Great deprivation breeds great entitlement...and a summer challenge

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I heard this quote on the Jillian Michaels podcast yesterday (sorry, I don't recall who said it - it was either Jillian herself or Bob Harper who was making a guest appearance).  It really rung true with me.  I think all too often we look at dieting as deprivation.  No sweets, no fats, no carbs, etc.  Then we get cocky and start to think we DESERVE these things.  The same could be said for getting fed up with the whole diet mentality and, again, thinking we deserve these things.  We can justify any entitlement, can't we?  It amazes me more and more each day the sense of entitlement that we, as humans, have.  I think this is a world-wide problem that is growing in epic proportions.  Not just around food - we are entitled to things at work (pay, vacation, recognition, etc.), we are entitled to eat certain foods, we are entitled to the "right of way" on the road.  Ultimately the only person suffering from our sense of entitlement is us.  Am I making sense?

I think if we try to live a more balanced life this could help - allow treats on a somewhat regular (portioned) basis, be thankful we have a job that does offer us time off, instead of assuming we have the right away on the road, why not let someone else in (even if they don't signal!!)? 

OK, that's my rant on that subject.

Some of you may have noticed (if you're reading this on my blog vs google reader or similar) that I have joined a challenge.  Slimmer This Summer begins on Monday and runs until August 28th.  I'm super excited!  I decided this week that I need to really kick things up.  I'm in touch with Kelli, my trainer and am working on having more regular PT sessions with her.  I want her to kick my butt (hope you're reading this Kelli...I'm ready for you!!) 

Here are my goals:

1. Lose 20 pounds (ideally I would like to lose the 30.7 pounds to get to goal, but I want to be realistic)
2. Work out 5 days per week (my WW week starts on Saturday)
3. By the end of the challenge, I want to be able to run one full mile, not stopping to walk!
4. Drink 80-100 ounces per day (I'll need my floaties I think)
5. Challenge myself food-wise each week (sugar-free treat week, no artificial foods/sweeteners week, maybe even a vegetarian week!
6. I want to get that exercise high that I hear everyone talk about...does it really exist?  I want to CRAVE exercise.

Wish me luck!

Tanya