Weekly Workout Thread 18th Sept till 24th Sept

[Mara]

haha thanks rod. i just talked to greg who is on his way home, and he wanted me to stay home so we could hang out but i said i HAD to go to class because i felt icky from today, so he is going to get himself some sort of dinner thing that i wouldn''t like (aka a falafel) and i''m just going to have cereal when i get home. at least then i can feel ''healthy'' as i can eat my high fiber/protein cereal mixed with a crunchy fun one and feel more normal.

the funny thing is that the donuts and coke didn''t make me feel bad (though the coke just was kind of gross and thick tasting but i was desperate for a bit of caffeine!!), it was getting home and having hummus which i really typically love to eat and is good for me...and then NAPPING after eating that got me. that always makes me feel like crap and i knew it when i closed my eyes but i was just so tired from the long day!

so anyway, tomorrow IS a new day and at least i have some fuel to get me through my workout tonite...gotta say the donuts were super yummy. the funny thing is that one of the other people at the meeting were like ''are there any scones'' instead of donuts so he went out and got bagels! well at that point i was like whatever, i had already had a donut. hahaa. plus i have looked up bagels too and unless you eat the whole wheat ones, they actually have basically the same calories as donuts typically! and then people put schmear all over them too. and donuts are one of those dense calorie foods, so it''s like eating a rock of calories. so i felt okay about the donut...hahaa.

anyway gotta run to get ready but thanks for the pep talk...i know inside this does not ''set me back'' really because i am still going to be under my calories and fat consumption for the day and i am working out, but i just hate that congealed food belly thing...bah!!!

 

[hlmr]

I''m looking forward to the detox next week Mara & Monarch! It will be very good for my body and will hopefully jump start my next weight loss. Will you be starting on Monday?

Everyone sounds focused and happy, which is great! I wanted to ask you Rod about the type of sushi you get on Friday''s? I have recently developed a love of california rolls!! Yum! I wondered how many calories would be in one roll?

Thanks and have a great night!

 

[clammer]

Ok… I’ve still been lurking, but I haven’t been giving it my all so I didn’t feel like I should be part of the group, but…. I went downstairs today to find a box of stuff that we’ve had in storage. Our storage room happens to be a dance studio. I’m not really sure why the landlord put in a dance studio, but that’s a totally different question. Anyway I looked in one of the mirrors and realized that I’m embarrassed about how I look. Yup, I think I finally hit bottom.

Before today I just didn’t feel good about myself, I knew I was gaining weight because my clothes are getting realllly tight, I don’t want my husband to see me without clothes on, I don’t take the time to get ready when I’m going somewhere because I don’t like the end result so why waste the time, etc... I’ve had times in my life when I’ve wanted to be in better shape, but this is the first time I’ve been embarrassed by how out of shape I’ve let myself become.

I guess I just want to tell all of you about my commitment to get back in shape. I find that sometimes it’s easier to give up and fail, but if I tell other people then I don’t want them to know that I failed.

I’ve told my husband that it’s back to good for you basics for food. Last night we had grilled chicken breasts, roasted cauliflower with garlic and sprinkled with parmesan, and artichoke mashed potatoes which are one of Mark’s favorites. The potatoes aren’t the best, but with the artichokes you can not put in butter so there not to bad.

Tonight I’m making pizza. Not healthy but we’ve both been craving it so I’m making a super thin crust with chunky sauce and lots of veggies and a little bit of cheese, and we’re having a big salad beforehand.

Ok all; if I start slacking you can bust my chops. I want to be at least ten pounds thinner when we go to Bali in November, so there can be no more laziness.

 

[Mara]

heather, love the new avatar!!

yeah the detox will run from monday to friday like last time !! i think i definitely need it after my coke and donuts today. hehee.

i have looked online and the calories in a california roll are about 400 i guess depending on size of rolls etc. it''s high-ish in fat because of avocado but good fat.

our fave sushi place has really awesome unique rolls, it''s been years since i had a california roll because there are so many other cool rolls that i am in love with...there''s about 40 on this one menu. our fave so far is this one that is made with cucumber and a sesame cracker and rice inside the roll and then on top is marinated raw tuna and salmon and on top are jalapeno tobiko (the tiny fish eggs)...SO GOOD!!!! there''s so many cool flavors going on with the marinated fish and the crunchy cracker and the jalapeno tobiko just adds a bit of a kick. that''s our new fave roll. hehehe. but we also get one with fresh tuna and avocado and they top it with coconut which is a great combo with spicy wasabi, it''s like a kick but then sweet thanks to the coconut. yum i''m getting hungry for sushi just typing it! hehe.

i went to class tonite and felt kind of like i was sleepwalking but i sweated a lot so i figure that means i was working pretty hard...hehe. then came home and had some mixed cereal. hope everyone had a good night.

 

[Mara]

good for you rebot...eating differently can make a huge difference vs not.

mashed potatoes are actually not THAT bad for you based on what you put inside them. cooking light has a great garlic horseradish kind of recipe that looks so yummy...and it''s only about 280 calories and like 6g of fat for 1.5 cups of mashed potatoes. as long as you don''t eat the whole bowl, then it''s fine. also the recipe has skim milk and 2 tbl''s of butter so even with butter it''s not too bad.

there are also a ton of recipes on cooking light.com that are now free to everyone. we get a bunch of them every week off there and many of them are rated with # of stars so you can see what people have tried and recommended. typically i find that their recipes are very flavorful and if you like more flavor you can typically add more herbs than the recipe calls for.

 

[monarch64]

Date: 9/22/2006 12:34:23 AM
Author: Rebot
Ok… I’ve still been lurking, but I haven’t been giving it my all so I didn’t feel like I should be part of the group, but…. I went downstairs today to find a box of stuff that we’ve had in storage. Our storage room happens to be a dance studio. I’m not really sure why the landlord put in a dance studio, but that’s a totally different question. Anyway I looked in one of the mirrors and realized that I’m embarrassed about how I look. Yup, I think I finally hit bottom.

Before today I just didn’t feel good about myself, I knew I was gaining weight because my clothes are getting realllly tight, I don’t want my husband to see me without clothes on, I don’t take the time to get ready when I’m going somewhere because I don’t like the end result so why waste the time, etc... I’ve had times in my life when I’ve wanted to be in better shape, but this is the first time I’ve been embarrassed by how out of shape I’ve let myself become.

I guess I just want to tell all of you about my commitment to get back in shape. I find that sometimes it’s easier to give up and fail, but if I tell other people then I don’t want them to know that I failed.

I’ve told my husband that it’s back to good for you basics for food. Last night we had grilled chicken breasts, roasted cauliflower with garlic and sprinkled with parmesan, and artichoke mashed potatoes which are one of Mark’s favorites. The potatoes aren’t the best, but with the artichokes you can not put in butter so there not to bad.

Tonight I’m making pizza. Not healthy but we’ve both been craving it so I’m making a super thin crust with chunky sauce and lots of veggies and a little bit of cheese, and we’re having a big salad beforehand.

Ok all; if I start slacking you can bust my chops. I want to be at least ten pounds thinner when we go to Bali in November, so there can be no more laziness.

Rebot, you should TOTALLY feel like you should be part of this group!!!!

We are so not exclusive at all. In fact, it is so fun to come to these workout threads and see how others have been inspired to participate and join in on the weekly discussions--that's what keeps us all going, IMO! I hope you aren't feeling this way because we didn't LOVE the toilet picture, but we were just expressing ourselves freely, as usual.

No harm intentioned, I promise. Please chime in whenever you get the chance, I know you've been wanting to get some positive feedback and gain some motivation here, so by all means, dig in!

Your artichoke potatoes sound fabulous--care to share your recipe? I would love to serve it to my DH, he is a big fan of both of those veggies and will undoubtedly LOVE it!

I'm glad to hear you've re-committed to eating healthy/exercising--and usually these threads are chock full of inspiration!

I know what you mean about not feeling great about yourself...I gained 20 pounds after I got married, and it's been a long struggle for me to get back down to where I thought I'd be happy. Turned out it was not only weight loss that I needed to make me feel better about myself, but it was also adopting some healthy lifestyle habits that will be permanent. You are definitely on the right path, and we will be so happy to help as best we can during your journey and after! Thanks for having the confidence in us to re-visit the workout thread!

ETA: OOOPS, I think I missed a crucial part of your first paragraph and made a silly assumption, well you know what that makes me, lol! Please forgive my silliness, it is late and I'm a bit tired...just hopped on the computer for some relaxing time-that will teach me to not post this late, hee hee. Anyway, it's good to see you here again and re-committed. Take care.

 

[hlmr]

Date: 9/22/2006 12:39:56 AM
Author: Mara
heather, love the new avatar!!

yeah the detox will run from monday to friday like last time !! i think i definitely need it after my coke and donuts today. hehee.

i have looked online and the calories in a california roll are about 400 i guess depending on size of rolls etc. it''s high-ish in fat because of avocado but good fat.

our fave sushi place has really awesome unique rolls, it''s been years since i had a california roll because there are so many other cool rolls that i am in love with...there''s about 40 on this one menu. our fave so far is this one that is made with cucumber and a sesame cracker and rice inside the roll and then on top is marinated raw tuna and salmon and on top are jalapeno tobiko (the tiny fish eggs)...SO GOOD!!!! there''s so many cool flavors going on with the marinated fish and the crunchy cracker and the jalapeno tobiko just adds a bit of a kick. that''s our new fave roll. hehehe. but we also get one with fresh tuna and avocado and they top it with coconut which is a great combo with spicy wasabi, it''s like a kick but then sweet thanks to the coconut. yum i''m getting hungry for sushi just typing it! hehe.

i went to class tonite and felt kind of like i was sleepwalking but i sweated a lot so i figure that means i was working pretty hard...hehe. then came home and had some mixed cereal. hope everyone had a good night.

Thanks Mara!! I wish I had easier access to fresh yummy sushi rolls!! I was in heaven visiting out in Vancouver as there were so many places to pick it up that were fresh, fast and cheap!

It''s funny how your taste buds change as you get older. I never used to care for olives too much either but I must say I really enjoy those mammoth size stuffed olives every once in a while now.

I am off for a brisk walk and very glad that it is friday!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

 

[Lorelei]

Rebot - please participate if you wish even if you don''t feel you are doing that well. We all go through times where health maintenance is more difficult than usual and this thread is so inspirational. Often if health maintenance is on your mind, you will get back on the wagon sometime!

No workout for me today as my poor calves were so sore and swollen last night, I think I have overdone things a bit this week, maybe with the new additions of the strength training. They feel better today but I will take the day off then get back to it tomorrow.

 

[ammayernyc]

Morning ladies.
I did 60 minutes of cardio. 20 minutes stair master, 20 minutes bike, 20 minutes treadmill. I''m pooped.
Tonight is a big meal with the holiday and all. I''m going to do my best and not to taste a lot. Today is the last day of tasting meat so I''m glad about that. I think culinary school is going to make me a vegetarian!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Playing 52 pick up all week has left my legs sore!!! Shall push on with the routine.....

For a treat I attended my son''s River Watch field trip early this week and paddled (steadily) for an 1.5 hours on the Bow River. Good work out all round!

Have not mananged to get to the gym to sign up for a memebership (special this month), but next week when my scheduale isn''t so full...and get in a work out as welll....speak to their personal trainer....

cheers--Sharon

 

[flutterby]

yesterday wasnt the best. went to the farmers market and ate an apple fritter. then for dinner when my halibut filets didnt work quite right (the mango salsa rocked though...), i ate low fat pringles for dinner

And to top it off i didnt make it to the gym.

SO i am about to do the tae bo video and make an egg white omelette. My days start late as I live in CA and I work till midnight!

Mara, you really should give us that potatoe receipe. sounds great!

 

[KimberlyH]

Welcome, rebot! The best part of this thread is the encouragement you will recieve, it''s not an exclusive club! Hope you find a bit of what you need here to get you motivated. It''s not fun not liking what you see in the mirror.

So I went to MD yesterday and I have a stress fracture. I''ve been told to stay off my foot for 2 weeks, minimum, including no elliptical. I am not a happy girl when physical activity isn''t part of my life, so I went and bought a yoga video and am hoping that I can use that, modified a bit to take my stupid foot into consideration, and not feel like a total waste for 2 whole weeks.

Nothing really exciting to tell otherwise. I''m really bummed about my MD visit because she also discovered I''ve lost all hearing in the lower registers and wants me to see an ENT specialist. I am way too young for hearing aids, so I''ll be putting that appointment off for a while.

Sorry for the rant, I''m just having a bit of a pity party today.

Here''s a recipe for several mashed potatoes from cooking light, I''ve never made the kind Mara is talking about (it''s in this list) but I have made their basic mashed and they are good.

http://food.cookinglight.com/cooking/recipefinder.dyn?action=searchResults&keywords=mashed+potatoes&x=66&y=8


I am a subscriber and love almost all of the foods I''ve made from their recipes. They have the most amazing Italian Meatloaf recipe as well. It''s the best either hubby or I have ever had. Here''s a link to that recipe in honor of the beginning of fall.

http://food.cookinglight.com/cooking/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=393434

 

[Mara]

thanks for posting the link for the mashed taters on CL kimberly...they have a ton of recipes. the ones i want to try are the garlic horseradish ones i think. i love flavors like that. also i may try making the basic for xmas this year, though i already typically use 1/2 fat sour cream and 2% milk in mine anyway and they are famous for being the best in the family. i do add a bunch of butter though for the holiday ones, hee hee. you can also add some diced parsley for color and a tiny bit more flavor in the basic.

i was going to hit up the gym today to do the incline walk again, but my schedule is kind of all over as i have a waxing and mani/pedi this afternoon and i didn''t feel like rushing the gym then getting no shower before my appt, so greg said SURE to a long walk after a dinner, so i figure a 3m walk is good for tonite, gives my body a little bit of a break since i am kboxing again tomorrow morning.

i think we''re going to this local creole place for dinner, yummy! they have a great salad and also gumbo or you can get this fried shrimp appetizer but the shrimp is tossed with cornmeal then pan fried so it''s not remotely as bad as typical fried shrimp!! then i am going to get a bread pudding, my weakness, but i plan to ask them for a slightly smaller piece than typical since honestly i don''t need a big 5x5 bread pudding to complete my meal. just a taste!!

anyway hope everyone is having a great day and rod hope you are enjoying your sushi!! kim i''m sorry to hear about your foot, don''t you hate when your body sabotages you?!?!?!?! argh! maybe try a bit of pilates along with the yoga? and continue to lift weights and you can also do glute exercises (on all 4s with leg lifts front, back, out, in kind of thing) to at least keep a bit of active going.

anyone else joining me, monnie and heather for the DETOX next week? if so let us know!!!! we start on Monday!

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 9/22/2006 4:29:30 PM
Author: Mara
thanks for posting the link for the mashed taters on CL kimberly...they have a ton of recipes. the ones i want to try are the garlic horseradish ones i think. i love flavors like that. also i may try making the basic for xmas this year, though i already typically use 1/2 fat sour cream and 2% milk in mine anyway and they are famous for being the best in the family. i do add a bunch of butter though for the holiday ones, hee hee. you can also add some diced parsley for color and a tiny bit more flavor in the basic.

i was going to hit up the gym today to do the incline walk again, but my schedule is kind of all over as i have a waxing and mani/pedi this afternoon and i didn''t feel like rushing the gym then getting no shower before my appt, so greg said SURE to a long walk after a dinner, so i figure a 3m walk is good for tonite, gives my body a little bit of a break since i am kboxing again tomorrow morning.

i think we''re going to this local creole place for dinner, yummy! they have a great salad and also gumbo or you can get this fried shrimp appetizer but the shrimp is tossed with cornmeal then pan fried so it''s not remotely as bad as typical fried shrimp!! then i am going to get a bread pudding, my weakness, but i plan to ask them for a slightly smaller piece than typical since honestly i don''t need a big 5x5 bread pudding to complete my meal. just a taste!!

anyway hope everyone is having a great day and rod hope you are enjoying your sushi!! kim i''m sorry to hear about your foot, don''t you hate when your body sabotages you?!?!?!?! argh! maybe try a bit of pilates along with the yoga? and continue to lift weights and you can also do glute exercises (on all 4s with leg lifts front, back, out, in kind of thing) to at least keep a bit of active going.

anyone else joining me, monnie and heather for the DETOX next week? if so let us know!!!! we start on Monday!

My pleasure, I hope I didn''t encroach. The plain recipe was pretty good. I used my kitchen aid to mix them and they came out creamy for having so little cream added.

Creole sounds good for dinner. I hope you have a great time! Hubby is making enchiladas tonight, yum.

I''ve taken yoga classes so I knew I could modify it, which is why I purchased a yoga tape. I am not familiar with pilates so I wasn''t sure how much impact there is on feet. I will have to check that out. Thanks for the suggestion.

I''m going to keep up the leg lifts, free weights, etc. and just hope it gets better sooner rather than later.

Have a happy friday everyone!

 

[clammer]

Thanks for the welcome and support. Yesterday, I just walked for an hour at an incline. I have mild scoliosis which pushes my right hip down and in return puts extra pressure on my knee. I use to go to the chiropractor a couple of times a week, but I haven’t been since I moved, and I found that jogging hurts that knee after a few minutes. I think I’m going to try the elliptical on Monday, hopefully that will help.

Monarch, the potatoes are super easy. I just mash a can of drained artichoke hearts with a splash of milk. Boil about five decent size potatoes. I find less than that and the artichoke overwhelms the flavor. When the potatoes are done mash them with the artichokes, a little butter, salt and pepper. I don’t measure the butter or the milk, but I think it ends up being about ¼ cup milk and a couple tablespoons of butter. Another way to make regular mashed potatoes that I like is using vegetable/chicken stock instead of butter and milk. They have pretty good flavor.

I looked at the cooking light website. There are definitely some great recipes to try out. I’m starting to really enjoy cooking. I finally realized that if I can’t get all of the ingredients for a recipe I can substitute other ingredients and the worst that can happen is it won’t be any good. Before I wouldn’t even try a recipe if I couldn’t find everything it called for.

I think Mark and I are going for a bike ride today. I will let you all know how it goes. It should be pretty interesting since I only learned how to ride a bike a few years ago and I’m not very good.

 

[Lorelei]

Rebot keep trying with the workouts! I have severe scoliosis in the lower right side of my back and the specialists don''t know what to do with me ( not kidding!) Be careful not to twist your back whatever you do, apart from that do what you can to keep your weight down and keep fit - it does help with the pain a bit and any extra mobility you can gain has to be a good thing with this condition. I find the elliptical a good thing as it does exercise the back muscles. Also the ellip gives all your joints support so it is ideal for people like us.

Off to do my workout now, my calves still hurt....

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Hi everyone.

It sounds like everyone is doing very well and has made it through another week of fitness and healthy foods.
Yesterday was a positive workout day for me. Over an hour of personal Jujitsu instruction which included assorted kicks,
arm bars and locks and falling techniques. I''m currently doing 2-3 sessions at the gym and one Jujitsu session per week.
In between, I try to walk as often as possible. So far, it''s a good combination for me and it fits my busy schedule.

Enjoy the weekend

 

[Lorelei]

Good stuff Jeff! That is the trick a lot of the time is to find and workable and enjoyable routine, but it sounds like you have done it!

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 9/23/2006 12:29:12 AM
Author: Rebot
Thanks for the welcome and support. Yesterday, I just walked for an hour at an incline. I have mild scoliosis which pushes my right hip down and in return puts extra pressure on my knee. I use to go to the chiropractor a couple of times a week, but I haven’t been since I moved, and I found that jogging hurts that knee after a few minutes. I think I’m going to try the elliptical on Monday, hopefully that will help.

Monarch, the potatoes are super easy. I just mash a can of drained artichoke hearts with a splash of milk. Boil about five decent size potatoes. I find less than that and the artichoke overwhelms the flavor. When the potatoes are done mash them with the artichokes, a little butter, salt and pepper. I don’t measure the butter or the milk, but I think it ends up being about ¼ cup milk and a couple tablespoons of butter. Another way to make regular mashed potatoes that I like is using vegetable/chicken stock instead of butter and milk. They have pretty good flavor.

I looked at the cooking light website. There are definitely some great recipes to try out. I’m starting to really enjoy cooking. I finally realized that if I can’t get all of the ingredients for a recipe I can substitute other ingredients and the worst that can happen is it won’t be any good. Before I wouldn’t even try a recipe if I couldn’t find everything it called for.

I think Mark and I are going for a bike ride today. I will let you all know how it goes. It should be pretty interesting since I only learned how to ride a bike a few years ago and I’m not very good.

Hi rebot,

Those potatoes sound great, I''ll have to try them!

As for cooking light, they really do have great recipes for healthy food. As Mara said, lots of flavor. I have their latest cookbook and as I mentioned subscribe to their magazine -- those are pretty much the only places I get recipes to cook from.

Hope you had a great bike ride.

I''m going to try my yoga tape today. I rested my foot a lot yesterday and am hoping it will get stronger sooner so I can get back on the ball.

Hubby is making chili for dinner in the crockpot. It''s started to feel like fall here...such fun!

Happy Saturday!

 

[JCJD]

Happy weekend everyone!

Yesterday I finally went to a yoga class again since getting sick, hatha this time. It'd been 2 weeks since I'd been to yoga at all, but I was pleasantly surprised to find I hadn't completely lost my strength and flexibility.

I weighed in at 151.0 pounds this morning (down another half-pound!), so I decided to try on a couple pairs of my skinny jeans. One pair fits again, but the other 2 are still too tight. Another inch or two should do the trick there. I may try to add 20 mins of treadmill walking after yoga classes to kick up my aerobic workout.

Yesterday was a mixed bag of eating well and poorly. Peanut butter and honey on toast and a banana for breakfast, leftover veggie pizza, yogurt, and apple-pineapple salad for lunch, a granola bar for a snack, and then for dinner I went to a friend's b-day party and we forgot to bring my veggie burgers (they're carnivores

), so I had a lot of baked beans, a burger bun with a slice of American cheese, potato chips and a little ranch dip, and a delicious slice of german chocolate b-day cake. Thanks to Lorelei's inspirational story, I didn't eat the whole piece though!

ETA: Hatha gave me a great workout yesterday, but my abs aren't as supportive as they should be so my lower back is sore today. I did a core workout series my regular yoga teacher has us do for our ab muscles and did some yoga-style pushups (plank down to the floor) to try and strenghten them. I don't need more back problems!

It feels good to be back posting on this board again. Hopefully I won't get sick again in the near future.

 

[Mara]

went for a walk last nite after dinner...we ended up walking for about 1.5 hours and i think doing about 4miles or so. it was fun but my legs were really sore when we got home!! this morning i got up and went to kbox...definitely feeling the burn now. anyway, we are off for my cousin''s wedding, so hope everyone has a wonderful day.

 

[Rod]

Hey all.....Sorry I haven''t checked in. I''m afraid this has just been a really bad couple of days for me. I''ve been with the same company for 15 years. Things with the company aren''t really good, but I always believed I was a keeper. Imagine my surprise when on Friday, they elminiated my position and I have, for the first in my life been laid off. They gave me a really generous severance package (5 months), but I don''t have a clue what I''m going to do next. Maybe after such a long time, I should look at this with optimism for the ability to explore new options. But at the moment, I''m feeling really low and depressed.

Anyway, I don''t want to bring you all down with me. I had my training session this morning and worked very hard, which was hard to do as my mind just wasn''t there. Tomorrow, we''ll work out like usual and Monday, instead of going to work, I''ve decided that my new job is to find a new job. It''s a big country out there. Even though we absolutely love our life in Tampa, the idea of going somewhere new wouldn''t be so awful either. I''m even considering getting my realtor''s license and selling higher end homes. It''s kind of a family tradition to be in real-estate and most of my family has been quite successful at it. It wouldn''t really hurt to get my license and give that a go. I won''t rush into anything too quickly.

I was offered a job today at our Mercedes dealership. The general manager said I could start tomorrow if I wanted, but being a car salesman, just doesn''t seem the right move for me. At least it''s an option and options are what life is made of.

Anyway, I hope you all having a better weekend than I am.

Your friend.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Rod...very sorry to hear about your situation. You are a very focused, positive individual who will find something even better than what you had.
Change is often good. Take some time to reflect before accepting any position. Best wishes and stay POSITIVE!! We''re all rootin'' for ya

 

[aussiegirl23]

Rod,

I''m very sorry to hear about your job''s disappearance

This absolutely, 100% STINKS!

But, one thing you''ve got going for you is that having worked in HR, you certainly know what employers are looking for and how to present yourself positively!

The fun part? You get to "start over" in a way and pick a new direction for yourself if you so choose... Real estate sounds promising... any other thoughts? Keep us posted!

p.s. make sure you aren''t chewing gum at any interviews... and no propositioning the interviewer

(see, I really was listening to your earlier posts!)

hugs!
Aussie

 

[Lorelei]

Oh Rod....I can imagine how terrible you must be feeling, it must have been such a shock. We are all rooting for you and this could be the beginning of wonderful new opportunities for you, this was meant to be in order for you to be even more successful. When one door closes, another one opens - I truly believe that. Hugs to you

 

[hlmr]

Date: 9/23/2006 9:51:36 PM
Author: Rod
Hey all.....Sorry I haven''t checked in. I''m afraid this has just been a really bad couple of days for me. I''ve been with the same company for 15 years. Things with the company aren''t really good, but I always believed I was a keeper. Imagine my surprise when on Friday, they elminiated my position and I have, for the first in my life been laid off. They gave me a really generous severance package (5 months), but I don''t have a clue what I''m going to do next. Maybe after such a long time, I should look at this with optimism for the ability to explore new options. But at the moment, I''m feeling really low and depressed.

Anyway, I don''t want to bring you all down with me. I had my training session this morning and worked very hard, which was hard to do as my mind just wasn''t there. Tomorrow, we''ll work out like usual and Monday, instead of going to work, I''ve decided that my new job is to find a new job. It''s a big country out there. Even though we absolutely love our life in Tampa, the idea of going somewhere new wouldn''t be so awful either. I''m even considering getting my realtor''s license and selling higher end homes. It''s kind of a family tradition to be in real-estate and most of my family has been quite successful at it. It wouldn''t really hurt to get my license and give that a go. I won''t rush into anything too quickly.

I was offered a job today at our Mercedes dealership. The general manager said I could start tomorrow if I wanted, but being a car salesman, just doesn''t seem the right move for me. At least it''s an option and options are what life is made of.

Anyway, I hope you all having a better weekend than I am.

Your friend.

Oh Rod! I''m sorry to hear your bad news. It''s awful to get broad sided by something you weren''t expecting like that! It is definitely the company''s loss, and perhaps in the long run they did you a favour as bigger, more exciting things will be in store for you I''m sure!!

It''s nice that you were offered a job so quickly but it sounds like real estate is a great possibility for you! I wish you good luck in what you decide, and you will no doubt excel at whatever you choose!

 

[Rod]

Jeff, Aussie, Heather and Lorelei......Thanks so much for the kind words. I am a focused individual and know that I will represent value to some company somewhere. I guess the uncertainty of life is disconcerting. Anal retentives don''t like such significant surprises.......LOL

Still I have to believe the next challenge will be better and of course I must remember that there has to be life beyond what my reality has been the past 15 years.

Again, thanks for the votes of comfort and confidence. And I promise, no chewing gum or propositioning in an interview Aussie. You get an A for paying attention to the max!!

Thanks again.........Rod

 

[KimberlyH]

Rod: I am so sorry about the loss of job, but impressed with your attitude! Best of luck to you in your search. The personality you display here is one of enthusiasm, love of life and dedication...three qualities any employer would be greatful to have on their team. Keep us posted on the search.

 

[Rod]

Date: 9/24/2006 1:25:20 PM
Author: KimberlyH
Rod: I am so sorry about the loss of job, but impressed with your attitude! Best of luck to you in your search. The personality you display here is one of enthusiasm, love of life and dedication...three qualities any employer would be greatful to have on their team. Keep us posted on the search.

Thanks Kimberly.........I''m sure I''ll be fine. I just have to figure out what I want to do now, but at least I have options and that''s a good thing. I also have my health. And my 26 year partnership with the most wonderful person on the planet. And the friendships of wonderful friends like my PS family to help me through.

I have a friend who is dying of Pancreatic Cancer. I''m sure he''d trade places with me in a heartbeat. So, losing a job in comparison is not so bad after all. I just have to put things in perspective.

Thanks again,
Rod

 

[Kaleigh]

Rod,
I''m sorry your position was eliminated. You are such a talented guy and I''m sure something great is on the horizon for you. I know it must have come as a huge shock. But like you said you have your health, your partner, friends and your PS family. I wish you good luck in your search for a new job!!!

Lisa