We're Going to Round 2 and Shay Shay's Feeling Great!

The McGhee Super Slammers are going to Round 2 of the USTA 3.5 (yep, we're playing at a higher level!) Play-offs! I am so proud of the fight in my team. It was a TOUGH day (but GORGEOUS!)--probably the toughest day we've had all season. Personally, I stepped out of my comfort zone and played the forehand side. I hate that I did not pause, think through my strokes, and follow-through. It was not very pretty, but my partner and I re-grouped, switched sides, and played well in the 2nd set and took it to a third. Although we didn't pull out the 3rd set victory, we fought to the end coming up short 4-6. The fact that I can write this and look ahead with positive feelings about the future of my forehand play means I have grown. :-) I will say that my serve, volleys, and backhand were popping! I need to work on the forehand and doing a better job of stepping back and to the side on overheads. It's all about consistency and smart play right now!

I have been cleaning up the eating, and I'm feeling good about it. Without TMI, I'll say that my system is feeling better too. This is when I know things are working well internally, which will lead to good results externally (smile).

Anyhoo, it's another beautiful, warm day in The A. Going out to run some bleachers!

What's Been Going On, Shay Shay!?!?!

Wow, it has been three weeks since my last post. Time is flying! I can't believe we're approaching the end of January. Hmmm, so what have I've been up to lately? Well, I was stuck in the house for about 4 days after a major winter ice storm hit Atlanta. The city was caught unprepared. There was no way I was going to get on those roads, and cabin fever was not in my vocabulary (see the picture of the view from my front door). I had plenty to do for work (thank goodness for VPN!) and around the house. I had plenty whole wheat bread, eggs and beans (with a can of crushed tomatoes--I had chili!), so I was good food. It may have not been ideal, but I did okay being stuck in the house. I'm watching then news of snowstorms in the North. I'm so looking forward to a little sun and high 50s/low 60s temperatures this weekend!

Speaking of plenty to do at work: work is busy and challenging. For this I am thankful and know that I am blessed.

Despite cold temperatures, tennis is still going. The McGhee Super Slammers clinched the division at 3.5 last week. Play-offs this week. Go McGhee!

The bad weather and some work travel put training hold, but I got back to it this week. I had two great sessions this week. My trainer and I set some goals and established a plan. I know I can do this!

Well, time to get my day started!

Good to Have Friends Who Support You--This One is for You Beast!

I've always said that I owe my positive gains (or more appropriately worded--losses) to the support network I have developed on this fat loss journey. One such friend/supporter--we affectionately call her Beast because of her skills and push-ups on the tennis court--today proved to be my friend and supporter indeed.

Earlier today, I emailed Beast about a tempting meal I saw on the website of one of my favorite dining spots-MetroFresh. Now ordinarily I get nice, clean, healthy and low calorie entrees there. Their salads are awesome and they always have a nice, simple chicken breast. But today, I saw the scallops (which at MetroFresh are prepared in an acceptable clean eating way ) with the--ahhhh-Grit Cake (YUMMY but not so acceptable).

Well, I avoided the temptation and came home (I've been sick and needed to come home and continue to rest anyway) and ate one of my own clean meals--grilled salmon and spinach with salsa on corn tortillas--my own version of YUMMY!

Anyhoo, although I had already made my clean eating choice, I just got from Beast a 12 Step Program she thought of us for Foodies just like us who are determined to better healthier and fitter and need reminders along the way. She actually sent it minutes after I emailed her initially, but the darn email got lost in cyberspace. Here it is:

1. Drink some water
2. Visualize something you have at home that you could eat that is a less caloric choice
3. Eat a small snack right now - almonds, fruit, popcorn
4. Visualize that meal you planned again
5. Think about how good you feel when you are leaner
6. Visualize that meal you planned again
7. Drink more water
8. Visualize that meal you planned again
9. Think about how hard you train
10.Visualize that meal you planned again
11. Think about how awesome you are to have lost so much weight already
12. Visualize that meal.

I really like this. I will refer to it when I have those moments of temptation that aren't on my treat day.

Thanks Beast!

Actions Show Louder than Words: Just Do It!

In the past I have posted that if there are gaps in my blogging, then there are gaps in my focus and discipline on my fat loss journey. And this has been the truth. However, this past year, I have been more consistent than ever with blogging. I have accomplished quite a bit, and I am proud.

But I know that I am still not at my best. On this blog, I've been doing quite of bit of talking (or posting) about getting in the best shape I can, but my effort has not matched my talk (or posting).

Starting tonight, I am committing to MYSELF to put in the effort. I am committing to REAL FOCUS. I am committed to REAL, DEDICATED ACTION! I will still continue to blog. Frankly, it's therapeutic. But for right now I will be blogging about what I've DONE not what I'm GOING to DO!

In the words of Sweetie, I'm going to Just Do It!

I know if I commit to Action the results will speak--really more SHOW--louder than words.

So while I may not talk as much about my goals or what I am going to do, I will be doing. And the results will show because . . .

I am Shay Shay and I DO!

I Feel Great About 2011!

Happy New Year! Year 2010 was a wonderful year for me!

I remained blessed, healthy, and joyful with family, friends and lots of love!

I enjoyed a great career that continues to challenge me everyday as I endeavor into 2011!

Tennis was a huge success with 2 City Championships (Women's and Mixed), 1 State Championship (Women's), 1 Flex League City Final (Mixed), and several division wins at various levels.

Yes, 2010 was great to me!

I'm looking forward to 2011. New challenges in all aspects of my life are ahead (relevant to this blog is the continuing journey toward being in the best shape I am capable of being). I welcome them!

I am made for them.

I am Shay Shay!