OOTLS, Round 2
Posted by Moose on August 25th, 2009. Filed under: How To.My main goal for cleaning out my house last month was to clear the way for something new. Lo and behold, a mere three days after I finished OOTLS the new job jumped into my lap. Why, hello, whacked-out theory! You look so pretty WHEN YOU’RE PROVING ME RIGHT.
Even better, other people found it helpful. This thrilled me to my very toes. I like being useful.
So who’s up for round two? Same deal: one month, one project, lots of emails from me. And an acronym that makes even less sense than it did the first time. This has been one of my favorite blog endeavors so far, and this month’s project is something I’ve been needing to do for quite some time. Maybe you have too. We could all use more spinach. And with that somewhat unappetizing teaser…
The Project: Get Healthy
We are all human and so our wonderful intentions sometimes (often?) don’t make it past the initial “Hey, that’s a good idea!” phase. Whether it’s eating leafy greens, using the yoga mat for something besides smacking the cat, or finally making that therapy appointment your friends have hinted about for the last year. Even if you’re the pinnacle of healthy living, and would put us to shame if you could spare the three minutes out of your marathon-running and fresh organic salad-consuming to brag about it, you might still want to jump in. It takes effort to drink all that spinach juice and MAYBE YOU COULD USE SOME ENCOURAGEMENT. Especially when people the next table over are eating hot fudge sundaes and you’re thinking about diving across the aisle to wrench it out of their hands. You’re stronger than they are, after all, what with all that weight lifting you do. (Resist. Your karma and your waistline will be the better for it.)
Theory Behind The Latest Round of Madness
When I’m healthy, it’s much easier to be happy. And good things seem to happen when I’m happy. Even if they don’t, who cares! LIFE STILL THRILLS ME AND, GOODNESS, IS THAT A FRESH ORANGE I GET TO EAT? (Seriously. And, yes, it’s exhausting being that enthusiastic. Which is my excuse for falling off the proverbial wagon so often.) If I’ve learned anything this past year or two, it’s that when I’m not healthy – physically and mentally – things just.do.not.work. And I feel stuck and hopeless and my punctuation goes all wonky.
As one of the more oblivious of our fair species, I had to watch my life implode around me (good-bye significant other! good-bye house! good-bye cute dog! good-bye fledgling writing career!) before it connected that I needed to get my act together. So over the past year and a half my main goal was Get Healthy. I put aside work, relationships, vacations, and took a random CubeVille job so I’d have the mental energy to focus on it, and the money to pay for it.
To all outward appearances, my life looked like Failure Personified and it certainly felt that way some of the time. But I’m convinced it was the best thing I could have done for myself. I notice that when I’m putting in the effort – exercising, eating things that grow in the ground rather than in the Cheetos bag, meditating (I cringe too, but IT HELPS, MY GOD SO MUCH), therapy, and being creative in some way – I feel so much happier. And, in my experience, that’s when good things start happening. Even if Good Things don’t happen right away, it doesn’t matter. BECAUSE I FEEL GOOD. AND DAMN IT, THAT’S A NICE CHANGE.
Obviously, you can’t ever finish something like this. You don’t ever get to say, “Great, now I’m eternally healthy! WELL DONE ME.” It’s a work-in-progress and I find myself doing well for a month, only to slip back into bad habits when life shifts again.
Dear Life,
I HAD JUST FIGURED YOU OUT. PLEASE STOP MOVING FOR A FEW MINUTES SO I CAN ENJOY THE NOVELTY OF HAVING MY BEARINGS. THANK YOU.
Love, Moose
What I’ll Be Doing, Besides Sending Out Lots of Encouraging Email
My experiments over the past year have yielded some good tools, now I just have to integrate them more fully into my life – rather than swinging wildly from one polarity to the other. For example: NO SUGAR, NOT EVEN HONEY, SHALL CROSS MY HALLOWED LIPS. Well, all right, just a little. It is my birthday. One cupcake is fine! Now that I’ve had a cupcake, I may as well have two cupcakes. Three days later, I find myself lying face down in the gutter, smeared in frosting and wondering why I can’t feel my legs. It happens.
Here are my health goals for the month:
- Eat what makes me feel good AFTER, not just during.
- Exercise, whether it sounds like a good idea at 6 a.m. or not. (My money’s on “not”.)
- Therapy – acupuncture, massage (DUDE, IT COUNTS), whatever feels like a good idea.
- That’s it, really. Whenever I make my lists too long, I have to hide under the covers and shiver like a chihuahua who’s been threatened with the need to earn his keep.
If You’re Interested
Plan to pursue whatever health goals may have been gathering dust. (Or rotting in the fridge.) (Produce has a tendency to expire quickly. Which makes frozen fried chicken feel like a better option.) Maybe make a list. Faithfully tend to that list for a week or two weeks or the full month – whatever would be most helpful to you. I will be sending out emails of the useful and encouraging persuasion, with the ever-so-occasional bout of DROP AND GIVE ME TEN, MAGGOTS! Because this amuses me and god forbid I go unamused for more than three minutes.
Email (mooseinthekitchen(at)gmail(dot)com) or leave a comment saying: YES, PLEASE! I’m starting the list from scratch, so if you did it last time and want to do it again, say the word.
I’m excited. My keen love of butter and sleeping in is less so.
Related posts:
August 25th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Yes please! I’ve managed to loose 32 lbs. in the last two months but have totally stalled out (motivation wise) and need a little push to keep going. This seems like just the thing.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Uhh, right here *raises hand shyly*
I joined a gym a few months ago and had a good couple-month-run of attending kick ass classes a few times a week. I was finally getting those four pack abs I hadn’t seen since high school, and my thigh cellulite was all but a bad memory. And then I took a week off. And another week off. Now it’s been a month and I need to get my ass back in shape. Lets do this!!!
August 25th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Yes please! My house looks so much better thanks to OOTLS, I’d love for you to do the same for me
After you wrote about cutting out sugar I’ve been thinking about it. A lot. I’m trying to cut back, but it doesn’t always work very well. And my diet is SADLY lacking in vegetables. I’m too old to be eating this poorly.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Yes please! My house looks so much better thanks to OOTLS, I’d love for you to do the same for me
After you wrote about cutting out sugar I’ve been thinking about it. A lot. I’m trying to cut back, but it doesn’t always work very well. And my diet is SADLY lacking in vegetables. I’m too old to be eating this poorly.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:32 am
How serendipitous! I’ve lost my running partner (due to Events Beyond My Control) and with him, my motivation. That half-marathon I had my eye on in October was looking bleak, but lo! Moose to the rescue! I shall join thy crew, and you can think of ME when you’re exercising at 6am, for I will have gotten up at FIVE am mountain time to go running and will already be at work when you emerge from your (clean!) apartment, fresh-faced and ready to roll. Deal?
August 25th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Yes please! I have a lot of change coming up over the next few months and I want to feel great as it all happens! It’ll help if I’m on a team. Thanks for the push!
August 25th, 2009 at 9:43 am
YES PLEASE!
I’m working towards this and need all the help I can get, trust me. Hooray for you!
August 25th, 2009 at 9:43 am
I’m in, if only because I can’t wait to be encouraged and abused.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Yes! I’m getting married next month and need encouraging emails to keep me motivated! I seem to be able to ignore the call from Jilliam Michaels at 5am really easily. Count me in!
August 25th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Oh, alright, I know perfectly well I need to do this. I have slightly high cholesterol that I’ve been meaning to address for, oh, a year and a half? But have done not one single thing to help on that front. Plus that pesky 20 pounds that I’ve been meaning to lose for the last decade. I’d say it’s a futile effort but really, I know it’s just my eating habits that make it stick to my ribs. Let’s see how this goes, shall we?
August 25th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I’m in! Acronym me!
xox
August 25th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I’m in serious need of a health kick in the ass. Can one get something like that over the internet?
I hope!
August 25th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Me too, please!
August 25th, 2009 at 10:32 am
OOh, me! And can I sign Buster up too? We thinking he’s pretty close to reading, since he’s already figured out spelling.
I love your regimens! I’m all about a good regimen!
August 25th, 2009 at 10:32 am
We thinking? Maybe I should learn to read first…
August 25th, 2009 at 10:51 am
OOTLS was a big help and fun too – sign me up as well, please!!
August 25th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Yes Please!
This has been my mantra for the year, and there has been a lot of progress, but I have miles to go yet. I could do with encouraging emails that will keep me going.
Merci.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Yes! I need this! I’m actually buying 30 day shred today and I need some encouragement to do it.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Sign me up. I’ve been on a start stop attempt to be healthier all summer, and good lord apparently I need some encouragement!
August 25th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I’m in! OOTLS was very inspiring, and my house isn’t the only thing that needs to be whipped into shape (thighs, I am looking at YOU).
August 25th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I’m in, if only for the fact that I love getting emails from you. Who else could come up with the FONT OF WISDOM?
Plus, I really, really, really need to start working out. It will help with The Sads and also The Expanding Waistline.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Yes, please! I need all the encouragement and help I can get!
August 25th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Amen sister! Count me in. I’ve been Shredding & doing yoga at least 4 days a week for 2 months now, but could really use to bump it up to Something everyday. I’m getting married on New Year’s Eve and want to be BUFF!
Also, your post has already helped me in a more immediate sense. I just ate ONE fun-size Snickers and was contemplating getting another from my coworkers’ basket. Now? No way! I have a lovely apple and an even lovelier banana right here on my desk.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:40 am
A kick in the pants to work out more often? Sign me up! I’ve been trying to hike 2-3 times per week and do my little workout tapes 3-4 times per week. A little accountability couldn’t hurt in that department.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Yes, please! I love the goals you have set and support and encouragement will be a huge plus.
August 25th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Yes PULEASE. After a week of vacation eating only rich food, I vowed to eat only salads for the next month. That’s not happening, but this sounds like a good idea.
August 25th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Yes please! I have fallen off the wagon, again – the yoga and running wagon, that is. And yesterday I ate two cupcakes and nearly pint of ice cream. I need help sticking to my guns!
August 25th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Yes please, again!
I have a beach vacation in one month and a pint a day icecream habit that needs taking care of…. HELP ME, Power of the Pack.
August 25th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Yes, please!
August 25th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Yes??? I don’t know how many people your email server can handle, but I know motivation is my major roadblock. I totally missed out on OOTLS and really need to do some of that too (except my tiny living space is actually 1200+sqft plus a yard)
August 25th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Strapless Bridesmaid Dress. (in 58 days, how did that happen?!?) Sign me up!
August 25th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Definitely, sign me up for OOTLS: Fitness Edition. I have a gym membership that’s been malingering for months, and I either need to use it or stop paying an inordinate amount of money in order to feel guilty.
August 25th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Please PLEASE sign me up!!! YAY! Perfect timing – just what I need!
August 25th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
this is just what i need and just when i need it.
August 25th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I’m in. Thanks for providing the community and the catalyst for something so many of us have been meaning to do…
August 26th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Yes please! If only to be called a maggot every once in a while. I like to be amused while working up a sweat.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Count me in! This is just the encouragement I’ve been looking for in my current life rut. I’m making a list of Healthy To Dos right now.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Yes Please!
I dutifully work out for several days in a row and then blow it all by saying, “Why yes, a cheese steak sandwich would be delicious for lunch. As long as we don’t forget the fries.”
Also on this list of mine for getting healthy: finally making some friends and getting out in Orange County. Sitting around with a bottle of wine while griping about my boyfriend working late is certainly not the best way to spend an evening – physically or emotionally.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:50 am
*gingerly peels fingers off everpresent soda can, heaves great big sigh*
I’m in!
August 26th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Yes, please! I’ve already got the therapy and pharmaceuticals working for me, but I haven’t consistently added in the physical and emotional well-being aspects; the time is now. I’m looking forward to the group effort.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:16 am
YES, Please!
I’m in for:
1. Exercise every morning.
2. Pack snacks and lunch for work (and eat only what I packed).
Thanks – I need a good kick in the butt right now.
Diann
August 26th, 2009 at 10:06 am
De-lurking to say yes please! I could use a kick in the pants.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Hi! I just found your website and am already loving you! Now I need to do a little bit of back-reading to learn more about this OOTLS!
But totally sign me up for Getting Healthy. I work out every day and love it and eat fairly healthy during the day…but oh my goodness, I could be better. I swear I could lose a pants size if I would just have more self-control, dangit! Right now, I feel like my workouts accomodate for the food I eat, and that’s no reason to work out!
I also want to train for a marathon but find reason after reason not to. I’m scaaaared, boohooo. Not a good enough reason anymore! I’m excited
August 26th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Yes please! Even though I’m forbidden from exercising while recovering from spinal surgery (for 6 more months, GAH) I have plenty of other areas I am capable of improving.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Yes Please!
August 26th, 2009 at 11:19 am
email’s coming – count me in!
August 26th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Yes, please! I was sad that I missed OOTLS, but I probably need this one even more.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Yes, please! I am in again – because I’ve actually started to pay more attention to eating and cooking habits in the last few weeks and THIS OOTLS will get me right back on track.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I’d love to get in on this too, especially since earlier today I declared it Cannoli For Lunch Day and now, unsurprisingly, I feel like crap.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
YES PLEASE!
My liver and ass thank you in advance.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Yes please!
Exactly what I need!
August 27th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Yes please! I love this: one minute I’m being entertained by reading a fun blog, and the next minute I’m being coaxed into signing up for that pilates class I’ve been musing over. Long live the Internet!
August 27th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Yes please! Joined a gym yesterday, and now I am thinking “oh crap, I actually have to go?”.
Absolutely cracking up at your in the gutter, smeared with frosting line-you are so funny!
August 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am
me too.
August 27th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I’m in.
I was just talking about recommitting to my healthy ways. I haven’t strayed to far but my enthusiasm has definitely waned. I want to feel invigorated like I did at the beginning.
Also, when did being healthy start to feel a lot like being in love? Wow.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
YES PLEASE!
This is the final item on my 10-year “to-do list” and I could use some encouragement!
(I really could. I’m eating a Kit Kat as I type this. ruh-roh)
Fat begone! Moose will help me!
I know I’m a little late but I just found out about this.
gingercorsair at ye olde gmail.com
August 28th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Sign me up, please! I’m sad I never got in on OOTLS (due to not reading the internet for weeks), and I don’t want to miss out again.
August 30th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
SUGAR ADDICTION!
August 31st, 2009 at 7:46 am
Yes, please!
The original OOTLS (OOOTLS?) was quite helpful, I think. I’ve noticed that since the first one ended, my list-making and goal-achieving went from prolific (in my mind) to poof!
August 31st, 2009 at 8:00 am
Let’s do this thing! I just spent a week on vacation in a bathing suit and vowed that I will feel more comfortable in said suit next year. What a great way to start! thanks, moose!
August 31st, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Ooh!!! I want to do the OOTLS too! I’ve started many healthy eating plans and have done well with them, but always after a month or so, just go back to eating horribly. I do ok for breakfast & lunch, it’s dinner that is the hardest. Also, exercise??? Haven’t done that in forever, even though I’ve been paying for the gym membership continuously. Thanks for starting this!!
September 1st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Add me please!! I had a baby 4 months ago, I am tired, and annoyed with everything (especially my hubby) due to lack of sleep and feeling like an Umpa Lumpa!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Yes, please. Motivate me!
September 6th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
my sure-to-be-stressful teaching year is about to begin, I joined a gym this month and like how I feel afterward, but am worried about being too tired to get my butt over there. so a little OOTLS sounds like just the ticket! thank you!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:45 am
My llst of goals…
2 different veggies a day
2 different fruits a day
drink 64oz of water in a work day
2 sweets a week (not doing so well with this one, but every day is a new day)
Thanks for doing this for your readers! It’s been very helpful!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
[...] hilarious. Recently, she started Project OOTLS, which was a big success. So she decided to do OOTLS Round 2: Get Healthy Edition. I decided to sign up, since I’m a sucker for blog projects and Whip It Up just ended so good [...]