"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" ~ Seneca

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Groundhog Day

I have been so focused on the number on the scale. Everyday I step on it and there's that same nimbler 160. Maybe a tad higher, but rarely lower. I feel like the movie Groundhog Day, repeating until you get I right.
Well I've come to the realization that I should celebrate the fact that I have lost 50 pounds and have kept it off. How silly of me that I did not record the actual day when I could proudly declare I had lost 50 pounds.
Since then, I have had many NSV but rarely take note of them. Now that will change.
Starting with the fact that we went hiking on the weekend and we did a 9 mile rt hike with the kids. We all had a good time and there was minimal complaining during the hike.
NSV#2-One day, now nearly 2 w ago, I biked to work- which is ~7 mile rt. This isn't such a big deal for my fabulously fit dh, but for me I was able to overcome my fear of seeing my big butt on a bike seat- cue Queen's Fat Bottomed Girls here-LOL.
So here is to recognizing my accomplishments and taking note!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

I've been remiss

Remiss in posting among other things. We've had a busy few weeks with the end of school and the beginning of summer. If you can call 60 degrees summer!
We just returned from camping in Waterton National Park. We had a relaxing time camping in the townsite and hiking. Weather could have been better, but hey, it's early summer here- it's raining while I type this.
I was able to eat okay- poor choices plan wise but it's all about moderation. Let's just say some brats were eaten and some beer was imbibed :0

But now it's a new day- a recurring theme here. I'm thinking of trying a cleanse to jump start my body. Anyone have any insight? Ever tried a cleanse? How did you feel after it? Which cleanse did you try? Any one know anything about body logix?

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Lost

And by lost I don't mean the tv show. More like how Stitch felt in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch".
Not feeling the love at my job- or at least not as much. Maybe I'm just too sensitive and trying too hard to fit in. But it reminds me of high school (no surprise as the majority of my coworkers are in their early 20s). Not a time I'd really like to live over- it's been 25 years- isn't that enough suffering?
Trying to move on, but not finding the 'next best thing', so meanwhile I'll try not to let this derail me from trying to lose weight if anything it should inspire me, right? So why do I feel less than enthused? Could it be I was mentored today by someone half my age who has been on the job less than I have? She appears to be a total brown-noser and the management have fallen hook,line & sinker. She is the golden girl who can do no wrong? Am I a little envious? Perhaps, I won't lie ( then again maybe I will). Maybe it is pure jealousy, not envy as she is an attention monger whereas I'm lucky to get a "how was your day" from the managers. I've never been high on their radar and I don't think that's going to change anytime soon. Well see how the mid-review goes tomorrow. All I know is, sometimes I feel they want me to quit- but there's no way I will give them that pleasure.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

One squat forward, 2 crunches back

Well I'm making great profess in my 200 squat challenge. On my last exhaustive test I did 100 squats, so I have moved onto the final week. Week 6- and I just completed day 1. Meanwhile, I struggled with week 3 of the sit up challenge, so I am repeating it and maybe I can give it all the attention it deserves when I finish the squat challenge.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Free fallin'

As in falling without a parachute! It's one of my favorite Tom Petty tunes.
Looking forward to a day off with nothing on the agenda. Currently reading "The Tale of Halcyon Crane" and I'm really enjoying it.
That's all I have planned today, though I should go attack the dandelions in the back yard. Maybe after lunch.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Spinning my wheels

Feel as I'm on the treadmill of life. Just going through the motions and not feeling very fulfilled. Show up at work, do my time, pick up kids, feed them, go to activities, go to bed, wash, rinse, repeat. My self esteem has been rocked, can't pinpoint what event did so, but I think it's work related and feeling uncertain about my position. Nothing like being on the outside looking in.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Chugging along

Now starting week two of the sit-up & squat challenges. Actually I'm on week 4 of the squat challenge and holey moley can I feel my quad muscles working! But I guess that confirms the fact that they are working, not slacking and as long as I keep using them- I should be good.
Eating has been mostly OP and I'm gearing up for a summer weight loss challenge. If I stick to it, I'm hoping to lose another 10 pounds.
It will take a lot of effort and keeping myself accountable to what I actually eat. Not sure if I want to go back to food logging, but it has been successful in the past.
Otherwidpse, I'm dealing with bouts of feeling completely exhausted. To the point where I sit down at dinner and nearly fall asleep. I'm not sure of the cause. I'm getting plenty of sleep (8 hours) though I feel I could always use more. Maybe I need more protein? I'll have to read marabout the ME(metabolic effect) diet. According to their little survey, I am a mixed burner- meaning I burn both sugar & muscle. Perhaps I'll tweak my diet per their recommendations and see what the results are.
Off to see how my abdominal muscles feel after day 1 week 2 of the sit-up challenge.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Sore quads already?

Squat challenge. Well after the initial testing last night, I decided to jump right in. Based on my test score, I'm starting on week 3- intermediate level. This consisted of 5 sets (16, 22, 17,17, max I did 30). You get 1 min rest between sets.
To help with form & counting I downloaded the squatfu lite app for iPhone which counts the squats you do properly.

After doing this, my quads and one knee is sore and it's only been a few hours. Hope I can move tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Challenges

In light of the void that has been sitting heavily on me (literally), I've decided to fight it in hand to hand combat i.e.-better eating and more exercise, 'cause i need to toe the line if I want to reach the end goal.
I've realized with my new work schedule, I'm not able to attend aerobics like I was previously and it's had a direct effect on my mood. I like my step aerobics! So in lieu of going to the gym, I'm going to try the 200 hundred sit up and the 200 hundred squats challenge. If these go well, I may even try the100 push ups challenge. I took the initial tests and did great in the squats- I was able to do 60 squats and probably could have done more, but boy were my knees creaking. In the sit ups, I was able to do 25, so I have lots of room for improvement in this area. Push ups will serve me well and help me to start toning my arms (especially my bat wings).
Starting this has helped me to re-kick start my motivation to lose weight and get & stay healthy. This, combined with the upcoming summer weight loss challenge on 3 Fat Chicks and helpful podcasts from Diet Girl & Mizfit should help guide me to the success I am looking for.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Struggling

The void is back. It's a pit in the center of my chest that sits there heavy as I breathe. Always making me aware of it's presence. I'm not sure where it's been hiding for the last little while. But recently it's come back, and I'm not sure why. How do I get rid of it? Make it go away? Again, I'm not sure.
The only thing I'm sure of is eating doesn't make it go away. I tried and was rewarded with a 3 lb gain on the scale.
Trying to get back on plan-which I hope will make the void retreat or dissapear alltogether. I think it preys on my uncertainty, my low esteem. It grows and feeds off these negative feelings, making me feel smaller (though in reality I get bigger in size)- how ironic.
Time to face up to this void and put it back in it's place.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

What kind of blog is this anyway?

This is what I've been asking myself the past 2 weeks, and I haven't come up with an answer as of yet. I'm in a funk, switching to a new work schedule as the kids school schedule seems to be spinning wildly out of control towards the end of the school year.
I talk a lot about the weather, I talk about my issues with food and my half-hearted attempts to lose weight.
But where do I go from here?
Why did I change my blog from being private to open?
Does anyone read it? And if they do, how do I feel about it?
I am a lurker, I read, but rarely comment. I gather information and try to adapt it to my needs and how it will help me on my journey to become healthier.
What do I have to add to the blogging world that hasn't already been covered? That I'm not sure about, but I guess this is what this journey is about.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Here comes the sun

Today was a day off for me- hooray! And it was the first day where we had sunshine that actually felt warm. I've heard rumors that we may get more "precipitation" next week, but I'll worry about that then- and enjoy this little change. Geesh, you'd think this was a weather blog or something?
So we walked to school this morning and then I took the resident mutt on a long walk. It's always a good feeling to hit my 10,000+ steps on my pedometer before I've really done anything. The rest of the day I've run errands and puttered. While I was at the library, I always stop in and peek at the used books for sale, 'cause who can pass up a good $0.50 book?! The one that caught my eye was 'The day I ate whatever I wanted' by Elizabeth Berg. Once I read it, I'll post my thoughts.
Food wise all is going well. Waiting for TOM to rear it's ugly head. I decided not to run the Mother's Day 5k since I didn't want to worry about work schedule conflicts.
Meanwhile I've been a bit food obsessive as of late- I must feel I'm being denied something- I'll have to figure out just what that is. But my timer just went off to take these beauties out of the oven Bon Appetit's Carrot Cake Cookies . Next on my list are these Pioneer Woman's Spicy Molasses Cookies . And while I'm at it- if you have an iPhone- be sure to try David Lebovitz's new app, it's awesome!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Sigh of relief!

I'm happy to report that when I woke this morning, there was no visible accumulation of snow- whew!
Now back to our regularly scheduled season.

Update: while the snow wasn't sticking this morning. It started sticking as i was going into work & while it isn't the big accumulations we had last week, it's still snow- in May!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Oh no here we go again!

Grrr- would someone please inform Mother Nature that 2 Winter Storm Warnings within the same week are more than enough, especially since it is technically spring and the supposedly merry, merry month of May when I last checked the calendar.
Here's hoping my world won't be covered in snow once again when I wake in the morning.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Holding Steady

Steady as she goes. I've been in maintenance mode, not officially, but thats what it seems like. I'm conscious of what I'm eating, and I'm not always on plan (OP), but when I stray, I modify what I'm eating afterwards and not beating myself up for straying.
I've had a stressful week, since dh was away on business. Solo parenting is difficult when you're not accustomed to it. Kudos to all those moms who do it not by choice but by necessity on a daily basis! You are the unsung heros of this world.
But while being under more stress than usual, in the end it all seemed to work out well. Even today when we were under a raging blizzard this morning. Getting the kids to school was a challenge and then my daycare provider didn't think she could care for the kids today, so I had to phone in sick to work- first time in nearly 18 months of working there. Not bad if you ask me though the manager on duty seemed less than thrilled.
It's amazing how external forces dictate our moods for the day, they shift and change just like the tide coming in or going out. I'm noticing that as I become more confident, those external forces seem to have lessof an effect. It could be all in my head, but I think it's true. I guess it doesn't matter it its really happening or not, as long as I believe in it. And along with believing in myself and that this is the 'new' me and my new lifestyle then I can maintain and put my mind to do anything I want! (pep talk anyone?)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The unthinkable- which you may find laughable

I've done the unthinkable- or that which I had been avoiding. The iPad came upstairs to the bed room. (Cue doomsday music)
This was something I was avoiding due to my propensity to WASTE time and surf the Internet mindlessly, or play Bejeweled on the big screen. I haven't been using the iPad much for reading yet- as I think $10 for an online book is ridiculous. I will find a way to read a decent library book (no harlequin romance for me) on this thing one day. I'm determined.
I use my iPad at the kitchen counter most of the time. Searching recipes, reading food blogs- ironic seeing as I'm in the throws of trying to lose/maintain a weight loss. Hopefully the iPad will be my saving grace and not my downfall.
Speaking of weight loss, I went to a high/lo aerobics class yesterday & pushed myself pretty well-if I do say so myself ( gives self a little pat on the back) but I'm paying the price as my quads are sore. I hope I'll be in less pain tomorrow. But then there's the old motto " No pain, no gain!"

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The iPad and other musings

I've been off line for spring break. We traveled to Mn to visit my mom, brother & sister. I always get home sick after the visit and this will no doubt happen again. I'm tired of living in our current location. I'm ready to live close to family, to have that support that you just can't get living1200 miles away. Even with all the wonderful technological inventions!
But we did attend the iPad launch at the Mall of America Apple Store. I was sucked into the hype and bought one of the beauties and I LOVE it. I think my iPhone will feel neglected as the phone screen looks SO small in comparison. Th processor is faster than my iMac, but I haven't pushed it to it's limits yet.
I look forward to learning more about the iPad and all it's capabilities.
In the weight world- I had reached 50 lbs lost but it was short lived as in, less than a week. I was off plan, though not completely out of control while on Spring Break. So now it's back to the routine to get back on track and see where this so called life will take me.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Time will Tell

I'm hemming & hawing as to whether I should run the mothers day 5k this year. I stopped running in Oct of last year, mostly due to the weather. I think I ran 20 min (the max time allowed) on the treadmill at the gym ONCE.
So last week, when the weather wa gorgeous. I went for my first outdoor run this year. I was able to run 5K in 33 min, which proved to me that all my 'cross-training' of aerobics, elliptical & walking the dog have paid off.
I also looked back and last May I weighed 186 lb!! So, in theory since I weigh ~25 lb less, it should be easier to run, right?
Do you see the pattern here? I'm trying to convince myself- that running is good, it'll be easier & I should do it. Time will tell.
On a side note- congrats to mizfit on her completion of the Disney Half Marathon-WTG!!

Friday, March 5, 2010

NSV's

For the longest time I didn't know what NSV stood for (for those not in the weight loss world it's non scale victory).
Today I've had both a scale victory & a non-scale victory.
First my scale victory since the scale has been on the move this week. I weighed in 160.2 lb this morning...0.2 lb away from my 50 lb lost mark! I'm guessing it's springtime and my body likes to start moving and that helps the metabolism kick into high gear.
Second, the non-scale victory. This morning the weather was gorgeous, sunny, just above freezing so I decided after I dropped the kids off to school I'd do a run. I haven't 'officially' run since October- or that was the last time I logged a run in Running Ahead. So I went and started jogging- with a goal of running 5k. And I did it- and in a decent time too- 33:42. I was shocked to say the least. I still have my cold hanging in there and so I was having trouble with excess snot. Mid-way through I wanted to stop running but I kept thinking about Mizfit who is running the half-marathon at Disneyworld this weekend and said- okay I can run 5k. What inspiration.
Can't wait to see what the scale holds for me tomorrow!!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Downward trend

Yesterday I weighed in at 163.5 which was a 0.5lb drop and I was satisfied with that. Especially after having ovulated this week & experienced some bloating.
Then, I step on the scale this morning at it said 162.2.
After I picked my jaw up off the floor I think the realization that the 3 aerobics classes might have actually paid off!

Unfortunately this week my schedule won't allow as much time at the gym.. So that just means I have to try the JM dvd 2x this week. Hopefully this downward trend will continue.
Oh & I neglected to mention that with this weight loss my bmi is now 29.9. I am officially 'overweight' and no longer 'obese'- can you see me doing the happy dance?! :)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Shock and awe

The scale has moved! Since Sept. of 2009, I have been playing the yo-yo game with my weight. It's been vascillating between 165-168 (and some times higher!)
I've been trying to 'hang' tight and not get too frustrated. But finally my patience has paid off with this number : 164 lbs
I know it's just a number but it's amazing how much power the number on the scale holds. The reason this number is so powerful is that it also marks me at 45 lbs lost. Ideally I would like to lose another 20 lbs or so, but now I'm trying to 'tighten' the flab. I'm attending aerobics classes a minimum of once a week. Usually they involve core exercise as well with an exercise ball. I'm finding new muscles and that I'm stronger than I give myself credit for. I can so push-ups while balanced on a ball!
I'm going to continue getting stronger and hope the scale continues to move downward.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Worried

The kids have a long weekend coming up an by long I mean 5 days! Thursday, Friday & Monday off. That means I'm home with them and around food and the refrigerator tht much more. Temptations will be a constant issue.
How will I keep temptation at bay and keep my eating OP and in check?
Planning is one way- though I'm not a big menu planner, unless it's a special event.
It will definately be a struggle, but it will be interesting to see the outcome.

Monday, February 1, 2010

It was FUN!

Enjoying my cardio classes- today it was hi/lo. It was all done on the floor- no steps, but the choreography. Oh MY! Grapevines in L shapes throw in a mambo step & a few windmills and I was on the wrong foot most of the class. But once again- it was fun and I guess that is the main thing- that I'm enjoying it and having fun.
I also picked up a video from the library called tie one on- advanced low impact aerobics. I think I'll try it tomorrow & report back.
Meanwhile- where does one get a step to do step aerobics at home?

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Best quote

From a grocery store circular:

"The best way to satisfy a craving is to enjoy it - responsibly"

Conflicted

I had an unfortunate meeting with a bag of Greek potato chips. I ate with wild abandon and ended up consuming more than half the bag.
I put the bag away in the cabinet and went along on my merry way. But a few hours later, while I was making dinner, I pulled the bag out of the cabinet and destroyed the evidence. That is, I finished off the bag, folded it up and buried it in the garbage.
This is not 'normal' behavior, right?
Who am I hiding from? It can't be me as I wa the one committing the crime. I know what I did wa wrong and is considered bingeing. Does it countvif you do it in 2 sessions? And why the hiding? I know what the scale would say if I chose to weigh myself (which I didn't). Why do I set myself up for these challenges.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Inspired

After listening to the podcast 2 fit chicks & a microphone, I decided to try something new when I hit the gym today. I raced into the gym, quickly threw all my stuff into a locker, got on my shoes & entered the studio upstairs to join the class which had just started. Everyone had steps, so I grabbed some equipment & jumped right in.
I LOVED it!! I was laughing as I tried so hard to keep up with all the moves - very uncoordinated. Then imagine my surprise as they said go get your weights- WHAT?!
So I got a 'body bar' as she called it and we went through weight lifting moves - this was a step pump class. How cool.

Meanwhile- as I quickly glanced at myself in the mirror- I actually thought- hey- from straight on I don't look so bad- (don't ask about the side view-LOL )

I survived the 1 h and hope to go back to another class on my next day off.

Official Stats:
Height 5'2"
Starting weight: 210
Weight this morning: 165.8

Friday, January 15, 2010

Another year

Imagine that- it's the 15th of January & this is my first post.
I did fairly well throughout the holidays- not gaining too much- but not feeling too neglected.

I've joined another biggest loser challenge over at 3 Fat Chicks. I'm attempting to up my exercise- >10,000 steps per day, walking +/or running daily. Right now I'm running about once per week- but when I went to the gym the other day I was able to jog for 20 min straight. I started at 4.7mph & worked up to 5.5 mph for most of the run. It felt good , plus I did 20 min on the elliptical- cascade hill workout on level 8.
The downside was that the rest of the day I was continuously eating- trying to fill a void. Though I was able to regroup & try to get it under control. I think a lot of it has to do with the schedule/job description changes at work. Maybe by writing more of it down, will help to keep me on a more even keel.

Tomorrow is a new day - my motto for the year!

Oh- and just to keep it real:
Official Stats:
Height 5'2"
Starting weight: 210
Weight last week: 166.8