Random Obsessions - Poundage

I just looked at the calendar and realized that it is already the 22nd of April.  The week is almost over, which is awesome, except I have to go to the dentist in the morning and also I have to work on Saturday.  FAIL FAIL FAIL.  It seems like all I do on the weekdays is write briefs and go to the dentist.  This month is flying by, which is sad, because my summer is already set to be ruined by prison/work.  If anyone out there needs a CEO who sits around and does nothing, I am your candidate, call me! I'm also available for endorsements.  I will endorse pretty much anything for the right amount of cash.

Lately, I am nourishing some random obsessions, which I think I will probably touch on over the next few weeks.  One of these obsessions is getting fit.  This encompasses 1) losing weight and 2) being more active. These things are not easy.  My problem is, I tend to get a bit discouraged about what I perceive to be obstacles and then I give up and start over.  Then try again and start over.  Lather, rinse, repeat. I've even enlisted friends who also want to get fit, to do the buddy system. That has not worked either.   I tried, among other things, Weight Watchers which I hated.  It felt like AA for fat people what with the emotion and the crying and the sadness. I am told that this is not normal, it was just the meetings I was in. I'm sure that's true, but I also hate the points thing.  I need the raw numbers, I think.  I am a person who thinks about data.

Anyway, over the last few weeks, I have been reading and learning.  There is a lot of advice out there about how to lose weight and get fit, etc. etc.  Most of it is similar, a lot of it is helpful, and some of it is not.  Reading helps me clarify my thoughts and my goals.  I'm also the kind of person who needs tools to help me a long, i.e. something I can look at to track my progress. In an effort towards greater accountability, I've decided just put it out here on the blog.  There are only friends reading anyway (I think), and you jerks see me and know what's going on.  Here' what I've identified:

The Goals:

• Lose Weight
• Get Stronger
• Eat Better
• Stay Positive
  
• Not Die at Pilates (almost screwed up this goal last night)
  

The Obstacles

• Lack of Time - this is a fake obstacle.  I blame work, but I need to make time.  I make time for movies and t.v., chatting with friends and any number of other things. I should be able to make time for working out.
  
• Laziness/Lack of Motivation - this is not a problem right now, but ask me in three weeks.
  
• Poor eating habits - I love food. Especially good food.  Also, I'm southern.  There ain't a damn thing a southern chick can't fry.  I also eat when I'm celebrating with friends, eat when I'm upset, eat when I'm bored, etc.  Don't eat enough vegetables, don't drink enough water.
  
• Poor sleeping habits - currently sleep 4-6 hours per night which is a massive failure.
  

The Plan:

• 1200-1550 Calories per day - lean proteins, more veggies, 4-6 small meals per day
  
• 8 glasses of water per day (god I hate water, so boring, no flavor but good for health and skin)
  
• Drink less soda (see above)
  
• 4 days of cardio per week
• 3 days of strength training per week
• 6-8 hours of sleep per night (this will be the hardest part I think, I just don't know how to sleep)

The Tools:

• SparkPeople - I can use this website to track eating (including calories and fat) and workouts.  I tried three different sites Self, Fitday and SparkPeople (4 if you count WW) and I like this one the best. Other pluses: it creates a food plan and workouts for you and has an app for the Motorola Droid.
  
• Tennis Shoes (for walking; one day I hope to become a runner)
  
• Elliptical - which is currently in my basement (KD gets up at 5 AM to use it in the mornings to use it, that should inspire me)
• Wii - both the Fit and the EA active (which kicks my butt)
• 4 lb dumbbells
• A workout mat
• Support of friends (that's you, thanks)
  
• Full Length Mirror (for looking in when I'm feeling lazy)

I've already started and we will see how it goes.  I welcome anyone who wants to join me on my journey, give me tips, commiserate or give encouragement (or money).