Week 44, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Ecclesiastes 5:16-18 16 This too is a grievous evil:   As everyone comes, so they depart,
and what do they gain,
since they toil for the wind?
All their days they eat in darkness,
with great frustration, affliction and anger.This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.

I am taking a week off from blogging. I have some spiritual self examining to do. I hope that when I come back, you will be still willing to read my blog.


Make good eating choices, exercise, and live for God...not man. Man will let you down, but 
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you norforsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Week 44, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

I Corinthians 15:33-34 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Today I worked in the yard. Pushing a lawn mower and leaf blowing are a great workout. First, pushing the mower get's my heart pumping and is an excellent aerobic exercise. Then carrying the leaf blower works out my arm muscles to the max. Finally, standing and pulling weeds is great for my core muscles and hamstring in my legs! (Friday morning...my legs and arms are ridiculously sore!)  So, if you need some good exercise and want to have a beautiful yard...get out and do yard maintenance.

I was reading an article this morning and here is something about core abdominal muscles. I really need to work on my abs or "doms" as the article says. Here is the link:  "5 Moves That Are Missing From Your Workouts"


So, guess what I'm going to be doing????


Happy Friday and Healthy Eating and Exercising!!!!

Week 44, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." Hebrews 10:39 (NIV, 1984)

I have been so busy today. My husband installed a new dishwasher and I was the pleasant, perky, handy-helper and cheerleader. Now in a perfect world the old one appliance comes out and the beautiful, updated, new one slides right in, right? Nope!

10 a.m. - Wade pulled out the old dishwasher and found the first surprise; the dishwasher was hard wired and the connection had been taped with electrical tape. NOT SAFE! So he had to make a trip to the home improvement store for a female electrical socket. That way the installation would go smoothly when the new dishwasher was delivered at 12:30 pm.  




11:30 a.m.- Wade successfully rewired and installed the new outlet and then we waited four hours before the dishwasher was finally delivered. Apparently the professionals had some issues with installations too. 


3:45 p.m. - The new dishwasher was in the kitchen and Wade and I quickly unpacked and unwrapped the beautiful new pristine stainless steel dishwasher. Wade efficiently and professionally hooked up all the plumbing lines and electrical. We slid it back into the cabinet...What?! It didn't fit! Noooooo!

The so called "same size as the old one" was in fact NOT THE SAME SIZE. The new dishwasher was two inches deeper and irritatingly bumped against the old plumbing lines at the back of the wall. The new dishwasher stuck out two inches out from under the cabinet! This is not supposed to be this way! UGH!

4:30 p.m. - Wade sighed and pulled the dishwasher back out, disconnected all the hoses and electrical, figured out that he had to reroute the plumbing. He cut out the old plumbing.


5:00 p.m.- Wade and I made another trip to the home improvement store for new plumbing. We returned with all the necessary supplies, and again Wade professionally and efficiently installed the new plumbing under the sink, reconnected all the hoses and electrical. We said a little prayer and slowly pushed the dishwasher into the cabinet. It fit! Praise God! IT was now 6:30 p.m.


A supposedly simple installation of the entire dishwasher took 8.5 hours!
Please tell me; Is any home improvement really simple and easy? I haven't ever had it happen to me! 

So, all of this to say...I'm too tired to post a cheerful uplifting diet blog. I copied and pasted one below. Even though it isn't about dieting, it can be.Let me just say that you shouldn't no matter what you are striving to do, don't give up. Keep going! If you are struggling with your diet, don't let the devil cheat you out of a healthier lifestyle.You can do it!


Now...the encouragement for today.

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It's Not Supposed to be This Way

Renee Swope

"I can't do this."
"Things will never change."
"My life isn't going to get better."
"I'll never have the confidence I need."

Those are some depressing thoughts, aren't they? But oh how quickly they slip into our minds and convince our hearts that they are true.
There have been times when I felt almost paralyzed by thoughts like these that were laced with uncertainty.
Times when I let self-doubt convince me that feelings of inadequacy and discouragement were normal.
Times when I've shrunk back from changes and challenges, as well as opportunities and open doors.
Other times I've pulled back in my relationships - with family and friends, and even God. Shrinking back into a place of unbelief ... settling for less than God's best.
All because I was tired of muddling through apprehension and indecision.
Are there days when doubt convinces you that feeling inadequate and discouraged is normal? Or that having confident assurance isn't possible for someone like you?
I think we sometimes forget we have an enemy who uses self-doubt against us - who shouts from the sidelines:

"It's too hard."
"You might as well quit."
"Go ahead and give up."
"You don't have what it takes."

It's time for us to take a stand and stop listening to these lies. God wants us to know and believe that with Christ all things are possible - even a confident heart.

Otherwise doubt, and the enemy, will win every time and our hearts will be eroded by attitudes and emotions of defeat.

But it's not supposed to be this way.

All throughout scripture, God tells us things can change; life can be better. He declares with confidence: "See, I am doing a new thing!" "I am working all things together for good for those who love me and are called according to my purpose." "All things are possible to [her] who believes." (Isa. 43:19; Rom. 8:28; Mark 9:23)

So how do we stop listening to our doubts and start living in the power of God's promises?
By choosing to believe God's truths more than our feelings and fears. By moving beyond believing in God to really believing God as we rely on the power of His Words and live like they are true - no matter what our feelings tell us.
It is a moment-by-moment, day-by-day, doubt-by-doubt decision where we process our thoughts and emotions with God, positioning our hearts and minds to let His perspective redefine ours with each uncertainty we face.

Some days I do better than others, and you will too. But I have found that it's possible to have lasting Christ-confidence by choosing to remember to believe.
Let's choose to remember today, and every day, the words of Hebrews 10:39, that we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed - but of those who believe and are saved!

Lord, give me a confident heart in Christ. I want You to lead me beyond believing in You to truly believing You. Help me rely on the power of Your promises and live like they are true. When self-doubt tells me I can't overcome my insecurities, I will believe Your promise that all things are possible to whoever believes. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Today's devotion is based on truths Renee also shares in her powerful book: A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises.

Are you ready to live in the power of God's promises? To take hold of the security of His love? Join Renee's online study of her best-selling book, A Confident Heart, beginning April 23rd. Here's what others are saying about her study:

Through this online study of A Confident Heart I have learned to seek and find the strength God desires me to have. I can also be confident that when I do fall short God still loves me anyway. What a blessing and a gift! ~ Cindy

This book and online study has made such a difference in my life. I now see myself as God sees me, and that gives me confidence to be more of the person He has always desired me to be. I am beautiful in His eyes, and now believe He is really the one who matters! ~Sherri

Click here for more details about Renee's online study or sign up here today!

Week 44, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”Romans 10:9-10 NIV

Our dishwasher officially quit working yesterday. I did some shopping and internet research yesterday and today. I finally decided on a brand and style. I printed out the information and found the best price in town by using the internet. I took my printout with me to the store and it is a good thing I did. The price displayed on the 'mega-store's' web site was $100 less than the advertised price in the store! It was a good thing I took the printout with me because the mega-store matched the price...even though they are one and the same company. Strange!!!!! I saved a hundred bucks by shopping online and printing out my comparisons. 


God is so good. I listened to the Holy Spirit tell me to print out the web page with the unit model and price...I stuffed it in my purse as I ran out the door. I felt kind of silly toting in my paper when the salesman approached. I told him exactly what I wanted and he looked at me funny. He showed me the unit and then that's when I noticed the price difference. I questioned him about it and he asked me if I had proof of the price difference. YEP! I handed it to him and he asked, "But is this current? When did you print this out? It's probably out of date." he said sort of smugly. NOPE! I pointed to the date on the top of the printout!


HOORAY! I got the lower price!  Even though I had to buy a new dishwasher, I got the bargain price! Thank you GOD!!!!


*****************
Yesterday when I was out shopping, we had stopped for lunch and getting back in the car I noticed that both drink cup holders were full of other things. I quickly stuck my drink between my thighs. WHAT!? WAIT!!!! Hello! The realization finally made it to my brain. HEY! DIANNA! Your legs have thinned down enough that you can hold a drink cup between your thighs! Imagine that! Wow! 


Yes, a thin person is probably shaking their head. Only a person that has lugged extra weight around for a long time could understand this excitement. Only a person who once had thunder thighs the size of small sequoia redwood trees could fathom the significance and thrill of once again being able to use her legs as a cup holder. I grinned and hummed happily to myself for a couple of hours...even though the drink was very cold and the condensation was soaking into my jeans. I left the cup there for the entire trip home.


Go me!

Week 44, Saturday & Sunday, Diet with Dianna

Psalm 145:9-13 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. 

10 All your works praise you, LORD; 

your faithful people extol you. 

11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom 

and speak of your might, 

12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts 

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 

and your dominion endures through all generations.

 Wow! I had a very busy weekend. Some activities were planned and others were a surprise. I definitely did not get a lot of rest. I will have to rest this week. I won't be getting to be early, tonight. *Ugh*

Friday I ended my week with a delicious dinner with all but two of my immediate family.

Saturday was abruptly woke up when the thunder shook the windows...yuck to be awakened in a startling way...thank you Lord for your protection from the storms. Your alarm clock is a bit loud, though. Saturday was worship service and that I always a most delightful highlight of every weekend! The Word given was most excellent and uplifting. Dinner with all the family was the topper to my day.
My surprise for the day was to an impromptu home improvement activity. My folks were doing some much needed interior painting. They'd decided to do this and before we left for church I moved all the furniture to the center of the room and covered everything with blankets and vacuumed. THEN, I freshened up and dashed out the door for church.

Anyway, my folks had been painting for several hours when we arrived back from church and dinner, and they needed some assistance. My daughter and I put on our work clothes and did some touch-up paining.

Sunday, I got up and made cinnamon and orange rolls for the "guys". Britt and I had egg and toast with our coffees. Then it was off for some shopping for a baby shower gift and pick up a few grocery items. Upon our return, we took off on a walk with the dogs. OH, BEAUTIFUL day after the rain. Cool and sunny. AWESOME. Then Britt and I again dressed for some painting and finished painting the hallway walls and ceiling.
Tomorrow we tackle the trim and doors.

Great weekend and ready for the week. God is good and has so richly blessed me!

Week 44, Friday, Diet with Dianna

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Well, I mentioned "flabby arms blowing in the breeze" in yesterday's blog. Would you believe that there was an article about losing "Arm flab" in my email box today? The exercise is called the reclining arm press. Yeah! I can recline and exercise at the same time! No? Not that kind of reclining? Nuts! I will still have to move and exercise...duh! 


I digress...anyway, the article mentions a few more exercises for other problem areas. Check out the full article and try the moves. In the meantime I plan on exercising my Jell-O giggler arms. However, the other jumping type exercises...no way, nuh-uh! I'll just stick to walking, kettlebells, and yoga. Thanks anyway.


Have a blessed, happy, and healthy weekend! God be with you!

Week 44, Thursday Diet with Dianna

Genesis 1:27, So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

A Godly and Positive Self Image

My arms are fat. I have thunder thighs. My butt is as big as an elephant. I'd be happy if my face were thinner. I wish I didn't have a double chin. My arms flap in the breeze. I have a muffing top waist. Do any of these statements sound familiar? Are you constantly putting yourself down? As your body changes to a thinner, healthier shape, sometimes our memories of our previously fluffier self seems to stick in our memory. Lots of people have trouble forgetting their thicker appearance, and this can affect their self-esteem.

How can you stifle the mean thoughts that continue to convince you that you are fat? Let's face it, most women, (and even men but they rarely admit it), have a critical eye when they look at themselves in the mirror. Women especially who have struggled with weight sometimes have a harder time shedding the "fat girl" image. What can you do to quiet the unhealthy thoughts that creep into your mind?

Well first let me say that worrying over your physical appearance can ad stress to your physical body. Just the day to day challenges are hard enough without adding your own mental beatings about your physical appearance. To boot, medical researchers have found that women who fret over their weight release the hormone, cortisol, which can raise your blood pressure, lower bone density, add unhealthy belly fat and even cause menstrual problems. Over a longer period of time it may cause even more physical damage.

The answer is to take those thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and replace them with the Love of God. We are made in the image of God. When you criticize yourself, you are criticizing the Lord's perfect creation. He loves you, not for your physical appearance, but for the condition of your heart. The whole reason you are dieting should be to gain better health. Losing weight is a by-product of making better choices. Focusing on so called physical flaws is Satan's attempt to get you to lose your focus on God's unconditional love. If you are worried, or sad, or angry about your physical appearance, then you are probably going to have a horrible attitude and even possibly lash out at a co-worker, child, husband, or even a stranger. 

No amount of worrying is going to change your immediate appearance. Instead you should turn your heart and mind towards the Lord and give him praise for your health, family, jobs, house, food, friends and more! Use that negative energy and turn it into good. Give someone a hug, call a friend and encourage them, go for a walk, write an encouraging email to a co-worker...It may seem a bit “Kumbaya,” but this mental adjustment and focusing on others will improve your self-image! When you give love to others your inner self is rewarded with a fulfilling joy and happiness and that has a positive effect on your physical appearance.

Remember, you are a "Godly creation". You are worthy. You are beautiful. Let Jesus shine from within and your physical appearance will change too! Others will see your inner beauty which will totally overpower any physical flaws that you think you might have. Really! It's a biblical principle.

Week 44, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

“When we were utterly helpless [sinners], Christ came at just the right time and died for us. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:6-8 NLT

What is in your refrigerator? 

Have you really changed your unhealthy eating habits? Well, you think you have but with further investigating you might still be harboring foods that could sabotage your weight loss. Believe it when I say that a higher fat content is better for you than lower fat...the added sugar is much worse for you than the fat. Limit your serving sizes and enjoy the extra fat. REALLY! Take a tour through your fridge and remove the diet dangerous foods.

Here is my list of Better Food Choices to stock in your fridge.

FRIDGE:

Mustard

REAL mayonnaise 

Dill pickles 

Soy or Almond Milk

Cream or half & half

Butter (avoid margarines and diet butters they are full of fake ingredients and sugars).

Fresh baby spinach

Cheese (swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, gorganzola)

Eggs or Egg whites (Free Range, cage free, organic feed) Pricer but nutritiously better!

Sugar free syrup

Low sugar or sugar free jam/jelly

Italian salad dressing (low fat usually has added sugar)

Fresh strawberries, blueberries

garlic

basil

onion (scallions, whole yellow & white)

Bay leaves

Worcestershire sauce

grape tomatoes

sweet potatoes

carrots

broccoli sprouts

sunflower seeds & almonds

Fiber One 50 calorie yogurt (5 grams sugar)

Soybee Zero or Lifewater Zero (sweetened with Stevia)

FREEZER:

Whole wheat waffles (freezer) (whole wheat is better than regular and lower in sugars)

Chicken (boneless, skinless, breast...freezer)

Fish (freezer...look for wild or Alaskan -- Farm raised are not as nutritious)

Mixed veggies

Broccoli

Peas

Brussel Sprouts

Green beans

Turkey Sausage (regular sausage is higher in fat but is still okay).

lean ground beef

Lean steak

Pecans/nuts

85% chocolate bar from Lindt

Foods to AVOID:

Anything labeled low fat or fat free are usually full of added sugars

yogurts (very high in sugars) Plain is better and much lower in sugar, but who like plain?

grapes are very high in sugars

beer

juices

Milk: 2%, 1%, fat free, Whole (too high in sugar)

margarines and diet margarines

salad dressings are full of added sugars (oil and vinegar dressings are ideal)

Apple sauce (VERY HIGH IN SUGAR and fructose)

jellies & jams

Ketchup

Salsa (make your own...it better for you and so easy).

syrup

sweet pickles

low fat or fat free mayonnaise

Sodas/Pop (Too much sugar)

Energy drinks (TOO much sugar)

Diet Soda/Diet Pop (artificial sugar is equally bad, but it is free of sugar and calories).

Limit your fruit (higher sugar content)

Processed meats

Processed breads

Ice cream

cakes & cookies

Frozen pizzas

Week 44, Monday!, Diet with Dianna

Ecclesiastes 11:7 Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.

Well, it's a new day, new week, and I have new opportunities to eat well, exercise, and be healthy. I am shopping for the new bicycle! I am so excited and ready to ride. 


Today, my inspiration comes from www.Caloriecount.com newsletter.  

**********************************

See the full article.  
Losing 144 Pounds without Surgery 
 [Highlights of the article]:
Q:How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
A: Wow, where do I start? I'll do this in point form:
- I no longer suffer diabetes, liver, blood pressure, heart disease risks!!!!
- For the first time ever, my doctor has said I'm in "perfect health"
- I can actually feel/see my bones for the first time ever.
- I get cold easier. LOL
- I can buy any clothes that I want, NOT based on size restrictions.
- I can fit comfortably into any seats.
- I can make educated nutritional choices.
- I'm never out of breath easily.
- I feel like I have unlimited cardio ability.
- I don't sweat as easily.
- The list goes on...!

Q: What five tips do you have for other dieters?

A: -Don't consider your journey difficult. Just think of it this way; life is about choices, they don't have to be hard or easy, just different.

-Be persistent and don't give up. Persistence and finding a pattern that works for you, is key.

-Have a cheat meal once in a while.

-Count your calories!!!

-Always step it up. Don't be satisfied; always try to improve yourself whether that means stepping up your diet, or increasing exercise to get even FITTER!

Week 43, Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, Diet with Dianna

Luke 24 36-42 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

Thank you Jesus for your supreme sacrifice! Praise God! Eternal Life is for all who believe!
Now be baptized in Spirit and flesh. Follow Him [Jesus]. Love one another! Let us be bold and share the Good News with all who will hear! 

Week 44, Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Where have I been? Where did the days go? I have been so busy I forgot to blog! Ahh! 
I like blogging and I don't know where my head has been? I think it is so very important for me to blog...not for the sake of having someone read this blog, but for myself. Writing about my day and the foods I eat, and my feelings is such a HUGE help! It sort of helps me be accountable, knowing that someone might read what I ate for the day.


I don't want to have to confess that I ate like a pig and blew my diet...healthy eating plan...
I haven't been exercising like a should. Shameful, I know. I have put other things in place of my exercise. Sleeping, watching my favorite programs...which I could easily exercise while watching those...lazy! IT's time to get my butt back in gear! 


I really dislike the humid weather and the fact that it is rapidly getting hotter outside. I so enjoy the cooler weather...NOT COLD weather, just cooler temperatures. The extreme temps are just not exciting and, if I'm not careful, I use that as an excuse to skip the walking! 


NO! Hot or cold...I have to walk. Tired or not, I have to exercise! No one can do it for me. I am a failure or a success of my own volition. I cannot complain if my diet stalls because I have been lazy or eating the wrong foods!


SO, I am getting back on track. By the way, I have lost two more pounds, so I haven't really been doing so bad. BUT, I will not let the old bad habits creep back in. NO!


Memo to me:

1. Make good, healthy food choices
2. Eat small portions
3. Exercise - Aerobically
4. Exercise - Muscle strengthening
5. Don't allow poor choices to get back into my NEW lifestyle!
6. Give God all the glory!
7. Be grateful
8. Love my family
9. Love my friends
10. Love my neighbors
11. Love strangers
12. Love my enemies! 

Week 43, Friday through Sunday, Diet with Dianna

Easter is almost here! Christians recognize Jesus’ resurrection every day, but once a year the church sets aside Easter for a special celebration of everything that Jesus’ death and resurrection means for us.Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week—the period of time beginning with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ending with his death and resurrection. [www.BibleGateway.com]

********

Friday, I was out all day running errands and then hurriedly dressed for girls night out at Bass Performance Hall to see the Broadway Musical, "Mary Poppins". We arrived two hours early, parked, then walked 7 city blocks to P.F. Chang's for dinner! My daughter and I had the four course dinner for two. My youngest sister and mother went also. After dinner, we walked at a brisk pace, in dress shoes, back to the parking garage to store the leftovers then over to the Theater where we climbed a lot of stairs to get to our seats. Even though we were on the main floor, we still had to climb stairs. Then the lady's bathroom was down two fights of stairs! Ugh! I'm thankful for the exercise, but I should have had on my walking shoes! [I ate very well at dinner...no rice, only protein and veggies; I gave my dessert away!]

Let me just say that I was transformed, in my mind's eye, back to a little girl of three years old. I felt giddy and so thrilled as I was entranced with the entire show. I simply had a grand time! The musical's story followed the book rather than the popular Disney classic movie. However, the music was just the same with a few original scores specifically written just for the original Broadway musical.

What a fabulous show! I was just amazed with the scenery and the rapid scene changes that magically and seamlessly transformed before my eyes. The actors were superb and the singing was top notch and the music was over the top! Truly a grand show! I teared up as the main actor that played Mary Poppins flew off the stage at the end...and I was again transformed back to reality and adulthood once again!
 

Evanne, Carrie, Mary Poppins, Me, Britt 

As an extra added treat, I was just so blessed to have my picture taken with my daughter, Sister, Mother and Mary Poppins. Happy times!
P.S. Please notice in the photo, even without knowing, we lined up in order of our height.

Saturday:Just a day of lazing around until time for worship service! WOW! Pastor Robert Morris gave us such an awesome word from the Lord! The praise time was such an spiritually uplifting time. I hated for it to stop. We also took communion, which I was blessed enough to be able to help serve. So Cool!

EXERCISE: Resistance bands...my back was sore on Sunday!
MENU: No breakfast...I got up too late
Lunch: Hamburger and fries from Five Guys Burger and Fries
Dinner: None, but I had a Soy Vanilla Frappe - sugar free
Snack: Nuts and raisins

Sunday: Another day of hanging at home, but not such a lazy day. Went for a long walk, ate breakfast, started the laundry, watched my sweet, sacrificing husband mow the yard--thanks sweetheart-- baked two cakes [going to be making wedding cake balls this week], a batch of cookies for my family, and dinner. WHEW!

EXERCISE: 2.5 mi walk! Felt so good!
MENU: eggs and sausage sandwich & Coffee {my family ate donuts and I ate donut ball}
NO LUNCH but I ate a snack of 50 calorie yogurt with nuts and raisins.
Dinner: Whole wheat tortilla pizza with basil pesto, baby spinach, and low fat skim mozzarella cheese.
Snack: Snack size Redenbacher Kettle Corn


Great eating and good exercising!