So, there is this contest going on at work. It's called the Motion Capture Challenge. It's teams of four who are to wear pedometers for the month, and record their steps everyday from when they wake up to when they go to sleep at night, Monday through Friday. The team with the most steps can win weekly prizes. The grand prize winners can get a 60-minute massage, an iPod shuffle with gift card, a $75 Nike gift card and more.
My team is made up of my friend Jeanne, and two other co-workers Bo and Patty. Our team name is the Hotsteppers. Every morning we meet in my cube and record the steps off of every one's pedometer and and submit the total. Then at noon every day, we meet and do an hour long walk for our lunch break.
I am so into this competition, I am a little bit obsessed with it. I have had this silly pedometer on me since nine o'clock yesterday morning. I was amazed that by walking to the printer and back, I take thirty five steps. That I take an average of 5,403 steps until 5:30 pm when I go to work at the restaurant and take another 7,562 steps while working. When I came into the office this morning to record my total, I had a whopping 15,764 steps taken. It's amazing!
So, now of course... I want to win the contest. My competitive side has come out. I have been trying to figure out ways to add more steps into my day. When I got home from work last night and wanted to put my pajamas on, I actually made sure to stand in one place before taking another step without it being counted. It's hilarious! I got into the shower this morning and spent a few minutes contemplating how I could get the pedometer back on my body immediately when getting out of the shower naked, with no clothes to clip it on. When I got into the lobby this morning, I even felt guilty taking the elevator. (Though, I did take it since I was ten minutes late as usual.)
I will admit it, I am not very committed to exercise. But when I catch the fever, and am into working out, I love every minute of it. Especially if I see the numbers on the scale decreasing. I lost thirty-two pounds with Weight Watchers two years ago without any help from the gym. (Yes, I was a plunker.) And maybe its a mental thing, but if I see my ideal weight on the scale, I am not worried about getting my exercise in.
Brian is the complete opposite. He's a certified gym rat, complete with a diet regime and protein shakes. He goes to the gym faithfully every morning at 5 am. I roll over and kiss him good bye and go back to sleep. I can't help it. My bed is the most comfortable and amazing thing. Especially when I have it to myself for that one last hour after the alarm goes off for B. But then of course, after he leaves I can't sleep as soundly. I am basically half awake the entire time, with my conscience saying, "Why didn't you get your lazy ass up and go to the gym?"
But I do love to be outside and have something to do. I love when Brian and I go on our "adventures." I don't care if it is walking twenty blocks in the city. I love to get up and go. There is only one catch, the weather has to be right. Sunny, warm, perfect.
I get so lazy when it is cold or rainy outside. I don't want to do anything but be where I am warm and cozy. On my couch, in my flannel pajamas, sipping tea and doing nothing. Better yet, doing those things but eating comfort food while doing them. I am not very good at winter weather. It just doesn't agree with me.
I woke up this morning and the birds were chirping. Honestly, I heard them and I got so excited. It means that warm weather is right around the corner. (And so is our June wedding.) There is nothing like a warm summer day with flip-flops and short sleeves. The windows rolled down, favorite tunes blasting and the urge to go out dancing. Lounging seaside with loved ones, laughing and talking. Having no excuse to call into work other than the perfect beach day. I am a sucker for outdoor bars, too. I could have my whole day planned out and then get a phone call from a friend with an invitation for margaritas on a deck bar, and its all over.
Warm weather, sun and good friends are all I need. I know its obvious for most people. That a little sunshine can make a world of difference for anyone. But literally, my personality changes over the summer. It's like I'm ready to take on the world. It's what makes me think I live in the wrong region. That maybe its time to head West where the sunshine is inevitable and the good moods carry through any season. No snow, no cold, no blah. Just good weather with that laid back vibe... no need to rush or hurry. And of course, the constant view of the Pacific Ocean, inspiring me to have more time to get together with friends to watch the sunset over the horizon every evening.
Maybe that's the next step forward?
No comments:
Post a Comment