It's Not a Diet, It's a Weigh of Life...

Sorry...

2011-12-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

I suck at blogging right now, but Ido have good news. I got a new job!! Yes!! I'm so very excited. It is with a company that I've been interested in working at for a long time and a plus, is that it is with a great group of people. :-) It is a good move for me and I feel more secure about my future. I start the week after next, so I'm on cloud nine; therefore, I suck at blogging.

It's Monday & Goal Setting!

2011-11-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

I am feeling much, much better about getting myself back in gear. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon in June (the Rock-n-Roll Seattle) and my exercise has gotten so much better! :-) My husband thinks that it was a good idea to sign up for another race. It gives me a goal to look forward to and I like setting goals!

The winner is...

2011-11-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

After having my hubby pick the number 1 or 2, the winner of the Yoplait gift pack is Mizz White!! Whoo hoo!! Please e-mail at weightoflife@gmail.com with your contact info and I will get that out to you! Congratulations!

Back into the groove…

2011-11-06T20:41:00.001-08:00

I worked out today and yesterday. Yesterday, I worked out at home following the Bottoms Up Workout by SeeJaneSweat (she is 43!!). It was the bomb, but I’m paying for it today. My butt and thighs are in pain, but it is a good pain.

Today, I went to the gym and did cardio (elliptical and bike). I don’t think I could have taken much more. My thighs and behind need to recover.

Okay, off to get the family ready for the week!! Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for the Yoplait Swap gift package!

Yoplait Light Swap!

2011-11-05T10:57:00.001-07:00

Okay you guys, although I have been MIA, I have a give away for those that are still visiting my blog. It is for Yoplait Light (which I buy and love). I’m a big yogurt fan and enjoy eating it for breakfast and a snack. Since Yoplait Light is low in calories, it is a good alternative when trying to lose unwanted pounds.

What you should know about Yoplait Light and ways to burn calories:

Yoplait Light yogurt offers 33 different options to choose from in fruit, pastry and dessert flavors that contain around 100 calories or less, providing endless swapping options.

Visit www.Facebook.com/Yoplait to share your favorite food, exercise and fashion swaps, find recipes and quizzes. Alison Sweeney, host of "The Biggest Loser" and author of The Mommy Diet, offers this Top Swap Tip on how she maintains her weight with a hectic schedule.

"I'm all about easy solutions, and making simple swaps in my diet helps me lead a healthy lifestyle while juggling everything else. I swap a slice of my favorite red velvet cake after dinner for a cup of Red Velvet Cake Yoplait Light which can save me almost 300 calories, without even thinking about it."

Swap your way to fabulous with the following tips from fashion guru, host of the Style Network's "How Do I Look?" and correspondent for NBC's upcoming series "Fashion Star," Jeannie Mai.

Swap the bus for a 15 minute walk on the way home, and you can save 60 calories.¹
Boost your confidence in seconds by swapping more low-key flats for a pair of colorful heels.
Expand your wardrobe without breaking the bank by swapping clothes and accessories with your girlfriends.

So, to win this lovely package below:

Post a comment about your favorite snacks or how you try and cut calories from your diet. I will pick a winner on Wednesday 11/9/2011.

"Disclosure: The Yoplait Light Swap prize pack, information and coupon have been provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark."

Where are you?

2011-11-05T10:35:00.001-07:00

Sorry that I’ve been away. There is no excuse, just that I have been focusing on getting my life together. Still looking for a permanent job and trying to just get my eating and exercise under control again. I have been so stressed lately with trying to sell our house (we got an offer) and trying to figure out where we go from here.

Anyway, for the past week I’ve had a cold so I haven’t felt like doing much of anything. I know, I’m such a big ball of fun! LOL!

I vow to get back to blogging regularly. I need something in my life to be consistent. Hopefully things will change for the better, because I need it.

Guiltless Gourmet -- Where Are You?

2011-09-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, a co-worker and I are trying to figure out why we cannot find Guiltless Gourmet chips in our stores anymore? At my local Fred Meyer, one day they were there, the next day they were gone and haven't been seen since. She has been searching high and low, and still no chips. I've e-mailed the company and there has been no response. I loved, loved the Mucho Nacho ones; so, if anyone has the 411 on the MIA Guiltless Gourmet chips, please let me know!!

Iron Girl & Other Stuff

2011-09-18T19:38:00.001-07:00

It has been a pretty busy week. I worked out 4 times, but have still been eating out too much. This week, I’ve planned dinners and my lunches, so that will totally help.

Last Sunday, the kid and I did the Iron Girl 5K in Seattle:

We had a great time! She wore her tutu and looked adorable. She complained after mile 1, but I kept telling her to keep pushing. We finished, got out medals and snack bags (which she was thankful for…she started getting hungry towards the end).

So, that has been that. Nothing else exciting. My friend’s wedding is coming up. I pick up my dress on Friday. I got Spanx, which is needed to help smooth down problem areas that show because 1) the dresses are tight and 2) the fabric is not forgiving for any “imperfections”.

Okay, off to get the kid ready for bed and school tomorrow. Where did my weekend go?

Working Out & Life

2011-09-03T19:53:00.001-07:00

I’m still on my morning regimen of getting up early (MWF) and working out on Saturday and Sunday. It is working, but I just need to get my eating in check.

I got fitted for my bridesmaid dress and got silver shoes (the bride’s request) to go with it. I have been busy with work and just trying to find a better job (although the job market sucks). So, nothing really exciting going on, which is probably why I rarely blog anymore.

However, I like to touch base and I hope to eventually find my blog mojo again.

Heat Wave in the PNW

2011-08-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday and I want to make plans to get out of the house with the family; however, I have laundry piled up and it is getting out of control. The weather her in Seattle is warm and it sucks having the dryer going and going. The hubby started work last week. The position goes to the end of the year, but pays more than unemployment.

As for me, I am getting more serious about finding a permanent position. I have friends (both inside and outside of work) who are looking for jobs. We are all looking out for each other, which is kind of nice. I hope to find something soon, but with the economy, it is all questionable?

As for weight loss, the weight is holding steady and I feel better physically and emotionally, since I started exercising again regularly. I will again wake up early to exercise next week.

Okay off to do something with the family. Have a great day!

Catching Up

2011-08-15T21:14:00.001-07:00

I know I have been MIA and I hate it. I need to get back into the blogging thing. I miss everyone and I know that people will stop coming here, since I don’t update very often.

So, what has been up? Husband got a job that he started today. I have been asked to be a bridesmaid for a friend in her October wedding. I have been waking up at 3:30 AM to work out, since I don’t have time in the evening.

I want to get in more weight training. I plan to pull out my weights that I have packed away in a box in the garage. My goal tomorrow is to find that box (the husband said that he labeled it “weights” but it is also MIA).

I thought I would just drop in and give a quick hello, I’m still alive and I need to be a better blogger. Off to bed so I can actually get up.

August 1, 2011–Update!

2011-07-31T12:49:00.001-07:00

Checking in after being away for a while. Lots of things have happened: I was asked to be a brides maid and had to purchase a dress; a possibility of a job in the near future, depending on how the situation works out (more on that later); and lots and lots of working out.

I have been working out about 5 days a week (sometimes twice a day). I love working out and missed it. Lots of people see it as a chore, but it makes me feel so much better. I see myself as an active person, I just want my body to match the image in my head.

My weight hasn’t changed. I did the low-carb thing for a week, but then I started eating fruit and had pasta. I know I need to get my food under control, drink more water and avoid eating out. I’m a work in progress. I have both good and bad days – eventually the good will outweigh the bad.

Okay, doing a Costco run with the family. They now have Chobani greek yogurt (love that stuff), but I hate the peach flavor that comes in the 12 pack. I’m not sure if I should get the pack. Maybe the hubby will eat the peach flavor. Gotta run, but will be back soon.

Going Low Carb & Domain Name

2011-07-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

For my birthday, I purchased a domain name for my blog (www.weightoflife.com). I thought it was about time to do that, and from everything I've read about blogging, it is highly suggested.

As for low carbing this week, it has been really good. I only count Wednesday as the beginning, because Tuesday night I had a baked sweet potato (sweet potatoes have been my kryptonite recently, as well as popcorn). Since Wednesday, I've lost 6 lbs. We shall see how the next week and a half go. I may do this longer, because I feel really good and my energy level is getting better.

Low Carbing It...for a Bit

2011-07-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is my third day of eating lower carb. It is going well, but I'm not stepping on the scale until next Tuesday. I think I will see how it goes. I've been eating lots of salads and stir-fried vegetables, as well as steak and baked chicken. It is mostly what I had been eating, but without the bread, cereal or oatmeal (which never, ever left me feeling full or satisfied).

So, tomorrow is the gym. I've been feeling tired and had read when you drop your carbs, tiredness will set in, but eventually your body will get used to it and your energy levels will get better. So, I'm hoping that will be the case for me. We shall see.

Figuring it all out

2011-07-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

I went swimming with the family this morning and it felt really good. I haven't been in a pool in a long time, so it was a nice break. We we were there for about 1.5 hours and then went for a card ride, while the kid slept in the back seat.

I am a bit tired today, but resting up for my birthday tomorrow!! I cannot believe that I am another year older. Time flies!!

Also this week, I've been messing around with my food. I am trying to see what food items causes fluctuations on the scale. Lets just say (and I already knew this, but needed validation), carbs and I don't get along. :-( I love carbs too; however, I got to start figuring out what works for me. Oatmeal does not keep me as full as scrambled eggs or a chicken breast. For me, I need protein and I'm looking for ways to include more protein in my diet. Carbs also make me bloat! OMG!! White rice....not a good situation! Starting on Tuesday (husband is taking me to dinner tomorrow night for my b-day), I'm going to focus more on lower my carb intake.

I thought about doing a fast or cleanse (my friend is doing a cleanse right now), but I shall see how I feel on Tuesday.

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

For those in the USA, I hope that you all have a Happy 4th of July! Fireworks were going off all last night in the neighborhood. People couldn't wait until tonight, so I didn't get a great nights sleep.

I started my day off at the gym for a good hour of cardio and some weights. I am feel good. I really missed the gym.

Okay, off to enjoy my day! Have a great one!

Rocked and Rolled!

2011-07-02T14:29:00.001-07:00

So, this is my fab finishing bling from the 1/2 marathon last weekend. This week, I’ve been a work out queen too. My friend and I are doing the Seattle 1/2 marathon in November, so I need to:

Get in shape and build up my endurance.
Lose weight and stop dragging my feet when it comes to getting this 50lbs off so I can be at my goal.
Exercise at least 4 days a week (if not more).
Write down my food/caloric intake each day.

I cancelled my Weight Watchers membership. I know! Shocking! My leader totally understood that right now, it isn’t in my budget. I plan to go back, once the hubs starts working again. It came down to either WW or my gym membership. I rather have the gym membership, than the WW membership. I am using MyFitnessPal, which is a huge database and a good way for me to journal, for free. (If you use MyFitnessPal, please add me, “weightoflife,” as a friend.)

My friend that I’m training with and going to the gym with, we are holding each other accountable, which is what WW was for me….accountability. She is getting married in October, so she has a goal in mind. I have this 50lbs to lose, so that is my focus.

I don’t have more pictures from the 1/2 marathon. I didn’t carry a camera or pull out my cell. Taking pictures was the last thing on my mind at the time. Next time, I hope to be better prepared.

Quick Post

2011-06-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

I survived the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon. I will recap and show you my bling.
I realized that I'm so out of shape, so my friend (who I did the 1/2 with) and I have vowed to get in shape for the Seattle 1/2 Marathon in November (I may have the bug people).
My daughter may have broken her foot. We will find out for sure tomorrow. I hope it is just a bad sprain.
It is late here and I have to hit the hay. I will update tomorrow.

Ya know it!

2011-06-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Although my mojo has been waning, I'm working on getting it back in full force. I've been going to the gym, reading blogs for inspiration, and I'm excited for my 1/2 marathon. I'm nervous about the 1/2, but really excited to partake in something that 3 years ago, I would have never even considered attempting.

So, praying that my mojo comes on in full force. I'm thinking of trying BodyPump at the gym on Tuesday. Has anyone tried it? What do you think?

One day at a time...

2011-06-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Just taking it one day at a time, that is all I can do right now. I'm PMS'ing too, which isn't helping with my mood (my poor hubby). Anyway, I need to catch on my blog reading and get back to posting on the regular! Thank you, if you are still reading this! :-)

Checking In

2011-06-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm alive. I am trying to get motivated, but when life hands you lemons, you don't always want lemonade. So, I am working, networking and discussing with the hubby on good relocation places. We are open to relocating, but trying to find a city with jobs (somewhat difficult) and decent cost of living (I know we are asking for a lot here). If we are going to do it, we need to do it while our daughter is young and since he is unemployed and we have possible bites on our house, we really don't have anything keeping us here.

I'm still doing the 1/2 marathon on the 25th. My training was bumpy with two bouts of bronchitis, but even if I have to walk it, I'm going to finish it. My weight has stalled big time and I keep gaining and losing the same 5-10lbs over and over. It happens in a matter of days too...In 3 days I can lose it and then in 3 days, it comes back on. I need to focus on my weight loss again, start blogging and logging my food. It would give me one thing in my life that I can control.

The weather here sucks too. It is gloomy here in the northwest but that is okay for now, but I do want sun soon. The weather is another reason I'm seriously contemplating relocation. Maybe a sunny location?

Where Do I Begin?

2011-05-28T06:12:00.001-07:00

Okay, this has been the longest hiatus I have had from the blog. Updating has been on my mind, but it has no been a priority in my life right now. Where do I start?
The hubby and I decided to put our house on the market. We felt it was better for a whole multitude of reasons. We are renting the house where, if he did have to relocate somewhere, I can easily cover the rent by myself.

It is close to our current home, so not to disrupt our daughter too much, although she is taking it hard. It is the only home she has known, so I can totally understand how she is feeling. I think she may have to go to a different elementary school and we’ve been trying to prepare her for that for the fall.
Weight wise, I have managed to take off a couple of pounds, which is amazing. With the packing of our house, and the stress…either I don’t eat or I eat more than I need. I mean, last Saturday, after packing and cleaning, I didn’t eat anything all day until 7PM. I was stressed and depressed. The husband got me a subway sandwich and I only ate 1/2.

It is hard trying to keep the house all nice and clean while we are showing it. We get to move to the rental June 1st, so that will be added stress, but we won't have to worry about keeping this place “spotless”. Family members are going to help us move, which is great. It is a nice rental home, but not as big as our current home. We had to get rid of some items. We are hoping to eventually save money and buy a house in the next couple of years, but that depends on the hubby right now.

I had an interviewed on Monday at a great company, with great pay and benefits. I want the job, as I would be doing something that I want to do and went to school for, as well as work with a couple of people I know. However, it is up to the hiring manager and I think I did a great job at the interview. I sent out thank you notes to everyone that I met and interviewed, so hopefully that is kuddos for me.
Today, we have to be out of the house at noon, as there are some showings this afternoon. Hopefully, someone will be interested, although I know that it may take awhile to sell this place. I’ve been trying to detach myself from the house. It is so hard to do.

Wish us luck!

It's complicated

2011-05-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

I suck! I haven't updated in forever. Sorry! I have working, training and trying to get my head back in the weight loss game. My husband and daughter took me out to brunch for Mother's Day (Happy Mother's Day to the moms out there), which was really nice and sweet. We are now on a very strict budget because the husband lost his job a week ago, so this was a splurge. His job loss was probably another reason why I've been stressed and not blogging. Ugh! Yeah, it has been one heck of a week.

As the hubby job hunts, we've been trying to figure out what we want to do? Do we want to stay in the PNW or move? The job market all over the country is not the greatest, so no matter what we decide to do, there will be disadvantages.

So, my life is up in the air. It is complicated, but I'm trying to remain positive.

Dear Lord Won't You Buy Me...

2011-04-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

No! I don't want a Mercedes Benz. I actually have a new set of wheels, aka running shoes. I got shin splints really bad last week and I knew that I wasn't getting enough support with my lovely Ravenna 2's. I'm happy I got them at a really cheap price at the outlet. I had got a gift card for Christmas to Road Runner Sports and I was too "afraid" to step foot in the running store. I know...silly, but true.

So, I decided to go to Road Runner today and get an actual professional fitting done. I had never experienced this before, but I should had it done a long, long time ago. So, what happened first, is that I stood on a plate that identified my arch. I found out that I do have an arch, as I always thought I was flat footed. I found that I do need the arch support though, so finding a shoe with support was a plus.

After the arch analysis, I ran on a treadmill where my feet are videoed and we discovered I'm a over-pronator. After all the analysis and measuring, I need a stability plus running shoe, size 11 (I know, huge feet!). I got Brooks Trance 10, which are wide and comfortable for my feet. I gave them a go on the treadmill and I can go and go! I will try them out tomorrow when I do 10 miles of the combo jog/walk. Hopefully it goes well as I head out in the morning. I need to break them in, so I will take my time.

As I sit here...

2011-04-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

I did good yesterday! Seriously! Although, I have lost 3 lbs since I started using myfitnesspal.com (I still use WW online too, but I'm really liking myfitnesspal.com), the run/walking has been my saving grace. I am loving the training for the 1/2 marathon. Yesterday, I ran/walked using my gymboss and accomplished 8.10 miles (logged using my new Garmin I got as a gift).

I'm nervous that I'm still not fast enough, but I will keep at it to become faster. I need to do more cross-training (hello gym!), so that is my goal for the week. I told my husband to look at me next week and ask, why are you here and not at the gym? :-)

Yesterday was so beautiful, but today is back to gray and gross. :-( I'm so not happy with the weather right now. The path I took for my run/walk yesterday was kind of scary because of the traffic and lack of run/walking space. I don't think I will got that way again. Some of it did have sidewalks, about half, but with the other half I was afraid of being hit by a car. I need to figure out another area for my 10 miles next weekend.

Using MyFitnessPal

2011-04-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

This week, in addition to my Weight Watchers eTools, I signed up and started using myfitnesspal.com. I have been using it for 5 days now and so far, so good. I like it, but I want to give it some time to see how it goes. I think I just needed something new and different than eTools, and to actually do some calorie counting. The new Weight Watchers plan, I'm still on the fence about. I like it, but I'm not totally in love.

Running in the Rain

2011-04-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Oh man! I did 6.35 miles this morning, outdoors in the rain. It was yucky and I was soaked! It wasn't pouring, but it was enough to keep me damp and uncomfortable. My glasses were all fogged up! I was layered up, had on gloves and a jacket and I just did it (Nike had it right). I ran/walked using my lovely hot pink Gymboss. I love that thing! According to my hear rate monitor, I burned 1065 calories. :-)

It felt good to get out there. It is very different running outside than on a treadmill, so it is good that I'm doing both to train for my race. I'm not really into running in the rain, but since I live in the PNW, it is hard to find a time to run outdoors when it isn't raining. LOL! So, I got to do it when I can.

As for the weight, I'm staying the same. No changes. :-( I'm hoping that since I am back to running, I will begin to drop weight again, as long as I watch and log my points/calories.

Deals, Illness and Running

2011-04-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hi All! OMG, what a week. Okay, I had my long run last Sunday to train for the 1/2 marathon. Well, I went knowing that I had been coughing & sniffling, but I have my training schedule to stick to and I wanted to stick with it. Well, Monday, I could hardly drag myself out of bed. I went to the doctor and found out I had the beginnings of bronchitis with a sinus infection. My doctor shook her head at me when I told her I had gone running the day before. Her suggestion -- take it easy or I could make myself worse.

So, I've been taking my antibiotics and trying to get myself better. I do feel better, but sickness is all around. My husband also had to make a trip to the doctor and found out he has pneumonia. We are both sad and pitiful. I hate being sick and he is the worst "patient". I told him I want to move to a warmer climate so I can dry out and get warm. Although, I like the pacific northwest, the weather is getting to me. It is just damp all the time and gray. A friend of mine bought one of those UV lamps that she sits in front of 15 minutes a day. The things we do to try and get some "light".

As for weight and activity...activity has been 0 this week and the weight has remained the same. Right now, that is the last of my concern. I just want to get healthy so I can get back to training.

My friend that I'm running the 1/2 marathon with, we stopped by the Brooks Outlet because she heard they were having a sale. I got a great deal on some running shoes, which were marketing samples of the new Ravenna 2 for $29.99 and they had my size, which was surprising because I have huge feet (10.5 to 11). They are really comfortable and I like the orange color. I was also able to get a Moving Comfort sports bra for $10.00. Who could pass that up?

I never really went into the Brooks Outlet, because I felt like a "poser" and only thought it was for runners. However, I am a runner (although slow) and they had some other great items, but many were too small for me -- lots of smalls and mediums. My friend got a bra and a couple of technical running shirts. I did find a long sleeved shirt on clearance, also orange that matched my shoes. I can't wait to take them for a spin. Only when I get rid of this dang-on cough!! Hopefully soon!!

Running for the hills...

2011-04-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

I started my running program this week (thanks MissHaneefa for the program), which started off rocky because of my hacking cough. My whole family has been sick, so of course I pick up the cooties too. We've been passing it back and forth (not fun) to each other for over a month, but I think I'm working through it. I was supposed to do my long run today, but I will do it tomorrow. I'm feeling better, so think that this is a turn for the sickness in our home (fingers crossed).

My friend also signed up for the Seattle Rock-n-Roll 1/2 marathon. We are really excited! She has been running for years and has been offering advice, so I feel that I have a mentor to help me become a runner, or a better runner. It feels good to have someone there watching my back and cheering me on.

Weigh in was okay today...I lost 1 lb, so I'll take it. I am looking into purchasing some runner gear (i.e. running skirt, top, new sport bra), but money is tight, so I have to find some items on sale possibly? I've seen some really cute running outfits, but I need some items that will wick away the sweat. What I've been running in is mostly cotton, so I just need to invest in something decent, that will hold up.

Rock-n-Roll Seattle!

2011-03-26T21:35:00.001-07:00

O.M.G. I did it! I signed up for the Rock-n-Roll Marathon in June. I’m running the half, but that is just a huge for me! I signed up tonight. I was back and forth with my husband about it before pushing the registration button. Some of the conversation was like this:

“Honey, do you think I should.”

“Yes, sign up. You can do it.”

“I don’t know. What if don’t run the whole thing? What if I don’t finish? Am I still to fat to be thinking about doing something like this?”

“Well, you won’t know unless you sign up and do it. And by the way, you aren’t fat. Yeah, you want to lose more weight, but you are healthy. Remember, your Wii Fit age is 25.”

“(Laughing) Okay, I’m doing it! I’m pushing the button.” (Pushes button!)

*** OMG! What did I just do!!****

This was incentive to get my behind moving and in gear. I’m sick of being complacent and “comfortable”. I am freaking out, but it is a good freak out. I know this is what I need and it was a big step in the right direction.

My friend, who just got engaged yesterday (Congrats girl if you are reading this!), said that she was going to sign up with me. She better (you heard me)! They are 85% full!!

OMG…okay, I’m still freaking!

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

2011-03-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

The good....I lost the 5 lbs plus an additional .2 lbs this week. I am also sore from the working out I've been doing, which is really good. I am doing it, but not as "hard core" as I had been. I'm working on it.

The bad...I'm not as motivated as I could be. I know the potential I have, and I want to get back there. I'm a work in progress right now, just trying to get my head back in the game. I also have a sick kid, so that is a battle itself. She has another fever and is miserable. I may be working home tomorrow.

The ugly...We got a Wii from my mom. She thought it would be a good family gift. It was good and I'm actually sore from using the Wii Fit and the Jillian Michaels DVD my mom included. However, my husband tried to participate and the Wii Fit board has a 330lbs weight limit, and he discovered that he is over that limit. I think that has spurned him to do something about his weight, so that is actually an ugly thing, turned into something good.

Okay, off to give a sick kid another dose of medicine....

Talking myself into it

2011-03-13T19:40:00.001-07:00

After the lovely brunch, which was a fundraiser for a good cause in Seattle, we all went over to a friends house and had tea. The food at the brunch was really good. I have a vegetable strata, with fruit and a blueberry muffin. I had coffee too, because there was no way in heck I was going to make it through the day without it. I know…I’m a caffeine addict. I will admit.

I had mentioned to a couple of friends that I wanted to go to the gym before I went home. I had packed my gym bag, my new shoes (I got for a great deal),

Ryka Pursuit 2

my IPod and my March ‘11 edition Oxygen Magazine. I told myself that I was not going to skip it, even though as it got closer to 4 pm and then 4:30pm, I tried to talk myself out of it.

I got in my car, and drove to the gym. I got dressed, got on the elliptical for 45 minutes and then went a did bicep curls, triceps extension, and the leg press.

I felt so awesome afterwards. I never remember how good it feels, until after I do it. Working out makes me feel amazing, but when I have gone a little bit without it, I can totally talk myself out of it. That has to stop now. I am hoping that this is what I need to get back in the groove.

Daylight Savings ….Ugh!

2011-03-13T10:06:00.001-07:00

I have vowed to get myself out of this funk. Seriously, I hate feeling this way. I’m up 5 lbs this week, and really I’m not surprised. I really didn’t care and ate whatever. I tracked, but I didn’t care. Wine, eating out , and happy hour are not conducive to weight loss. It was a wake up call getting on the scale yesterday. If I didn’t weigh myself everyday and remain accountable with my Saturday weigh in, I could spiral out of control.

Daylight savings time also kicked my butt this morning. I woke up and thought I has slept in so late and feel like I have to rush around. I have to meet friends at noon for a fund-raiser brunch. I am packing up my workout bag so that right after the brunch, I’m going to the gym.

Okay, off to get ready….more later. I just need to clear the air, so I can get back on track.

Juicing

2011-03-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

I am feeling better today. Not so much in a funk, but really trying to get my act together. The most interesting thing this week is that my husband has discovered "juice love". We got a juicer from the sister-in-law. From the vegetables and fruits we get delivered every week, the hubby has turned to juicing. Not such bad thing. I think it will be good for him. I only have a little and it taste. Who knew kale and oranges taste good in juice form?

Nothing…

2011-03-05T10:01:00.001-08:00

That’s what has been going on in my life. Nothing. No weight loss, no new job, no lottery…nothing. So, I have been feeling really blah, trying my best to feel better. I’ve just been working, coming home, getting in a workout when I can. Just unmotivated.

Spring is coming and the thought of that makes me feel better, but I don’t know. I’ve just been down lately, worrying about money, jobs and weight. Hopefully, I’ll have a happier post soon.

President’s Day

2011-02-21T17:42:00.001-08:00

I took today off from work, spending it with the kid since she was off from school. We hung out, watched Cinderella (the Brandy version) and headed out to one of the outlet malls for sales. I got jeans and cargo pants at the Gap. She got shoes, a cute shirt and yoga pants. We walked around the mall, which is outdoors, so when it started pouring rain, we ran back to the car.

After the mall, with a quick stop at Wal-Mart (which I never go to), we headed home. Right now, she is passed out! I think it wore her out, which is good.

This weekend, I worked and had weigh in. Weigh in gave me a gain of a pound. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I haven’t had any real activity in 2 weeks, but I started changing that around. I don’t feel good if I’m not exercising and getting activity these past couple of days has shown me what a funk I’ve been in. I am also eating to much carby stuff, so that isn’t helping either. I just need to kick my own ass, I know.

I have my veggies from Full Circle, which I use every week. I feel like for the past couple of months, my head has been in a fog but I feel myself snapping out of it.

I did pick up a dvd and a cool Trader Joe’s cookbook at a Border’s Books & Music store closure. So sad, but I got some deals. Here is my my cookbook….

and here is the dvd….

Haven’t tried either one yet, but looking forward to them both! Maybe I’ll have a date with Jackie later.

MIA

2011-02-16T19:18:00.001-08:00

Sorry I’ve been missing in action. I’ve been really busy with work (i.e. working weekends, as well as weekdays), as well as dealing with the never ending TOM (2 weeks, but hopefully finished). I also have had much to say lately. With work, home and trying to squeeze in a workout, my life has been pretty hectic but not very exciting.

So, I really want to get better at updating my blog, as well as reading and commenting on other blogs. Blogs have helped me on my journey, so I really want to continue reading and writing.

Weigh in on Saturday gave me zero loss for the week. A regular member, who stopped coming after reaching lifetime, was back because she had been gaining. I told her to continue coming o meetings. Support is so important, no matter where you get it…via a blog, a friend or a WW meeting.

Getting over it!

2011-02-05T21:49:00.001-08:00

I have the flu. Meh! I went to the Dr. earlier this week and it was confirmed, that I’m battling the flu. The week before, I had gone to the Dr. for an IUD insertion. I debated over it since I had my previous one removed six months ago. I talked it over with the hubby, and decided that right now it was a good option. We shall see how it goes!

As for the flu, it sucks! I think the chills are what gets me every time. I’m feeling better than I did, but I’m just riding it out. It has really kicked my a@@. I hate being sick, but I march on!

Weigh in this morning brought me a .4lb loss. I’ll take it. I feel like I got hit by a bus and my exercise (and blogging) has been non-existent. One thing though is I don’t have an appetite. I have been eating mostly soup, both homemade (which was frozen) and canned and oranges. Since we all have been sick, I haven’t grocery shopped so that is on my agenda for tomorrow. I have to get some lean meets and additional fruits & veggies (outside of the ones I received in my weekly delivery box). I cannot eat another can of soup!

So, next week is all bout trying to get back into the swing of things. I’ve rested and now I need to actually get better and feed myself better. So, chicken, ground turkey breast, bananas,cucumbers, oh my…as well as other items are on my shopping list for tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

Living in the sick ward

2011-01-29T18:53:00.001-08:00

The family is sick again. The daughter had to go to the doctor this week and was told to come back next week if her cough isn’t better. They are worried about pneumonia. The husband is ill with a cold, aka “the man-flu” and that has been so much fun to live with. Now, I’m again not feeling so well. I cannot wait until warmer weather is here. This really sucks.

I have errands to run and groceries to buy. I am loving the vegetable deliveries I get on Thursday from Full Circle Farm. I just have to get all the items (i.e. toilet paper and Kleenex) that we need here in the sick ward.

****

Okay, back from Costco, the post office and the outlet mall. I went to look for new shoes at the Nike Outlet, but didn’t find any that I wanted. I will have to keep my eyes open for a sale.

****

Weigh in was good. Down .8 today. Slowly but surely it is coming off. My progress may not be fast, but its fine with me. I don’t expect to drop the 10 – 15 lbs per month I did in the 1st 6 months of weight loss. I just keep at it. I’m persistent like that!

Rejection

2011-01-23T20:20:00.001-08:00

I haven’t felt like blogging this week. I have been really down. One reason is because I didn’t get the job I wanted. So, I’ve been trying to deal with the rejection. My weight loss this week was low too, just .4 lbs. At least it is a loss, but to be honest I really didn’t care. I have so many other things on my mind, that my weight or weight loss was not that important this week.

So, I hope to better at blogging this week. Tomorrow is work. I worked a whole day yesterday, so it feels like I didn’t get a weekend. Its overtime pay, so that is a bonus. My husband also mentioned the funk that I am in, wanting to know what he can do to “fix it”. I told him I will work it out. I just hate rejection! I know that this feeling will lessen and go away, but it sucks.

Getting over the funk

2011-01-16T15:46:00.001-08:00

This weekend has totally flown by. I was sick still, all week but I worked out 4 days. I didn’t go to the gym or my Weight Watchers meeting yesterday. Both the kid and I didn’t feel all that great so we slept late and then we had a birthday party we had to attend. My daughter’s social life is more exciting than mine! LOL! However, we are both feeling better but she is having some ear issues because of the congestion.

After the birthday party, we slept some more, basically sleeping our Saturday away. So, today I’m feeling much better and more like myself. I hope to have an even better week and what way to kick it off than at the gym. I went to the gym and saw a friend and her fiancé and we chatted a bit. It was nice to see them working it out at the gym.

Weighed in at home yesterday and I lost another pound. I’m okay with that because to me, this isn’t a race. I am making much healthier food and exercise choices, and that is worth more to me than anything on this journey. The weight loss has been great, but the effects on my health have been even better.

Tonight was are having some yummy steamed kale with chicken sausage that my hubby picked up at Trader Joes. The kale we received in our delivery from Full Circle Farm. The kale is really nice looking and dark green. I can’t wait to taste it!

I came, I saw, I sweated

2011-01-10T21:24:00.001-08:00

I went to the gym tonight. It has been awhile since I went to the gym during the weekday. I’ve really missed it and it wasn’t as crowded as I suspected, which was good. I was able to grab an elliptical for an hour without having to cut it short because someone was waiting.

I burned about 650 calories in a hours worth of cardio. Afterwards, I did 4 sets of squats (without weights) and stiff legged deadlifts (with 80lbs including weights and bar). Lastly, I stretched my muscles with the hope that I don’t end up with DOMS. We shall see how I feel in a few days.

**** As for my beloved Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry, I found the last two 20 oz. bottles at a gas station. They are in my possession. How I will miss thee when they are gone. They had regular, but for 260 calories, no thank you!"****

Doing It for Me

2011-01-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

Reminding myself tonight that this is my journey. What I do may not work for others, but what I do, I do for me. ;-)

I just walked/jogged for 35 minutes on the treadmill. No gym tonight. Just didn’t want to drive to the gym. Thank goodness for my treadmill and weights. Husband has stated that he will be leaving work at a reasonable hour tomorrow, so tomorrow is a gym day. Whoop! We shall see if that happens though...However, I reminded him about our little pow-wow, so I think that he will come through. LOL!

I just found a drink that I love, but found out that the supply is limited and it was only for the holiday season….How I love thee, Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry.

You are so good and tasty! I have to stock up, if I can find more on the shelves. I will have to scour the gas stations and possibly the Grocery Outlet. It will be sad to let you go!

As for the exercises that I am doing (and enjoy) center around my kettle bell. I really like using it and want to learn how to use it better. I love the snatch and the swing. I need to learn the correct form and hopefully will be swinging and snatching like a pro! LOL!

Check out this video of a woman doing the kettle bell snatch (5 minutes, 130 reps). How awesome is she! You go girl!

I did it! Activity, it’s a good thing.

2011-01-08T21:23:00.001-08:00

Burned 758 calories this evening! I feel good! 45 minutes on the treadmill. I tried to run, but again kept coughing once I started going. So, I mostly walked @ 4.2 mph. Afterwards, I did Julian Michaels’ video Shred It With Weights, using my kettle bell. Tomorrow, I plan to head to the gym.

Doing the funky shuffle!

2011-01-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

The "funky shuffle" was the dance that my husband was doing as the Seahawks won the football game tonight. It was very entertaining!! I was cracking up so hard. There was so much hooping and hollering going on, the cat ran to hide. I think the hubby was burning up some calories working his shuffle. I should have got it on video. He has no rhythm! LOL!!

I just finished commenting and posting some pictures on the Weight Watchers community. My leader "friended" me at the beginning of December, but I was hardly ever on the site. I wrote everything down in a small notebook for the Spawn Challenge and never entered anything into e-tools but went to the meetings. The community changes are new and interesting. If you do WW and e-tools and you haven't checked out the updated community, check it out. I may have to get more active.

Okay...off to try and run...and if I start hacking up a lung, I'll walk.

New Year, New Plans

2011-01-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

I've been blog MIA for the week. I also haven't been reading any blogs, so I'm going to try and catch up. I had my first Weight Watchers meeting of the new year! Last week, my regular meeting was closed because of the holiday. I really missed my peeps at my regular meeting. It was nice to see everyone, but we all looked battle worn and exhausted. My leader even mentioned that she was just worn out. I think it is just the running around, the crowds, and the food....yeah, the holiday season is stressful and full of gluttony. I'm happy that it is all over, with no crowded malls or grocery stores. At least I'm down a pound and half this week!

Now, I am battling a cold! Blah! It started coming down with it last Saturday and although, I'm feeling better, I'm still hacking and "snotting" (my husband's word). I know its gross! It's not pretty. Every time I try to run on the treadmill, sends me into a hacking fit, so I've just been walking, which is hard for me. I want to move faster and walking feels like I'm going backwards. I know it is good for me to move, so walking is better than doing nothing at all.

A healthy thing I'm doing for my family is that I signed us up for Full Circle, which is an organic vegetable (and meat/and or cheese) delivery service. A lot of the vegetables are locally grown or grown in Washington. It starts next Thursday, and they will deliver the veggies to our front porch. I have the option of adding local grass feed beef and organic cheese, but I will see how it goes and probably add items, if we decide later on.

Okay, off to do some blog reading... ;-)

Kicking Fat’s A@@ -- No need to take names

2011-01-02T11:27:00.001-08:00

I don’t make resolutions anymore, but I plan to continue my life, but changing it up, to keep on losing weight. I used to make New Year’s resolutions all the time when I was 375+lbs., but they never did any good. I began my weight loss journey over 2 years ago on April Fool’s Day. I was done being so fat, where I could hardly pull myself off the floor (it wasn’t pretty or funny).

However, this year the plan is to reach my goal weight! It is more a vow to myself, than a resolution. I have come so far, and I’m so close, there is no way in hell I’m stopping now. Tomorrow is Spawn Phase IV! Oh yeah, bring it. Sucks, that I have to start this sick. Ugh! I’m not a good sick person.

I had a “come to Jesus” meeting with the husband the other day. It was good and I think he understands, in his own way. I have been doing this so long, he should know by now this isn’t some passing phase.

Okay, I have to lay down….

Fighting it off

2011-01-02T09:41:00.001-08:00

I did a walk/jog combo last night for 30 minutes and burned 325 calories per my Polar. I was able to do it, because my lungs felt pretty clear, and I kept tissues on hand for my nose.

Again, I woke up this morning with the congestion trying to get into my chest. So, I’m fighting it with all I got! Lots of tea, citrus fruits, and rest. I wanted to go to the gym today, but I will rest, I think. I have tomorrow off, so I want to feel better before I go back to work on Tuesday.

Enter 2011!

2011-01-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

Well, DOMS has set in and dang my thighs and caboose are killing me. I’m stretching, but it isn’t working. Time and walking it off is the only thing that helps, for me at least.

I’m not feeling to great right now either, because I woke up with a headache, stuffy nose and sore throat. I want to keep the cold above the neck though, so I can continue to exercise. What a way to wake up on 1/1/11! LOL!

Happy New Year! Bring on 2011!

2010-12-31T17:55:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone has safe New Year’s celebrations. We are going to stay in and watch the Space Needle fireworks on TV. Right now we are watching the “breaking news” coverage on a fire at the Crown Plaza hotel downtown. That is scary, because a lot of the hotels are having parties and celebrations tonight and are at almost full occupancy. They said the flames were contained to one room, so that is good.

Food has been really good today, but my water intake has been so, so. I’m still working on getting it all in (have another 24 ozs next to me that I’m working on).

I did go to the gym this morning. I was there for an hour and a half. I did 60 minutes of cardio intervals on the elliptical, with a music podcast. I did a 1/2 hour of weights. I burned, according to my Polar HRM, 845 calories! Yeah baby! I’ll be feeling it tomorrow, or Sunday. However, I plan to go back tomorrow and get some more, because I felt so good afterwards.

Fueling for the day

2010-12-28T11:00:00.001-08:00

I’m home with the wee one today and then back to work tomorrow, then off again for the rest of the week. I have errands to run, like a trip to Target for new ornament storage containers. There was a mishap with a couple we purchased years ago, where the hinges are broken and they don’t close properly anymore. One, we are now using as storage for the naked Barbie dolls (I feel like I’m living in a plastic nudist colony).

Food and water wise this morning, I feel good. I’m not that hungry, but want to get my water in. I’ve had 32 ounces already and several cups of joe (not sure how many….I’m a “Seattlite” and coffee is my fuel—it’s a bad habit). I will take a bottle of water with me on my errands (love my Nalgene 32 ouncer).

I used my kettle bell Sunday and I have the worst case of DOMS. This happens to me all the time, no matter if I’m using dumb bells, weight machines, and now my kettle bell. Yesterday, I felt great and then 24-48 hours later, I’m so freaking sore. WTH? Stretching before and after exercise never works to prevent it either. Although, exercising the sore muscles seems to help a bit, it still hurts.

Okay, now that I’m caffeine fueled, time to get those errands out the way.

Moving It!

2010-12-26T17:42:00.001-08:00

I ran for 15 minutes straight tonight on the treadmill and walked 15 minutes. I plan to exercise using my Shred It With Weights DVD, but the television is occupied with the family watching Toy Story 2.

I did some kettle bell squats, as well as some swings in our other room. I really am going to love this new piece of equipment.

I really like these. I will probably feel it tomorrow. I always do.

Lauren Brooks–Kettlebell Swing

Holiday Frenzy!

2010-12-26T13:55:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday! It has been over a week since I updated. With all the holiday craziness, the food, malls, shopping and crowds, I managed to lose a pound. I have two holiday parties this past week and managed to not allow the stress of them to run me to the buffet table (I eat when stressed, if you didn’t already know).

I drank my water (which I’m doing right now…love my new reusable Starbucks Cold Venti Tumbler). The husband got me the Jillian Michaels’ Kettle bell. I’ve been wanting it and he came through. I was totally surprised! I also got a really nice Rachel Ray Lunch Tote (very nice, black and gray). It looks like a handbag, but it is insulated and will keep hot items hot or cold items cold. Can’t wait to use it next week.

My goal this week, is to keep drinking my water and pack my lunches for work (only 2 days of work next week). The weather is dreadful and we thought about going for a walk, but it is so windy and branches are falling, it may be safer to keep it in doors. Put my kettle bell to some use.

Lapse In Judgment

2010-12-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

I ventured out into the hell of holiday shopping yesterday and today. Can I say that I should have order gifts online? I mean it was crazy...cart blocking, kids breaking down, line cutting...people are ruthless, I tell ya!

So, I'm basically done with my holiday shopping. There are a couple of things I need to get but, they can wait. My little one wants to see Santa tomorrow. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to the mall situation. I'm doing it for her, but I would rather stay far away.

Weigh in situation today is that I remained the same -- zero loss. After the holiday party situation at work where I ate things I know were high in sodium and fat (sorry spiral cut ham, although I love you, we need to take a break) and I was not sticking to closely to my water or food regime. I ended up having the worst headache that lasted two days. My body paid me for it right afterward (4 lb gain), but then it is back down again.

This week, I will be sticking to the water regime per SSDDDC. I started "chugging" this morning and have been at it most of the day. It actually makes me feel better to drink the water, but it is eye opening to see when I don't drink it, it has such a negative effect on my body.

Okay, tomorrow morning it is Santa and then the last of the holiday gifts. Hope to make it out without incident.

Survived the 1st Holiday Party

2010-12-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

OMG! What a day! I got all my water in for the day, but it was hard to figure out my calories at the holiday party. I figured it out to be a lot, although I focused on the "healthier" options, they weren't that healthy. At least I got my water in! Tomorrow is a new day.

The interview went really, really well but no decision has been made to which candidate they will pick. I hate the waiting game.
I have been really tired and coming down with something.
After the holiday party, I got a huge headache. I'm noticing that when I don't have control over what goes in my body, I have side effects with migraines being one of them.

Okay, off to bed.

A Week -- Spawn Day 6 *** Actually 7

2010-12-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

Doing good today with my water and my food. Yesterday was a wash, because I was in interviews all day. It was a bit stressful (I was totally brain dead afterward), but I didn't drink my water because I was afraid of having to go to the bathroom during the middle of one of my interviews. I also didn't eat much, because my stomach was all in knots. So, today I'm back on the water wagon, consuming about 130 oz. and I have my appetite back, somewhat.

So, tomorrow is our office holiday party. I'm bringing a salad, but I know there will be lots of other goodies that I will stay away from, but to be honest I don't really want any. I just want to enjoy the time hanging with my co-workers. It is interesting how socializing turns into a food fest.

******
Actually it has been a week of Spawn! I lost a day yesterday. Brain dead...Hope to be better tomorrow. ;-)
******

The Pineapple Express & SSDDDC Weigh-In

2010-12-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

I sent in my weigh in results to Allan and it was a loss of 6.8 lbs. I am working on getting in my water, as I type this. I don't know if this week will bring me a large weight loss like this past week, but I can just keep at it and see what happens.

I am sitting here listening to the rain pound against my house. They have termed this rainstorm the "Pineapple Express" which is band of heavy rain that originated in Hawaii that is now being dropped on the pacific northwest. Too bad it cannot be sunshine and warmer weather.

Okay, off to do some house cleaning and all that good stuff. :-)

Looks A Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

The house is festive now, since we finally went out and got out Christmas tree. I love the smell of a real tree. It is a real sturdy and tall (about 7 feet) noble fir. I love noble firs. We decorated and listened to Christmas music this afternoon. Tomorrow, we will do some more decorating and I have some cleaning that needs to be done. I didn't drink as much water as I wanted today (about 115 oz). It is tough to do it over the weekend, because of all the other things that I was running around doing. However, food was good. Finished the day with 1300 calories.

I have in-person interviews on Monday! Eeekkkk!! I'm excited, but I really hate interviewing. I have my interview suit all ready to go. I just want to impress and do a great job. I really want this job! Actually, I think I am the best person for the job. Praying that everything goes well!

Day 5 -- SDDDC & Weight Watchers Meeting

2010-12-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

I had my Weight Watcher's meeting this morning and I'm down 6.2lbs. I am glad to see the scale moving down again. I know that the weight loss is mostly water weight, because of all the water I've been consuming, as well the lower carbohydrate intake. All that glycogen is being released, so of course I will see it in the scale. I don't care where it is coming from though, at least it is off and out of me. ;-)

My meeting was good. I love my leader. She keeps it real! Even if I don't feel like participating sometimes, I like hearing other people's stories. Today, I didn't know people had such an aversion to fruit (i.e. bananas) before WW change the plan. I love bananas. I ate them before they changed the plan and will continue to eat them. Seriously, I didn't get obese eating bananas, apples, grapes, melons, oranges or any other fruit or vegetable for that matter. For me, it was the processed junk (lots of processed junk) that caused my weight gain. Today, give me an apple over a bag of chips. However, that was not always the case when I was gaining and avoiding the scale and mirrors.

Okay, I'm trying to get my family out the door to get a Christmas tree. Come on people! ** How many times do I have to say that....*** Anyway, let me go light a fire under those two.

Day 3 - Took a Peek

2010-12-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

I took a peek at the scale today and I'm liking what I see. This water is really working, as well as keeping my calories low, lowering my carbs, and eating more protein. I am logging my food in WW eTools, but I am also carrying around a small notebook, as well as The CalorieKing Calorie, Fat & Carbohydrate Counter 2011 in my purse, just in case I need to find the calories of an item.

Its old school, but I actually like whipping out my notebook and putting my pen to paper to write down what I've eaten or the number of ounces I've drunk. It is helping me make better decisions, so it is a boost both emotionally and physically.

Off to finish drinking my tea, while the little one (my daughter) is snuggled right up against me.

Day 2– So Good!

2010-12-08T19:05:00.001-08:00

I am doing really well with the SDDDC. Yeah, I know it is only day two, but I actually feel good. I think of it as a detox. I’ve been putting a lot of whole, healthy foods. Though, I think the biggest thing for me is upping my water consumption. Today, I’ve had 132 oz. of water and I’ve noticed I’m not as bloated and that my ankles aren’t as swollen. Hopefully, I will make consuming water a habit and my “cankles” make only a rare appearance, instead of being an everyday occurrence.

Today, I stuck to my plan at the business lunch. I had a huge house salad, no cheese, with balsamic vinaigrette on the side and a grilled chicken breast on top. Everyone around me was getting fries, steaks, grilled sandwiches and burgers and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Afterwards, there was cake and ice cream in the office and I didn’t have any of it. The reasons: (1) The SDDD challenge; (2) I want a smaller ass; and (3) I’m feeling good and sugar sends me over the edge. I’m not pretty on a sugar high…and I end up eating more.

So, now I’m relaxing with the little one, sitting with the Christmas tree and mantel lights on….So nice and festive! I hope everyone had a good Wednesday! See ya later…

Okay....1st day down!

2010-12-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

The first day of the SSDDDC went well. The water intake made me nervous...but I got it all in. I drunk 142 oz. of water today and I feel really good. I wasn't as hungry as I expected to be. Maybe it is because of the water? I also got in 45 minutes of exercise.

Okay, I have an early day tomorrow. I need to hit the hay, but will blog more tomorrow. Tomorrow, is a business lunch at a restaurant and I already went online and picked out my lunch item (house salad w/grilled chicken breast ). I'm ready for day two! Bring it!

New Phases - New Challenges

2010-12-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

SSDDDC is my first challenge and I'm pretty excited. I am so ready to be challenged! I need to shake things up and get the scale going in a downward progression again. Today, I am vowing to consume more water. It will be part of the challenge and today is as good as any day to start upping my water consumption. I need it too!

Right now, I have some bean soup cooking away in the Crock-pot. I plan to freeze the majority of it. The rest will be dinner for the family. I'm using the left over ham bone that I froze after Thanksgiving. I did the same thing after Thanksgiving last year. It was really awesome soup and tasted great in February and March when I wanted some soup and I could just pull it from the freezer and heat it up. Yum!

Thank Goodness!

2010-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, I was expecting TOM, but I wasn't expecting it so suddenly. All I can say is thank goodness I was home doing my treadmill workout (60 minutes; 2:1 ratio), than at the gym. That would have been really, really embarrassing!

Yeah, it was bad

2010-12-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Weigh in today. I was up 7.8 lbs. I knew that I was up 5 lbs at home, but I always weigh more at Weight Watchers. It's depressing, but it's my fault. The only thing I can do is treat it as a learning experience and get back on track. Exercise and lower my carb intake. Those two things always works well for me.

My husband and I had a "discussion," which didn't go as well as I expected this morning. It had to do with exercise and making better food choices at the grocery store for the family. I never tried to push my eating on him and he can continue to buy his junk food if he chooses. I told him this is my body and my life and I will continue purchasing healthy food and make healthier meals. I need to lose this weight for me and me alone. I can say I want to get healthy for my family; but in all seriousness, I am doing this for me.

I really don't think he gets that, he sees it as being "selfish." To be honest, I think he thinks by my continuing to my lose weight, I'll shed him too in the end. Its the comments that he continues to make, which made mr come to such a conclusion. But really, I have my own insecurities and I really don't want to have to deal with his too. I can just be understanding, but "stick to my guns" that my ass is going to get smaller and he will just have to deal.

So, today is a recommitment to myself! I've come a long way baby, there is no way in hell I'm going back.

Yeah....whatever!

2010-12-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

The scale showed me 5lbs up today....Why, you ask? My food intake has been really good, but I have realized that no matter how I track and watch my food intake, I have to exercise to lose weight. I can drop my points, but in the long run, it won't do me any good and will just slow my metabolism down more. I have to exercise and I've been so unmotivated. It sucks!

Since Monday, starting the New WW program, I was hoping to see some changes. I guess I was putting too much hope in the plan, when I really need to focus on me. I'll go to my meeting tomorrow, weigh in, get the support I need and then "dust my shoulders off" and head to the gym. Who said losing weight was easy? I know it is hard. It takes focus and dedication. I just need to grease my wheels, get me head back in it and get my ass in the gym!

Enjoying the New Plan

2010-12-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus plan, but actually I haven't really changed my eating too much. I have always tried to eat healthy, whole and lean foods. Of course, I have something that is "processed" but I really don't deal well physically with heavily processed and sugary foods or with food high in sodium. I'm "The Queen of Bloat."

This week though I've been ravenous and I even dreamed of chocolate and potato chips! I mentioned it to a co-worker and she asked if TOM was due soon and it is, in a few days. It is totally a pattern with me. A week before my period, I feel like crap and want to eat and eat. Once it is over, my emotions get back in control and my appetite goes back to normal.

Good news of the job interviewing!! So, I had two phone interviews...One with HR and one with the hiring manager. Well, I was picked to come in for an in person interview. I am so excited! I'll find out tomorrow what day I'll go in to interview. I have my suit all ready. I know most of the people on the team and I am really, really excited about the position. I am looking forward to the interview process.

Click Protein!

2010-12-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

Kelli at Click was nice enough to send me some protein powder to try. I have seen it advertised in Oxygen Magazine, but I had a hard time finding stores (even supplement stores, but I will go out scouting again this weekend). I usually don't like buying something over the internet, especially if I don't know if I'll like it.

I was given both the Mocha and Latte flavors, as well as the cute shaker cup (yes, it was free --- if you are reading FTC). I tried the Mocha first. I added the packet of the Mocha Flavor with 12 oz. of water, heated in the microwave (you can drink it cold, but I prefer my coffee hot). In the end, what I got was a yummy protein and caffeine packed drink for my drive to work, instead of stopping at Starbucks for a Skinny Vanilla Latte. It mixed really well and was not clumpy or lumpy, like some protein powders.

It is 3 Weight Watchers PointsPlus Points (was previously 2 points). The protein actually helped satisfy my morning hunger, where I had a later breakfast (this was at 5:45 AM in the morning and I later had oatmeal at 9:00 AM).

This morning I tried the Latte Flavor. Although not my favorite, it still was pretty good. All in all, I highly recommend this protein powder if you like coffee, but would like a little protein with it, give Click a try.

Nutrition Info can be found on their site, but it has 23 vitamins and minerals, a double shot of espresso (I love me some coffee ~~ caffeine), 15 grams of protein and just 120 calories.

Weigh-in & “Crabbiness”

2010-11-28T20:20:00.001-08:00

OMG! I have been in such a bad mood! I am frustrated and tired. I think part is hormones, but part is just frustration with my weight loss, or lack of weight loss. I have to not try and compare myself to others, but over the past couple of days, it has really effected me. I didn’t know why, until I saw that December 1st is when I had set to reach my “goal weight” over a year ago.

It was a goal that I kept to myself. I jotted it down in my Moleskine Daily Planner. I saw it on Friday and was bummed out. I still haven’t recovered. At weigh-in, I saw a .8lb gain. I expected a gain and was happy that it was only .8, but it didn’t help me get out of the funk I’ve been rolling around in for days.

I didn’t run or walk the Seattle Marathon today. I actually broke down and started crying when I saw the marathon coverage on the news this morning. My friend, who was going to do it with me, decided not to a couple of months ago. I was going to walk it and wanted her to walk the 1/2 marathon with me, but she didn’t want to, saying that it would be a step back for her. I totally understood where she was coming from, but then I lost the ambition to do anything physical. Maybe I’m burned out or need to do something different? I love the feeling after exercise, but it’s the doing the activity or getting the time, has become the problem.

I came to the realization (Aaah! Haaa! moment) as to why I haven’t been working out like I used to. My husband (God bless him), made a comment several months ago that I was being “selfish” by wanting to go to the gym to work out and not spending time at home with him and our daughter. I was taken aback. It shocked me because he never mentioned it before.

He had always been supportive, but as I’ve gotten smaller, lost more weight, the negative comments have increased; with the crap food coming into the house more and more. Add that, with the crap weather, and I feel like crap. He also recently stated that he didn’t know why I continue to pay the $40 a month for Weight Watchers, when I’m not losing weight.

I told him it was my money and right now, it is the only support system I have. I cannot give that up! Having a support system (in whatever form) is one of the type reasons that people succeed in weight loss and keep the weight off. I’m not sure what the hell his problem is, but I cannot continue making it my problem. This is my journey. Hell, it may be “selfish” but he will just have to deal!!

That felt good to get off my chest!

Coming Out of a Turkey Coma

2010-11-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving yesterday! I made a really great Pumpkin Chiffon Pie that was 3 points per slice (8 servings per pie). It was really good and everyone loved it. It was like a pumpkin pudding pie. Yum!

Today, I'm trying to decide if I want to venture out in the crazy-shopping-hysterics of Black Friday, or just hang at home. The snow is gone, so it is safe to venture out, without running the risk of getting hit by another car. However, there is the risk of getting ran over by a shopping cart. I don't know which is worse.

The husband went to work and I am at home with the daughter. Petco is having a sell on cat food, and I probably will go there and stock up on food for Mojo. I'm hoping that the pet store won't be as crazy as the shopping malls today.

********* Here is a picture of the turkey breast, that caused my coma. It was dang good! *********

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2010-11-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

It is cold her in the PNW and all I want to do is hibernate. It is in the low 20's, snowing and icy. Traffic was a pain in the behind, but I made it home safely. I don't know if I will make it in to work early tomorrow, but I may try and get in later after it starts to heat up a little. However, it all depends on if the little one has school.

Our satellite television keeps cutting in and out. The wind is blowing hard and I just got a text from a co-worker that she can't make it home and is thinking about turning around to go back to work!! Horrible!

My eating has been good, but my exercise has been blah. Yeah, I really need to change that. Okay, off to sit near the fire place and drink some sugar-free cocoa.

Weigh in -- November 20, 2010

2010-11-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

I went to Weight Watchers and I'm down 2lbs today! My leader weighed me in and she has also watched the up, down, up, down of my weight going on for the past 6 months. She said that it is great that I have toughed it out, because usually people give up and never come back. I am living these days anyway, so there is no need for me to "give up" and stop going to meetings. Those meetings help to keep me grounded.

My leader also collected my height and age today, so that she can calculate my points for the new PointsPlus program starting in a couple of weeks. I'm looking forward to the change.

Catching up…

2010-11-18T19:44:00.001-08:00

I’m here. I’m cold and tired. My weight has fluctuated all week…up 5 lbs, down 6lbs. It is interesting what the body does in a 24 hour period (or maybe it is just my bod?). I have another phone interview tomorrow. I’m excited and nervous. Wish me luck!

No jury duty this week. I think that a plea was made, which works for me. I was not looking forward to missing two days of work unpaid.

Eating is good. I ate out with my co-workers on Tuesday. The food was good, but I’m always up in the scale the next day. I know it happens, so I wasn’t too surprised to see the 5lb gain the next day. This morning, it was gone, with an additional pound.

I think I’m going to bed early tonight. I have parent-teacher conference tomorrow, and then my phone interview. Good night!

Excited About the Change Coming

2010-11-14T17:39:00.001-08:00

I am excited about the Weight Watchers changes coming in a couple of weeks. I had a great discussion with my leader about my “issue” of not losing. Although, she didn’t give me details (they all have signed confidentiality agreements), she said that she thinks the new WW plan may be what I need to jumpstart my weight-loss again. I really hope so! I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

I have a crazy, busy week! I have jury duty on Wednesday and Thursday…and another phone interview on Friday!! I’m not sure how many of those I’ll have, or if/when I’ll have an in-person interview. I am praying that this all works out!! This job will be an awesome opportunity for me, but also for my family.

I went to the gym today. I did 45 minutes on the elliptical and 15 minutes on the “stair-climber to nowhere!” That machine kicks my butt! Afterwards, I realized how much exercise energizes me! OMG! I feel fabulous! Now, I just have to remember that feeling, so that I keep going regularly.

Wanting and Doing

2010-11-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

I have had a pretty busy week. Yesterday, I had a phone interview for over an hour for a job that I really, really, really want. Fingers and toes are crossed! I am hoping that they will at least want to see me in person. I'm having more bad days then good days at my current job, so I'm hoping and praying for a change.

A good thing is that I have tomorrow off from work to spend with my daughter. She is excited about it. It's Veteran's Day, so no school for her. We are going to spend the day hanging out and getting a pedicure. My toes are horrid looking right now.

I didn't blog an update on my weight this weekend. There is no change, so I felt like there isn't anything to update. I got really down about it after weigh-in on Saturday. I'm still kind of bummed out by the whole thing. I'm eating healthy and I feel good physically. I have really been slack on the exercise though. I've been like that since the weather has gotten colder, where I just want to hibernate. It's so, so bad. I know that is why there hasn't been any progress on my weight. It also helps with my stress, and can probably help get rid of a lot of my stress, especially now.

So, now I sit back and wait to see what happens on the job interview front. I hope to hear soon, but these things can take a long, long time. Ugh! I hate job hunting!

I want the new job and I want to reach my goal weight. What do I plan to do to get those things? With the job, it is out of my hands right now; however, my weight is not. It is something that I can actually wrangle and get a handle on making the scale move in a downward progression, instead of a standstill. I just need to do it.

Thoughts of Maintenance

2010-10-31T12:54:00.001-07:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about maintenance lately, maybe it is because I’ve been at a weight loss stand still for months, or because I’m just anxious to get to another part of this journey? I guess in a way, this weight loss stall is a form of maintenance. I’ve been bouncing around with the same 5lbs for months, which I’m told is normal for someone who is maintaining their “normal” weight. However, I haven’t reached my “normal” weight, at least I don’t think so.

I have been reading online about what constitutes maintenance and successful weight loss. On different sites, the theme is the same. People who maintain their weight:

Keep a food diary or awareness of caloric intake
Have a support group or system
Are active and make fitness fun
Focus on health and not weight loss
They do it for themselves
Have found healthy food substitutions
Monitor their portion sizes
Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks
Know the changes are for life and not temporary
Don’t quit and give up when they “backslide”
Food is all about moderation and no food is “band”
Separate self-worth from the number on the scale

The steps above are something that I try my darnedest with, although the last on “separating self-worth from the scale” has been really, really hard, but I’m working on it.

This weeks weigh-in --- a 2 lb gain; however, I didn’t let it get me down. I am doing this for myself and I have a great support group with my Weight Watchers friends. These changes are for life and I know I’ll eventually be where I want weight and health wise.

What I'm Missing

2010-10-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

It was exercise. OMG! It makes me feel so much better after a long, tiring day. I just did a 30 minute walk at 4.0 mph on the treadmill and 15 minutes of plyos (jumping jacks, push ups (girlie style), squats with 5lb dumbell....15 reps, 4 x). I feel really, really good. I have to remember that exercise should be my drug of choice. ;-)

Okay, now off to read my Nov/Dec issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers. They have really great training exercises for at home workouts this month. Love, love this magazine.

Another day…

2010-10-24T15:58:00.001-07:00

Not much going on in the weight loss department. I feel like it is the same story, every weekend. No change or it is, its slight, with gains and losses and no nets. I keeping track everyday and the graph is just a straight line with slight bumps up and down. Its sad and pitiful and I’m trying not to let it get me or keep me down.

I’ve been feeling blah about my job lately too. I guess that is an up and down too. There are days when it is great and then other times when it really isn’t and I want to walk away. It sucks, but all I can do is try and hang on until the job market gets better.

I have been totally in the mood for soups, chili and stews. I also have been wanting bread, banana, pumpkin and zucchini. I think it is the cold and rainy weather that puts me in a baking and crock-pot mood.

Okay, off to do some taco soup making….

Quick post...making priorties

2010-10-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

I suck @ blogging right now...I need to add it to my list of priorities.
Weight is holding steady...lost the pound I gained last week. It was a wash.
Busting out the soup recipes. I went back to the WW basics this week and made Garden Vegetable 0 point soup.
Work is stressful as ever, but I'm surviving.
Will have a better post later, because I feel lame not updating.

Just one of those days

2010-10-11T20:25:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days at work, where you just want to pack up all your stuff and go home, never to go back again? Yeah, me too and today was one of those days. I’m really not looking forward to tomorrow, but I do hope it is better today. I don’t think I can take another day like today.

Getting My Mojo Back

2010-10-10T14:14:00.001-07:00

My kitty named Mojo

I have been trying to get my “mojo” back for awhile now, but I am happy to report that I saw glimpses of it as I was sweating away on the elliptical and lifting weights at the gym this morning. Recently, I just stopped going to the gym, not really making excuses, but just not doing it when there was an opportunity. The husband’s work schedule is supposed to be more flexible this week, so I have no “excuses” to not work out after work this week.

I know my complacency and lack of activity has stunted my weight loss. This is what happens when you get comfortable, and I am comfortable. To me, being comfortable isn’t a bad thing. I can do things with my body that I couldn’t do a 150lbs ago. I can jog. Do a back bend. Lift heavy weights. Run several flights of stairs. Shop in “regular” stores for clothes. And many, many other things; however, I know I don’t want to be where I am anymore. Bopping around the 210’s is not fun ~ sucks actually.

My Weight Watchers leader (who I love, love dearly), stated that this is time for me to solidify my habits and just be me at this moment. Maybe I have reached a set point and I’m comfortable, but eventually the scale will move. I have to remember that I cannot compare my journey to others (which I am finding that I’m doing more and more and it makes me depressed). This is my journey and I have to own it. I will take these periods of “plateau” as learning experience – a healthy and important learning experience.

I haven’t gained, lost control and gone on binges, and even if I did, I know that I can turn it around. Maybe that is the lesson I was meant to learn? With the “old me.” I would have thrown in the towel months ago and instead of maintaining, I would have gained big time (and I can pack it on). I have changed both mentally and physically, and that makes this journey worth it.

Same old thing...

2010-10-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

No loss for the week. I was up a pound. After happy hour Thursday night, I expected it. Today the effects have gone away, according to the scale. :-) I really want a good loss this week, but with you know who making a visit in the next few days, I don't know if that will happen.

Not much else is going on. My life is pretty boring, with work and everything household, no one wants to hear about the laundry, dishes, etc. I did make a good meal tonight. I had spaghetti squash with meat sauce (99% FF Turkey Breast). It was really, really good. I added lots of veggies to the meat sauce too (carrots, onions, celery) to help bulk it up.

Now, I'm waiting for the hubster. The treadmill and I have a hot date.

Happy Hour & Other Musings...

2010-09-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

I have worked out three times this week and here is some evidence of two of those days:

Monday night, I did 30 minutes of good cardio with a 20 minute walk afterwards.

Above and below is the calorie count from my cardio session.

Boy, was I sweaty!

These next photos are from Wednesday night. Another sweat, but not as intense as Monday.

It felt good working out and I really miss the intensity. I totally needed to do it! However, I feel that all my hard work this week with my eating and exercising was destroyed tonight at happy hour with co-workers. Who can pass up happy hour at Ruth Chris Steak House?? I had two Lemon Drop Martinis which were so, so dang good! I think I will pay for it on the scale Saturday! I feel it in my ankles right now...Oy! Their "Prime Menu" is so cheap and good. Now, I am really mellow and need to go to bed. ;0)

Weekends & Not Enough Time

2010-09-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have such grand plans for the weekends on Monday. Although, when Saturday hits, sometimes they don't happen. I worked out at the gym, so right now that's all that matters to me!

My Sunday: I went to the gym today, shopped at Trader Joe's (I just woofed down the container of Egg White Salad Ranchero Style for 2.5 points w/ Guiltless Gourmet Tortillas), and now I am working on dinner for the family. It's "Indian night", with curried chicken with vegetables and quinoa.

Again, on the weight-loss front..No weight lost this week...Just maintenance...Again. So, yeah I'm kind of sick of not seeing the scale move. Since I started tracking my weight everyday a few months ago, I see the fluctuations, and although I'm losing, its not significant. At least, I don't feel it and I'm not seeing it. I really need to change my actions, just kick my ass into gear.

Although I continue to eat healthy, my exercise has taken a nose dive. I'm changing that this week. If I don't do anything else, I will work out. I want to get to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday will be either a walk outside or on my treadmill. The only way to get the scale to move again is to exercise, and continue to eat healthy, drink water and track. I feel that putting my goals out there gives me incentive to actually do them.

I also have a book I got through Barnes & Noble for sweet price. Its Jackie Warner's book "This Is Why You're Fat." I loved Workout when it was on Bravo and I started watching Thintervention. Jackie is pretty cool and I really think she cares about her clients. I wanted to read the book, but was hesitant in buying another diet book. However, I had heard great reviews and since I had a coupon for 40% off at Barnes & Noble, I ordered online and got free member shipping. Awesome! I haven't read it yet, but look out for a review in the future. ;-)

Slow & Steady Wins

2010-09-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

I have to remind myself that my weight loss journey is not a race. These changes that I’m making are for the rest of my life. Food and I have a love hate relationship, and this weight loss journey is therapy. I have been attending Weight Watchers meetings for 2 years and since then I’ve watched people come and go, then come back again. For me, I know I’ll need support. Either it is Weight Watchers meeting, group/on-on-one therapy, OA meetings, or something, but I’ll need support from outside myself. Blogging has also been a great way of getting support, but I still will want that face-to-face interaction with people who know and understand. I need the accountability.

I can only go so far on the wonderful comments I get from people, but I have my “eyes on the prize” which is reaching my goal weight. However, once there, what will I do to keep myself there and continue the healthy lifestyle? A lot of my goals are activity related (i.e. half marathon, marathon, etc.), but other things have come out of this (smaller clothing size, health improvements, not breaking lawn chairs…there is an embarrassing story there).

This week, again was maintaining. I’m ok with that actually. My leader actually asked me how I felt about it and I said I was actually fine. It has been over a month since I’ve had a big loss. I’m not gaining, I’m eating healthy, but I know I have to get back in the weight loss mode. My exercise has totally gone down hill lately. I got busy with work, as well as the hubby and I’ve lost my spunk. Even the thought of gym-eye-candy hasn’t motivated me to go. I miss the sweat and I know the lack of exercise has increased the stress I’m feeling. That needs to change. I just got to move my ass.

So, today I went out and bought some work out pants at Old Navy. I have a NSV...I took a XXL and XL size of yoga pants (there is a buy-one-get-one sale going on now) into the changing room. Both were too big. I was like what?? Then I got a size L and they fit. Whoa! I was excited. I got 4 pants for the price of 2 and in a size L! Wow!!

So, slow it is. It may not be too steady, but it’s going.

Playing Catch Up

2010-09-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that I didn't blog this weekend. It is basically the only time I really have to sit down and put it all down. Weight = Same. Nothing new with that. I'm good at maintenance, now I just need to start losing again. This is a weight loss blog after all. ;-)

Work is busy. I moved offices, closer to home so I don't have to travel into Seattle everyday. It's a sweet commute, but I'm still really busy. I had to move myself on Monday, packed up my desk and went to the new office, set up and I've been playing catch up all week.

As for the exercise front of things, I need it, but I haven't been to the gym since Sunday or done any kind of exercise. Tonight is treadmill night because the hubby is working late. I need to walk/run because it will really help with the stress. It always does. I really need to get the work out gloves too. My hands really took the brunt of the weights I lifted this weekend. I think I'll do that now.

2010-09-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

This week is draining and I think that it has something to do with the real downer on the weather front. Also, with other issues (i.e. hormones), I'm ravenous! It's crazy. I'm trying to keep it in check because it happens every time, every month, like clockwork.

Work has been stressful and it keeps coming. I'm exhausted. I need a vacay! An exciting thing this week is I got to have lunch with some ex-coworkers...now good friends. I miss them bunches and they all said that I looked so skinny. ;-) I really miss them and they want me to come back and work at the company. They are keeping me in the loop for any job prospects. I really hope something happens, either where I am or my previous company.

Also, some good news about my current job is that I get to work at an office closer to my house. It cuts my commute down a lot (from 1 hour to 15 minutes) and the gas savings will be so great.

I need to get some weight lifting gloves. The bars are killing my hands. I'm thinking about these:

They look really cool and I like the pink ribbon. Does anyone have these?

Cool Foundation Matrix -- Sharing!

2010-09-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

I came across this Foundation Matrix at Temptalia. Now that my family and I are on a tight budget (as well as many people out there), I cannot buy the M.A.C cosmetics, I've come to love, as often as needed. The big problem for me is foundation. It is so hard to find a shade of foundation in a drugstore that will work for my skin complexion (either its too light and ashy, or too dark and cakey).

The foundation matrix helps to take the guess work out of picking out foundation colors. Also, it has been recommended for us darker toned ladies, to pick out a couple close shades and blend them together. In that case, I go for those buy one, get one or buy one get on 1/2 off sales. Blending my own has worked and still cost less than a bottle of M.A.C foundation.

The more weight I've lost, the more I want to look and feel good. Even on a budget, I buy items on clearance or look for sales. I have a "new body" and a "new face" and I want to dress them up when I can. Now, I have to get brave try some fake lashes I see on Pixiwoo. I haven't gotten up the nerve, but I will. ;-)

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

I have had an exciting morning. I couldn't find my cell phone this morning and went out on an adventure retracing my steps from yesterday. I looked high and low, went to the grocery store, the Starbucks where I got my husband his mocha, before heading home. I suspended the service on my phone. I started freaking out, thinking about how purchasing new cell phone was not in our budget.

Well, I found it on my desk, underneath a blanket my husband put there last night. I don't remember putting it on my desk. I remember putting it in my purse yesterday. I swear we have gremlins in our house. Keys, socks, dustpans are all MIA. I think the gremlins enjoy watching us run around, trying to find things they have hidden or misplaced. It's probably just my "momma brain" that has me putting items in places I cannot remember. It sucks.

So, today is gray and cloudy her in the PNW. I am trying to get the family out to take a walk or something adventurous. I will go to the gym too, later. I have the day off, so I want to make the best of it.

Don't Should All Over Yourself

2010-09-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

That was the topic of our Weight Watchers meeting. We always talk about how we "should do this" or we "should do that" but never, ever do it. I used to, before losing the weight, I "should eat better" or I "should exercise," but never got my ass into gear. "Should" never motivated me. "Should" gave me a way out. It effected my brain, I think giving me wiggle room to not do whatever I "should" be doing.

Today, it is all about "needing" and "wanting". My husband stated today that he said I now focus more on me, my wants and needs, more than I ever had before. I think it is a good thing too. I used to be so selfless, putting the needs of my family (i.e being a mom) before me. It was not a good situation for me or my family. After giving birth a little over 5-years ago, I packed on 70 lbs (I was already over 300 lbs at the time), because I was struggling. It was great having the little peanut in the world, after 9-months of incubation, but afterwords it felt like my life was up in the air...blended with postpartum depression, food was my drug of choice. It was not pretty. However, I can sit and say the things that I "should have" done or what I "should do now," let me tell you that s&%t doesn't work. I have to be a doer, a wanter and a needer for me.

So, this week, I lost what I gained last week, a 4lb loss total (2lbs net). I'll take it. Gosh, my weight loss is so freaking slow. My leader and I had a talk before the meeting. She knows that I have been hovering, not really losing, but not gaining either which is a plus. I still have my mojo. I'm still doing my thing. I need to continue going to meetings, tracking and exercising. Not only for the benefit of weight loss, but all those things make me feel better physically and mentally. I saw another woman today at WW who used to go to meetings and stopped several months ago. She gained while away and said that she was happy to see I've stuck with it. I am happy too.

Why oh Why?

2010-08-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

Tired, so very tired. I'm up, up, up in my weight by 2lbs. I know it is because of all the eating out and the lack of tracking and exercise. My friend, her husband and daughter were down visiting from Nanaimo. We ate out and I didn't exercise...so, yeah I feel sucky and bloated. Okay, dusting myself off.

Why do I seem to do this to myself? I feel like I'll never meet my goal sometimes. Other days, I feel awesome I'm just feeling so down right now. My food choices haven't been the greatest, but I vowed to myself after I got off the scale yesterday at my Weight Watchers meeting that I cannot continue the way I've been. I know I'm bored with my food and exercise. I need to spice it up. Work has also been a bear (I put in 4 hours today).

After work today, I went to the gym and worked out for an hour. I found out they have closed another Bally Total Fitness in the area, leaving only 2 and to be honest they aren't the greatest. I would love to try Gold's Gym near my house, but I don't have the money right now to pay the crazy fees that gyms charge to sign up.

Okay, the goal is to be a better tracker and exerciser this week. I have to get back on track...brushing off the dust.

Being a better blogger...

2010-08-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'm really sucking recently at updating my blog. Work has just been crazy and when I get home, I don't want to look at my computer, since I just spent 9+ hours in front of one. So, I'm trying. That's all I can do. It is the same with my weight loss...stayed the same this week. It's like I lose, then I hold, then I lose a bit more, then I hold...eventually I'll reach my goal, its just slow going.

My husband, daughter and I attend a pool party yesterday. We warned our daughter to not go into the deep end, and she decided to give it a try anyway. While my hubby and I sat at the edge of the pool, she moved closer to the deep end, lost her footing and sunk down, bobbed up and went under again. The husband dove in and grabbed her. It was scary there for a moment. Heart in your throat moment.

However, we didn't panic or freak out. She was pretty calm too, which was surprising. She isn't a good, strong swimmer but she mentioned on the way home she wants to be a better swimmer so that she can get a medal. ;-) I said that we will find her some lessons and if it is something she wants to pursue, I'm all for it.

Okay, back to cleaning. I didn't get an opportunity yesterday, so today is the day! I'll try to be a better blogger this week. I want to, so I know I can be.

Weigh-in and the heat wave!

2010-08-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

I am so loving the weather. I've been out sunning myself, getting some vitamin D. It is have been about 90 degrees here in the PNW! Wow! However, it starts going downhill again this week, but that's okay. I have enjoyed my 1 day weekend.

Yesterday, I worked 7 hours. I caught up on a lot of work, but I really would have liked being with my family instead. I then kept thinking that I'm just a temp, a contract worker...yeah, I get overtime, but the company really isn't investing in me (no benefits, no health care, but I get a check so I shouldn't complain). Although, I've caught up on a lot of things that are hard to do during the week with the phones ringing, people running to my desk, the internal instant messaging...it's craziness.

Weigh-in was good. I'm down .08 lbs....Slowly, but surely it is coming off. Slowly, but surely.....zzzzzzz.....I'm hoping that it will continue. I can deal with a 1lb a week. Would be great if it was more, but I'm at the point where I don't sweat it. It will come off. If I keep working at it, the weight will eventually come off. There is a lot of emotional baggage that I still deal with, but as I work through it, I work on my health and my weight loss goals, the scale continues to drop. Although, sometimes it is like a roller coaster ride, where the scale is up, down and all around.

A cool thing happened though after my meeting yesterday. A fellow WW member asked me how long have I been at goal! I was shocked, but it felt good. LOL! I told her I'm not at goal yet, but I plan to be there soon! Wow, she made my morning. ;-)

I should be...

2010-08-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Going to bed, but I'm trying to find some podcasts to download for my commute tomorrow. I'm all up on Two Fit Chicks and I'm looking to see what is new out there in podcast world. I love The Fit Cast and Running With Ghost. Does anyone recommend some good podcasts? I have about an 1 hour commute to work, so I love listening to podcasts on health, fitness, exercise and weight loss. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Whoop! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!

2010-08-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

First of all, I've been so freaking busy. I have to go into work on Saturday. Not looking forward to it, but hate the feeling of having so many projects and so little time. I want to be at work where no one will bother me...no phone calls, no one asking questions...just me and some podcasts. I love my job, I just wish I was an employee and not a contract worker. My husband says that I still need to job hunt, which I do...but I like my job, so I'm not motivated to.

TOM is on town!! OMG, this is my first real one after removing my IUD and its ridiculous! Painful and a bunch of other things you don't want to hear about. I just can't wait until my body adjusts to the hormonal changes. Yeah, now I know why I was so on edge on Sunday! Running helps a lot, though. I ran last night and it was so helpful with de-stressing and relieving my cramps.

I also won a giveaway this, which I'm very excited about! Thank you Natalia!! I'm so looking forward to sweating with Jillian Michaels!! Bring it on! LOL!

Jog to Clear the Fog

2010-08-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

I feel so much better after 20 minutes of jogging and 20 minutes of walking on the treadmill. I'm not so grumpy anymore, which is a relief. I also feel just more relaxed. The family is actually napping right now, which is a plus because I can sit, read a magazine, catch up on some blog reading and just be.

Yesterday, we went to a nursery called Flower World. We are thinking about purchasing a few new plants for our yard. I'm a fan of hydrangeas. I also loved the butterfly bush. We may get some herbs too (i.e. rosemary, lavender, and mint). The lavender and rosemary are pretty resilient in the northwest. I'm not sure how the mint will hold up.

Ooh oh....I hear the hubby moving around upstairs...Well, I hope the little stays down a little bit longer.

Sometimes you just want to run away….

2010-08-08T14:36:00.001-07:00

Stress has got me on edge. I don’t know if it is PMS or what, but I need to sit and meditate. I was down this week – 2lbs loss! I feel good about that. I just feel like I should lose more especially since it is just 2 lbs in a month. Ugh!

So, I put on my running shoes and some work out wear. I plan to run once I get the kid, who is also grumpy today, down for a nap.

Maybe I can run the grumpy out. I hope so!

Beware the Misrepresentation

2010-08-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

Damn you Starbucks!! Several months ago, Starbucks was giving away a free pastry at their stores when you purchased a drink. I went on their site to figure out what pastry would work for my plan. After diligently searching the site, sorting through the low fat (which they aren't really) items and possible more "healthy" options, I settled on the Blueberry Oat Bar (which wasn't part of "free pastry day" but they gave it to me anyway). At the time, on their site the calories were listed around 250 per bar (calculated out to be 5 points - can't remember the exact number). Well today, I discover the calories are actually 370 per bar (8 friggin' points). Wow! Seriously! Why didn't I get the memo?

Even the Weight Watchers eTools has it listed as 5 points in the journal. That's going to need some updating stat Weight Watchers!! At least I am in my points range today, because if I blew it on the bar, I would be ticked! I would drive down to the Starbucks headquarters and ask to speak to someone in charge of pastries! Well, I wouldn't go that far.

I tell ya, I feel like I have to keep on top of everything..recheck and check again a few months later. I can't believe everything I read when it comes to the posted calories by corporations of fast food/dining establishments. I know Starbucks has done this in the past, but dang! At least I didn't become addicted and can walk away....I rather spend 3 points on something else.

I didn't go...

2010-08-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

I didn't go to the gym yesterday, but I did run.....check out my after photo!

I kicked my butt and it felt good. I ran (or jogged....;-)) 3.5 miles. It felt so good and nothing is sore today. My knees aren't bothering me and my ankles feel fine. I can't wait to do it again.

Bitten,but still kicking!

2010-08-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

The thing about working in the yard is that I'm now covered in itchy bug bites! I'm trying not to scratch, but it is so dang hard. I guess the "squeeters" liked my blood. I even have a bite on my temple, right along my hairline. It itches like crazy! Gotta focus on something else....

I didn't do any exercise today. The hubby worked late and the kid and I tried to pull out a stump in the yard (I guess that is exercise). We cut down this bush yesterday that some ivy started killing, so I'm going to look for a plant to replace it this weekend. Maybe a hydrangea? The stump is a b&*ch to remove though! I hope we can get it up soon.

Food has been good. I'm within my daily points and calories for the day. It feels good to be on plan. Tomorrow, I want to work out at the gym. I missed the elliptical, the weights, and the eye-candy. ;-)