★★★ Nisafit ★★★

5.3.10

NisaFit is super proud to introduce Suzanne a Bootcampee who has decided to share her journey everday this month in camp:

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

First day of Nisafits Boot Camp on this steamy spring day on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard.

I am Suzanne, a 48 year old, single self-employed person, who needs to get in-shape, lose weight ( a lot of it - 80 to 100 pounds! - YIKES!) and get fit. I need to become my best and be the person I envision myself to be. I will create for the best life for myself on every level.

This blog will be honest and heartfelt and I hope one that will help and resonate with those who may read it.

Action speaks louder than words but these words in this blog will help continue my actions and keep me accountable and on track.

So...... back to boot camp. Here I come.

For me.... I need the set time to exercise, the push from Nisa, the group effort and experience and the support I get from the group and from Nisa. Left to my own devices I would rather go get an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a bagel with a mocha latte at Mocha Motts but... my knees now hurt to walk there, I cannot even fit into my "BIG" clothes and summer is coming. I want to look good, sexy, fun, fit for the rest of my life. I want to go out dancing, swimming, biking. I want to feel good and feel good about myself.

I want to be proud of my body, wear great clothes and lead active and involved life. Time is of the essence.

Time to have a food plan and get over my addictions, be mindful of my own body and treat myself as well as I do others. Take care of myself and not just everyone else for a change...

and a life long change, work in progress, this will be.

At 5:30 the alarm goes off. I have my exercise clothes ready from the night before. An quick walk up the beach to Owen Park. Oh NO!!! Owen Park!!! Which means running or power walking up the hill over and over again. The fear sets in... can I do it? Will my body hurt? Will other people judge me? Will I be the biggest person in this class? Will my face get red and my body get sweaty showing just how of shape I am? Then, I just let it all go and do it anyway as this is for ME!

I made it up and down the hill over 6 times and even jogged one time up the hill. Talked with a few boot campers who have become good friends. Nice to see them again.

I can't wait to get better and better and jog all the way up the hill (over and over again) and remember this first day of boot camp with all the doubts and fears and now how easy it all seems now... well maybe not EASY but doable.

There are always those "fit" women in boot camp that just scamper up the hill like it is nothing. But instead of getting jealous or wonder if they think I am a slug, I just tell myself, "See, other people can be and stay in-shape and still do boot camp for their health and well-being." Plus these "Amazon Women" as I like to call them, most likely have their own self- doubts and most likely their self doubts are a lot mine.

I have learned from being an aesthetician not to have judgements about my clients while doing facials, just compassion, kindness and give healing energy. This skill I will use for boot camp too but this time give compassion, kindness and healing energy to myself.

On to the hula hoop! This is fun and I used to be able to do it. But I keep bending over to pick up the fallen hoop - still exercise though. The self doubt comes in again. Why can't I do this? Then the young women next to me has the same issue. Yeah, I am not the only one.... The two next to us (who can do it) give us some simple advise which seems to help. Ahhhhh, yes, this is what boot camp is about.!

Camaraderie, Just trying is good, showing up ( on time is a good idea) and do your best. Others will help you and you can help others. Go at your own pace but also try to challenge yourself.

It is only one hour and I can survive for one hour.

Then after some ab work under the pavilion with a borrowed towel from another boot camper, the hour is over and time to go home and on with my day.

Now the whole day is ahead of me. My body feels good, my mind clear. Time to stretch, drink green tea and plan out my food for the day. DAY ONE - Good! Excited to be here. Thanks Nisa!

5.4.10

Day 2 a Bootcampers Journey Daily Blog!

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 2 of Boot Camp.

Muscle class at the Vineyard Fitness Center at the Triangle -

or as we like to call it "Brad's Gym!"

The alarm goes off and as I pry myself out of bed I feel that my calves are tight

from power walking up Owen Park hill yesterday. Oh no, how I am going to do this?

What have I signed up for? STOP! Think positive! I CAN do this.

It is a beautiful day as I pick up Terri - a fellow boot camper and a dear friend -

and we race in my jeep to Edgartown.

Just in time for class, time to set up steps, weights and a mat in this nice big, bright and airy room at Brad's Gym. As so we begin.

I am yawning, not awake yet, feeling stiff and really just want to sleep more

but here we go anyway.

The blood starts pumping, my body starts to warm up and feel good, not stiff, not sore.

I can feel the muscles under the fat. This fat that I just want to unzip and take

off like a suit and never put on again.... BUT

I worked to put it on..... I now need to work to take it off.

Trying to get into the mindset that working the fat OFF will just as much fun

as putting it on. "Just think of the results and rewards, Suzy," I say to myself.

Replace exercise and feeling good in my own body for being a couch potato

and soothing myself with food.

EAT TO LIVE - DON'T LIVE TO EAT, I say over and over again!

Even though I can see all my bumps and bulges in the gym mirror, today I could see

beyond that and start to remember and feel how my body use to be and I could see how it is going to look. I am actually much smaller at a healthy weight than I think I am. For years now I have thought of myself as a big person. I needed it for security, power,

protection, etc. It kept me insulated - figuratively and literally. But I do NOT need this anymore. It is exciting! If the only thing we can truly change in life is ourselves then

how wonderful to change our body, mind and spirit.

I already feel results as I have taken Nisa's muscle class for two weeks now prior to boot camp starting. RESULTS, yes I can feel it!

Today my face feels thinner and my arms are gaining muscle, my digestion is working better

as I do crunches and eat more fiber rich and healthy food.

We finish up the class outside by stretching on the railing after doing sit squats.

Everyone is in a good mood. A great group of women! All ages, shapes and sizes.

I like that. A feeling of acceptance and welcoming as we all say our names to get to

know each other.

Now home, the day is so pretty, my view is stunning and I am happy to be here.

Time to make sure my food plan is good and start my day with green tea and not coffee.

Ink well tomorrow. It will be nice to be outside.

Suzanne

5.5.10

Suzanne's daily Blog (Bootcamper)

Daily Blog, Day 3

A gorgeous Vineyard day! Driving to Ink Well Beach in Oak Bluffs to go to Boot Camp,

trying to be on time. I am so happy and grateful to see the sun over the harbor shining on the water and the boats below.

Exercises on the benches such as push ups, back of arm presses, you know... that flabby

part that Oprah calls her "flags." Can really feel it working. Yes, I need to to many more of those to git rid of my grandmother's arms that I've had for too long now. Don't get me wrong. My grandmother was beautiful and I do have her face and body ( and fat cells and body type too - which is fine - just less of me will be good) and have always wanted to wear sleeveless shirts in the summer and show off wonderfully sculpted arms.

A good goal to obtain. But I love my curves and will be glad to show more of them off

when I feel my body more in shape.

Jogging, side stepping, walking leg lifts and bunny hops in the sand. I can do some bunny hops now where years past I could not do them at all. Then I go to walk on the sidewalk

with Nancy as my left knee has issues. Nisa is always aware of everyone bodies and their

issues and limitation. She can modify any exercise to make it safe and doable if the

one we are doing does not work for any Boot Camper. This is great as I never have to worry that I might hurt myself or if I can't do the hard stuff - at least for now - I can do other stuff.

I try not to be embarrassed about... just show up, try hard and do my best!

I could walk pretty fast on the sidewalk, pumping my arms and feel my legs getting stronger.

I can envision the body I am going to have and exercise is starting to feel really good.

For years I have been afraid of too much exertion as my body tends to hurt and get sore.

I try to avoid pain. Today I realize there is a difference between muscle burning and pain.

The famous cyclist Lance Armstrong said he won 7 Tour De France bike races because he loved the pain... he wanted the pain. The pain worked for him. I see now that it is a mindset

and not really pain at all. The muscle burn means that it is working and tissues are growing

and I am starting to enjoy it.

We end with balance balls in the park. I love to stretch my back out on those. Just

have to make sure that the ball is filled with enough air. The on to Mocha Motts for tea

and chat with some of the boot campers and Nisa then on with the day.

Some of my best friends and life situations have come from Boot Camp and I am so grateful for that. More than just exercise. It can be a bonding experience. Meeting new women who can bring so much to our lives and to theirs too.

Salmon and broccoli for breakfast - left over from last night's dinner. Then carrot, beet, apple juice and salad with chicken salad from Waterside Market for lunch. Steamed veggies and tofu for dinner and lots of water today. I did NOT eat the cookies that were calling to me when I was out last night and I did not eat when I came home though the urge was there.

I was not really hungry. Just lonely and bored, I guess and wanted something to fill the void. Bad habits I am learning to break. Instead I pumped up my balance ball and did some stretching and drank water with lemon which curbed any craving I thought I had.

The scale says down two pounds arleady!

Veterans Park tomorow. Does that mean cones and obstacle course?

Cardio will be good. Day 3 and Boot Camp is good. Thanks, Nisa

5.6.10

Suzanne's daily Blog (Bootcamper)

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 4 of Boot Camp. Only one more day to go to complete the first week and I have come everyday!!!!!!!! In the past, I would just NOT be able to go everyday for whatever "reason" or "EXCUSES" as Nisa calls them I could come up with.

There are "no excuses in boot camp!" And also no whining, no complaining, a few grunts and groans are okay, and NO group hug at the end either. But we can go out for tea and chat.

I love that part!

Veterans Park in Vineyard Haven on this overcast morning with a light drizzle.

This can only mean cardio and obstacle course.

I set the alarm earlier today thinking I might just get up early so I don't have to

rush out the door, half asleep, stiff and sore with that panicky feeling of,

"I have to get to boot camp on time, I have to get to boot camp on time....

and EXERCISE too!"

Once again I feel better by the time I am there. The warm up always helps

and I could even jog a little across the wet and grassy field. I envision myself

becoming a real jogger like I used to do in my teen years!

Most of the group did jump ropes while jogging across the field.

My knee is getting stronger and I hope

to be able to what the group can do, but for now I can modify it with Nisa's direction

and just do my best.

Some of the boot campers were talking about how much weight we want/need to lose.

(Not all boot campers need or want to lose weight - this is not the biggest loser!)

A beautiful tall woman next to me said she needed to lose 20 pounds and really I can NOT see that on her. She looks fit and trim to me and oh how I wish it was only 20 lbs.

I needed to lose - but it all in perspective.

We all know it can be the last 20, 10, or 5 pounds to lose that can be the hardest.

I just need to lose 20 pounds four times in a row. That's all.

Take baby steps and don't get overwhelmed with the whole picture.

It took time to put it on and it will take time to work it off.

Then we went on to the wonderful topic of getting older!

And how much harder it can be to lose weight as we age.

Much different than our 20's or even 30's.

I must admit getting older has been on my mind a lot lately as I turn 49 soon - just one

year away from 50. Yikes! And I am the youngest of my family.

Okay, negative fearful thinking go away!!!! I mean Fabulous Fifty!

Yeah, that's it! Oprah says so..... And 50 is the new 40!

But all the more reason for me to do boot camp. It is never too late to start and

have a healthy life. I can see a real difference in some of the elders that I take of

in their health. The ones who are active and use their body and minds are

better off than the ones who do not move very much. My Mother, Liz, is small, thin

and full of energy! Always!

She runs me into the ground and I am sure she will live into her 90's

and still run me into the ground. Why didn't I get more of her genes? I have my father's

side but then I can be thankful for my curves and Irish sense of humor.

I am not one who wants to live to 100. Heck no! But I do want to be healthy and happy and

pain free and mobile and sassy! Sassy Suzy the will call me. The one who does what she wants to and speaks her mind and still notices at all the good looking men! I don't plan on becoming a "cougar," (oh how I dislike that term) but I am not opposed to a younger man... or even men, HA!

"How Suzy got her Groove back." But I digress.......

Then onto leg lifts, leg lunges, obstacle course with cones, ladder and rings to step through and keep going! keep going ! keep going!

We stretch at the end then a few of us head off for tea and now time

to take a HOT shower and go to work!

Smoothie for breakfast, spinach salad with grilled chicken from Linda Jean's on Oak Bluffs for lunch and not sure about dinner yet. Maybe just steamed veggies and some beans.

Must bring lots of water with me today and remember to take my vitamins - as they really do not work sitting in my fridge and not in my belly. Vitamins like exercise and everything else,

use it or lose it, work it baby, actions, thoughts, intentions and follow through!

Friday is mini trampolines and more at Owen Park. I can't wait. I love rebounding and look forward to it. Day four and ready for more!

Thanks Nisa! Suzanne

Awesome Job Today Girls!! Park Drills, Lunges,and Cardio..perfect start to the day! Eat Healthy,drink water, and I will see you all in am tomorrow fro Mini-Tramp/Step Class

Nisa

5.10.10

Bootcampers Blog Day 6

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 6 of Boot Camp. The beginning of the second week.

We had the weekend off which was both good and bad for me.

It gives us a chance to rest but also to fall out of the pattern of eating well

especially during a holiday weekend.

I did well on Saturday but over did it yesterday...to be honest.

I have stuck to no coffee, no alcohol, no white stuff like pasta, rice or potatoes

and no bread (my favorite thing) but did have a fabulous piece

of home made pie at a friends house with too much food at dinner.

I drank tons of water and took lots of fiber to hopefully push it

through my body not let it stay on or in my body.

I kept thinking that saying, "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips."

I could feel that my body does not want or need all that food.

The pendulum is starting to swing the other way! Cravings are really in

my mind and if I just think about it, visualize eating the thing I crave, not really eating

it can be just as satisfying. Also herbal tea or lemon water is filling that void.

Distraction of being active like dancing to music, cleaning the house or walking

the dog and cat too, are all good things to do and keep my mind off food and onto

my new life. Plus the big test for me was to feel the feelings I am really having right at

that moment and not stuffing it down with food.

Do I feel sad, lonely, bored, anxious, etc. I have created a very bad habit

of going to food. What a crutch I've been using which has become such a disservice

to me, my body and my life. But NO more! Feeling good in and about my body

will be my new path.

It was chilly morning on the island, low 40's, with some wind. We start out

jogging, lunging, leg lifts to warm us up. Then we head inside to do

some exercise on the balance balls, then more moves on the balance ball

with weights. My heavy weight were 8 lbs. today! 7 lbs. last week.

I decided to take the chance and go up to see how it felt and it I could do it.

Will keep doing that and get up to 10 lb. weight or even 12 lb. weight soon.

I lost 5 pounds last week and I am feeling great. Not as achy or tired. I feel my body

moving in a more fluid way. I can see and feel how my body is going to look

and I wish it could be there today. My left knee is getting stronger. I thought I was

heading for possible knee surgery. What a relief that this is working.

My hips feel better too. I notice I am excited about Boot Camp. The fear is gone.

It is a great group of women and the air is light. No tension, no drama, just smiles

and support and doing our best. Think I will do a home workout on the mini trampoline today or also called the re-bounder. This time I will watch the DVD that comes with it.

"Bend in the Road" tomorrow. That beautiful spot where the road curves going towards

Edgartown on Beach Road at State Beach. It is only know as "bend in the road"

if you live here...and are hip... which of course we are.

It is actually the spot that made me first fall in love with the

Vineyard and vow to move here the next summer, which I did, over 23 years ago.

I hope it is a little warmer out and the beach roses are in bloom and the salt air rises

to greet us.

Thanks Nisa, you are truly helping me to change my life.

Suzanne

5.11.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 7

Daily Blog #7

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

A beautiful but chilly May Vineyard morning. Today we met at "bend in the road"

beach in Edgartown for a brisk power walk along the bike path. A gorgeous view

of the sound and the pond. I am armed with my water, coat, gloves and a hat and my

fancy Sketcher Shape-Ups shoes that I just love!

So happy and cozy in my warm bed, I did not want to get up. My friendly cat, Zac Redford,

got me up at 4:45 am today rather than his usual 5:30 am, which has become my boot camp

alarm clock. The debate beings in my mind.... do I stay up?, perhaps stretch and make some green tea? Or do I crawl back into bed and hope I do not miss my alarm clock to get up as the cat is now out. I crawl back in bed..... The bed wins today. I do stretch

when I force myself up later ( as you can see I am not a morning person) and as always,

once I am up and going I am fine and feel good.

On my drive to "bend in the road," my favorite place, I spot a lone wild turkey

talking himself down the sidewalk for a morning stroll. "That's so Vineyard," I say to myself.

What a special sight, but one that is all too common here, so the "specialness" can wear off.

I am working on being present this summer on the Vineyard and truly appreciating

the beauty and people of the island as I plan to leave the island in the fall.

Those who know me well, know that I'll always come back, but I do not plan to make this my year-round base anymore. Or rather, I find that I cannot, as the economy, the high cost of living here, and my chosen profession of being a holistic skin care specialist is only a seasonal job and I need and want more in my life.

But instead of living in the future, as I have a tendency to do,

I try to be more grounded and live NOW, enjoy NOW, do the work it takes NOW to better my future. Hence, BOOT CAMP!!!!

Boot Camp is more than just exercise. It is an experience to help boost your whole life, a great way to start the day and an even better way to meet great people and feel part of something bigger than just myself. As Nisa says, "If you want something done, call a boot camper,"... a wonderful way to make contacts and find what you need.

As we walk along the path at a fast pace, but our own pace, some faster than others, we pair up and have conversations with people we know or with one's we are getting to know. I can hear all kinds of conversations in front and back of me, from what's going on in our jobs and families, why we decided to take boot camp, how our legs are starting to feel this walk, to nutrition of what is REALLY good or not good to eat..... and so on.

I wonder what they talk about at the Men's Basic Training Boot Camp with Ben Ramsey,

Nisa's husband. Do they just workout hard, too busy throwing up and then trying

to breathe and exercise harder, rather than ponder the great mysteries of life?

I want to stop... but I keep going. As we turn back and I focus on the life guard stand where

our cars are parked so I can see the end. It feels good that I kept going and tried

to keep my mind active on the conversation and not the fact that my short legs

are going as fast as they can to keep up with the tall Amazon women who have

long easy strides.

The walk is over, my body is warm, out for morning tea with Nisa at Mocha Motts, then on with my day. Walk the dog, wish she had come with us, write the blog, get ready

for doing a couple of facials today, eat well, drink water and count my blessings.

Owen Park in Vineyard Haven tomorrow. Time to run up and down the hill. My least favorite

thing to do but I will change my mind about it.....

Okay, I can do that or I will just do my best!

Thanks, Nisa

Suzanne

5.12.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 8

Daily Blog #8

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

On this unusually chilly May day we meet at Owen Park in Vineyard Haven

to do my favorite thing.....(haha) which is to run or power walk up and down the hill.

Okay... if you read this blog you all know by now that this is hard for me....

but again I will change my attitude. Just keep moving is the key. So that is what I did.

I want to be like the hill sprinters that just run up the hill, full speed, with a smile

on their face. I said to Laura... "I want to be like you... and hopefully in a few months I

will be."

"I am done with this hill," I say to other boot campers. They replied,

"You are over the hill?" I said yes both literally and figuratively.

Why is it that we feel 25 in our minds but our bodies say 50?

Oh, the joys of getting older and realizing that we are older.

Boot camp helps with that. It makes my body feel like my inside 25 year old self.

Now warmed up, starting to sweat and now I feel good. The side steps are

stretching out my back that felt sore this morning. Everyone goes at their own pace and

does what they can do at their own level. I love that about boot camp.

Later we head to the grass, on our mats, to do push ups and crunches and cat back stretches, downward dog (which I do love.) The only issue with downward dog

for those of us who are well endowed up top - is not to be suffocated by boobs.

For some that may be a great way to go... but not when it is self imposed.

To be quite honest, I did not push myself this morning as hard as I could have.

Sometimes in boot camp just showing up and moving is all you can do and

sometimes that is good enough. To make up for my lack of giving it 100%

I will be going to Nisa's Body Conditioning class at 4:30 pm a the

Vineyard Fitness Center in Edgartown or "Brad's Gym" is what we all think

it should be called. Brad, the owner of VFC, is so shy and non-egotistical that

he dislikes this idea. It is a very Vineyard thing to have a business called another

type of Nickname. For example when old Humphrey's bakery in West Tisbury was taken over by the Vineyard Food Shop, we still all called it Humphrey's. Just an island thing.

Then onto Mocha Motts for conversation and morning tea. Nisa and I ran into a woman who

had gastric bypass surgery and has lost 150 lbs. She looks great but feels awful with no energy from the lack of vitamin B12 that is blocked from her smaller stomach.

She commented that they don't tell you these things ahead of time and that the surgeons should require a year of therapy before one gets this surgery. It as just as much mental thing

as physical one she says. In her mind now she is still the person with 150 extra lbs. on her frame. That is what she sees in the mirror.

She once lost over 200 lbs. from doing what she now calls "the right way."

Exercise and diet and time. Ah yes, time. Once we are ready to lose weight we want

it off NOW. But time is our friend and I must remember that.

Those of us who have weight issues also have mind issues that had us put

the weight on in the first place. Harsh but true. For me it stems from childhood and my very sensitive nature. My mother always tells me that I was not a fat child. And she is right.

No one else in my family is. I was healthy and active but not a jock but never really felt comfortable in my body.

I was never into sports except for the one year I did play field hockey.

My family was into skiing, kayaking, camping, and motorcycles.

I have often said I did not get the skiing gene. I have a photo of my whole family

on skis and I am standing there holding mine refusing to ski. I lodge, I don't ski.

I spent several years in Park City, Utah where I ran my day spa and did not ski once!

I was not fat until I survive the four divorces that my parents and us (the children) went through. We never had soda or junk in the house. We couldn't afford it. If we wanted

a treat we made it ourselves from scratch. My sister made the best chocolate chip

cookies in the world. Even as child I wanted to eat too many of them and still

to this day they are my favorite. Home made warm Toll House Cookies. Yum!

I started to gain weight when I was 15 and sent to live with my father and then

stepmother and half-siblings. Mac 'N Cheese became my friend. That self imposed

pattern of soothing myself with food continued and I gained weight every time I moved

or started a new career. I am about to make a big move across the country again come this fall and I am determined to break this pattern now!

We can all find issues from our past and we all have our stories and challenges.

The "new age" way of thinking is that these are our lessons to learn and grow from.

"What does not kill us makes us stronger, blah blah blah..."

Right now in my life that past is in the past and the present is now and the

future is exciting to me. I want to wear that sexy little black dress and high heels and go out on real date with dinner and dancing. I want to feel good in a bathing suit and NOT dread the

walk to the water because I do not anyone to look at me and/or judge me.

I want to wear all the fun and stylish clothes that I used collect and feel good and different in. And so I shall. I do not care to be stick thin. I like my curves. Self acceptance

at any weight is part of the key. I am doing this to feel better and to create a better life.

I also want people to stop making rude comments to me about my weight like it is okay to do so. I know I have weight on me. I'm not blind> AND, I know you can see it too!

But saying things like, "you would be so pretty if you just lost some weight," is NOT okay. But this is a topic for another blog. Don't get me started.

Now onto my day and more exercise later. Must get my fridge in order with the

right foods to be prepared. I find that I am happy throughout the whole day. I sleep

great and can feel my body changing. Today is good.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

5.13.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 9

Daily Blog, #9

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 9 on this lovely and dewy spring day as we meet at Veteran Park in

Vineyard Haven. Everyday is different in boot camp. Even when you think

"Oh, I know what this is.... or here we go again....." Nisa will change it up

to keep it fresh and new and interesting and a way of working out different muscles.

Not feeling quite up to jogging across the wet grassy field today but I walk as fast as I can and keep going. That is the key... just keep going. I marvel and delight as watching the

boot campers who can run and jump rope at the same time with such grace.

We go on to the obstacle course after doing hula hoops and end with jumping jacks and stretching. Nisa has an eagle eye and she sees who to push on, who to encourage, and who to jokingly threaten to get their ass moving.

The best part of today for me is talking to two other new boot campers who will

do the pH Miracle food program with me. Perhaps with group support for diet

as well as group support for exercise will be the key for me... and hopefully for them too.

Why can't there be a drive-thru healthy food place? The Anit- MacDonald's!

Where you can get sushi, veggie burger, steamed veggies, brown rice, salads, fresh juices, other healthy combos. If I had 100,000 I would start one. Someone should.

Where is my personal chef? If I were rich I would certainly have one.

I love to cook but not just for one. I will have to change that and also have other

boot campers over for dinner. Maybe we should start a once a week boot camp

pot luck healthy dinner that rotates houses. That could be fun!

I'll bring that up to Nisa and the group.

The pH Miracle book talks about how our outside should be acid on the pH scale and our

inside should be alkaline. That is all true from my studies in the holistic health field.

Much of our diet from junk food, to meat to dairy make our inside acidic, thus

creating and storing fat that can all lead to disease.

They have scientific proof of this and it make sense to me. For me I need to be prepared to

eat the "right" food. Nisa suggests cutting up veggies and having them ready to go.

Dipping them in humus and there go. For me having hypoglycemia and being an emotional

eater as well as an emotional person, I tend to get too hungry then over eat and choose

what is fastest and easiest. Now that I have the exercise part in the head; meaning the fear is gone and I want to do it. I now need to get the food part down to keep on track.

I've always eaten good food as an adult and have eaten very consciously in the last several weeks, I need to step it up to get the weight off, not just be healthy.

The group of women are so great. Day by day we all get to know each other better.

All shapes, sizes, ages, temperaments and personalities.

Even though I enjoy my alone time, my life can be so isolated from being self-employed, living as a single woman, not currently in a relationship, and no family living near by;

being in this group, getting warm hello's and smiles and conversation and advice is a god send. I met one of my dearest friends at boot camp several years ago.

One more day to complete week two!!!!! We meet at Brad's gym for who know what?

"Just bring everything," Nisa says. That means, the balance ball, our small weights, water, our mats and ourselves. I am sure Nisa will literally dream up an interesting and challenging

workout to round out our week.

A quick tea today, home to write the blog, walk the dog and get ready for work.

Feeling awake, alive and happy. Feeling my body change and my mind too!

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

5.14.10

Boot Campers Blog day 10

Daily Blog #10

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 10 on this overcast morning with more rain possible later today.

Good thing we planned to meet at the Vineyard Fitness Center in Edgartown

for an inside workout to end our second week.

I find as I get older it takes me longer to get up and get going.

I think I have more time than I do or I think it will take a shorter time

to get there than it does. But I made just after 6 am. I don't like to be

late so I really need to re-set my inner clock to make this work.

Today would be called a body conditioning class with weights, leg lifts and ab work.

Reps of 50 for each thing. I found it hard this morning, but again I did what I could do.

Our group is a wonderfully mixed bunch. There are some fit athletic types and

some of us in good shape and some of us who struggle. That is all par for the course.

We all do what we can and go at our own pace and we all showed up... which should makes us all proud. In the afternoon body conditioning class we did reps of 100 of everything and I could do that. I asked Nisa why do the 50 reps this morning seem harder than the 100 reps

in the afternoon? She said, "Because it is the morning." Ah, that makes sense.

And that made me feel better, so I did not mentally beat myself up.

The mirrors in gym are scary. They are not accurate and make all of us look bigger.

It scares me to see my reflection. I do not and never have thought of myself as a big person. I know I am round and plump but overweight,?... and now very overweight,? ...

through the eyes of this mirror it is a wake up call.

Trying to fight the feelings of failure of the hard realization that yes, I am indeed as big as I am is a difficult issue for me. How did I get here? How can I be so disconnected to by own body? Why did I do this to myself and how to stop it?

Why did I choose to ignore it? I usually put these thoughts out of my mind but in truth

it is always there. Nagging at me.

STOP! I say to myself. Today is a another good start and we have to start somewhere. Being shocked, alarmed, concerned and scared about my extra weight can be used as a catalyst for positive change. Wake up, move forward, be positive and remember that change takes time. Be patient (not my strong suit) and keep going. Be good to yourself, think good thoughts repeatedly and take it one day at a time.

So, today I am proud of myself for completing two whole weeks of boot camp.

Not one time missed! My attitude is good. My diet is great! No coffee, no bread, no sugar

white stuff like rice, pasta, etc. And no overeating or soothing myself with food or eating when I cam not hungry!

And this morning I had a Nisa breakfast of black beans, fresh salsa, grilled tofu, steamed broccoli with two small tortillas. Yummy and filling and it makes my body feel good!

Nisa says it is okay to take the weekend off. Don't feel guilty about not exercising.

This is the time for your body to recover. This weekend should be just perfect weather

so I plan to take Sadie the wonder dog out to Lucy Vincent beach in Chilmark before the season hits and only those lucky few with passes can go to that beach!

In my opinion, ALL beaches should be free and open to everyone! But that is another

blog and not a boot camp issue.

I am currently reading the pH Miracle by Robert Young. I also checked out of the West Tisbury library two other books. Jiilian Michaels, (from the Biggest Loser) "The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook." The other is "The Nine Rooms of Happiness," by Lucy Danzinger & Catherine Birndorg, M.D. Books for the body and mind. I plan to take my chair onto the beach near my apartment and sit under my umbrella while enjoying the view and reading these books.

Boot Camp on Monday. We meet at the the gym and then go outside from there.

My arms feel heavy to type so I know today's workout has been effective.

Time to walk to the dog and then get on with my day. I am so grateful

for Nisa the group and this boot camp. Have a great weekend!

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

5.17.10

Daily Bootcampers Blog!!

Daily Blog, Monday, May 17th, 2010

" A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 11 or the beginning of the third week of boot camp.

Today we meet at the gym for a mostly outside workout.

It was nice to have the weekend off to enjoy the beautiful weather, sit in the sun,

go out and see friends and also stay at home and putter. I could understand why the body

needs recovery but I also felt my body craving a little activity...

which is a new sensation for me.

I have never been a physical person. Not an athlete, not a sports fan or player,

not an outdoor adventurer. In the past I would say... "I lodge, I don't ski."

This is changing in me. I like feeling good in my body.

But the thought of exercising at 6 am on Monday morning is a shock to my system.

At least for now or until I get used to the idea.

The best of part for me today is the end result. I felt really good afterwards. And now

I have the whole day ahead of me. Life feels fuller and I am not wasting it by sleeping in

or being a couch potato or just getting up and going to work.

I never really did "feel good" after boot camps in the years past.

Is that mental or physical? Is it because my attitude

has changed or my diet has changed or perhaps the combination of both?

I feel like a new person. Happier and not so negative. Situations don't bother me as much.

I feel excited about changing my body (although I still want the in-shape body NOW!)

and I am looking forward to the future.

Once I can make my body work for me and not against me I will have another tool in my belt that I can count on. Not just my mental agility, my wit, my empathy and caring, my morals and values, my love for my friends, family and animals and my hard work. The outside will work with the inside to create a stronger healthier me that can do more and offer more.

I never really thought of it like this before until just now as I am putting it into words.

I've thought of the mind and body as two separate entities. Now I can see them functioning

in unison or as one, which makes both parts vitally important. Oprah might call this

an Ah Hah moment.

Two influences for this thought process came to me while having tea after boot camp.

While waiting for Nisa to arrive I checked the web on my iphone to see about other

boot camps that may be offered in Seattle as I plan to move there in the fall.

None like Nisa's, of course, but I found one in a gym that is called Sound Mind and Body.

I liked that name as it combines both internal and external. Yes, we need to have both a sound mind and a sound body to be whole and truly healthy.

Then I saw a postcard on the Mocha Motts bulletin board with a happy Buddha

with the saying "BLISS REQUIRES CAREFUL PLANNING."

When I turned sixteen a very much older and wiser 25 year old woman named Robin told me that if I wanted something to happen then plan it! That advice became my philosophy and has helped me accomplish many impossible dreams.

If I can see it in my mind and plan it (with all the details,) then I can have it happen.

Thought and action are the key. The Law of Attraction put into action and the universe will change or rise up to meet you and help you along this journey. So... even bliss requires careful planning makes sense to me.

I now have this card on my computer so I can see it everyday.

I need to start seeing the body I want and plan what I need to make it happen like:

food, water, boot camp, etc. Think I will make a vision board of this. The body I want -

within reason - (I don't need to be an Olympian or body builder or some plastic Hollywood over the top Pamela Anderson type) and the positive things and activities it will bring to my life.

And by the way.... I am also learning not to get too bogged down with ALL the details

in order to leave room for a surprise or an unexpected change that I might have been closed to before. Plan ...but also allow room for things to unfold.

Now to make a Nisa breakfast that I will duplicate from The Art Cliff Diner...

grilled tofu, avocado, black beans, salsa, steamed broccoli with two small tortillas.

Protein, fiber, healthy fats and tasty too and this keeps you full for a long time.

Also going to drink distilled water with the greens in them to pH balance my inside -

all in the pH Miracle book that I am reading.

Day 1 of week three and off to a good start.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

5.18.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 12

Daily Blog, #12, Tuesday, May 18, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Up again at 5:30 a.m. Unfortunately for me, my cat, Zac Redford, got me up three times before the alarm went off just to go out and back in to eat then out again.

Why can't he wait until 5:30 am and give me those few precious warm cozy minutes of half-awake sleep? I love that time of day when you are still in bed but realize that you

have a few more moments and it feels like such a gift, so exciting to have, almost like

the feeling of having a snow day when we were kids, and waiting for our school to be announced on the radio. Then letting out a big YEAH!!!!!!! when you hear your schools name.

Zac Redford is one of the reasons I started boot camp in the first place.

Once we moved back to the island he started to wake me up at 5:30 a.m. every morning.

I figured I was up anyway so why not go to boot camp and do this thing.

Terri picks me up and we head to Ink Well Beach in Oak Bluffs.

Ben, Nisa's husband, who also runs a men's boot camp, is busy setting up

the mini trampolines or rebounders. I love the rebounder but be sure to NEVER

jump on them in just socks - too slippery - or in those rocking shape-up

type shoes - to rocky.

Nisa will be offering a full hour mini trampoline class at VFC every Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. I'll be there!!! Check this web site for more details.

I am feeling really good this morning even after doing a second class yesterday

of Nisa's body conditioning class at the Vineyard Fitness Center in Edgartown.

That was a great class. It really pushed the envelope for me and even though

I still have a long way to go I could keep up pretty well. Nisa said I kicked butt

and she is proud of me for getting into this so much. The support feels great and

spurs me on to do more! I met Jane in this class who reads this blog! And loves it!

Thanks Jane. It helps to know people are reading it and it is part of their day.

Feel free to join in and let me know your thoughts.

Today was a varied workout from the mini tramps, hula hoops, some kick ball, obstacle course, step-ups on the curb and stretching to end. Nisa does an amazing job at keep

her eye on everyone and mindful of body issues or injuries (from life not from boot camp)

and helps everyone do alternative exercises. I must remember to look for my other sneakers that are not rolling or shape-ups as these are hard to run in. Everyone was in a quiet mood with low energy, which can happen, but it was a good workout without over doing it.

I made big salad last night with red leaf lettuce, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, avocado,

blueberries, cucumber and yellow peppers. On top I put baked salmon with pesto

glaze that gives it a great flavor with over powering the fish.

I found that I only ate half of what I normally would have. I actually stopped

when I felt full! Then I drank more water at night and did not eat anything else.

Now I have a good meal for today all ready to go and I am learning to not only just eat healthy food but healthy portions. This is a big hurdle for me to jump over!

Yeah me! I can't wait to take my measurements at the end of the month.

I already feel better in my skin and in my clothes. I even had a man say "Hello darlin'"

to me as I walked by him last Saturday. I think it shows I am feeling good in

by body.

While watching "Dancing with the Stars," last night I marveled at the beautiful

bodies, costumes and movements. The people on that show are in such good shape.

Dancing does wonders for your body. I can dance for hours and not feel like it is

exercise or even feel tired or sore. But I don't care what shape I can get myself in I do not think I could do some of those moves on that show. Perhaps some day I will take a dance class. I never have. There are many on the island. Even adult ballet.

The sad truth is for those of us who are bigger or okay I'll say it... just plain fat.... is that

we feel embarrassed about our size and therefore often avoid dance or exercise classes or even gyms. We don't want to feel foolish not being able to do the moves or feel judge by the people who are fit. And yes, we do ASSUME that those "fit" people are judging us when in truth they most likely do NOT care and have other things on their minds....

Or god forbid, fart in class or grunt too loudly or something else mortifying like struggling

to just get up from the floor.

I am here to say..... DO IT ANYWAY! Forget all these stupid worries and

DO IT ANYWAY! We have to start somewhere and this is where I am at now.

Plus self acceptance at any size if important!!!!! Not everyone

is meant to be a size two. We are all different and beautiful in our own way.

I have all of those negative and worried thoughts every boot camp and every exercise class but really who cares? DO IT ANYWAY! I say to myself... Show up and do my best.

Plus even those "fit" people have their own body issues, problems and things

going in their lives that we know nothing about.... so get over it and

DO IT ANYWAY!

So that is all the thoughts or pearls of wisdom I can come up with today plus

the left over salmon and salad is calling my name. I have a couple of facial

clients today which makes me happy. And by the way, if you are part of any Nisafit

classes I am offering a $50 discount for my 90 minute holistic organic facial treatment.

Just call me at 508-693-4550 at Martha's Vineyard Skin Care Company.

(Shameless self promotion) but taking care of your largest organ of the body

is good for you.

I started drinking the greens yesterday and I think it helps.

So.. on with my day. Thanks for reading!!!! Please pass this link

onto your friends on and off island and have a great day.

Where did the sun go?

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

5.19.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 13

Daily Blog, #13, Wednesday, May 19, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Good morning all. What a rain storm we had last night! And, as it was still

drizzling this morning our outdoor workout was moved to indoors at Brad's Gym.

I love this kind of weather. It makes we want to be home, drink hot tea, light a candle

and snuggle up on the couch with my cat, Zac Redford, and read a good book or perhaps watch a Jane Austen movie. It does not make me want to jump up and exercise.

But jump up and exercise is what I did.

I find my mood is elevated when I do exercise. No blues or mild depression.

I feel happier even on this gray and damp day. Something for me to keep in mind

when I move to Seattle. Get up and exercise on gray days -which may be many -

it will help the rest of the day go well.

A full group was there this morning to do one of Nisa's famous body conditioning

classes. I love to lift weights but today the 5 lbs. weights seemed heavier than the 8 lbs. I could do last week. Nisa explained to me that this normal

even for body builders to have on and off days. The body just fluctuates.

Similar to my bank account.....

Did you know that one gallon of water equals 8 lbs. of weight? So if you don't have

fancy weights at home just lift your water. Do a bunch of reps. It will work.

I see and feel my body changing. I can feel more muscles starting to form.

I can get up from the floor a little better.

Even sitting on my chair while typing my butt muscles ( or should I say gluttes to be cool)

are making me sit higher.

I am getting more aware of my posture. Sit up straight and don't round my shoulders.

Since I have large chest and don't like people staring at it or

talking to it, instead of looking at my face , I tend to round my shoulders to

protect myself and make it not be so.... out there. This often causes neck problems

for me. Now even my neck is getting stronger so I don't have as many aches

and pains.

I complained to Nisa while at tea that the weight does not seem to be coming off according to the scale as quickly as I want it to.

I know I've lost inches and gained muscle. Muscle weights more than fat.

She said DON"T weight myself. It is not about numbers. We are so used to in our

society to measure health and fitness by the number of pounds we have lost.

All the ads boast, "I've lost a million pounds in just three days!!!, even the "Biggest Loser," is so focused on how many lbs. in just one week they can lose, and so on.....

So instead of measuring my success in what I have lost I am now starting a new

trend of what I have gained!!!!!

I've gained a good routine that now makes me get up and exercise.

I've gained the support of Nisa and the boot camp group.

I've gained feeling much better in my own body.

I've gained sleeping more soundly at night.

I've gained more self confidence and pride in myself.

I've gained my mother's continued love and pride too as she

read the blog for the first time on Mother's Day and she said it was the best gift she could have gotten because every Mother just wants their kids to be happy and healthy.

I've gained more control over my food addictions - at least in practice cause I still think about it...a work in progress.

I've gained feeling hope and excitement about the future.

A fellow boot camper gave me a tip to a web site and company that sells really good sports

bras for the well endowed. I do not like most sports bras or the uni-boob syndrome.

Lift and separate but strap them in as well. It is: titlenine.com.

I will order one today. Thanks, Caroline!

After tea I went up to Cronig's Market to buy breakfast items and play another

rousing game of... " Find your favorite groceries, if you can!!!!!! )

It must be hard to be doing construction while keeping the store open to the public.

But as a consumer it has been a challenge to run around the store and search for what I need.

Extra firm tofu now in the new fancy shelving on the far side of the store. Dr. Bronner's

Peppermint Castille soap still in the same isle. Fabulous for your skin but cut it with

water as it is concentrated. The peppermint really wakes you and your skin up during a shower.

Here is my recipe for Nisa's Breakfast Special:

Organic Black Beans (Nature's Promise Organic in a can)

Organic Fire Roasted Chopped Tomatoes (Amy's - in a can)

Extra Firm Tofu (Nasoya)

Heat beans, tomatoes in a sauce pan. Add whatever spices you may like.

Grilled slices of tofu with light olive oil and spread chopped garlic on it. Brown on each side.

Or spread tofu with a light dab of pesto - you get garlic, olive oil and flavor all at once.

Steam broccoli

Place on a plate or add together in a bowl with fresh chopped parsley and avocado.

Can also put ready ingredients in a fat free small tortillas. Grill without oil first.

Yummy and filling and good for you too!!! I make a double batch so the next morning

all I have to do is re-heat and eat.

Off to walk the dog, Sadie, then make breakfast, take a shower and

get some things done before I curl up on the couch to read "The Nine Rooms

of Happiness." Tomorrow we are at Owen Park.

Don't forget to go to Nisa's 4:30 class today. I tired saying I couldn't come once because

Oprah was on and it was about weight loss with Geeneen Roth - who writes books

about the internal, emotional side of why we can be fat. Good books, check them out.

But Nisa would have none of that nonsense from me.

Have a great day. Thanks, Nisa

5.20.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 14

Daily Blog #14, Thursday, May 20, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today is a gorgeous quintessential Vineyard Day. Sunny, warm, and not too hot or humid. This is the second best time of year on-island.

Winter is over, perfect weather, everything blooming, beautiful views and no big

crowds yet. The first best time is in the early fall when the season is over but the

water is still warm, everything is still open and on sale, and we can all

take a deep breathe and see each other again after working our butts off all summer and actually having a moment to enjoy the island.

Today we were at Owen Park in Vineyard Haven. The view from the harbor

is stunning and we all commented on how lucky we are to have this and be here.

This is one more of the benefits of boot camp. It gets us out around the island,

not only to exercise, but to enjoy this stunning place an appreciate the beauty around us before we head off for our days of making a living to live here. Many of our jobs are to make sure the visitors, tourists or summer residents enjoy their time here while we are working hard.

I can see my apartment from the beach. I finally scored on the primo

year round rental on the beach with a view and also right in town where I can walk everywhere. Albeit, it is only a studio in a house transformed into four apartments but

it is charming and so worth it. Wishing I had my dog, Sadie, with me today so she could run and get a workout too. We walk this beach almost everyday. This is her back yard.

She runs like the wind. I've always admired how athletic and agile she is.

How is it that some people like Olympic athletes are so in their bodies and have

the talent and skill to use their bodies for great things.

When I lived in Park City, Utah many of the Olympic athletes would come into

my spa for massage therapy. Are their bodies that way and can do those feats because

they have super genes and have been touched by the hand of God? Or are their bodies that way because they have worked hard at training and learning their craft? Or both? Nature or nurture? Either way...I marvel at them.

We power run then jog on the beach, then side steps and bunny hops. I can only power

walk. The sand is thick and really gives our legs a workout. I want to stop and Nisa says keep going. Don't sit down it makes you feel worse. Keep the blood and body moving.

There is a hurdle I need to get over every time. That whole mental and physical

stubbornness or fear of having to move my body and thinking it may hurt or be hard.

Once I get going I always feel better. then I feel great when I am done.

I need to find a way to push myself harder and work through this block.

For me... right now, just showing up daily is a big step for me. Especially as I am not a morning person. I also need to stop mentally beating myself up and think the positive thoughts. Okay, I am not a super athlete but I am here and I am doing it.

Here are some more food tips:

Add sliced cucumber into a pitcher of water. The flavor will infuse and it is very refreshing.

It makes water not boring. Distilled water is very good for us.

Try Mestamacher bread at Cronig's. It is non-wheat, grain bread that is very high in fiber, no preservatives, and cholesterol free. It is thin, small pieces and very good for you.

Spread coconut oil on it (or any bread which I am avoiding) instead of butter.

Great for your insides and also your skin and hair.

Tomorrow - one more day of boot camp and three weeks will have been completed.

Nisa says this is when we will really start to notice changes in our bodies.

All I know is that I am happier and feel better.

We head to the dock and workout on our mats. Leg lifts, crunches, bicycles, back stretches, cat back curls and downward dog and more. I love to stretch.

That does resonate with my body.

My hips are slimming down and I felt great in my clothes yesterday.

Caroline had such good looking workout clothes on today. She looked bright and cute and

fit. I commented to her about it and her advice is to get really great workout clothes

as they make you feel better. I agree. I need to go off island and get some

cool stuff. Dressing the part, fake it til you make it, putting more intention into it, will all be good things.

Now back to Owen Park to give Sadie a run. Breakfast of beans, broccoli and tofu and veggies I have ready from yesterday. I am going to bring my green drink in distilled water with me while I take care of Gloria, my 91 year old friend. Not sure about dinner but I am

not eating after 8 pm.

Have a great day everyone and take the time to see the blooming beach roses.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

5.21.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 15

Daily Blog #15, Friday, May 21, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"Fifteen days today! Three whole weeks on Nisafit's Boot Camp.

Today we met at Waban Park across from Ink Well beach in Oak Bluffs for an all balance ball workout. Nisa directed us as she pumped up the balls that needed more air.

We were all in a big circle as we did this workout. It is about strength, core and balance. It is another perfect weather Vineyard day and it is so wonderful to see the ice blue water over the sound as the sun continues to rise.

The sun was shinning through Beth's balance ball making it seem as if she was sitting on a golden orb. I don't know how Nisa knows all of these exercises and moves that she comes up with.

She says she dreams them up in her sleep and I believe she does.

What she gives us is reasonable to do and then she sometimes

shows us what else can be done. The pro moves that only advanced and skilled people can pull off. Impressive.

I especially like stretching backward on the ball.

As a kid, I used to be able to do those back bends all on my own without a ball. The side oblique bends are also now one of my new favorites. Placing our heals on top of the ball while pressing down and lifting our bums then pressing down and bringing the

ball towards you is great for the legs and bum and an effort to do.

I often think I have the move down, then Nisa re-directs us to lift our rib cages or moves from the hip or lift the leg higher, etc. to get the real move.... then we go...okay, ahhhh, yes we feel that!!!! That

makes a difference and now I can really feel it.

The push ups we did on the ball are a great way to work up to doing real plank floor push ups as the easier ones on your knees do not work as well.... according to Nisa. I also found that doing crunches are better on my back and neck and seem to enable me to work my core more (Which needs a lot or work).

Dr. Oz says that if your waist size is over 35 Inches for women and over 40 inches for men then one could be a great risk for heart disease, diabetes, as well as other ailments. Ideal waist size is 32 inches or less for women and 35 inches or less for men.

Back in the day I had a 24 inch waist. I was 36/24/36. Now I won't tell you what my waist measurement is, but let's just say I am heading Dr. Oz's warnings. Well at some point in this blog I will share weight and measurements.... when I have reached a good goal....so stay tuned.

I have not owned or worn a pair of jeans since high school.

I aspire to owning a wearing a great pair of jeans with a crisp white blouse, having long glowing hair and cool boots with a heal. I love that look and need to find that look to put it on my boot camp vision board. If any of you want to do a vision board party please contact me or Nisa. It could be fun. Setting goals and intentions are a good idea.

Tip from Nisa:

Check out the

book pH Miracle by Dr. Young.

A tip from me:

Try Organic Clear Fiber from ReNew Life at Healthy Additions.

I have a slow track, always have, and although I'm eating fiber rich food extra fiber really helps me. I put one large tablespoon with a

packet of Emergen-C drink in distilled water. Love it.

Other things at Healthy Additions are:

Balance Balls, Yoga supplies, Organic Skin Care, Sprouting Jars to make your own and more. I wish they gave me a cut of all the business I send to them. I also hear Trader Fred's Has balance balls - or online or off island at Wal-Mart, etc.

I need a new one as the small little plug that I took out an placed in a really good safe spot when I moved is now lost in my mind.

Such a safe spot I cannot find it. So today my ball deflated with the

plug I tried to make it work with.

After boot camp I met Nisa at the Art Cliff Diner (all are invited)

for a healthy breakfast. I came home and got my dog, Sadie, to walk to the Art Cliff from where I live. It is not that far away but I am proud of myself for taking advantage of being close and being mindful of being more active throughout the day.

May is almost over for those of you Nisafit exercisers who want a discount for a 90 minute, three masque, organic/holistic facial treatment, please call me at 508-693-4550 at Martha's Vineyard Skin Care Company.

Onward with this beautiful day. Laundry to do, a house to go and clean and get ready for the season, Nisafit's press kit to finish and get to the newspapers... (I used to be a professional publicist in the music business) just some of my many hats. Vineyard living...

most of us have several jobs and skills to afford to live here.

Have a wonderful weekend. I am working but also making time to

get out for a long walk. I can plan my food for the week and make sure my fridge is stocked and ready to go.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

5.24.10

boot Campers Blog Day 16

Daily Blog #16, Monday, May 24, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"A foggy and misty Monday morning and happily back to boot camp.

I woke up yesterday at 6:45 a.m. in a panic that I had missed boot camp before realizing that it was Sunday.

The island is starting to get busy. Stores are opening, people are painting their fences, landscaping is in full swing, and those of us who live here are gearing up

for another summer of hard work and outdoor fun.

Nisa and Ben went paddle boarding over the weekend. Nisa will have a paddle board group

this summer. Can't wait to try it when the water is warmer. Not sure if it will be for me

but it looks like fun and I am willing to be more active and try new things.

Today we met at the Vineyard Fitness Center parking lot to do a 3 mile walk from

the gym through the picturesque old whaling town of Edgartown to the Lighthouse and back.

It was a good way to start the week. Get up, get moving and enjoy the view.

I love Edgartown as I lived there for many years. It is truly one of the most beautiful

towns in America with the large Captain's Houses, the brick sidewalks, white picket fences and manicured lawns with views of the harbor.

I also enjoyed the company of sweet Emma while walking and talking. She is 21 and in college and has some good ideas as what to do with her future career.

Still figuring it out, like we all are.

She is on a good track and I know she will succeed at whatever she does.

I like how boot camp attracts all ages, sizes and different types of people.

Health is a universal issue. Something we all have in common.

We all have one body (unless we get replacement parts)

in which we get to experience joy, pain, growth, challenges, disease and more.

I always feel like I am jogging to keep up with the faster group. It gives me a good workout

but I don't like being in the back of the pack. Instead of worrying about it, it can be something to work towards. I tell myself everyday. "I am here and doing my best and doing it." I do not have to be "the best" or "the worst" in the group or put any title on it.

Maybe this is why Nike says "Just Do It."

After the walk I went off to Cronig's Market to buy tofu for breakfast and make tea at home.

Turns out this is a great time to go shopping as no one was there.

Something to keep in mind as the island gets busier.

I do wish that Cronig's had put in a coffee/juice bar with outside tables, made to order fresh meals, etc. instead of just rows of fancy freezers. I'd like to see a Cronig's meets Starbucks, meets Whole Foods type of store with a community bulletin board and a place for cooking classes and other informative classes, etc.

But Stever Bernier who owns Cronig's just forgot to ask my opinion......

Today I plan to drink a whole gallon of distilled water with the greens powder in it to

hydrate, nourish and alkalize my body. Info in the pH Miracle for Weight Loss book by Robert Young. It will interesting to see how I feel tomorrow.

Time to get ready for my first facial client of the week.

Then onto the many others things I need to get done.

Owen Park tomorrow. Have a wonderful day.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

5.25.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 17

Daily Blog #17, Tuesday, May 25, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Another perfect spring Vineyard day. Sunny and warm and not too hot yet.

We met at Owen Park in Vineyard Haven for an outside workout.

I wore my new sneakers that a friend gave to me. The rocking shape-up shoes are not good to run in so I am grateful to have this new pair.

I stayed up too late and therefore was groggy this morning.

I will change that and set the alarm earlier and actually get up and

stretch and wake up so I can be more present for boot camp.

Running up and down the hill is certainly a good workout. I can walk up the hill.

Not able to run up it ....yet. I can feel my heart pounding even just walking up the hill.

Three times up then lunges or leg lifts. Then again.

Oh, how I want to run up the hill or rather have the type of body that is in shape which can run up the hill. Soon come... keep going and it will happen.

It is starting to get warm and I wish I already had the weight off to be able to wear

cute summer clothes and not be so hot all summer by wearing clothes

that still cover me up. I don't know what I am going to wear this summer!!!

It causes me to be self conscious. The day I can wear a sleeveless sundress

and shoes with a heal or a tank top with shorts will be a real triumph for me.

I have a lot of work ahead of me. Mentally I already see healthy changes

in my life. I am not involved in any way with my nice but toxic ex-boyfriend.

I've gotten rid of one job that was also toxic for me. And I turned down other work

from someone who does not deal straight in their business practices. Then I got

other work as soon as I made that decision and also a new facial client.

Funny how life works that way.

So this shows me that boot camp and taking care of myself makes me

stronger internally as well.

Instead I am spending time with positive friends and also more time on my own.

Nisa is a big help and support and knows when to tell me the hard truth and when

to push me or to encourage me. It can be a lot of effort on her part as but she says,

"her girls are important to her."

I am planning and dreaming of my move out west, doing at home pedicure, organizing

my closets, getting rid of extra stuff I just don't need or use, and concentrating

on eating whole foods. No coffee, no bread, no alcohol, no excess, no excuses, etc.

It shocks me when I really look at myself in the mirror. I need that shock to keep going.

I want to be the way I am in my mind. I am collecting magazines to make the

vision board that we help me focus and set intentions and goals.

If you are a boot camper and have any old magazine to donate please bring them

so I can use them. I would appreciate the help.

We end with stretch and crunches on the dock. A beautiful scene.

Tomorrow we meet at Ink Well beach in Oak Bluffs.

On Thursday we will go kayaking. That will be fun.

I am going to add another hour of afternoon workout either by taking Nisa's afternoon classes

when my work schedule allows it and/or do a re-bounder workout at home.

Nisa kept saying it is the last week of boot camp for this month so make it count!

Nisa is offering a week trail of boot camp for only $75 from May 31 through June 4th.

You can call, email or facebook her to sign up and reserve your spot.

Tell your friends you may have wanted to try boot camp or maybe are afraid

to do boot camp by thinking it may be too hard for them. If I can do it anyone can.

Off for tea where I met the most beautiful and charming little girl. We played with my iphone and she asked if I had any children. I told her no but I wish I had a little girl just like her.

What a delight she is. I hope she grows up with positive body image and loves

herself as much as you can see that her parents do.

Now on with the day. Stop beating myself up with the negative thinking. Eat well, drink

water with the greens. I'll be getting lots of extra exercise this week as it is time

to open the houses I take care of. Spring cleaning, here I come.

Enjoy the day and thanks for reading the blog.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

5.26.10

boot Campers Blog Day 18

Daily Blog, #18, Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Yes, another gorgeous perfect weather day on the island.

If it was like this year round on Martha's Vineyard then I would never leave.

Neither would anyone else.

I like the island alive and crowded and open with things to do and see.

I like it blooming and green, the smell of honeysuckle and low tide in the air.

The sea air on a light wind and the sun on my skin.

I will even put up with the ticks, possible lyme disease, skunks in my backyard,

people you can avoid but want to, tourists, New Yorkers in August, mold, allergies

and the high cost of everything here, just to be here in the summers.

Right now I am living a charmed life. Not as charmed as some on this diverse

island with it's many wealthy or famous people,

but it is all an attitude and mind set anyway, isn't it?

Right now my view is as stunning as a multi-million dollar estate in Chilmark!

Today we met at Waban Park in Oak Bluffs for a balance ball workout.

We start with step ups facing Ink Well beach to warm up, then across the street

and onto the grass and here we go.

I guess we are quite a sight for the men who

slowly drive by in their work trucks starring at us.

Just a warning, if you drive by us more than once we are all going to chase after

you and kick your ass - we are stronger than you think.... Hey, we do BOOT CAMP!

Balancing and exercising is twice the workout as it engages your core.

Nisa said, "This is supposed to be hard and uncomfortable and hard to balance."

"That is all part of this workout, unless you are a pro."

I said, "Oh good, then I am doing it right!!!!" Sometimes just the balance part is all I can do.

Nisa is good at putting up with my smart-ass remarks (all in good fun)

and my sometimes grunts and groans and then my Oh my God... you want me to do

what? She says not to worry, the worst that can happen is that we just fall off the ball.

I called Nisa to say hi yesterday and she was at the gym on her free time.

I said, 'Where are you?" She said, "At the gym, of course!"

I said, "Why would you want to do that?!!!!?"

Then it dawned on me that is the difference between Nisa and me.

She would go to the gym to workout and workout things in her mind too, after a full day

of training and exercising.

I would turn on the TV, relax and eat something. No wonder she is fit and I am not....

not yet that is.... this is changing!

Out at Mocha Motts Coffee House the other day, I said to Nisa, Oh, those bagels smell good. She responded, " not to me, I just envision them on my hips."

Now I see this is all a mind set too!!!

We all have the our ways to comfort, soothe ourselves, make ourselves feel better,

some ways are healthier than others.

Speaking of mind sets, my good friend Stephanie Barton, is a life coach out of Park City, Utah. Check out her web site at: www.lifedreamcoach.com.

I was lucky enough to meet her when I had my spa in Park City.

She quickly took me under her wing and invited me to

a group of the wonderful people. I still keep in touch with many of them via facebook.

I knew no one when I moved out there and then I knew a whole group of people

who were there for me and vice versa!

Stephanie is the real deal. Strong but not aggressive, caring, smart and supportive.

Life Coaching can change your life or at least enhance it, and why not make our lives as good as they can be.

At boot camp we were talking about the "Biggest Loser" finale last night and while the massive and quick weight loss is impressive some of the contestants are known to put the weight right back on.

7 or 8 months of extreme workout (8 hours a day) ended up not changing all habits or

the internal/emotional part. The tried and true slow way is what is the best.

This helps me as I am am not a patient person and want the weight off NOW!

Keep eating well, drinking water and the greens, exercise and work on the internal and my mindset. Think I will call and get a phone session from Stephanie. She has clients all over

the country. I would not recommend her or anyone if I did not truly know of and believe in

the work.

TIP OF THE DAY:

Place peeled cucumber slices in filtered or distilled water in a pitcher and refrigerate.

The flavor will infuse. It is so refreshing and even my cat (Zac Redford) loves this water!!!!

Put a sprig of fresh mint in for even more flavor. You can easily grow mint or buy it fresh

at Cronig's.

I have three house to clean and open today for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend.

I'd rather be doing facials but my other jobs help me to afford my view.

I'll just consider it more exercise while getting paid. Another example of all a mind set!!!

Have a wonderful day.

Tomorrow we kayak and meet at the second bridge on Beach Road.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

5.27.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 19

Daily Blog #19, Thursday, May 27, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Kayaking today on Sengekontacket Pond.

We met at the second bridge on Beach Road before 6 a.m.

Martha's Vineyard Eco Adventures we there to meet us and

take out us on their kayaks. Eric and Brent, two handsome and very nice guys,

introduced themselves, had us sign waiver forms, went over how to paddle and use

our bodies for more of a workout. They helped us adjust the foot peddles and answered all questions we had.

They even pulled us into the water so we did not have to get our feet wet.

What service!

Today is overcast but not raining after last night's very loud and dramatic thunder and lightning storm. The sun tried to come out and briefly touched the horizon with

a splash of violet and blue. Gorgeous.

Brent headed up the front, Erik in the middle and Nisa in the back.

Ben, Nisa's husband and head of the Men's Basic Training class, came along with us as well. Nice to have men in boot camp and cute ones too!

Nisa has some ideas (if these two are single) which boot campers she could match them up with. Makes me wish I was 25 again.

Nisafit is now announcing it's new boot camp and match making service!

Hey, this could be a very good business plan. Singles who mingle by exercising!

Better than meeting at a bar while being out having good clean fun.

I'll need to give her my wish list. Boot Camp and dating - worth every penny!

Then we can be on Plum TV with our own island reality show.

"The Vineyard Shore," the classy version.

'I've been kayaking about five times in my life and I do love it. It gives you

a workout without realizing it because you are having so much fun.

What a great way to start a Vineyard morning!

The view of the pond, the shore and the sound is stunning.

A family of geese with their babies accompanied us along the bank as we went along.

Martha's Vineyard Eco tours offers hiking, biking, guided kayak tours, sea kayaking, a kayaking fishing tours. They can be reached at 508-696-7842 or at

MV Eco-Adventures Erik VanLandingham

After kayaking, we head to the Art Cliff Diner in Vineyard Haven for a Nisa Special.

Gina does such a good job with her restaurant and will be opening the late night

food truck soon. Happy and fulfilled and ready for my day.

Time to get into drier clothes, get ready for work, take Sadie the wonder dog out

and get going.

TIP OF THE DAY:

Ask Nisa about how she can order you pH drops for your water. Helps the body

become more alkaline and healthy. My cat, Zac Redford, loves it too.

Thanks Erik and Brent! If you get hooked up I'll have to start the boot camp dating blog.

I can't wait to go kayaking again!

One more day for the fourth week of boot camp.

Tomorrow we meet at Veterans Park in Vineyard Haven.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

5.28.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 20 (Month 1 complete)

Daily Blog #20, Friday, May 28, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today was the last day of my first whole month of boot camp.

I came to each class, was late twice, including today, but I showed up!

Nisa was already calling me as I was parking to meet the group.

She will come and drag me out of my bed if I don't show. And she knows where I live!!!!

Partly because of this, which actually feels like support and accountability,

I come to boot camp everyday.

The other part is that I want to do boot camp!

I did it before and now Nisa says I am so much better to work with. She can see the attitude shift. Before I came because I thought I should or it would be good for me, and I met some wonderful women who became a big part of my life. They helped me find good year rounding housing, a boyfriend, facial clients or became clients. They became friends to have a social life with....but that did not mean that I really wanted to exercise or change/improve myself or deal with my issues.

You know in your heart and your body when you don't really want to do something.

That gnawing feeling, the dragging of the feet and lack of enthusiasm.

You find ways not to do whatever it is to sabotage it or mess it up in someway.

Then we often convince ourselves is not "our fault."

Part of being the complex human creatures that we are.

Consequently, at home I sprained one ankle and then the other and damn!!!!

could not go to boot camp anymore. Oh, no!!!! Bummer!

Really good reasons why I couldn't go.... but now I see it was my way of messing it up.

Oh, this honesty stuff is hard.

Okay, so when I arrived the group was playing volley ball in the sand court at

Veterans Park in Vineyard Haven. We will not be in the Olympics for sure.

We reminisced about having to play dodge ball in school.

Ironically for me the people who loved it are not the ones I generally resonate with.

The ones that said they hated it because of the game's mean-spirited nature and how the ball hurt when it struck us are the kind of people that are for me.

Somehow this will become a litmus test for me with people. Do you like dodge ball or not?

One by one Nisa takes us out of the game to measure us and get our results.

I''VE LOST 8.5 POUNDS AND 11 INCHES!!

It is a good start. Many more to go but it is a GOOD start.

People are starting to notice and tell me, which makes me feel great!

And I feel better in many ways.

Nisa also gave each one of us a lovely hand written card expressing her gratitude for having us in boot camp and also continued support.

My card said,

"Dear Suzy Q,

I am so proud of you! 20 days of bootie-camp, AWESOME!

Congrats sister.. you are well on your way.

Thank you for the blog. I think it will help a lot of women break out of their "shit."

I look forward to day 21. You are a star... lots of love Nisa

Nisa's mom raised her right. How wonderful and rare to get a hand written card these days.

By the way, her mom, gave me the BEST compliment in my life once after I gave her a facial! The apple has not fallen far from the tree in this case. Good job Jane.

Memorial Day is upon us and the island is getting busy and crowded. It is always a shock

when it hits even though we know it is on the calendar and we need/want the tourists to

spend money here. Us islanders (those born here) or year-rounders (wash-a-shores, like me)

can't help but react and think, "What happened? Who are these people? Hey, this is OUR island... we LIVE here! We yell at the drivers who honk their impatient horns at

other tourists or bicyclists.. THERE IS NO HONKING ON THE VINEYARD. Peace!

Oh, crap it will be longer to drive everywhere again!

Parking and grocery shopping will be hard, except for the secret local spots and short cuts that we know if you have lived here long enough. Etc.Etc. Etc. and then by July we get over it. Okay, maybe by September we get over it! And yes we do LOVE it too. As I am writting

this the marching band is going up main street playing the Star Wars Theme!

Let the summer begin! A funny dichotomy. Such is Vineyard life!

It is fun to see who joins boot camp in the summer. Always nice to meet new people.

Maybe one will have a pool that we boot campers where we can come a do a swim aerobics class. And we will most likely have on or two group diners or night time outings.

Deal of the day:

You can try a week of Boot Camp for only $75 starting Monday, May 31 through June 4th.

Call, email, facebook or tweete Nisa.

JUNE Deal of the Month:

You can get one of my wonderful 90 minute holistic organic facial treatments

for $50 off if you go to boot camp or any of Nisafit classes. Email me at

mvskincareco@gmail.com or call 508-693-4550.

First Tip of the day:

I love the coconut water drinks. Vita Coco. You can get them now almost anywhere...

Cronigs, Stop & Shop, Cummbies, etc. Same pH as our blood, refreshing and good for you.

Second tip of the day:

For sore muscles make your own bath salt.

1/2 pound baking soda

1/2 pound Epsom salt

add and essential oil like lavender - 10 to 20 drops

soak in a hot to warm bath for 20 minutes.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Be safe and have fun.

I will see you on Monday at Owen Park for the 5th week of boot camp.

Thanks to all who take the time to read this!

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

5.31.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 21

Daily Blog #21, Monday, May 31st, 2010

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

"A BOOT CAMPER'S JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 1, Week 5 of boot camp.

This is a trail week for people who want to try boot camp to see if it is for them.

Several regulars were here today along with many new comers. Nice to see

the people I knew as well as the new smiling faces.

We met at Owen Park in Vineyard Haven. Another beautiful day after a great weekend.

Time to power walk or run up and down the hill over and over. As I walk towards the hill Beth tells me that I am looking good and getting smaller. It is so nice to hear!! It spurs me on.

It makes me more positive instead of focusing on my bumps and rolls, not feeling comfortable in my body, worrying about what summer clothes to wear, what other people think about me and all of the negative, self-doubt, beating myself up thinking, that I am soooooo good at.

Nisa does the paperwork for the newbies , health profiles etc..... Nisa advised us to

really put an effort forth and eat well as it is only only one week.

This is good advice for me too. If I think of boot camp and exercise and weight loss as one day or one week at at time then it seems doable in my mind and not

overwhelming. Every little bit counts and adds up to success.

After up and down the hill we did hula hoops then floor work for abs and legs.

If you are new to boot camp here is what you can expect:

Show up on time, I say this to myself as well

Do your best

Inform Nisa of any prior injuries, she will give you alternate exercises to do

Don't compare yourself to anyone else

Try to push yourself, Nisa says that it is the ones you think you can't do that

count the most

Make friends, you never know who you might meet

Eat well and drink lots of water

Know that Nisa always has your back, if you have a question... ask

You get out of it what you put into it. If you are athletic then challenge yourself...

if you are not... do what you can do and keep going.

Be proud of yourself for showing up.

I have today off and plan to get outside and enjoy the picturesque island and take my dog Sadie for a long walk. Then onto chores and cleaning up my place and pollen covered

car before heading to Nisa's 4:30 class at VFC (Vineyard Fitness Center) for body conditioning.

Since I worked all weekend, I was planning on taking it easy today but Nisa insisted

(or rather said, "You are coming!") to the afternoon class. Okay, so why not take advantage of one more workout as I have the trainer and the time.

Not being active got me into this bigger body and as much as I would love

to just lay around all day and watch Oprah it won't get me to where I want to be.

As I am not a morning person I find that I can put more energy into the

afternoon workout. In last Friday's afternoon class my body felt different.

It was the first time my body really LIKED exercising and it felt good while doing it.

I was in "the zone."

Tip of the day:

I just started listening to a hypnosis weight loss CD at night.

I am hoping the words will get into my head and then the behavior will follow.

It is so relaxing and it is a great way to fall asleep.

Just for that part alone it works for me.

There are many of them out there so you can find one that is right for you.

If you have an ipod you can download directly and also listen to the sample cuts

to see which one you may like.

I'll take any tool I can find.

Time to go for that walk as Sadie is giving me that look.....

C'mon Mom, my turn to get out and run. Having a dog is a great way to

be more active. The cat I just let out but the dog makes me get up and go outside.

Zac Redford, my cat, will come on the walk with us as well. We are quite a sight

on the beach.

Have a wonderful day. Enjoy the island and this wonderful day.

See you at Ink Well Beach in Oak Bluffs in tomorrow.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.1.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 22

Daily Blog #22

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"Happy June 1st! Springtime is here and the pollen is high.... At least no smoke smell or hazy skies from the fires in Canada. It was hard to breathe yesterday.

It was supposed to rain this morning but we lucked out by

having another beautiful Vineyard day.

Time to head to Ink Well Beach in Oak Bluffs. Running late again I drive

like the wind to get there. In the distance I can see the other boot campers doing step

up on the sidewalk facing the sound.

Step ups of 50 on each leg. Then onto the grass at Waban Park for jump rope across to

the other side or power walk on the pavement for those of us with minor knee issues.

After that we do the obstacle course. Step through the ladder rope, race around the cones then feet through the rings like hop scotch. After that straight leg lefts, ending with

stretched on the benches. Some of the boot campers could do "burpees" -

very hard to do push ups with a knee jump then jump straight up off the ground.

Impressive. There is always another level to strive for.

Tonight on ABC is a show about super humans, real life super heroes who can do amazing things. That should be interesting to watch. How do some people have bodies that can achieve great feats and others can just get through the day?

WOW! My butt is feeling it...... from all the legs lifts and the workout yesterday afternoon

at VFC. Nisa's body conditioning class which was really good. I took a hot

epsom salt bath last night so I wouldn't be sore and could rest and allow me

get some sleep.

I managed to drink a whole gallon of water yesterday with the pH drops suggested

in the pH Miracle book. I am peeing a lot but also feeling really good.

The idea of this is to alkalize the inside and allow the body to heal and

be hydrated to wash away toxins. I haven't mixed in the greens yet.... working up to that.

They are not my favorite but if it re-balances by body and enables me to lose weight

I will do it. Nisa is doing this program for June and can order the supplies if you are

interested. Check out the book pH Miracle for Weight Loss by Robert Young.

Rebounding or jumping on a mini trampoline is recommended in the pH book as

well as the "Fit For Life" book by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond.

Nisa and I jumped for about 20 minutes yesterday prior to her 4:30 pm class. It was

a very fun, easy and effective workout. The bouncing movement moves your lymph

which removed toxins. Somehow the movement pulls all tension out of my body and

blasting high energy music help me to keep going. Feels like dancing and

not exercising. I am going to do this at home daily. Only 20 minutes and it really works up a sweat and makes you feel great. Remember no socks or rolling type shoes

on these mini tramps.

Tip of the day:

Try this healthy salad..

Cucumbers, yellow pepper, tomatoes and avocado.

Drizzle a little flax seed oil for dressing. Yummy and full of water and nutrients.

The island has quieted down after the big weekend rush. Nice to have the space

before the summer season hits.

Time to get Sadie out for a walk, then onto my day.

Also time to drink a lot of water and eat well and keep myself on this journey.

Tomorrow we meet at the gym in Edgartown. Thanks for reading.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.2.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 23

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Mid-week and only two more days to go to have completed five weeks of boot camp.

I feel like I am just getting started. Where did the time go?

I can see how some people have done boot camp for years.

Once you start it becomes a way of life and a great way to start the day.

I am making permanent lifestyle changes. Taking it one step at a time but

also throwing myself into it. Body, Mind, Spirit, also food, water, and positive thoughts.

My muscles are starting to have memory and my body is starting to get some

of the movements that were once hard for me. I still do not jump out of bed and say

" Yeah! time to exercise.!!!!" Usually the opposite. But once I get to the group and warm up

I feel good. Then the hour goes pretty fast and it makes my morning full and

my day busy. I feel like I am not waisting my life but living it to a higher level.

My legs are feeling slimmer but more muscular and fit at the same time.

My back and neck feel great. No longer that nagging pain and trotting myself

off to the Chiropractor. If the muscles are strong they should hold the skeleton in

place and then they will not go out so much.

I'll go to the Chiropractor if I need it but I am thrilled that I do not need it right now.

Today we met at the Vineyard Fitness Center in Edgartown on this foggy and humid island day after a small rain storm last night. Everything feels damp. This is good for me as I tell myself this is probably what it will be like in Seattle.

Getting myself prepared for the move there in the fall.

Today was an indoor balance ball, muscle and body conditioning class. This class is similar to Nisa's 4:30 pm class and gave the new boot campers a chance to see what other classes she can teach. Why not go to both, am and pm, if you can!

We have a full group of all ages and abilities. All shapes and sizes.

I told Nisa that exercise in general is hard for me and she said it is hard for everyone.

Everyone struggles and has their own body issues. Somehow this helps me so I stop thinking how easy it must be for others. And it validates that yes it is hard or a challenge or whatever word works for this. If they are thinner or more fit than I and it is hard for them

then I can try it to. Those little tid-bits of info help my mind set and help me to keep going.

Similar to when people say " Don't worry, it will all work out," or other sayings like that,

that are short and sweet and reassuring.

I watched Jillian Michael's "Losing It" new TV show last night and was impressed by her

softer side and how she helped the whole family heal and stop using food to stuff their pain.

I think it is great to have this on TV as obesity and abusing food and ourselves has become

a national epidemic.

I also saw part of the "Super Human" show on ABC. Fascinating how some people can

use their mind over matter and push their bodies to extremes to accomplish

impossible feats. The "Ice Man," uses meditation to keep the fire within himself burning to

keep his temperature up as he runs or swims in below freezing temperatures.

Tip of the day:

Steam a whole head of Cauliflower until soft, then blend with some unsweetened

soy or coconut milk.

Add a small amount of salt, pepper and flax seed oil.

This looks and tastes similar to mashed potatoes. Satisfying and good for you too.

After boot camp a couple of us met with Nisa at Mocha Motts for tea and discussion of

how to have a very clean, almost all veggie, lots of water and greens diet for 30 days.

I am copying recipes that Nisa put together from Nancy and some good suggestions as well.

Being prepared is the key. If you are interested talk to Nisa and she

will steer you in the right direction.

On with my day. We meet at Bend in the Road tomorrow for a power walk.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

6.3.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 24

Daily Blog #24, Thursday, June 3, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today will be a very short blog as I need to get to work and I am

writing this in my towel after my shower. Need to dry off and get dressed.

Today we walked along the bike path on beach road. My favorite island spot.

It is the area that made me want to live here in the first place when I came

to visit over 23 years ago. I walked and talked with Cindy, Diane, Marge,

Sherrifa and others.

Nice to get to know these interesting women.

Walking was good and warmed up my muscles especially my back that

went out from sleeping funny. After the walk it clicked back in place over breakfast at

The Art Cliff.

Tomorrow we meet at Owen Park for mini trampoline, step ups and other fun stuff.

Tip of the day:

Dry brushing for the skin. get an all natural bristle brush.

Do while skin is dry before a shower. Go in circles toward to heart

from bottom of feet on up. Gets rid of dead cells, makes the skin soft,

moves the lymph and really wakes you up.

Have a great day on this foggy island. We hope it will burn off and the sun will come out.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

6.4.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 25

Daily Blog #25, Friday, June 4, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Week five and and still alive.....

Today we met at Owen Park inside the pavilion for a multi-level workout on this second day of fog and humidity. It makes the harbor look mystical and the colors even more beautiful. A photographers dream. The beach roses are in bloom and

the smell of honeysuckle fills the air.

The last day, day five, for the boot campers who signed up for the one week trial. Several of them are coming back starting Monday for a month long boot camp.

Day 25 for those of us who started in the beginning of May.

People keep asking me if I am going to be there on Monday.

Oh, yes. I am going to be in boot camp as long as I am here for at least the next four months. Then I may just have to follow Nisa where-ever she may go this winter to keep this going.

It took me years to get this weight on and this out of shape I am sure it will take at least the four months and more to get it off and change my habits into life long good ones. And... to continue to exercise. Make it a part of my life not just something to lose weight or that I think I should do.

Getting my body and mind to the point where it is second nature.....

Like brushing your teeth.

Exercise like vitamins only work if you use them.

Did anyone see the TV special about transplant recipients taking on the habits and tastes of their donors?

One guy (who was a couch potato) got the heart of well known Hollywood stun man. The donor ate well, exercised, rode a motorcycle... etc. The man who got his

heart starting taking on these traits and began eating salads, then he became a runner and cyclist and got into really good shape.

Turns out the heart muscle has memory.

So if you ever get a transplant I hope your donated heart or liver comes from a kind, healthy, insightful and healthy person who had a good life with good memories.

I thought this was so interesting and almost sort of creepy too.

My father, who is not a particularly nice man, had a black tumor on his heart a few years back. Although I felt badly for him and wished him a speedy recovery, it did occur to me that it was not a coincidence that this dark growth happened to his heart.

At the time he said it made him think, unfortunately not enough to change his behavior. Sometimes we can't just get out of our own way. We make our own lives crazy, full of drama, don't make good decisions, etc. Bad relationships, dysfunctional families, bosses we hate but jobs we stay in. Living a fear based life instead of a fearless one.

We all do it, (drama, sabotage, etc.) some to a lesser degree than others. Maybe it is all part of our path or part of being human.....

I don't know. How do we raise children to be independent but not selfish, to love themselves without being arrogant or entitled? To give to others without being taken advantage of?�..

The fine lines in life. What a mood I am in today�..

First we ran or power walked up the hill to warm up. Then walked down backwards. Amazing how that simple turning around moves uses such different muscles.

Then onto some obstacle course moves on the grassy part of the hill. Nisa has to remind us to keep moving by jogging in place while we wait our turn. Oh, right, keep moving, keep exercising. But I really just want to stop now. Keep telling us Nisa. That�s helps me

to keep going. But please don�t get the whistle or combat boots with fatigues that you saw on TV. Some yelling is good but

a whistle is too much.

Then onto my favorite part...JUMPIES!!!!

The mini trampoline or rebounder. This exercise I love and it

makes me sweat and feel great.

We end with hula hoops and goodbyes and have a great weekend.

I hope to see you all on Monday. Please feel free to pass this blog

Along to your email, facebook or other contacts.

Today I am spring cleaning and house then babysitting a 91 year old and a 7 year old. Luckily they are really about the same to deal with and I adore them too.

Tomorrow I plan to take a rare trip off island to buy some work out clothes. Lord knows I need them plus it will make me more into it and feel better in the right clothes.

Dr. Phil says �Fake it til you make it.� Maybe if I look more of the

Part then my body will follow.

Tip of the day:

Try African Rooibos tea, cool red color, no caffeine,

high anti-oxidants.

I also like the Yogi Green Tea with Pomegranate, also cool color

And better tasting than just plain green tea.

Dr. Oz says that giving up coffee and drinking green tea can

Keep off 15 pounds a year.

On Good Morning America today they said a study has been done proving it is better not to snack before exercise as it keeps the insulin level low which then burns more fat. Glad boot camp is at 6 am. Can�t imagine eating before that!

The sun is burning off the fog and it is turning out to be a great day.

Enjoy your weekend. Ignore the typos.

See you Monday and thanks for reading.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

6.7.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 26

Daily Blog #26, Monday, June 7, 2010

Week 6 or Day 1 of the full second month of boot camp.

Having the weekend off to re-coup really makes a difference and then I

am ready to get back to it. Today we met at Owen Park in Vineyard Haven

on this sunny, warm, breezy, low humidity Vineyard day.

The sun is shinning on the sail boats in the harbor. This is such a beautiful place to

be and to workout in. This time of year I can't believe this is where I live as my place is just down the beach with this great view!

We start with hula hoops to warm up. Still trying to get it right.

Better and better all the time. Of course, there are always more levels and challenges

to conquer once you master one thing. With hula hooping, once you get one direction

going, then try the other way, once you get that, then try putting your feet together

for more of a core workout. From there you can dance with the hula hoop. Nisa says.

Then run up the hill 10 times and walk back down. I can walk 12 times up the hill.

That first time up just kills me. I feel like I can't breathe and wonder how I can do any more but I do.

After that leg lifts up the hill, then push up on the grass, then inverted sit ups and

bicycle legs with sit ups. Nisa says this is how Jennifer Lopez and Brittany Spears

got their flat bellies and strong abs is by bicycle legs. I can do ten at a time. Not the 100

at a time.....; yet. My core is what needs the most work. Think I will practice the bicycles

at home.

The hour goes fast and it was a good start to the week.

Nisa with another boot camper and myself were talking about how just showing up

and doing your best can bring you so much. Every morning I do not want to get

up but once I do and do boot camp I feel so much better.

Feeling better and being out of chronic pain and having my digestive track work well

is a welcomed and new experience. I stop and notice, "oh, wow, I am not hurting right now."

It almost feels like a vacation for my body. A weight has been lifted, figuratively and literally!

I am also finding that exercise is a good way to get over heartbreak.

For the last three years I've been involved in a interesting but often difficult relationship.

If he would only had changed into the person I wanted him to be then

everything would have been great! That's all.... HE needed to change...

Why couldn't he and why wouldn't he? I told him how to.... repeatedly!

Turns out we can only change ourselves. Damn!

I gave this relationship so much work, heart, effort, money,

hope and just about everything I had in possession and emotion.

I can finally say that it is truly over. None of this back and forth, hoping it will work out,

giving it yet another chance or seeing each other out of boredom or loneliness, etc.

And I find that I am feeling better with boot camp.

Yes, I am here to say that boot camp can help heal heartbreak!

So.... I need to put that effort, energy and heart into myself. Change myself.

Is it getting easier to do and more fun. When I get myself to the healthy

happy place I need to be in inside and out then I can attract the right relationship

that works for me instead of makes me work.

Today along with eating well and drinking

lots of pH water I am going to spring clean my house. Get really organized.

Stuff to get rid of, stuff to sell, stuff to donate. Even clean out the car!

Paring down all the extra stuff also helps me to pare down the extra weight.

My place is clean. I like it clean!!!!

But organizing and getting rid of stuff I do not need or use is a good thing.

It has been said your mental state shows in your home.

I think because my body and mental state are getting fitter and happier that I want my

home to be in the same state. Look for some good stuff soon at the local thrift store.

Already walked Sadie the wonder dog past Owen Park and back along the beach. We will go out again this afternoon.

It is nice on Mondays as most of the visitors leave from their weekends

here and we have the island back to ourselves til next Friday.

So, on with my day. Wish me luck. I made a container garden of herbs yesterday for

my front porch. Time to make some cucumber/mint water. Mint from my garden.

TIP OF THE DAY:

Easy and inexpensive FACIAL SCRUB is baking soda.

Put a quarters worth in your hand and make a paste.

Use GENTLE circles going upwards. Leave on a for a minute then rinse

off with warm water. Use a good toner (important for pH balance of the skin)

then moisturize.

DO NOT OVER SCRUB.. Being gentle is the key.

You can do this once or twice a week.

Tomorrow we meet at Ink Well Beach. Bring money for kayaking on Wednesday!

Have a great day.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

6.8.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 27-28

Daily Blog #27, Tuesday, June 8, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Tuesday morning and we met at Ink Well Beach in Oak Bluffs.

It is a gorgeous morning. We start with fast walking on the heavy sand.

Some then go onto the very hard and effective bunny hops. I walk along

the flat part of the sand. My right knee is now bothering me and my

ankle swelled up last night but seems better today.

The beach was covered in many rocks possibly from the big storm we

had last weekend. I was lucky enough to find a rare piece of beach glass.

I need to get out to other beaches to search for more beach glass to have

a jar of this vineyard treasure.

I just couldn't get to sleep last night. Too many things running through

my head of what I need to get done. I thought I would be more tired

than I am especially after Mr. Redford, my cat, got himself locked

under the house were the trash is kept and then decided that 3 am

would be a good time for me to play find the kitty.

My mom used to say when I was tired or had cramps to go and exercise,

it would make me feel better. That is last thing I wanted to do.

But today I can feel and see that she was right.

If you are tired and need to get going try exercise to kick start your body.

I am finding that if I keep going throughout the day I am good, but if I have

time off and just lounge around then I could sleep the whole day.

My body is getting more used to this activity and I am not feeling so wiped out.

Summer and season is here so no more time off. All of my jobs are very

physical and I am hoping this will increase my stamina.

Lynn told me that she can see a shift in me and my body. It really helps to hear!!!!

Thanks Lynn. I just want the weight off now!!!!!

and still feel it is not going as fast as I would like.

It is especially nice to hear since I went off island yesterday, to the real world, to buy summer clothing.

There are little to no clothes I can buy on the island for plus size women.

Nothing like shopping for clothes when you are overweight. It is awful.

I am unfortunately not one of the larger women who still can show their arms

or legs.

Back in the day and I mean way back.... I used to love clothes. Now it a challenge to find

something decent that fits and covers. I used to be able to go to stores and just grab

a medium size and it would fit. I was one of those fun and funky type of dressers.

I had my own style and it was a blast.

I was thinking to myself the other day how easily my size went from medium to large, to extra large, to 1X, 2X, and now sometimes even 3X..... I am mortified to say.

It took a long time to get here and I just couldn't seem to control it.

I now see all kinds of clothes that I would love to wear but can't right now....

I am trying to use this as motivation and not another way to make myself feel

badly about my body and my life. Think positive.

My dream is to wear a sun dress with a swanky pair of high heels.

And to also wear less clothes so I am not so hot all the time.

I couldn't find any active wear for boot camp but did find several linen and cotton

blouses at T.J. Maxx. Nisa will help me pick out some cool workout wear from

LuluLemon soon.

Being off island is not only a shock to my system, with the fast pace of life and driving, but also all of the signs and the food teasers or triggers.

Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Friendly's, and so on. Places that are not on the island -

thank god for that.

I was good and had a healthy lunch and lots of water. Not even a Starbucks coffee.

Our society is such a dichotomy.... eat all of this food and super size it too but look

like Paris Hilton and wear designer clothes. Think I'll stay somewhere in the middle

and be happy being myself. I don't like most fast food and not too thrilled to be like

Paris Hilton either.

We end boot camp with a million leg lifts. Okay, 100 on each leg up and down, then

on our sides. 400 total. To end most of us run across Waban Park and back,

I walk on the flat pavement, then we are done.

Kayaking tomorrow. Meet at the second bridge and come early to get set up.

Off to help clean a quintessential summer house at Hart Haven. This old family

"cottage" has 6 bedrooms, four bathrooms, several sun porches and view of the

sound with its own dock. It rents for $10,000 a week. It is also for sale for only

4 million dollars. It needs a lot of work. Typical island summer place...

a 4 million dollar fixer-upper. But I would take this place in a heart beat.

The family is trying just to hang on to it and pay the taxes and up keep.

You can look at this house and the inherited owners and say... wow, they have it

easy.... but really they are struggling to survive like the rest of us.....

A good thing to remember is not to assume and not to judge.

Tip of the day:

If you have a negative thought, squash it in your mind like an ANT....

Automatic Negative Thoughts....ANTS.

I heard that on WGBH, Ch. 2 Dr. Amen work on the brain.

Have a great day!!!!

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

Day 28 Suzanne wasnt feeling well...so she slept! We Kayaked, it was super fun!

6.10.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 28

Daily Blog, except for yesterday, Thursday, June 10th, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

I missed yesterday and I apologize that there was not a blog.

Also missed a great day to kayak. The class today was talking about

how nice it was. Looking forward to the next time we go.

Then today racing to Edgartown to the gym for a body conditioning workout...

behind a very slow car and also slept for that extra 10 minutes....

which one should never do.... I get a text from Nisa that she HOPES I am coming...

which in Nisa speak really means.... Get your ass here before I come kick it!

Yes, I am on my way!!!!!!

That is just her tough way of giving support and wanting all of us to do well.

One missed day can easily turn into two days, Nisa says. Even the most

committed can lose it and get off track. She has seen it before.

I assured her that I have not "lost it" and am still on track.

Really, I was not feeling well but did still eat well, drink a lot of water with the greens

and cleaned a house in detail - which I had to do - so I did get my exercise.

RULE #1

From Nisa - no complaining

From me - don't piss Nisa off! All meant with love, of course.

If you are afraid of boot camp...don't be. If I can do it... anyone can.

Is is sometimes hard? Yes, but not to the point that you can't do it.

There is a woman in her 70's in boot camp who does better than I do.

Nisa doesn't scream at us like Jillian on the Biggest Loser. That I could not take!

That does not motivate me. I'm too stubborn for that and would fight back or

walk out. Just don't be late, but better late than never!!

It nice to have a trainer that cares instead of just teaching and then well see ya...

she gets involved and puts her heart into it as well.

This boot camp works for me and my body is changing.

I can see my body changing and more importantly I can feel it changing.

I was getting impatient again but then I got on the scale and was surprise to

see it down another 4 lbs. That motivated me for the whole day.

I keep remembering Steve Martin hosting the Oscars one year. He pointed out some

fit and handsome actor in the audience and said "Boy, I'd give anything to look like him,

except eat right and exercise." No only was that really funny but also so true for

some of us. We want it but are not ready or willing to do the work.

Effort, thought, mindset, diet and excerise and work is what it takes.

Time for a shower and the plumber is here to do some work, so gotta run

and de-stink before work.

Tip of the day:

To clean those sweaty workout clothes and have them smell fresh and clean...

put a cup full of baking soda in to the wash.

It really works.

Tomorrow we are at Owen Park. Only one more day for week 6.

It is going fast, too fast. Why is the winter so slow and the summer too fast?

Have a dry and warm day in this cold wet island weather.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.11.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 29

Daily Blog #29, Friday, June 11th, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Friday morning and all of us were not only on time but early to start

this last day of week 6 of boot camp. Seems her "talk" to us yesterday and

my blog gave us (including me) the impetus needed not to be slackers.

We met at Owen Park, our main place, to not only run up and down the hill

but to do yoga and workout on mats in the gazebo all the while watching the sun

trying to break through the clouds.

I am finding my legs and back are finding some of the exercises better to do.

It always surprises me. Wow, I can do that now! Still thinking of my body

as a separate entity from myself. Integration is happening and is a new

experience. My back was sore this morning and now it feels great from

getting warm and moving.

As I watched Dr. Oz yesterday, which was a repeat, I noticed I had all the symptoms

of what they were talking about. Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, Adrenal Fatigue and

Menopause. But I also notice that I am feeling better and hoping that I can fix all of these symptoms through diet and exercise instead of medication and Doctors..... for me.

I think health can decline and then can create a negative domino effect. One dis-ease can lead to another but they also seems to be true for health. ... a positive domino effect. Building blocks of health, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, better sleeping and digestion. Lots of water instead of acidic coffee, clearer mind, etc.

Can lead to better wellness overall and even reverse many

dis-eases we may have or were once heading towards.

Nisa gave us all a PEP TALK today. How to bring out our "INNER WARRIOR!"

Come Monday, week 7 for me, we are going to hit it hard.

None of the excuses we tell ourselves such as: I am too tired, I have too much going on right now, It will be too hard, it might be too easy, it may be painful, etc. Mind over matter to make the matter move.

It is up to our own power with guidance from Nisa who is more than a trainer but a coach to us as well. She said to get ourselves ready for Monday.

I like that. Yes, we can push ourselves more and Nisa can push us more as well.

The next three weeks of June we are going all out.

If you are one of the "Amazon Women" I affectionately and respectfully call the fit ones who can do anything..... it will be great to just what else you can do and how hard you

can make boot camp for yourselves. It will be interesting to see the results for all of us.

We end today with several yoga posses and head to what is turning out to be a beautiful

sunny day. Get out and enjoy it.

The World Cup Soccer is tonight out of South Africa. This is a big deal.

Nelson Mandela has been working for this for many years.

He just said that he thinks sports can change the world. More than politics!!!!

From such a noble and insightful man that is an interesting statement.

If you have not seen the movie "Invinctus" please do. Well worth it.

Sports can create a community, a common bond, a sense of belonging and pride in

your team and country. Soccer helped to unite blacks and whites in post-Apartheid

South Africa with the clever help from Nelson Mandela. Sports are for the masses and give

us a common goal. Plus it can be exciting as well. I am not a big sports fan

but I do love the Olympics and the Tour du France bike race.

Maybe soccer will be next.

There is also a big musical concert tonight to kick off the World Cup.

I know I will be watching it.

Nisa is teaching a 4:30 body conditioning class and a 5:30 cardio with mini trampoline class today at the Vineyard Fitness Center. I am going to the 5:30. Hope to see you there.

Pato Banton, an international reggae artist, is opening Nectar's (The Roof)

season tonight. Should be a good show to go out and dance to. If anyone

wants to go with me please catch me on facebook or email me at

mvskincareco@gmail.com. Dancing is exercise and good for your soul.

Tip of the day:

If you are suffering from allergies drink Nettle tea. You can get it from the

health food store. It really works.

Also keep your windows shut and put on the air conditioning - if you have it.

Dust with a damp cloth or a swifter cloth to grab the pollen and not

to push it back into the breathable air.

Get a Netti pot to do nasal lavage - clears out the sinuses and feels great even though

it seems strange to do at first.

See you all Monday at Owen Park - get ready to hit it.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.14.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 30

Daily Blog #30, Monday, June 14, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Monday, Monday..... and our "INNER PRINCESS WARRIORS!" were still

our inner couch potatoes according to Nisa.

Was it the weather?, The dreary day? Everyone tired from too much weekend work?

At least we were all in a good mood but we did look like a bunch of uncoordinated misfits

or should I say "Miss Fits?"

Nevertheless, I enjoyed our workout and being outside at Owen Park with all my boot camp friends and Nisa too.

It was great to do some mat work on the dock with a soft breeze from the sound

flowing over us. We were happy to be horizontal...or at least I was.

It cracks me up when unsuspecting people come upon us working out. the man fishing or getting off his boat or the woman walking her dog... They all have a confused and intrigued look on their faces. They almost seem afraid we might make them join in.

Friday afternoon I went to Nisa's 5:30 Cardio Kick Ass workout at Vineyard Fitness Center.

A rotation of steps, jump rope, hula hoops and mini trampolines. My face was red and I was covered on sweat from head to toe but it made me feel great. If you want a workout that will kick your ass then try this one. Later I went out dancing and saw Pato Banton - a reggae

artist at Nectar's (aka The Hot Tin Roof). Got another good workout and it was fun too.

I'm having trouble sleeping lately and I unfortunately know it is menopause.

What a pain. Especially since I have not had children so why do I even

have to go through this in the first place? God...hormones....body....c'mon!!!!

I am banking on exercise and eating well speeding up this process to get me over it.

Also the neighbors' house is rented out this week to people who have brought about 12 teenagers who were having a blast in the next yard until 1 a.m.

The laughter part was nice but the volume kept waking me up.

I was ready to do my "Hey, some of us are not on vacation!!!!!...

yelling out the window routine...but then the noise stopped. Up at 3 am to pee and let Zac Redford out, then up at 4 am to let him back in, the alarm goes off at 5:15 am for boot camp.

Oh, well, such is life. Now 9:37 and I could sleep all day.

Tip of the day:

Trouble Sleeping? Drink chamomile Tea...think happy thoughts and dream that you find you inner warrior fitness goddess!!

My iphone weather says we are suppose to have sunny weather up to 70 degrees today.

Ha! Feels like rain to me. Both Sadie and Zac, my fuzzy four legged children, are fast asleep on my bed. I hope they will make some room for me.

Maybe while I nap I can conjure up my inner warrior-ess and be ready for our power walk on beach road tomorrow.

Today I am getting ready for family that is coming to visit tomorrow.

Time to clean my house, do laundry, unload the car, get the mail, go to the bank,

pay some bills, and go food shopping. Spring cleaning continues - two closets to go.

I will still be a boot camp with family visiting they can just sleep.

Have a wonderful day and see you all tomorrow.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.15.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 31

Daily Blog #31, Tuesday, June 15, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

A perfect day for a power walk along Beach Road from Bend in the Road

up to the bridges toward Oak Bluffs and then back.

I've said this before, but this is the place that made me fall in love with the island

the first day I came as a tourist to vacation here.

The Amazons strutted ahead at warp speed showing their "Inner Warrior Goddess."

Those girls can probably walk 4 miles in an hour. Those long legged strides

with smiles on their faces.

I was at the end of the pack and always feel like I am running with this group.

People may think that just walking is lame and not much of a workout but

it is actually one of the best exercises you can do for you body....

and at this pace we do work up a sweat. And the view can't be beat.

I love seeing the beach roses in bloom and this time there are wild

tall daisies along the path. Maybe some threw some seeds along the path as I do not

ever remember seeing them before.

I want to get a Trike bike which is a bike that you stand on two skate board types

of peddles and glide along. I'll see if I can find a good one on e-bay.

The blog is a little late today as a good friend is on island for a few days.

We went to the Black Dog Tavern for breakfast as we were both waitress there -

back in the day - and that is where we met and became friends around 20

years ago. Blast from the past, reminiscing about old days and catching up

on today. It is nice I can walk to it from my apartment.

Today is a perfect Vineyard day. Sunny, warm, breezy and not humid and not

crowded before the weekend comes.

Tomorrow I get to play tourist and go see Cape Pogue - which I have not done before.

As this potentially my last Vineyard summer, who knows with me....

I am trying to soak in the beauty and experience the island in new ways.

Sticking to boot camp and being more active is certainly a new way for me

to get out there and experience the island.

As we started walking Marge said I am melting away!!!!! Yeah!!!

I hope so as the scale is not moving as much as I want it to.

But slow and steady wins the race and will become permanent weight

loss and life style changes. I feel the body underneath starting to emerge.

I saw the cutest forties style bathing suit in the window of Basic's Clothing Store

yesterday in O.B. I said to myself, I could have fit into that at one time.

I love the style, cut and color. I may just get it and hang it up as a goal

to reach. By next summer I'll be in that suit. Wouldn't that be great?!

I saw Valerie Bertinelli on a Jenny Craig TV commercial recently where she was carrying

a 40 lb. sack of potatoes. That is the amount of weight she lost. I was thinking

about that the other day. When the weight is off could I even carry the

80 or pounds extra pounds that I lug around now? Know wonder my joints and back hurt.

I feel if I keep that picture in my mind it will help me to keep the weight off.

I met her a few years ago in Park City, Utah where I had my day spa.

Her brother David was my neighbor. We are about the same age, height, looks

-round face, etc. I always loved her hair and it is so great to see how pretty she

looks again. Not only that but she seems happy and full of life.

I hope to be like that and feel I am on my way.

I'll just strap on some weights around my joints to remind myself of how I used to feel.

It will bring back to the present and not re-live the past.

We end our walk with hula hooping in the parking lot to move our hips.

We are an entertaining sight as the cars ans trucks go by.

Looks like we are training for the circus.

Tip of the day:

1. Don't forget to smell the beach roses.

and.....

2. if you have an iphone there is a cool free app called Nike + ipod to track

your workouts. It has all kinds of special features. I'm going to see how it works

while I walk Sadie.

3. Start an herb garden and use fresh herbs in cooking or to infuse your drinking water.

Container gardens are pretty and easy to do. If you want help or advice just email me.

@ mvksincareco@gmail.com

Mine has mint, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, lavender, and cat grass for Zac Redford.

Tomorrow were are at the Ink Well for a balance ball workout.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

6.16.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 32

Daily Blog #32, Wednesday, Juner 16, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

A beautiful morning to do a balance ball workout at Waban Park in Oak Bluffs.

With Nisa not feeling well and the rest of us still searching for our inner warrior....

it was another "miss fits" misfits kind of day.

And we were a whinny, complaining, lack of energy group today.

Too painful for Nisa to watch our horrible display of uncoordinated moves.

Not our usual style.

At 5:15 a.m. I turned off the alarm as my mom and grand nephew are visiting from Pennsylvania. I don't remember dozing off but I did.

Then I woke late and in a panic 20 minutes prior to having to be on site and ready to go.

Luckily I had gotten everything ready for today last night.... knee brace, workout clothing, filled water bottle, balance ball in car, etc. Pumping up the balance ball and bringing my hand weights are details I forgot.

Nothing like getting the heart going when you are racing to boot camp.

cat outside, phone in hand, trash sticker ready... pull out the trash and hop in the car.

The last two days I have been early and plan to keep it that way.

My dinner from the Black Dog last night was bothering my stomach.

Seems to be sitting in my stomach. Trying to workout but also trying not throw up is tricky.

I have a fear of throwing up and will do almost anything not to.

Plus I don't want to be the first one do so in boot camp this year.

I am noticing that I cannot eat the volume of food that I used to.

Even from just a few weeks ago... I cannot finish the Nisa Special

that we have at the Art Cliff Diner. Then I have a second meal of left overs

which helps financially as well.

This is a good thing. Portion control and knowing when to stop. Eating to live not living

to eat. Dinner at the Black Dog is a treat for me but it was not as good as I have had in the past. I did eat my whole meal of garlic crusted cod with steamed spinach and

garlic mashed potatoes and I am paying for it today.

I am noticing another thing.... all the enticing summer foods such as

ice cream, BBQ's, pasta salads, etc. Temptation is lurking especially with summer visitors

but I will control myself. No ice coffee or lobster rolls for me.

Now a days, if I indulge in something that I used to have my body reacts in a negative way.

I think it is getting cleaned out and toxins and acids are being removed so putting any back in is giving me consequences that I did not count on. This is a good thing.

The greens and pH water is working.

Why is it that the thought of something yummy and decadent often seems better

than the real thing? Why are cravings so strong?

So.... back to our workout.... all type of ball stuff.... the end.

I do feel good and did sweat some but I will make sure to be more active today.

We are going to Cape Pogue and then the Flying Horses as my nephew won

the brass ring 9 times in a row when he came last year.

I hope I don't have to listen to the carousel music over and over but he is determined

to beat his record.

We plan on getting some fresh farm food from the new Morning Glory farm Stand and

make a good dinner at home then take another long with Sadie the wonder dog

along the beach, like we did last night.

My mom has notice by body changing and says I look good. She is so happy that I am taking boot camp and taking it seriously this time. Of course, mom, or Liz, is petite and trim and always has been. She can wear anything and always looks great even if

she is just in jeans.

Tip of the day;

For Poison Ivy - put rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and put on skin.

It will help to remove the oil from the plant and also dry out the skin.

If you go for a nature walk to garden do this as soon as you are done

to prevent poison ivy from developing.

Tomorrow we are at Veterans' Park behind Educomp in Vineyard Haven.

This must mean cardio and a lot of running around obstacles so inner warriors!!!!!!...

come out, come out wherever you are...... you have a date with destiny.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.17.10

boot Campers Blog Day 33

Daily Blog #33, Thursday, June 17, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

From the beginning of this blog I said it was going to be honest.

I am taking a chance to today to talk about some really personal

topics.

Today was a hard day for me as I had family visiting and the time together

did not go well. I went to boot camp early just to be out of the house

after a night of emotional break down and drama.

With my puffy eyes and throbbing headache I did not want to do boot camp.

I didn't want to cry in front of the group or be social cause I did not feel

like talking to anyone.

Nisa said the exercise would help me and make me feel better. It did in body

but not in mind... yet..... and I still have a splitting headache.

Terri and Nisa have been such good friends to me and support and love me for who I am.

Something I feel I do not get in my own family. These are all part of my weight issues.

Being sensitive and emotional, not fitting in, unloved and unworthy,

not be able to hear the good things, being hard on myself and not trusting people.

This had lead to me being alone and then soothing myself with food... which only ended up hurting me and not helping me.

I am sure these issues are not unfamiliar to many of us. We all have our pain,

emotional suffering, regrets, injustices done to us inside or outside of dysfunctional families.

I am writing about this in the most honest way I can to share this with others and

come clean as to why I am fat and how I can change it. I can only look at my

behavior and reactions and take repsonsibility and then try to learn from them

and move forward.

There is a saying..... "The best revenge is a life well lived"

This is my focus. It takes work and determination.

Perhaps this final blow with my family will be the catalyst for me to

break totally free from them so I can soar and truly be myself and love myself for

who I am. Maybe it will be freedom for them as well and then we all can just stop

trying to mash a square peg (me) into a round hole (them).

Working out can work out the pain, frustration, tension and general malaise one can feel

in our lives. I now can use this tool instead of retreating and over-eating to cover

up my feelings. Which never work anyway because when you are fat - I feel that all people have to do is look at you and instantly know your story. Hard to hide it.

Maybe it is why exercise is call a work out. Never thought of that before.

So today we did many cardio moves on the driest part of the field in Veterans Park.

The group was in a good mood and really seemed to find their inner warriors.

Even with feeling awful I am finding I can do higher leg lifts.

I am not getting so winded and I could push myself more. Let go of the fear

and go for it. It gets better and better all the time.

Today is a new day, the sun has come out and is burning off the dampness from

last nights' rain. Tomorrow is another day and we will be at Owen Park.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.21.10

boot Campers Blog Day 35

Daily Blog #35, Monday, June 21st, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Monday morning at Owen Park. Time to get back to it.

I find that I am naturally waking up early now so it doesn't feel

so difficult. The sun comes into my windows prior to me hitting the alarm and it

is nice to have a beautiful and quiet moment before the day starts.

Nice to see everyone. We are all getting to know each other better.

We start with hula hoops to warm us up, then 10 times up and down the hill.

Nisa says to dig in. Either run up the hill or power walk and give it good go.

After ten times up and down then do sideways and then backwards to use different muscles.

My digging in on this hill is lame. I do manage to get up and down 10 times but at

a walk of a pace. I feel it and I am sweating all over....but not ready to run

up the hill. A goal I can keep working on.

I admire the women who can run up the hill and push themselves to a higher level.

I can't imagine being one of the fit people who gets to the point where boot camp seems easy to them and they can push themselves more.

Changing my attitude about that is key. I heard recently a saying....

If you think you can or if you think you can't.... you are right."

I better start thinking that I can run up that hill.

Two weeks left for the end of this months boot camp. Time for me to dig in -

in every way. Water, diet, exercise, and positive thoughts.

Relating to my blog last week.... it is amazing how many boot campers have come to me with understanding and personal knowledge of difficult family situations. It has helped me so much and I appreciate the support of me and this blog!

All to common a situation for many.

Perhaps it is just human nature and all part of the struggle and challenges of life

we all face. I guess these struggles make us who we are for good and for bad and if we are strong and wise enough to take these struggles and learn from them to have better lives and be better people to ourselves first and then others.

This is where boot camp comes in for me. Being active and doing good things for myself

has been hard for me. Being a double cancer astrology sign I just want to curl up

in the protective shell and hope the pain goes away.

But now I am dealing with myself and keeping out of my shell.

I want to be the best I can be and be in a higher state of

physical and mental wellness before I move out West and create a new life.

I am letting go of people who do not treat me well. My hope that the situation will change is gone. I am not going to beat this dead horse anymore.

I feel clearer and lighter about that and now have the impetus to treat myself better.

We end with leg lift and sit squats. Nisa tells us to eat well and drink lots of water and practice kindness.

Time to take Sadie the wonder dog for her walk and get some tea at Mocha Motts.

I have a busy week ahead so I love having this free time in the morning.

Tip of the day:

Look for beach glass and you will walk farther than you think plus it will take you to

places on the island you may not have already been to.

For a great meal....

put fresh pesto on top of salmon and bake. Great flavor.

Then place onto top of greens or spinach with avocado, slices almonds, tomatoes.

and cucumbers. High fiber, protein and filling.

Tomorrow we meet at Ink Well Beach.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.24.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 36

Semi-Daily Blog #36, Wednesday, June 23, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

I did not do yesterdays blog basically because I felt like crap and

couldn't find anything good to write about with the mood I was in.

This is why today I am calling it a semi-daily blog.

Yesterday we met at Waban Park in Oak Bluffs for a circuit/obstacle course

set up by Nisa and Ben.

This idea was to step up boot camp to make it more challenging for those

who need it. It is already challenging enough for me but does get easier

or I am more able to do it.

The problem with yesterday is that I had two hours of sleep,

and my back was out and in spasm. Then on top of it we did sit ups

in the tallish, un-mowed grass which I just new had bugs in it as I

was not only stung by a small bee but then bit repeatedly bit

by a fire ant that got stuck in my shirt. None of which helped my mood.

Thanks to Marge and Beth who came lightning speed to my rescue getting the

little bugger out of my shirt. Great team work and thanks for being there.

Next time I guess I have to run around the course with my blanket or mat to do the ground work. And thanks to Gwendolyn who came over to my house to get the stingers out.

So I've come to the conclusion that menopause is kicking my butt.

I have insomnia that Dr. Oz talked about. Never in my life have I not been

able to sleep. If fact I could have slept 24/7 if you let me.

Sleeping or retreating into my cancerian shell is one of my favorite

things to do....whether it is good for me or not.

My body is tired but somehow I am awake.

I am taking natural remedies from the health food store and it is helping but

not to the extent that I need it to right now.

I went to bed at 10:30 last night after watching a graphic but real movie at Nisa's

called "Earthlings." It is about how we human take advantage of other species for our own gain. This movie will make you not go to the circus, Sea World, eat fish, chicken, eggs or

want to wear leather and the like ever again. If you have the stomach for it you should

inform yourself and take a look at it.

As the night progresses I was up at 11:30. 1 am, 4am, and then 5:15 or so the alarm goes off for boot camp. I need to actually get up at 5:15 when we have workouts not in Vineyard Haven to get there on time.

Today we walked along beach road fast as we can. The rain had stopped and the view

is beautiful even with the overcast skies and muggy air. A tall white crane stood in the marsh by the side of the pond as we admired his elegance.

Okay, here comes another hot flash.....

Along with the menopause and diet and exercise I am having many many emotions

since I am not stuffing them down with food. Having to deal with them while feeling like I have permanent PMS while also being sticky from the humidity is not helping my mood

and even I can't stand to be around me. I feel like I need to go for a 5 mile run to get

this angst out of me....if only my body would do that....

So...looking for the good.... my friends have been really good to have around and

I am exciting to be changing my body and I have hope for the future.

And nothing lasts forever.

I am taking aloe vera gel and a liquid vitamin and greens supplement which are

detoxifying me and giving me energy and curbing my cravings.

Except for my back which needs to be put back in place.... I feel really good.

Still drinking up to a gallon of distilled water a day and eating well too.

Hopefully the sun will come out but today will be muggy and up to 80 degrees.

Tomorrow were are at the gym for a muscle class then Friday we have a special

surprise workout with a teacher Nisa is having come in. Should be really

good for all of us.

Tip of the day:

Vinegar and water is an old fashioned cleaner that works great and is better

than the chemical ones. Vinegar is also good on our hair

to make it shinny.

See you tomorrow at the VFC. Have a great day.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.24.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 37

Daily Blog #37, Thursday, June 24, 2010

'A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today I actually got up when the alarm went off so I made it to the gym

early and enjoyed my drive there instead of being in a panic.

I even slept pretty well last too which all the difference in the world although I had no

covers over me, hardly anything to wear and two fans blowing straight on me.

So glad for a muscle class today. Next time I will go

up in the hand weights as I now think I am ready.

I am feeling more squishy that normal from losing weight and gaining muscle.

There is this weird in-between spot where you feel squishy. I heard this from other people.

It sounds weird and feels weirder. Just want the fat to keep melting away and more muscle

to form.

Nisa still not feeling well, rallied as usual, to kick out butts a little harder than usual.

The class seems to like this. When we are quiet from concentrating or

struggling in class, Nisa asks. "Do you feel this?" OH YEAH, just too into to it tell you.

I hate that burning muscle feeling to be honest. I keep trying to change my mind about it

to think it feels good and it is making the muscle grow and my body change.

Learning to love that feeling rather think it is torture.

Some of today was on the ball which some of the moves are hard for me.

Nisa said if we keep thinking this is hard and I can't do it, then we are right.

Say to yourself instead....I can do it, I will master this plastic ball.

With that thought I was able to do the leg/arm lifts on my left side.

It helps me to hear the moans and groans of other boot campers so i don't think it is just me that is feeling it. At one point the ball slipped through my raised legs and went bouncing

around the room. These odd things like run away balls, bites and stings seem to

happen to me in boot camp.

It is a beautiful island day. Sunny and up to 85 degrees today but it is not as humid.

The hydrangeas are in full bloom. I love that periwinkle color. And more visitors

are here and I have to remember that for the amount of traffic I keep forget to plan time for.

After the workout I met my great neighbors and her sister at Waterside Market for a healthy

breakfast. Off to walk Sadie, get the MV Times, take a quick shower and have my

"Thursday with Gloria." She is my 91 year old friend with Alzheimer's who is still a kick

and a lovely being to be around. She has her tough side but usually we just enjoy

each others company. I try to keep her busy so we may do a drive of the island to see the

flowers and trees and all the houses along the water.

My 91 year old friend is still active. She washes dishes and irons clothes and is out every day at the senior center to socialize with other people. Staying active is the key.

Tomorrow we are back at the gym - VFC in Edgartown for a special guest teacher

of a surprise injury preventing class. I have no ideas yet but will blog about it tomorrow.

Tip of the day:

Drink your water room temperature. It is better for your body and

you will end up drinking a lot more. Add lemon or lime to charge it

with flavor and nutrients. It also makes the water alkaline inside the body.

Have a wonderful day.

See you tomorrow for just one more day of week 8? WOW.

Thanks Ni

6.25.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 38

Daily Blog #38, Friday, June 25, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today at the Vineyard Fitness Center and through Nisafit we had a guest teacher for

a class called M.E.L.T.

Jeanene Garro, a certified MELT instructor, hails from New York and is here on the Vineyard for the summer offering her unique method to slow aging and live longer.

Melt is a system of working the body to free and detoxify the connective tissues of the body.

"When the connective tissue is hydrated and free of roadblocks, our bodies function at a more optimal level."

Jeanene guides us through breathing, asking us to be aware of our bodies, inquiring about any injuries we may have and explains that this is not to be painful. As we use the roller tubes for moves it re-aligns our spine and stretches our muscles and helps the connective tissues.

MELT can help flexibility, posture, sleep, digestion and overall well-being.

MELT reduces aches and pains, wrinkles and cellulite, tensions and stress, headaches and

risk of injury.

Once we do the moves Jeanene asks us to check in how our bodies feel different.

Are the sides (left and right) even?, are the solid parts touching the floor (head, shoulders, arms, etc) and the other body parts that create spaces (neck, lower back, knees and ankles, etc,) were and how they should be.

Jeanene is well skilled in her craft. She certain has had much training in anatomy and physiology. She will be teaching at VFC in July and August. Call for class times.

Also check out www.gurugarro.com for more info on Jeanene and her work.

If you like yoga, pilates, or stretching you will like MELT. It is a hard class to describe so

please go to meltmethod.com for more info or better yet just attend one of these classes to find out for yourself.

We thank Nisa for bringing us new and interesting classes for boot camp.

This was the perfect class to do at the end of the week and at the end of 8 weeks for me.

I feel great and my back that has been out and in spasm has calmed down.

We hope Jeanene will come back and show us more of this unique method.

This is something I could see myself doing several times a week or at home.

Enjoy the weekend and the perfect Vineyard day.

We will be at Owen Park, per usual, our Monday morning spot.

Thanks Jeanene and Nisa,

Suzanne

6.28.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 39

Daily Blog #39, Monday, June 28, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Monday OHHHHHH Monday. We met at Owen Park for running power walking along the beach then when we reach back to the dock do 25 push ups, sit ups or back of the arm push ups and keep going.

It is a beautiful day and we have quite the spot to work out in.

I pop back inside my house which is right there to get my knee brace.

I am lucky to have this as my front yard.

Nice to see everyone. Smiles and hello and how was your weekend?

Then I power walk up and down the dock.

I do not know why it is so hard for me to get back into it on Mondays.

I was extremely tired over the weekend and did get a lot of rest but I guess I need more.

Maybe I need more activity rather than rest and just keep going.

But today I had to push myself just to move and then fell asleep again when I got home.

We end with leg lifts and bicycles on our mats on the dock.

I was going to ask Nisa which abdominals I should do to help me build them

into muscle and not flab, then while doing the bicycles I remember her saying that

this is what the "stars" do to get great abs. This is something I can do at home.

One more week until this month is over. Then three more months until I move out

to Seattle. Time to get more serious and give it more effort.

I want to lose at least 50 pounds before I go.

I bought good food that it is my fridge and will take it one day at a time

to eat well. I realized over the weekend that I need spend much more time

prepping food than I do. Prep in advance when I am not hungry is what I need

to do.

Today will be hot and steamy. After having tea on the beach with a friend I

am going to clean a house the get ready for a facial client.

The season is here. A very busy week and the two months are ahead of me.

Tomorrow we are at Owen Park again but for what?????? Nisa and Ben did

not say. Oh no... running up and down the hill? Or maybe jumpies - which I do love.

We will see.

Tip of the day:

Be grateful for the friends that you have.

It has been the women friends in my life that have been so important to me.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanks Nisa

6.29.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 40

Daily Blog #40, Tuesday, June 29, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

A cool breeze finally came through my window this morning at 5 am. It was nice to wake up before the alarm sounds off and jars me awake. I was hoping for the temperature and humidity to be cooler than yesterday.

We met at Owen Park and start with hula hoops. Thinking if I came early it would give me a change to mull around and say hello while I attempt to wake up but.....Nisa has us get going and start with hula hoops. As the rest of the class arrives we are already at it. Sherrifa notices this and is good at teasing Nisa on her no rest for the weary attitude.

From there we run up and walk down the grassy part of the hill - 5 times. Then up to 3 times side steps up the hill then walk down before we head to the dock for either lunges or straight leg lifts. Although my left knee is getting better not ready for lunges yet so off to straight leg lifts. I can kick them higher now which feels great. So much fun to talk to Nisa's husband Ben but Nisa catches this right away and says to keep going...

After that we do quick runs along the far part of Owen Park beach and walk back. I did make an effort today to run/jog ( or my version of it) a few times up the grassy hill and along the compacted sand of the beach. This is a huge accomplishment for me.

I want to lose at least 50 pounds before I move out West.

Time to step it up for my body to react. With this heat it is easy for me to stick to a fresh diet of water based foods. Watermelon and green tea with pomegranate for breakfast. Salad of cucumber, avocado, tomato, and yellow peppers with a very very light

dressing for lunch. Dinner will be a big salad with all kinds of veggies and nuts and seeds.

Liquid aloe and vitamins with greens and lots and lots of water.

Just took Sadie out to Owen Park beach and giving her a chance to be outside before the heat hits. We were both so hot last night that I gave her a bath and me a shower (not at the same time) before we sat outside in the rain to cool off. My beautiful place is a like an oven. Often cooler outside than in even with fans.

You would think I would get a harbor breeze but I guess their needs to be a breeze for me to catch one.

I am trying my own version of air conditioning by place a wet towel in the freezer, then placing it over the fan to cool the air.

I'll let you know if it works.

With my birthday looming around the corner I've been pondering my health, my weight and the effects I've been noticing of menopause and aging. Signs of crows feet at the corners of my eyes and then there is the turkey neck - which I hate. To me it has appeared overnight. I hope that firms up too as I lose weight and get in shape or I will need to get a "Lifestyle Lift."

The collagen and elastin in my skin have diminished as well.

I've looked so young for my age for such a long time that this is very shocking to me. I'll be 49 on Thursday. Just a year from 50... Yikes!

Feeling good and being happy and drinking lots of water and smiling more are all good age busters.... and I must remember this.

I have no idea where we are tomorrow. I just know we are kayaking on Thursday at Katama Bay.... so bring you money if you have not paid Nisa yet. I'll bring mine too.

Have a wonderful day.

Tip of the day:

If you become really hot place a cool towel on the back of your neck. That is one of the bodies heaters and it will help you cool off.

Quote of the day:

Invictus by Ernest Henley

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

6.30.10

boot Campers Blog Day 41

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today we met at the gym for a muscle/body conditioning work out.

I woke up on time but just couldn't move since I had only four hours of sleep.

Then I remembered it is trash day and I have full barrels as I put it out last week but on Thursday and did not realize I put the trash out on the wrong day until the end of the day.

Menopause wacky brain. Forgetting simple words, not sleeping, turkey neck, putting the trash out the day after they come, etc.....

oh so much fun, especially with hot flashes and sweats during the humidity.

Today is fabulous!!! Sunny, warm and no humidity! The prefect temp of a day.

July 4th weekend is upon us. I am sure the island will start to fill with visitors starting tonight. I hope to make some rare time and go to the beach on Saturday.

Need to remember to make more driving time for traffic and food shopping and also have more patience for people on the road.

So we did one of my favorite classes with weights. The ball stuff I am not so

fond of.... I have trouble finding my balance.... but I get better at it all the time.

Of course and again, it was me who fell off the ball and shot it across the room.

LOOKOUT BOOT CAMPERS, SUZY IS ON THE BALL. Save yourself.!!!

I have learn to drop and roll when I fall so I was not hurt. But just like anything else

get back on it and try again. Terri's mantra is "I am balanced and graceful" Need to say that over and over again.

I ate so well yesterday and with fresh light food that my system is very happy today....

I'll spare you the details but it is a wondrous event when my body functions correctly.

Dr. Oz would be proud.

Makes me very happy - inside and out.

Our group today was fun, vocal, wise ass, pain in the ass or (PIA) as I like to say and Nisa

has a good spirit about it. Takes my mind of my burning legs.

Such a good group, but not everyone gets along all the time,thats OK, Nisa says just send that person love and see through the defense and

know everyone struggles and bring their unique and sometimes difficult personalities to bootcamp.... Perhaps the people that bug us are too much like us and

therefore know how to push those buttons. Luckily my buttons are getting harder to push

lately as I am letting go of many past hurts and trying not to let the little stuff get to me.

Having all kinds of people and personalities makes the class unique and fun, even the PIA's

of which I can be one of from time to time.

We all took heavier weights today. Next time I will go up to the 10 pounders.

Now even with the 8 pounds - more than the 7 pound weights I started with, I feel I can

go heavier and get more results.

After boot camp I met Susie, one of my oldest and dearest friends, for annual mutual birthday breakfast at the Black Dog of which her husband pays for. Last year we went twice

but he never knew that. Susie has had a clean diet for years. No flour, sugar, coffee,

dairy, etc. She is trim and walks a lot. She is also one of the kindness people I have ever met. She used to feel awful and battle candida but not with this diet.

I will get more tips from her soon and write them down.

Nisa and I were talking about diet and food after class today. Nisa correlates diet with wellness and has for years and can show medical proof of how it works.

She wonders why people chose to eat poorly then feel badly.

I say food addictions and cravings are hard to get over. She said it is like everything else....

one day at a time, one choice at a time of what to put into our mouths.

And if we don't deal with the emotions of why we did that in the first place then we will always have a hard time about it. Look at Oprah, we said in class. She can afford a personal trainer and private chef and the best food and she still struggles.

She has said many times that losing weight and exercising has been the hardest thing SHE - of all people - has had to do. Interesting!

Nisa says it is not about being thin but about being healthy. Some people, in my mind, are just meant to be bigger, but I agree with the healthy part.

Food for thought.... hahahahahah

A boot campers husband says to his wife 'What would Nisa do." and she said today we should have those rubber bracelets that we can wear. Black with the Nisa fit white logo on it.

Miss Fits misfits on the move again.

Tomorrow we kayak at Katama Bay! I am so excited to be in this beautiful spot that I have never kayaked on before. Get there early at 5:45 to get ready.

Tip of the day:

Stop & Shop has BPA free plastic large water bottle with a cool handle.

Love it as it hold lots of water.

Quote of the day:

"You're running, you're running, you're running away, but you can't run away from yourself.

Bob Marley

Have a great day. See on the bay!

Thanks Nisa

7.2.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 42

Daily blog #42, Thursday, July 1, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Kayaking today on Katama Bay or Edgartown Bay, not sure really of its� name, but it is a beautiful spot, which I suggested, but then drove by it this a.m. cause I couldn't find it. So, we end up being the last people there as everyone else was in the boats and out on the water.

Left the house at 5:30, picked up Terri, then headed to Edgartown.

I went to bed last night at 9pm and actually slept really well until 11:30pm then I was up. Up again and trying to get back to sleep.

So this morning was one of those mornings where you ask yourself, "What I am doing�. kayaking at 5:30 am?"

But once you get there and get out on the water and see the stunning view, one so pretty it looks like a post card and the colors are so Cape Cod, you then say to yourself "this is worth getting up for, sleep can wait."

Today I turn 49. One year from 50. How can that be?

The whole class wished me many birthday greetings. Terri brought me flowers that look great in my car. Nisa gave me a big hug and I am getting not only an early am call from my mom but many wishes on facebook. I love that birthday calendar feature.

Sharifa said what a great spot and perfect weather to spend my birthday and she was glad to be sharing it with me. How lovely to be part of this great group and able to get to know wonderful

women like her. It makes this day worth it.

Next time we go kayaking on Katama Bay it will be fun to go towards the harbor and see the town from the water. It made me wish I had a small motor boat to see the island from this view adds a whole new dimension to island life.

I was on a sit on top kayak that I have never tried before. It feels better for anyone larger because our hips are not squeezed into the smaller openings of regular kayaks.

However, they are built like tanks and you have to work harder to pull them through the water. I felt it more in my core. A core workout I like. This is my most troublesome spot that really needs some work.

Kayaking works my shoulders and arms and warms up my back. The hour goes fast and I could have stayed out there for several more hours. I would love to kayak into town, get breakfast at Dock Street Diner and go back out again. Maybe sometime this summer I will do this and see if a friend wants to come with me.

Nisa was paddled around like the Queen that she is by her husband Ben. She operated the camera and took many photos that I hope to get a copy. She look so cute curled up in the front of the two person kayak enjoying her ride. She deserves to just enjoy boot camp for a second instead of work, work, work.

Time to get myself ready for work then a friend is coming over for dinner tonight.

Tomorrow we are at Owen Park for mini trampoline work out!!!!

Tip of the day:

Filter your own water to save money.

Put in a BPA free bottle and ad lemon or lime or pH drops.

Quote of the day:

"�You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve love and affection.� Buddha

Thanks Nisa and Boot Campers!!!!

7.5.10

boot Campers Blog Day 43 & 44

Daily Blog #43 & #44, Friday, July 2, and Monday, July 5th, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Friday was the last day of the month for boot camp.

We met at Owen Park - our favorite spot!

Once again I had insomnia and woke up late and raced there.

We did power walking up the grassy part of the hill with our 3 lb. weights.

Side laterals and bicep curls while going up and down and then my favorite

part - the mini trampolines!!!!!!

We start by just bouncing, not letting the feet come off the surface,

gentle movements that move our lymph and waste from the body.

This simple movement is so relaxing to me. It just pulls all stress out of my body.

I read that even an immobile elderly person could sit in a chair and have their

legs just bounce on the tramp and get results. The lymph only moves when we do.

We are it's pumping station.

So to remove waste from our bodies and to feel good we HAVE to move.

Nisa took everyones' ending measurements. I am down another 5 inches!!!!!!!

The class (the ones that were there and got measured) lost at total of over 50 inches!!!!!

Beth ran around and added up for us.

You can really see the difference in people. I am down 11 lbs. and 16 inches in two months.

My goal is to lose at least 50 lbs. in the next three months.

Then off to work on Friday. Saturday was a day off for much needed rest and recovery.

I could not move Saturday from all of the work and exercise and heat.

Later, I met my friends at the Thai restaurant in Oak Bluffs for a belated birthday dinner gathering. It was fun to get dressed up and sit outside and have dinner out for a change.

I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends and I scored on the gifts year too.

I am writing old fashioned thank you notes today to the many who were wonderful at showing me love and support.

Sinclair (my gorgeous and frustrating Caribbean boyfriend) even came by and was brave enough to sit with 5 women discussing child birth, menopause and politics.

My friend's son was there too, Jahvon, who is around 20 months and a beautiful joy, was so thrilled to see another male at the table he boldly said HI and SIT! to Sinclair. He knew they were out numbered. We taught Jahvon fist bumps as I have already taught him high fives'. low five's and blowing a kiss.

We ate well and did not have birthday cake or alcohol. I am finding that when I do have these things my body is revolting and not letting me enjoy them. It is actually making me sick. They say children from third world countries who have never had sugar and then taste it for the first time hate it as it seems bitter to them, not sweet. Interesting.

Now onto to MONDAY - today!!!!!

Already 79 degrees at 8 am.

Today it may get up to 88 degrees or higher. We could already feel the heat as we

power walked up and down the hill with our weights at Owen Park.

Bicep curls up and side lateral down. Then run up and walk down several times.

Lots of new boot campers today. They fill out the necessary paperwork, get introduced to Ben, Nisa's handsome and easy going husband. I said talking to Ben does not count as exercise but does count as fun in my book - we are friends so I have to say hello.

The new ones are great on the hill and look happy to be here. One beautiful women who

is already fit, tan and looked elegant in her black head to toe, hair pulled back in a nice bun with small pearl earrings. I did not know one could look so good while exercising.

I am impressed. She can pull it off.

Another fit and beautiful newbie - Holly - already reads the blog, so thanks Holly!!!!!

It helps to know that my efforts and words are not just for me.

So after floor/mat work and me sweating like crazy (which I hate) and then noticing that I feel better and yes, my legs are getting stronger, I sat outside in my yard to cool off and this thought came to me....

SIZE DOES MATTER!

Yes, it does. In everything. In clothing, in portions of food we eat,

in chairs that fit our bums, in beds - King or Queen, in foot wear and sports bras and

hats and the amount of space we take up and things that we need. And yes, I'll say it...

size does matter in our men too. We tell them it doesn't just to make those who need the

reassurance feel better. But yes, size matters.

It matters if I have 50 or 100 extra pounds and how I view myself and how awful it is to find clothes and how I want to go swimming but hate they way my legs look - especially with bug bits and bruises and cellulite.

It matters in the way that I move and how hard it is for me to do a sit up and get

up from the floor. I envision me sending Nisa a phone video of me doing many

full sit up that she can post when I get to that point.... if I have already moved out West.

Size does matter for my knees and ankles and joints that ache all over with pain.

So being a smaller size will do wonders for me in every area. Not a number but a feeling of size. I will not ever be a size 2 and nor do I care to be - but a smaller size will be good.

Smaller body, bigger confidence, larger heart, happier mind.

That is what I am going to say to myself over and over.

"Smaller body, bigger confidence, large heart, happier mind." my new mantra.

I was also thinking about how it will feel to try to lift and carry the weight I have on now

when I am thinner. Carrying a 40 lb. sack of potatoes around all day to remind me

of what I did all day long and how hard that was and how free I feel now.

Looking forward to that 'freedom" part.

Quote of the day:

"EVERY HUMAN BEING IS THE AUTHOR OF HIS OR HER OWN HEALTH

OR DISEASE." Buddha

Tip of the day:

Listen to your favorite music that inspires you or relaxes you to bring more joy to your day.

See you all tomorrow at Bend in the Road for a power walk.

Have a wonderful day.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

7.6.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 45

Daily Blog #45, Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

We met today at Bend in the Road for a power walk along the pond on

the bike path. The air is cool at 6 am which is nice as it is going to be

very hot today.

The sun is coming up over the sound and the colors and smells of the island

in the morning are stunning.

Our group heads out. Some of us are fast walkers and some are slower.

For me I feel like I am jogging because we go at a fast pace.

The ones who go fast really go far and we all get a good work out

and come back sweaty and warm up and ready to head out and start

our day.

Today is a good day to jump in the water to keep cool.

the crowds have left from the 4th of July weekend so the beaches may be

crowded but not as much as yesterday.

I have no air conditioning in my apartment or in my car. My house since it is so old that

it will blow out the electric according to the Landlord. My car cause it is just not working

again. I hope to get it fixed this week. The hottest week and no air but I will

keep my cool to keep cool and comfortable.

Tomorrow we are at Ink Well beach and Waban Park for what I hope to be a ball workout.

So Nisa said to bring our balance balls, mats, weights, etc.

Tip of the day:

Drink coconut water - excellent hydration - same pH as our blood, get it at Stop & Shop, Cronigs or at the Tisbury Farm Market.

Quote of the day:

"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act, but I do

believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act." Buddha

Have a wonderful day. Stay cool

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.8.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 46

Daily Blog #46, Thursday, July 8, 2010

A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 46 and today was a great workout for me. My arms are shaking and I can hardly type.

Only 71 degrees so far and up to a nice 83 today.

Thanks to the power of Arch Angle Michael my air conditioning on my car is

now working. Pray to him to fix things and just see what happens.

So, today we were at the VFC for a muscle/body conditioning class.

I missed yesterday as I had food poisoning from the other night.

Now cleaned out and feeling better I was ready to get back to it.

I went up to the ten pound weights which I have not used in a long time.

Boy, can I feel that!!!!

This is my second favorite class - next to the mini trampolines. I like to build muscle

and burn fat and make my body not squishy.

Lovely Emma has come back from her cross country trip to join the class today and the first she said to me is, "You look great!" So nice to hear and I can see that someone who has not seen me in a month or so can notice. I am still impatience with my progress

and it want ti off now but I know I have to work hard to achieve that goal.

Emma has just been in Seattle and love it so I will meet with her soon to pick her brain and see her photos. It helps when a true islander loves it out there, it helps me to make this

big move in the fall. And I hope many vineyarders will come to visit.

The balance ball workout makes me feel so uncoordinated as I can only do one

part or the other. But Nisa says practice makes perfect and to keep trying.

I am feeling really good today and I eat well yesterday which makes me want to do the same today.

Breakfast: green tea with pomegranate, yogurt and apple later

Lunch: spinach salad at Linda Jean's

Snack: champagne grapes

Dinner: Steamed veggies and tofu

Lots of water and some coconut juice

Liquid vitamins with greens and aloe vera for my insides.

Also not using progesterone cream for menopause support and wild yam tincture along

with evening primrose oil caps - that are also great for our skin and joints.

I bought my 14 year old dog really good wet dog food at SBS yesterday.

it is called Canidae - all natural loaded with nutrients.

I figure it good food can help my path to wellness it can help maintain hers

and keep her with me longer too.

Gotta run as today is my Thursday with Gloria. Off to get her hair done, take her

out to lunch and get the groceries for the family and enjoy the cool air inside Cronig's.

Tip of the day:

Stop & Shop has these containers that spritz water on you then you turn on the fan part.

I keep mine in my car and take with me when I am out. Place cool or cold water in to start.

Quote of the day:

Here is a good one for me....

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to worry for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.

Have a great day. See you at Owen Park tomorrow. Nisa says to bring

our running shoes.

Thanks Nisa!

Suzanne

7.9.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 47

Daily Blog, #47, Friday, July 9th, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Friday at Owen Park, last day of the week, week #10.

It is an overcast soupy foggy humid with the sun shinning through the haze kind of day.

As I head out my door I find a lovely and sweet dog resting on my front porch apparently after escaping his house and heading to the water for a refreshing swim.

I call Nisa to tell her I am coming but just need to be a good Samaritan first. Then I call the dog owner.

DON'T BE LATE TO BOOT CAMP!!!!!

Rule #1 Especially when it is inside workout at the gym....we need time to set up, then warm up and get going.

My rule #1 - Don't piss Nisa off! She does not like it when we are late, understanably, we miss the warm up and disrupt the class.

She only wants the best for us.

I know that Nisa is such an animal lover that she would understand

why I took a beat to help a dog in need.

Once I get to Owen Park everyone is hula hooping to warm up. This island is so small that someone in the group not only knows the dog but it's owner .....who is single, by the way... she tells me.

Too bad I didn't wait..... but Boot Camp is a commitment I intend to keep. If I am supposed to meet him then may the dog show up here again.....please universe...make it happen.

After hula hooping we run or power walk up the hill, then go up backwards which stretches our calve muscles. This looks simple but it really burns our legs and uses different muscles.

Marge, Emma and Cynthia and I support each other telling our stories of "THE HILL" and how long it took or is still taking to conquer it.

Nisa tells us to do one more time up the hill and just when I think I am too hot and too sweat and too tired and so ready for this part of the workout to be over since it is my hardest thing to do,

I get a burst of energy and jog up the hill.

Me!!! run... a little... ONE TIME UP, it's a bid deal.

Nisa notices and encourages me and it feels great!!!!!!

Not only, that I am breaking through that fear of...

I can't do it, it will hurt, I might throw up, I am too hot...etc.,

but learning how to move my body and be comfortable with it.

Plus the mind over matter thing.... One more time up the hill...

okay, I can do this... I can give it my all.

We also did side steps, one for each side up, then onto the beach for bunny hops - which I still can't do

and it hurts my left knee, then side squats up and down part of the dock, then we end with stretching.

Lots of people were missing today which is part of life but it always more fun when people show and it gives the group more energy.

Plus I am making friends, clients and contacts from the group so the social part is very important and fun for me.

Being single I have always depended on the support and company of friends and right now this group is my support and are my friends and the whole thing means a lot to me!

I can leave the Vineyard but leaving Nisa, Boot Camp, and my friends here is going to be very hard for me when I move out West.

Beth got a new running partner that can match her already in shape body and ability. Tracey is our elegant and approachable boot camper who runs in an all black outfit with pearl earrings and a very big rock on her left hand. She is tan and in shape and really gives it her all. I have a feeling there is a very interesting story there and I get the chance to know her better. She has had five children and looks great. I asked her how and she said she has always been in shape and has made it a lifestyle especially with diet.

The answer is so simple, diet and exercise!!!!

Just doing it is the challenge.

But like anything else, practice makes perfect and it just becomes part of life.

By getting healthier, trimmer and more in shape I am starting to crave high water content healthy foods rather than carbs. I do have to be honest and admit to having one small slice of pizza at the Tisbury Street fair last night.... but I did not have anything else....

no ice cream, no lobster roll, no lemonade full of sugar, no homemade fudge or fried dough...on so on.

I follow up my slice with lots of water and an apple for fiber before bed. And to tell the another truth the slice wasn't all that great.

Today will be all high water content food. Really want my system to be clean and continue to lose weight and feel good. I find that I smelling better or rather than being very stinky at the end of a workout. Between the gallon of water a day, a good diet, no coffee or alcohol, and all the sweating from the heat and boot camp, my body is less toxic and therefore smells better. Yeah!

Gross but true. I see this in skin care. The onset from adult acne is not only hormones but bad diet and clogged intestines.

You can smell it on people and the skin is one of the seven organs of elimination.

If toxins don't come out from the other organs....lungs, bowels, liver, blood, kidneys, and the lymphatic system, then it must come out through the skin.

I also count the bladder as the 8th organ. The color and amount of our pee tells a lot about our health. Check out Dr.Oz web site to

inform yourself about what different colors if urine means.

Some can be a health alarm to heed.

Tip of the day:

Check out this site. It will explain more.

Detoxification: The Body's 7 Channels of Elimination

The key to excellent health is knowing these 7 channels of elimination like the ... Your liver is one of the largest and most important organs in your body. ...

health.learninginfo.org/detoxification2.htm

Buddha Quote of the day:

To keep the body is good health is a duty....

otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

Monday at Owen Park. Have a great weekend.

Thanks Nisa! See you tonight for your facial treatment.

Suzanne

7.12.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 48

Daily Blog #48, Monday, July 12, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

The start of the second week for July Boot Camp.

We met at Owen Park - our home ground - for an outside workout.

It was good to have the weekend off to recover from running up Owen Park hill on Friday.

I cleaned houses all weekend so I did get exercise and movement but it is not

the same thing. By today I was ready to return to Boot Camp.

Once again I couldn't get to sleep and now seem to only be able to fall asleep

with the TV on. My TV is older and does not have the cool sleep setting to turn itself off.

I had IBS symptoms as I am driving to boot camp. Starting to worry if I could find a bathroom or may have to go home. Beth comes to my rescue and finds the key to the restrooms for the boaters and unlocks it for me. I run a little, then go into the restroom, run a little more then go back in again. I told Nisa I would keep going (no pun intended)... meaning I would keep exercising. My system is so touchy and the heat does not help.

We jogged on the beach, then jogged backwards to stretch out our calves, then side slides before we head to the dock for mat work. The sun is up and the air is out and we all are sweaty. Somehow today my body is getting the workout and feeling fit.

I am amazed at how this feels. I can do high straight leg lifts (since I can't do lunges

because of my left knee) but I can do theses better than I have ever done them before.

Even my knee is getting better over time.

I think my body wants to be fit and athletic. Wouldn't that be great!

I still struggled on the mat with push ups and one other move where you put you forearms and elbows on the mat, pop up on the toes with straight legs to make a V then......

lift one leg straight up and down 10 times. I could do the part up to the V... lifting the

leg from there?????? Not there yet.

The bicycle legs and crunches feel better too or should I say I am more able to do them.

So today feels like a weird day as my 10 am facial client whom I called to remind her to come (as I got that feeling not-showing from her when she booked the appointment)

said she forgot and will have to call me back to reschedule. I somehow know

the ones that will not come and it just kills me that people make appointments and don't have the forethought to cancel. Good thing I did not spend this morning setting up.

Instead I am going to the beach to take my first swim of the summer. Then onto

getting things done that I've been putting off. As I work all weekend this will be my catch

up day of cleaning, laundry, banking, emails, etc.

Then I will go to Nisa's 4:30 muscle class at the Vineyard Fitness Center to round out my day and keep this exercise thing going.

Today I will eat well, drink lots of water and try to settle my intestines and take aloe and pro-biotics. Have a wonderful day.

Tomorrow we are at the gym for what???? I don't know. ... but bring all your stuff -

mat, ball, etc.

AND we do have yoga with Bonnie Menton this week on Thursday. Can't wait!

Tip of the day:

Neither a lender nor a borrower be....

Buddha Quote of the day:

"Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal

with the intent of throwing it at someone else,

you are the one who gets burned."

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.14.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 49

Daily Blog #49, Tuesday, July 13, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 49 and something is changing in me. Nisa calls it "getting the bug." The exercise bug... where your body takes over your mind and it wants to exercise and starts to crave it and need it to feel good and function well. I hope this will be one bug that will be for life and one I don't want to get rid of.

Even just recently I was wondering when I would feel good in my body again. And now it is starting to happen. The weight loss is still slow but everyone tells me that is good because then it will stay off. An ultimate goal.

Yesterday I did morning boot camp then decided to go swimming at the new YMCA and loved it. Then went to Nisa's 4:30 muscle class because I said I would. Three hours of exercise in one day. And in-between getting the business of life taken care of.

Last night's class was great. Nisa pulled out all sorts of new moves which I loved.

She never ceases to amaze me at the wealth of knowledge and how adept she is at all the exercises. The part that gets to me is when she shows us one move and then ups-the-anti with an even more ridiculously hard move like...

"place the side of your body over the ball, arm on floor away from ball, then lift your leg, THEN...lift you arm with the leg" She does it so smooth and elegantly. I am just trying to

stay on the ball....forget the leg and arm stuff.

Oh well, you do what you can and keep trying.

I love to swim but I am not very good at it...or rather I am not very good at putting my face in the water then lifting it to breathe. All trauma from my childhood when I was 7 during a swim lesson, I took in water and started to drown. Bobbing up and down, unable to breathe, needing help.

My petite mom, who was sitting with the other mothers, in what I remember to be their Jackie Kennedy phase, ran and jumped in and made a splash just in time for the instructor to hear the splash and turn around to save me. I'll never forget that feeling of knowing what was happening to me but physically unable to scream or do anything about it.

It has effected me but not enough to keep me out of the pool or to try now (as an adult) to learn how to swim properly.

Then a miracle occurred last night. A friend of mine and Nisa's and Ben's, Michael Wooley,a fabulous swim instructor, came by last night to visit and for my birthday is giving me two free swim lessons!!!!!!! I gave him some wonderful Martha's Vineyard Skin Care Company facial serum that I made to help his beautiful face combats the effects of sun and also bleach from the pool. How wonderful and what a nice surprise and gift. I can't wait!

Swimming makes me feel great, relaxed, cool, and not achy!!!

I am also finding that I am getting better and certain exercises. Still struggle with plenty of them but I am feeling like I can actually do some of them which makes me feel like I am not such a dork in class.

Today we were at VFC for a balance ball, muscle workout. I love the weights but still struggle with the ball. The ball is helping tone my core which needs a lot of work.

After boot camp I met a few friends at State Beach to go swimming. It was great until the end when my friend was stung by a jelly fish. Okay, off to the Y for me.

I like the ocean and the sound but there are alive things in there that can bite you.

No, thanks!

After a good breakfast out with my friend I did some window shopping an got a facial booked by one of the shop workers.

It pays to go out, I keep forgetting that is good way to

get and book clients.

Time to get things done before I go to work this afternoon.

Tip of the day:

Instead of dryer sheets for the laundry... put a few drops of your favorite essential oil

into the dryer and your clothes will smell great.

Buddha quote of the day:

"The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you,

depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed."

Tomorrow we are at Ink Well Beach.

Have a great day.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.14.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 50! WOW!!

Daily Blog #50, Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Bastille Day

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

We start the morning under gray skies and humid air with a slight breeze at Ink Well Beach.

The rain has ended so far but everything is wet. It didn't cool things off much...

just made everything damp so it feels like New Orleans more than it feels like the Vineyard.

This prolonged extreme dewy heat is most likely the reason the Menemsha

Coast Guard Boat House and Harbor blew up and caught fire the other day.

At least no one got hurt but it is a sad loss of a great building.

The lack of direct sun brings out the island's gorgeous colors and makes our

view so beautiful. It is important while doing boot camp to look up and

appreciate our surroundings.

I get there this morning at 5:58 am with two minutes to spare but everyone is already hula hooping. I jump in but still I can only hula hoop for a minute at a time until it falls.

My new technique is to catch it before it falls all the way to the ground

so I don't have to keep picking it up. I do enjoy it but I would like to be able to do it.

Those without knee issues run on the deep part of the sand. Marge goes walking and I join her. She asks me what number day this is and I say 50!!!! She says it takes bout 2 1/2 months for your body to really get into it and feel changes and want to do it.

That is right on target with how I am feeling. She has really trimmed down and you can see a difference. I enjoy walking and talking with her.

After our walking we all do mat work on the sea wall.

All kinds of sit ups and some new type of leg lifts that target the hip area.

Those are hard but great. The hour goes fast and off with the day.

It is wonderful how many people are out enjoying the island at 6 am and even more by 7 am.

Walks on the beach, taking the dogs out, getting coffee, hanging out by the boats.

This is a wonderful place to vacation.

I am jealous of those walking around with ice coffee.

it looks so good and refreshing but it is not on my diet and does not agree with my system

but.... it still looks good. I'll stick with my coconut water and distilled water with cucumber and mint.

The newly publishes premiere edition of "Avalon," a women's magazine by and for women focused on the Vineyard but sold in several cities is now out. Nisa and Nisafit

are a featured article with great photos. Buy this at Alley's and other locations soon.

The haze is slowly burning off from the hot sun. Possible rain showers later today.

I hope so.... to cool things off and help all the brown grass turn green again - all over the island.

There are two people paddle boarding in the harbor outside my window. It looks so cool to do

and to watch. In the calm water is looks very relaxing. I hope to try this with Nisa an Ben

at some point this season.

Tomorrow we are at the gym for yoga with Bonnie Menton who is Kripalu trained and

teaches a great class. Friday we do a swim aerobics class in a boot campers pool!!!!

My favorite class so I can't wait.

Humidity is 88% today - yuk! As much as I do not like the humidity I do prefer the warm weather over the winter weather. I am just tired of sweating.

Have a wonderful day.

Tip of the day: For your animals:

My clever neighbor places a gel ice pack under a towel for her cats to sleep on in

order to cool off. They love it. I tired it for Sadie my dog too and it worked.

Quote of the day:

"Get action, Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster."

Franklin Roosevelt

"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory." Albert Schweitzer

Thank Nisa,

Suzanne

7.15.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 51

Daily Blog #51, Thursday, July 15, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

I WANT TO BE A YOGI NI !!!

Today we had a guest judge for yoga on this damp and overcast day.

Bonnie Menton is not only a wonderful person but a great yoga instructor.

Thanks for Nisa for paying out her own pocket to have these guest teachers.

A real treat for us.

Bonnie starts with asking our names and seeing who may what have what injuries.

She gives us clear instructions of going into or getting out of poses and "listening to our bodies." There should not be the 'P' word....pain....in yoga.

I love yoga. I first did it when I was 15 and it was so relaxing I fell asleep during most of the class. This is something I need to do at home daily or go out to classes when I can.

My body loves this although my body was saying today, "Wow, you are not as flexible as you used to be." But everything is a work in progress and we do lose it if we do not use it.

Bonnie and Nisa get the gentle and soothing music going and we get started.

After warm up do the Sun Salutations. I loves those. We also do spinal twists,

warrior posses and more. We end with Shivasana - i hope that is how you spell it -

which is every body's favorite relaxing poses. It is amazing how comfortable the

floor is after a yoga class.

Bonnie reads to us a short poem. I love that about her teaching and her classes.

She is Kripalu trained - a big yoga re-treat and school in the Berkshires and she

knows how to bring in spirit with it being to hippy dippy.

I feel great and time to get on with my day and my Thursday with Gloria.

Bonnie teaches at 9 am at the Yoga Barn and at 7:15 am at Co-Housing.

Thanks Bonnie. I hope to see you soon.

Off to tea with Nisa. I walk with Sadie and Zac the cat follows. He waits for us

by Murdick's Fudge and does not I am happy to say come onto main street.

Time to eat and shower and get going. Perhaps swimming at the Y this evening.

And some stretching before bed.

Tomorrow we are at our friend's pool for a swim aerobic class.

Bring a towel.

Tip of the day:

Check out Kripalu on the web and you can ask for their catalog.

Lots of workshops, classes and yoga. I took my holistic Dr. Hauschka Organic

Skin Care training there.

I love the Shark Steam Mop. I use ti my house and also the houses I clean.

It works great and sanitizes too. I place a few drop of lavender on the cloths

before I mop the floor and my whole place smells great.

Quote of the day:

From "Do It Now" app on iphone

"Most of the pains we experience mentally as well as physically, are painful only

because we so define them. Think of them as sensations, merely, or events, and you'll find that you can bear them relatively easily."

Have a great day.

Thanks Nisa and Bonnie,

Suzanne

7.16.10

boot Campers Blog Day 52

Daily Blog #51, Friday, July 16, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today we did a pool workout at a boot campers home who was very generous to invite us.

Not only was it a beautiful view on this hazy day but a great pool but the owners dog was a sweetheart that gave everyone love and kept us company as we worked out.

It was a smaller group as everyone did not show up but that was for the best.

Did our our running back and forth, jumping jacks, treading in the deep end, tired to play water polo but we are not a team oriented athletic bunch, then left lifts - front, back and side,

and sits ups - where you place you legs from the knee down outside then pool and do sit

ups. I can't do those very well but still felt it.

A quick dip in the hot tub before leaving. This workout makes you feel really good.

Someday I will have my own pool!!!!

Once I got home and took Sadie and Zac out for a family walk then had my green tea, sprouted toast with flax oil and a small banana I fell asleep for about one hour.

Time to get up and get going. I could sleep all day. Very tired but still not being able to sleep very well at night. No rest for the weary as I have work for the next 5 days straight.

Then one day off and time to hit it again.

Monday we are at Owen Park per usual. Have a great weekend.

Tip of the day:

If you swim a lot in pools and want to avoid bleach soaking into and drying out our hair...

dampen your hair first and even put a light amount of conditioner on it.

The hair shaft will be already saturated and not able to absorb any more liquid.

Quote of the day:

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.19.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 53

Daily Blog #53, Monday, July 19, 2010 Suzanne's Journey:

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

OHHHH Monday.... not my favorite day. And not my favorite workout ... meaning the

hill of Owen Park, This morning was particularly hard as my hip was out and I had pain from

my hip to my knee, down my leg and to my toe.

Nisa quickly assessed it as sciatica. This makes sense as this is my problem area and

most likely slept funny. I really wanted to stay in bed and not move but I have committed to boot camp to the best of ability and I also knew it would make me feel better.

As much as I hate to admit it.....exercise helped. I felt my hip pop back into place and the rest warmed up my muscles. I don't feel pain now but came home from boot camp and crashed. A good hard power nap for 90 minutes....then race to get ready for work.

Several people did not show today but the group was good. We all seemed to be in a funk and this Monday felt like the first day of boot camp for several of us.

Even the "fit" ones said that Nisa and Ben kicked our butts.

FYI.....just call Nisa in the am to find out where we are....she leaves a message for every

day. No need to text or email or facebook. This is the fastest and easiest way for all.

Don't worry....she does not answer this phone in the am.

Wow! the rain is really coming down as I write this. The air is cool and there is a breeze coming through my window. Yeah!!!!! I love the rain so good thing I am moving to Seattle.

Back to boot camp camp. We started with walk or jog up the hill, then a two station

drill on the grass. One with Ben - star jumps,etc. then run back up the hill to Nisa for

push ups, then back and forth for more torture and so on.

They came up with some moves that I cannot even tell you what they were just that they worked and I was sweating. We end with 50 leg lifts on each side and more push up and upside down crunches. The hour at first seemed very slow but by the end it seemed fast.

I felt better and was ready to go home.

The pouring rain is over now and I think there may be rainbows to view when the sun

tries to come out again. Sadie and I will go look....once I get her out from under the table from the sound of the lightning.

Nisa has her 4:30 pm class today at Vineyard Fitness Center in Edgartown.

If you missed this am or want a really good afternoon workout she will be there.

Tip of the day:

Remember to go out and look for rainbows after a rain storm

Buddha quote of the day:

"A jug fills drop by drop"

Tomorrow we are at Veteran Park which means obstacle course. Okay, Ill get ready for it.

Park behind Educomp.

Have a great day.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.20.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 54

Daily Blog #54, Tuesday, July 20, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 54 and another humid and hot day. We met at Veteran's Park in Vineyard Haven

for an obstacle course workout. We warm up with hula hoops as

Ben sets up the cones and tires for us to run through.

We ran the course with our hands over our heads, then jump rope or skip back and do it over

several times. We ended with jumping jacks until Nisa said she couldn't take our

pathetic efforts (we did look like a sweaty motley crew by then)

and then we did stretches.

Everyone was talking about how hard yesterday was and how today seems

to be turning out to be another higher level workout. Maybe it is just the humidity that makes it seem harder than normal. I said I was glad to hear that it was not just me. I struggled yesterday but at least I was there. Showing up is half the battle.

The thought of staying in bed happens to all of us. Some more than others.

To me... it happens on Mondays for sure and usually by Friday. I realize that I am not

getting any rest or recovery from the weekends off from boot camp as I am

even more active with work. I rest when I can and that helps. I also find swimming

helps me to feel less sore and more relaxed.

Tracey and I were talking about how hard boot camp seemed today but a good kinda hard. We feel great when it is over. I told her this exercise thing is new to me. not to her and she said just make it a life style. Sounds good, still hard for me but i will keep going.

I told Cynthia today how good she looks. She has lost 29 lbs. since January by doing

Weight Watchers and she can see inches coming off from boot camp. You can really she her slimming down and she said isn't it funny how we can't see it in ourselves.

That is how I feel. Nisa tells me all the time that my body is changing but to me it is very slow and the scale is still not budging. The hypothyroidism is making it hard for the

weight to come off. But I am slimmer, clothes feels better and I feel better overall.

Not sure what to eat or what diet to follow as I found out the broccoli, soy products and beans slow down the thyroid even more. Those are the main stays of my diet right now.

So the next step is the "Fit For Life" program which is mostly all fresh water based fruits and veggies with fresh juice from the juicer plus food combining.

Food combining is interesting. It is about how food breaks down and digests and the enzymes we have in our stomachs. The theory is that protein and starches eaten in the same meal cannot be digested together as the enzymes cancel out eat other and then the food rots and sits in our systems. Lovely but true.

So this morning I am going to make a smoothie with fresh juice of apples and grapes,

then blend it with yogurt, flax oil, bee pollen, fiber and aloe vera juice.

This is so good for me and it keeps me full for a long time.

A facial client yesterday told me about "The Fat Flush Diet" and it worked for a friend of hers. She will loan me the book and I'll take a look at it.

Something needs to work. I'll find it I am sure.

Just made my smoothie... had to put the blog on hold cause I am hungry and it sounded so good. I've already taken Sadie out for a walk but she really needs to run. My feet and knees are not happy campers the last several days but I need to do right by her.

So off we go for a jaunt on the beach.

Tomorrow we are at Ink Well Beach and need to bring our balance balls, mats, water, etc.

Tip of the day:

To make your house smell great splash a few drops of essential oil like lavender onto you fans or air conditioners. It works.

Also lavender and peppermint essential oils work to cool down the body. Put a few drops

on your wrists and neck.

Quote of the day:

"Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions" Edgar Casey

Have a great day.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.21.10

Suzannes Bootcamp Blog Day 55

Daily Blog, #55, Wednesday, July 21, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Day 55 and still alive!!!!

Except I felt like a puddle of sweat this morning and got too hot and shaky

and slightly nauseous but did what I could do.

This humidity makes us all sweat up a storm during boot camp plus the more water I drink

the more I feel that I sweat. I hate to sweat. I don't like being sticky.

But the good news is.... my skin is very clean and healthy from all the sweating,

I feel better after sweating and then great after taking a shower, being clean and smelling good.

And....I've also notice I smell better even while sweating as my body is getting more

clean and toxin free.

Gross but true and all part of working out.

Actually sweating is key roll our skin and body does to keep us healthy and cool our

bodies down.

Today we met at the Ink Well Beach and did a different workout for us that Nisa dreamt

about in her sleep last night. It seems easy but it isolated muscles so it was actually

good and hard to do. Part ballet, part "Calanetics" - popular exercise trend in the later 80's

and 90's - very effective in re-shaping the body, all Nisafit.

I was very glad not to be running in the sand or doing push ups in the grass!

A great group showed up today but we are still missing a few which makes Nisa in a bad mood and concern for those who don't show. Nisa is all bark and no bite and even though

her bark can be loud at times... once you really get to know her she is all heart and

mushy underneath those hard muscles and she will be your friend and support for life.

As we leave boot camp the fog rolls in. The ferries from Nantucket are canceled from the fog

it announces on WMVY. Perhaps it will feel cooler with a cloud cover however my

weather channel app on my iphone says it is already 98% humidity - no wonder!!!!

Today is a get things done day as it is my only day off every week for the rest of the summer. After errands I hope to go to swim at the Y and then Nisa is coming for her facial tonight after her afternoon classes. Boot camp is my time to enjoy the island.

No beach time this year as I am too busy trying to save to go and try to make money just to live here. I hope to enjoy the island in September like many islander so.

Tomorrow we are at the dock at Owen Park for an outdoor muscle class.

Bring what weights you have, a mat and lots of water.

Tip of the day:

I mix a packet of emergen-C vitamin C drink with Benefiber or organic fiber.

This way I get fiber, nutrients and water all at once.

Quote of the day:

"Before healing others, heal yourself.... unknown

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.22.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 56

Daily Blog #56, Thursday, July 22, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Thursday already, only one more day to go to finish the week.

We met at Owen Park for a new beach muscle class workout.

We are all tired and sore but in a good way from yesterday's workout.

I am starting to notice changes again and the scale moved which makes me happy.

The air was a little cooler this morning from last night's rain. The light breeze off the sound

made today much better than soaking in the humidity.

We started with running up the hill,,, well not me... I walked but did go up the hill.

Then to the beach on our mats. We gave up doing the balance balls as several of them kept heading towards the water for a swim. Our hands weights felt much heavier today but good.

I wanted and needed a muscle class. I could really feel the shoulder presses and

leg lifts.

I feel really good after the class is over and then after getting home go back to Owen Park beach from my house to let my dog Sadie has a quick run. Already made my smoothie and now time to get ready for the day. Thursday with Gloria, my 91 year old friend.

Tomorrow we do a power walk at Bend in the Road Beach on the bike path.

I ordered New Balance Cross Trainers on-line yesterday as it is much cheaper than getting them on island. Can't wait ti get them.

Tip of the day:

Try the Neckline Slimmer - for toning the neck - as seen on TV.

I got one for $19 and it is working. I saw them at the Stop N Shop in Edgartown.

Quote of the day:

"Failing to plan is planning to fail" ???don't know who , Tracey told me the quote for today.

I am putting that planning effort to the food I eat. To have it ready to go and plan my day.

Thanks Nisa, You are really a good friend and are helping me to change my life!!!

Suzanne

7.23.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 57

Daily Blog #57, Friday, July 23, 2010'

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

I think it is the end of week 12 for me in boot camp!?! WOW!

Today was great as we walked in the sand along Bend in the Road Beach.

This is the spot where I first fell in love with the Vineyard.

The sun was out and the air was fresh and the colors are bright and quintessential

Vineyard with the sea grass, blue sky, beach roses and the sand.

Walking in the sand is not as easy as it sounds. It was not a leisurely bare foot stroll along the surf but a fast paced jaunt to the jetty and back. Everyone darts of... I say hi to Nisa for a second then try to catch up to Cindy so we can walk and talk together. She is a great support to me and understands the struggle. It was nice to spend some time with her.

Once again showing me that boot camp is much more than just exercise.

Nisa worked us hard this week so much so that I did not want to get out of bed and come

(the exercise bug took a vacation this week - not on the Vineyard - perhaps it went to the Cape) but once again it always makes me feel better. If I could just exercise, eat well and sleep I would be fine....

too bad work and life gets in the way along with my lack of sleep from menopause.

Better active than not and it helps my mood and emotions especially as I plan to leave the island and keep hearing not so nice things about my x-boyfriend that make me furious and mad at myself for ever being involved with him.

The exercise is helping with the x-boyfriend issue as well as it releases some anger and emotion (rather than getting arrested by wanting to pound on him)

and is also boosting my self esteem so much so that I will never get involved with

such a person again. Being single is fine with me now and it doesn't bother me like it did in the recent past. I'm now past the denial stage and into the deep anger stage before I hit the acceptance stage.

Boot Camp and my new happier self is also wanting happier healthier people in my life.

Not the ones with addictions or un-resolved problems and ones unwilling or somehow unable to help themselves, find solutions and move forward in life.

Life is hard for all of us but it is how you think of it and deal with it that matters.

Actions are the key. If you want something done then plan it....I was once told.

I have been happier since I am spending effort and time on myself in a positive way.

So this I must remember when it comes to Monday morning at Owen Park and I don't want to get out of bed....again. The means to the end in this case is worth it. Also keeping the commitment to boot camp, Nisa and myself feels good.

Tip of the day:

Put lavender oil in your vacuum cleaner bag to make your room smell fresh.

Quote of the day:

"Dogs are better than men" by me....Suzanne

Have a great weekend.

Thanks Nisa, Suzanne

7.28.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 58

Sometimes Daily Blog, #58, Wednesday, July 28, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Finally I made it to boot camp. Again my alarm did not go off but I woke up in

time to race to Edgartown to the gym for a muscle workout. Monday I just couldn't move but yesterday I over slept and woke up at 6:08 am in a panic and then a phone call from Nisa.

She was good about it but I need to re-focus and commit for the next two months.

It was nice to see everyone who said that they missed me.

It is a great group of women.

I am tired.... tired of the summer, tired of the heat, tired of sweating, tired of dealing

with tourists and tired of being here when I am ready to go. I am mostly tired

from hypothyroidism of which I should get my results today and hopefully

some much needed help and relief. Then I won't feel so tired and all the other things

that make me tired and then they won't matter so much.

The last two days have been better with the humidity and the weather has been lovely

the way it should be in July. Today being my one day off is a day to rest, clean and get

things done like laundry and food shopping. The island is so beautiful and I make a conscious effort to take it in and appreciate it as much as I can.

Boot Camp was good and it felt good to move again but also hard.

I feel like I've lost some ground I need to get back and back up to speed again.

When I missed Tuesday Nisa said, "See hoe easy it is to lose track?"

And she of course is right. I did go swimming at the Y yesterday and that helped a lot.

I will go again today but after I take a nap.

Can't believe it will be August soon. Tomorrow we met at State Beach for an

Ocean Swim. It should be fun and refreshing and something new for this

summer to do. Nisa and Ben has lots of safety measures in place and found

a sand bar for us to workout on.

Tip of the day:

If you have an iphone download Craig's List Pro....so much better than regular Craig's List.

Quote of the day:

"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world." Buddha

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

7.29.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 59

Daily Blog #59, Thursday, July 29, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY FROM FAT TO FIT"

Today was the "BEST BOOT CAMP EVER!!!!!" Marge says, and I agree.

We met at State Beach in Oak Bluffs for an ocean/sound swim workout.

As I got there they were already way out in the water but on the sand bar doing

our boot camp water thing.

Okay .... time to get in the water and swim out. It looks foreboding but Ben is there

as life guard watch on his paddle boat. I say to him to stay close and he does letting

me know just how close the sand bar is. It was a little scary for me but then it was easier than I thought.

Once in the water was great and so was the class. Even someone who does not swim well

came and Nisa had a life jacket ready for her. We all gave her praise and credit for being

brave and over-coming her fear.

Nisa spends a lot of time and heart thinking about us and boot camp and things we can do and places we can go. She even got there at 5:20 to make sure the area was good to go for us.

Today I want to talk about fear. FEAR!!!!!

FEAR, what a big thing. Nisa says what an opportunity missed for those who did not

come today because of their fear. She says boot camp is more than about exercise but

about life transformation. In order to grow we must face our fears and try to do the

things that scare us the most.

We all have fear and we should have some fear.

It is tool to warn us and keep us out of danger.

But...some of our fears are unwarranted and silly to worry about things

that have not happened or may not even happen.

I have fears of being in chronic pain for the rest of my life, of getting older, of being single,

of moving across the country and starting a whole new life by myself...

but I am of the thought....DO IT ANYWAY!

Just try, take it slow and do it anyway.

When you are over-weight you always have a fear of being judge and then of course we judge ourselves even more. I don't want to show my large legs with cellulite, bug bites, bruises and veins. So, I don't. But I do try to ignore all of those awful voices in my head and do things anyway....like a boot camp ocean swim.

One of the biggest freedoms for me when I lose the weight will be to wear less clothing

so I won't be so hot. Showing off my arms and legs will bring me such a relief.

I wear what I want at home and sometimes this summer I just couldn't care because I was too hot.

The thing with boot camp and Nisafit's Boot Camp is the great group of women and how Nisa would not have a boot camper who judged others. Plus we all are in our own head and body and often are so involved with the exercise to even notice anyone else.

So... if you are not coming because you don't want to be seen in a bathing suit or

you have fear.... do it anyway. If I can you can too.

Today turned out to be a great workout and very refreshing at the same time.

It was nice not to be sweating or hot for a change.

A quick shower, walk Sadie, a great breakfast at the Art Cliff Diner with Ben and Nisa,

then on with my day.

I don't know why... but swimming always makes me hungry to so to have the Nisa special and

fill up on tofu, black beans (that are actually cooked here rather than at the State Road Restaurant where they don't really cook their beans...yuk!)

salsa, broccoli, and avocado.

Have a great day. Owen Park Tomorrow.

Tip of the day:

Some salt water is good for your skin. Kills bacteria, heals cuts and exfoliates skin.

Quote of the day:

"DO IT ANYWAY......"

Thanks Nisa and Ben,

Suzanne

7.30.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 60

Daily blog #60, Friday July 30, 2010

A Boot Campers Journey For Nisa:Week #13

I am trying to do this blog from my iPhone as I wait for my breakfast from waterside market before I dash off to work

It is a gorgeous and perfect weather vineyard day the air is fine and breezy.

I even turned off my fan last night and didn't miss the humming sound

Last day of another month of boot camp today. I did not want to get up or go but...,I did it anyway. And was glad to once I was there

The sun over the sound and the colours of the island are among my favorite things to see in life. It makes me happy and glad to be here in the moment.

Today is measurement day and we all lost a lot of inches. Three for me around my legs which is great.

Nisa tells us how great we did and how she has our backs and will be on our sides for life.

It is a bittersweet day when boot campers you love may not be on nexts month class. I feel a loss and slight panic of ohhhhh no. I hope to se them again. They are as much a part of the experience as the exercise is.

Two more months of boot camp before I leave so I need to step it up and also feel better. Still waiting for lab results and hope to hear info today

A walk around town with Sadie the wonder dog, tea at mocha motts and many questions of what kind of dog is she? Wish I had a dollar everytime I got asked that but having her makes people be friendly and open conversation which will help to meet people when I move.

Back at Owen Park on Monday for a new month. August already!!!!?????!!!!!

Now off to help clean a 4 million dollar house that rents for $10,000. A week

How do some people have so much?

And more importantly how can I get some of it?

Quote of the day

"There is no way to happiness,

happiness is the way"

Thanks Nisa

Suzanne

8.3.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 61

Daily Blog #61, Monday, August 2, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TO FITNESS"

Another week starts of boot camp. We met at Owen Park but luckily and grateful we did not

have to run up that dreaded hill. Instead we went along the beach and were not only

able to warm up power walking in the sand but to appreciate the beautiful day

and charm of the harbor.

Today is another gorgeous perfect weather day on the island. It has been perfect 80 degrees with low to no humidity which makes all the difference. Oh, to have been on vacation

here this last weekend instead working to provide nice vacations for people.

Today will be my one day vacation on the island with a Thai massage from a friend and then

out to lunch then the beach with another friend who is visiting.

We had a couple of newbies in boot camp today and it was nice to meet them and see

the regulars as well. My hips feel locked and not working they way I want them to during the straight leg kicks but I do it anyway and feel good when the class is over.

Two months or so until I leave so time to re-commit and really get the food program

planned and adhered to. There are so many gyms where I am moving to that I can't wait to

personally check them out and join one as soon as I get there to keep this momentum going.

I still have a long way to go but this is a good start.

Tomorrow we meet at the Ink Well Beach and need to bring our stability balls.

Wednesday we go kayaking on Katama Bay. Looking forward to that.

Later today I will go swimming at the Y like I did on Saturday. It really helps me

not feel so achy and helps to relieve stress.

Don't forget Nisa's afternoon classes. Cindy and I may go to the muscle class on Wednesday.

So.... no coffee, bread, rice, sugar, ice cream, dairy, etc. just fresh fruits and veggies and lots of water.

Tip of the day:

Put flax oil, fresh aloe vera juice and bee pollen in your smoothies.

Great way to get extra nutrition.

Quote of the day:

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again...." ?

"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....." Dora from the movie Finding Nemo.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

8.3.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 62

Daily Blog #61, Tuesday, August 3, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TO FITNESS"

Day 2 of August's boot camp.

We met at Ink Well Beach and none of us seemed to have tons of energy.

Nisa tried her best to get us going but no go.

We did step ups on the sea wall, jumping on the mini trampolines, running across the field at

Waban Park while jumping rope or power walking around the park and keep going

round robin until we did ball and mat work.

Half of the ball work I just can't do. I can balance or I can lift my leg but I can't do both

right now. Still a work in progress.

The weather today is perfect and it was so nice to be outside with the beautiful views and colors of the island. Lots of tourists exercising too or just out for a morning stroll giving us a strange look as they pass. Nisa in her most loving but honest way called us pathetic a couple of times as we were just not that coordinated on the balls...hence the strange looks from the passer by's. We must look like a motley crew of Nisafit's Misfits.....

Entertaining, confusing, and a sight....

A group of black girls were sitting on the benches watching us. I could just here in their minds,... "now, just what do these white girls think they are doing?"

But...I don't care. We are there and trying our best.

That's all I can do and not worry about the rest. Oh, Lord help us!!!!

Today I am taking a rare minute to go to Long Point Beach with a friend who is visiting.

The a client later for a facials then maybe to the Y for a swim.

Taking fruit, nuts and water to the beach with an umbrella and sunscreen.

Tomorrow we go kayaking at Katama Bay - a gorgeous spot.

Be there by 5:45 am by the latest to get set up and in the kayak and on the water.

So looking forward to it and seeing the handsome and young Brent who is partners in the company. Maybe he will push my kayak in the water for me......

So... my Doctor's office has had my blood test results for a week now and won't get back to me. I even had the lab at the hospital re-send them yesterday. Today I am taking matters into my own hands and going to get them myself at the hospital and going to find a new doctor. This is bullshit and I am so tired at the lack of care on this island.

I'll let you know what happened.

Tip of the day:

Be pro-active in your own life... no one else will do it for you and often others don't do what they should.

Quote of the day:

"Positive anything is better than negative nothing." Elbert Hubbard

See you on the water.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

8.5.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 63 &64

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARDS FITNESS"

HELLO ALL.

Didn't have time to blog yesterday from busy work life and life in general but

we had a lovely kayak on Katama Bay in Edgartown. Nisa's dad, Tom and brother, Leif,

joined us as they are here visiting.

Several boot camper has friends come along so it was confusing and I thought there was a second group honing in on our kayaking for a minute.

I was on a sit on top kayak which moves like a tank so it gave me a good core work

out. My shoulders too which was hard with a day of facials ahead of me but

I got through it.

Today is cloudy and humid again as we did a cardio/muscle workout at the gym.

Some exercised outside then inside with the ball and weights.

It was good to sweat and I felt better after the class but I am so sore and achy

that moving in general is hard for me. I am trying to find a doctor to help me

with the fibromyalgia, menopause and hypothyroidism which all go hand in hand.

Think I need to go off island here as the one place I go to here seems to busy to care.

I could sleep all day but need to get going for my Thursday with Gloria.

The lack of humidity in the west will make me feel better next summer.

In the meantime I will muddle through but it is getting harder as I get older.

Boot camp was a great group today and we were all chatting but then quiet when

the exercises get hard to do. Nisa always ask us if we are feeling it yet?

No one answers as we all are trying to get through it the best we can and

do what is needed. Overall I feel better, look better and can feel the body I am going to

have once I get the medical help I need and the weight off.

I am frustrated that it is not coming off faster as I am doing the work and eating the right things but I can't give up.

Tomorrow we are at Owen Park for end of week one for August. Week 14 for me.

Wow!!! that is a record for me.

Have a great day.

Tip of the day:

Only burn candles with soy wax as all the others put black toxic smoke into

the air that you then breathe. Fake scents and colors are all toxic too.

Quote of the day:

"The tongue like a sharp knife kills without drawing blood" Buddha

So.... we all need to be careful of what we say and how we say it.

Suzanne

8.16.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 65

Daily Blog #65, I think?, Monday, August 16, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TO FITNESS"

Well Hello Everyone,

I missed a whole week of blogging but not of boot camp.

I did miss two times but not the whole week. Blogging went to the back

burner from tiredness and Nisa in the ER for her finger and just August on the

Vineyard.

This has not been a fun summer from the excessive heat, too much house cleaning and not

going out and having fun from avoiding the X-boyfriend and not wanting to go out.

Seems all of my friends have been in crisis and I am glad to help and they have been

there for me too but it all ads up to a not fun summer.

I have six to seven weeks left before I move off island and time to get back into boot camp

and blogging again.

I dragged myself out of bed this morning even after having a sore neck from rear ending

a car yesterday. The car in front of me stopped short. I slammed on my brakes but still hit

him. His car had no damage but mine had minor but it is my neck that hurts.

Time to go the chiropractor and rest but then I have work later today and tonight.

Boot Camp was at Owen Park today with the dreaded hill. We started with hula hooping

to warm up. I am getting better at this....finally. 14 of us showed up today and the group

was very chatty and upbeat. The rest of the hour we went up and down and up and down the hill walking, running, sideways, backwards, skipping, etc..... anyway Nisa could think of.

It actually wasn't so bad. It did warm up my neck and made me feel a little better but now that I've rested again after boot camp my neck feels worse again.

It is wonderful to see the bodies changing in boot camp and people like Cynthia and Sydney really getting into it and finding their inner warrior goddess.

I hope to get my second round of blood test results from a different Doctor tomorrow.

Then we will see what is going on with me to get me some help and relief.

Once things are in order then the weight should drop according to Dr. Lamb.

My sugars, blood pressure, heart rate are all good. Then I go off island for the

sleep apnea test at the Falmouth Hospital. That should be interesting.

So...of to breakfast with Nisa at the Art Cliff Diner. Grilled tofu, black beans, broccoli, avocado,

salsa and two tortillas. Yummy and good for us too.

I'm grateful for the cool air today and may go swimming at the Y after going to the Chiropractor.

Tomorrow we are at Ink Well Beach. Bring everything.

Drink lots of water. See you then.

Tip of the day:

Put lemon or lime juice in your water to charge it and give is flavor.

It also become alkaline inside your body which is good for you.

Quote of the day:

"As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you, - the first time around." Oprah

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

8.18.10

Suzanne's daily Blog (Bootcamper)

Daily Blog #66, Wednesday, August 18, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARD FITNESS"

Good Morning All!

The sun was a beautiful sight this morning as the bright orange globe was surrounded by a

pink sky as I drove to Bend in the Road Beach for our power walk.

My neck feels better but now my back hurts from hitting the car the other day.

It was more of a tap and a push but I hit the car without much damage to either car

but to my body instead. Getting better and the walk should warm me up.

Six or so weeks left until I go. Even though I still struggle in boot camp and it still hurts my body and I feel sore and achy all the time Nisa has been trying to get me to push through the pain and mindset of the pain. Okay, so how do I do that? Talking to Melissa on Thursday

night should help. She has done so well in boot camp and in her own life overcoming

weight and food issues. Also creating a solid food plan where I eat the same thing for breakfast lunch and dinner everyday - according to Dr. Oz - helps the body and mind to stick

to a plan. That will help so I don't get too hungry and don't know what to eat and end up

getting something out which is expensive and too large a portion.

I'll get that food plan and go shopping today. I'll let you know what I'm doing once

I have it down. Maybe this would be good for the blog readers and other boot campers out there.

I have lots more hard work ahead of me and need to get back into it and make it a project and a priority and obsession - in a good way. I'm deciding if I am going to re-join the Y for another month. I like the swimming as it helps me feel better and not so achy while still being active.

Once September comes most of the house cleaning and I hope humidity will be over so I'll have more energy to swim instead of recovering from the hard summer.

I also need to get my mind here on the present instead of dreaming, planning, worrying about

my big move in the fall. Think about today now and tomorrow will take care of itself.

But...... I need to sell my furniture, get more facial clients in, have a big yard sale,

get the vet records for the pets, find a place to live, plan my trip, pack all my stuff,

etc. etc. etc. but it will all get done.

For today I need to stretch, do laundry, get my hair trimmed, clean my own house and get ready

for the two facial clients I have later today. Eat well, drink water and plan out food and then get a good nights sleep.

LIFE IS CHALLENGING. Even my 7 year old friend said the other day,

"Why does life have to be soooooo hard?"

I told him that yes life is hard and good and bad and has ups and downs and he

better get used to it and enjoy what he can and learn tools to solve the rest.

He seemed to like that answer. So this I will tell to myself as well.

Tip of the day:

I love the shark steam mop and put lavender oil on the cloth to make my house smell great.

It is easy to use and sanitizes so you know your floors are clean.

I suggest buying on-line to get all the mop heads. I got mine at Wal-Mart and it

did not have the other mop heads for the same price.

Quote of the day:

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself." Anna Quindlen

Have a great day. Illumination tonight.

Veteran's Park tomorrow.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

8.19.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 67

Daily Blog #67, Thursday, August 19, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARD FITNESS"

Getting up today was hard as I am tired and achy but I promised Nisa and myself that

I would come today even if I could just only walk. And that is what I did.

The air is cooler from last night's rain and it promises to be a good day.

Tensions are high as it is August, hot and crowded and the President and his family are coming here today as well which means.... media trucks and more crowds and traffic.

Trying to be careful while driving and having patience for the tourist who are not careful takes all

we have right now.

The group was in a good mood as we met in Veteran's Park. The group did an obstacle course workout and I walk around the field with Gwen. She is from Pennsylvania too so we had

lots to talk about.

She struggles with health problems as well and with boot camp but she knows that it

is helping her and she is there doing it anyway. That was helpful for me to hear.

You never know people's stories and what they are going through in their own lives.

The walk did help my back and help me go forward in my busy day.

Nisa and I tried to go for breakfast but there was already a line out the door

by 7 am. It August!!!!!!!

Tip of the day:

Dressing up after taking a long shower makes you feel good for the whole day.

Quote of the day:

"Failing to plan is planning to fail" ????

Makes sense to me.

"Exercise makes everything better." Nisa

Tomorrow we will be at Owen Park.

Have a great day.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

8.20.10

suzanne's Daily Blog Day 68

Daily Blog #68, Friday, August 20, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARD FITNESS"

End of another week of boot camp.

We met at Owen Park and did a workout on the dock.

It was a beautiful spot as the sun came up with the sail boats all around and

a view of the harbor. Today we had a break from Nisa who did not make

us run up the hill thinking that we all would revolt.... probably true!

Instead it was a nice muscle, stretching class which helped my aching back.

I had a hard time getting up this morning but as I was there I was glad that

I made the effort to be there.

We had a good group today. Many of us are leaving the island so today was the

last day for them. They will be missed. Funny how you get attached to everyone

in the group even if you don't know them very well.

Several of the boot campers are coming to me for facials which I am grateful for

as I love the work and helping people. Looking forward to getting more in

for the last few weeks I am here.

Also looking forward to going back to the chiropractor to put me back in place but will

be mindful to keep stretching all weekend - in between working.

I do feel myself being and becoming more fit. It is exciting. Some movements are now

easier and I feel the tone in my muscles. This type of change is so good for me and

I am grateful for boot camp and Nisa in my life.

It is still a struggle for me though, to be honest, but one I will just keep working on.

It is the third week of August which means it is the busiest week of the the whole year

for Martha's Vineyard. Planning extra time to drive is a must while having a sharp

eye and some patience too. It is hard for those of us who live here year round

to get used to the crowds. This year we all seems annoyed by them.... me included

but like everything....this too shall pass.

Tonight are the fireworks in Oak Bluffs. Already the roads are marked off and

people are claiming their spots on the park lawn. If you are local you know

what spot you like and get every year, or if you are lucky you may know someone who

has a house on Ocean Park Drive where you can comfortably sit in the porch and watch with a great view. If you are really local you avoid it all together or go to Bend in the Road

beach to see it from there. This I may do... not sure.

I have not been in the mood do anything summer wise this year.

Hiding out has been the key for me.

September is the time locals love as the crowds are less and the water is warm

and everything is still open. Time to catch up with friends that have been

too busy to do so.

In a couple of Mondays starts an 8 week boot camp that lots of people have signed up for.

That should be a good group.

When Nisa finger heals perhaps we can do another ocean swim class.

That was great.

The dock and class was wonderful today and I was grateful for the gentle movements

that made me feel good. It is just too easy to think that you want to stay in bed

so having this and making myself get up is good for me in many ways.

It may make the day a long one but also a productive and full one too.

I feel like time is speedy away and I have to appreciate and take advantage of

the time I have left here. Once I get some rest and I am not so tired having

some fun will do me a world of good.

Tip of the day:

Ue baking soda as a face scrub. Be gently, go in circles and wash off.

The tone, moisturize and serum is then the key to great skin.

Quote of the day:

"I am my own woman" Eva Peron

Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

8.23.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 69

Daily Blog #69, Monday, August 23, 2010

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARD FITNESS"

The rain came last night.

It was the last night of the fair and the last night of the busiest week of the whole year.

Those of us who live here full time are done, tired, and ready to have it be over.

Long lines at the ferry, kids going back to school and soon we get our island back.

This morning the wind was blowing but only a few sprinkles coming from the sky.

Only a few die hard boot campers showed up at Owen Park.

The Hurricane Five we are calling ourselves: Marge, Holly, Beth, Ann and Me.

Nisa was glad to have us. Just resisting the wind could be a core workout today and

going up the hill was pretty easy being assisting by the wind pushing me up the hill while walking. It was nice to have some strong air and not be hot for a minute.

We did a mat workout inside the gazebo which was great!

My back was sore and my body tired from all the house cleaning over the weekend.

I feel good now and ready to enjoy this cooler blustery day.

I love the storms here. They are so dramatic and beautiful.

I have a great view of the harbor to really see the effects of this wind.

I'm amazed at how much stronger my body is becoming. It is a life long process.

One I am happy to do once I get up and out of bed.

It helped me hear that other boot campers are sore and found some of the

exercises hard this morning. I always think it is just me.

To the other 14 or so women who did not come you should have. It was fun.

Tomorrow we are at Ink Well Beach rain or shine. Bring your rain gear.

Possible walk around the camp grounds.

Let's be thankful for a little rain and not the flooding in PAKISTAN where

4 million people are now homeless.

Once I got home I had to go back out again to walk Sadie, my dog.

It was a sight to see four giant green dinosaurs on the back of a truck waiting to get on the ferry

which are still running at the time I am writing this.

A fair ride leaving til next season but it still gave me a laugh.

I'm still offering a boot camp special price for my facials if interested.

Get them while you can and while I'm here. I'm at 508-693-4550.

Have a great day. Stay dry and warm.

Tip of the day:

Almond Milk now at the Stop N' Shop. Better for you than dairy milk.

Great in tea.

Quote of the day:

"We all need to remember that there is always someone better off than we are and

worse off that we are and to be grateful for what we have and where we are" Suzanne

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

8.28.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 70

'A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARD FITNESS"

The end of the month and another week of boot camp and the

end of the month and almost the summer season.

How times flies and how today is feeling much more like fall than a hot August day.

Again, I did not want to get up as I am not getting the sleep I need but I had to go and wanted to go and as usual once I am there I am glad to be up and out.

We met at Owen Park for measurements and running/walking on the beach.

Remains of a Boat that crashed onto the rocks this summer were littered all over

the shore. Nice for them to leave that for us.

But the beach was still beautiful and the air crisp and the full moon still hung in

the sky while the sun was coming up.

Some of my measurements are down and some are up. The weight is shifting

and over all I've done very well. I can feel the changes and really notice them in everyone

else. It is nice to see and encouraging and makes me see that yes it does indeed take time -

so keep with it.

My doctor says yes I am in menopause - to which I respond -- ya-huh!!!!!!!

I already knew that but beyond that he offered no help or advice.

I did get vitamin D from Healthy Additions as mine is so low that even the store

person said how much better I will feel.

Next week is the sleep apnea test and I will send my blood test results to a

Naturopathic Doctor who will help me since the regular thinks I should just suffer through.

Hell no. Time to find another way.

Nisa sped away tom her up-island boot camp for the ubber rich and fit.

And I came home and chatted with my nice neighbor out in our shared back yard.

After a walk for Sadie and a quick nap I am now off to work. Glad it id not humid and

maybe I can get some sun this afternoon and help boost my vitamin D level.

Tip of the day:

Follow your heart and gut feelings. They are always right.

Quote of the day:

"Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike, each has their suffering.

Some suffer too much, others too little. Buddha

Have a great weekend. See you at Owen Park for the start of another boot camp!

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

9.5.10

Suzanne's Daily Blog Day 71

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARD FITNESS"

Day 72 for me or the first day of the 8 week boot camp.

Lots of familiar faces and return boot campers to the down island boot camp.

Several new faces too.

Nisa did paperwork for the new clients and we started with hula hoops then

running or power walking up the hill at Owen Park. Up and down, backwards and sideways

then lunges, etc.

My knee is getting better so I even tried a few lunges to see how they would feel.

Pretty good.

It a beautiful day on island and it is starting to get a little less crowded

and then we can take a deep breathe and enjoy it again.

I am feeling better and not so achy. Boot camp felt good today even after we

did a short obstacle course on the grass after the hill.

It looks like a great group and I am happy to be there.

I am stepping it up and will workout harder and eat better and drink lots

of water.

Remember to take some time to stretch at home morning and night.

It will help.

Tomorrow we are at Ink Well Beach and we are to bring all of our gear.

This week the weather should be good for our outdoor workouts.

Tip of the day:

For achy or sore muscles

One pound baking soda and one pound Epsom salts

run a hot bath, soak for 20 minutes.

This helps to remove the lactic acid which causes sore muscles.

Quote of the day:

"A human can be healthy without killing animals for food. Therefore

if he eats meat he participates in taking animal life for the sake of

his appetite. Leo Tolstoy

Thanks Nisa,

Suzanne

9.5.10

suzanne's Daily Blog Day 72

"A BOOT CAMPERS JOURNEY TOWARD FITNESS"

Yesterday the group did a power walk along beach road.

I woke up late and raced there and did a beach workout with Nisa

supervising while also keeping a eye on the others.

It was great.

I can feel my body getting stronger.

Today we met a Owen Park with a strangely beautiful pink sky.

"The calm before the storm!"

The island is quiet and the boats are running so far on a case by case basis.

Are we going to get hit? Be without power for days?

Or will is just be a strong storm and in the morning it will all be over?

We will see......

Most of us showed up today for boot camp. We did mini trampolines - which I love -

and then say to myself...."Why don't I do THIS everyday. Oh, I can since I own

an urban rebounder - as they are called.

Good for me to set up and do for when I move.

Wish there was virtual boot camp on skype. It could happen.

Nisa kicking my ass through the screen!!!

Then we did lunges - if that is how you spell it - down on the dock.

And FYI for all of you photographers out there....we are a group that does not

like to have a photo taken - or at least I don't. I fat and sweaty and not make up

or even moisturizer on..... I am not vain but don't want to look like an idiot either!

Very humid again today. I am ready for fall and feeling comfortable even a little chilly.

Tired of sweating! It makes the mosquittoes love me even more.

So now I have bug bites with my bruises. It looks lovely.

As a skin care therapist it is not how I want my skin to look!

It was great to get out this morning and work off some of that nervous energy

of impending doom.....possibly! I can always do the mini tramp - that doesn't take

electricity!

Thanks Nisa for always being there even when you have other things going on in your life!

Tip of the day:

Don't drive over any down wires!!!!

Quote of the day:

"When you have strength of character you can weather any storm" Suzanne

SO... EVERYONE BE SAFE!!!!

Lots of Love!!!!

Suzanne

★ Read about Nisafit in Oprah Magazine

★ Mission Statement

★ Testimonials

5.3.10

5.4.10

Day 2 a Bootcampers Journey Daily Blog!

5.5.10

Suzanne's daily Blog (Bootcamper)

5.6.10

Suzanne's daily Blog (Bootcamper)

5.10.10

Bootcampers Blog Day 6

5.11.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 7

5.12.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 8

5.13.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 9

5.14.10

Boot Campers Blog day 10

5.17.10

Daily Bootcampers Blog!!

5.18.10

Boot Campers Daily Blog Day 12

5.19.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 13

5.20.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 14

5.21.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 15

5.24.10

boot Campers Blog Day 16

5.25.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 17

5.26.10

boot Campers Blog Day 18

5.27.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 19

5.28.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 20 (Month 1 complete)

5.31.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 21

6.1.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 22

6.2.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 23

6.3.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 24

6.4.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 25

6.7.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 26

6.8.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 27-28

6.10.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 28

6.11.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 29

6.14.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 30

6.15.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 31

6.16.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 32

6.17.10

boot Campers Blog Day 33

6.21.10

boot Campers Blog Day 35

6.24.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 36

6.24.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 37

6.25.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 38

6.28.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 39

6.29.10

Boot Campers Blog Day 40

6.30.10

boot Campers Blog Day 41