Weekend Recap...

Hey there internet....I had some busy and exciting times this weekend, so I thought I'd share it with you. So, here goes...

Friday: I got home from work...and since I hadn't bought my final weight loss reward yet, even though I "earned" it weeks ago, I decided it was TIME. So, my dear ol' daddio and I went to Devil-Mart and bought me a nice, new bike. I got a great deal. It is a Schwinn Jet Star Women's Bike. It was with the clearance bikes. I think someone bought it and returned it, so I got it for over 50% off. Sweet!!! I am so excited to have a new, swanky bike. I am going to ride it to work everyday that it isn't raining (like it is this Monday morning). I am going to love the instant exercise added to my day...and with gas prices, it'll be a great thing for the environment and my pocketbook. Whoo hoo!

Saturday: I worked on Saturday...we had a big huge community service project. We were cleaning up a local park and re-doing the trail that goes to it. And guess what...I rode my bike to work. It felt great. It takes me 10 minutes to drive to work and only 15 minutes to bike it. It's awesome. The day was great for community service. It was sunny, but not too hot...and there was a nice breeze. What we did for most of the day...is clear brush and what not from the trail above the park. So, I spent hours...dragging brush, twigs and rocks onto tarps and dragging up a pretty steep hill. Let's just say...I got a nice workout. It was nice to feel physically fit enough to do it. We started right around 9am...and finished up about 3pm. I helped clean up the site...and headed home around 4pm. I was beat by the time my bike and I got home. Phew. TIRED! I made dinner...and then felt ready for bed at about 7pm. I didn't head to bed that early...but I wanted to. I think I fell asleep sometime in the 9pm hour. My body needed the rest...let me tell you.

Sunday: Ah...lovely Sunday. I didn't go to church this week. It's the annual giving drive...where they feed people a nice lunch and talk about each person's weekly giving to the Church. I know it's how the church survives, but I didn't want to be made to feel guilty about my level of giving...or feel obligated to give more than I already do. I don't give a lot each and every week in the plate, but I do always give money or goods to the dinners we have...and I have given large sums of money to special projects...like funding the summer camp program, etc. So, I feel good about my level of giving. I know that the church is also a business and it has to be...but I figured I would skip a week that reminds me of that.

I did go over and hang out with my dad instead. We've been trying to declutter the house. I think it's going to be an ongoing project FOREVER. My brother's old room is just chuck full of junk we've acquired over the years. I have boxes and boxes of stuff from college....that I just packed up, brought up and never thought of again. Mind you...I graduated in 1999. So, I spent the morning going through it and throwing away 90% of everything there. I was surprised how emotional I was going through some of the stuff. I found a lot of old pictures...and a bunch of old clothes from college. I had forgotten how overweight I was in college...denial has a way of doing that. I was probably the biggest I ever was during my college years. It was really heartbreaking looking at those old pictures. And the clothes...same thing...I would hold up the physical reminder of how big I was and it was definitely eye opening. Of course, everything in me wanted to shred those pictures and throw away all those clothes...but I didn't. I kept the pictures. I am going to put them away in a little box...and keep them as a reminder of how much change I have accomplished. I'm also going to keep them as a reminder...that I don't want to gain this weight again...that this change is permanent. It's easy to let denial take over again...and let the weight creep back on. I also put the clothes in a pile. I'm going to wash the nice ones and donate them. Hopefully someone else who needs them...will put them to good use.

And the rest of my Sunday. I had a lunch with my roomie and another friend. We went to Panera for lunch. I love that place...they have really yummy food and if you make the right choices...a lot are really healthy for you. I had a garden salad with fat free raspberry dressing. And after eating, we went back to our apartment and watched a movie...August Rush. It was completely unrealistic, but I liked it. It was great to hang out with the girls...since we haven't done that in a long time. Since I hadn't seen my one friend is almost a year, it did take a little bit to kind of get to know each other again. Now that her schedule has changed, I am hoping we are going to be able to get together more often.

I think that's about it for my weekend report...and because it's Monday, I'll report that I weighed in and lost a pound this week. That didn't surprise me at all...especially given the cardio marathon I did on Saturday with working out on the elliptical, riding my bike to and from work and all the work done on the trails, etc. I probably burned close to 2000 calories that day...

Hugs all...I hope everyone has a great Monday, even if it is a rainy one like it is here.

Self Care

Hey y'all....I forgot to update yesterday with of course the weekly weigh-in report. I am happy to say that for the first time...I maintained my weight. I didn't lose any...and I didn't gain any. I don't know if I have this whole thing figured out just yet, but I do have more of a handle on it than I did before. I step on the scale each and every morning and the weight was up some days...back down some others. I mainly think the fluctuation has more to do with the sodium in whatever I am eating...than anything else.

One thing I really noticed as I have continued losing weight...and taking better physical care of myself...is that I am willing to spend money on things I never would before. Here are a few examples:

Clothes: I have never been a clothes horse...not in the slightest. I was still wearing some clothes that I wore in high school and I graduated in 1995. Since I've lost weight and moved down to a size I have never been before, it's forced me to renew my wardrobe and spend money and time buying clothes. I used to hate going clothes shopping, but now...I really like it. I like all the new options and just trying things on. I still stay within a budget...but if price were no option, I'd be buying things left and right. Speaking of...I need to buy some spring/summer shoes and I also need to buy a couple pairs of jeans. It's definitely on the list for the next shopping day.

I've never been to a spa before. The idea of getting a massage was really unattractive to me. I think part of it...was my negative body image and not really liking the idea of a total stranger touching me. I still am not sure I like the idea of a stranger getting their hands all over me...but, I am much more open to it. What I would like to try first...is also something I've never had done. I want to get a pedicure. It just seems like a fun, fancy thing to do. It's on the list...not something I am planning to do tomorrow, but definitely something I wanna put on the "to do" list.

Makeup/ Beauty Products: I used to never wear makeup...ever. I often end up looking like a vampire princess in the winter because my skin is so fair. I have noticed a shift there too. I still wear very minimal makeup, but I do put it on each and every morning before leaving for work. It's just lip gloss, a little cover up powder, some blush on the cheeks and eye shadow...but it's much more than I used to wear. I still think the idea of wearing obvious makeup...is not my style, but I like a little color on my face. I've also spent some money on some facial products. I bought a facial cleanser that so far...I really like. I'm also on the lookout for some good acne products. I am really lucky because I have nice skin. My skin rarely breaks out...so, I don't have to worry about acne all too much. I do get the occasional breakout, especially since I am working out so much. It's interesting....that working out is what causes my breakouts. I know it's that my skin is constantly sweating and therefore being irritated. Plus, with all the outside running...especially on the streets, it's gotta be bad for the skin. I have been on the lookout for a natural acne treatment. All the stuff I have..which isn't a lot...is so chuck full of chemicals. It works, but it also really dries out my skin.

Cooking Tips/Books: I am constantly looking for recipes on the internet...and buying those little cooking magazines that are in the check out aisles in the grocery store. I've just become so much more interested in how things are made...and baking things. Before, I thought it was a hassle...and if I had to bring a cake to work or church, I would swing by Hannaford and buy it. Now...I look forward to baking something. It's just an interesting switch.

So there are just a few examples at things that I would never even think of spending money on...but now, I have more of an interest in. I still watch my finances like a hawk, but when I have a few extra dollars...it's stuff I want to throw a little bit towards. I think, in general, it's a good thing. When I think of all the money I've thrown away over the years...buying crap, no good for you food...I am glad now that I am tempted to throw money towards things like this instead.

It's a beautiful day...

I'm so happy Spring seems to be turning the corner...the weather has been so nice recently. I had to work on Saturday morning and by the time I left the office at noon...it was so nice outside. It was still a little bit chilly...with a nice breeze, but the sun was out and it felt great to be outside. I decided to run on over to my dad's house...and enjoy the time outside. I warmed up with a mile walk...ran the 2 miles in the middle...and cooled down with another almost mile (It's 3.8 miles from my house to my dad's).

I had two really nice weight/diet related things that had nothing to do with the scale (and then I'll get to the scale report). This Sunday, I helped with the communion breakfast at church. We have a sit down breakfast in between the first and second services...as a time of fellowship and celebration. It's really nice since the first service and the second service...we often don't see each other much. I said I would help...so I made a huge fresh fruit salad and headed to church at 8am to help. Since many of the people in the second service hadn't seen me in a while...many months at least...a lot of them came up and said how great I looked. It was a nice reminder...since I have kind of gotten out of that period of people seeing the weight loss as a new thing. One woman, who was also my 6th grade teacher...came up and asked me what I've been doing and said I've never looked this healthy. So, it was good to see people...and help with the breakfast...and to make a healthy option (fruit)...and have people say that I looked fit and healthy. whoo hoo.

My second good thing...I went shopping on Sunday afternoon. I am in desperate need of work pants. I used to have a million bajillion pairs of pants, but now barely any of them fit. I had a bunch of size 12 pants and now basically they all are unwearable. I tried to wear a pair to work last week and it was embarrassing how they looked. So, I am basically down to 2 pair of pants that fit...and only one of them is work appropriate. I headed over to Old Navy in hopes of finding some nice pants on their clearance racks. I basically got one of every style of clearance pants they had in a size 8...and went to try them on. Most of them either fit or were a smidge loose. One of the pairs that was loose I really liked...they were a pair of khakis that kind of looked like cords, but not quite. Hard to describe...but I liked them. So, I hunted through the clearance stacks and found them in a size 6...and tried them on and low and behold, they FIT and fit well. I bought them and another pair of dress pants (size 8)...and was on my way. I can't believe I own a pair of size 6 pants...it makes my head hurt, but in a good way. whoo hoo...hoo!

Monday is my weigh-in day...as per usual. I have been working out hard this week...and doing 3 days of weight training and 3 days of light cardio. I hoped to see the scale blip up...which means I might be starting to build muscle. I had a trail mix attack on Thursday night...which means that I started eating it...and ATE way too much. I filled my belly with salty, yummy trail mix. So, on Friday and Saturday mornings...during my daily weigh-ins, the weight was up...sometimes as much as 4 lbs. Does that mean I gained 4 lbs overnight? Nope, not bloody likely. That stuff was mighty salty...and my body isn't used to it. So, I imagine I was retaining water like a mofo...especially since I was sucking down water on Saturday like no tomorrow. So, I stepped on the scale this morning...and I was up one lb. I don't think it's salt...or water weight...or a lb of gained fat from sucking down too much trail mix. I think it's an actual lb gained from working out and increasing my weights. I have muscles I haven't seen for a while on my arms...and my legs feel stronger. So...I can actually say for the first time in my natural life, I am HAPPY I gained a pound. I would like to gain 4 or 5 more...the smart and healthy way...gaining muscle, etc.

Alright...enough blabbering on about my scale and my weight and what not. If the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is here...get out there and enjoy it.

Monday Weigh-In and what stress will teach you...

Hi all! I woke up on Monday morning...with my legs a little sore and my knee kind of barking at me. But...I still felt good. Those aches were reminders of the race I ran, so I kind of smiled and grimaced at the same time. I usually do more of a cool down walk than I did yesterday AND I usually go shopping with my afterwards so I walk for another hour or so around stores...and yesterday after the race, I spent some time watching the TV...and that's about it.

Let's get to the weigh-in...I stepped on the scale and I lost another pound this week. At least it wasn't two! Since I have been pushing cardio so hard in preparation for the race, I was not surprised. Now that the race has come and gone...I can change my focus from cardio centered to weight training. I am starting the Body for Life 12 Week Challenge. It has you doing weight training 3 times per week and cardio 3 times per week. I will be doing a lot less cardio though...only 20 minutes at a time. So, I think it will be a nice, new change.

I think I am going to stop doing the weekly weigh-ins over there on the site. I am going to change the format...and report if I am in my range or not. I am going to give myself a 10 lb. range...and right now, I am at the bottom of that range since I would actually like to gain some weight. As soon as I am within the range, I'm cool. And then...if for 3 months, I stay within range...I am going to give myself a maintenance reward. So...that's my plan, Stan!

And what is this I mentioned about stress? Well...this morning, I went down to start my car and it wouldn't start. I often have a security issue with my car...so I didn't think it was a big deal, but then I realized it still wasn't starting. I wasn't sure if it just needed a jump...or if it was the starter or the alternator...or if it was the security system finally going belly up. My dad is a doll...and took me to work. I knew I couldn't deal with it until I got home. And..once I got to work, what was going to be a quiet, easy day turned into a busy day...where I had to spend the whole morning in the jail dealing with something I wasn't expecting.

So, I came back from the jail right before lunch...a tad bit stressed. What makes me happy about all this stress is how I dealt with it. One of my main issues with long term weight management is that I have always been an emotional eater. Overall, I eat pretty healthy...but when life sucks or when I am stressed out, I tend to go right to emotionally eating. What made me happy today...is that I didn't even think about ordering a pizza or getting some crap food out of the vending machine. Being on this plan...made me deal with my emotions and not feed them. I learned to recognize I was stressed...and realize that everything was out of my control. Once I did that...I calmed right down and I was in a great mood. So, I've lost a bunch of weight...got into better shape physically...but I've also dealt with the internal/emotional issues I have with food. With well...rocks.

BTW- AAA came and jumped my car...and it runs. I figured out the problem...and need a repair down the line, but dodged a bullet for right now.

Hugs all...Happy Monday!

What else to talk about on a Monday?

Yep, that's right...it's Monday...so I thought I should update how the health and fitness plan o' Shelley is doing. As I said before, I am glad I got my run in on Saturday...I can't believe the race is this Sunday. I think I keep letting myself forget, so I don't completely freak out. I feel ready though...I know I am not going to run it fast, but honestly...I don't care...I know I am fit and in shape to finish the race and I wasn't there last year...heck, I wasn't there in January. I was remembering in January...the first time I went out for a run. I had been rocking the elliptical, so I thought..."Hey, running isn't much different...so I'll just jog out a mile and then come back." I headed out...I walked to the edge of my apartment complex and then I started running...and within a 1/4 of a mile, I was out of breath and walking. I felt so defeated. I started to think that even though I lost this weight...and I am in better shape...that I still can't run even a mile.

Then, I went home...and decided I was not giving up. I made a plan...and decided to keep going. The next time...I ran a little farther before I slowed to a walk...and then a couple weeks later, I ran over to my dad's house...and was able to run 2.5 miles without stopping...then 3 miles...then 3.5...then I went for 5...and made it. I am more proud of myself for not giving up than I am for being able to job continuously for 5 miles. This process has reminded me what is possible...if you don't give up when faced with a challenge.

Alright...enough of that stuff...it sounds like a Tony Robbins motivation speech...and eww! On to the bare bones of the weigh-in report. I've been trying to stop losing weight...and so far, I am still struggling to figure that out. It's slowly getting better...but I still don't have the balance yet. I weighed in this morning...and lost 2 more lbs this week for a total of 79 lbs. Holy bejesus! I think part of it...is that I am pushing cardio hard lately in preparation for the race coming up. After Sunday, I am going to switch from cardio focused to weight training focused. I won't stop running or the elliptical, but it won't be the prime focus. Another thing I am working on...is trying to bump my calories up. I have gotten really used to the calories I was eating...so, it seems like I am stuffing myself with food in the last couple of weeks. It's all about food selection though.....for lunch, I can have a huge salad, a big bowl of yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit, some whole wheat crackers and some cottage cheese...all for under 300 calories. Or I can have a sandwich...with high sodium meat, mayo, bread and potato chips....which is much less food...and much more calories. So...it's all about choices. I've truly learned to make some nice choices...and not wasting my calories on things.

OK...I am watching Dancing With The Stars...and watching Penn from Penn & Teller dance is just flippin' hilarious, so I gotta get back to it! *winks*

Monday= Weigh-In!

Hi everyone...it's Monday and of course, that means it is weigh-in day. I had a really good...really nice weekend. I got my run in on Saturday....worked out on the elliptical on Sunday and what not. I felt really strong and healthy.

I am still losing weight in transition, but this week...hopefully that will stop or at least slow down. I am adding back in grains and bread this morning...I am eating some Multigrain cheerios right now. Mmmm....I also bought some english muffins and some Special K cereal. Yummilicious!

Anyways...I said I did lose weight this week and yep, I lost 3 lbs this week. I was actually surprised this morning when I stepped on the scale. I weigh everyday...because well, I like to know how I am doing on a daily basis. It drives some people nuts, but not me...instead it gives me good information because I don't get emotional about what the scale says. Well, my weight was holding at 1 lb lost...all the way up to Sunday morning. Well...it jumped from 1 lb to 3 lbs from Sunday to Monday. It shouldn't be that shocking since I often lose more over the weekend...I'll stay the same all week long and then drop my weight between Saturday and Monday morning.

So, I lost weight...and didn't even mean to. I think part of the issue is I have been pushing working out because I am training for the race coming up in 2 weeks. If my weight continues to go down, I will add even more food. It's shocking how much food you CAN eat when you eat the right types of foods. Quality verses quantity.

NEWS FLASH: I went to Target today....looking for any good sales and hopefully to buy a pair of pants or two. I have some that don't fit at all anymore, even with a belt. Well...guess who bought a size 8 pair of pants today? I DID! They weren't on sale, but I liked them...so I splurged. And by splurge...I mean that I spent 20 bucks on a pair of pants. I would like to though buy some engraved plaques that say, "Hey I wear a size 8!!!!" and wear it around my neck constantly...Flavor Flav style. Holy carp people! I never thought I would be a person wearing single digit clothing..ever. The smallest I was the last time I lost weight was a 12...and then I bought some size 10 pants back in January. And every single size 10 I tried on today...was too big. So, I grabbed some 8s...and every single one fit and some were LOOSE. Holy bejesus! Can you tell I am a little excited???

Holy wind Batman....and a weigh-in too!

Hey kids....it's Monday and that means we all survived Daylight Savings Time and the loss of our hour of sleep. Before I get to that elusive weigh-in stats, let me recap my weekend for you. (I like to keep you in suspense!)

I really wanted to get my run in on Saturday because I missed it last Saturday due to having to work and there being a huge snow storm. I have gotten used to having my Saturday runs, so I missed the week without it. The weather report looked bleak again...and it said it might be a day of rain/sleet/freezing rain. Pfft to that! It said it might not start until late morning, so I got up an hour earlier...and headed out on my run earlier than usual. I got about 3 miles and change in...and it started raining. I thought I would tough it out for a while, but then the wind picked up some too...and the rain was cold and biting. So, I turned in early...and only went a little over 4 miles. I am glad though...that I got most of it in...and didn't ditch the whole run because of the possibility of rain.

Ah, Daylight Saving Time...it's upon us again. I love this time of year...when it stays late so much later. Remember those times in summer when drive-in movies don't start until at least 9pm because that is when it really starts to turn to dusk. I love having the light for so much more of the day. I did feel like I missed the sleep though...because of the DAMN wind! I tried to go to bed early on Saturday night...to steal that extra hour of sleep back, but the wind was howling...and it was so loud. I was amazed at how intense it was...I was worried the power was going to go out...and it almost did. I was awake well past midnight...and that's late for me, so it's obvious I didn't get to snag an extra hour of sleep. I also didn't get to sleep in on Sunday...because I was up bright and early for church. I could have skipped it, but I committed to going to church each and every Sunday during the Lentin period...and I believe in honoring my commitments.

I did catch a quick nap on Sunday afternoon...and that helped. Of course, it just made me not tired for going to bed until about 11pm on Sunday night, but I still went to bed at 10pm because I am a creature of habit. I watched a little crap TV and was in dreamland sometime after 11pm.

Alright....on to this weigh-in mumbo jumbo. As I've said, I am working on transitioning....and stopping this weight loss momentum. I am working on maintaining...something I have never done well. I can lose weight pretty easily...and gain weight even easier. But staying the same weight...or within the same weight range, is much more difficult for me. I usually go immediately from losing weight to gaining weight. Not going to play that game again...I swear it. Well, my body is obviously still in losing mode....since I lost 3 freakin' pounds this week.

I'm still following the plan...I figure, the plan worked during the weight loss portion, so I need to trust it and follow it during the transition phase. Plus, I get to add even more things in this week. I had already been adding in those starchy and sugary veggies like corn and carrots....added in fruit (oh how I love fruit!)....and this week...adding more dairy in. I bought some yogurt that I cannot wait to try. Next week...I add in grains...which means bread in some sense or another. I haven't had bread in so many months...I think that will be the most bizarre of all.

Let's hope next week doesn't see another drop on the scale...because if it does, I might start eating a diet full of just ice cream and candy! lol (just kidding people...no need to send a diet intervention my way! )

Oops...missed Monday's weigh-in report!

My bad y'all....I let Monday come and go without mentioning anything about my weekly stepping on the scale. I weighed in...I just forgot to tell you all about it.

Well, this week...as I have been transitioning out of the weight loss phase and into the maintenance phase, I still lose 2 lbs. I am going to trust the transitioning process...and know that my weight may fluctuate a little bit in the next few weeks to a month. I'll have to make some changes if I keep losing at this even clip, but I also want to give the transition period a chance to work. What a problem to have, eh? Worried about losing too much...I never thought I'd be saying that.

I am adding a new food group item...each and every week. Last week, I added more veggies...and some of those forbidden veggies. I hadn't been eating things like carrots or corn because even though they are healthy...they are the starchier of the vegetables. So, last week...those resurfaced! And this week, I am adding fruit back into my diet. I have missed fruit something fierce...and last night...eating my thawed out frozen peaches...it was like I was in heaven. In the next coming weeks...I am adding more dairy to my diet and then adding in the grains. I've gotten so used to not eating any bread or anything in the grains family...that I know that is going to take some getting used to.

As for exercise, I didn't get my run in on Saturday...which of course...bummed me out. I really look forward to it each and every week. I had to work in the morning...and even if I did...we got hammered with quite a snow storm, so running outside wouldn't have been an option. I didn't just laze around though...I spent a lot of time with Mr. Elliptical over the weekend and made up for my lack of run. Next Saturday though...I am hoping that the weather is on my side and I get another run in, especially since my race is now less than a month away.

Hugs to all....and I hope everyone is having a healthy and happy week!

Monday Weigh-In 2/25

Hi kids....it's Monday, so of course...it's weigh-in day.

Oh, I never updated about if I got to go on my run...and how it went. I did go on my run. The weather was alright...and even warm (for February). The temp was in the high 20s...so it felt balmy compared to last week's run. I headed out...and planned on getting th 5.25 miles in. My main objective was to work on my time...and try to get a better pace. I ran the first mile as I usually do...and then every ten minutes I would run for at least one minute at a faster pace. I figured it was the best way to pick up my pace.

It worked....I ran a slow 15 minute mile last Saturday. It took me 75 minutes to run 5.2 miles. This week...I ran 5.25 miles and got it done in 62 minutes. Holy smokes. I am shocked I finished the same distance 13 minutes faster. I expected it to be a smidge better, but while I was running it...it didn't seem all that much faster. If I do the math, I ran about a 12 minute mile...and for right now, I'll take it. I need to keep working on it before the race in March, but all in all...I am a happy, happy girl.

Okay...enough about running. What about this weigh-in? I started my transition program last week. Not a lot changed, but I am slowly adding things back in. So, since things weren't different...I wouldn't have been surprised if I still lost weight. And...I did. I lost 2 lbs this week for a total of 69 lbs this week. I can't believe I am one pound shy of having lost 70 lbs. That just seems nuts since at first...I thought it would be great if I could lose 45 lbs. I got to the point that I didn't want to do the job half assed like I have every time before. I didn't want to stop until it was done. And now...I am there.

Whoo to the hoo people!!!

A day off, a weigh-in and a sick roomie...

Hey everyone....it's Monday aka Weigh-In day. I like having Mondays off from work (President's Day) because I can get up, lounge around and then do my weekly weigh-in. I forgot to not set my alarm...so it went off at 7am, but that's ok. I got up and then weighed in at around 7:30am...and started about my day...getting my breakfast...yadda yadda.

So, how did it go? I lost 2 lbs last week for a total of 67 lbs. I started transition on Friday, so the weight loss will probably slow down or stop altogether. Last week, I was only in transition phase for a few days, so I am not surprised I lost a couple of pounds. I have set a transition and maintenance range...between 65 and 70 lbs lost. So, I would be cool if I lost a couple of more pounds...since I imagine I might get some rebound pounds when I start adding a bunch of stuff back in.

I ran on the elliptical today. I have been doing interval training lately with my elliptical. I have been running normal speed for 4 minutes and then going as fast as I could for one minute...and then go at normal speed for another 4 minutes...over and over. I hope that this will help my endurance as I start running for speed and distance.

Let's see...other than that...the only other interesting info around these parts is that my poor roomie is sick as a dog. She started coughing a little here or there a few days ago...when she swore she wasn't sick...but, well...the sickness gods had other ideas. She is coughing up a storm now....and her throat sounds horrible. I feel for my roomie and hope she gets better too, but at the same time...I am terrified of getting sick. Every time she coughs...I wince. I have been taking some echinacea for weeks and I have Zicam in the apartment, if I need it. I won't make the mistake my roomie did...and think it isn't a cold for a couple days...instead, if it hits...I hope to use some prevention and knock it out.

I also spent the afternoon cleaning the apartment. It was on my agenda anyways...since it needs it and it hadn't been cleaned for a few weeks, but since my roomie is sick...I definitely needed to clean it. I cleaned the kitchen...cleaned the bathroom and wiped down the furniture in the living room. This week, I am going to make a cleaning schedule...and post it on the fridge. I want to keep the cleaning up...so it doesn't turn messy so quickly. It seems that roomie and I don't seem to notice the messiness until it is pretty bad...and for the past few months, that's just not cutting it for me. I wanna clean because it's what you should do...not because the apartment is so messy, you have no choice. I wanna to treat it like how you think of brushing your teeth. Do you only clean your teeth when you notice how dirty and gross they are?? Of course not. You brush your teeth twice a day...because you are supposed to and it keeps them clean...always. So, I want cleaning the apartment to be like that for me. That's my plan at least.

Alright...I'm off...to watch some crap tv...and lounge around on my day off. Enjoy the day...if you are working or not. And if you wanna...send me some healthy thoughts that I don't get this nasty cold my roomie has. *crosses fingers*

Monday Weigh-In and all that jazz....

Hey there internet....it's Monday morning and here I am...posting as usual.

It's flippin' cold in Upstate, NY this morning...the weather guy said it was 9 degrees this morning with a windchill in the negative numbers. I was a happy girl to have my swanky, new electric blanket last night. I didn't leave it on all night, but when I woke up a little early...I popped it back on and went back to sleep until my alarm went off. The beep, beep, beep went off...and I woke up in a nice, toasty bed. The only downside...it made me really NOT want to get up and get out of bed. My toes did not want to step into that cold room and apartment. But well, I survived!

It's Monday, so it's an official weigh-in day. I am a daily weigher, so usually...my weight is not a surprise. This week was a smidge different though. My weight was holding steady at no loss for most of the week and showing an inconsistent 1 lb loss on Saturday and Sunday(If I stepped on a couple of times, it wouldn't always show the pound, etc). So, I didn't know what the scale would say on Monday morning. If I didn't lose...or it was the one pound, I would be okay with both. I know the pounds are going to be harder to come off now because I am basically at my goal weight...with a few problem areas I would still like to widdle away.

So, I got up this morning...after I forced myself out of my warm bed. I went to the bathroom...and stepped on the scale. I checked again to see if a second stepping would get the same result. I did. So, it's official...I lost 2 lbs this week. I got more than I thought I would, so yeah...I am pretty happy about that. I have lost 65 lbs in total...not too shabby, eh? And I swear...if I can do it, anyone can....and I wholeheartedly mean that.

On Friday, I am starting my transition program. I have said before that I know how to lose weight (you put the work in...you get the results) and I know how to gain weight (you put the food in..and sadly, get the results), but maintaining my weight...I have never figured that out. I am at that point now...where I am starting to venture into figuring it all out. I feel prepared and ready...and it is still scary, but I don't feel as paralyzingly terrified as I used to. I still think I will lose a few lbs in the first few weeks of transition, but hopefully it will all even out. I am going to set a weight range...and as long as I am within that range, life is good...if I go below that range...gotta make some adjustments...if I go above that range...gotta make some adjustments.

Hugs to you all...and if it is as cold out there in your neck of the woods as it is here, stay warm!!!

Football recap...and of course, a weigh-in!

Hey y'all.....

So, did you watch the Superbowl last night?? I did. I went over and watched it with my dad since my roomie isn't interested at all in anything sports related, so I thought I wouldn't torture her with me watching the game. I am not a huge football fan...meaning I don't go insane like I do when watching Red Sox games, etc...so, I didn't really care who won. I would have liked to see the Pats win since they went undefeated all season long...and that is a really special thing. But, I would also like to see the Giants win...not for the Giants, but for Eli Manning. I am a fan of his brother Peyton and both of the Mannings seem like just the nicest guys.

So...hooray for Eli and his Giants. It was a really entertaining game. It wasn't decided until the final minute. I would much rather have a game like that...then one where the outcome was decided after the 1st quarter.

Alright...enough of this fooseball talk. Let's get to the Monday Weigh-In/ Weight loss talk!!! It is Monday, yes??? I have been exercising like crazy this week. I went for a run on Monday, weight training on Tuesday, rest on Wednesday, Elliptical on Thursday, Elliptical on Friday, the big run on Saturday and weight training again yesterday. So, I have been working out pretty hardcore this week...plus, watching my food as always, etc.

And did it pay off??? Of course. I lost 3 lbs this week. That makes a total weight loss of 63 pounds. My plan...is to start transitioning from weight loss to maintenance the day after Valentine's Day. The plan is to slowly start adding things back in...so that I don't go back to eating the way I was before...and gain all the weight back. And, it is also supposed to only add one thing at a time, so that my system doesn't get completely shocked by the addition of new things that it hasn't seen since the fall of 2007.

Hugs all....

It's Monday....what do ya know?

Hello to all out there on the internet....how's your Monday treating you so far???

Of course...we know what I talk about on Monday morning...the WEIGH-IN!

I have always had my weigh-ins on Mondays....no matter what diet I have been on. Well, once I had them on Saturday mornings and learned what a big idea that was. I would weigh-in on Saturday...eat off plan on the weekends and spend the rest of the week trying to play catch up so that the next weigh-in wasn't botched....then I would start that whole vicious cycle all over again. So...many many moons ago, I decided that was just craziness and changed my weigh-in to Mondays...to keep my focus on the weekends because I couldn't be Ms. Cheaty-Pants during the weekend if I had to weigh-in bright and early on Monday morning. And...it worked well. This last round of fitness, health and weight loss....I'll be honest, I haven't cheated or gone off plan once...not once. I went to Florida on vacation...and celebrated the holidays...on plan, etc. So, the need for Monday weigh-ins has kind of diminshed...because I don't need to have a looming weigh-in in order to stay on plan.

But, weighing-in on Monday still has its advantages. The main one is that it gives me a reason to be chipper and optimistic on a Monday morning. So, for that...I still like weighing on Mondays.

Alright...enough history about my weigh-ins...like you all really care. lol So, how did I do? I am also a daily weigher...and the scale wasn't moving a lot this week. I have had 2 pretty big weeks behind me, so I wasn't surprised...nor upset by it. Most of the week...no movement at all...and then on Saturday...it showed 1 lb. So, this morning...I woke up and hopped on the scale...and it showed that I lost 2 lbs this week!

How exciting??? That means...I have lost a total of 60 friggin' pounds since starting this whole journey. I am happier than can be... I still haven't ordered my 50 lb reward yet...I am going to order a cheap mp3 player on-line this week. And, I get to buy my 60 lb reward too...which is a MVP movie program through Hollywood Video. I used to work there, so the idea of paying for movies...just seems wrong, but it's okay...I EARNED it!

I don't have much left to lose...I have a little pudge on my tummy I would like to erase and some jiggle on the inside of my thighs that I could live without, but that's basically it. And, if I never lost another lb...I would still be a happy, happy girl.

In a couple of weeks...it's going to be time for me to start transitioning from weight loss mode to maintenance mode...and I'll be honest, that terrifies me. I know how to lose weight...I know how to gain weight....maintaining...that is something I am definitely going to have to learn how to do. I feel ready though...and hopeful! This is the last time I am doing the whole lose weight/gain weight game...and I mean it!

It's Monday: It's Weigh-In Time!

I have the day off work, but that doesn't mean I had the day off work when it came to weighing in.

I forgot to update last week...my bad...I lost 5 lbs last week. Who knows how that happened. It's the most amount of weight I have lost in one week since I started this whole program. I pushed the exercise...and got back into my pattern of eating since being on vacation, so that might be it, but who knows.

How did I do this week? Pretty good. I lost 3 lbs this week...for a total loss of 58 lbs. I am surprised at the loss since I ramped up my exercise this week...and did some different things. I wondered if it would slow things down a little bit, but it didn't. I did circuit training twice...went out for jogs (in the freezing cold) twice...and did the elliptical twice. So, I think varying thing around...probably helped.

I am getting better at the jogging...even though I will admit, I am not a great runner. I want to run a 5 mile race in March, so I am slowly increasing my endurance, etc. I wish it wasn't so cold today...because I would go for another run. I have been running outside...and with it being in the single digit temperatures today, no outside for me.

I also got a new ab program that I ordered off the internet over the weekend. I haven't tried it yet, but it is on the agenda. I am happy with the weight loss, but I still need a lot of toning and shaping that my abs need...stat!

Alright, I am off...to finish some cleaning in my room and puttering around the apartment. Sounds exciting for a Monday off work, eh?

been a while...here's a recap!

Ah, it's been a while since I posted a blog. Well, I did make a new year's goal to blog everyday...phew! I have been a busy kid. Now, if only I had been able to blog about Britney being in drug rehab, then I would have been here in 2 seconds flat.

So, what's been going on with me...let's do a mini-recap:

Jan 1st: Went to see the movie Walk Hard. It was funny. You should see it. Then, my roommate ate something she is allergic too and I had to bring her to the ER. That is less funny, I do not recommend seeing it. She might be allergic to even another food. And it isn't silly allergies...when she eats something, she goes into shock and needs to go to the hospital.

Jan 2-4th: Back to work I go. I wasn't as crazy behind as I thought I would be. I was able to jump right back and and no crisis waiting for me. I did work like crazy though...but it's cool, cause I am a rock star!

Jan 7th: Whoo hoo..it's Monday, it's weigh in day. I lost another 2 lbs, which makes a total of 50 lbs lost. Holy Bejesus. I ordered my 40 lb. reward...an ab workout because my abs desperately need it. I am a little behind on my rewards...oh well. I came home from work and my roomie was sick...she actually started being sick on Sunday. She spent most of the night in her room.

Jan 8th: Roomie is still sick. I worked out like an animal on the elliptical. I am so happy I have her back. I was only going to do 25-30 minutes, but once I got going....40 minutes. I could have stayed on forever.

Jan. 9th: Roomie is still sick. She was supposed to go back to work, but called in sick. I hope she starts feeling better soon...for her sake and because I DO NOT WANT TO GET WHAT SHE HAS. She's sick. A friend at work is sick. My dad was fighting a cold the last week too. I have been bathing myself in anti-bacterial stuff. I refuse to be sick. Pouts. Oh...Hillary Clinton won the NH primary. This makes me happy. I don't care if you hate her, I like her. I think she's fabulous, has done great things for the state of NY and has the most experience of anyone in the race. Obama is nice and cute and has charm that goes on forever, but his experience...is lacking. And, my blood boils..

So...there ya have it. And now we are on the 10th....boring ol' Thursday. So, my new year hasn't been all that exciting. Other than giving people the evil eye who are sick...that's about it. How's your new year going so far?

Merry Christmas Eve...and a weigh-in too!

Hi y'all! Merry Christmas eve...I hope everyone is having a great holiday. It's been wonderful here in sunny Florida. I would miss the snow, but I could get used to weather where people say it is chilly out when it is 60 degrees. lol My nephew's bday was yesterday and we had a rockin' good time at his party. Phew..I am burning calories left and right playing with that adorable kid.

It's Christmas Eve, but it's also Monday...so let's not forget it is weigh-in time. I am a crazy nut who brought my scale with me on vacation. I wanted to know that I was eating well and doing what I needed to, so the scale kept me honest. It would be too easy to cheat here or there if I didn't step on the scale each and every morning.

So, what did it say this morning on the official weigh-in day? Well...it said I dropped another TWO POUNDS! That makes a total of 45 pounds I have lost since I recommitted in September. I initially thought all I wanted to lose was 45 lbs, but I have decided to go for another 10 lbs...so I am off to the races again. I feel really good about what I have lost and that clothes actually fit now, instead of just hiding me like they used to before. But, I want those vanity pudge pounds gone too. So, I am going after them!!! Fitness wise...this new year is going to be a whole new ball of wax!

Merry Christmas everyone...I hope Santa brings you everything your heart desires! Santa brought me what I wanted...actually he took 45 lbs with him while he was dropping off the rest of the presents. Good job Santa!

Only 2 lbs to goal...holy bejesus!

Hi everyone...it's Monday, so that means it is weigh in day. Today and tomorrow are going to be crazy busy days....CRAZY busy. I go on vacation starting Wednesday...and dad and I are going to Florida. There are a million things to get done before I am ready to go.

So...let's get down to business. I was hungry all week long, but I remained a good kid. My boss took us all out to Olive Garden and I was still good....no breadsticks people! I made some thin mint cookies...and didn't bite, lick or taste any of them. I made fudge with my dad (my mom's recipe...so good!) and didn't have any of that either. So, if the scale wasn't nice to me...I was going to have a friggin' fit.

Well, I didn't have a fit. I lost FOUR pounds. I can't believe it. I have lost 43 pounds...and only 2 pounds shy of the 45 pound goal. I think I might try to lose a little bit more, but....I am just happy to be where I am. I didn't even think I could get here, so I am really content. And, if I am a lucky...and the scale gods are nice to me, I could lose the 2 lbs as a Christmas gift.

And...tonight, I am packing for the trip to Florida. I got out all my small jeans...and tried them on. Guess what? Yep...they all fit. One is still too snug to wear outside, but they all fit.

I had a thought today...I am going to have to think long and hard about what my new year's goals are going to be. For the past...well...ever...it has always been to lose weight and get fit. It was the constant answer...and now, I am going to have to look beyond that. Of course...keeping it off is the constant goal...the one I haven't been able to do so far, but it is great having that in front of me instead of losing a ton of weight on New Year's Day.

Hugs...

Monday= It's Weigh-In Time!

Hey folks...it's Monday again. (If you are anxiously awaiting a Mellencamp show update...it's coming! I just wanna tease y'all as long as possible!)

So, what does Monday mean? It means it's time to officially step on the scale and see if I removed any pudge from my life. I did well this week...I didn't do the exercise tapes like I did last week. I took a mini-break and did most of my exercise as walking and of course DANCING at the Mellencamp show. I wasn't expecting huge numbers at all...but hoping for something.

I lost 2 lbs this week. I am SUPER DUPER happy with that. I loved 4 lbs last week, but since I had a huge loss last week, I was happy I lost anything this week. All in all...I have lost 39 lbs. Whoo to the freakin' hoo! I am almost at 40 lbs gone and I definitely plan on being at that point by Christmas...if not a few more lbs. I am going to visit with my brother and his family over the holidays and I am excited for him to see me since last time we saw each other, I was almost 40 lbs heavier. Eeek!

Oooh...and let's not forget an elliptical update. We finally got the OK from the company...that they were going to replace it. Phew. So, dad and I packed up the old, broken elliptical and brought it to the store where we bought it...and return it and for a spankin' new one in a box. Of course, now we have to put the new one together...which wasn't so easy last time. Hopefully...this time, it will go easy as pie. I think we will put it together some night this week...and I will be back to being a crazed elliptical woman! You know, I have owned a bunch of exercise equipment in my lifetime and I have never been as happy as I am with the elliptical. It's a great, great piece of equipment. I can't wait to get it back up and running!!!

Hugs to all...

Another Monday...another weigh-in!

Hi kids! It's Monday and of course that means it is weigh-in day. But before we get to that...it snowed last night. It was the first REAL snow of the season. I heard on the news that it was going to snow, but no flurries before I went to bed. I woke up this morning...heard the alarm beep...and shut it off...and I heard a beeping in the distance. I knew what I was hearing...it was the noise of a plow. I ran to the window...and YEAH! SNOW!

Alright...enough of my love affair with snow. On to the business at hand. I have been struggling with finding new and interesting ways of working out (mind out of the gutter people!)....because my elliptical is broken. (It might get replaced soon, but not soon enough). I've been going for a lot of walks and some rare jogs, but with the cold weather...it hasn't been often at all. I knew I had to get some intense workouts in...or the weight loss wasn't going to continue to come. I went back to something that worked for me years ago. I got out the cardio and circuit tapes I used to do daily when I was living in Indiana. I brushed the dust off the tapes and starting on Monday...I popped them in the VCR and was working out like a mo'fo'.

So, I am glad I found new ways to workout....sans elliptical. Did it pay off on the scale? Well...I am a daily weigher. I step on the scale each and every morning. For days this week...the scale showed a 2 lb. loss...which I would have been happy with it. On Sunday morning...2 lbs gone. And then magically...this morning...I woke up and 4 lbs. gone. Unfreakin' believable! I think adding in the new exercise was the trick.

Whoo hoo! You know, I am really happy about it...because this is the time of year when most people have given up and are just waiting for New Year's to start again. I hope to be right where I want to be on New Years. Plus, I am wearing clothes that went back into my closet because they were too tight months ago. I am really glad I have been making choices for my health. Yes, I miss pizza...but it is well worth it.

Hugs to all!

It's Weigh-In Monday!

Hello everyone...it's officially Monday again, which means it is my weekly weigh-in day. I have always picked Mondays as my weigh-in days because it helps me stay focused on the weekends...knowing I have a weigh-in looking me in the face bright and early on Monday Mornings.

As we know..this week was Thanksgiving. You know...that holiday known for stuffing your face until you have to unbutton your pants. I had a really nice Thanksgiving with family...and I also didn't eat outside of my diet. I had veggies and cheese for my protein. I didn't have stuffing...and lord, I love stuffing. I didn't have mashed taters...and I like them too, but don't love them like I love stuffing.

Anyways...enough teasing you. I lost 3 lbs this week. That's right...3 freakin' pounds. I have never lost weight before the week of Thanksgiving....usually I am right in the middle of gaining weight before New Year's...when I will once again vow to take it off. In total, I have lost 33 lbs since recommitting myself to this diet mumbo jumbo.

This last week was stressful and sometimes sad for me...it was the holiday week, my mom's birthday...plus some other just stressful stuff. This would have been a prime week for me to comfort myself with food...but I didn't. And what is new, I didn't even think about it. A month ago...I was a little stress ball too...and I didn't jump into a pool of ice cream and chow away, but I thought about it. When I was feeling stressed or bad...food was still my first impulse. This week...I dealt with it in different ways. I talked to people. I went for walks. I cried if need be(I am so not a crier). Food wasn't my first thought...and I am really comforted by that. I think this diet...as strict as it is...is teaching me things. I am hopeful it is teaching me lessons that I can use long after I am done losing weight.

Phew...enough of all that seriousness. Oooh...I went shopping this weekend. No, not Christmas shopping like everyone else on the planet. I went shopping for the 2 reward presents I owed myself. I was putting off the sneaks because they were kind of pricey and I was hoping for a sale after TGiving. I got no sale, but I bought the sneaks anyways. I got a nice pair...they feel great on my feet. I always buy Nikes...I think they were just made for my foot. And, I bought some stuff at Bath and Body Works. They had a sale for 4 items for $10...so that's what I got. I have a hard time spending money on myself at any time, but especially at this time of the year...but I needed to get out of the head space because I deserved it...no I earned it. Plus, my old sneaks were falling apart...literally.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend...and that Monday is finding them well.