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I figure that I do so many “about me” posts in the “conversations of all kinds” forum, that I might as well start up a journal. Today’s thought:
Today I went clothes shopping, which I don’t do very much. I got a lot of nice stuff: three pairs of work-appropriate pants (two plain black, one black with pinstripes), one pair of jeans, one sleeveless red t-shirt, and one nice top that can either be worn over the t-shirt or by itself. A good set of spoils, all things considered.
One thing that took me completely aback, though, was the size of all these myriad clothes (and especially the pants):
Size 5.
When the heck did I become a size 5?
A year and a half ago, I was size 12. Last year, I was size 8. At some point in the intervening year, I became a size 5. I’m pleased and bewildered all at the same time, because I haven’t actually been doing much to actively lose weight. I’ve been maintaining, but not doing anything special other than karate, a lot of walking, and (mostly) eating properly. So I’m very pleased indeed. Yay!
I’m glad to see that you’ve decided to create a journal, Julie!
Your everyday lifestyle caused you to lose more weight without you even being particularly exerted! I’m still having to tell myself every other day not to overcomplicate things, it’ll come off. I don’t have to stop living(which is basically what I did before. Oh well, trial and error) and I don’t have to give it a ton of thought. It’s just mindblowing to me that I can become thin just by expending more than I take in using a personalized exercise and eating plan that leaves no room for deprivation. Absolutely mindblowing. I guess it’s not as complicated as we think, I mean...if you decide it isn’t. That was one of my big clicks.
It’s all about the little changes, done consistently over time. Way back around New Years, I posted a bunch of mini-resolutions, to be attempted one or two at a time. Taken together, they really can change a life around.
And I definitely don’t deprive myself. No matter what friends-of-friends might say, I don’t starve myself and I’m never hungry. Heck, I even have pizza and breadsticks on occasion! Scott says that all it takes to lose weight is to be a little more “gooder” than “badder,” and that’s the philosohpy I’ve taken to heart.
Jenni, have fun on your swimsuit shopping! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
I’m glad you started this thread. Congratulations on the size 5. It’s amazing what happens when we make small changes and stay with it consistently. You say you’re not doing anything special, but karate, walking, and eating well sound like it adds up to be a lot.
Here in Montreal, there’s a transit strike going on. The essential services commission has declared that public transit must run during morning rush hour (6-9 am), evening rush hour (3:30-6:30 pm), and late night (11 pm - 1 am). At all other times, we’re on our own. The strike started today.
Wouldn’t you know, but I needed to move around during the hours not covered by essential services? I finished teaching at noon, had a doctor’s appointment from 1:45-2:15, and then needed a way to get home. Well, I didn’t want to spend money, and I didn’t want to wait around for public transit to open up again, so I walked home!
Yup, even though the route is about six miles altogether and includes the mountain in the middle of the city (hence the name, Montreal, or Mount-Royal), I was still able to do the whole thing in about an hour and three quarters.
It feels really good not to be trapped by the transit system. It’s not a walk I want to do every day, but I know if I’ve got an hour and a half free, I can make it downtown from my house with nothing more complicated than my legs. Functional fitness at its best!
And I definitely don’t deprive myself. No matter what friends-of-friends might say, I don’t starve myself and I’m never hungry. Heck, I even have pizza and breadsticks on occasion! Scott says that all it takes to lose weight is to be a little more “gooder” than “badder,” and that’s the philosohpy I’ve taken to heart.
Julie,
Congratulations on your achievements, that is so awesome!!! You are truly an inspiration in your lifestyle choices!! Keep up the great work. By the way nice going on the long walk, what a great workout!!
For those who have been following the ongoing saga, I used to do karate, off-and-on for about ten years. I stopped, for various reasons, about six months before getting my black belt, and took a three year hiatus.
Last May, I started up at a new dojo that some friends of mine recommended. I started back at white belt, but have been advancing a little more quickly than normal because of my previous training. Yesterday, I got my green belt at this new dojo! Yay!
What’s more, soon I’ll be able to help teach the kids’ classes. That’s the thing I missed most from my old dojo, and I’m really looking forward to it. There are few things as cute as 5-year-old karateka.
Congrats on the green belt, Julie!! That is very exciting. Good for you for working your way back up towards a black belt. I can definitely understand the draw for teaching children. I worked a figure skating rink helping to monitor and teach children learning how to skate, and I loved it when I got to help them learn something new!
I’m not in this for a black belt. The sensei made it very clear when I started that black belt would take at least 10 years of training, and in the 30 years he’s run the dojo, he’s only passed about 15 black belts. Quite frankly, at my last dojo, I passed my belts so fast, I felt I didn’t earn them.
I’m in this to learn and to feel good, not for the cookie of the belt. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely nice to be green. But if I never get black, that’ll be okay, too.
Julie,
Congratulations on getting your green belt!!! Question for you I am interested in karate for self defense purposes and for fitness and fun. But, I am soo confused it seems like there are so many different verions of karate and so many different styles too!!! I have no clue when it comes to this stuff. What should someone look for when wanting to embark on the journey of learning karate?? What things do you look for in a dojo and a sensei?? Are there any websites that would help to break this down and make it easy for me to understand?? Like a “Choosing a Dojo for Dummies” Or “Karate for Dummies”. I just don’t want to end up with a Mr. Magi painting fences and pulling weeds to learn the basics of Karate. Any and all help you could give to me would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. I too don’t care too much about what color belts I earn, I just want to learn this for fitness and for self-defense as well.
I’ve attended two dojos regularly, one on-and-off for 9 years (probably about 5 years of training in that) and another for a year. I’ve also taken a few scattered classes at various dojos and colleges. So while I might not be an expert, I’ve got a few tips for you.
... Actually, as I think about this, I think it warrants its own thread. I’ll post my answer in the “Moving Your Body” forum. See you there!
