Saturday, December 30, 2006

12/29/06

340.1

Not as bad as when I weighed in on Wednesday, and not as bad as it could have been. Gained 2 lbs over the holidays. Could have been worse.

I had pretty much determined before I went to work today that I wasn't going to work out. I got up late, and didn't devote before leaving work, so I wanted to do it at lunch. If I didn't, I had a sneaking suspicion that I wouldn't at all. And that is a very vital part of my day. I once heard a teacher say that he didn't always remember what he ate for breakfast, but it always nourished him, and that his Bible study time was like that. It is for me, too. And if I do it early in the day, it just sets a better tone for the day. And gives me something to think about most days, too.

I ate pretty well at work, then just carbed out at home. Just felt like I wanted to eat. A lot. That needs to end. I need to explore those feelings, and not just give in to them. I think I was tired, and feeling like, what the heck, I'm up a pound. The new year starts in 2 days; I have to change my habits.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

12/27/06

Did 20 minutes on the cross trainer today. Also, did REALLY well with my eating, until I got home. I've got to break the habit (and it is a habit, not a need) of eating just because I am at home, and just because it is there. I figure that my combo of good and excessive eating probably balanced each other out, and I didn't lose or gain.

I did weigh today after my work out. It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, but I'm still gonna wait until Friday for my official weigh-in.

Downloaded some new tunes for my work-out mix. I went to RollingStone magazine's site and checked out their listing of the 100 best songs of the year. I also looked at some stuff on CCM's site and Billboard as well.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

12/26/06

Well, the gorge-fest has ended. I have let myself eat whatever, whenever these last few days. It must end. Although, I must say I've enjoyed it, for the most part. But is that really true? Several times I had a hard time deciding what to eat; since I've been eating so much, sometimes nothing really sounded good. I need to let my self get hungry again. And listen to my body for what it wants.

I am not going to weigh-in tomorrow. I'm certain I would not be happy with the results. I'm going to give myself a couple of days to detox, and I'll weigh in on Friday.

I will go the the gym tomorrow. Probably do a cardio machine, or possibly class. We'll see what the day brings.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

12/21/06

Weighed in at 339 yesterday, so I am still maintaining. Up .4 lb, but I'm okay with that.

Didn't work out yesterday or today. This is the last week I plan on letting myself slack off, so I may not work out tomorrow, either. It's been a long week, and I am tired. So I really probably shouldn't be up at 10:30 typing on my blog, but here I am.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

12/19/06

Well, I've been sick, and I've been busy.

Got sick with a cold Wednesday evening. And was off from work with Sean, so didn't work out. Didn't feel well enough to want to work out Thursday and Friday.

I did start back on Monday, with 20 minutes on the cross trainer, on the weight loss mode. And today I took a walk out side, from work to Collett Park and back, about 1.2 miles. It was a hectic morning at work; we have a girl out sick, and Tuesday is just a busy day. So it did me much good to get out side and walk the morning off. Got to see some squirrels and fat little sparrows. And a little partly cloudy sunshine.

Weigh-in is tomorrow, so we'll see how I've done on the maintaining.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

12/13/06

338.6 (or so)

I have met my goal of maintaining. I weighed after I had eaten, so I may have actually lost a little.

I was going to work out today, but stayed home from work to take Sean to the doctor, so ended up not working out. He was dizzy, and could not walk, so I had to drive him. Dr. thinks it is an acute virus causing vertigo, and gave him some anti-vertigo meds. He is down to just light headed now.

I did work out yesterday. 30 minutes on the elliptical, on a program that started low, went up, back down a little, up the same level, then back down. It seemed much harder, and I wanted to quit after 15 minutes. Pushed on, and then I only had 8 minutes to go, so might as well keep on. Doing the programs instead of the manual, one level thing is definitely challenging me. And that is good. Just hard.

Ate quite a bit at the party tonight. And had 2 cocktails. And desert. Sometimes you just gotta live!

Monday, December 11, 2006

12/11/09

I was kinda beating up on myself during my devotional time this morning. This is the scripture I journaled on:

14-16Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (Message)

Jesus had food issues? I have a hard time imagining that. Perhaps the temptation and weakness that is like me is doubting that God will supply his needs. Will God supply more of whatever yummy food is calling my name, or should I just go ahead and gobble it all up now? So I need to work on trusting God that there will be more food when I want it. Eat just what I'm hungry for. Stop when I'm full. So much easier said than done.

I have decided to change my goal for this month. I will be content with maintaining my current weight. Good or bad, food is a huge part of holiday celebrations, and I want to stop being concerned with "good" and "bad" eating. I have beat myself up long enough; it is not productive. I will continue to work out, and try not to make a pig of myself, but I am going to enjoy myself, too. And guilt free, as best I can.

That being said, I did eat too much today. I've been feeling moody (PMS), and self-indulgent. Why does this all have to be so hard?

I did work out today. Two sets 15 each of seated chest press, bicep curls, triceps extensions, bent over flys, shoulder press and lower back extension.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

12/9/06

Had a good work out this morning. Did 30 minutes on the cross trainer on the weight loss program. I like going up on Saturday mornings. It gets me up and going, and I like not having to go back to work afterwards. It's not rushed. I do like working out in the middle of the work day too, though. It is a great stress relief for bad days, and energizing to boot.

Yesterday I did 20 minutes on the elliptical, on a program that alternated really low and extremely high intensity. The high intensity part really kicked my butt!

Eating today has been okay. Not great, not terrible. No huge splurges. I did manage to eat a piece of fruit today. My goal for the next week or so is to eat at least 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of veggies each day. Veggies besides potatoes, that is. I don't eat enough fruit or veggies. Once I get the one serving down, I'll increase it.

I've been reading some other blogs, and it is nice to see how normal I am. I'm not the only one who rewards a good eating day with eating. Kinda counter-productive, I know. But at least I'm not the only one with that struggle. Or who eats for any reason; happy, sad, bored, excited, whatever. A lot of us seem to struggle with the same things. I tend to think that I'm entitled to eat a lot. Well, then, I'm entitled to be fat! I need to start thinking that I'm entitled to be healthy and meet my goals.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

12/06/06 -goal

338.7.

Down 1.2 lbs from my official weigh-in on Wednesday, and .1 lb from my unofficial weigh-in last Friday. That is okay. I am going to have to revise my goal for the end of the year to 330. And my goal for next week is 2 lbs. I need to take my measurements soon. I do feel, and think, that I am starting to look a little smaller. Measurements will tell.

I did tone and tighten class today. We did arms, shoulders, chest and abs.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

12/5/06

Cautiously optimistic about tomorrow's weigh-in. I think I will at least break even, if not lose a little. We shall see.

Monday, went to tone and tighten. We did a little bit of everything, but a lot of lower body. Couldn't figure out why my hips hurt this morning, and then I remembered. Fire hydrants. With a kick. Without a kick. And a lot of other stuff. Today I did 30 minutes on the cross trainer on the weight loss program. I put some Christmas music on my mp3 player, but it was all a little slow to work out to. I need to put some peppier stuff on this week-end.

Eating has been going better. I didn't pig out on Sunday. I've done pretty well so far this week, too. We'll see what the weigh-in brings.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

12/2/06

Well, I ate more than I planned to at the party, but not as much as I could have. And I did drink a lot of water. I ate well the rest of the day, too, and I worked out, so I am going to count it as a semi-victory. And the party was a lot of fun!

I did 30 minutes on the treadmill today. Read Vanity Fair, which wasn't so interesting, so the time didn't fly. I really didn't want to be there. I was sore and tired, and a little whiny. And the ellipticals and cross trainer were taken. I figured I could do 15 minutes, and then switch machines. After 15 minutes, I figured I could just keep going. Then it got to be 26 minutes, and I was almost done. I'm grateful that God gives us staying power to do those things that we must, but that we really don't want to do.

Friday, December 01, 2006

12/01/06

Weighed in yesterday at 338.8. So pretty much back to what I was pre-Thanksgiving. Drank A LOT of water and ate better.

Didn't want to work out yesterday, but did anyhow. Did 2 sets 15 each of seated chest press, leg extensions, triceps pull-downs, low back extension, seated shoulder press, bicep curls and butterflies. I can actually get 2 complete sets of 15 in on the shoulder press now. My next goal for that machine is to actually put some weight on it. Right now I'm just doing the machine w/no weights. Didn't work out today. I was tired and a little cranky and just didn't want to. Four days in a row is good, I can take one day off. I am going to go up tomorrow (yes, on Saturday!) and work out. It will get my butt out of bed, and I think it will help me do better at the party. Don't want to waste a work out by eating like a pig!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

11/29/06

340

Up 1.7 lbs from last week. Not surprising. I'm not going to set a specific weight goal for next week; just lose. And I'm setting a strategy goal for the week-end. I am going to drink at least 64 oz of water each day. Eating Sunday shouldn't be too much of a problem, as I am singing in both services, and have rehearsal before each as well. Saturday, however, we have the first of several Christmas parties coming up. The party is at 5:30, and I'll be eating dinner there. I will take a little of everything I like, but not too much of anything. And I am going to take a water bottle to keep refilling. I can do this. I don't want to sabotage myself this week-end. I don't have to keep making all the same old mistakes over and over. Again.

We did step aerobics in class today. I used only the step, with no risers, and just worked on the floor sometimes. Very challenging. I just marched in place some, too. We started a little late, so I bailed on abs, so I could get downstairs to eat some lunch.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

11/28/09

Busy night last night, so didn't get a chance to post.

Ate lots all week-end, not just on Thanksgiving. Oh well. Not looking too forward to tomorrow's weigh-in. I did manage to take a walk after dinner on Thanksgiving, so I could make room for desert!

Did tone and tighten class yesterday. Arms and abs. Today, 25-30 minutes on the elliptical, on a program that started flat, went rapidly up, then worked its way back down. I wondered why I seemed to be so tired; thought maybe 4 days of slacking had caught up with me. Then I realized that I usually do the manual program, with no changes. No wonder it felt harder!

Thursday, November 23, 2006

11/23/06

338.3

Not surprising, with how I ate on the week-end. It wasn't the Thanksgiving dinner, it was the week-end. My friend Shauna asked me if week-ends are stressful, causing me to overeat. They are not; they are less busy, so I have more time to overeat. And I haven't seemed to figure out that I can be as good as I can all week, but if I pig out on the week-ends, I don't meet my goals.

I've let myself off the hook for yesterday and today. I didn't work out yesterday; had lunch with Kim instead. Plan on taking a walk today, at least up to the nursing home to see Grandma.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

11/21/06

Did tone and tighten class yesterday. We climbed 4 flights stairs, and did calf raises on the stairs, and then did lots of arms and abs. Today, I did 30 minutes on the cross trainer, on the weight loss setting. I'll do something tomorrow, just not sure what. It will depend on when I can get away for lunch.

Eating wise, it was another rough week-end. I said after my food fast that if I could trust God to go a whole day without food, I could trust Him to eat the proper portions. And then promptly ate too much, without thinking or praying, most of the week-end. Yesterday and today have been much better. We had a nummy Thanksgiving dinner at Sean's Mom's tonight. I ate a little bit of everything I wanted, including pumpkin pie, but no seconds. That's a new practice I'm trying to employ. No seconds. Now, on Thanksgiving day, all bets are off for the big meal. But I'm going to eat really carefully the rest of the day. I have to eat breakfast, or I'll be a cranky-butt, but I'll probably have instant breakfast.

Weigh in is tomorrow. Once again, I'm not too hopeful. One of these days, I'll stick to my eating plan and be excited about weighing in. But, I suppose that continuing to work out, and recognizing my weak spots is progress.

Friday, November 17, 2006

11/17/06

The food fast yesterday went well. By the end of the night, I was feeling a little weak, but that's to be expected. I went to bed early, and was grateful for breakfast this morning. I think that if I can trust God for the strength to go without food for a day, then I can trust Him to eat the correct portions, too. I need to let Him be strong in my weak spot of overeating.

I SOOOOOO did not want to work out today, but did any how. Not much, but at least I didn't skip it. 15 minutes on the treadmill, and 2 sets each biceps, triceps and chest press. I was tired and grumpy and I think on a blood sugar low. But after I worked out and ate lunch, I eventually felt better.

Tomorrow I'm going out with my Mom. Does vigorous shopping count as a workout?

TV fast is still going well. I am going to enjoy watching the Today show on Sunday. I do enjoy the quiet much more now, though. I will continue to leave the tv off much more than I used to do.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

11/15/06 - goal

337.4.

Not the 3 pounds I set for a goal, but good none the less. 1 1/2-2 pounds a week is a good rate of loss. I may have set my goal too aggressively, especially since I'll be starting my period this week-end. And, I ate like a pig on Sunday. Gotta stop doing that! Goal for next week, even with Thanksgiving, is 335. I guess I'd rather set my goals too high than too low. I need to make an eating plan for turkey day, and exercise goals for that day, too. Maybe a nice walk after dinner.

TV fasting is going well. Nate and Laura didn't mind a bit not having tv on during dinner. The times I'm really wanting tv is in the morning when I get up, and at 6pm, both for the news. It's a habit. I think that when I'm done fasting, I should continue to not watch tv in the mornings until I get completely ready for work. I am always running late, and sometimes it's just because I don't shut the tv off. Might miss something, you know. And I really am enjoying the morning devotional time. Although this morning, I was tired and didn't want to get up, and I felt a little rushed with my devotional, so I felt a little guilty as I was doing it. Kinda screwy--doing something good, but feeling guilty! I need to adjust my black & white vision, (blush & bashful, Shauna!) and allow for some days when I'll need to wait til evening to devote. I think the reason I felt guilty was that I knew I had a lot of plans for the evening, and didn't want to leave devotions out.

Anyway, I do feel that this fasting is helping me be closer to God, and hear Him better. I will watch tv again, of course! But I will leave it off more, too, to leave more quiet space for God.

Oh yeah--did tone and tighten class today. Rebecca was teaching. We did legs, legs and legs. And some abs. I'm already sore! So tomorrow should be fun.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

11/14/06

Did 30 minutes on the cross trainer today, on the weight loss program. Felt good. It was a hectic, short-handed day at work today, and that workout in the middle of the day sure helps!

TV fasting is going fine. Sean and I have enjoyed 2 nights of dinner conversation. We have talked about turning off the tv at dinner before, but never followed through. I think that when this is done we could do it at least 3 nights a week. We are having Nate and Laura over as usual before poker and Art Reach tomorrow night, and hopefully they won't mind no tv.

I am going to fast from food on Thursday. Just juice and Carnation Instant Breakfast. Thursday is after my weigh-in, so I think I can do it without it being about dieting. Today in my life journaling, I came across this:


22If anyone won't love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
1 Corinthians 16:22 (The Message)

That's what I'm trying to do by fasting; make room for the Master. There is nothing inherently wrong with TV, but I need to stop putting it ahead of God. And I need to start trusting God to help me have a right relationship with food. Start trusting Him to be strong in my weak places. So I think I can fast from food for one day, and do it for the right reasons. We'll see.

Monday, November 13, 2006

11/13/16

Did better with my eating today. Kinda doubt I'll make my goal for this week, but we'll see. Had my right leg laser hair removal today, so I took a short lunch. I did a weight workout; biceps, triceps, shoulder press, low back extension and butterflies. 2 sets of 15 each. I think on days when I have more than 1/2 an hour, I'll start going to 3 sets.

Fast-wise, things are going fine. I wasn't in the break room at work for any substantial amount of time. In the locker room at the fitness center, I used a locker where I couldn't see the tv. It was on in the fitness center, but I didn't really pay attention. And tonight, when Sean is watching Heroes, I'll read in the living room or the office. I'm going to clean my closet, too. That'll keep me busy awhile!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

11/12/06

Called Shauna this afternoon to join me for a walk around Deming Park. We walked for about 30 minutes. One lap around the outside road of the park, then up Snow Hill. You probably can't tell so much from the pic, but it is STEEP! And people run this hill. People are idiots! It was a beautiful but cold day. And it was nice to talk with Shauna during the walk. Sat and watched the geese while waiting for her to arrive, too. That was pretty fun.

I have begun a fast from tv today. During last week's service, Scot, our pastor at eXchange, asked us to consider a fast as a means of growing closer to God, and to release the kingdom of God within us. TV immediately came to mind for me. I am an addict. So, starting this morning, no tv for 7 days. I don't miss the shows so much so far, but I've noticed the reflex to turn on the tv whenever I'm in a room with one. Even if I'm going to read, or don't have a specific show I want to watch. I will see some incidental tv; it will be on in the break room and waiting rooms at work, and at the fitness center. But I don't really watch in those places. It is at home where it will be a sacrifice. No news and Today show in the mornings. No Two and a Half Men Monday night. I did listen to the Colts on the radio.

One the the things that confirmed tv for my fast was very visual. Next to my bed, I saw my journal, my Bible, and the remote lying on top of both. What's wrong with that picture?

At first, I thought I didn't want to fast from food because I work with the public, and I'd get cranky. And I'm working out, so I need energy. But tonight, I realized that it's probably more because I would fast from food for weight loss, not to get closer to God. Yes, I'm addicted to food, too, but I think I need to deal with that in other ways. I was in such a hurry to buy Eating Mindfully, and now that I have it I haven't read more than a chapter!

I am replacing tv with reading. I checked several books out from the library, and one from the library at church. Right now I'm reading Through Painted Deserts by Don Miller. It's good. I really enjoyed his Blue Like Jazz.

Eating wise, I pigged out today. Good choices at breakfast, lousy choices for lunch and dinner. At least I worked out, so perhaps today will be a push calorie-wise.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

11/11/06

Went to the fitness center yesterday. Took a short lunch because I had the 2nd laser treatment on my left leg for hair removal. Just did a weight work-out. Biceps, triceps, chest press and lower back extension.

Went to our friend Nate's house tonight to eat dinner and watch a movie. Allowed myself to have s'mores. Nummy! Left the left-over marshmallow there, though. I could eat the whole bag, and that is not good.

11/11/06

Went to the fitness center yesterday. Took a short lunch because I had the 2nd laser treatment on my left leg for hair removal. Just did a weight work-out. Biceps, triceps, chest press and lower back extension.

Went to our friend Nate's house tonight to eat dinner and watch a movie. Allowed myself to have s'mores. Nummy! Left the left-over marshmallow there, though. I could eat the whole bag, and that is not good.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

11/9/06

It was a BEAUTIFUL day today, and probably one of our last for the fall, so I walked outside today. Only about 15 minutes, but I enjoyed it SO much. I intended to take another walk with Sean after work, but a nap beckoned instead. It was probably good for me, as I was having some anxious moments concerning what turned out to be sinus-y stuff. I obsess over health things, and I was a little over-caffeinated today, so I went a little off the deep end. Made it through, though. And a little rest probably did me good.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

11/8/06-measurements

Finally took my measurements today. The last time I did was in May. I know I got bigger between then and when I started working out again last month. So here they are:

(body part--now/start//total gain or loss)

neck--16.75/17.9//down 1.15
bust--56/57//down 1.5
waist--56.25/60//down 3.75
hips--64/68//down 4
thigh--23.5/25//down 1.5
calf--16.25/16.5//down .25
bicep--15.5/16.5//down 1

My highest weight last October was 351. So overall, though there have been some ups and downs, in the last year I've lost 12 pounds and 13.1 inches. I am proud of that! Would I like it to be more? Sure. But, it is a step in the right direction. Next goal, 336 for next week. 330 by December 1.

I did 20 minutes on the cross trainer today, on the weight loss program. It alternates between 0 incline and 0 resistance, and 3 incline and 10 resistance. Then I did 10 minutes on the bike, and 2 sets 15 each of biceps, triceps, chest press, lat pull downs and lower back extensions. Tomorrow will be cardio again.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

11/7/06 - goal

339! Yay!

I'm setting an aggressive goal for next week--3 lbs.

Sean helped me in trying to reach that goal tonight. He made a yummy casserole with the leftover chili from Sunday, and I had 2 helpings. Just a small bit was left, and he asked me to pack it up for him. I told him I was thinking about eating it. He gently pointed out that I had already had 2 servings, and eating the rest would not help me lose 3 pounds. Of course he's right (he doesn't hear that very often!), and I didn't eat the rest. So thanks again, babe, for the help!

Did 20 minutes on the elliptical today. Tomorrow will either be tone and tighten, or cardio and weights after work with Shauna.

Monday, November 06, 2006

11/6/06

Went to tone and tighten class today. We did a little bit of everything today. Rebecca was teaching, and class kicked my butt.

I usually don't stand in front of the mirror; I'm usually off to the left side a little. But today, I was a little late, chairs for use in class were already set up, and I was in the front row, in front of the mirror. When we were doing triceps extensions, bent over using the chair for support, I looked at myself in the mirror. UGH! The image I see there is not what I see in my head. I found it kinda depressing. I look like a big cow! But I need to use that image, accurate image, as motivation. What I actually look like is not who I want to be. Maybe it isn't even who I really am? I want to make the image in the mirror match that I have inside. Curvy, fit. Not a skinny-minny, by any means. But strong, powerful. Womanly.

I'm going to take pictures. Not for this blog; just for me. I have some skinny pictures out for motivation. Maybe I need some tubby pictures, too. And maybe I can photoshop them to help imagine what I want to become.

On a less depressing note, I do think my torso looked a little slimmer in the mirror. I need to take my measurements. I doubt they will be any smaller than they were before I stopped working out this summer. But, my scrubs are feeling looser around the hips, my "first" tummy roll doesn't seem as big.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

11/05/06

I actually did some planning today, and made a good choice at lunch. For breakfast, I had 2 pieces whole wheat toast w/butter and Parmesan. Then a cup of coffee at church. I wasn't really hungry yet when I got home from church, but was looking in the freezer for something to eat. I had been planning on having salad w/some sort of meat, since I am making chili (as we speak) to eat w/Kevin & Kelly while watching the Colts/Patriots game after church. I saw that we had tater tots, and thought, I'll eat those. Then I thought, no, I don't need them, I'll eat too many, and I'm not actually hungry yet anyway. So I sat down and read the newspaper. After I read a few sections, I was actually hungry. So I made a large salad, with 8 or 10 slices of salami (the small ones, not the lunch-meat sized ones), cheese, croutons and dressing. Could I have had less cheese and salami? Sure. But was it a better choice than too many tater tots? Yes. And tonight I can eat chili, and a small bit of Kelly's dessert, and not feel guilty.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

11/04/06

Met Shauna at the fitness center today to work out. I did 20 minutes on the cross trainer, 10 on the bike, and 2 sets 15 each of biceps, triceps, seated butterfly's, lat pull downs and chest press. Also did 100 crunches and some stretching. Eating was okay today. I did have 1 1/2 16oz cups of snack mix (a mix of cashews, plain M&M's and Chex mix) while playing poker. And I had a Smirnoff Ice wild grape. Very tasty, but not so great for weight loss, I'm sure.

Had some great conversation over poker tonight. One of the guys goes to eXchange, too. He and his girlfriend and child have been going there about 4 months. They usually sit upstairs, so I hadn't seen them before. And 2 of the other people had attended the church I previously attended. We had some really good discussion about God, God's people, and how we are all sinners. I played pretty good poker, too! I finished 3rd out of 8, and got my money back.

The cat is being very cute playing with one of her stuffed mice.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

11/02 - goal

342.7

And that is down .5 from Tuesday's weigh-in. Not sure how that happened. 3.5 lbs up. Not surprised, considering how I ate over the week-end. I suppose I could have put on a little muscle weight, but not 3.5 lbs in a week! New goal: 339. Super/extra goal: 337. But really, 339. I want to be at 330 by December 1st.

Yesterday, I did 30 minutes cardio, all on the treadmill. Max incline 3, max speed 3, but not at the same time. Max speed at 3 incline was 2.8. I could tell I did more incline and speed; my butt was sore in new places this morning! Today, I did 2 sets 15 each biceps, triceps, lat pull downs, back extensions, chest press, forward arm raise and lateral arm raise.

Eating today has gone pretty well. A bit on the carb-y side, but good in the portions. Overall, I feel pretty good about today.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

10/31/06

Well, today went well from the exercising standpoint, but not so much from the eating standpoint. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical, and 2 sets each of bicep curls, triceps pull-down, shoulder press and butterflies.

I weighed in today, in case tomorrow is not so good. I wrote down the number, and will weigh again tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll post whichever number is lower. ;^)

I ate too much today, but not so much that I'm miserable. Just little bits at a time. So, maybe that is a little step better. I didn't just gorge myself. Just allowed myself to enjoy lots of things at the carry-in. Back in the saddle again tomorrow.

Monday, October 30, 2006

10/30/09

Did 20 minutes on the cross trainer today. I intended to go to tone & tighten class, but could not get away from the office by noon; class starts at 12:10. I probably won't be able to go all week. Well, maybe Friday. One of the other girls has to go to the sleep lab to help cover for someone on vacation, and she goes around lunch time. So if i don't go to class, I'll do cardio. Tomorrow, weights. Wednesday I'm gonna go after work w/my friend Shauna.

I'm not too optimistic about my weigh in Wednesday. I ate too much this week-end, (gee, does that sound familiar?) and we have a carry-in tomorrow. I'm going to try to be very disciplined. Lots of water, lots of coffee and diet soda. I made a cheese ball that I'm going to fashion into a spider. I used reduced-fat cream cheese. I'm going to use black licorice for the legs, and pimento-stuffed olives for the eyes.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

10/29/06

Went to the fitness center with my friend Shauna yesterday. I did 25 minutes of cardio, most on the cross trainer, and 2 sets of 15 each of biceps and triceps. Did chest press, too; 1 set of 15 and one set of 10.

My eating this week-end was not as out of control as last week-end, but still way too much tonight. trgffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffp-00-

Sorry. That last bit of typing is courtesy of Katchoo!

Thursday, October 26, 2006

10/26/06

I SOOOOOOOOOOOO did not want to work out today. Kinda tired; kinda gray, yucky day; just didn't feel like it. But, I thought I should do at least 15 minutes. No, 20. Just to get something in. So I got on the bike with my book for 15 minutes. When I got done, I figured since I'm already hot and sweaty, and I do want to read some more, I might as well get on the treadmill. So I did 15 minutes there, too. Max incline 1; max speed 2.8. I'm glad that I went ahead and worked out. It made me feel better in more ways than one. And if there's any justice, I burned off more fat since I was working out when I didn't want to!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

10/25/06 - goal

339.2!!! Made the one pound goal. Goal for next week, 2lbs. Which may be a challenge. We are having a carry-in at work on Tuesday, so I will have to be very disciplined. I can do this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And I don't have to keep repeating the same old mistakes.

However, I did tonight. Went straight from work to church. Had a snack before I left work, and a banana at Art Reach. Still, was hungry enough to gnaw my arm off by the time I got home. I ate 2 bowls of chili, and 4 or 5 pieces of cornbread. (I really didn't want to say how much cornbread; but felt the need to be honest. ouch.) I should have stopped at 1 bowl, and maybe 2 pieces of cornbread. I feel really stuffed. I gotta remember, I don't have to keep repeating the same old mistakes.

Went to tone and tighten class today. We did legs, a little arms and abs. Will do cardio tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

10/24/06

Yesterday, went to tone and tighten class. We did arms and chest and abs. Also made a really good choice for dinner. We went to La Famila de Jeshua, a local Italian joint. We both got salads, and we split a calzone.

Today, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill. I have a new book to read, All Mortal Flesh by Julia Spencer Fleming. This is the 5th in a series of mysteries, and I have loved them all. It made the time pass really quickly. I didn't even look at the timer until 28 minutes had passed!

This past week-end, I was not making such good choices. What started out to be 1 day of "bad" eating at the festival turned into the whole week-end. We'll see how weigh-in goes tomorrow. I have to be careful; I can splurge for 1 meal, but not 2 or 3 days. Kinda counters all the working out I've been doing.

I need to take my measurements soon. My butt is feeling tighter, and my arms are starting to get a little definition again.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

10/21/06

Yesterday we did legs and butt and abs in tone and tighten. Since I did exercise, I did have one of my candy packages. I meant to take it to the movie with me, but forgot, so had it afterward.

We saw Flags of Our Fathers last night. I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed it. I had a small bag of popcorn with LOTS of butter on it. I really enjoyed that, too!

Walked all over Bridgeton today with Mom, my sister Pam and my nephew Joshua. We had a very nice time, and the weather was great. And I didn't even eat a ton. Did have some maple nut fudge and some cookies and cream fudge. I'm letting myself eat too much today, and will get back on track tomorrow.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

10/19/06


I have the best, most wonderful husband in the whole wide world! (I tried to post a pic, but the picture-adder-button-thingey doesn't seem to be working tonight.) (ETA--finally able to post a pic of my baby!) I love mellocreme pumpkins, but have been trying to avoid them, cause, they're sugar, and they're evil. And I can eat then until I literally become sick. I have oft lamented that someone needs to make a single serving size bag of them. My fabulous hubby did just that! He made up snack sized baggies, each containing 3 pumpkins and a roll of smarties! What a great guy! He's so cool! I've put them in my closet, so I won't see them all the time. I'll permit myself only 1 package per day, and only on days I work out.

Speaking of working out, I didn't today. I didn't get much sleep last night, as I was up a lot coughing. Went in to sleep in the recliner for awhile so Sean could get some sleep, since he has to be up at 4. So I was really tired today. And my friend Kim (Hi!) just came back to work after having surgery, and wanted to do lunch. I will work out tomorrow. Either tone and tighten class, or if no one is teaching/no one shows up, I'll do 15 minutes of cardio and a set of various weights.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

10/18/06 -goal/pics


Woo Hoo! I made my goal! 340.1. I can live with that .1 of a pound. I was a little scared as I got on the scale, but then really excited! My goal for next week is 1 pound. I am trying to be realistic, as I am going to the Covered Bridge Festival with my Mom and sis. For those of you who don't know, the festival is about shopping and eating, shopping and eating some more. Oh, yeah, there are some covered bridges, too. I will be walking a lot, but I'm not going to be too worried about what I eat. There will definitely be a lemon shake-up involved, and probably some beef tips with potatoes and mushrooms.



I went to tone and tighten class today. We did legs and abs. My chest is still sore from Monday, especially from the butterflies we did on an incline bench.


My friend Jack Fox sent me some pics he took Sunday:


Here are pics from 6/19/06 for comparison:





Not sure if I really see much difference, except that the outfit from Sunday is MUCH cuter! I'll take my next pics in the same tank and jeans for a better comparison.



Tuesday, October 17, 2006

10/17/06

I am not looking forward to my weigh-in tomorrow. I ate too much tonight. Not a ton, but too much none the less. And I know exactly why I did it. I was very tired, and vulnerable to overeating. I prayed about it, but didn't really wait or look for an answer. So we'll see what the scales have to say tomorrow.

I did 30 minutes of cardio today. 20 minutes on the treadmill. Max speed 2.8, max incline 2. And 10 minutes on the bike. The 30 minutes is getting easier. I'm still sick, though. Getting to the coughing-up stage now. Fun. And it made it a little hard to breathe on the treadmill for a little bit. I've had the cold almost a week now, so hopefully it will be gone in another week.

Monday, October 16, 2006

10/16/06

Did the 1 mile fun walk Saturday for Race for the Cure. It was COLD! But fun. And for a good cause. The Saint Mary of the Woods campus is beautiful anytime, but especially in the fall.

Went to tone & tighten class today. We did chest, triceps, biceps, quads, hamstrings and abs.

I tried Carnation Instant Breakfast yesterday, and quite liked it. I am going to use it for some meal substitutions, and for pre-work out snacks on occasion.

I'll have some new pics soon.

Friday, October 13, 2006

10/13/06 - g

Started to feel kinda sick Wednesday night. Last evening, my sinuses were getting stuffy and my was throat still sore. Today, more of the same, but not necessarily worse. But I was tired, and didn't feel much like moving around a lot, so I did weights instead of tone and tighten class. Which was just as well, as I was the only one who showed up besides the instructor. It is Friday, which notoriously has bad attendance, and it is fall break for the schools around here. I did get to talk with the instructor, Rebecca, though. I haven't seen her in a while, since I dropped my membership for awhile, so it was good to catch up with her.

I started thinking about some goals while I was working out today. I would like to be at 320 by the end of the year, and 270 by my 40th birthday. I think both are realistic, if I buckle down with my eating.

Speaking of eating, I've done pretty well this week, until tonight. I at a big bowl of chili, with some crackers and too much cheese. And it would have been okay if I stopped there. But I also ate some leftover pasta, and 2 dinner rolls with a lot of butter. I guess I was just feeling sick and tired, and wanted to eat. But I'm not going to let that spoil the whole week-end. Back to eating well the next time I eat.

And I think I sweated out my cold a little bit while I worked out. My throat is still kinda funky. I'm enjoying a nice hot cup of lemon tea as I type.

Tomorrow is Race for the Cure. It's gonna be cold, but I'll bundle up in layers, and a stocking cap. I'll be active, so I should be fine. And I can pretty much take it easy all afternoon/evening, except for some grocery shopping. Hopefully my throat will be fine for singing back-up Sunday night at church. A little huskiness could help my voice.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

10/12/06 - g

342.2

Well, the stuff offered in the beta version finally seems to be working. I was able to add a new link to my lists of links; my friend Shauna's blog counting down her progress toward doing the Mini in May. And the link thingy is working, too, as evidenced above. Cool.

Yesterday, did 30 minutes cardio for the first time. 15 minutes on the treadmill; max incline 1, max speed 2.8. 15 minutes on the bike. That was all my butt could endure. Today, 30 minutes of cardio again. 20 minutes on the cross trainer and 10 minutes on the bike. On the cross trainer, I used the arms occasionally and sprinted (for me) to a few songs. Tomorrow I plan on going to tone and tighten, if anyone is teaching. If not, I'll do weights.

I've lost 1.2 lb since last week. Not as much as I would have liked, but down none the less. I have set an ambitious goal for next week. 2.2 lbs. That way I'll be at an even 340. I realized after I set that goal that I'll be starting my period at the end of the week, and that could affect the outcome. Oh well. Better to set a goal and miss than not set any goals at all. I suppose I could be building some muscle, too, but since it's not quite been 2 weeks, I don't know how much that would affect my weight yet.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

10/10/06

I did climb my 4 flights of stairs. I forgot to do them on my lunch, so I did them after work. I will weigh in tomorrow, and also either do tone and tighten class or some sort of cardio machine.

Just went back and looked at yesterday's post. I said 5 flights of stairs, but I meant 4. It was 5, if you count the one I climb to get to work.

Monday, October 09, 2006

10/09/06

Tried to switch to the beta version of blogspot. Not sure it worked. Figured I'd go ahead and do it since I'll have to eventually, anyhow.

Went to tone and tighten class today. We did shoulders and legs, and abs, as always. I didn't seem to have lost much fitness or stamina for the class, except for abs. If I don't do them consistantly, and I don't, I cramp up real quickly. We did 100, and I cramped up after 30 or 40.

Not sure if I'll get up to the gym tomorrow or not. I have my next laser hair removal treatment, and I'll need to use some of my lunch hour to make it up. Might do 10 minutes or so on the treadmill, or might just climb 5 flights of stair. UGH!!!

Had a FABULOUS time this week-end at Buca di Beppo! www.bucadibeppo.com, (since the link-adder-thingey doesn't seem to be working). We had a total of 14 people in the Pope room, and a good time was had by all. Ate WAY too much, but enjoyed every last bite. And then we walked around downtown Indy for awhile, so walked some of it off.

Well, preview post doesn't seem to be working, either, so I apologize for grammar and spelling mistakes

Thursday, October 05, 2006

10/05/06

20 minutes on the elliptical today. I didn't even check time until 17 minutes were down. I did an alternating up and down course. I did a tiny bit backwards, and sprinted some to match the tempo of the songs I was listening to.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

10/04/06

342.7

That's the lowest I've been since May. WooHoo! Must be something to this exercising more and eating less. Did 20 minutes the total body arc trainer today. Sometimes with the arms, sometimes without, and sometimes going faster, to the tempo of the music I was listening to.

I also did something very good and unusual (for me) tonight. But I intend to make it become more usual. There were 2 pieces of left over pizza sitting out when I got home from Art Reach tonight. They were just taunting me. I wasn't really hungry. So I got out a baggie and put them away. Wow! Just like that, they were gone. I did kinda want something sweet, so I had 2 no sugar added fudgecicles (only 90 calories total and low fat). Very satisfying. Just finished them, matter of fact.

I'm trying to put into practice a scripture from my devotions recently:

God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.

Colossians 1: 13-14 (The Message)

I don't have to keep eating things just because they are there. I don't have to eat too much. I can make good choices, and enjoy them.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

10/03/06

Did 20 minutes on the treadmill today. Had up to a 1.5 incline, and got up to about 2.5 mph or so. Time passed pretty quickly, because I had my mp3 player and a magazine.

Ate well today. Only bad thing was 5 twizzlers, but at least they're low fat.

Monday, October 02, 2006

10/02/06

344.7

It's been awhile since I've posted. Mostly 'cause I've been busy. I worked the Emmaus walk. We had great food, which I ate too much of. Plus didn't drink much water, and used a lot of salt. All of which resulted in a bump up to 351. Which I don't think could have been actual fat gain. Mostly water, I would think. But, now I am back down to where I have hovered around the last couple of months.

Big news--I rejoined the gym last Friday. Did 20 minutes on the treadmill Friday, and upper body weights today. Sean & I went for a short walk before picking up a few things for supper. I took a nap first, which I felt a little bad about, until I saw the GORGEOUS sunset after we were done shopping. Would totally have missed that if I hadn't taken that nap.

I'm trying to reduce the amount of carbs I eat, and make better choices about those I do eat. I discovered Kashi GoLean Rolls at Kroger, since they were on sale last week. They are quite tasty. Makes a good mid-morning snack to get me through my workout. And kinda feels like eating a candy bar, without being bad for you. I've had the Kashi Heart to Heart Wild Blueberry cereal, too. It's pretty tasty, and makes your milk blue. Fun!

Saturday, September 16, 2006

9/16/06

343.4 on 9/13. Down 3.8 lbs from last week. I'm pretty pleased with that.

I know I'm going to eat too much this week-end, and probably next, since I'm working an Emmaus walk. Although, since I'll be working, I probably won't eat as much as when I went on the walk. I always caution pilgrims to wear stretchy pants, 'cause you're eating all the time.

I think I will start watching Weight Watchers points again. That worked well for me. Right now, I seem to be happy with the status quo. But I only have 10 months till 40. I need to get with it.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

9/6/06

347.2

I'm not surprised at all. I ate like a pig all week-end. Again.

But, I have done better the last 2 days. And I walked about a mile yesterday at lunch. I got a new book, Eating Mindfully, by Dr. Susan Albers. I hope it will help me develop a right relationship with food. I had made my little red bracelet to help me be more mindful of what I was eating, but I wasn't paying much attention, so I took it off. I've also stopped journaling all I eat, at least for now. I may pick it up again. But, most of the time, I can tell you exactly what I've eaten on any given day. Even when I've eaten too much.

I'm gonna download some new music to my MP3 player to walk to. I'm making a kinda "tuff chick" mix.

Friday, August 25, 2006

8/24/06

A couple of days good, a couple of days not so good. The not good was mindful, though. Last night, I wanted chips and dip. So I bought it, and some cottage cheese, and ate it. And I enjoyed every bite. Tonight, it was Cheez-its. Way too many. This is pretty counter my goals. I need to make changes, but all I seem to make is excuses.

We are going out of town this week-end. I will allow myself freedom to eat, then buckle down again.

Spoke with my friend Darla today. She and I may start working out together again. She can bring a guest to a gym she goes to, and we used to go some when we worked in the same building. Since I can't afford the gym at work right now, that may be a good option.

Monday, August 21, 2006

8/21/06

I have done well today. Feels like it's been a while since I could say that.

I pigged out Saturday night. Didn't really even think about what I was eating, or how much. Even kept eating when I wasn't really enjoying it. How stupid is that?!?!

I made myself a red macrame bracelet, to help me to be more mindful of my eating. Red, for the blood of Jesus, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). And red to STOP and think about what I'm doing. It's on my right wrist, so I see it all the time when I'm mousing and writing. So far today, I think it's helped.

Sean & I went for a walk today. About a mile. The weather is FABULOUS!

My friend Kim (Hi Kim!) asked me if I wanted to diet together with her. I said yes, because I need the accountability. We work in the same building. We are not going to do the same eating plan, but will encourage each other and pray for each other. And we'll weigh in together too. Probably on Wednesdays.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

8/17/09

345.1

At least I'm consistent.

Sunday night, at the altar, after a sermon on faith, I realized that I have little faith that I can actually pull this weight loss thing off. I can tell you all day long about losing weight, but I have failed so many times that I don't know if I really believe that I can do it. I have asked a couple of people to pray for me for that faith.

Then I found a glimmer of hope in Romans 7 & 8:

Romans 7:17-25 (The Message)
17-20But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
21-23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Romans 8:1-14 (The Message)
1-2With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
3-4God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that.
The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn't deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us.
5-8Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.
9-11But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won't know what we're talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God's terms. It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's!
12-14So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!


So stop focusing so much on myself. Focus on God. Focus on others. Get up and walk now and then.

I walked to and from lunch yesterday. 6 or 8 blocks each way. We parked 6 or so blocks away from where we went for dinner tonight, too. But before I break my arm patting myself on the back, I also medicated with food today. I was on edge, there was mac & cheese and hashbrown casserole left in the break room, and I ate some. And some croutons with ranch dressing. (Sounds odd, but if you've had Cracker Barrel's croutons, you'll understand.) I did it intentionally, and was miserable afterward, physically and emotionally.

But, I do still have that glimmer of hope. I'm not gonna give up. I will keep trying, and surely, eventually, I'll get it right. I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

8/11/06

345.6

Started the week at 345, too, after a blow-out eating week-end. Considering all I ate, it wasn't too bad.

I didn't eat well a couple of days this week, and I didn't exercise, and I stayed the same weight. So, if I actually get my butt off the recliner and exercise, and control my eating, I might actually lose. That is my goal for the next week. Specific amount? 2 lbs.

Pretty sure I'll miss the black scrub pants goal. Again.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

8/8/06

Weighed in every day last week. Started and ended the week at 343. No exercise last week. Too darn hot; I'm too darn lazy.

I ate WAY too much this week-end. Friday night especially. It was a choice; I did it knowingly, and I enjoyed it. Friday was the worst, not as bad on Saturday and Sunday. I'll weigh again Thursday or Friday.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

7/27/06

343.1!!! Woo Hoo!

I've really been careful about how much I am eating, and it seems to be working. I started to say what I'm eating, but not so much. I've really been making an effort to eat appropriate portions. Except for tonight, when I ate a ton of mashed potatoes. (Yes, Howee, mashed potatoes!) I have been on a cantelope kick lately, though, and that is a better snack than I have been choosing.

Saturday will be a challenge. We will be attending a birthday party, at which there will be much nummy junk food. I am taking cantelope, and maybe grapes or watermelon, so I will have some good choices. But I will eat some junk, too. I'll just try to eat more good than junk, and drink lots of water and diet soda to keep me full.

I didn't do my crunches last night, so I did them when I got up this morning. 100. My stomach cramped. That happens when you don't do crunches for a month or so. I think I'll do them again in the morning.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

7/25/06

I have done well with my eating yesterday and today. I have eaten small meals and reasonable snacks during the day, and having my largest meal at dinner, w/Sean. I know some experts say not to do this, but in my Picture Perfect Weight Loss book, he says it doesn't matter when you eat what. I just need to eat less, and make better choices. For my evening meal, I am really trying to watch portion sizes.

Didn't work out yesterday, but did climb 3 flights of stairs. I will do some weights tonight. (I have to do it, because I put it on here!)

Sunday, July 23, 2006

7/23/06

After reading a friend's blog, I realized I need to update here.

Not much to tell lately. I haven't been working out, and I have been eating too much. I weighed on Friday, and was at 349. My tummy feels, and I'm sure looks, huge.

Went out with some girlfriends yesterday. One is loosing weight (good for her!), and her capris are getting too big. They are really cute, & I said she could give them to me when they don't fit. She said she may have a lot of stuff for me. Problem is, I will need to loose a lot of weight to fit into her stuff. But it is cute, so maybe that will help inspire me.

I also have only 355 days till my 40th birthday. That is when I want to be at my goal weight, of 180-200 pounds. Doesn't seem too likely now. At this rate, a 5 pound loss by then would be good. I bought a notebook, so I could journal each day, right at the time I want/need to. Some of those writings will probably make it to here. But since I can't post here just anytime, like when I'm at work, maybe a journal will help.

Monday, July 10, 2006

7/10/06

I did 9 flights of stairs today. One up to work, then 2 sets of 4 to the top of the building; one set around 9, and one at lunch. I only had to stop once during each set, after 2 flights.

The first set was fueled by an anxiety attack. Physical activity is a great way to get rid of the heebie-jeebies. The second set? I guess I was just nuts and thought, "Gee, that's so much fun, let's do it again!"

I had a goal to get into the black scrub pants by the end of June. Didn't happen. Again. The end of July is probably not realistic, either. August it is.

Haven't worked out much in the last 2 weeks. Eating poorly, too. I need to refocus. I will climb 4 flights of stairs tomorrow, plus we are going to do yard work, weather permitting. I think I'll re-read Picture Perfect Weight Loss, too. I've got just 1 year left to reach my goal. I have to stop playing around and get serious. I don't want to fail at this. But I don't seem to want to work for it, either. Gotta find my motivation. Maybe make a big calendar for my bedroom, checking off the days till my 40th birthday. Which, btw, will be on Friday the 13th next year. Seems about right! But I don't want to be sad about 40; I want to celebrate a healthier me then. So I've got to get to work.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

7/2/06

It's been awhile. I've been on vacay this week, and eating like a pig. Before that, not working out too much.

Soon it will be time to refocus. I start back to the real world on Wednesday. I'll weigh then. Not looking forward to that. Last time I weighed I was at 344.7. on 6/14/06.

I am going to drop my gym membership for awhile, for financial reasons. I should be able to pick it back up in the fall. In the mean time, I have 5 & 10 lb dumbbells here at home, and Sean wants to walk more. I'm going to have to be really disciplined. That'll be a switch. I want to go back to the gym in the fall with visible differences.

I've got a couple of new pics. I see some difference in my face, and some in the body, too. See 12/26/05 for comparison.

BTW, the cute red-head in the pics is my baby-doll, Sean!

Monday, June 12, 2006

6/12/06

345.7

I had bumped up to 349.sumthin, which I thought might be due to a lot of salt consumption. Didn't eat particularly carefully this week-end, and still show a loss. Yea!

Had planned to do yard work tonight as my exercise, but it didn't take much to talk me out of it. We will do yard work tomorrow, and I may walk at lunch as well.

I'm considering letting my gym membership lapse during the summer. Sean is wanting to walk, and I do have light hand weights here at home. And money is a little tight. We will give it some consideration before my next dues are due. (tee hee!)

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

6/6/06

Today is the first day in a long time where I can honestly say that I made good food choices. It feels good. Sean has helped. Cooked smaller portions. Puts away the leftovers, so that I don't put them away in my tummy. He wants to lose some weight, too, so that will also help me.

I overate this week-end, but not as much as usual. I guess that is a small step.

Sean and I walked last evening, about 1.5 miles. Along the new section of Hulman Street, down to Brown and back. The Heritage Trail now goes along the south side of the street, and they put in new sidewalks on the north side.

My friend Kim and I walked at lunch today. Wasn't wearing my watch, but I'd say 20-25 minutes.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

6/1/06

346.6

For the last 3 weeks, my weight has stayed basically the same. It think it is the over-eating on the week-ends that is really getting me. Yes, my eating during the week needs to be better, too, but it is the week-end blow outs, I think, that keep me stuck. I need to find different ways to celebrate the week-end and reward myself, other than food.

I'll need to be especially careful at the shower and wedding Saturday.

Did pretty well today. I even checked "make good eating choices" on my goals list. I could still eat less, but I decided against the chocolate candy. I did have 2 no sugar added fudge bars. 90 calories, 2 g fat for both. And very yummy!

I climbed 4 flights of stairs again. Plus 2 individual flights, too. And I did 13 minutes on the exercise bike. That was all my butt could endure.

I tried on the black scrubs; still not fit for public consumption. My goal for July 1 is to be able to wear them to work. Only 1 goal for next month, and I need to work hard to reach it. I have got to get this eating in control.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

5/31/06

I climbed 4 flights of stairs today! The Rocky theme song was going off in my head when I got to the top! I set a goal, and achieved it. WooHoo!

I did an upper body weight work-out too. I didn't really want to work out at all today, but had talked myself into at least doing the stairs. Then some stuff went on at work that helped me need to work out. Great stress relief, you know.

Eating, not completely terrible today. I probably didn't need that ginormous cookie I just ate, but other than that, not terrible. Room for improvement? Yes. I did meet all my goals today, except for good food choices. I may need to better define that concept. I could be setting myself up to fail all the time with that one.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

5/30/06

Ate pretty poorly over the week-end. (these entries get a little repetitive, huh?)

Did well today, for the most part. Climbed 3 flights of stairs, did 20 minutes on the total body arc trainer, and got in my 64 oz of water. Too much of a snack at 4:30, but no seconds at dinner. I was feeling pretty tempted, though, after dinner, so I had Sean clean up the left-overs.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

5/25/06

Down .3 lbs to 346. At least the right direction.

I started today to set some daily goals for myself. Today my goals were to drink 64 oz of water, climb 3 flights of stairs, and do weights at lunch. Achieved all 3!

I am not going to make one of my 1 month goals, though. I will be climbing 4 flights of stairs by next Friday. But since I've not lost any weight, I will not be wearing the black scrubs to work. I will move that goal to the beginning of July. Better to have set goals and only make half, than to not set goals and not make any.

Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp - or what's a heaven for?
Robert Browning (1812 - 1889)

Monday, May 22, 2006

5/22/06

Weighed in at 346.6 last Thursday. Proceeded to eat excessively all week-end. Started off today with the thought that I'd really get on track today. Guess what? Not so much. Didn't even exercise, because I stayed up too late last night, and went to the car to take a nap at lunch.

I did really enjoy my overeating, today, for what it's worth. The drug rep who brought pizza for lunch also brought DOUBLE STUFF OREOS!!!!! If you're gonna eat too much, it might as well be DOUBLE STUFF OREOS!!!!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

5/16/06

Well, after a week of being out of control w/my eating, I have had 2 days of control.

I haven't recorded a weight in my palm pilot for awhile, but I did check it last week, and I was at 344.something. I will weigh Thursday, since I will be off on Friday.

I have been doing well with my stair climbing goal. I started parking in a different parking lot at work, (lot G in this illustration) so that it is more convenient to take the stairs than the elevator. You can also see an artist's rendering of the building I work at, the Union Hospital Profession Office Building, below the illustration. I climbed 3 flights of stairs today for the first time. I stopped at the landing after 2 flights, and again at 2 1/2 flights, but I did it. I went to tone and tighten class on Monday. My chest is still a little sore from the upper body work-out. We are supposed to do legs in class tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

5/11/06

At least I am becoming aware of why I overeat. Perhaps that awareness will lead to change.

It was a stressful day at work, for such a slow day. People we kinda dingy. Obtuse. Annoying. I ate a huge bagel w/a bunch of cream cheese, purely to medicate myself. And then I ate some cranberry orange toast w/butter right before dinner. Wasn't all that hungry, and I was making dinner. Just wanted to eat.

I think I can turn this into a good thing. Part of my wants to just say, "screw it," and keep eating too much and getting fatter. But the more rational part of me knows that I need to keep trying. No matter how many times I fail. I need to make my outside match what I see inside. I want to be healthier. I want to buy cheap cute clothes. (You can get cute big-girl clothes, but you pay a pretty penny.)

Sunday, May 07, 2006

5/7/06

I made a choice today to eat a large container of cottage cheese. And a small bag of potato chips. And a huge piece of chocolate cake.

And then I felt like crap.

My choices have consequences. I know that. But after a few days of better eating choices, the consequences of the bad eating became more obvious.

I am going to try very hard to make that the last time I ever eat the whole container of cottage cheese. I can have cottage cheese. And if I'm going to eat too much of something, that's not so bad a choice. But not so much too much. I don't like how I felt.

Let's apply this now, and learn from it.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

5/4/06

Weighed in yesterday at 342.5. Took my measurements tonight. I am down a total of 11 inches, and 9 lbs from my highest weight. Not rapid loss, but I am pleased none the less. I have set a short term goal for myself: by 6/4, I want to be able to wear my black scrubs, which are a tafford size 5x (which seem to be smaller than my cherokee size 5x), and climb 4 flights of stairs. I can get into the scrubs now, but it is NOT for public consumption. And I can do 2 flights of stairs now. I shared these goals with Sean, and will share them with my trainer, John, too. And the girls at work. It will help keep me honest.

The nurse, April, at UMR, sent me a book, Picture Perfect Weight Loss by Dr. Howard M. Shapiro. It is making a lot of sense so far. I am keeping a food diary, as much as I hate to, for a week. And I do feel in control. We'll see how it goes.

Friday, April 28, 2006

4/28/06

First, the good news. I brought my cholesterol down to 212 from 236! Dr says to keep up the low fat diet, and we'll check again in 6 months.

However, I gained 3 lbs, to 345.1.

I was doing really well with eating today. Ate slowly, ate when I was hungry. At dinner, Sean cooked fabulous pork chops, and I took my time to eat. Then, around 9:30, after trying to talk myself out of it for a while, I decided that I was hungry, and ate 2 leftover sandwiched from Panera that I brought home from work.

I know what I need to do to lose weight. Why can't I make myself do it? Why does it have to be so hard? Is it because so many other things come easily to me, that I don't know how to work for something? It's just so frustrating. It seems like I should just be able to eat less. I don't want to look like this forever. I want the outside of my body to match what I see inside. AAUUUGGHH!!!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

4/25/06

I've had some good days and some bad days in the last week. I weighed in at 1/2 lower last Friday, 342.4. I've felt in control of my eating yesterday and today. Exercise has been pretty good. Walked about 1.5 miles Saturday, on a beautiful morning w/Sean. Walked at Dobbs Park last night w/Sean, and had salad for dinner. Did 1 flight of stairs today, upper body workout, and 100 crunches of varying types today. Salad for lunch. BBQ chicken and olive oil & dill potatoes for dinner.

I get my cholesterol checked tomorrow. I'll post results as soon as I have them. I hope it is down. I think it will be.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

4/18/06

Well, ate too much this week-end, didn't exercise much (although directing in both church services Sunday was quite a work out!), and still lost. 342.9 when I weighed in today.

I walked today, about 3/4 mile. I will go to class tomorrow, since it is supposed to rain. If it doesn't, I might walk again. I want to take advantage of the nice weather. I'll go back inside when it gets hotter.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

4/13/06

Today, not as good, and by choice. I did okay at work, and even after work. Sean had ordered pizza, and had left 3 pieces for me. Not terrible, if that was all I ate. But then, while watching tv, I decided I wanted a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. And then a potato chip sandwich. And then 2 rows of Peeps. I think I was bored, tired, influenced by cheese burgers on Survivor, and celebrating extra days off from work.

I'm not going to come down too hard on myself. I'm going to try to examine why I'm making poor eating choices. If I record them here, maybe I can stop the cycle.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

4/12/06

I've done well today, for the most part. The only thing I've eaten that was not good for me was 4 caramel filled chocolate candies.

Tone and tighten was cancelled due to lack of teacher, so I did an upper body workout.

In my devotions this morning, I found a really encouraging passage:

10So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale. 11Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. 12Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.

II Corinthians 8:10-12, The Message

That really helped me focus today. Do what I can, not what I can't. If God thinks I have what it takes to finish what I started, then I can!


Tuesday, April 11, 2006

4/11/06

Well, today went better. I watched my portions carefully, even at dinner. We went for Thai, and I probably ate a little too much of my Pad Thai, but not by much. Sean bought some Reese's Bites for desert, and I had only 4. A serving is aproximately 16. The 4 had roughly 55 calories and 3 g fat. I exercised portion control. I feel better about myself tonight.

I walked at lunch again today. Walked yesterday, too, then did yard work. I will go to tone and tighten class tomorrow at lunch. Thursday, I'm going to lunch w/girlfriends, and might walk that evening, or do some weights and abs. Not sure what I'll do Friday; might go the the park and walk if it is nice, since I have the day off. Or might wait to see if Sean wants to walk.

I think it might help if I try to get on here more often, even if I don't write much. I said I wanted a place to be honest. I guess that should include bad days, too.

Monday, April 10, 2006

4/10/06

Weighed last Friday. Down .1 lb. I don't think that really counts.

I do pretty well with my eating at work, but at home, I just eat way too much. Ate too much tonight, too. I'll keep trying. It's kinda discouraging. I feel like I just don't have enough will power or desire. I want to lose weight, but I don't want to work for it. I do well, then beat myself up. That's a bad cycle. How do I break it?

Saturday, April 01, 2006

4/1/06

It's been over 2 weeks since I last wrote. Wonder why that is? I've been off on a FABULOUS vacation in France!

April Fool's!

Really, I've been eating poorly and not working out much. Last time I weighed I was at 344.9. We've had carry-in's at work, and I've just not felt like working out. Probably because I've been making poor eating choices. It's a vicious circle.

But back up on the horse again. I have made very good choices all day today. I went to bed last night thinking I'd have oatmeal for breakfast. Start out right, and see how much weight I can lose in the next 2 weeks before Easter and before I get a shorter hair cut. But, when I got up, I was not in the mood for oatmeal. I did see 2 snack sized bags of potato chips, and thought I might have a potato chips sandwich. But then I would feel really bad about myself. Not a good way to start the day. Plus, I was going shopping later and didn't want to feel fatter. I looked in the freezer and found the Aldi's version of lean pockets, Southwestern Veggie, and it made a fine breakfast. Only 5g of fat; low cal, too. I had 2 T of sour cream with it, too. I continued to make good choices the rest of the day, down to the Aldi's version of a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich (130 cal, 1.5g fat) that I just had for desert.

I got a cute skirt at Fashion Bug, both for Easter and a wedding I'm going to attend this summer. I got a tee and a tank to wear with it. The tee is a little bit snug right now, which is part of the see how much I can lose in 2 weeks thing. Plus, with the shorter hair, I'd like to lose some more chin.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

3/14/06

Continued my excessive eating on Sunday. So on Monday, I conducted and experiment of sorts, to get my self back on track. I ate oatmeal for breakfast, then had only soup or juice the rest of the afternoon. When I got home from work, I had soup almost immediately, since I was ravenous and cranky. Then I was hungry again in like half an hour. So I had a sandwich and some chips. I still think I did well, and I felt in control most of the time. So if I could be that controlled yesterday, I thought it would help me continue being controlled. I did well today with my eating.

Worked out today on the new piece of equipment at the fitness center. It's the Total Body Arc Trainer by Cybex. You can click on a link to see it in action. I did 20 minutes, and it was a very good work-out. A different motion that the elliptical. It felt like it worked the hips/legs in a different place. I did the manual mode, no incline or resistance. I will defininately do that machine again.

I tried V-8 juice today. I've never liked tomato juice before, but my tastes have changed, and I love tomato soup, so I thought I'd give it a try. It was a little weird at first, but I liked it. I had a 12oz can. 70 calories, no fat. I went to the store after work and got a 6 pack of small cans. 30 calories each. I got the spicy kind. I thought it might be good warm, with my 100 calorie pack of Cheez-Its.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

3/11/06

I think I just ate a large carton of cottage cheese because I coundn't find a coat I wanted to buy. I mean, I know I ate the cottage cheese. And half a bag of chips. But I'm pretty sure the reason why is that I went shopping, and just didn't find the coat I wanted. I was kinda bummed. I have money; I wanted to spend it. But I just didn't find the coat I wanted.

And I was doing pretty well eating up till then. I had rice w/mushroom soup and mushrooms for breakfast, and a crunchwrap from Taco Bell for lunch. I know I'm probably not going to eat well tonight at poker, so I was trying to be a little sparse in my eating. But then I ate the cottage cheese. And I knew exactly what I was doing. And I did it anyhow. So how do we overcome emotional eating?

I have been working out well this week. 4 times at lunch. And while shopping today, I parked at Dress Barn, and walked all the way down the strip mall to Goody's and Kohls.

I'm not giving up, though. I will keep on working out. And I'll keep trying with food. I don't fail until I fail to try again.

I weighed in on Friday. 344. Up 1.5 pounds. I'd like to attribute it to my period, but more likely it is my eating.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

3/2/06

Well, another week where it is hard to get my eating on track. It is so hard once you stop making good choices. What I need to do is stop making excuses.

I am working out 3 or 4 times a week. My weight has stayed the same (342.5); I was weighed at the doctor's office Tuesday. I did do my measurements again, and I am down 9.75 inches total since October 05. My thighs and calfs actually went up a little this time. We have been doing a lot of legs in Tone and Tighten.

Here is the REALLY great news. We bought me a vehicle!!!!! 94 Ford Explorer. Green, with tan interior. Paid for with cash, so no car payments! It runs a little rough, but it is 12 years old. The interior is in better condition than one might expect. You cannot unlock the driver's side door; you have to unlock from the passenger's side. And tonight, sometimes the driver's side wasn't locking at all. I'll need to get that fixed. I can probably get a part at a junk yard.

It's really nice not having to ride the bus for 1 1/2 hours. And Sean is enjoying not having to pick me up.

Monday, February 20, 2006

2/20/06

I actually managed to lose 1/2 pound this week. 342.5. I was very surprised. Now just 2 1/2 pounds to be back where I was. I did really well with my eating today. And I've gotten in at least 64 ounces of water.

We did lower body again today in class. Wednesday will be upper body. I'm gonna go on Wednesday, and take Thursday off. I'll do elliptical or treadmill tomorrow. Gotta remember to take my mp3 player, and something to read.

I think I'm gonna change weigh-in to Fridays. It will give me time to atone for the sins of the week-end! ;^) And, if I've lost, hopefully it will help me make good choices on the week-end.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

2/15/06

As I expected, the news was not good on the scales Tuesday. 343.1. Ouch! But, that's what I get for eating too much and not working out.

It is hard to get back into the good eating habit. I did poorly yesterday, and just so-so today. My goal is GOOD for tomorrow.

The working out is back on track, though. Went to class Monday. Hips and thighs, with some abs thrown in for good measure. I am so sore. I did 20 (!) minutes on the elliptical on Tuesday. Took today off, and will do either elliptical or treadmill tomorrow, and class on Friday.

Valentine's Day was lovely. Sean brought me roses, balloons and my favorite gum at work. And he bought me a book, Blue Like Jazz, that is overdue from the library, so now I can finally return theirs!

Saturday, February 11, 2006

2/11/06

I didn't have high hopes when I got on the scale Tuesday, what with my Super Bowl binging and all, but I was down 1/2 pound, to 339.8. I don't have high hopes for next Tuesday, either. I've been sick all week, and haven't felt like working out. And I've eaten like a pig. So I don't expect the same pleasant surprise I got last week. Oh well, back on track now.

Katchoo was sick this week too. She has crystals in her urine. Cats are pretty prone to urinary tract problems. She now has to drink distilled water. No more drinking out of the bathroom faucet for her. I ordered her a recirculating water dish on e-bay. It is similar to this, but the water shoots up instead of flowing down. She should love it! She has to have special food now, too. $30 a bag food. But it is a 16 pound bag, which should last about 5 months. She has to go back to the vet next month for another urinalysis and a shot. I'm going to let them collect the urine sample this time. Not so easy getting a urine sample from a cat. And she has to take medicine. I could choose from 1 pill a day or drops twice a day, and opted for the drops. When she had to get her worm pill at the vet last year, she REALLY didn't like it, so drops seemed the better option. Not that she likes that, either.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

1/31/06

Down to 340.2! WooHoo! That's a total of 11 lbs. I really didn't expect much when I got on the scales today; maybe just to be back where I was before my binge week. What a surprise!

I really saw how hard it was to get back on track after binging for so long. A meal here or there isn't too bad, say once a week or so. But after a whole week, it would have been very easy to chuck it all. I just gotta keep at it.

Did the elliptical today for 15 minutes. I'm gonna bump it up to 20 next week. May or may not go to class tomorrow. Thursday elliptical again, and class on Friday.

I'm trying to get my oatmeal in each day; I maybe get 4 out of 7 days a week. Some people at church mentioned fish oil capsules can help raise good cholesterol and lower bad, so I'm gonna try that.

My Mom is getting hooked up w/my brother-in-law's wireless internet (he lives across the street from her). So she'll finally get to see this sight. That will be cool.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

1/25/06

Been a few days since I've had time to blog. Been a bad few days, eating-wise, too. I ate too much Friday, too much Saturday, and too much Monday, resulting in a 3 lb weight gain. 346.2 today. Yesterday, too. But I weighed again today to see if it had come off since I ate better yesterday. Like 1 day is going to undo 3 or 4 days damage. But on the good side, I did get in some cardio on Monday. We went to Casino Aztar, and the poker room is on the 1st level. So every time I had to go to the bathroom, I would go up at least 1 flight of stairs and go to the bathroom at the opposite end of the boat. I did 5 flights of stairs (not all at once). And, the stairs did not seem as hard as the last time I was there. I haven't done the stairs at work lately, since my back has been spasming. Hopefully, they'll seem easier soon, too. They are kinda steep, and I think that's why the are still pretty hard. And I'm always carrying stuff.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

1/19/06

Had my annual doctor's appointment yesterday. Dr. Andreasen was happy with my weight loss, but my cholesterol is up where he is thinking about treating it medically. I do not want to treat it medically. So I'm eating oatmeal every day for the next 3 months, when we will check it again. I think with the working out and eating better, it will come down.

The drug rep brought lasagna(!) for lunch today. I was counting on her for her usual grilled chicken and side. I had one piece, and one piece of garlic bread. No salad. The portions must have been okay, because I was hungry by 3:30. I did have a nice salad for supper, with chicken and eggs and a little bacon and a few croutons, and fat free French and ranch dressing. If you haven't tried the French/ranch combo, you should.

Today was a day off from working out. I'll go to class again tomorrow. And I have to remember to stretch before bed tonight. I wake up feeling so much better when I do.

Monday, January 16, 2006

1/16/06

I did well with eating over the week-end. Week-ends are always a challenge. I made some really good chicken noodle soup on Saturday. Fat free broth, mushrooms, carrots, celery, zucchini, chicken & noodles. Nummy, and low fat. I did have a couple of big hunks of French bread w/real butter.

Sunday, I had pizza twice. But each time, I was very careful to eat only 2 slices. That seems to be a "normal" sized portion. I ate slowly, and really enjoyed it.

Today, about 15 points as of the end of work. We're having pork chops and broccoli, carrots, pasta & cheese sauce. It's a prepackaged Green Giant thing. It doesn't have too much fat per serving (4g) considering the cheese sauce.

Did legs, back and chest at the fitness center today. Then, Sean & I went for a walk after work for about 15 minutes at Deming Park. Good way to relax after a "challenging yet rewarding" day at work.

My boss noticed that I looked like I'm losing weight thru my torso today, and asked me about it. Yay!

Friday, January 13, 2006

1/13/06

Well, today sure started out like Friday the 13th. I got up late (nothing unusual about that) and rushed out the catch the bus. In the rain. With my umbrella. The bus got railroaded (nothing unusual about that in Terre Haute, either). Got on my second bus. It got railroaded, and the train stopped. Late once already this week because of the bus, I decided to walk, even though it was raining, so that I would be on time. It was about this time that I realized I left my umbrella on the first bus. The second bus driver called the first, and he'll keep it for me until Tuesday. In the meantime, I had to walk 6 blocks in the rain. It wasn't raining hard, but it was annoying. And then Friday mornings at work are just hectic. 6 or 7 docs are in at once, and it is just busy. And now we have a girl going to the south office everyday, so we are down one person. And we don't have a medical records girl, so one of the 4 girls left is in the back a lot. And I messed up an appointment. But oh well. The day got better.

Back on track today. Made (mostly) good eating choices, and worked out. Went to tone & tighten at lunch. We did biceps, triceps, inner and outer thighs and abs. And even though the evil loaded baked potato mashed potatoes were left-over in the break room, I chose to eat the orange I brought instead. I had too many meatballs tonight when we made meatball sandwiches. But, they were turkey, so not as bad as they could have been. Still definitely need to work on portion and impulse control.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

01/12/06

I ate WAY too much today. We had a drug rep lunch at work today. But Sean and I were going out for lunch, so it wasn't so bad, at first. I did have 1 spoonful of wonderful loaded baked potato mashed potatoes. We went to George's for lunch, and I had a gyro and 1/2 an order of fries. I had 1 cookie from the lunch when I got back to the office. Not so bad. I'm sure I blew my points out of the water, but I was controlling my portions. I figured we'd go for a walk after work, and I'd have a salad for dinner.

Then it came time for my afternoon snack. And instead of something sensible, like the oatmeal or orange I brought to work for just such an occasion, I got another (big) spoonful of potatoes, and some pasta salad. Pretty much filled up a dinner plate. I was miserable afterwards, physically and emotionally. I have done so well for a week and a half, and I blew it today. I want to remember that feeling, both of being too full and being disappointed in myself. I need to make that work for me. My body seems to be getting used to frequent, smaller meals. That much, and that many carbs all at once was not a good thing.

We did go for a walk after work, at Collett Park. Not real long, 15 or 20 minutes, but up and moving none the less. And it was so nice to see the sun today. We saw 3 squirrels, too.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

1/10/06

One week of "good". Weighed today...down 3 pounds for the week! 344.4. WooHoo!
I measured, too, and I'm down 7.9 inches total since October. And down 7 pounds total since November.

I felt so skinny today! I know you can't see 3 pounds on someone my size, but it felt good. And made me want to work out. Normally, I just tolerate it. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical. My mp3 player made it go much faster. It took a little better than 4 songs for 15 minutes. I sprinted once during each song, usually for the chorus. And I went backwards once during each song. Tomorrow is a day off from working out. We have a lunch meeting. I'll do cardio Thursday, and class on Friday.

I'm checking into a way to link to a chart of my weight loss and inch loss. I consulted a very web-savvy friend of mine for help. So stay tuned for further developments.

Sunday, January 08, 2006

1/8/06

I've done pretty well today. Good breakfast, 6 points. Tried sugar free MDX today, and liked it. It's an energy drink. It seemed to do it's job. Had 2 bowls of Sean's chicken and rice for lunch, which was probably too much. Then had another bowl before church. After church, we had flatbread, hummus an feta cheese. And I had a 100 calorie pack of Chips Deluxe. All in all, not too bad. I should have just had one bowl of the rice. Oh, I had butter on some of the rice, too. I bought some I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray tonight, so I can get that flavor w/o the calories.

Church was good in both services today. I led worship in middle school this morning, and we went to eXchange tonight. The music was AWESOME tonight, and the sermon hit me in several different ways. Mostly, be content with who others are, and be content with who you are. Both of which are a little hard for me sometimes.

I have an adorable kitty kat on the computer desk keeping me company!

Saturday, January 07, 2006

1/7/06

Still on the "good" track. Last night, went w/the girls after work to Charlie's Pub & Grub to celebrate Sandy passing her boards for her LPN. I had 1 drink, diet w/rum and lime. And got the chicken strip basket w/tots. Yes, it was all fried, but it was about portion control. And I ate slowly and savored it. I wanted something sweet when I got home, so I had one of my 100 calorie packs of Chips Deluxe. You really get quite a few cookies in there!

I was craving mayo yesterday. I had 1 tablespoon on my salad, mixed with some Pampered Chef dill mix. It was good, but not nearly enough. So today I bought some reduced fat mayo. I was looking for fat free, hoping that if I mixed stuff w/it it would taste okay, but K-mart didn't have any. Odd. I really don't like much fat free stuff. It tastes plastic-y.

I don't think it is just my influence, but many of the girls at work are going up to the fitness center now. You know, first of the year, want to lose weight. But I'm glad for the companionship, and accountability.

I'm feeling really good about so many "good" days in a row. I know I will indulge again. But getting a week under my belt will make me feel like I can achieve it. It is a good start.

Jimmy John's has been my friend the last few days. Thursday, I got a Vito for dinner, and stayed within my points for the day. Today at lunch, I got a Tuna Club. May exceed my points for the day, but I will be working w/portion control. I should have picked the Sorry Charlie, which has a little less tuna, and no cheese. I found a web site, here, that has point values for tons of stuff, including a lot of restaurants.

No exercise today. Although Sean is usually parking far from the door when we shop. Yesterday I did the tone & tighten class at the fitness center. My hamstrings are paying for it today! But it is a good ache. Next week I'm going back to 4 days a week; Monday and Friday cardio, and Tuesday and Thursday weights.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

1/4/06

Another "good" day. Did well with my points, and pretty good with my portions. Still room for improvement, but eating much less.

I weighed today. 347.4. So I pretty much maintained during my New Year's week-end pig out. Which indicates to me that if I eat well, and actually exercise, I will lose weight. Who'd a thunk it?

I did 2 set of (mostly) 15 reps of upperbody weights today. On a couple of the last sets, I could only do 12.

Phil. 4:13 rocks!

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

1/3/06

So far, so good today. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical. I stuck to my points during the day, and watched my portions at night. Still room for improvement. I don't need so much butter or so much mayo for my fish. But still, steps in the right direction. I need to acknowledge the bad, and try to fix it, but not fixate on it.

If I really want something else to eat tonight, esp. something sweet, I have some rice cakes. Carmel corn flavor. Don't remember if I like them or not. If not, I'll give them to a girl at work.

Now, this week-end was a different story. I have to stop thinking, I'll do it tomorrow. It is tomorrow. I need to make changes now. I can enjoy food, but I just don't need so much. Food can be part of a celebration, but it doesn't need to be the entire celebration. I need to be "good" on week-ends just like week days. My goal? To string together a week of being "good". Just 1 week of doing what I know is right. Doesn't sound like it should be that hard, huh? But it is. 1 day down, 6 to go.