it. Later on, I still didn’t feel like it. So…I made a decision Friday night not to run. I wasn’t upset or scared that I couldn’t do it, I just didn’t want to. My heart just wasn’t in it. So I asked myself, if you don’t go to this race in morning, are you going to beat yourself up about it? I decided that I would not, sooo…I didn’t go. I know that’s not good news for “runningintoshape.com” But it’s not like I haven’t been working out at all, I did another trial fitness class with my Big Little Sister since I used the Little Sister last time. She thought I did a really good job, and believe me, if I didn’t she would’ve told me. I forgot to explain to her that everything was just pretend in the practice classes. I cracked up laughing when she was excited about the make-believe handout I had for the class with tips on how to drink more water.
I did however attach it below for you guys….My fitness class called “Your Body is His Temple” class started tonight at church. It was so FUN! I really enjoyed teaching it. I think I had about 10 or 12 students. I started the class with the real handout and a group discussion about water. Then I had all of my stretches and exercises printed on my little cheat sheet that I kept beside me on the floor. After class everyone told me I did a great job. It’s still funny to me that I’m 200+ pounds teaching a fitness class and nobody questions it! My first official class with real people and real handouts was a success even with me as an unofficial instructor. I think sometimes we underestimate our own abilities and strengths. Several of them said once a week is not enough and they want more…. Even though it’s something that you seemingly would not be good at, you can be.
The Real Water Handout….
Reasons to Drink Water
1. Jesus said that He is “living water”. Everyone who drinks physical water will thirst again, but the one who believes in Jesus will never thirst spiritually. He is the water from heaven to quench the thirsty soul. [see John 4:10-14] Without PHYSICAL water, we will die physically
2. Water is absolutely essential to the human body’s survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water.
3. Water helps to maintain healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.
4. Water leads to increased energy levels. The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.
5. Drinking adequate amounts of water can decrease the risk of certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.
6. For a majority of sufferers, drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain.
7. Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.
8. Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.
9. Water naturally moisturizes skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance.
10. Water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.
11. Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.
How to Drink More Water
1. Determine how much water you need. You’ve probably heard the “8 by 8″ rule – drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (2 quarts, 1.8 liters) – but the amount of water a person needs varies depending on his or her weight, activity level and climate.
2. Measure your daily intake of water. Do this for a few days. If you find that you’re drinking less than the recommended quantity, try some of the following tips.
3. Carry water with you everywhere put it in a bottle or other container. ( I ALWAYS do)
4. Keep a glass or cup of water next to you whenever you’ll be sitting down for a long time, such as when you’re at your desk at work. Drink from it regularly as you’re working.
5. Try wearing a digital watch that beeps at the beginning of each hour. Use that as a reminder to pour yourself a glass of water. Vow to drink that water before the next beep. If you drink only one small (6 ounce or 180 ml) cup per hour, you’ll have consumed 48 ounces (1.4 liters) by the end of an 8-hour workday. (A little extreme, but it’ll work!)
6. Get a water purification system. Purified water tastes very good and may help make drinking water more appealing to you. Be aware, though, that as you grow accustomed to purified water, you may find that tap water leaves a bad taste in your mouth, even though it may be better for your teeth.[1] Keep in mind that fluoride, found in small quantities in tap water, is necessary for strong, healthy teeth. [2] Fortunately, all toothpaste contains fluoride, so if you brush twice daily you won’t need fluoridated water.
7. Add lemons or limes to your water. This makes it taste better and makes you want to drink more of it. Be careful not to make it too sour; just a splash of sourness should do the trick. Cucumber slices can also be added to a glass of water. Some mint leaves can be added to a pitcher of water which should be allowed to sit overnight. These are cheap alternatives to the bottled flavored water. If you do choose bottled flavored water, check the ingredients, as these are likely closer in form to lemon- or limeade than they are to water. “Beyonce Water” – Cucumber & Lemon
8. Eat water rich foods, such as fruits like watermelon, which is 92% water by weight. Blend up some seedless fresh watermelon flesh with some ice and place a few sprigs of mint (optional) – one of the most refreshing drinks, especially for the summertime. Cranberry juice is also another option, and has a bitter taste. Patients suffering from urinary infection caused by insufficient intake of water should drink cranberry juice and eat watermelon if not plain water everyday. A tomato is 95% water. An egg is about 74% water.
9. Keep water cold if it tastes better for you. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator at home. Add ice or freeze water in a sports bottle before taking it with you, it will eventually melt and stay cold. Bear in mind that cold water takes energy for your body to regulate the temperature, and does burn some calories. Room temperature water is better if you’re dehydrated. Your body can absorb the room temperature water immediately, instead of the body having to raise the temperature of the water first in order to process it.
10. Climate can drastically change how much water you need. On hot days that require you to be outside, you should drink more water to counteract the fluids you lose when you sweat. This not only keeps your body hydrated, it can prevent heat-related illness. Just as important (but often overlooked) is consuming enough fluids in cold & wet conditions. The human body works much more efficiently (including heating and cooling) when properly hydrated. Inadequate water intake affects the brain’s function first, which can become very dangerous (especially in extreme conditions).
