Monday, January 5, 2009

Exercise is EVIL Good For You

Today was the first official day of my new year. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th didn't count because I was on vacation and you can't be expected to change old habits and form new ones when you're stuck in a small hotel room with your husband and kids on vacation. You're supposed to eat, drink, and be merry on vacation. Or something like that.

Truth be told, I really did kinda start exercising on vacation because let me tell ya, you have to climb like 58 flights of stairs to go down one waterslide! By the time I'd gone down my second waterslide, I needed a full knee replacement. And you'd be surprised at the amount of strength it takes to hold onto an inner tube when waves are crashing into you. I'd show you the video of Jen and me riding the waves, but seeing me in a bathing suit is downright scary and I'm pretty sure I'd lose 98% of my readers if I did that. And holding a sleeping Brooklyn while we went around the lazy river 4000 times isn't as easy as it sounds. Especially when I also had to cross my legs because I had to pee so badly. I mean, I have given birth to 6 kids - bladder control is a thing of the past.

Since my TV is still broken ( I KNOW! Can you believe it? Never, ever, ever order replacement parts from http://www.projectorlampcenter.com/. I placed my order back on December 15. It didn't state that the part I needed was out of stock anywhere on the site. I never got an email stating it was out of stock. They went ahead and charged my debit card immediately. And yet, here it is, January 5 and I still don't have the part. Three weeks have gone by! And I even paid for 2nd day shipping to speed up the process, thinking that I'd receive it in time for the kids' Christmas break. HA! OK, so I searched their website and there's no contact information - no phone number, no email. The only contact information they offer is a live chat. I participated in this live chat over a week ago. The robot person on the other end, just gave me stupid automated responses and platitudes. And apparently the thing is backordered. Did they bother to inform me of this when I placed my order? No. Did they offer to let me cancel my order so I could search for the part elsewhere? No. They went ahead and charged me, saying, "Oh well, too bad. It'll ship soon." Ugh. Now, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm ever going to get the stupid part.

Sorry for the digression, but I wanted to pass this on to you. I wouldn't order from this place again. In fact, I've just learned a valuable lesson from this also. Make sure there's valid contact information and good feedback before ordering from anyplace online!)

OK, back to my enthralling story. Since my TV is still broken, I couldn't do any work-out DVDs. I can't afford to join a gym and really, with the kids, I wouldn't have the chance to go regularly anyway, so those rare times I decide to be stupid healthy, I usually do a step aerobic DVD or something like that. I couldn't do any DVDs today, so I dragged out an old tape, as in audiotape, that comes with a book full of lovely illustrations of how to do these exercises. The woman in this book is probably 50 years old and she looks 50 times better than I do. She has a huge smile plastered to her face while she bends and contorts in ways no human with a spine should move.

I have to admit that listening to this old tape and following along with the book is better than most of my DVDs, however. I have Tae Bo tapes. I used to be able to do them. I did! After I had my third baby, I busted my butt to get back into shape. I could give ole Billy a run for his money with my kickboxing skills. If I tried to do that now, I'd break my spleen.

I have a Kathy Ireland tape too. In this tape, she never breaks a sweat. She smiles, mocking me, throughout the whole stinkin' routine. Her make-up is perfect and she doesn't have a hair out of place. I hate her. She also says stuff like, "Doesn't that feel good?" Feel good? FEEL GOOD??? No, it does not feel good! My butt muscles are on fire; I think I'm having a heart attack; this most certainly does not feel good! Sitting down, having a beer and ordering a big fat Lou Malnati's pizza would feel good. Heck, shoving shards of glass into my eyeballs would feel better than doing this stupid workout tape!

After doing my tape today, I was reasonably certain I was having a heart attack. I even stumbled around the room, grabbing my chest, bellowing, "This is the big one!" in true Sanford style. I would've dialed 9-1-1, but I couldn't lift my arms to hold the phone. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow. I'm positive being healthy and thin isn't worth this. Thankfully, I can stop this nonsense with the rest of America when the calendar turns to February.

56 comments:

Suburban Correspondent said...

I was going to start my year today, but I moved it to tomorrow. Why rush?

Michelle said...

Aww, c'mon Dawn, buck the trend. Hold out until March before you give up ;)

Would it bother you too much if I told you that I had Lou's for dinner tonight? Two and a half pieces? YUM!

And my offer still stands wrt the tv....

Ken said...

Wow, they Suck
They have a Twitter that hasn't been tweeted since Sept, A Facebook about the same http://www.facebook.com/pages/Projector-Lamp-Center/60120910342 . No Immediate way to track your order status. I found an address.
4060 Peachtree Rd
Suite D#334
Atlanta, Ga. 30319

Pointing Google at the site gave me a phone number 1-800-296-8420.
Id give it a try, even if its not the department you want, you might be able to press them into doing something for you.
A quick search also reveals some, not so positive experiences, http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/projector-lamp-center-sageryder-inc-c133240.html
Based on this, it looks like they have a reason to have made themselves as inaccessible as possible.

seriously? said...

We are soooo on the same page with the exercising. I hate it more than stepping in a big ole pile of dog doo. Yet, I keep doing it...why?

Tracy S said...

I do well with exercising when it's warm out. I can get out of the house and take a walk. Once winter hits, it's all about maintaining my weight (not losing) because I HATE work out tapes with a passion. I want to do a roundhouse kick through the TV at their smiling, grinning, NOT SWEATING faces!

okay then, should I tell you how I really feel? LOL

I also get distracted by other things, here is my inner dialogue, "This is boring. . .I hate her chirpy, smiling face. . .no I canNOT do it!. . .I should do the laundry (that's how bad this tape is!). . .look something shiny. . ." etc etc. When I take a walk around the neighborhood, I put in a "book on CD" from the library and once I'm out of the house I need to finish the walk before I return.

Well, that was one long comment to say I agree with you!!

Ken said...

Oh man, This place is pretty much the worst of the worst.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/searchresults.asp?q5=projector+lamp+center&Search=Search&q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search!

Im sorry you got caught up with these obvious fraudsters Dawn, Maybe if you post the make and model of your TV, someone can help locate a lamp to help at a good price, you would be surprised what the internet can do! Heck, twitter it and ask for help!

jennyonthespot said...

"Feel good". That's stupid. Stupid Stupidersons. They have no idea...

What FEELS GOOD is a warm beach, the sound of surf, while lying in a hammock having a cabana boy hold your cold beverage with liquor and an umbrella in it. Not that I've ever had that, but I imagine THAT.... would feel good. Hmph.

Michelle Kemper Brownlow said...

Well, if it makes you feel any better...
two of my good friends and I decided that texting each other throughout the day would hold us accountable and help us make good choices when it comes to eating...

I got a txt this am and I txted back...SNARFING DOWN AN EGG SANDWICH WITH CHEESE AND MAYO! YOU?

Ugh!

Anonymous said...

Sageryder, Inc (Projector Lamp Center)
4060 Peachtree Rd Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319-3020
Contact Phone: (678) 990-4360

Tammy said...

Oh Dawn. I just did a google search on Projection Lamp Center and reviews, and you may not get your part ever - or a refund. http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/dealer_ratings.cfm?dealer_id=7829 You may have to contact your credit card and have them dispute the charges. Absolutely sick.

Tammy said...

Oops. I just re-read and saw where you used your debit card. You could contact your bank to see if they can help you. But, you migh consider ordering a new part elsewhere if you want your TV anytime soon. :0(

Anonymous said...

Dawn -
I realize that you are busy with your children and everything, but have you ever looked into Stroller Strides? You can look up their website to see if there are classes near you. I love that I can take my daughter to workout with me! Anyway, I had a great laugh reading about your workout cause that is the same way I feel!

Mummy McTavish said...

And I noticed the inner tubes are clear so you cant even hide a not-quite-togs-friendly body behind it's blackness. Although I doubt resorts are allowed to use REAL inner tubes... it'd probably violate some sort of code.

Anonymous said...

I loved your blog today. I need to lose about 90 pounds and can't seem to get past the Ben & Jerry's section of the frozen foods to save me. I confess I am a Coffee Heath Bar Crunch junkie with the veins and flab to prove it (they say admitting it to someone is half the battle so when I weigh myself I should have just dropped 45 pounds). I didn't make any resolutions this year, but I got bored and didn't really feel like going for a walk this weekend so I got out my 15 year old Susan Powter videos and watched them. I went to her website and she still looks great, so maybe, if I watch them every day after a while I'll actually be motivated to get up and do some of the routine, right? What?! It could happen!

Shan said...

Dawn,

I researched Projector Lamp Center and it doesn't look good. Here's a link to the BBB report: http://atlanta.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=39&bbb=0443&firm=17000780. Their rating is F and they filed bankruptcy 7/07. Hre are phone numbers: 1-800-296-8420, 678-990-4360 x 104 and 678-990-4365. The BBB provides an e/m address: cgross@sagewriter.com. They are not a part of BBB and have had numerous unresolved complaints. I would talk to your bank or credit card company about stopping payment or reversing the charge and look elsewhere. It doesn't look good. Sorry about your bad experience. Mean people suck. ((hugs))

Shan

Anonymous said...

Did you say 6 children? 6? Sheesh, I thought I had my work cut out for me getting back into shape after 2!
Well if you can do it then so can I. I really have no excuse!

Unknown said...

Dawn, it is ILLEGAL for a company to charge your card before shipping the item. Call your bank immediately and dispute the charge. And for the future, before dealing with an unknown company, you might look on BizRate.com or other net sources for reviews of the company. I've avoided several lemon companies that way. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Dawn, there is a website called Sparkpeople.com and it is amazing for becoming healthy--not only does it have diet/food info and monitoring your food intake for the day, but it also has little bootcamp work out segments that you watch on your computer. Just thought I would pass it along!

Magda said...

BWAAAHAHAHAHAHHAAAA!!! I LOVE this entry Dawn!!! I can **totally** relate!!!!! I could have written every word of it! (well, not really, not with your charm and wit of course :)). Hilarious!!!

Happy new year!!

Tina said...

My husband's doctor recommended the Real Age Makeover series...they have a website and it contains workout videos. My favorite cause it's low impact and I don't feel like I'm gonna die when I'm done are the walking ones. Two miles, 30 minutes right in your living room...easy peasy. Unfortunately I have to get in shape cause I told my husband I'd buddy with him to get his cholesterol in check. Why o why did I agree to that.

Anonymous said...

OMG, Dawn! It sounds like you've exercised with ME!!! "Elizabeth, here I come...!"

I swear, I'd like to slap Kathy Ireland and Carol Alt upside their pretty little heads! I used to do a Carol Alt exercise video religiously a few years back. I really don't think it was worth the pain and suffering. However, I do have to admit, I did feel better about myself knowing that I was exercising daily (or almost daily). It helped me eat better, too.

Try to hang in there (past February) because at least you can blog about the agony!! Thanks for making me laugh out loud, AGAIN!

Happy New Year!

Donna in PA :)

Anonymous said...

I was always told that vacation food doesn't have calories!!

Jill said...

The thing about exercise is you should really start slow. If you want to keep your resolution then first decide how you'll do it and start small. For example, what days and times can you do it. Make a plan that makes sense for your schedule (which may be hard for you, I'd imagine), and then have a way to trigger you to remember to do it. Once you have that, I'd start with just 10-15 minutes of exercise. Once that's not too hard to do, then do 20, then 30, and so on. I'm not sure from the posts you've done on exercise, but it always sounds like you're trying to do a lot (though I don't know think you've actually said how long you exercise for). If you start full kilter then you'll get sore and be in so much pain that you'll never want to exercise again. Maybe even just by doing some speed walking around the house. Just set the timer and go! (I'd suggest around the block, but, well, it's freezing outside. Plus you probably have to stay inside to be with Brooklyn).

Donna said...

I have been told that using a debit card online is not as secure as using a credit card. This was told to me by bank personnel. When you give your credit card # you are authorizing a 1 time use. When you give your debit card #, there is no limit. It is much harder to get purchases that you did not make reversed on a debit card. You are only responsible for $50 on a credit card. Now, I am in NC, so the laws and policies may differ from state to state. Call your bank and verify the information. I just do not want my friend, Dawn, to get taken by an ID thief!

PS: I agree that exercise is evil! LOL

KarenKal said...

Hey Dawn,
Contact your credit card company. They should have a phone number for the company who you ordered your bulb from.

AuntyM said...

It says on the site that you are charged when you place your order. There are a lot of complaints about this company. You need to dispute the charge with your cc company, Today!

http://www.ripoffreport.com/searchresults.asp?q5=projector%20lamp%20center&q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search!&Search=Search

Anonymous said...

Hi- I hope that replacement part wasn't too expensive! Make sure to make a report on them anywhere you can find a place to make a report.

If you're looking for some work out video in the mean time, try Hulu.com. I've found a few nice Yoga ones on there that I liked (because they're only 10 minutes long and it promises if I do only 10 minutes a day I'll look great and feel great and and and...)

Anonymous said...

Dawn,

Have you ever seen the Leslie Sansone walking videos? I love them (ahem...when I actually used them, about 3 years ago...) Anyway, if, WHEN, you get your tv fixed, you might want to see if your library owns them.

Jill W.

Anonymous said...

I think I used to have that same Kathy Ireland tape--is it the one where she shows how she lost all her baby weight in like six weeks?!? I gave it away because I couldn't stand her anymore!

Stick with the exercising, though, it does pay off and get easier--fun? Well, not so much. Feeling good? Only when it's over.

I recommend the Wii Fit (which you may be able to find now that the holidays are over and once the tv is fixed). It's entertaining without being overly perky. But it is a little depressing when it tells you your Wii Fit age and your BMI/weight (at least for me)!

Anonymous said...

Not only should you have the charges disputed, it would probably be best if you had them close that card and send you a new one. Can't be too careful.

Anonymous said...

Oh my. I think you have seen me exercise before! I have used Denise Austin tapes and the whole time I am exercising I think to myself, "Oh yeah? You may be skinny but you have no boobs!!"

This blog totally makes up for the fact you think calling soda, soda, funny. You probably go to the 'brary instead of the library too I bet:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn! I'm trying to get myself back in shape after pulling a chest muscle that had me out of my routine for a long time. It hurt to even cough or sneeze. I decided last week to start playing my daughter's Wii. Today every time I get out of my chair, I stumble. My legs and rear end are killing me! Good luck on your journey! Jenny F.

mom2lo said...

Okay, I'm not going to comment on the exercise portion of this post simply because you are preaching to the choir!

However, I DID want to mention a little thing called the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org). You can search online to find out if a business is reputable or not. Your Projector Lamp Center? They earned a big fat "F" rating from the BBB (see http://tinyurl.com/8h8d2x). Don't feel bad, though. I had the same thing happen to me once with an online purchase, only to research AFTER the fact that they had an F from the BBB. Now I check there before I make any online purchases from unknown retailers.

Live and Learn! ;0}

Wendi said...

Sorry to hear about your online ordering woes. But, the part about the exercising was HILARIOUS. Thanks for the laugh. I needed it. :)

Anonymous said...

Dont you just love those TV ads for exercise equipment! They show girls who are probably still under 25, without an inch of fat on them in teeny weeny workout suits and THIS is suppose to encourage us???

And as for the diet - its below freezing in the UK right now and chips are far more enticing than a salad. Well, I actually like the salad but with chips and mayo too.

Sunny Yukon said...

Dawn - What about your computer or laptop? Can you play your dvd's on them?

When I'm sick I hole up in my room with my laptop and a bunch of movies. Way easier to move then the tv.

Love your blog!

edit to ad: if this double-posts then don't yell at me! Silly customers wanted my attention... oh the distractions at work. ;)

Cheryl Pitt said...

I'd file a complaint with the better business bureau! Boys and girls can we say "scam"? Seriously, that's so unprofessional.

As for exercise, I've heard the key is to start small so you feel like you've accomplished something. Make January "head roll month" then February you can move on to "shoulder shrugging month"...

Andi said...

Lots of good advice already regarding the lamp and getting your money back. Shards of glass, huh? OMG! I needed that laugh this morning!

I eat less, and excercise the easy way. I walk. I hate strength training and with Brooklyn around, you should not really need it. Eat less, walk, and get your heart beating chasing Clay around the house.. You should be skinny Minnhy by summer. P.S. You look great, Dawn. Don't know why you are so worried. xoxo

Anonymous said...

Dawn, I might suggest easing into the workouts so you don't try and go whole hog the first day and hate exercising even more. Just sayin.

Patois42 said...

I cannot believe how many people stopped what they were doing and researched, researched, researched. You must be so loved. Well, except by that company.

AlaneM said...

Hahah, I love Sanford. "I'm coming Gloria... (I think it's Goria but might be wrong there)

I need to get my butt in gear too!

Unknown said...

Looks like we're all starting out together. Keep it up and keep US motivated too!
Sue - started 2 days ago
www.slotsaroundtheclock.com

Anonymous said...

Dawn, I started before New Years doing Walk Away the Pounds, and I really like it so far, I don't feel like I've been run over by a truck. I just need to get moving, I don't need toning and all that, I just need to get some flesh off and some energy up, so I recommend this because you don't need anything...just start walking in place during your favorite TV show. I just got the book from my library so I have my hubby tape my favorite TV shows that I never get to see and I walk and watch. I love it!
Becky

MagnoliaPrincess said...

I just looked up that lamp company...as others have said its not looking good. I have a suggestion! YOU ARE A BLOGGER WITH LOVING READERS...we start a campaign on your behalf, you tell us, do you want us to live chat them for you or do you want us to overwhelm them with mail to their address demanding your part or your money! You are also friendly with many other bloggers who can enlist their readers to do the same. What do you say? You want us to go to war for you?

Kitti said...

Hey Dawn, I totally agree with you about the exercise crap!
And also I was reading on the that rip off website, one girl says she got her money back through her bank after letting them know that the item was never rec'd she got all her money back. Worth a try!
Good luck =)
~K

Kitti said...

Here is the link to the post where the girl got her money back, forgot to include it last time!
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/389/RipOff0389936.htm

Keeley said...

ROFL! You go, girl! Keep on that hideous exercise stuff and before you know it you'll be running rings around your children. Won't that be nice? =)

I'm So sorry about the hideous scam company.

Erin said...

I went jogging this morning at 5:30 - my legs hurt soooo bad. I feel your pain!

Krista said...

Dawn, if you want a workout tape that does not mock you (I hate those!) check out the line of biggest loser dvd's. I do them on a regular basis and love them. the 2nd dvd they make (biggest loser workouts 2 I believe it is so titled, lol) has a wonderful feature that even lets you do as much of the workouts as you can (10-60 minutes) you just choose the parts you want/have time for. Hope that helps! :)

Anonymous said...

You want some exercise while the tv is out? Get a puppy. My kids got one for an early present. I want a puppy...is all I heard. Son, can you take the dog out? I don't want to. Between, bending, cleaning up pee and running outside, I am getting lots of exercise. Did I mention taking him on walks??? It is drag or be dragged.....

Also, I had a Cher step aerobics tape. You should see her hair....who can take that seriously???

Happy New Year!

Sherry

Juggler said...

I am CRYING with laughter - much need! Thank you!

Kristine said...

I was going to comment on your order, but it looks like lots of people have already done that. I hope you're able to get your money back!

Exercise? Doesn't carrying your toddler around count? LOL

Cara J. said...

Seriously, just dispute the charges on your credit card with your bank and purchase the part somewhere else. You shouldn't be cheated or treated like that.

Anonymous said...

FYI My DH researched the mailing address for the projector company, and "Suite D" is a mailbox drop. DH said that these "companies" set up a mailbox for 6 months and move on. Call your bank!! The company has to PROVE to the bank that they shipped, and if they can't, then the bank will get your money back. Please keep us posted what happens. AuntyM

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry about your TV :(. I would get SO much more done with out a TV in many ways, yet at the same time the 40 minutes of TV time for the little ones is like heaven for mama!

I used to try to get gung how with exercise every year, never made it to the end of the month! That being said after the my first pregnancy I kept my first resolution & lost 29lbs... a set of twins & divorce later I had another go at it & last year lost 29lbs & am only 11lbs from my goal!

Don't jump into it, you will feel like crap & wanna quite. It little at a time is a way to go! Though being a lot smaller & looking better has been a nice plus I gotta say even though I still have a bit to get to my goal & a few more sizes to go even if I can't do it I feel SO much better where I am at.

My exercise involves chasing 19 month old twinados!

Anonymous said...

Projector Lamp Center (Sageryder Inc) filed Chapter 7 BANKRUPTCY! on February 25th!!! You'll never see your money unless you file a claim with the courts. However, I did find out that they're under 'new ownership' and the people operating the sites are Stampede Global whose COO is Kevin Kelly! I think a bunch of us should band together to get back our money! Please post about this in your blog so that it comes up in google search and others will read it and be warned before ordering from these people... oh and yes they're still taking new orders and people's money! How is that possible! They're BBB rating is still an 'F'... please help us all out by using your blog to blast these people!

Who's Visiting My Blog Right Now?

 
Home About Dawn Blog Books News & Events Press Kit Contact

Dawn Meehan 2008-. All Rights Reserved.
Site Design by Jones House Creative