A "Quick" Catch Up

Huh?  It's been that long?  April was the last time I posted... to be honest I'm not surprised.  The struggle has been real over here, but I'm hoping things are going to start looking up.  Let's do a quick catch up...

The end of the school year is ALWAYS crazy and this year didn't disappoint on that front.  Glad to be away from work for a little while.  Things need to settle down there...sometimes teacher drama is WAY WORSE than kid drama.  Report cards were sent home wrong (just loving technology right now!), teachers were crazy, and I spent way too much time putting out fires, going to meetings, and on the phone with my boss.  On the plus side... I had a GREAT class this year and I am sad to see them move on to first grade.  I am hoping that the summer is going to provide a much needed break and that I am going to find some time to recharge!

So much time has passed, and yet so little, since my husband left.  I'm not going to lie, the months have been exhausting.  This week, we finally went to court to officially call it quits.  We sat side by side, making small talk; chatting about the kids and the struggles of getting our lives untangled.  Once our case was heard, we walked out to the parking lot together and simply got into our separate cars and drove away.  I guess that's it.  It's hard to find the words to say how I'm feeling.  I still don't know how we could have lost what we had, how it meant so little and wasn't worth fighting for.  Yesterday, I came across a Mother's Day card he had given me after our daughter was born.  His words haunt me and I could cry thinking about them.  His love for me, our family, our future...  It's a stark contrast to the letter I found from his mistress, the pictures he puts up on facebook, and where we are now.  This isn't where I'd ever thought we'd be, but it's time to start looking ahead and stop dwelling in the past.  I blocked him today on facebook.  I don't want to see into his life anymore.  It hurts and it's senseless since I'm only hurting myself.  So enough wallowing...

What's next?
Well, it's time to get serious about healthy eating and living.  I'm going to climb back on the weight loss wagon, yet again.  It's time.  I have consoled myself with food and drink for way too many months now.  Today, I took the first steps (literally!).  I walked 3 miles and made good choices for all three meals of the day.  Day 1... many more to go!

I guess I'm going to bite the bullet and get serious about working on this house.  Since this is the last summer we will be here (I'm planning to put it on the market next spring), I'd like to get as much done as possible while I have the time.  I have a contractor coming next month to do a couple of the big projects.... We'll see how much gets done!  I need a game plan, but it makes me tired just thinking about it!

 

That's about all for now.  Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!!

Happy Snow Day!

Linking up with with Amy, over at Love Made My Home.  Today's post made possible by.... A Snow Day!

1.  A break, today is a break!  I have not been productive, but here's hoping at some point today, I will not have wasted this opportunity!  I LOVE me a snow day.  I don't care that we have to "make it up".  I don't care that TODAY is theoretically the first day of "summer vacation".  I don't care that I am "stuck" at home (That is actually fabulous!).  There is joy in my heart, it is afternoon, and I am still in my jammies :)

2.  These past weeks have been stressful.  One by one, big things are getting done though.  This week, I was observed by my principal for my evaluation and I have been a wreck!  I love my principal, but I have never been "formally" observed by him and wasn't sure what to expect.  When the process is completed, there is an email notification saying the evaluation has been submitted (everything is done electronically!)  I didn't open it for 2 days.  I couldn't face it.  I finally looked yesterday and was SO relieved. I got a fantastic review and feel like (some of ) the weight of the world is off my shoulders. 

3.  More good news... My Girlie made Dean's List her first semester of college!  I am a very proud momma.  Now if we could just get the concepts of fiscal responsibility down.....

4.  Yoga update... I LOVE the yoga class I am doing now!  The first two classes we took were "forrest yoga" (apparently there are different styles?  Yes, of course.  I just didn't really think too deeply into this whole thing).  I enjoyed the first class, but the second class? No.  Probably had something to do with the teacher, he was a bit jerky.  So, we signed up for "Power Yoga", figuring if we embarrassed ourselves too terribly, we wouldn't go back. Great instructor, heated room, challenging but not overwhelming, followed by dinner out with my friend = A Fabulous Time :)  It is a welcomed break in the middle of the week.

5.  Weight loss update.... Slowly, but steadily I am moving down the scale once more.  I lost about 9lbs in January.  Looking to lose another 9 or so.  It's not easy, but it IS doable.  Would like to commit to using the dreadmill again, but I just haven't found it within myself to make it happen.  It's there, looming, trying to lure me in.  Soon.  "Soon".   

  Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a GREAT weekend!

   

New Beginnings...

Happy New Year, Everyone!  It seems like New Year's Eve was so lonnnng ago.... and Christmas?  Just a memory.  It's been a crazy start to this year because... well, life.  I'm hooking up with Amy, over at Love Made My Home for my five on Friday.  This just about sums up life right now...

1.  Stressed:  I have *committed* to a Huge project regarding work.  I am taking the plunge and doing National Board certification (Theoretically.  I need to complete the application process).  I'm also being evaluated in a few weeks, so I am up to my eyeballs in paperwork.  Between those two major things and the added attraction of committee work, I may not be back here until April. *sigh*

 2.  Excited:  Downton Abbey is back!!  Yay!  It's bittersweet because it's the last season, but I was so glad to curl up with a nice mug of tea to watch the season premier on Sunday night.  It was like seeing old friends again.  Right now, Downton is literally the only show I watch.  I love having a scheduled "break" the night before I go back to work.  It's such a nice way to end the weekend :)

3.  Reflective:  I was checking out my 50 By 50 list to see if I even came CLOSE to the 15 things done resolution I made last year. Nope.  I guess that means I'm going to have try harder this year.  I'm taking it as a sign that I wasn't paying enough attention to the things I feel are important.  Some of those things are career goals (Not Many!), some are projects that have been kicking around for years and just need to be done, but most are things I WANT to do and I should be prioritizing.  Life should be about more than working.

4.  Interested:  In response to being reflective and stressed, I actually broadened my horizons a little this week.  My friend and I signed up for a Yoga class.  I really liked it... for a couple reasons.  It was great to live in the moment for an hour and fifteen minutes.  Just having to focus on one thing, without distraction or even the possibility of a distraction, for that amount of time was actually soothing.  It's hard for me to tune out life.  There is ALWAYS so much to do.  Even when I am working on something that should get done, my mind is spinning off, rolling down other paths to think about what I will do next.  It was great to just "be".  Secondly, it was challenging!  I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, physically fit.  I'm not gonna lie... I was hurting for a few days after.  There are apparently MANY muscles in my body that have not been utilized in a long time.  I loved feeling like I accomplished something positive.  I didn't expect to feel like I had "worked out".  We liked it so much, we are going again next week! :)

5.  Determined: This Monday was my first weekly weigh in at Weight Watchers.  UP 1.6?? Really?!  I was (mostly) good.  New Year's and an additional Christmas Celebration with a friend did me in (I think!).  I am slightly mentally ill when it comes to dieting.  When I am in the mode, I am a tad bit obsessive.  It takes over my life.  Did I stay within my points?  Did I get my steps in?  How can I do better tomorrow?  Can I exercise? Can I excersise more?  I typically weigh in Every. Single. Day.  I just can't; I don't have all that in me right now.  So, this time I am trying to convince myself that this is a lifestyle change.  While I am aiming for weight loss, I'd like to be able to take the tools I know work for me and make them a part of a routine that can sustain itself beyond the scale.  Does that make sense?  Monday is another weigh in day... wish me luck!

 Have a wonderful weekend...

And Again.

Here we go again.  For the past couple months I have been watching the weight creep back on.  I have toyed with the idea of starting Weight Watchers again.  But, ugh.  Really? Again?  Get your act together, girl.  I have the app to track the points (haven't used it).  I know what to do (not a big secret...let's not eat and drink everything in sight, Every. Single. Day.)  I think my biggest frustration with myself is... If I actually do the program?  IT WORKS and yet, still no.  Until yesterday.  I decided I would hop back in the saddle again.  It's time.  So, y'all know what happened ....

I went back to WW last night.  (The program changed again, did you know that??)  I actually committed myself to 3 months.  I am *hoping* it will motivate me to go to the meetings.  I'd like to get back into the clothes I bought at this time last year.  25 pounds to lose.  I apparently have had a good time for myself.

And so it begins.

Oh, Alright.

So far, this has been a great summer.  I LOVE being able to sleep in, eat out, and make my own schedule.  It's not to say I don't have stress, because well, that's life and life can be stressful.  During the summer, I try to be "breezy", but the "back to school" talk is starting.  Real life is waiting just around the corner.  There is "stuff" needing to get done.  Monday, I made the decision to be concerned about my weight again.  It's been a good ride, I've had my fun, but in the interest of getting back into my work clothes, it's time to put my big girl panties on and face the badness.

9.2, y'all.  The badness is 9.2 lbs gained since the beginning of June.  That's just rude.  It's amazing how fast it found me after I worked so hard to lose it!

So, where am I going with this?  Well, one of the reasons I go to Weight Watchers is because of the leader.  She is funny.  She gets it. I always leave the meetings with "something".  A new recipe, a funny story, a new product to try, etc.  Monday night, I left with this...

This is so true!  I should have it tattooed on my body.  This single sentence sums up what I struggle with All. The. Time.  Enough excuses, just get it done.  Make the plan and stick to it!

Priorities.... It's all about priorities.  Yesterday, I tracked my food for the first time in months and "scheduled" some time with Jeff Galloway (sure, I'll try ANOTHER 5k program, why not?).  I am sore today but feeling positive :)  I'll leave you with some pictures from my "wog" (walk/jog). 

This is the beach area that is just a mile or so from my house.  I've mentioned it before... It's one of my favorite places to go.  

So pretty!

I hate this hill!

My favorite part... a walking path that is shaded and peaceful.

A refreshing place to cool down a bit... even when it's HOT out!

Today, I am going back out there.  Jeff and I are on a break until tomorrow, so I'll just walk... I know it's only day 2 of my "life style change", but I'm going to try to keep the momentum going :)

Happy Monday!

 

I am celebrating tonight!!  By celebrating, I mean that I am sharing my success while doing a little happy dance :)  After a LONG month of ups and downs, I am grateful for two things....

1) The DietBet has come to an end (AND I was SUCCESSFUL!... I'm not sure what that really means, having never played along with a DietBet before, but I do know I at least get the money back that I paid to play).  It was causing me a little stress, so I'm glad that's over :)

2) I weighed in at Weight Watchers tonight (FINALLY...first time in WEEKS it hasn't snowed on a Monday) to find I reached my Goal Weight!  Yay!!  40lbs gone, hopefully to never be seen again.  One woman actually said that my story and success was motivating.  Aw shucks!  What a nice compliment! 

So, it's been a good day.  I hope everyone has had a Happy Monday, too!

A Wish and A Bet

Okay...so I *may* have over-wished this one....

For the last two years I have hung this in my classroom.  Everyone chuckles when they see it.  Tomorrow (IF we have school tomorrow!), I may have to take it down or risk being lynched.  Every year I wish for snow (not 20 inches of snow, but just "enough").  There is NOTHING better than a snow day.  An unexpected day off?  To do whatever?  Yes, please.  I LOVE them!  I'm ready to go back now, but the last TWO days have been great.  No regrets, not even in June (unless it's 100 degrees, then there will be crankiness!)  For now... Life is Good :)

Well, good.... except for the "bet".  I am a week into a DietBet and I am stressed.  I didn't expect to be stressed.  I thought it would be "fun" and motivating.  Yeah? No.

Here's the run down so far... Last week's weigh in was GREAT.  For the second week in a row, I was down 2.8lbs.  I don't get it. I do the "same" things every week.  The exercise is the same, the food is basically the same, and so on.  Some weeks are better than others and I am okay with that.  2.8?  Great.  This week? Not so great.  Monday was weigh-in day.  This week I was UP 1.4 (Really? I sign up for a DietBet and I gain weight, doing the same thing I have successfully been doing for months?  WTH???)  But that isn't the only irk.  The woman who weighed me in on Monday?  Grrrrr.  She was not my usual weigh-in person.  Because of the snow, my regular lady was not there.  THIS woman was a rude cow.

Upon announcing my weight, she said...
Did you track?  You need to track, you know. (Uh, yeah. No kidding?)
Did you change your exercise?  Exercise is so important to losing weight. (No, well yes...I have actually increased my time on the dreadmill, but thanks for asking)
Did you stay within your points?  Although you have extra points every week, you need to use them carefully.  (YES, I have stayed within my points... now you are annoying me, Cow.)
Then she says (with a little eye roll and exasperation)... Well, you must have done SOMETHING to be up that much.

EXCUSE ME?  Um, wow!  I could have a total rant fest here, but it's not worth it.  I am bummed out and trying not to be discouraged.  I did come home and weigh in on my own scale... it shows that I am down .8lb from last Monday (and that was at night, fully dressed!), so again, I don't really get it.  Logically, I know the closer I get to my "goal", the more difficult it becomes to lose those few remaining pounds.  I've been here before.  I guess my frustration comes from feeling like I still don't know how this all really works.  I thought I had a good formula going.  The right balance of eating healthy and exercise.  I am hoping this week was just a weird fluke.  I am trying to let it go; it is what it is. (Right?)  Here's hoping for a more successful week!   

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  It's so hard to believe it is 2015, ALREADY!  My family has a busy year ahead of us... we are looking forward to 2 Bridal Showers, 2 Weddings, and 3 Graduations.  

The end of 2014 eased its way out in a nice, happy way.

1.  There was this girl, whom I got to spend time with...

My cousin's daughter

We had a fabulous New Year's Eve with family.  Hung out with my brother, his wife and their kids.  We went bowling (I haven't done that in years!!) and then we went back to their house for Chinese food.  My parents joined us for an unexpected surprise.  On New Year's Day, she and I went to breakfast at IHOP.  Ah... "dessert" for breakfast.  What a nice way to start the year!

2.  I wrapped up another month of walking...logging 133.7 miles for the month.  I moved more last month than I did in November, which surprised me!  My dreadmill use was definitely less since I was so busy with the holidays, but the time spent shopping added to my walking totals.  Looking ahead... I may do a year long challenge of 2015 miles in 2015.  Yikes!  That means approximately 5.5 miles per day.  Every. Day.  Still debating about that!

3.  My weigh in this week was a little scary anxiety inducing, but I did it any way.  I had decided that it was "okay", no regrets.  *Sigh*  I am up 2.4 lbs.  My first gain since I started in September.  Obviously, I am still not back on track because I continue to...

This cracks me up!

4.  A while ago (probably last summer), I created a bucket list of things that I'd like to accomplish over the next few years.  I added it to my Blog this week (FINALLY figured out how!).  Check it out.  What do you think?  Do you have a bucket list?  Short or long term goals?

5.  My New Year's Resolutions... Start on that Bucket List!  By the end of the year, I'd like to have completed 15 of the 50 things I've listed.  Obviously, health and fitness are at the top of my list.  Overall, I am liking the direction I am going in... right now, I am in a pretty good place :) 

Merry, Merry!

 

In my world, it is Jammie Day.  IF I feel like it, I may get dressed, but it's not looking promising!  A day of relaxation?  Eh, we'll see!  My idea of relaxing has changed over the years... with so much busyness, relaxing sometimes means taking time to get caught up, without hustle and bustle.  It's a luxury to be able to move slowly, without my head racing through all the things that "need" to get done Right. This. Minute.  So far, my claims to fame include finishing a book (before I even got out of bed!) and enjoying a cup of tea with homemade Greek cookies that my sister-in-law made for us (YUM!).  This might just be my favorite day of the entire year.  The Christmas craze is over and a week of vacation stretches ahead with endless opportunities.  Ahhhh....it's nice.

I thought I'd chime in on a 5 On Friday.... but the blogging world is quiet today.  I'm going for it anyway... 

1.  My weekly weigh in was an exciting one this week!  30.6 lbs lost!! I'll celebrate now, because I am willing to bet that my next weigh-in is going to show a "slight" increase (no regrets, it was all worth it!!)

2.  I saw my best friend's daughter on Christmas Eve (I hope you are watching over her, Kerri.  She's having a hard time without you.)  I love that kid and it tears me apart to not see her as often as I'd like.  I am thrilled to say that she is spending the night with us on New Year's Eve!  I'm looking forward to having her all to myself... She makes my heart happy :)

3.  I hate to get my hopes up but... It looks like we may be having some more work done on this old house.  It will be a belated Christmas miracle if it all works out.  My cousin's fiancé agreed to come look at our front foyer and replace the flooring.  We have lived in this house for 19 years and this is one area of the house that has never been worked on.  EEK!! I can't believe it is actually going to happen!!  (Once he gets here, I may never let him leave... there are so many undone projects that he could finish... I am giddy just thinking about it!)

4.  Fitness Update:  So far this month I have logged 119.0 miles, which is 10 more miles than I had on this date last month.  I need to get back into the dreadnmill habit.  With the day to day craziness, the dreadmill has been sadly neglected.  I have to say... I miss it (SHOCKING!) 

And then there's the Squat Challenge.  Well, just no.  I made it to 80 squats and couldn't make myself continue.  The knees?  They are thanking me for that very wise decision.  I'm over it.  Moving on...


5.  I feel that Christmas was a success!  I managed to pull it all together without losing my mind.  Time management is not always a strength for me.  But this year?  I nailed it!  This past week has actually been fun!  I had time to bake cookies (amazing!), visit with friends (long overdue), and get my house in "order" (we'll use that term very loosely).  

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday... Final thought for today?  This is where I am right now....

Wrap Up (LATE)

I had some internet connection issues this weekend, so I didn't get to post on Sunday (Grrr...technology is great when it works!)  So the days went by and here it is Wednesday, already!!  I'm going to combine a "few" things into this post and call November done!

1.  100 Mile Challenge... I did it!! I am SO pleased that I accepted this challenge!  I am actually challenging myself to another 100 for the month of December.  My total for the month was 133 miles.  YAY!!  I was nervous when I started, but as the days went by, I was amazed at how the miles added up.  So why "only" 100 for this month, instead of going for more?  Well...a couple things.  I was a little too enthusiastic and ended up really aggravating the bone spur in my foot.  Not a fun time and I need to take it "easy" so it will hopefully calm down and go back to its previously pain-free self.  Secondly, the reality is that as Christmas gets closer, my time to get on the dreadmill gets shorter.  As much as I'd like to say I'm going to put that first, let's be honest here... It's not gonna happen.

2.  Weigh-In Wednesday... I actually weighed in Monday, but what's a couple of extra days?  I was THRILLED to find I had lost weight this week.  My loss for the month of November was 7.6 pounds.  I'll take it!  I am 2/10th's of a pound away from a total loss of 25 pounds since September.  Approximately 16 more pounds to go to get to "Goal".  Another Big YAY!

3.  So, what's up for the month of December?  Well, since I liked the 100 mile challenge so much, I decided to go for another one.  Bring on the Squat Challenge.  I am not so confident I am going to rise to the occasion with this one.  Day 3... 40 Squats (total) done (still haven't done the 30 needed for today!) and my legs?  Well, let's just say my legs, up until 2 days ago, were living in delightful ignorance to the fact they are pitifully out of shape.  Today, they are not so delighted.  The reality is harsh, my friends.  Squats are no fun.

 

What about you?  Any goals you are thinking about for the month ahead?

This BS is Killing Me

Okay, I am admitting to maybe having to tone it down just a bit.  Here's my sad tale of woe... Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with having a Bone Spur.  My foot, well, it hurts.  It hurts ALOT.  I've been a little gimpy since July (I don't rush to the doctors, as you can tell).  I was ignoring managing the pain and making an attempt to self treat.  Icing, massaging, stretching, ibuprofen...doing all the things the internet doctors recommended.  When I decided to notch it up with the 100 mile challenge, I knew I could be asking for trouble.  So here it is in a nutshell... 

These last couple of weeks weren't too bad, until Veteran's Day.  I had the day "off", so I stayed home and worked at taming the dust bunnies and cob webs.  I moved furniture, changed the curtains, washed walls, dusted, and vacuumed. etc.  It was fabulous.  Until Wednesday morning when I got out of bed.  YOWZER!  To say my foot was desperately unhappy is an understatement.  Apparently climbing ladders and standing on my tiptoes to reach the high places was just a little too much.  Since I am a slow learner, I made sure to do 2 miles on the dreadmill on Wednesday night and another 2.6 on Thursday.  'Cuz, ya' know, why not?

Well, last Friday was not a fun day.  When I got up in the morning, I almost cried.  Walking around usually helps to stretch things out and alleviates some of the initial discomfort.  Not Friday. Friday was bad.  I hobbled around work and was glad to get home.  I decided to take it easy and just did a brisk 30 min walk instead of the 2 mile walk/intermittent run that I normally do.  And then I took a break from the whole "I must do 2 miles a day" thing.  The days following, I did a couple days of easy miles and then took a couple more days off.

Yesterday, I went to the doctor.  And now I'm grounded.  No more running.  No more brisk walks.  LOTS of stretching, icing and massaging.  Plus the added JOY of a night splint (insert swear words here).  I'm going to look on the positive side.  With time (6-8 weeks) and strictly following the doctors orders, I should be able to walk pain free.  I CAN do slow/easy walks on the dreadmill, but the pace has to be kept between 3.0-3.5.  If I am a good girl and do everything right, when I go back to him in January there is a good chance I will be able to slowly reintroduce running into my life. 

Overall, I'm kinda bummed out.  I'm anxious to get better and I am concerned about the effect (or lack thereof) this is going to have on my weight loss goals.  *Sigh*      

Fitness Friday Update

Happy Friday!!  This post is a link up with Aubrey over at ALG, Uninterrupted.  I'd love to get my act together and post more frequently, but I am having issues with time management (I don't seem to have enough time to manage!)  Anywho...

What a quick week!  Monday is my official "weigh in" day and I lost a tiny little bit this week (8/10th of a pound).  I was a little disappointed because I am killing myself on the dreadmill.  I have kept up with getting 10,000 steps in (at least!) every day, so that means making sure I spend time with my frenemy every day.  I had really hoped that that dreadmill would help me out, but I seem to still be stuck (I am attributing the 8/10ths to wearing jeans to weigh in last week and having lighter pants on this week.  The scale has. not. moved. at. all.)  It's hard to be motivated when nothing seems to be happening :(

In looking at the positive...  I did have a NSV this week.  I finally had to retire my "official weigh in pants".  I have been wearing the same pants on Mondays to weigh in since I started this journey.  Two weeks ago, I was thinking they were getting a tad bit loose.  Being that I didn't wear them last week to weigh in, I didn't think too much of it until this Monday morning when I went to get dressed and there was no way I could wear them... they just looked silly (and I was concerned that one wrong move would send them crumpling to the floor!)  So, I dug into the back of my closet and I now have two pairs of pants the next size down that I can wear.  Yay!!  

Quick fitness update... As of last night, I have logged 57.2 out of 100 miles for this month so far!  I do love the challenge of it all.  It has definitely helped keep my activity level up and I feel like I'm on the right track (even though the scale isn't really cooperating right now!)

Goals for this week....
1) Keep on keeping on... Continue exercising on the dreadmill and logging those miles.  It has to be helping, right?
2) Mix it up a little in the food department.  It gets boring eating the same things over and over again.
3) Make good choices... More birthday parties = tough choices.  Stay strong!!
4) Keeping this in mind as we move into another week...

Fitness Friday Link Up

It's been a long time since I've done a link up... but I have been inspired by Aubrey over at ALG.  I don't consider myself very tech savvy, but I'll give it a go.

So far this week, I have been REALLY motivated, without very much success on the scale.  Some weeks have just been like that.  When I weighed in on Monday, I had lost 2.6lbs (for a total of 17.2 since September).  The scale has been stuck. on. my. weigh-in. weight. all. week.  It's been frustrating, but I'm hoping that it will start to nudge down (even a little!) before I have to go face the "official" scale again after the weekend.  On the plus side....  

My fitness this week has been fabulous!  On Monday, I splurged and bought myself a Vivofit and I LOVE it!  I can be a total gadget girl and this makes my heart happy.  It's a watch, a pedometer, it totals miles, sets goals, AND tells me how many calories I've burned.  Woot! Woot!  I figured that I "needed" it to help track my progress in the 100 Mile Walk/Run Challenge that I decided to do.  I was a little afraid that I was being unrealistic (100 Miles?  In a month?  Seriously?), but now that I am just a few days in, I think it is totally doable.  I have increased doubled my dreadmill use and actually look forward to ticking off the miles every day.  It's just the motivation I need as we roll into the holiday season.

My plan for the upcoming week?
- Keep walking/running everyday, even if I can only fit in a short period of time.
- Keep tracking those points.  It's working.  Don't give up!
- Make good food choices.  I have some challenging days coming up... Two birthdays, lunch out with friends, and a work related dinner... I got this, right?
- Be nice to myself.  Celebrate the positive... 

25 miles down....75 more to go!!

Happy Friday! :)

          

October? Where did it go??

Holy Moly... October is a blur!! We've been caught up in volleyball season. I have loved it, but I am relieved, on some levels, that it is over. Sadly, this is going to be a year of "lasts". Girlie is a senior, so Tuesday was her last game. Last Friday was Senior Night and I managed to not embarrass myself (I cry during sad commercials, so this was quite an accomplishment for me!) This Friday will be her last Homecoming Dance. "Soon" (as in, before we know it!), it will be June and she will be saying good-bye to High School. Amazing, just amazing. We still have Bubba, who is a freshman, to get through school, but it's different with the first. In less than a year, I am going to be the mom of a college student. I shudder to think that far ahead. Anywho...

It's been a while since I have posted. I finally stopped whining about my weight and kicked my butt back to Weight Watchers. So far, it's been the best decision I've made in a long time. I NEED the accountability. As I have said before, I have the tools and theoretically "know" what to do, but I have been uninspired and unmotivated to help myself. My official Weight Watchers start date was September 22nd. As of last Monday, I have lost 14.6lbs. Yay, Me!! I love the ease of the phone app where I can track points every day and the meetings keep me motivated as far as new food ideas and "wanting" to exercise. Nothing is more motivating than success. My clothes fit better and I feel better overall. I don't care if I lost half a pound or three pounds in a week...I am going in the right direction :)

So, what's my end goal? Hmmm...I'd like to lose about 26 more pounds. I *may* decide to do a fitness challenge this month (I know the month has already started...no time like the present to start, right?) While surfing through some blogs, I came across a 100 mile challenge for November. Yeah? Maybe. I walk/jog about 2 miles on the dreadmill every other day. I don't wear a step tracker, but I could. At tomorrow's weigh in, I'm going to see what they have for activity monitors. If I ramp it up, maybe more every other day or increase the number of days, it may be doable. With the holidays coming, I'm going to need all the help I can get. We'll see! As we can all tell just through my blogging habits, commitment and follow through are not always a strength for me! I'll leave you now with some final words (this sums up how I feel on this cold and rainy Sunday afternoon)...

Checking in...

The last few weeks have been a blur.  I kept thinking that I *should* sit down and blog, but it just didn't happen!  So, what's up?

Well, the busyness of the school year is upon us.  Back to school for Girlie, Bubba, and me.  Setting up my classroom, getting through the first week, helping Bubba finish up his summer packets, figuring out this whole college application process with Girlie... the list just goes on and on.  One moment of panic I have recently had is over the realization that I am going to have my picture taken with Girlie at Senior Night at the end of volleyball season.  Yikes!  I avoid pictures like the plague.  Not. A. Fan. At. All.  I guess it's time to get serious.  I am never going to be happy with my weight, but I could be a whole lot happier than I am right now.

I THINK I have about ten weeks until the season ends.  I am challenging myself to lose a pound a week, for the next ten weeks.  If I lose more, that would be FABULOUS.  But we'll start with baby steps, after all...I've been talking about losing weight forever now and have had many "restarts", yet I am STILL in the same exact place I was in June (at least...without thinking about it too hard.  It's probably been a lot longer than that!).  No one to blame but myself, moving on.  I am returning to Weigh in Wednesday as a way of "owning it".  Let's see if it can happen... 

One by Wednesday.  That's all, just one.  Baby steps!!   

Oops... "Wednesday" Weigh In!

       I am so NOT good at posting when I say I am going to, but... I did weigh in yesterday.  It only occurred to me LATE last night that I hadn't written about it here.  What kept me so busy?  I had an amazing day shopping with my friend.  We love going to Wrentham Mall.  What a great place to poke around, shop, and eat!  In addition to the "must do" stores we also roam around a few that just beg to be visited.   We had loads of fun, but returned home hot and tired, but I digress.  The weigh in wasn't so exciting.  I didn't lose, but thankfully didn't gain.  It is SO hard to deal with moderation and control when I have been eating out so often.  I LOVE spending time with friends and this has been such a nice change from how life "usually" is, so I am not complaining.  I am, however, being reflective on how I am exercising.  Since I am now walking, instead of trying to kill myself running, I am going to plan on walking every day.... even if it is only for a short amount of time.  I am hopping on the train with those who are doing a monthly challenge.  Here's my personal challenge.... walk, every day, for the month of July (which will be a total of 30 days, since I did not walk yesterday!).  I don't know how that will play out next week when I go to California, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it :)

Wednesday Weigh In

True story.

       Well, it's been a week ALREADY!  I am happy to say I have lost 3 pounds.  I guess that's good (I know it is, but...it's like losing a deck chair off the Queen Mary).  I have been doing C25K every other day and I don't hate it.  I can't say I'm exactly loving it, but for now, it's doable.  Tomorrow, I will finish Week 2, Day 3.  I am not thinking about the weeks to come... one day at a time, one day at a time.
       I'm trying to be realistic about my approach.  I have been watching what I eat and drinking gallons of water.  It's hard to stay on track with cookouts and sometimes eating out, but in some ways it's easier being home.  I make better choices.  Instead of throwing "whatever" into my lunch bag and then finding other things to eat at work (candy, chips, crackers, etc), I am making healthier choices about breakfast, lunch, and snacks.  So, that's it for now.  Hoping for another good week ahead! :)  

Let's Try This Again

So, I apparently I am destined to make the same mistakes over and over (and over!) again.  My weight has yo-yoed up and down pretty significantly over the past few years.  I have definitely been on an upswing for quite a while now.  I am climbing (very slowly, kicking and screaming) back onto the "I have to lose weight" bandwagon. Tomorrow the "diet" begins..  I start again tomorrow.   

See that number up there?  That number up there that is hidden?  Yeah, me neither....I don't even know what it is.  I can't face it, YET.  But tomorrow morning... oh, tomorrow morning is going to be bad.  I kinda, sorta know how bad "bad" is going to be, but once I look at the real numbers, the reality slap is going to be painful.

My plan?  I guess it's a pretty simple one.  My treadmill FINALLY (hopefully!) arrives tomorrow.  It should be here when I get home from work.  The plan is to USE IT.  Everyday.  Even if it's just for a short time.  Then there's the eating part.  Welcome back Body for Life for Women.  I can't say I love doing the program (after all, if I loved it, I would have stayed on it after I lost weight "last time"), but I don't hate it.  The eating part is not the issue.  The recommended food is what we normally eat, just eaten in a different way.  It's the work involved with getting everything ready to eat that kills me.  I am lazy about breakfasts and lunches.  Whatever I can throw in my bag on the way out the door is what I eat when I am at work.  Sometimes Rarely is it healthy and conducive to weight lose.  So today, in preparation for my big Life Style Change, I have readied an entire week's worth of breakfasts and lunches.  Yay!  Go Me!! 

I'm hoping that will help.  We'll see.  If not.... Omar had better start makes bigger tents.  I'm going to need one.