“The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

I have been thinking a lot about what it means to Stay the Course.  It can mean something different for each of us.  For David’s Cookie Jar, it is about supporting ABC2, it is about supporting those who are fighting brain cancer and sending the message that they and those who are searching for a cure, should Stay the Course and continue the fight until the cure is found.

For me, personally, it means that I have started this change in my life and I should Stay the Course until I achieve my goal.  Each time I think about slacking off or if I think about having that extra piece of bread, I look at my wristband and it reminds me to Stay the Course.  My goals and achievements may not be as grand or as important as the search for a cure for cancer, but, to me it is important to stay on this course.   If each of us made “Staying the Course” an integral part of our lifes, think about how much better this world would be.

Saturday, August 8

Went to work out this morning, before heading down the road to Macon.  I drove my mother to visit with a sick relative.  And maybe I am alone in this, but I really like hospital food.  Had chicken wings, beans and chocolate cake.  What can I tell you, at least it wasn’t red meat.  Didn’t have any supper because I was still full from lunch.

Sunday, August 9

Went to Wendy’s for lunch with some friends and tried the Buffalo Chicken wings, they were really good.  Then went to see the new Harry Potter movie, which I really liked a lot, but it made me sad knowing that there are only 2 more to go.  Did not have popcorn or snacks, but I did have a 4.00 bottle of water, what was I thinking.

Monday, August 10

I tried on another dress this morning and it fit.  I will be wearing it sometime this week and will post a picture.  I am not exercising today, have a meeting tonite.  Back to it tomorrow.  But I did have a tuna salad on a wrap and baked cheetoes and a peach for lunch.  Hopefully making up for the chocolate cake.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

 I did some research and I found some exercises that are targeted to the shoulders and arms, so I began those.  I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and increased my elevation to 2.5 and I did 30 minutes on the bike. 

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Okay, so I was all dressed to workout, my buddy and I were on our way to the gym after work and as we got closer and closer, it got darker and darker and then the bottom dropped out.  We waited in the car for about 20 minutes and it wasn’t letting up, then came the flash flood warnings. We decided to call it a night.  I went home and went into the black hole underneath my bed and found a set of dumbells that I have had for several years and have never opened so I was able to at least do my arm exercises.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Today is the first day in several years that I felt comfortable wearing a tshirt tucked into my pants.  So I am giving you a picture.  I also noticed in the picture that my pants are too big.  Almost time to go and do some shopping…..

Note: As of 3PM CDT, David’s auction is not the leader – come on peeps, let’s get him back out front!

Check this out! There are lots of cool celebrity auctions coming up but David Cook leads the current auctions for a great cause.

“My name is Lisa and every year I walk in The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It’s a 2-day, marathon-and-a-half walk to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

One of the ways I raise money is to ask celebrities to sign tags that I attach to breast cancer bears and auction off along with their photo with a bear… and I’ve got a live auction for a bear with David’s autograph and photo here:

David Cook Auction

I also have a special challenge going on with this batch of auctions where I’ll donate an extra $50 in honor of the person who’s bear raises the most money. David’s bear is “in the lead” right now, but there are still 15 auctions to come.”

Here is more info on Lisa’s project:

Lisa Walks

The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

“….That life’s not made to waste. So do what you can to be,  Be who you want to be, Just in case……” Just in Case Cook/Shrout

I was out of town last week and since I have to tell you about my failures as well as my success’,  I have to admit that I did falter at one point on my diet. I had a Cinnabon.   It was fabulous.

Monday, August 3

Today is the day that I begin training again.  I have slacked off for the last week.  So I am going back to the gym today.  I have to say that I am not looking forward to it, it is going to take me a few days to get back in the swing.  I did enroll today in the “Couch to 5k” class that is beginning on September 19th.  Back to work.

Went to work out, and on my way to the car, I was completely soaked and never did get warm last night, will try again tonite…..

Tuesday, August 5

I made it to the gym.  I walked for 30 min and did 100 arm reps, along with 3 minutes on the ellipticle.  I hope to add the treadmill in tonite. I am back on the diet and this is a non-dairy week, but I did slip last night and had  a ice cream, a nutty buddy. 

Wednesday, August 6

With my slip last week with the Cinnabon and last night with the ice cream, I am determined to refocus my efforts.  The diet and exercise are working, I need to remember that everytime I want to deviate from the plan.

I worked out and walked for 30 min on the treadmill at a 2.0 elevation and I did 110 arm reps.  I also did 3 minutes on the elliptical.

“Thursday, August 6

No workout today.  Back at it tomorrow.  I did weigh today and I have lost 4.4 lbs since I last weighed and 12 lbs total.  As I have said in the past, it is not all about the weight, for me it is about the stamina and the way that my clothes are fitting.  But it does feel good to be able to see that all of this hard work (with a little backsliding) is paying off.

There are 269 days until the Race for Hope.

“The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

You must be the change you want to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi
Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 – 1948)

There is not a whole lot to report this week, other than I went out of town and I tried to stick to my diet. 

I have not worked out as much as I would like, but I did walk a lot.  I ate fruit, cheese and vegetables for lunch and turkey sausage and wheat toast for breakfast.  The only time that really went off track was that I had 2 pieces of pizza for supper one night. 

I am back on track now and will resume the workouts tomorrow. 

There are only 273 days until the Race for Hope.

Attention David’s Cookie Jar Members! 

David’s Cookie Jar is starting an ongoing effort to provide “comfort items” to the oncology patients and their siblings at Children’s Mercy Hospital (a children’s hospital in the Kansas City area that is near and dear to David’s heart). 

We will begin this endeavor by asking members to donate new items such as coloring books, crayons, markers, word search books, etc. 

As we are entering into the back to school season, it would also be helpful if we could provide a variety of back to school supplies for the parents to pick from.  Many children are in the hospital for extended periods of time which makes it very difficult for the parents to find the time and energy to go shopping for these basic items. 

These items are very affordable so this is a great way everyone can contribute and make a difference!  Your local dollar store would be a great place to pick up some inexpensive items. 

We would also be happy to accept cash donations and do the shopping for you.  Even if you can only afford a couple of dollars, it would help us purchase a few boxes of crayons or a couple of coloring books. 

Please send all items and monetary donations to:

            Terri Murdock

            2517 NW 5^th Street

            Blue Springs MO  64014

Checks should be made payable to David’s Cookie Jar. 

Please note that all items donated to the hospital must be new. 

Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of these children and their families!

Questions can be directed to Dana Terry, co-director of Events and Fundraising, at danaterry4@comcast.net.

“The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

“” Live out the life that you dream about. Dreams are not only meant to be dreamt but also meant to become a reality. DREAM BIG, LIVE BIG!”
Copyright © 2009 Antonio Talbert

Okay, so this is supposed to be about successes and failures.  Well, I don’t count the past few days as a success, it is not really a failure, but I certainly did not do myself any favors. 

Tuesday, July 21

I was supposed to work out on Saturday and Monday and I didn’t do it.  On Saturday, I talked myself out of getting out of bed early since I was going to be spending the whole day by the pool.  That didn’t work out for me.  I had a meeting on Saturday morning, that that I had not planned on, this meant that I didn’t get to the pool until after 1:00.  I didn’t want to leave and go workout, so I told myself that I would go on Monday. But of course Monday, came and I had a meeting after work, that did not end until after 8:00, so no workout.  

But, I am back on track today and I brought my clothes to work and I will go after work. 

I went and did 30 minutes on the treadmill at elevation 1.5 and I did all of my arm exercises.  Only 3 miles on the bike, but I went up to resistance level 3. Tomorrow is water aerobics.

Wednesday, July 22

No workout today, but I do have some news.  I received a brochure from a local college continuing education program.They are offering the “From Couch to 5K” program on Saturday mornings beginning in September, they will prepare us to run the Savannah Bridge Run. I made a deal with a friend.  If she will take the class with me, I will run in the Bridge Run with her.  I am going to continue to work on building my stamina, so I will continue the workouts.  Here is the website for the Enmark Savannah Bridge Run, http://www.savannahvisit.com/bridge-run.asp.

Thursday, July 23

Water aerobics tonite.

Only 283 days until the Race for Hope.

“The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

“…Against the grain should be a way of life. What’s worth the price is always worth the fight…”  Chad Kroeger – Nickleback

Saturday, July 11

2 miles on the bike moved up to 1.5 elevation

arms – 1st exercise 50; 2nd exercise 40 and a third exercise 10

bike – 3 miles (I added in the elliptical machine and after that I was pretty much done)

elliptical machine – I could only manage 3 minutes….hope to get to 4 next time

Monday July 13

I was supposed to work out today, but I had a bit of an accident on Saturday…don’t laugh, but I swallowed by temporary bridge and I had to go to the dentist this afternoon. Plan on working out tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 14

I only worked out for 1/2 hour. 

arms – 55   45   15

elliptical machine – 4 min (and it is kicking my butt)  I may need to reorder how I work out.  I only walked for about 10 min.  But there is tomorrow.

July 15

Okay, I know that I have gotten into a routine, since when I went in to my workout, there was someone on “my”treadmill.  It thru off my whole evening. 

I had to do my arms first and then the bike.

arms 60 -50 -20

bike – 6 miles and for the first time I did it under 30 minutes

then I had to decide on whether to do the walk or the elliptical machine.  I decided to try for 5 minutes on the elliptical machine and I did it, but I could not make my walk.  The elliptical is kicking my butt.  I have decided to alternate walking and elliptical machine, but for the next week or so, I think that I will be replacing the treadmill with the ep until I can get up to 30 minutes. 

Only 290 days (that sure doesn’t sound like a lot) until the Race for Hope.

“The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

“When [we] are young [we] attend schools that [we ]did not build. When [we ]are mature, [we] build schools  [we] will not attend.”  Dr. Walter Shurden

I don’t know exactly how to relate this to what I am doing, since I will benefit from the work that I am putting in, but this statement really struck me the first time I heard it.  I think that this really is a sign of maturity and growth, to be willing to work hard for something that you will not benefit from directly.

July 2

Treadmill – 1.65mi (w/elevation 1.0)

Arms – 35 reps

bike – 3.7 mi(l2)

July 4

I put in a little extra time today, because I plan on having a piece of chocolate cake today, so I worked out for 1 1/2 hours. I have figured out that it is all in the planning.  I am meeting some family for brunch tomorrow, so as soon as we figured out where we were going, I went online and scoped out the menu to plan what I am going to order.  This is a non-dairy week.

treadmill – 1.7 mi (and I ran for 3 1/2 min) – w/elevation 1 mi

arms – 35 reps and I added another exercise in and did 27 reps for that

bike – 6 mi

July 5

Okay, so I met my cousins at a restaurant called J. Christopher’s and I had been struggling with what to order.  It is a no dairy week, so I knew that it would limit my choices.  I considered pancakes, and eggs benedict, but when it came time to order, I ordered, egg white omelet, turkey bacon and fruit with coffee.  It was a small victory, but it was a victory none the less.  I didn’t think that there would ever come a day that I would go to a restaurant and order an egg white omelet and turkey bacon.  Oh well…..

July 6

treadmill - 1.75 miles (w/1.0 elevation)

arms 40 reps and an additional 35 of second exercise

bike – 6 mi

I am still working on distance rather than time, but my time is getting better.

July 8

treadmill – 1.8 miles

arms – 40 and 35

bike – 3.0 miles

July 9

treadmill – 1.85 miles

arms – 40 ( I didn’t do the second set because I had gone in early and they were cleaning the room)

bike 6.1 miles

Have a great weekend everyone.

“The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.  James Gordon, MD

Thursday, June 25

5.22 miles on the bike and I worked on the arms.

Saturday, June 27

Today is the beginning of my “no red meat” week.  Had yogurt for breakfast since I can have dairy this week. 

Worked out for a half hour this morning, before I began my day.  I had coffee with my friend, Kim, and told her about what I am doing.  She said that she needed to get back to the gym.  Hopefully, I have inspired her to do that.  I ate my yogurt before I met her, so that I would not have a muffin or a bagel(and it worked, YAY me.)

My first test will be tonite, I am going to a covered dish.  I did decide to provide part of the dessert. I am bringing chocolate covered banana’s.  We will see.

June 28

I told you that I was going to tell you about my sucesses and my failures, so here it is, I did okay at the covered dish, but I did not do so well this afternoon.  I had a Reese’s Cup, cashews and a fudge bar.

June 29

Back on track, scheduled to work out this afternoon. Will make sure I do a full work out all 4 days to make up for yesterday.

1 1/2 mi on treadmill w/elevation of 1.0

30 reps for arms…which is good since I started out with 10

5 1/2 mi on bike with resistance between L2 and L3

Salmon wrap for lunch w/coleslaw, still haven’t figured out my supper.  I need to go and do that now.

July 2

This morning as I was looking thru my clothes for what to wear, I came across one of my favorite dresses and decided that I would try it on to see how far I had to go to be able to wear it again, guess what I am able to wear it.  It was just tight enough that I could not wear it before, but I am wearing it today and this is a picture of me in my dress

arms 35 reps

treadmill 1.6 miles

and I only did 4 miles on the bike.  I discovered that if I don’t eat a fairly good lunch (and salad alone is not it) I can’t make it thru the workout.  I started getting a little light headed.  So I quit after 4 miles on the bike.  But I plan on going back tomorrow and even if I have to have an afternoon snack that is what I will do.

“The Cookie Chronicles document a transformative journey undertaken by one fan. David’s music has brought us all together and created something amazing and it is DCJ’s hope that we can inspire each other.”

I have decided to start each of these sessions with a quote that has helped me to get thru that particular week, this week it is by Aristotle, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”

I have not always believed that, but now I really do. And despite what I have been taught all of my life, sometimes it should be all about me.  If I am trying to do this for someone else, it will not work, so for now it is all about ME, ME, ME.

Thursday-June 18th

I went and worked out after work  this afternoon and I walked for 1 1/2 miles on the treadmill and did 3 miles on the bike.  I am really surprised at how much I am enjoying this process. 

I work for the county government and I have recently discovered that the county has a “fitness” room for the employees.  For a nominal fee, I have access to the “fitness room” and the pool for water aerobics.  What this means is  that I will show up.  This afternoon, I was there and I had the television on VH1, watching the top 40 hard rock songs of all time.  Working out to Joan Jett, AC/DC, the Who, Pearl Jam and others. It really made the time go by fast. 

Next workout planned for Saturday morning.

Friday, June 19

I won’t be writing every day, but right now while I am trying to figure it out, these entries may be a little long.  Today is not a workout day, so I spent some time thinking about my food choices and about how I am going to change my habits as far as eating.  I really do believe that there is a reason that the word diet, includes the word die. 

I have said it before, I like food.  I cannot stress enough to you how much I LOVE FOOD.  It is not only about nourishment of the body, but there is a lot to be said for the fellowship that goes along with it, nourishment of the soul.  One of my favorite things to do is to cook for my friends and then to sit around the table and talk and laugh and eat.  What I have to do is to look at food a different way.  I am struggling with that.  But for the immediate future, what I  have decided to do is to give up yeast products, and to weekly alternate giving up red meat and dairy.  I am starting with dairy.  In looking at my menu, I eat way too much cheese, but I can give it up for a week at a time.   I am going to see how this works for me. 

Saturday, June 20

I am very disappointed. I found out yesterday that the Aquatic Center is closed for a Swim Meet today. I understand about closing the pool, I’m not sure I understand about closing the Fitness Room.  So I have to wait until Monday.  I would walk outside, but it is 100 degrees.  I did start with my plan of abstaining from yeast products and dairy.

Monday, June 22

Second day of no dairy. 

4 3/4 miles on the bike

1 1/2 miles on the treadmill (and I have added elevation)

Wednesday, June 24

Today I formed a Light the Night Walk team for the Savannah walk on October 2.  It is a David’s Cookie Jar team.  I am very excited about this.  Since this will be an additional goal.

I also made plans to meet Jen (Executive Director of David’s Cookie Jar) in July and my goal is for her  to not  recognize me when she sees me.  I want  to have the stamina to keep up with her daughter, Marissa.  There maybe a zoo visit in my future.

still no dairy…..and I did 1 1/2 miles on the treadmill (with additional elevation) and 4.9 miles on the bike.  I also added a workout for my arms.  The husband of my workout buddy is helping me with that.

I have 2 things that I really believe are helping me with this.  The first is, I have a workout buddy, Elvella.  We workout 4 times a week and in the morning, we talk about what we did the day before.  This is really helping to keep me on track and to make me think about what I am doing and why.  The second is that I have a definate goal.  In the past, I have always had some abstract goal….I want to lose weight or I want to be physically fit or I want to be healthy, this time around my goal is that in May I want to run the Race for Hope.  In order for that to happen, I have to follow this path. 

So my first real week is done and so far so good.

Today is Thursday, June 25, 2009 and I have 311 days until the Race for Hope.