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Hello friends...

 

 

Hello friends, I've missed blogging and making art, but I never stop thinking about both. I've been exceptionally busy this year. I hope you've been well. For me, this has mostly been a year of learning to balance home, work, motherhood, friendships and health while still taking time to pursue some of my interests. Here are some of the things I've been up to this year:

- Work has amped up busier than ever. I've been meeting regularly with three mentors at work and have been researching a career change while maintaining my current job. Recently, my employer agreed to finance my masters degree, for which I am so very grateful!

- As a result of the above, I've applied for the graduate program in Instructional Design and Performance Technology at Franklin University and plan to start coursework this January.

- I was selected for my employer's regional Diversity and Inclusion Council, promoting cultural and diversity themed events at my company, in the capacity of an event coordinator. This has been immensely rewarding for me; I've been able to help promote diversity awareness and educate our workforce about the importance of embracing diversity. Our world is changing, and with it, our attitudes and the way in which we view those who are different from us must change as well, if we are to succeed in working together to build a better future for generations to come.

- My little girl turned 10 this year. She's been very busy herself with her own activities. She reads voraciously, has been involved in gymnastics, Girl Scouts and Kumon, and was one of 6 girls from her school selected by OSU's Women In Engineering for their Jasz Bots program which is affiliated with First Lego League. This team of fifth grade girls meet with female grad students in OSU's engineering department twice a week, for two and a half hours after school. Together, they have researched a topic on FLL's theme this year (Nature's Fury) and are working on ideas and ways to combat their chosen environmental disaster (wildfires). In addition, they have built and programmed a Lego robot; the team will compete utilizing their robot at an upcoming event in December. It's a great introduction for girls to a potential future career in engineering.

- I've continued my commitment to fitness and nutrition, continuing to hit the gym 5 nights a week, both cardio as well as weights/resistance training and core exercises.

- I've become very interested in organic foods and natural wellness products, as well as meditation and wellness in general.

- I've connected with old friends and made several new ones. I have enjoyed the fulfillment brought by these relationships, and particularly by doing for and helping others when I can, as I am grateful for the love and help they constantly give me.

- I made some time for fun as well, traveling to Orlando and Disney with Alekha in mid-October, during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. We also got to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, which Alekha and I both loved!

- I've continued my pursuit of photography, though I haven't had time to sit down and edit photos!

- I spent some quality time with my parents, who I love dearly and are slowing down a bit.

- Lastly, I spent a lot of time in quiet reflection and introspection, pondering the life I'd like to lead, the things I have yet to do, the places I've yet to see and the memories I have yet to make.

I am happy, and life has been good. I do miss blogging and keeping in touch with all my online friends, but think of you all frequently, and wish you all happiness and peace. I am looking forward to what 2014 brings.

“...I want first of all - in fact, as an end to these other desires - to be at peace with myself. I want a singleness of eye, a purity of intention, a central core to my life that will enable me to carry out these obligations and activities as well as I can. I want, in fact - to borrow from the language of the saints -to live 'in grace' as much of the time as possible. I am not using this term in a strictly theological sense. By grace I mean an inner harmony, essentially spiritual, which can be translated into outward harmony...”
(Anne Morrow Lindbergh)

Much Love,

Ranjini

 

 

 

Fitness Photo Journal - Conclusion

It's been a long journey, but I am happy to say I did it! I reached my weight loss goal of 135 lbs mid March.  I've learned so much about myself along the way.

I've learned that I am more resilient, stronger and more determined at 44 than I was at 24.

I've learned that it is unrealistic to expect that I can return to my 24 year old self, and that I can celebrate my curvy hips and the little pooch of fat on my stomach that I've made peace with. I've realized that these are marks of womanhood, of motherhood, and that there are genetics at play that we cannot change, no matter how we may try. And that's okay.

I've learned about how to eat for health. And I've learned that there is a time to indulge as well - so yes, I will go and have a celebratory bowl of Jeni's salted caramel ice cream as a treat, thank you!

I've learned that I am an athlete (!) I am running at a speed of 6.0 for 30 minutes straight. I am lifting weights, in spinning classes, doing circuit training and exercises to strengthen my core. 

I've learned not to be daunted by even the most overwhelming of goals - just about anything you want to accomplish in life can be done if you break it apart into pieces and take it a step at a time!

I've learned that there is no adversity that I cannot handle, that I am stronger than I thought, braver than I believed, and more resilient than I expected.

I've learned to walk into the gym when I am feeling tired, exhausted, and emotionally spent, and yet, replace all of that with a single thought when I start running: "Bring it!"

I've learned that running takes me to a place where I feel free, at peace, and powerful.

I've learned to love the muscled curves of my body and to be proud of every last moment of sweat and toil it took to get me there.

I've learned that getting to 135 was never about 135 being my ideal weight, it was about me accomplishing a goal I set for myself and knowing that I was able to do it. So if I go up or down 5 pounds on the scale - it doesn't matter. What matters is that I am consistently making healthy dietary choices, that I am in oxygen as often as I can be and making fitness a regular part of my life.

And finally, I've learned that I don't want to go back to being my 24 year old self, that I would not trade two decades of wisdom and the satisfaction of being a confident, happy and independent woman for my 24 year old body.

So if you've been with me each step of the way - thank you for sharing in my journey and for your support! Here is the photo update; hope you had a happy easter! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fitness Photojournal - Update

Weigh in today was 137.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds away from goal! I've made a few more changes to my diet/exercise. I'll start with diet. Breakfast is a protein shake (a single scoop of Pure Protein Vanilla Cream, 75% water, 25% 50-cal OJ), followed by a handful of raw almonds and raisins. Then a cup of antioxidant rich green tea. Mid morning snack is an apple or a tangerine, and maybe a flat spelt seed cracker. Lunch today was quinoa salad, with cooked quinoa, chopped bell pepper, tomatoes and matchstick carrots tossed with a little lemon juice, and another piece of fruit. Mid afternoon snack is an apple on the drive home, and then a rice cake spread with almond butter, and sliced cucumbers. I also invested in a Nutribullet, and have been drinking green smoothies for dinner, filled with either spinach or swiss chard, and whatever fruits I have on hand: banana, mango, plus strawberries, blueberries or raspberries, a sprinkling of almonds, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds. My doctor was happy with my results but has ordered me to increase my carb/protein intake so I'll be adding egg whites for breakfast, plus going with a hummus and veggie wrap for lunch. I'm also drinking lots of water and herbal teas.Basically I need to add a little good carb and protein since I am so active now, and the weight training requires it to prevent muscle loss, and keep my metabolism from slowing down. I'm also taking a multivitamin and a skin/hair/nails supplement containing collagen and biotin.

My exercise regimen is still 5-6 days per week, with spinning class monday nights, and running alternated with walking on the treadmill every other night, but I've increased speed to 6.0 for 30 minutes straight - was so proud of that achievement, never having been much of a runner!

I am still doing cybex machines but have added plenty of core exercises - planks, brazilian butt lifts and free weights plus squats and lunges. I do upper body/torso or trunk on nights that I run/spin. If I'm walking, I'll do the lower body. One of the personal trainers who is working on his certification at the gym was kind enough to offer to train me for free when he has spare time so he's been working with me and putting me through some cross fit training here and there.

All in all, I'm a very happy girl when it comes to the progress I've made. This pic was actually taken a month ago so I do need to update with a new pic - but for now this will have to do. Work has been really crazy and I haven't had a lot of free time so will update with new pics the first chance I get. Have a great week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fitness Photojournal - Injury Timeout

Just popping in for a quick update. I've had to really dial down the exercise for about a week and a half now and it sucks. I am still going to the gym, switched to focusing on a resistance workout for my upper body and abs/torso workouts, plus lots of stretching. I've had to avoid the treadmill entirely and after nine days off, got back on the treadmill yesterday, walking, not running, for half an hour plus I started resistance on the lower body again. I still felt achy afterwards, but wasn't limping in pain like I had been 10 days ago. Still, I think I'm not fully recovered yet so I am going to take the weekend off and just focus on rest, ice, compression and elevation.It really makes one appreciate what athletes have to go through to stay healthy and on top of their game. If any of you runners out there have any tips on rebounding quickly from an injury - please let me know!

We're supposed to have an unusually warm weekend so I'm going to try and enjoy it while it lasts before we get our next blast of winter. Here's the photo update, holding steady at 142 lbs. and I expect I will until I can get back on the treadmill.

I really need to do a photoshoot of the little one soon - she was "too busy" last weekend and told me that she had "too many projects to do, Mommy". I think she's nine going on 23, sigh. Bon weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

I resolve

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance". (Oscar Wilde)

I'm not one for making a long list of new year resolutions, I'd rather focus on one or two things. Last year I wanted to achieve health and fitness goals - to lose weight, build muscle, tone and strength. I've nearly reached that goal. This year, my resolve is to build my internal strength as well. For me, that means upholding what I will and will not accept in my relationships with others, and what I will and will not accept in my life. I resolve to hold true to those beliefs I value most, regardless of what others think and believe about me, and above all, to respect and honor myself. I've learned that I am my own best friend and my own worst critic. This is the year I become fearless about showing my face to the world.

 

This is the year that I begin my love affair with me. This is the year I gaze starry eyed at my own goals and dreams instead of gazing starry eyed at another.

 

 

 

This is the year I revitalize not just my body, but my mind and my soul as well. I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful 2013!

 

Fitness Photojournal - Update

I'm happy to say that despite two days of nonstop holiday cookie baking for work and Alekha's class at school, I was able to get through the holidays without indulging in even one cookie (no easy feat!), and my regimen at the gym of working out 5-6 nights a week has continued. I've had a minor setback - I think I pulled a muscle in my inner thigh possibly from the abductor/adductor resistance workout I love to do, but more likely from running, I think. My speed has increased to 5.5, but this week I've had to rest a few days because of the muscle pull. It's aggravating, but I suppose I have to get used to it and learn how to moderate my exercise, I'd been going pretty hard for about six months now. The good news is that I am at 142 pounds, seven pounds away from my goal of 135. It's taking longer now for the weight to come off because I am also building muscle. Nonetheless, clothes are fitting well, I feel great and I'm happy with my progress. And I'm sleeping like a baby!

Here's the most recent photo, taken today. Tip on taking photos of yourself when you don't have another photographer nearby: for this one, I just laid down on my bed which is situated near a window, it allowed for all the natural light you see illuminating my face. This was taken midday and it's fairly sunny outside; I had the blinds drawn but the slats were opened for diffuse natural light to come through. I'll try and post some more photos later, and incidentally, this one was taken with my cell phone camera...

 

 

 

 

Fitness Photojournal: Before & After

I'm going to be very brave and post some photos of myself, especially some that are not very flattering. Here's a photo timeline to show my weight loss progression. One of these days I'll get a bit braver about doing full length shots - I'm not there quite yet! However, looking at these  photos, I can see all the hard work I've done and the progress I've made. I'm proud of having made health and fitness a commitment in my life, and hope it inspires you to do the same!

 

This was taken in January 2012:

 

This was in May 2012, at the most I've ever weighed (191 lbs)!

Here's the first one that shows significant weight loss. Took about 3.5-4 months to get to this point. This was either late August or early Sept. 2012:

 

This one was taken in September 2012:

 

This one was taken in October 2012:

 

And these last two were taken today, (145 lbs, new goal = 135 lbs). Sucks to be your own photographer though. I either get grainy pics or that deer in the headlights look! This one is right before I headed to the gym:

 

And this is post workout, probably a good thing this one came out grainy, lol!

 

 

 

 

"I really regret that workout", said no one, ever.

 

Update on my weight loss journey. I've reached another weightloss milestone - 145 lbs! I thought I would never break 150, as I had been there for nearly two months, but it finally happened. At 5'6", I could conceivably stop here, but my goal which was 140 lbs, is now 135, and when I reach that milestone, I've promised myself I'll focus on maintenance. I've been absolutely ecstatic to pull on fitness clothes that show a healthy, well defined physique, and I am proud to see curves re-emerging and slender but muscled limbs developing. The thought struck me today that I am designing, as I've always done; the only difference is that the canvas is now my body. That was a powerful realization!

I've increased running speed to 5.3 mph for my treadmill days and increased the cycle resistance load from 10-12 to 12-14 in spinning class. Resistance training at this point is mostly on Cybex machines. For the lower body, I favor the glute extension, hip abduction/adduction for a great hip/thigh workout, as well as the leg extension and leg press/curl. Occasionally I'll mix in lunges with free weights. For the upper body, I like the lateral pull down, bicep/tricep curls, chest press, incline press and overhead press. Like many women, my problem area is the abs. For abs/core I have been doing the torso rotation, ab/back extension plus 100 sit ups - alternating them on the medicine ball and directly on the floor on a foam mat with my legs elevated. There are a few other machines I have worked in, but those are the main ones; I alternate upper body and abs with lower body and abs but do some form of weight resistance training almost daily. I plan to add squats including the hack squat machine as well as freestanding squats, more core exercises and free weights as I approach the last ten pounds. Even though "strong is the new skinny", I'm not keen for that super-muscled look on me, so I am shooting for just the right amount of definition by completing three sets of moderate weights at higher reps on each machine.

I am amazed at how quickly I was able to develop muscle. I can feel long, rock-solid muscle on my thighs and legs where flab used to sit just a matter of months ago, and  slender arms are taking shape once again. It's absolutely worth all the sweat, tears and sacrifice. I don't miss the sugar and the carbs (even with all the constant exposure to holiday goodies at the office this time of year.) My body has really embraced clean eating and healthy living. If you've been considering committing to fitness, I encourage you to take the step to begin your journey. Every milestone reached fuels me to reach higher. There is no such thing as too old, too fat, too awkward or any of the other excuses we hold up as barriers to reaching our goals. You CAN do it. The key is to take the first step. And then another, and another, and another. The empowerment you will feel from seeing the results is worth it. And besides: "I really regret that workout!" said no one, ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I ran.

Six months ago, I hauled a bag of size 6 and 8 clothing that I had held onto for years, to my Goodwill store, convinced I would never fit into those clothes again.

Fast forward to November 2012. I am 45 pounds lighter and as a result, in possession of a new wardrobe, including jeans in a size 8. I am stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. I am in better health, and my body is in better shape than it was in my twenties. Friends and family have asked how I did it. I eliminated the word "can't" from my vocabulary and decided to RUN, that's all. I made a conscious decision that no matter how slow I went, how awkward I looked, how tough it was, I was going to hang in there. At first I ran barely a minute, and then had to revert to walking for 10 or 15. Today, I am running at a speed of 4.5 to 5 with a 1.0 incline on the treadmill. I run for 45-55 minutes straight, usually ending up a little over four miles in an hour, with 15 minutes of walking included in that hour, followed by another half to one hour of resistance training and a commitment to eating healthy and clean. Mondays are an exception - I go in for a 55 minute spinning class instead. But five out of the six other days of the week I am running, without fail.

Others have presumed I lost the weight "for" someone. It wouldn't have happened until and unless I was ready to lose the weight for myself. The most amazing thing that happened in the process was the realization that I am a runner. Running saved me. Running made me realize that I AM the athlete I always wanted to be. Running forces me to let go of things over which I have no control, and to seize the reins of that which I do. Running inspires me to work for the best body I could possibly ever have. Running gives me an uninterrupted hour every day to focus on God, and to work on developing my inner faith. Running challenges me to push myself to achieve what I previously thought impossible. Running is the voice of the coach screaming at me to keep going when my heart threatens to leap out of my chest, sweat dripping from every pore, and every limb and muscle wants to collapse and give up. Running courses through my veins and calls to me every single day with a voice that will not be silenced or ignored until its demands are met. Running silences all of the doubts and fears and negative thoughts that held me hostage for years. Running leaves me feeling exhausted, grateful, happy, whole and strong. I don't run for anyone else. I run for me. I run because I can.