Day with mom

There are constants in my life.

#1 I love my family!  No matter what they do or what I've done, we love each other.  I spent today with my mom and her good friend Jena.  We shopped, laughed, ate and had a really good time.  They had free tickets tonight to the PBR so that is where they are.

We ate lunch at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant.  I introduced my mom to hummus.  She wanted to take some home!  It was a hit!  We shopped at Party City, Michael's, Costco and Bed, Bath & Beyond.  We laughed and told stories while shopping.

For dinner we went to Bar Louie at Power & Light.  I was awesome!  I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow!  When I left mom and Jena they were going to stand in line at Sprint Center for the PBR.

#2 I love my friends!  No matter what they do or what I've done, we love each other.  Yeah, it's a repeat of #1. I just love them!  I don't know what I wouldn't do without them

#3 The air I breathe... Do I need to explain it?

#4 The need to make myself healthy.  I just have this desire to get and be healthy.  Because of this I am pushing myself every day to do what I can.  Sometimes all I have to do is talk to myself and convince myself I can do it.  Other times I just know I can do it.  Today I just knew I could do it.

I'm sure there are others but today I just can't think of them right now.

On a happy note... Rock Chalk!

Until tomorrow...

Thought of the day:

March 30th

I have a Negative Nelly in my life.  She doesn't understand "no".  "I'll give you the phone number to the doctor that did my sister's gastric bypass"  "Um, no thank you"  "Oh come on, you will look great after you do this"  "I think I'll just stick with what I'm doing."  "Oh, come on, you will look better."

Gee thanks lady!  I guess I look like crap now!  This lady has no filter, she's telling me that I'm going to be doing things.  It's not a suggestion or even just conversation. 

The person completely irritates and exhausts me. Unfortunately I can't just stop being around her.  I wish I could but it's just not possible. 

These Negative Nelly's just send me over the edge.  This person didn't help my mood this week. 

Now that the work week is over, I am going to do what I need to do to have a better week next week. 

My mom and her friend are coming up tomorrow.  I'm very excited and will not let this week hinder my time with my mom. 

Lots of walking, shopping and stories, and laughs tomorrow. 

Until tomorrow...

Thought of the day:
Only you can make your dreams come true.

Honestly

Readers, I have a confession to make...

This has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week.

Through the years I have learned to slap on a smile and pretend the world is perfect.  I can play that game like an actress.  Did I have you fooled?  Most likely.

On Sunday, I felt gross.  I was feeling fat, dumpy, and didn't even want to look in the mirror to put my hair up.  I don't know where it came from, sometimes it happens like that.

Monday was exhausting.  As I was looking in the mirror getting ready for work, all I could see were my fat rolls.  I just kept thinking to myself about how I let myself get this way.

Tuesday was exhausting but it felt good to get my exercise in.  I was able to get rid of some of the energy from the stress of the week.

Wednesday just made me sad.  I spent most of the day on the verge of tears.

Today... well, today was a day spent in my head.  Although I was doing testing, I don't feel like I was really paying attention.  I was too busy beating myself up.  This week was not a good food week for me.  I've eaten things that I shouldn't have.  It tasted damn good too!  I was mentally kicking myself in the ass and bullying myself for not sticking with my plan.  I know there will be slip ups but damn, this week was full of them.

After work, I just cried.  I haven't cried like that in a long time but I'm just not feeling very positive right now.  I haven't felt desired, beautiful, wanted in a long time.  I don't see someone beautiful when I look in the mirror, I see a fat cow that has no self control.

I look at myself and all I see is someone that lost control, control of food, control of feelings, control of motivation, control of herself.  I feel out of control right now.  Not like I could fly off the handle but that I have no control over things around me.  I hate feeling that way.  The sense of overwhelming and disgust overflow within me.

I don't feel like I can shake this.  It's been with me all week.  All I want to do is lay in bed and feel sorry for myself tomorrow.  Crying is the only release I have right now.

I tried medicating myself with food.  Now I remember... I would eat and eat until I couldn't eat anymore.  Then I would feel sick to my stomach and feel like throwing up.  I would feel bloated and disgusting.  Then I would be depressed for doing that to myself.  That's what I did and how I feel tonight.

I see people are losing 2 pounds a week, half a pound a day, whatever, I haven't moved on the scale in weeks.  I think that is where part of this comes in.

I know that I am becoming healthier, I am gaining muscle and losing fat but I also know that I don't want to be 279 pounds the rest of my life.  That is why I'm changing my eating habits.  Am I doing something wrong?  (other than binge eating this week)  Do I need to get on those stupid shakes that made me miserable?  Do I need to start eating prepared meals?  I just don't understand!

I've got Sarah McLachlan playing right now so that is helping the mood.  I forgot how she can bring me out of a funk.  I wish I could go see her this summer but she's not coming near KC. *sad face*

I will get back on track tomorrow and really work towards the end goal.  Sarah is helping my mood.

Until tomorrow...

Thought of the day:




















*Disclaimer* Please don't tell anyone how they should feel.  I don't want to hear, "you shouldn't feel that way".  You don't know how I should feel about anything.  You wouldn't like it if someone said that to you so please avoid a rant from me and think before you speak.

Here comes the rain again...

I don't think that I could ever live in the Northwest, depressing...

Anywho, I've decided my body is like a game show.  How you may ask?  Well, I will tell you.

Jeopardy
I'll take My Body for $200 Alex...
The Answer: Saggy skin Question: What is happening that is awesome?
The Answer: Gravity Question: What is making the saggy skin
The Answer: Weird boob, bra issues Question: WTF?

Family Feud
Name the top 5 things that are happening to Rebekka's body
5 Sagging Skin
4 Body conturing changes
3 Increased energy
2 Increased strength
And the number 1 thing happening to Rebekka's body is...
She is getting healthier!

Congratulations!  You won!

I'm sure I can compare my body to more but this is the best I can do tonight.

So, I mentioned weird boob/bra issues.  I put on my bra this morning and noticed some weird bulging issues that I have not seen before.  It's a little disturbing but I guess I will have to pull and tuck.

The pants I had on today looked like I had pooped my pants, grown boy parts in the front, and bought pants that are about 3 sizes too big.  I think I need to see if they can be altered.  I love those pants and really don't want to give them up.  Ah well, the price I pay :)

Today was a rest day, tomorrow is treadmill and Friday is Neiman hill obstacle.  I can totally do this!

Until tomorrow...

Thought of the day:

Untitled

94 days!  That's how many days until The Color Run.  I've had a request for the website so here it is :)

http://thecolorrun.com/kansascity/

My arms and back hurt after my workout tonight.  I have upped my weight limit so it is harder for me.  I think it will be sore tomorrow.  The price to pay for a healthy body.

It was a hard workout for me tonight.  I'm just exhausted.  I'm not sleeping well to start off, then testing testing testing.  It is more exhausting then teaching or working out.  My trainer told me I had "tired eyes".  I'm hoping to go to bed early tonight.  I turned on the A/C so I'm hoping that will help with the allergies.  I'm guessing that is why I'm having problems sleeping.

Tonight is a little disorganized, I'm sorry for that.  I have testing brain.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a little better.  

Until tomorrow...

Thought of the day: 

One Hill of a Problem

Did you see what I did there?  Huh?
Well, anyway, bad humor aside, I have a problem.  It's not really a problem as much as an obstacle.  A problem is solved but an obstacle, you conquer those!

So this obstacle... it's a hill.  A pretty steep one.  It doesn't seem so bad in the car. :)

Today was day 2 of the hill.  Friday I tried it for the first time.  I huffed and puffed my way up the hill.  I thought I would collapse at the top and couldn't figure out how I would get home.  I just didn't think I would make it.  But I pushed on, got to the top, and finished my walk.

Tonight I tried it again.  My lungs are getting stronger, I pushed on, only had to stop once.  That was not my fault though.  Getting hit by a car would not have been positive to my journey :)

I got back to the bottom of the hill after going through a really nice neighborhood.  When I got to the bottom, I had only one thing left to do. I had made a goal to jog/run from my apt to the complex entrance. So I started at the sign to the complex and jogged to my apt.  It is a little more than a 1/2 mile.  I jogged/ran non-stop to my apt.  I just wanted to cry from pride!

I know I will be running the 5k.  I can feel it.

But for now, with my body screaming at me, I am going to go to bed with my heating pad.  Strength trainer with the trainer tomorrow :)

Get outside and enjoy the weather!

Thought of the day:

March 25th

I woke up this morning and thought, "today will be awesome!" and you know, it was!  I went to the store and then didn't leave the house in the car the rest of the day.  I did walk but it wasn't my power walking, it was more of a stroll.

I think this is going to be a very long week.  Hopefully by the end of it, I will get to see my mom and her friend Jena.  Mom's birthday and my 3 month anniversary are on April 2nd!  I've made it this far, I think I will stick with it permanently.  I will be taking some update pictures.  I hope you can see a difference!

Didn't sleep well last night so it's early to bed tonight!  Have a Marvelous Monday tomorrow!

Thought of the day:

It's a beautiful day!

Although today started off a little chilly, it became beautiful!  It was too nice not to sit outside and work. So here I am, sitting under the awning of Starbucks, trying to ignore the very loudly talking idiots behind me.  I got my article read except for 1 page, and I'm debating on finishing it now or wait until I can get away from the "cackling roosters". The boy with them has no control over the volume of his voice and sounds like a hyena when he laughs. He has said a few things that are blatantly wrong and I really want to turn around and correct him.  I will not, I will be nice...

I know that the coffee drinks from Starbucks are "empty calories" but I did get one.  An Iced Skinny Mocha, grande.  It was only 100 calories and satisfied my craving.  It was a nice treat!

As I said last night, I went for a walk/jog/run after having some serious guilt about my dinner.  It felt good and I have learned an important lesson.  This morning I went to the Y and walked 3.1 miles in 59:28.  It felt amazing.  I've decided, 2 days on, 1 day off for my workout.  Now that the sun goes down later, I can at least get some walking in.

*Side note, hyena boy won't stop saying his dad's friend's name.  Yes, his name is Steven, enough already!  The people next to me left because the kid was annoying them.

So anyway, as I am sitting here, people watching, and doing my work, I can't help but crave something from PepperJax's.  It smells like fat, grease, peppers and meat.  Totally something I MUST have!  I will resist though because it is not what is best for me.  A salad or something would be best so I must tell myself no.

Tomorrow shall be another outdoor day.  Why stay home when you can relax in the beautiful spring weather and people watch all while doing work?

If anyone would like to join me tomorrow afternoon, let me know!

Thought of the day:
Enjoy the weather while you can, you never know when it's going to be nasty!

2nd post of the night :)

Better late then never :)

The craft from a few nights ago.  The one on the left that is.  I have others but they aren't up yet.  I used paint pens on 8 1/2 x 11 scrap book paper.  I traced a sticky note with pencil and then I traced over it with the paint pen.  I glued the paper to patterned scrap book paper that is larger.  I wrote my goals on super sticky notes.  I'm going to make a "Healthy Me Goals Met" so I can see the accomplishment.  These are taped to my closet doors.

I'll post more once I get them put up.  I'm also planning on doing some other things this weekend and I'll post them too.

March 23rd, Thank you

Tonight's post is going to be a little different then some. 

Negative moment of the day:
I felt EXTREMELY guilty after dinner today.  I just couldn't take it and needed a bacon cheeseburger.  I don't know why but I HAD to have it.  After I ate it, I felt disgusting.  It tasted good but it wasn't what my body is used to. 

So how is this negative?  Well, it was that disgusting feeling.  I used to feel that way all the time because I would gorge myself and over eat.  Now I stop when I'm hungry and I don't eat that amount of crap anymore.

Negative comment that made me smile:
So on my walk tonight (since I was feeling guilty and gross) these wonderful teenage boys drove by me.  Actually, at the time I wasn't walking, I was RUNNING/JOGGING!  Anyway... the passenger in the car rolled down the window and with the cigarette in hand yelled, "run fatty run!"  I just yelled back, "I am!" and kept going.  I had to smile because unlike this obnoxious boy, I was doing something.  That just inspired me to keep going!  Thank you obnoxious teenage boy!

AHA!:
I had an AHA moment today.  I couldn't figure out why I was swollen and retaining wait.  My time of the month was last week.  Wednesday my rings and watch were loose and yesterday and today they weren't like they have been lately.  As I was chatting with Heather after school, it dawned on me that the sodium from Wednesday night's dinner (I ate the leftovers for lunch yesterday) was pretty high.  There was sausage in it, cajun seasonings (probably salt in it) and I also ate 2 fresh pretzel sticks.  I've been drinking water like crazy so I'm guessing that is why I'm having issues.

Encouragement!!!!:
So while I was on my walk/run/jog tonight I was huffing and puffing it home and I was running by a lady walking a dog.  I was keeping time with my music, jamming away.  The lady was watching me pretty intently, I thought, "great, another dumbass comment!"  Instead, I got "keep going, you're doing great Rebekka!"  Whoa!  Anonymous lady knows my name!  Holy Buckets!  Is one of my reader's the lady?  If you are, thank you!  You pushed me to finish strong!


I talked to myself the last 50 feet or so.  "Almost there!" "Keep going!"  "You can do it!"  I was talking out loud the whole time.  I probably sounded ridiculous but I needed it for me.  I just really don't care.


Oh another thing... I walked on College Blvd. today and did it with my head held high and wasn't embarrassed that people would see me walking.

I am proud of what I am doing, It feels good!  Head held high doing the healthy things I need to do! 

Thought of the day:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

March 22nd, I hate...

Hate is a strong word.  I teach my student's that it is not a word that is appropriate to say.  However, when it comes to weight loss, societal views on weight and being healthy, I have some "hates".

I hate the quote from Kate Moss, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels".  Many feel like Kate Moss was pro-anorexia when she said that.  I can't agree or disagree with this, what was the context surrounding that quote.  We weren't there, we didn't hear an unedited version of the interview.  But I do hate it.  Skinny probably feels good.  I don't know, I don't ever remember being skinny.  But just because you are skinny, it doesn't mean that you are healthy.  I wouldn't mind staying 278.2 pounds for the rest of my life if I was at my healthiest.  Not going to happen but you see my point.
I would rather say, Nothing looks as good as healthy feels.

I hate when someone tries to tell me what my body can do.  My doctor, trainer and I know what's best for me.  If my doctor tells me not to do a particular exercise, then I will do what she says.  Don't argue with me!!!!

I hate when I start feeling down on myself.  I think I'm just feeling that was because I'm tired.  It was a late but awesome night.  I went to dinner with a new friend and then we went to see Hunger Games in an advanced screening.  It was AWESOME!  Today I was tired and just didn't feel right.  I was going to walk when I got home but it was pouring rain and I just honestly didn't want to walk in the rain today.  I could have gone to the Y but I'm going tomorrow after school.   Honestly, I'm tired, cranky and need some sleep.

I hate people that don't know what personal space is.  Yes I asked you a question but get the hell out of my face when you answer it.  Is it necessary to get as close to me as you can?  Seriously, back off!

I hate nosey people.  Don't question me and my motives.  Don't ask me very personal questions.  What is it your business how many times a day I visit the bathroom to poo.  That is between my doctor and I.  My sex drive is none of your business.  My period is none of your business.  Frankly, the only thing that is your business is if I am still breathing and maybe the words that I will be spewing at you if you keep asking these questions.

Just because I have a blog and am putting myself out there, doesn't mean that every little piece of my life is on display.

New Flash!  I have secrets!  One in particular only 1 person knows and that is how it will stay.

Thank you for letting me vent!  I feel free of negativity right now.  Sometimes I let things like this fester and I just have to explode like this.

To leave you on a positive note...
I am laying in bed with the most handsome guy ever!  Mr. William "Willie" "Woowoo" "Wonka"!  He is the best cuddle buddy and is curled up next to me snoring his little kitty snore.  :)  I love my KitKats!

Thought of the Day:

Yet Another Rainy Day March 21st

The scale says.... 278.2!  Almost 10 lbs... .2 away from 10!

I thought I would try on a pair of jeans that I haven't worn in years, you know, just to see.
I have been wearing size 24 jeans and today I fit into a pair of size 22!  They are a little snug in my thighs and there is some "muffin topping" but I'm just happy that I could button them!

All that happiness said...

Today at the library I found a book Never Say Diet by Chantel Hobbs. 

I found myself a blubbering mess on the stationary bike this morning.  I had to cut my workout short because I was crying and couldn't breathe.

In her first 2 chapters, Chantel talks about how she began the journey of being a morbidly obese woman that changes to a healthy woman.  She says she would spend her lunch money on junk food at 7-11.  The junk food, the sweets she said, "tasted so good, and I felt happy. It was that simple. But then I'd swallow, and it was gone, and the happiness would disappear as well, so I needed more junk" (pg 23).  *BAM* It hit me, I'm not an emotional eater!  It's the sweet, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.  That feeling is unlike any other.  It's almost orgasmic!  It's the feeling I crave, not the food, not how it MAKES me feel but how the food feels. And then I read this, "But I wasn't eating to fill an emotional void.  I was eating because I felt good every time I put a spoonful in my mouth" (pg 25).  I've been hit in the back of the head by Captain Obvious!

Chantel revisits sneaking food, I can relate to that!  Nobody will miss one or two cookies.  What if I just eat one more, nobody will notice.  Or like the author I would stop and get something to eat on my way home and eat it by the time I got home and throw it away in the neighbors trash can.  If no one sees you eat it, did you really eat it?  Very much like if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a noise? 

I know that I relate to what she is talking about, my heart just cries knowing that other men, women and children can too. 

Although I am not a religious person by any means, I know that this book will be an inspiration to me.  I already know that I'm not alone but seeing someone that has written about it and made a life of healthy living and believing gives me hope. You should check out her book if you get a chance.

I'll be posting more AHA!  moments from the book and share a little bit of both of our stories. 

For now...
Thought of the day: 
Why do you eat?

The First Day of Spring?

So it has felt like Spring for a long time... this is just the official first day :)

I didn't work out today, I took a day off.  I worked out on Sunday night and Monday morning.  I ran a quick errand this morning and then stayed home.  I needed to make sure my body was rejuvenated.  I felt a lot better once I took about a 10 minute hot bath and did some yoga on the Wii.

A few days ago I posted some myths about food, exercise and weight loss.  I found the picture below on Pinterest. I would love to print this and post it somewhere.

Speaking of Pinterest, I'm turning crafty!  Pictures tomorrow of my new craft!

The crafting is relaxing and will be a good way for me to bring some Zen into my life.  *Ommmmmmmmmmm* :)

Thought of the day:

March 19th, rainy dreary day

So the last week has been a learning/growing experience.  I have had some conversations that have given me that "Aha!" moment I needed again.

First, I was complaining to Jessica how disappointed I was that I didn't make some goal that I had set for myself.  Her reply was, "you are doing better than those on the couch!"  AHA!  You are right!  Why should I be down on myself for not making a goal when I'm at least moving my body?  So remember...

Second, I have talking to a few different people about how I have plateaued.  I will admit, it's frustrating but as Rachelle (Chunky Girl in Training, check out her blog, link to the right :) ) pointed out today, I'm building muscle.
Now we've all heard different things like "muscle weighs more than fat".  That is false, I guess that should have gone on yesterday's blog :).  Anyway, muscle takes up less room than fat.  So even though the scale isn't moving, your clothes might be fitting differently.  Most likely your body is replacing the fat with muscle.
Rachelle and I had a great conversation about it today she said, "where does it go?" "I keep expecting to find a puddle of butter under the bed!"  It is so freakin' funny!!  I have wondered that too!

What would you rather have in your body?

Third, clothes and other things are fitting me very differently. I have a pair of jeans that all I need to do is pull down, no need to unbutton!  I decided to take some pictures today just to show how loose things are.  Back in January my watch barely fit.  It would turn on my wrist but was tight.  Today, while at the longest stop light ever, I tried to get my watch off without undoing it.  I almost made it!  I can fit two fingers between my wrist and band.  Cool huh?

Look how loose it is!

My ring almost falls off!

Lots of changes!  I'm coming up on my 3 month mark, April 2nd, which is also my mom's birthday!  I will be taking new pictures to show progress.

I'm so glad that I got my workout in before it rained.  Rachelle and I walked 3.6 miles and ran 1/2 mile this morning.  Last night I also ran 1/2 mile.  Training for my 5k.... more tomorrow!

Thought of the day:

March 18th, Myths

*Warning!  This is a long post.
Last night while Erika and I were chatting about weight loss, we were talking about myths regarding food.  I thought I would bring exercise and weight loss into this as well.


Exercise Myths... Busted! 
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/24/exercise.myths.trainers/index.html
Click on the above link to see why they are busted

10) Your cardio machine is counting the calories you're burning.
9) Women shouldn't lift weights because it'll make them bulky.
8) Heart rate monitors will let you know how hard you're working.
7) Your weight is the end all, be all.
6) Low-intensity exercise burns more fat.
5) Chug a protein shake after workout.
4) You can spot reduce for tight abs or toned arms.
3) As long as I go to the gym 30-45 minutes, that gives me a pass to do what I want for rest of the day. 
2) No pain, no gain.
1) Stretching will help prevent injuries.

More exercise myths busted 
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/10-exercise-myths
Click on the above link to see why they are busted *some are repeats so I will not post them
Exercise Myth 2. If You’re Not Going to Work Out Hard and Often, Exercise Is a Waste of Time.
Exercise Myth 3. Yoga Is a Completely Gentle and Safe Exercise
Exercise Myth 4. If You Exercise Long and Hard Enough, You Will Always Get the Results You Want.
...genetics plays an important role in how people respond to exercise. 
Exercise Myth 5. Exercise Is One Sure Way to Lose All the Weight You Desire.
Exercise Myth 7. Water Fitness Programs Are Primarily for Older People or Exercisers With Injuries.
Exercise Myth 8. The Health and Fitness Benefits of Mind-Body Exercise Like Tai Chi and Yoga Are Questionable.
Exercise Myth 9. Overweight People Are Unlikely to Benefit Much From Exercise.
Studies show that obese people who participate in regular exercise programs have a lower risk of all-cause mortality than sedentary individuals, regardless of weight. Both men and women of all sizes and fitness levels can improve their health with modest increases in activity. 
Exercise Myth 10. Home Workouts Are Fine, But Going to a Gym Is the Best Way to Get Fit.

Weight loss and food myths... BUSTED!
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/myths.htm 
Click on the link above to see why they are busted

Myth: Fad diets work for permanent weight loss.

*Research suggests that losing 1/2 to 2 pounds a week by making healthy food choices, eating moderate portions, and building physical activity into your daily life is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. By adopting healthy eating and physical activity habits, you may also lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Myth: High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are a healthy way to lose weight.

Myth: Starches are fattening and should be limited when trying to lose weight.

Myth: Certain foods, like grapefruit, celery, or cabbage soup, can burn fat and make you lose weight.

Myth: Natural or herbal weight-loss products are safe and effective

Myth: “I can lose weight while eating whatever I want.”

Myth: Low-fat or fat-free means no calories.

Myth: Fast foods are always an unhealthy choice and you should not eat them when dieting.

Myth: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight.

Myth: Eating after 8 p.m. causes weight gain.

Myth: Nuts are fattening and you should not eat them if you want to lose weight.

Myth: Eating red meat is bad for your health and makes it harder to lose weight.

Myth: Dairy products are fattening and unhealthy.

Myth: “Going vegetarian” means you are sure to lose weight and be healthier.

How Salt Affects Your Weight
http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_salt.php

Is Too Much Protein Unhealthy?
http://fitnessblackbook.com/muscle-building/is-too-much-protein-unhealthy-and-bad-for-your-kidneys/

Top 5 Cholesterol Myths
http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20259746,00.html

Thought of the day:

Don't always believe everything you hear and read.  If you think it's too good to be true, it probably is.

March 17th, St. Patrick's Day

It's been a crazy fun day!

Started off with a massage, a brief visit with a friend, then an afternoon of relaxation and an evening of chit chat with an awesome new friend!

Erika and I chatted for about 5 and a half hours!  I love new friends!

Since we chatted about so much, I have some ideas on how to make this blog even better.

I had a very yummy gyro greek salad for dinner!  I have to say, I think I may have to go get it again.

I asked for a "To Go" box before I started eating and I packed away 1/2 of my dinner.  I didn't eat nearly as much as I normally do.  I think I've learned something here.  It felt good!

Tomorrow's post will be very interesting...

Tune in tomorrow!

Thought of the day:
New friends = great fun!

March 16th

It's been an interesting day!

I swore to myself that I wouldn't leave the house and would spend my day relaxing.  Well, it didn't quite work that way!  Prescription was ready at Walmart, got the one from CVS yesterday.

While I was at Walmart I decided I needed to repot my plants.  I'm glad I did!  Both of my plants were completely rooted.  It is now spring at my door step!

Yeah, I know I said I wouldn't buy anything ladybug until I lose 5 pounds BUT that cute little planter was the only one they had and for $5.98 I couldn't pass it up!

I debated turning on the AC but I think I will save the electric bill and just keep the windows open and wear less clothes.  Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy and a little cooler, I think that means, couch and movies until it's time to meet up with cupcake hippie!

If anyone wants to meet up with us, we are going to Barley's Brewhouse on 119th & Quiveria on Saturday at 5pm to chat and support each other.  You are all welcome to join us!

Thought of the day:
If you keep leaving in the past, you can't fully live in the present.

March 15th

Sometimes when life throws you a curve ball, you have to decide whether you are going to catch it, duck out of the way or let it hit you between the eyes.

If you duck out of the way, you may miss an incredible opportunity.
If you catch it, you have the opportunity to work with that curve ball.  It doesn't matter the outcome, you did it.
If you let it hit you between the eyes, you are a fool, definitely not a risk taker, and frankly, you might be boring if it happens often.

Sometimes you don't recognize the ball until after it has hit you.  That's okay, it happens!  I hope you don't bruise easily!

I completely missed the signs that a ball was coming at me today!  It finally hit me after the fact and now there is honestly nothing that can be done.  Oh well!  Live and learn!

Today's workout wasn't quite what I wanted it to be.  I was just zapped of energy today.  I was having a hard time getting my workout in.  I was only able to do 2.6 miles in 50 minutes.  I was practically falling off the treadmill so I figured it was time to get off.

I have a workout on Saturday and then a massage.  Hopefully the massage will help my calves and shins.  I'm feeling sore and my muscles are tight.

I think tonight might be an early to bed night.  I'm just not feeling it.  I hope the cats will let me sleep in tomorrow, I was wide awake at 6:30 this morning and couldn't sleep last night so it was only about a 5 hour sleep night.

Homework and housework tomorrow!  Don't plan on leaving the house unless I have to...

Thought of the day:
What are you going to do with your curve ball?

March 14 Busy fun day

Although I didn't go to the zoo today, I did go out for lunch with a friend and we went shopping.  We laughed, we complained, we compared notes, overall, it was an awesome afternoon.

After going with Jennifer, I babysat for 13 and a half month old fraternal twin boys.  I had so much fun with them!  Melissa needed some mommy time so I did the "auntie" thing for awhile.

This day of relaxation wasn't really relaxing but it was fun.  I didn't push myself too much, stairs sucked. My ankle is better but it still hurts.  It's mostly my shins and calves.

Tomorrow is cardio so I'm hoping I can make it through okay.  If worse comes to worse I could always do the stationary bike.  I guess I won't know until tomorrow.

For now, I need to catch up on my Words with Friends and go to bed.

Hope everyone is enjoying this unseasonably warm weather!

Thought of the day:
Get outside, make the most of your day!

March 13, Lots to say!

January 2nd start weight 288 pounds
March 13 weight 279
Total weight loss to date: 9 pounds

First, let me start by saying that I have a very strong family.  It has been a year since we lost my grandmother, Jean.  Although she was not my biological grandmother, she loved me equally and just the same.  She didn't see my mom and her sisters as step-daughters, she saw them as daughters.  Unfortunately, I do not have any grandparents left, but I do have my mom, dad, step-mom, brother, step-siblings and more aunts, uncles and cousins then I can count.  Having a large family makes days like today just a little easier to get through.  All the support is more than anyone could ask for. Thank you to my wonderful family for their continued support!

Second, I decided to treat myself to a pretty new haircut!  I'll post a picture tomorrow when I have it styled to my liking and not sweaty!

Third, I got to put $1 in my weight loss jar.  When I weighed last week, I was down to 280 and today 279!  It was kinda cool to put that first dollar in there.  Yesterday I got to put $0.50 in the jar for the walk and today was another $0.50.

Fourth, I had a realization today.  While I was doing "John Travolta's" with the 10 pound kettle bell, it occurred to me, 2 months ago I wouldn't have been able to do it. Joe told me that I was stronger than I thought I was.  I had to hold the tears back because I knew that I am making progress.  Today was endurance day.  Everything I did was for one minute.  I'll tell you right now, it SUCKED but I managed.

Yesterday during the walk, I slipped in the mud and I think I had a minor sprain.  When I got up this morning, I couldn't put weight on my right foot.  I put it up, put ice on it and took some IB Profen.  I was finally able to walk on it but getting up from a sitting position was very tough.  I went ahead and tried to walk on the treadmill.  I figured I would go until I just couldn't.  Honestly, I thought it would hurt more than it did.  I walked 3.1 miles in 60:00:25.  I could have done it in less time but I wanted to take it easy at first.

My calves are screaming, my shins hurt, my ankle is still tender and my back hurts.  Instead of going to the zoo tomorrow, I think it is in my best interest to stay home and RELAX!

Thought of the day:
Give your body a break, don't over do it.

March 12th, The Boxcar Women

A big Thank You to Jennifer and Holly for walking/adventuring with me tonight!!

I looked and we got almost 4 miles in!!  We found some pretty steep grade hills and I got some wonderful encouragement while hiking up the hill.  It was definitely needed!  If I was alone, I would have given up but I didn't and I made it!

We saw a family of deer, I think at one time I counted 8.  The dogs that were with us didn't seem to notice them. That is probably a great thing!

I've learned some lessons tonight...
#1 Sketchers Shape-ups suck for going down hills
#2 Take a trail map with you
#3 Make sure you have a charged phone while walking
#4 Great conversation makes the walks more enjoyable!

Wednesday is Kansas City Zoo day!  Join us for a fun day of walking and seeing some awesome animals!

March 11th, Motivation

It was a cool, rainy day!  Perfect craft and napping weather!

I spent about 30 minutes cleaning the house today, that's a good caloric workout, make sure you count it!

I had seen something on Pinterest about Weight Loss jars.  So I decided to make my own!  These are more motivation jars.  Here are the steps...

Gather your materials... Glass jars ($1.97 each at Walmart), Mod Podge, disposable brushes, paint pens, and cut outs from magazines.

 Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the glass jar where you want your cut out.  Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the cut out.

While the Mod Podge is still wet, smooth out the wrinkles.

While Mod Podge is drying, write whatever it is you want to on the lids of the jars.  This is my weight loss lid.

 You can use the paint pens to write directly on the glass jars.  I put a thin layer of Mod Podge over the paint.  Just a word of warning... if you swipe the brush over the paint, it will remove so I had to dab it on.

 The finished products!  I hope you can use something like this in your life.  You could use this idea for just about anything.  I will update pictures when there is money in the jars :)

March 10th

I got my car back!  I'm so happy!  As much as I loved my dad's car, my car is my baby!  

It's supposed to rain tomorrow :(  I was hoping to try out my new shoes.  I think I'll pull out the Wii Fit board and see what I can do.  It would be a good between gym days workout.  

Since it is spring break, I thought it would be a good time to start working on increasing my cardio workouts.  I will have some time.  I also will be doing some major cleaning and maybe rearranging the living room.  

But for now, I think it's bedtime...

Spring Forward!

March 9th

Spring break started today!  For the next 12 days, I plan on working out and getting my stamina up.  I bought some new shoes today.

I was wearing my Sketchers Shape-Ups.  They are great to wear around but lousy to work out in.  Here are the shoes I bought...

Super comfy new workout shoes!

I have no real news tonight, nothing completely exciting.
This break was really needed, I can tell you that much.  There are a lot of things going on that I have no control over and that I really wish weren't happening.

What I do have control over is me!  I can control how I react to it.  I'm going to remain calm, I'm not going to speculate, I'm not going to gossip and I'm definitely not going to bitch.

None of those things are healthy so why do it.  Sometimes it's best to try and remain positive.

Thought of the day:
Track all the negative things you say and think, then track your positives.  Which is greater?  I really hope you answer the positive.  If not, it's time to make a change.

March 8th

I did have something important to say....

I forgot I have a paper due tomorrow!!!

Until then....

March 7, homework?

So instead of doing homework right now I'm writing here and painting my nails for St. Patty's Day.  Tomorrow is the last day of school before spring break and it's wear green day.  I've got green toe socks from mom, green nails with shamrocks and a green shirt.  That's the beauty of being an elementary school teacher.  You get to dress like a loon and nobody bats a lash.  It's almost expected from us and I love it!  If I could do green stripes in my hair I totally would!

I have to say for someone with no talent, I did a pretty good job! :)  Anything to not do homework!! :)

I went over my calories today.  Only by about 50.  Not the end of the world and that means I just have to work a little harder at the gym tomorrow.

Yesterday was 2 miles on the treadmill, tomorrow, 2.25 miles.  I'm looking forward to it.  I've got to get my stamina up for the 5k.  If I can walk 3.1 miles then I will work my way up to a slow jog and go from there.

If you want the truth though, I would prefer to be doing something completely different.
In my next life, I want to be a house cat to a rich family.  I want to do this all day...

Lazy William!

To be a cat and sleep all day and get belly rubs!










Quote of the Day:
Cats are connoisseurs of comfort. 
James Herriot 

March 6th... WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

January 1, 2012 288 pounds
March 6, 2012 280 pounds


8 pounds lost and 80 to go!  
3 month and a little over 3 weeks until the 5k, I will do this!

Just tie a blanket around my waist and I will take off!  The wind around here is ridiculous!  I'm not going to complain to loudly since I get to have windows open and spend time outside.

I went to the gym tonight to get some much needed exercise.  38:40 minutes = 2 miles on the treadmill... I'm so tired!

Although homework is a priority, there is always time to work out.  The biggest factor for me right now is not being stressed out.

I've decided that since next week is spring break, I am going to spend as much time outside as I possibly can.  If that means going to the zoo or the park, then so be it!  The great thing about technology is that you can take the computer with you to get your work done.  I hope there are some people around the area that would love to join me! 

Thought of the day:
It's not I CAN but I WILL!

March 5th, Hmmmmmmmmm

Just as the title says... hmmmmmmmmmm

Today's food day has sucked.  Although I do have to say thank you to Becky for talking me out of the brownie at committee today.

It started out awesomely with a better than McDonald's breakfast sandwich with an egg from Scout.

This is Scout

Lunch was good but I didn't feel full or satisfied.  I was so hungry!  I ate an orange and my fiber bar about 2:30-ish.  Still feeling hungry, I ate some cole slaw and half a chicken wrap from Chic-fil-a when I got to my committee meeting.  Becky talked me out of a brownie, although I really wanted one.  When I got home I had a half a bowl of cereal.


I've been fighting the headache from hell all day.  4 Excedrin Migraine's, a cup of coffee and a Coke Zero later and it's still hanging around.  Tension, stress, or whatever it is, it just needs to go away.  Hoping to get to bed soon but must wait for the washer to finish so I can get the clothes in the dryer.  I really don't want to go to school naked!  LOL!

Tomorrow is gym day!  I can't wait!

Thought of the day:
If I chopped off my head to get rid of this headache I would lose 10lbs fast!  The avg human head weighs between 8 to 12 pounds.  I could handle that!

March 4th, Curse You Sunday!

First, let me say that I don't like being told what to do, especially by a month!  March forth!  You march forth!

Second, yesterday was a crazy weird day so posting just wasn't going to happen.

Third, I got to witness a bridge implode yesterday!  It was the coolest thing ever!  I just stood about 30 feet from my house and watched it.  It took my breath away, knocked me back a few feet and felt like it went right through me.  I was still "feeling it" hours later.  The shaking knocked the smoke detector off the wall, the box of cereal fell over on the fridge, some pictures were sideways and the cats were freaked.  Click on the link to watch it.  You can hear people cheering and whooping in the video, I wasn't one of them, I was more in shock.

Down to business...
I saw my mom yesterday for the first time since starting to lose weight.  I'm stuck in a rut right now but I know it's muscle mass that I'm gaining.  Mom said you can tell around my waist, I agree. 

One way to tell if you are losing weight is to look at your hands.  My rings are very loose.  I shook my hand yesterday and my ring practically turned all the way around my finger.  Both rings are so loose that they stop at the first knuckle when I put my hands at my sides.  I think I have to take a link out of my watch as well.

It's still early in the day so tonight I am going to go walk and maybe work my way up to some jogging.

Walking Club Information

Thought of the day:
Sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses and hope you don't get stung by a bee!

March 3rd

Sorry for not posting yesterday.  It was a weird stressful day. I will post more today.

March 2nd, Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Got a short walk in tonight... half a mile... to the mailbox and back.  Hopefully tomorrow I can move a little.  I will be spending time in the car.  I have to get it fixed so I'm driving to my hometown to get it done.

This has been one long week.  I'm so glad it's over and I can go to bed.  I've been up since about 5:30am so I'm ready for bed.

The cat is ready, he's curled up at my feet snoring.  Must be nice to spend your days asleep... brat!

Thought of the day:
None today, too tired...

March 1st

I'm feeling antsy... I need to get outside, I need to move.  Today was full of meetings, full of testing and I'm pretty sure that is why.

I was going to paint my nails red with white stripes for Dr. Seuss's birthday tomorrow.  No such luck!  I didn't make it to CVS to get white nail polish.  It's 9pm and I just don't have the patience for it.

I'm not a runner but that is what I want to do.  I just need to get some of this energy out.  I wonder if this is how the kiddos feel.  The need to just go, go, go!

I just checked out the 5k website, The Color Run.  It filled up in less than 48 hours.

I need a countdown to June 30, 2012!

Thought of the Day:
I think exercise tests us in so many ways, our skills, our hearts, our ability to bounce back after setbacks. This is the inner beauty of sports and competition, and it can serve us all well as adult athletes.
Peggy Fleming