First off - thanks so much to all of you gals who were so kind to leave words of encouragement last week. I can't tell you how much it means!!
This morning as I was packing my older son's lunch/snack bag for school I was thinking of the things I needed to get done today:
put away laundry (don't mind the washing/drying/folding but it's the putting away that I don't like - anyone else?)
finish preparing for Bible study tonight (leading a great group of gals through the book of Philippians)
wash floors (I'm sorry floors I've neglected you)
spend time with boys!! (needs to be a priority - easy to get 'busy' with other stuff that's not nearly as important)
schedule eye appointments (I think/hope we are done with snow - I've made 3 appointments and had to cancel due to snow each time)
and so on...
But as I was in my thinking haze, I sort of.. came to. As I did I realized I was stuffing my face full of popcorn - finishing up what was left in the bag I had popped for my son's snack. Now popcorn isn't terrible, but the thing is I wasn't even really aware I was doing it. It's not like I looked at it and made a choice that I wanted to eat it - that it was worth the calories for me first thinkg in the morning. It was midless eating.
This whole 'mindless eating' thing has become a big problem for me lately. It's one thing when you make a choice - good/bad or indifferent. At least you thought about it and can then either say, 'yay me - nice job' or 'oh gosh, better think twice about doing that again - better choice next time.' But when you eat mindlessly.. well... I guess I find that far more frustrating than making a bad choice because it's like I gave myself no choice at all.
I need to re-train myself to make sure I think before I eat another bite! I don't want to keep packing pounds back on because I daze out and shove things into my mouth without a thought.
This is my main goal for this week.
I will think before I eat!
Gonna weigh in shortly. Haven't done that in quite a while. I need a base from which to start. I'll face it, wipe away the tears, and use any sadness or frustration I feel to become a positive to encourage me to press on!
Tomorrow I will write about what inspires me to want to do this. To make taking care of myself a priority.
It's time to get #1 son off to school. Have a great day everyone and make good choices!!
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
And My Theme For The Year Is.....
It's that time again.. I can't beleive it.
2010 passed by so quickly and yet there were days I thought would never end.
2010 brought our first ladies retreat at church last January. It brought my first sucessful vegetable garden. A small car accident (but not a small bill to repair scratch!) I saw my niece get married this summer and made my first stacked wedding cake. It was one of the most wonderful summers I've ever had; made wonderful memories with my boys! We went on our first real family vacation. I saw my baby head off to Kindergarten and my older son went to 3rd grade. It was the year my Uncle Kenny went home to be with the Lord. My husband and I celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss! My Aunt Helen became unwell and now lives in a nursing home/rehab. It was the year I felt the Lord call me into ministry. I lost 40 pounds this year! There were ups, there were downs and lots of twists and turns.
Those of you who have read my blog for any time will remember that each year at this time I choose a word, or theme for the year ahead as opposed to making 'resolutions'. Before I write about 2011, I'd like to think back on my word for 2010. My word for 2010 was FIT. I wanted to 'fit' myself back into my life. I wanted to take myself off of the bottom of my to-do list. I ate better. Tracked my food on SparkPeople.com. I began to exercise (never thought I'd do that). I studied God's word on a more regular basis. I took some time, maybe not enough, but some time, for me.
So now it is time to unviel my word for this year. After thinking over exactly what I want in my mind for several weeks, God has finally delivered my word to me. ACTION! I want to be a woman of action. Woooow, that can sound.. suspect. Let me explain...
So often I think in my mind what I'd like to do. What I should do. What I could do. And yet, frequently, I do nothing at all.
I write lists that never get completed. I start projects that get left undone. I have so many people that I intend to write to and yet....
I've tried to figure out why I do, or rather, don't do these things and the best I can come up with is fear. Fear of failure, of not doing things 100% correct or maybe even just not as well as others.
Self talk ~ "I could write her a note but what if she isn't encouraged by it or what if she doesn't even know who I am?" (I wrote a note to a stranger years ago after hearing her father's prayer request on her behalf. She now goes to our church and she approached me on one of her first visits to thank me.) "I could try to write a children's book but what if it's no good and no one wants to publish it?" (Twelve publishers turned down J.K. Rowlings before one agreed to publish Harry Potter. Besides, shouldn't I at least give them the opportunity to refuse me?) "I feel called by the Lord to be a women's ministry speaker, but what if no one wants to hear me? What if they don't like me? Who am I to speak, I don't have a theology degree?" (Beth Moore doesn't have a degree in theology. Am I not short-changing God if I hear His call but think He doesn't know who He is calling?) "I could apply for that job but the hours probably wont work for our family or I'll most likely be terrible at it." (Who would have thought when I started a temp job when I was 24 that I would become a natural on computers and would then be promoted 3 times in 4 years? Why do I automatically think that I'll fail?)
God tells us in His word over 300 times to "Fear No", yet I've been choosing to disobey Him and fear. Why in the world do I choose the terrible feeling of fear and let it restrict my life rather than choose the security that as long as I'm living in His will He will provide? Silly, right? Right!
Also, the word action has come to me time and time again in studying scripture. In the early fall of this past year the Lord put a speaking topic on my heart having to do with action. If you say you're a Christian, you must take action! I have been writing my first retreat topic based on this. As I write it I find myself saying 'But who is going to want to hear it? You'll write it and then never share it." Wow - some seriously defeated self-talk hugh? Kinda pathetic!! If God is putting the topic of action on my heart, the person who most needs to let that take affect in their life is me!! How can I share it with others and not have it first take root in my own life? Action therefore for me means to stop being held back by fear and getting on with it; whatever the 'it' may happen to be at a certain time.
So this year I will take ACTION!
* I will continue to study and write the talks that the Lord has put on my heart knowing that He will show me when and where I am to share His inspiration. I will proceed with the calling the Lord has put on my heart and go into ministry as a women's speaker.
* I will write the children's stories that are in my mind. I will work on the illustrations and not worry if they will be good enough. They certainly wont be if I don't even try. I want to submit at least one book to a publisher this year.
* I will submit at least one devotional for publication. If God puts thoughts, stories into my mind that encourage me and some of the ladies from my church then I should see if He wishes them to encourage other Christians as well.
* I will put my body into action. I will continue to become a more active person. I will find physical activities the whole family can do together.
* I wont just think about tracking my food, I'll do it. Even when I don't want to admit to what I've eaten I will put it down to make myself more aware. Junk in, junk out - if I want to be active I need to feed my body well.
* I will make/buy cards and have stamps available so that when the Lord puts someone on my heart who needs a word of encouragement, I'll be ready to go. No excuses.
* In general, I will not be held back by fear. I will not be recklace, but I will go forth and live my life and not wait things out on the sideline. I'm getting in the game folks so hold on to your hats!!
Ready, set, ACTION!!
2010 passed by so quickly and yet there were days I thought would never end.
2010 brought our first ladies retreat at church last January. It brought my first sucessful vegetable garden. A small car accident (but not a small bill to repair scratch!) I saw my niece get married this summer and made my first stacked wedding cake. It was one of the most wonderful summers I've ever had; made wonderful memories with my boys! We went on our first real family vacation. I saw my baby head off to Kindergarten and my older son went to 3rd grade. It was the year my Uncle Kenny went home to be with the Lord. My husband and I celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss! My Aunt Helen became unwell and now lives in a nursing home/rehab. It was the year I felt the Lord call me into ministry. I lost 40 pounds this year! There were ups, there were downs and lots of twists and turns.
Those of you who have read my blog for any time will remember that each year at this time I choose a word, or theme for the year ahead as opposed to making 'resolutions'. Before I write about 2011, I'd like to think back on my word for 2010. My word for 2010 was FIT. I wanted to 'fit' myself back into my life. I wanted to take myself off of the bottom of my to-do list. I ate better. Tracked my food on SparkPeople.com. I began to exercise (never thought I'd do that). I studied God's word on a more regular basis. I took some time, maybe not enough, but some time, for me.
So now it is time to unviel my word for this year. After thinking over exactly what I want in my mind for several weeks, God has finally delivered my word to me. ACTION! I want to be a woman of action. Woooow, that can sound.. suspect. Let me explain...
So often I think in my mind what I'd like to do. What I should do. What I could do. And yet, frequently, I do nothing at all.
I write lists that never get completed. I start projects that get left undone. I have so many people that I intend to write to and yet....
I've tried to figure out why I do, or rather, don't do these things and the best I can come up with is fear. Fear of failure, of not doing things 100% correct or maybe even just not as well as others.
Self talk ~ "I could write her a note but what if she isn't encouraged by it or what if she doesn't even know who I am?" (I wrote a note to a stranger years ago after hearing her father's prayer request on her behalf. She now goes to our church and she approached me on one of her first visits to thank me.) "I could try to write a children's book but what if it's no good and no one wants to publish it?" (Twelve publishers turned down J.K. Rowlings before one agreed to publish Harry Potter. Besides, shouldn't I at least give them the opportunity to refuse me?) "I feel called by the Lord to be a women's ministry speaker, but what if no one wants to hear me? What if they don't like me? Who am I to speak, I don't have a theology degree?" (Beth Moore doesn't have a degree in theology. Am I not short-changing God if I hear His call but think He doesn't know who He is calling?) "I could apply for that job but the hours probably wont work for our family or I'll most likely be terrible at it." (Who would have thought when I started a temp job when I was 24 that I would become a natural on computers and would then be promoted 3 times in 4 years? Why do I automatically think that I'll fail?)
God tells us in His word over 300 times to "Fear No", yet I've been choosing to disobey Him and fear. Why in the world do I choose the terrible feeling of fear and let it restrict my life rather than choose the security that as long as I'm living in His will He will provide? Silly, right? Right!
Also, the word action has come to me time and time again in studying scripture. In the early fall of this past year the Lord put a speaking topic on my heart having to do with action. If you say you're a Christian, you must take action! I have been writing my first retreat topic based on this. As I write it I find myself saying 'But who is going to want to hear it? You'll write it and then never share it." Wow - some seriously defeated self-talk hugh? Kinda pathetic!! If God is putting the topic of action on my heart, the person who most needs to let that take affect in their life is me!! How can I share it with others and not have it first take root in my own life? Action therefore for me means to stop being held back by fear and getting on with it; whatever the 'it' may happen to be at a certain time.
So this year I will take ACTION!
* I will continue to study and write the talks that the Lord has put on my heart knowing that He will show me when and where I am to share His inspiration. I will proceed with the calling the Lord has put on my heart and go into ministry as a women's speaker.
* I will write the children's stories that are in my mind. I will work on the illustrations and not worry if they will be good enough. They certainly wont be if I don't even try. I want to submit at least one book to a publisher this year.
* I will submit at least one devotional for publication. If God puts thoughts, stories into my mind that encourage me and some of the ladies from my church then I should see if He wishes them to encourage other Christians as well.
* I will put my body into action. I will continue to become a more active person. I will find physical activities the whole family can do together.
* I wont just think about tracking my food, I'll do it. Even when I don't want to admit to what I've eaten I will put it down to make myself more aware. Junk in, junk out - if I want to be active I need to feed my body well.
* I will make/buy cards and have stamps available so that when the Lord puts someone on my heart who needs a word of encouragement, I'll be ready to go. No excuses.
* In general, I will not be held back by fear. I will not be recklace, but I will go forth and live my life and not wait things out on the sideline. I'm getting in the game folks so hold on to your hats!!
Ready, set, ACTION!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week.. what week is this?
I'm losing count. What week is this? Week 47, is that right?
I remember back in January when I first decided to make taking care of myself a priority and in that vien begin this blog I was so gung ho. I was all about it. This was it. In order to do anything else well in life I knew that I needed to take the time to see to my own well-being.
I joined SparkPeople. I tracked my food and water intake. I educated myself on good nutrition. I began to exercise. Will-power was nothing I even had to think about; I was 'in the zone'!
Well here I am at week 47 and am I still 'in the zone'? Still? I've derailed from aforementioned zone often enough to make a pretty pattern on my boarding pass. At this moment, I'm somewhat in. Better last week, but not bad this.
I weighed in this morning and I lost a little more. I lost weight quickly in the first 4 months, then it started slowing to a snails pace. At first it was just my body doing it's thing, but then it was due to my lack luster effort. I'd pick it up some weeks and then be a slug the next.
At my best, I had lost 42 pounds. I'm now at 39.6 pounds lost.
I'm not sure why I lose momentum. I certainly do not want to put this weight on again, that's for sure. I was discouraged due to giving it my all and not seeing results. I wasn't discouraged from lack of speed, it's a life change, not a race. So why does this happen to me? It has been the case with me my whole life. Why?
I tried seeing a Christian counselor several months back with this being one of my big issues I wanted to work out and be done with. But after a few months, I was leaving the sessions knowing more about her family than what she was hearing about mine and often I felt judged and discouraged by her - so that was that. It was worth a try, right? I remember when I specifically brought this topic up and asked her why I can't seem to stick with it - why do I always go back to my unhealthy ways. She told me to, "Go home and read up on it and tell her next time what I found out." I did just that with the main point that 'experts' make being that there is an unresolved issue that the obese person knows about that causes this. I told her, but that's the thing, I don't know. And that was the end of that. She offered me nothing!
So why? Why do I struggle to stay with this when I know it is for the best. Why could I face what can typically be a huge challenge like Thanksgiving and get through it without a single struggle and then another plain old day I just crumble?
Anyone hear me on this? Can anyone relate?
Well here's the thing, I'm not quitting. I'm not giving in. Week 47, or whatever it is, will not be the last for me. I want to lose 50 pounds, if I could lose even more, great; but 50 is a must. There's no race, no time limit. I want to get that weight off and keep it off.
I feel like I do many things well. Good even; but nothing great. I want to succeed at this. I need to succeed at this.
I'm not trying to be hard on myself, just honest and real. This is where I am at week 47.
Here are my goals this week:
Sign in to SparkPeople every morning.
Track my food, even when it isn't all good.
Drink 6 glasses of water a day.
NOT give up!!!
It's time to get my nightly cup of tea. Good night friends!
PS ~ My 5 year old son chose a slip of paper from the 6 entries into "I AM THANKFUL" who stuck with the challenge. I'm heading over to verify that they made 26 entries. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.
I remember back in January when I first decided to make taking care of myself a priority and in that vien begin this blog I was so gung ho. I was all about it. This was it. In order to do anything else well in life I knew that I needed to take the time to see to my own well-being.
I joined SparkPeople. I tracked my food and water intake. I educated myself on good nutrition. I began to exercise. Will-power was nothing I even had to think about; I was 'in the zone'!
Well here I am at week 47 and am I still 'in the zone'? Still? I've derailed from aforementioned zone often enough to make a pretty pattern on my boarding pass. At this moment, I'm somewhat in. Better last week, but not bad this.
I weighed in this morning and I lost a little more. I lost weight quickly in the first 4 months, then it started slowing to a snails pace. At first it was just my body doing it's thing, but then it was due to my lack luster effort. I'd pick it up some weeks and then be a slug the next.
At my best, I had lost 42 pounds. I'm now at 39.6 pounds lost.
I'm not sure why I lose momentum. I certainly do not want to put this weight on again, that's for sure. I was discouraged due to giving it my all and not seeing results. I wasn't discouraged from lack of speed, it's a life change, not a race. So why does this happen to me? It has been the case with me my whole life. Why?
I tried seeing a Christian counselor several months back with this being one of my big issues I wanted to work out and be done with. But after a few months, I was leaving the sessions knowing more about her family than what she was hearing about mine and often I felt judged and discouraged by her - so that was that. It was worth a try, right? I remember when I specifically brought this topic up and asked her why I can't seem to stick with it - why do I always go back to my unhealthy ways. She told me to, "Go home and read up on it and tell her next time what I found out." I did just that with the main point that 'experts' make being that there is an unresolved issue that the obese person knows about that causes this. I told her, but that's the thing, I don't know. And that was the end of that. She offered me nothing!
So why? Why do I struggle to stay with this when I know it is for the best. Why could I face what can typically be a huge challenge like Thanksgiving and get through it without a single struggle and then another plain old day I just crumble?
Anyone hear me on this? Can anyone relate?
Well here's the thing, I'm not quitting. I'm not giving in. Week 47, or whatever it is, will not be the last for me. I want to lose 50 pounds, if I could lose even more, great; but 50 is a must. There's no race, no time limit. I want to get that weight off and keep it off.
I feel like I do many things well. Good even; but nothing great. I want to succeed at this. I need to succeed at this.
I'm not trying to be hard on myself, just honest and real. This is where I am at week 47.
Here are my goals this week:
Sign in to SparkPeople every morning.
Track my food, even when it isn't all good.
Drink 6 glasses of water a day.
NOT give up!!!
It's time to get my nightly cup of tea. Good night friends!
PS ~ My 5 year old son chose a slip of paper from the 6 entries into "I AM THANKFUL" who stuck with the challenge. I'm heading over to verify that they made 26 entries. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.
Monday, November 1, 2010
November goals and Week 45
Happy November everyone!!
As this month was approaching I was feeling as though I'm in need of something fresh. No, I'm not typing this with a wink. I mean that I feel as though my blog is stale and that the multitude (ok, 3 or 4) of regular readers may be ready for something new.
This being the month of Thanksgiving, I am going to write about something I am thankful for every day leading up to the holiday otherwise known as 'turkey day'. Heavens knows that I have much to be thankful for, big and small, and so I will be writing of all of the blessings for which I am truly thankful!
'I Am Thankful For..' Day 1:
Today I will write of that for which I am most thankful (please note, going forward I will not be writing in any order), my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
I am so thankful for Jesus and my faith in Him as it's as much a part of me as my heart, or lungs. He is a part of all that I do, say, think. I am of course, not perfect, but even when I fall short, I turn to Him for reproof and restoration.
In good times I know to whom all credit should go (every good and perfect gift is from above) and in bad times He gives guidance, wisdom and comfort as no other (the peace that passes all understanding).
I could truly write pages and pages on why I am thankful for my faith, but I will summarize with this statement: He is everything to me! Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Would you like to join me in my "I Am Thankful" challenge? Look for a post later today!!
Last week was a stressful one. Stress if part of each of our every day lives though, is it not? It's all in how we handle it. I must be honest and confess that for one day I lost it. By the next day, I was able to allow God's peace to comfort me. It's not that His peace wasnt there the day before, but rather that I didn't allow it in. (dope!)
I only got in 5 miles of exercise. But that is better than no exercise so I wont beat myself up over that. Water, sleep and eating were all... so-so. Not bad one day, not good the next.
I've been in such a slump over the last few months. I don't want to be slumpish any more. I want to pull it together folks! My "It's Time" has fallen away from time for me and I'm backsliding into putting me and what is good for my wellbeing into last place once again. Why do I do this? Do I find this a 'safe' place to be? Does putting myself last mean that I don't have to expect much of myself? Hmmm... Makes one think.
Surprisingly, I lost .2 pounds this week. It's a loss - I'll take it!! But honestly, not so sure I deserved a loss at all. Just keepin' it real.
My goals for today: (Because sometimes, that's how we need to roll. Day by day.)
1. Drink at least 4 - 8 oz glasses of water.
2. Exercise for at least 1 mile. (yippee I did 2 miles!)
3. Track and eat within my caloric/fat/protien/carb ranges.
4. Get my quiet time in (time reading God's word and praying)
5. Get to bed by no later than 11:15 pm.
Ultimately, my goals for the month:
1. Post about something I am thankful for each day!!
2. Get my quiet time in at least 5 times per week.
3. Lose 4 pounds (totally realistic!)
4. Exercise at least 3 days a week.
5. Do something nice for myself once a week. Doesn't have to be anything big.
Have a great week everyone!!
As this month was approaching I was feeling as though I'm in need of something fresh. No, I'm not typing this with a wink. I mean that I feel as though my blog is stale and that the multitude (ok, 3 or 4) of regular readers may be ready for something new.
This being the month of Thanksgiving, I am going to write about something I am thankful for every day leading up to the holiday otherwise known as 'turkey day'. Heavens knows that I have much to be thankful for, big and small, and so I will be writing of all of the blessings for which I am truly thankful!
'I Am Thankful For..' Day 1:
Today I will write of that for which I am most thankful (please note, going forward I will not be writing in any order), my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
I am so thankful for Jesus and my faith in Him as it's as much a part of me as my heart, or lungs. He is a part of all that I do, say, think. I am of course, not perfect, but even when I fall short, I turn to Him for reproof and restoration.
In good times I know to whom all credit should go (every good and perfect gift is from above) and in bad times He gives guidance, wisdom and comfort as no other (the peace that passes all understanding).
I could truly write pages and pages on why I am thankful for my faith, but I will summarize with this statement: He is everything to me! Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Would you like to join me in my "I Am Thankful" challenge? Look for a post later today!!
Last week was a stressful one. Stress if part of each of our every day lives though, is it not? It's all in how we handle it. I must be honest and confess that for one day I lost it. By the next day, I was able to allow God's peace to comfort me. It's not that His peace wasnt there the day before, but rather that I didn't allow it in. (dope!)
I only got in 5 miles of exercise. But that is better than no exercise so I wont beat myself up over that. Water, sleep and eating were all... so-so. Not bad one day, not good the next.
I've been in such a slump over the last few months. I don't want to be slumpish any more. I want to pull it together folks! My "It's Time" has fallen away from time for me and I'm backsliding into putting me and what is good for my wellbeing into last place once again. Why do I do this? Do I find this a 'safe' place to be? Does putting myself last mean that I don't have to expect much of myself? Hmmm... Makes one think.
Surprisingly, I lost .2 pounds this week. It's a loss - I'll take it!! But honestly, not so sure I deserved a loss at all. Just keepin' it real.
My goals for today: (Because sometimes, that's how we need to roll. Day by day.)
1. Drink at least 4 - 8 oz glasses of water.
2. Exercise for at least 1 mile. (yippee I did 2 miles!)
3. Track and eat within my caloric/fat/protien/carb ranges.
4. Get my quiet time in (time reading God's word and praying)
5. Get to bed by no later than 11:15 pm.
Ultimately, my goals for the month:
1. Post about something I am thankful for each day!!
2. Get my quiet time in at least 5 times per week.
3. Lose 4 pounds (totally realistic!)
4. Exercise at least 3 days a week.
5. Do something nice for myself once a week. Doesn't have to be anything big.
Have a great week everyone!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Week 35
So last night I was thinking (it happens!).. Looking over the past 7-8 months I have come to the conclusion that as the months have gone on I've lost my passion, or it may be more aptly put to say, my direction for my "it's time" life change.
Each year I choose a word or phrase to sum up my goal for the year. This year I had chosen "It's Time". Since becoming a wife and mother the vast majority of my attention and efforts have gone to my husband and boys. Sound familiar anyone? Then with school, Scouts and of course church there was just nothing left for me. I always felt tired and run down. If anyone asked what I wanted, I never had an answer. I never allowed myself to think on my needs or desires. I wanted this to be the year I began adding myself back into the equation.
If I don't take care of myself, how can I do anything else well? If I do not take care of myself I get in the way of what the Lord would have me do. It's easy to confuse selflessness with neglect of oneself. I had in fact been neglecting myself to the detriment of all of those around me; even if they did not realize it. And let me be clear, I did this to myself. No blame game here.
So here I am 8 months into the journey and 40 pounds lighter (yeah!).. But I've become a bit stagnant. The weight isn't dropping off - but hey, I'm not gaining either. I haven't been making any strides toward my goals or improving myself in other areas. Can't say that I've been really spending any time on myself. And what I've been giving to the Lord this summer has really been sloppy seconds at best!
I need a revival!! I need to get out of this funk!! I'm sick of this 'blahhh' feeling. My mind runs at a thousand, no, make that a million thoughts per minute, but it gets me nowhere. I need to focus. I need to write out some new goals.
YES - that's it! I need to rewrite my goals!! Maybe this is something that should be done every 6 months or so. Let's face it, a lot can happen in 6 months and that may be the perfect time to reevaluate where I've been and where I'm going.
There it is. My goal for the week. I will rewrite my goals and objectives through the end of the year. At that time, I'll need to write new goals (and come up with a new word/phrase for 2011).
Have any of you faced this? A season of 'blahhh'. Lost your focus/determination? What helped you to get back on track? Remember, this isn't a race or a diet. This is permanent. A total life change.
It's time to do the laundry. The mountain never lets me lose sight of that task :)
Have a great week everyone!!
Each year I choose a word or phrase to sum up my goal for the year. This year I had chosen "It's Time". Since becoming a wife and mother the vast majority of my attention and efforts have gone to my husband and boys. Sound familiar anyone? Then with school, Scouts and of course church there was just nothing left for me. I always felt tired and run down. If anyone asked what I wanted, I never had an answer. I never allowed myself to think on my needs or desires. I wanted this to be the year I began adding myself back into the equation.
If I don't take care of myself, how can I do anything else well? If I do not take care of myself I get in the way of what the Lord would have me do. It's easy to confuse selflessness with neglect of oneself. I had in fact been neglecting myself to the detriment of all of those around me; even if they did not realize it. And let me be clear, I did this to myself. No blame game here.
So here I am 8 months into the journey and 40 pounds lighter (yeah!).. But I've become a bit stagnant. The weight isn't dropping off - but hey, I'm not gaining either. I haven't been making any strides toward my goals or improving myself in other areas. Can't say that I've been really spending any time on myself. And what I've been giving to the Lord this summer has really been sloppy seconds at best!
I need a revival!! I need to get out of this funk!! I'm sick of this 'blahhh' feeling. My mind runs at a thousand, no, make that a million thoughts per minute, but it gets me nowhere. I need to focus. I need to write out some new goals.
YES - that's it! I need to rewrite my goals!! Maybe this is something that should be done every 6 months or so. Let's face it, a lot can happen in 6 months and that may be the perfect time to reevaluate where I've been and where I'm going.
There it is. My goal for the week. I will rewrite my goals and objectives through the end of the year. At that time, I'll need to write new goals (and come up with a new word/phrase for 2011).
Have any of you faced this? A season of 'blahhh'. Lost your focus/determination? What helped you to get back on track? Remember, this isn't a race or a diet. This is permanent. A total life change.
It's time to do the laundry. The mountain never lets me lose sight of that task :)
Have a great week everyone!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Week 34 - WooHoo!
Last Thursday I went to a meeting that I had been invited to by my sister-in-law's sister (well that's a mouthful, especially when I've known her since I was 13 so she's more like family herself). She has lost 64 pounds with WW and kept it off for like a year now!! Amazing, hugh?! So she and another gal got together and invited some gals to come to another woman's home to talk about health and nutrition. Oh, and some material motivation!! I've started in on round two and here's how it goes...
We'll meet 5 times over an 8 week period. We will weigh in (only one person will see our weight, phew) each of those 5 nights. Each evening will have a topic based on health and wellness. We will not follow any set program - some people are on WW, some use an on-line tool like Sparkpeople and others are just doing their own thing. At the end of the 8 weeks the person who's lost the largest % of body weight will win a cash prize! (2nd and 3rd do as well) Here's the really amazing part - the fee is just a one time payment of $20 per person. So the gals running it are doing it for free!! Can you imagine anyone doing anything for free these days? How cool!!!
Also, a lot of the gals are Christian wich is so nice because I won't have people look at me like I'm odd when I keep quoting, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." No siree! Nope, they have plenty of other reasons to look at me like I'm odd, but that wont be the reason. : )
So we had yet another birthday this past weekend; my husbands. We had a great weekend with..um.. great food.. But seriously, I really did quite well. Yes, I had a piece of cake, but it was a small one (nothing to rival that ice cream from vacation that's for sure!!) I was also out moving quite a bit. But I am sad to say that I didn't get any cardio in : ( All in all I'd say I did ok last week.
What pray-tell was my scale going to reveal to me this morning? Bad week the prior week, not too bad this... It could go up down or sideways... Thankfully, amazingly, it went down!!! Down by 4 pounds!!!
Do you know what this means???????????
40 POUNDS LOST!!! Yippeeeee!!!
So how am I going to celebrate? Well honestly, I think the real celebration after so many tough weeks is the motivation it gave me to press on. I went right down stairs and did my 30 minutes of cardio (to which I added weights might I add), and my eating and water intake have been great! Praying these good vibes keep me truckin' on the healthy highway!!
This weeks goals:
I want to get in at least 3 x 30 minute cardio workouts and I really want to get back to getting my 8 - 8 oz glasses of water a day! I also want to improve my consistancy in tracking my food.
Prayer requests:
Continued ambition
Job
Women's Ministry activities (I head the Women's Ministry team at church and we're heading into our busy season - LOTS going on!! FYI - In the Massachusetts area? I'll be speaking at a fun women's event at our church on Sept. 24th @ 7pm Contact me for info!
It's time for me to fetch my little man a snack. Me too I think. I'm gonna try FiberOne's new 90 calorie bars. I'll let you know how they are.
I'm feeling great - hope you all are too!!!
We'll meet 5 times over an 8 week period. We will weigh in (only one person will see our weight, phew) each of those 5 nights. Each evening will have a topic based on health and wellness. We will not follow any set program - some people are on WW, some use an on-line tool like Sparkpeople and others are just doing their own thing. At the end of the 8 weeks the person who's lost the largest % of body weight will win a cash prize! (2nd and 3rd do as well) Here's the really amazing part - the fee is just a one time payment of $20 per person. So the gals running it are doing it for free!! Can you imagine anyone doing anything for free these days? How cool!!!
Also, a lot of the gals are Christian wich is so nice because I won't have people look at me like I'm odd when I keep quoting, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." No siree! Nope, they have plenty of other reasons to look at me like I'm odd, but that wont be the reason. : )
So we had yet another birthday this past weekend; my husbands. We had a great weekend with..um.. great food.. But seriously, I really did quite well. Yes, I had a piece of cake, but it was a small one (nothing to rival that ice cream from vacation that's for sure!!) I was also out moving quite a bit. But I am sad to say that I didn't get any cardio in : ( All in all I'd say I did ok last week.
What pray-tell was my scale going to reveal to me this morning? Bad week the prior week, not too bad this... It could go up down or sideways... Thankfully, amazingly, it went down!!! Down by 4 pounds!!!
Do you know what this means???????????
40 POUNDS LOST!!! Yippeeeee!!!
So how am I going to celebrate? Well honestly, I think the real celebration after so many tough weeks is the motivation it gave me to press on. I went right down stairs and did my 30 minutes of cardio (to which I added weights might I add), and my eating and water intake have been great! Praying these good vibes keep me truckin' on the healthy highway!!
This weeks goals:
I want to get in at least 3 x 30 minute cardio workouts and I really want to get back to getting my 8 - 8 oz glasses of water a day! I also want to improve my consistancy in tracking my food.
Prayer requests:
Continued ambition
Job
Women's Ministry activities (I head the Women's Ministry team at church and we're heading into our busy season - LOTS going on!! FYI - In the Massachusetts area? I'll be speaking at a fun women's event at our church on Sept. 24th @ 7pm Contact me for info!
It's time for me to fetch my little man a snack. Me too I think. I'm gonna try FiberOne's new 90 calorie bars. I'll let you know how they are.
I'm feeling great - hope you all are too!!!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Week 33
THANK YOU to all of you for your support and encouragement as I've been battling these last few weeks to not allow myself to throw in the towel. Your encouragement really means so much to me!!
Last week was lots of fun!! We went up to New Hampshire with my sister and sister-in-law to take the kids to Storyland. The drive up wasn't too bad (except for the cramps in my legs as we had to squeeze bags under my legs due to lack of car space), especially by the time we got into the White Mountains (beautiful!!!!!!) ears poppin' and all. The weather was pretty terrific the whole time and even the motel we stayed in was great! (Seriously, a great motel - I can't say as I usually pair those two words together)
Storyland was lots of fun! There's nothing better than seeing your kids laughing and squealing and just having a blast!!! The nice thing for me was that it helped me to get tons of walking in.
The only non-terrific part was my food choices. On one hand, ya it was vacation. But on the other, I still could have enjoyed some treats without going whole hog. And I do mean whole hog!! Take a look at this:
Yup, that's me scarfing down a gallon and a half of ice cream in the billion calories chocolate and nut covered 'cone'. I will say, this was amazing!!!!!! But I felt like I had eaten incredibly delicious lead afterwards. Was it ok to have ice cream? Sure! But did I really need have that much? And the cone.. seriously?? (Ok, it was fabulous!!)
But hey, what's done is done. So what am I going to do to help myself going forward so I can get back on track and stop the whole pointless self-loathing thing? Well I tell ya, I've got a plan!!
My sister-in-law's sister has lost 60 pounds and looks amazing!! She and another gal have started a group that meets for five weeks (meeting every other week) at one of their homes where they have a talk about healthy living and do a weigh in. The cost is a onetime fee of $20. At the end of the 5 weeks cash prizes are awarded for those who have lost the greatest percentage of body fat. So, informative supportive classes and a contest? I'm there baby!! You don't have to follow any special program; it's about learning to lead a healthy life - not dieting (which I am superdeduper against 'diets'). Weigh in is this Thursday. Nervous about getting on the scale in front of someone, but excited to have new motivation!! I'll keep you posted on how it's going.
This week... sigh... I'm still trying to get back to the basics. It's hard quite frankly. It's a busy time of year (she types rolling her eyes knowing how ridiculous it sounds considering the whole summer has been busy). Time to get ready for back to school (my baby is going to Kindergarten and my big guy is off to 3rd grade!), all of the Women's Ministry activities are back in swing (more to come on this), still searching for what the Lord would have me do for work (please continue to pray).... But back to basics it must be!
What did the scale say this week you may wonder... Nothing.. Well actually it said "you stayed the same - try again next week". Ok, not actually. No worries, I don't think the scale is 'speaking to me', but I did stay the same. I'll take it. Better than a gain!
I hope you all have great weeks ahead making great choices!
It's time to get the boys ready and packed for a swimming day at the pool!
Last week was lots of fun!! We went up to New Hampshire with my sister and sister-in-law to take the kids to Storyland. The drive up wasn't too bad (except for the cramps in my legs as we had to squeeze bags under my legs due to lack of car space), especially by the time we got into the White Mountains (beautiful!!!!!!) ears poppin' and all. The weather was pretty terrific the whole time and even the motel we stayed in was great! (Seriously, a great motel - I can't say as I usually pair those two words together)
Storyland was lots of fun! There's nothing better than seeing your kids laughing and squealing and just having a blast!!! The nice thing for me was that it helped me to get tons of walking in.
The only non-terrific part was my food choices. On one hand, ya it was vacation. But on the other, I still could have enjoyed some treats without going whole hog. And I do mean whole hog!! Take a look at this:
Yup, that's me scarfing down a gallon and a half of ice cream in the billion calories chocolate and nut covered 'cone'. I will say, this was amazing!!!!!! But I felt like I had eaten incredibly delicious lead afterwards. Was it ok to have ice cream? Sure! But did I really need have that much? And the cone.. seriously?? (Ok, it was fabulous!!)
But hey, what's done is done. So what am I going to do to help myself going forward so I can get back on track and stop the whole pointless self-loathing thing? Well I tell ya, I've got a plan!!
My sister-in-law's sister has lost 60 pounds and looks amazing!! She and another gal have started a group that meets for five weeks (meeting every other week) at one of their homes where they have a talk about healthy living and do a weigh in. The cost is a onetime fee of $20. At the end of the 5 weeks cash prizes are awarded for those who have lost the greatest percentage of body fat. So, informative supportive classes and a contest? I'm there baby!! You don't have to follow any special program; it's about learning to lead a healthy life - not dieting (which I am superdeduper against 'diets'). Weigh in is this Thursday. Nervous about getting on the scale in front of someone, but excited to have new motivation!! I'll keep you posted on how it's going.
This week... sigh... I'm still trying to get back to the basics. It's hard quite frankly. It's a busy time of year (she types rolling her eyes knowing how ridiculous it sounds considering the whole summer has been busy). Time to get ready for back to school (my baby is going to Kindergarten and my big guy is off to 3rd grade!), all of the Women's Ministry activities are back in swing (more to come on this), still searching for what the Lord would have me do for work (please continue to pray).... But back to basics it must be!
What did the scale say this week you may wonder... Nothing.. Well actually it said "you stayed the same - try again next week". Ok, not actually. No worries, I don't think the scale is 'speaking to me', but I did stay the same. I'll take it. Better than a gain!
I hope you all have great weeks ahead making great choices!
It's time to get the boys ready and packed for a swimming day at the pool!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Week 31
Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend, I sure did!
Both Friday and Saturday we spent the whole day at my sister's pool. The weather was sunny and warm without being oppressive, which was lovely! There was lots of food!! My sister's neighbor made me some birthday Boston cream cup cakes which were absolutely delicious and guilt free (dontcha love it when those two forces combine?). I'll need to get the recipe from her and share it with you.
Our boys spent the night with Aunties and my husband took me out to dinner and then dancing... sort of. We went to dinner at one of my favorite restraints, Bertucci's. I'd love to tell you I had water and salad, but alas... I had two rolls (their rolls and dipping oil are the best ever!!) and then for dinner (I hope you don't gain anything just listening to this fatty dish I had) I had the tortellini and chicken gratinatti. Oh my!!! I will say that I was at least pleased to learn that I can't eat as much of this as I could have at this time last year. I did feel guilty eating it - but then I said to myself, "Hey, it's your birthday. Enjoy yourself and then move on." And move on we did to dancing... sort of..
My husband had found this event advertised on the state web site. It was a 1940's night at the Memorial hall a few towns away to benefit a local church. There was a 16 piece band, a picture girl, and a 'cigarette' girl (she really sold gum and candy). We were moved to floor seating since it was my birthday which was very nice of the organizer! Before we got married (it will be 10 years in December) we took dance lessons at Arthur Murrays. I LOVED it! So fun and great exercise!!! But after the introductory sessions and then the 1st package the rates became ridiculously expensive so we had to stop. So there we were with our 10 year old dance lessons on the dance floor with all of these folks who clearly hadn't let their lessons get stale. "Excuse me. .. Sorry... Pardon us..." was uttered by my husband time and time again as we tried to navigate the dance floor like fish trying to swim against the current. Yeah, after just one foxtrot I was feeling way too insecure to try to get out there again. :( But I still enjoyed listening to the band!! I love old music!!!
So what's the damage done after all of this birthday frivolity? 2 pounds.. ugh! 2 pound gain. I so want to say, oh well, it's a new week. But this is vacation week and we'll be going away for a few days. I'm hoping all of the walking around the amusement park will be a big help and I'm packing healthy snacks and breakfasts.
I said last week that I wanted to hit the 50 pound mark by the end of August. I just don't know if that's a reasonable goal. It would mean losing 12 pounds between now and then with vacation happening this week. Hmm...
I do need to give myself a little pat on the back for getting my exercise in last week. Even with all that was going on I did at least get my cardio in every other day! Also, let's hear it for non-scale-victories. I received many compliments from family who hadn't seen me in a few months as well as folks at church that I hadn't seen in a few weeks. I have to admit, it really is nice to know that the hard work is noticeable. I am posting a new picture as I've been slacking in this department. I may add a photo page to make it easier to see my progress.
So friends, how has your summer been going? Do you find it easier to stay on track during the summer or the other seasons? (I have to vote for the other seasons)
It's time to get ready to go shopping for our trip. Have a great week everyone!!
** Progress In Pictures page has been added!!
Both Friday and Saturday we spent the whole day at my sister's pool. The weather was sunny and warm without being oppressive, which was lovely! There was lots of food!! My sister's neighbor made me some birthday Boston cream cup cakes which were absolutely delicious and guilt free (dontcha love it when those two forces combine?). I'll need to get the recipe from her and share it with you.
Our boys spent the night with Aunties and my husband took me out to dinner and then dancing... sort of. We went to dinner at one of my favorite restraints, Bertucci's. I'd love to tell you I had water and salad, but alas... I had two rolls (their rolls and dipping oil are the best ever!!) and then for dinner (I hope you don't gain anything just listening to this fatty dish I had) I had the tortellini and chicken gratinatti. Oh my!!! I will say that I was at least pleased to learn that I can't eat as much of this as I could have at this time last year. I did feel guilty eating it - but then I said to myself, "Hey, it's your birthday. Enjoy yourself and then move on." And move on we did to dancing... sort of..
My husband had found this event advertised on the state web site. It was a 1940's night at the Memorial hall a few towns away to benefit a local church. There was a 16 piece band, a picture girl, and a 'cigarette' girl (she really sold gum and candy). We were moved to floor seating since it was my birthday which was very nice of the organizer! Before we got married (it will be 10 years in December) we took dance lessons at Arthur Murrays. I LOVED it! So fun and great exercise!!! But after the introductory sessions and then the 1st package the rates became ridiculously expensive so we had to stop. So there we were with our 10 year old dance lessons on the dance floor with all of these folks who clearly hadn't let their lessons get stale. "Excuse me. .. Sorry... Pardon us..." was uttered by my husband time and time again as we tried to navigate the dance floor like fish trying to swim against the current. Yeah, after just one foxtrot I was feeling way too insecure to try to get out there again. :( But I still enjoyed listening to the band!! I love old music!!!
So what's the damage done after all of this birthday frivolity? 2 pounds.. ugh! 2 pound gain. I so want to say, oh well, it's a new week. But this is vacation week and we'll be going away for a few days. I'm hoping all of the walking around the amusement park will be a big help and I'm packing healthy snacks and breakfasts.
I said last week that I wanted to hit the 50 pound mark by the end of August. I just don't know if that's a reasonable goal. It would mean losing 12 pounds between now and then with vacation happening this week. Hmm...
I do need to give myself a little pat on the back for getting my exercise in last week. Even with all that was going on I did at least get my cardio in every other day! Also, let's hear it for non-scale-victories. I received many compliments from family who hadn't seen me in a few months as well as folks at church that I hadn't seen in a few weeks. I have to admit, it really is nice to know that the hard work is noticeable. I am posting a new picture as I've been slacking in this department. I may add a photo page to make it easier to see my progress.
So friends, how has your summer been going? Do you find it easier to stay on track during the summer or the other seasons? (I have to vote for the other seasons)
It's time to get ready to go shopping for our trip. Have a great week everyone!!
** Progress In Pictures page has been added!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Yuck With a Silver Lining
New week off to a pretty good start!
I exercised yesterday, and boy did I feel the month 'holiday'. But, I did it. And I did the whole program without stopping or whimping out and dropping my flabby 'bat-winged' arms.
My eating was good also and I tracked it! Totally should have had more water though. Will work on that today.
At the end of my weekly post I noted I had just got some yucky news and indeed, it was yucky-yuck-yuck! It's still yuck, but there was a bit of a silver lining. This being the case - "Thank you Lord for making this less hurtful than it could be and for reminding me of who is in control!"
Encouraged to have another good day today!!
It's Time for tea and laundry...
I exercised yesterday, and boy did I feel the month 'holiday'. But, I did it. And I did the whole program without stopping or whimping out and dropping my flabby 'bat-winged' arms.
My eating was good also and I tracked it! Totally should have had more water though. Will work on that today.
At the end of my weekly post I noted I had just got some yucky news and indeed, it was yucky-yuck-yuck! It's still yuck, but there was a bit of a silver lining. This being the case - "Thank you Lord for making this less hurtful than it could be and for reminding me of who is in control!"
Encouraged to have another good day today!!
It's Time for tea and laundry...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Week 30
One day on track, next day riding the shoulder, then on track, then down in a ditch. It's been a bumpy ride friends!! A ride which has been filled with cake (wedding, birthday), rich meals, extra snacks, even potato chips and dip!! Uggg! Please let me be clear that I am all for treats, but not the frequency and quantity to which I have been indulging these past two weeks. Even the moon gets full people!
But today is a new day and the start of a new week and I'm ready to get back to reality! Well at least in regards to eating and exercise. In fact, as I am writing this I am eating a very juicey plum (that I'm eating in very herky-jerky movements in order to not drip all over the key pad) and I already did two miles with Leslie!
Being this encouraged about getting back to normal ('back to'?.. have I ever been 'normal' to begin with??), I am issuing myself a "Get out of weighing free card" so that I don't focus on the past. I can not undo what's been done so there is no use dwelling on it.
I'm setting a goal for myself for August. By the end of August I would like to have lost a total of 50 pounds! At last count, I was down 39 pounds. This means that I have 36 days to drop 11 pounds. Considering how slow my progress has been over the last few months (read - almost a stand-still) this is a challenge, and yet I think completely doable! Thank you all for all of your encouragment thus far, and I'm sure I'll be cherishing your virtual cheers over the next couple of weeks to get this done!
So this week it's back to logging my food, getting my water in, exercise, etc...
Yuck - just got some rotten news...
Have a good week everyone!!
But today is a new day and the start of a new week and I'm ready to get back to reality! Well at least in regards to eating and exercise. In fact, as I am writing this I am eating a very juicey plum (that I'm eating in very herky-jerky movements in order to not drip all over the key pad) and I already did two miles with Leslie!
Being this encouraged about getting back to normal ('back to'?.. have I ever been 'normal' to begin with??), I am issuing myself a "Get out of weighing free card" so that I don't focus on the past. I can not undo what's been done so there is no use dwelling on it.
I'm setting a goal for myself for August. By the end of August I would like to have lost a total of 50 pounds! At last count, I was down 39 pounds. This means that I have 36 days to drop 11 pounds. Considering how slow my progress has been over the last few months (read - almost a stand-still) this is a challenge, and yet I think completely doable! Thank you all for all of your encouragment thus far, and I'm sure I'll be cherishing your virtual cheers over the next couple of weeks to get this done!
So this week it's back to logging my food, getting my water in, exercise, etc...
Yuck - just got some rotten news...
Have a good week everyone!!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Week 29
I'm late. I'm late for a very important post! Actually, not so important. Just my weekly update.
I'm still trying to recoup after my niece's wedding this past Saturday. I headed up on Friday with my sister and sister-in-law in order to put the cake together and decorate it. It took much longer than I had expected (an additional 4.5 hours once up there), but it came out ok and the bride and groom were happy with it, so that's all that matters. This will be a post in and of itself I'm sure.
The wedding was wonderful!! My niece was stunning and the groom very handsome. I already made a 'wedding' post on my other blog.
I am thrilled to report that with all of the mindless eating that happened over the past week that the scale was merciful to me and I stayed the same. I'm just itchin for a loss at this point, but not discouaraged. I so need a revival of sorts to get me going!
Just came home from taking my boys to my sister's pool and I did a few laps so I feel good. Need to get myself back into the 'exercise routine'. One day at a time - that's my focus for this week.
Sorry - but this is going to be a short update at this point as I've got lost of unpacking to do. My sister-in-law and my new nephew's mom sent me home with 3 bags of clothes!! They have been doing Weight Watchers and they're doing a terrific job!! They lose weight, pass their old clothes on to me and then I will do the same. It's a beautiful thing!!
Oh, and by the way, I went with dress #1! I'll post a picture below. A big "thank you" to my sister-in-law Stacey for lending me a set of jewlery that matched the dress perfectly!!
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Let's all take it one day at a time and make good choices!
It's time to tackle the mountain in the living room and start dinner at the same time. (good thing we women can multi-task!)
I'm still trying to recoup after my niece's wedding this past Saturday. I headed up on Friday with my sister and sister-in-law in order to put the cake together and decorate it. It took much longer than I had expected (an additional 4.5 hours once up there), but it came out ok and the bride and groom were happy with it, so that's all that matters. This will be a post in and of itself I'm sure.
The wedding was wonderful!! My niece was stunning and the groom very handsome. I already made a 'wedding' post on my other blog.
I am thrilled to report that with all of the mindless eating that happened over the past week that the scale was merciful to me and I stayed the same. I'm just itchin for a loss at this point, but not discouaraged. I so need a revival of sorts to get me going!
Just came home from taking my boys to my sister's pool and I did a few laps so I feel good. Need to get myself back into the 'exercise routine'. One day at a time - that's my focus for this week.
Sorry - but this is going to be a short update at this point as I've got lost of unpacking to do. My sister-in-law and my new nephew's mom sent me home with 3 bags of clothes!! They have been doing Weight Watchers and they're doing a terrific job!! They lose weight, pass their old clothes on to me and then I will do the same. It's a beautiful thing!!
Oh, and by the way, I went with dress #1! I'll post a picture below. A big "thank you" to my sister-in-law Stacey for lending me a set of jewlery that matched the dress perfectly!!
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Let's all take it one day at a time and make good choices!
It's time to tackle the mountain in the living room and start dinner at the same time. (good thing we women can multi-task!)
Me and my handsome men.
Me and the happy couple.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Week 28
I don't know about your neck of the woods but it has been one HOT week here in Massachusetts!! (hmm..Imagine that - hot..in July.... ; ) My primary focus this past week was keeping cool. Lots of visits to my sister's pool, quick play time in the yard and then back into the AC. Is it just me, or does the heat zap you of your energy? I feel as if I've been moving in slow motion.
I tried some new products/recipes this week and returned to some old favorites. I've been on an 'ants on a log' kick at afternoon snack time (that's celery with low fat peanut butter and raisins in plain speek). I also hadn't had a veggie burger in ages - it tasted great! My favorite is Morning Star Mushroom Lovers. I am also really enjoying watermelon. Last year was such a ho-hum year for the super juicey fruit, but this year it's as flavorful as ever and I've been inhaling a plethera of it!!
So do you remember how last week I said that I was only 1 pound away from reaching 40 pounds? And do you remember me saying that I was so motivated to lose that one pound? Well you wouldn't know it by the way I ate this past week. Not that I was terrible - but I certainly did indulge more than I thought I would. I also was not dilagent in my tracking. Now I'm off to go see what the scale has to say...
I've stayed the same. Better than a gain! I try to say to myself that I'd rather take a long time and lose 60 pounds than lose 75 quickly and put it all back on again. The way I've been losing is a lifestyle I can mantaine. I'd rather lose 60 permanently than more only to gain it all back and then some. Hopefully I can reach the 40 pound mark next week!
It's time to bring my son to his summer program.
I tried some new products/recipes this week and returned to some old favorites. I've been on an 'ants on a log' kick at afternoon snack time (that's celery with low fat peanut butter and raisins in plain speek). I also hadn't had a veggie burger in ages - it tasted great! My favorite is Morning Star Mushroom Lovers. I am also really enjoying watermelon. Last year was such a ho-hum year for the super juicey fruit, but this year it's as flavorful as ever and I've been inhaling a plethera of it!!
So do you remember how last week I said that I was only 1 pound away from reaching 40 pounds? And do you remember me saying that I was so motivated to lose that one pound? Well you wouldn't know it by the way I ate this past week. Not that I was terrible - but I certainly did indulge more than I thought I would. I also was not dilagent in my tracking. Now I'm off to go see what the scale has to say...
I've stayed the same. Better than a gain! I try to say to myself that I'd rather take a long time and lose 60 pounds than lose 75 quickly and put it all back on again. The way I've been losing is a lifestyle I can mantaine. I'd rather lose 60 permanently than more only to gain it all back and then some. Hopefully I can reach the 40 pound mark next week!
It's time to bring my son to his summer program.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Week 27
Hello friends and welcome to week 27! Ahhh 27... that was a great age!!
Any how, back to reality and age 38... Is it harder to lose weight as we get older or what?! And another birthday is quickly approaching... Speaking of birthdays, this week my little man will turn 5! No more babies :( It's great to have the boys old enough to do things with and not have to shadown them at all times. Yet at the same time I miss my babies. I have always wanted 3, but I am thankful for the two wonderful young men the Lord has blessed us with. I LOVE my boys!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our summer days thus far have been filled with play dates, trips to the library and going to Auntie's pool (my boys personal favorite activity.. and mine too!). Both boys are learning to swim and I benefit from the exercise as well as visiting with my sister! It's a win win. I've even been able to wear a bathingsuit that I haven't worn since I first bought it nearly 8 years ago!
My niece's wedding is fast approaching and I have been relying on the fact that I can find a dress in my closet to suit. So this weekend I had a little fashion show and had the hubs take pictures of me in each dress to help me choose which to wear. The wedding will be held outside in the middle of July, so it needed to be something cool and not too formal. First I tried on the black and white number that still has tags on it... Too big. Then I tried on the cranberry dress that I wore for my husbands cousin's wedding 8 years ago... Too big. Next I tried another black and white dress that I actually bought to wear at her wedding (purchased back in September), sooo cute! TOO Big! Last I tried on a very pretty, but possibly too formal eggplant colored dress that I wore for a wedding at the end of last summer... Too big.
Ok, nice problem to have, but so disappointing! So now the hunt is on to find a 'not too formal', cool, inexpensive dress. Wish me luck ladies!
I would love to tell you that I met all of my goals for last week, but alas.. I didn't track. I didn't sleep enough. I didn't even drink enough water. But for some reason, I still lost a pound this week. (Thank you Lord!) This puts me at 39 pounds. One pound from the big 40 - THAT is my goal for this week! I want to reach 40 so badly - I want to change the little do-dad in the right hand margin to "40 pounds gone"!
So this week I will track both my food and exercise. I will get 7 hours sleep a night. I will drink more water. I will take care of me!!
I've also decided to start tracking my measurements. Wish I had done this earlier. My sister commented this week that I look even better than what the scale says. Who am I to argue? ; ) I'm hoping this will be another source of encouragement. I also checked up on my BMI. I started with a BMI of 43.9 YIKES! I'm now at 37.2 Not great obviously, but I'm very happy with a 6.7 drop!!
What are your measures of success aside from the scale?
Some of you have asked for a photo update. I'll try to get to that this week. Also, I just want to thank you all for your support and encouraging comments. It means so much to me - thank you!!
I wish you all a great week and make healthy choices!!
It's time to play some baseball with the boys.
Any how, back to reality and age 38... Is it harder to lose weight as we get older or what?! And another birthday is quickly approaching... Speaking of birthdays, this week my little man will turn 5! No more babies :( It's great to have the boys old enough to do things with and not have to shadown them at all times. Yet at the same time I miss my babies. I have always wanted 3, but I am thankful for the two wonderful young men the Lord has blessed us with. I LOVE my boys!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our summer days thus far have been filled with play dates, trips to the library and going to Auntie's pool (my boys personal favorite activity.. and mine too!). Both boys are learning to swim and I benefit from the exercise as well as visiting with my sister! It's a win win. I've even been able to wear a bathingsuit that I haven't worn since I first bought it nearly 8 years ago!
My niece's wedding is fast approaching and I have been relying on the fact that I can find a dress in my closet to suit. So this weekend I had a little fashion show and had the hubs take pictures of me in each dress to help me choose which to wear. The wedding will be held outside in the middle of July, so it needed to be something cool and not too formal. First I tried on the black and white number that still has tags on it... Too big. Then I tried on the cranberry dress that I wore for my husbands cousin's wedding 8 years ago... Too big. Next I tried another black and white dress that I actually bought to wear at her wedding (purchased back in September), sooo cute! TOO Big! Last I tried on a very pretty, but possibly too formal eggplant colored dress that I wore for a wedding at the end of last summer... Too big.
Ok, nice problem to have, but so disappointing! So now the hunt is on to find a 'not too formal', cool, inexpensive dress. Wish me luck ladies!
I would love to tell you that I met all of my goals for last week, but alas.. I didn't track. I didn't sleep enough. I didn't even drink enough water. But for some reason, I still lost a pound this week. (Thank you Lord!) This puts me at 39 pounds. One pound from the big 40 - THAT is my goal for this week! I want to reach 40 so badly - I want to change the little do-dad in the right hand margin to "40 pounds gone"!
So this week I will track both my food and exercise. I will get 7 hours sleep a night. I will drink more water. I will take care of me!!
I've also decided to start tracking my measurements. Wish I had done this earlier. My sister commented this week that I look even better than what the scale says. Who am I to argue? ; ) I'm hoping this will be another source of encouragement. I also checked up on my BMI. I started with a BMI of 43.9 YIKES! I'm now at 37.2 Not great obviously, but I'm very happy with a 6.7 drop!!
What are your measures of success aside from the scale?
Some of you have asked for a photo update. I'll try to get to that this week. Also, I just want to thank you all for your support and encouraging comments. It means so much to me - thank you!!
I wish you all a great week and make healthy choices!!
It's time to play some baseball with the boys.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Week 26
The heat is here and it brought it's unwelcomed friend, humidity with it!! Thank you Lord for centeral air conditioning!! Do I hear an 'amen'?
I plugged along last week but was completely consumed with recovering from one son's party the previous weekend while preparing for a family party on Saturday followed by my other son's birthday party on Sunday. So sadly, as great as parties are, I allowed the hustle and bustle of cleaning, shopping, cleaning, thank you card writing, cleaning, (you get the idea) to distract me from many of my good habits. There was no tracking. There was no excercise (other than all of the running around). And I squeeked in about 5 hours of sleep a night.
By the grace of God however, I did actually lose a pound this week for a total of 38 pounds lost!!!
My goal for this week is to just get back to basics.
Take the time to log my food.
Stay within my calorie/fat, etc. limits
Make sure I'm getting at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Get at least 7 hours sleep a night.
3 days of cardio (30 minutes each day).
I'm still job searching. Nothing yet. I've been spreading the word about my home preschool too. No bites yet. Please continue to pray for God's leading and that I would hear Him and follow. I know I need to wait on Him, but boy, I really don't like being in the 'wating room' I must confess.
I'm looking for a new low cal/low fat desert. Anyone have any good recipes? I'll be trying a few out and I'll review them for you with pics.
I hope you all have a good week - keep making healthy choices!!
It's time to switch the laundry over. Oh, and break up the fight that I hear beginning between my boys.
I plugged along last week but was completely consumed with recovering from one son's party the previous weekend while preparing for a family party on Saturday followed by my other son's birthday party on Sunday. So sadly, as great as parties are, I allowed the hustle and bustle of cleaning, shopping, cleaning, thank you card writing, cleaning, (you get the idea) to distract me from many of my good habits. There was no tracking. There was no excercise (other than all of the running around). And I squeeked in about 5 hours of sleep a night.
By the grace of God however, I did actually lose a pound this week for a total of 38 pounds lost!!!
My goal for this week is to just get back to basics.
Take the time to log my food.
Stay within my calorie/fat, etc. limits
Make sure I'm getting at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Get at least 7 hours sleep a night.
3 days of cardio (30 minutes each day).
I'm still job searching. Nothing yet. I've been spreading the word about my home preschool too. No bites yet. Please continue to pray for God's leading and that I would hear Him and follow. I know I need to wait on Him, but boy, I really don't like being in the 'wating room' I must confess.
I'm looking for a new low cal/low fat desert. Anyone have any good recipes? I'll be trying a few out and I'll review them for you with pics.
I hope you all have a good week - keep making healthy choices!!
It's time to switch the laundry over. Oh, and break up the fight that I hear beginning between my boys.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Week 25
Hello folks and welcome to summer!! Summer officially began this past weekend. Are you ready for it?
It's funny what our minds go to when we think, "Am I ready for summer?" Some may think about child care or family vacation plans. Others think of whether or not their bodies are 'beach ready' (thank goodness I don't go to the beach much ; ) Personally, I think, "Is the centeral ac up and running? Check!! Is the kids water slide ready for use? Check!" I hate to be really hot. Heat/sun doesn't agree with me. I get headaches.
That being said though, I love the summer because our schedules are far more relaxed (not completely though as son #1 goes to a summer program at school for all of July), and I get my boys home with me!! I know, many of you may think I'm deranged, but I love having the kids home!! I've already heard some moms talk about how they can't wait for September because their littlest ones will be in school. Personally, it makes me kind of sad to think of my youngest heading into Kindergarten. So I will savor this summer - especially since I do not know what the Lord has for me in regards to work. This could be my last summer home with my men : ( I will cherrish it!!
Well last week unfortunately did prove to be another sick week. Battled a horrible cold/sinus infection while still recovering from strep. And would you believe poor son #1 who brought strep back into the house 3 weeks ago is now complaining of a sore throat again?! Good thing we have his physical today!
Here's something I learned about myself last week. Even though I've had no sense of taste (husband would insert joke here) it has not curtailed my eating. Wouldn't you think that since I couldn't taste anything my craving for sweets would diminish? Nooooooo. Mind over matter baby! My mind remembers what everything tastes like and still wants it. Interesting....
The scale is holding steady this week. Better than a gain, but I would seriously like to get a move on. I don't tend to get impatient with weight loss, but this week I am just a bit. I'm telling myself all the positive things, "You've lost 37 pounds!! You didn't gain!! Your in smaller clothes!!", but still, just a wee bit frustrated this week. It's ok though, this is a life long journey so there's no race to win.
This week I'm hoping to get moving again!
Track my food.
Drink plenty of water.
Have fun with the kids!!!!
Whatever your plans are for this summer, I hope you have fun and enjoy yourself!!
It's time to get the guys ready for their doctors appointments. Have a great week!!!
It's funny what our minds go to when we think, "Am I ready for summer?" Some may think about child care or family vacation plans. Others think of whether or not their bodies are 'beach ready' (thank goodness I don't go to the beach much ; ) Personally, I think, "Is the centeral ac up and running? Check!! Is the kids water slide ready for use? Check!" I hate to be really hot. Heat/sun doesn't agree with me. I get headaches.
That being said though, I love the summer because our schedules are far more relaxed (not completely though as son #1 goes to a summer program at school for all of July), and I get my boys home with me!! I know, many of you may think I'm deranged, but I love having the kids home!! I've already heard some moms talk about how they can't wait for September because their littlest ones will be in school. Personally, it makes me kind of sad to think of my youngest heading into Kindergarten. So I will savor this summer - especially since I do not know what the Lord has for me in regards to work. This could be my last summer home with my men : ( I will cherrish it!!
Well last week unfortunately did prove to be another sick week. Battled a horrible cold/sinus infection while still recovering from strep. And would you believe poor son #1 who brought strep back into the house 3 weeks ago is now complaining of a sore throat again?! Good thing we have his physical today!
Here's something I learned about myself last week. Even though I've had no sense of taste (husband would insert joke here) it has not curtailed my eating. Wouldn't you think that since I couldn't taste anything my craving for sweets would diminish? Nooooooo. Mind over matter baby! My mind remembers what everything tastes like and still wants it. Interesting....
The scale is holding steady this week. Better than a gain, but I would seriously like to get a move on. I don't tend to get impatient with weight loss, but this week I am just a bit. I'm telling myself all the positive things, "You've lost 37 pounds!! You didn't gain!! Your in smaller clothes!!", but still, just a wee bit frustrated this week. It's ok though, this is a life long journey so there's no race to win.
This week I'm hoping to get moving again!
Track my food.
Drink plenty of water.
Have fun with the kids!!!!
Whatever your plans are for this summer, I hope you have fun and enjoy yourself!!
It's time to get the guys ready for their doctors appointments. Have a great week!!!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Week 24
Birthday parties, field day, wedding shower up in Maine... These are just a few of the great things that happened last week. Some I was able to attend, some I wasn't. I am unfortunately, sick again! (Seriously, I feel like throwing a little fit for myself! I have NO time to be sick!!) My boys brought strep back into the house and of course, mom's got it! I'm a little nervous that it is going to take the same path it did in March when strep turned into bronchitis bordering on pneumonia. Please pray for good health!!!
Despite all of the festivities and illness, I still did great this week!!! I kept away from the birthday cake. I feasted on fruit salad at the shower and on my trip up to Maine I had egg beaters and whole wheat toast at the diner. (Super cute diner done in 50's retro complete with oldies music. So fun!) But I also indulged a bit too. The favors at the shower were Oreos covered in white chocolate! Since it was a 'favor' for my niece, I felt compelled to eat one... or two.. : ) I mean after all, how could I refuse the bride a 'favor'? ; ) It was super yummy!
I got on the scale this morning hoping to meet the goal I had set for myself last week but knowing that I'd be good with anythiing that wasn't a gain. To my delight, I met my goal!! Down 2 pounds for a total weight loss of 37 pounds!! I think I should have pulled the scale back out again to see if I had lost another pound after the workout I got cleaning up the 100 rolls of toilet paper that came out at me like an avalanche when I opened the closet. It's nice to know we wont have to worry about 'sparing a square', but really dear, that pack of toilet paper is monsterous!!
The week ahead is CRAZY busy!!! It's the last week of school and the last week of the Preschool Enrichment program I do in my home daycare (only open during school season, do some part time in the summer). I have teacher's gifts to get, gifts for my Joyful Moments kids (my child care), projects for them to wrap up... Plus, Saturday is my youngest son's graduation from Preschool followed by my older son's birthday party (the one with his friends - family party is the following week). And let's not forget that next Sunday is Father's Day. Plus I'm facing a mountain of house work after being sick over the weekend. Still feel terrible, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
My goals for this week are to simply keep the program rolling. Too much going on to try to push myself. By the way, exercise was doing great until I got sick. I'm sure all we be well as soon as I'm healthy again.
By the way, my cc gave me an assigment to write my lifes mission statement. Oh well, if that's all! lol! I'll use my mission written in the right column of this blog as my jumping off point. Have you ever done that?
Well my mission for today is to try to start tackling all of the house work and projects that need to be done while still getting a little rest time in.
I hope you all have a wonderful week and make great choices!
It's time for me to reheat my tea... again.
Despite all of the festivities and illness, I still did great this week!!! I kept away from the birthday cake. I feasted on fruit salad at the shower and on my trip up to Maine I had egg beaters and whole wheat toast at the diner. (Super cute diner done in 50's retro complete with oldies music. So fun!) But I also indulged a bit too. The favors at the shower were Oreos covered in white chocolate! Since it was a 'favor' for my niece, I felt compelled to eat one... or two.. : ) I mean after all, how could I refuse the bride a 'favor'? ; ) It was super yummy!
I got on the scale this morning hoping to meet the goal I had set for myself last week but knowing that I'd be good with anythiing that wasn't a gain. To my delight, I met my goal!! Down 2 pounds for a total weight loss of 37 pounds!! I think I should have pulled the scale back out again to see if I had lost another pound after the workout I got cleaning up the 100 rolls of toilet paper that came out at me like an avalanche when I opened the closet. It's nice to know we wont have to worry about 'sparing a square', but really dear, that pack of toilet paper is monsterous!!
The week ahead is CRAZY busy!!! It's the last week of school and the last week of the Preschool Enrichment program I do in my home daycare (only open during school season, do some part time in the summer). I have teacher's gifts to get, gifts for my Joyful Moments kids (my child care), projects for them to wrap up... Plus, Saturday is my youngest son's graduation from Preschool followed by my older son's birthday party (the one with his friends - family party is the following week). And let's not forget that next Sunday is Father's Day. Plus I'm facing a mountain of house work after being sick over the weekend. Still feel terrible, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
My goals for this week are to simply keep the program rolling. Too much going on to try to push myself. By the way, exercise was doing great until I got sick. I'm sure all we be well as soon as I'm healthy again.
By the way, my cc gave me an assigment to write my lifes mission statement. Oh well, if that's all! lol! I'll use my mission written in the right column of this blog as my jumping off point. Have you ever done that?
Well my mission for today is to try to start tackling all of the house work and projects that need to be done while still getting a little rest time in.
I hope you all have a wonderful week and make great choices!
It's time for me to reheat my tea... again.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Week 23
Happy Monday everyone!
Mondays are such a pivotal day of the week, aren't they? Either you're dreading them, heading back to the ole' grind. Or you're happy to see it come around as it is ushering in a welcomed fresh start. Then in my case, it's 'the moment of truth', when I step on the scale to see how I've done over the past week. (Although, we all know that the scale is only one small piece of the health equation.)
However you are looking at this Monday, I hope it proves to be the beginning of a great week for you!!
Last week I finally, make that FINALLY, found my exercise mojo! I did a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio on Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sunday. Primarily I did the 2 mile 'walking' DVD by Leslie Sansone. If you are not familiar with her program, it's called 'walking' but it's really more like low impact aerobics as you're doing knee lifts, kick backs, etc. with upper body movement as well. What's nice is you can make it more or less intense by what you put into it. I began by just following along, and not doing the arms several weeks back. Now I do everything, plus add some extra umph by throwing in some moves from back in my days of living at the gym in my fluorescent short unitard with oversized tank shirt and matching scrunchie. (Ok, totally dating myself here! Anyone remember those outfits?) So if you're just getting started her program may be a great start for you. It's also good for intermediate - and she has more intense programs that I want to check out. I have a Biggest Loser DVD that I bought back in January that almost killed me after like2 seconds 5 minutes. I'd like to give this a try again and see if I can get through one 15 minute session. I believe it's the 'Jump Start' program. Watch out for anything that says 'jump start' because it really means you may need a difibulator to jump start your heart again! or at least have a tank of oxygen around.)
My water intake is right back in line! Big surprise right? Having trouble with getting enough water? How much are you exercising? The whole thing is a cycle. If you exercise, then you get thirsty and need to drink more and nothing satisfies thirst better than water. Then when it's time to eat, you're thinking there's no way you're blowing all of that hard work working out by eating a Twinkie. (Or whatever your Achillies heel is. Mine is actually pretty much any kind of sweet/baked good.) Another added benefit of exercise is it helps you to have more energy throughout the day, which then means that you're ready to sleep and you can't resist the call of the pillow at night.
Exercise was definitely the missing link for me. I would love to say that I love to exercise now. But I don't. I'll keep doing it though as the benefits far exceed any negative feelings. If I were to greet my exercise session it morning it would sound something like, "Hello Newman."
Ok - so I have to share a supper duper huge success this week. The hubs was talking about how he wished he had dropped some lbs by being up on the roof the previous week but he didn't lose anything at all. He then said what he weighs. For the first time like ever, I weigh less than him!!!!! Most of my friends weigh considerably less than their husbands so I know this may not seem like a big deal to them, but it is to me!! Yipppeee!!!
So last week I had gained 3 pounds, yikes! This week, I have lost those 3 pounds! So it's like losing a couple of weeks, but I'm cool with that. I don't normally set a weight loss goal for myself, but I really would like to lose 2 pounds this week. We'll see...
Week 23 goals:
Exercise at least 5 days
Track all food
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
Minimum of 7 hours sleep a night
Pray more, stress less (making good progress on this)
It's time to get dressed. I hope you all have a great week and make healthy choices!!
Mondays are such a pivotal day of the week, aren't they? Either you're dreading them, heading back to the ole' grind. Or you're happy to see it come around as it is ushering in a welcomed fresh start. Then in my case, it's 'the moment of truth', when I step on the scale to see how I've done over the past week. (Although, we all know that the scale is only one small piece of the health equation.)
However you are looking at this Monday, I hope it proves to be the beginning of a great week for you!!
Last week I finally, make that FINALLY, found my exercise mojo! I did a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio on Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sunday. Primarily I did the 2 mile 'walking' DVD by Leslie Sansone. If you are not familiar with her program, it's called 'walking' but it's really more like low impact aerobics as you're doing knee lifts, kick backs, etc. with upper body movement as well. What's nice is you can make it more or less intense by what you put into it. I began by just following along, and not doing the arms several weeks back. Now I do everything, plus add some extra umph by throwing in some moves from back in my days of living at the gym in my fluorescent short unitard with oversized tank shirt and matching scrunchie. (Ok, totally dating myself here! Anyone remember those outfits?) So if you're just getting started her program may be a great start for you. It's also good for intermediate - and she has more intense programs that I want to check out. I have a Biggest Loser DVD that I bought back in January that almost killed me after like
My water intake is right back in line! Big surprise right? Having trouble with getting enough water? How much are you exercising? The whole thing is a cycle. If you exercise, then you get thirsty and need to drink more and nothing satisfies thirst better than water. Then when it's time to eat, you're thinking there's no way you're blowing all of that hard work working out by eating a Twinkie. (Or whatever your Achillies heel is. Mine is actually pretty much any kind of sweet/baked good.) Another added benefit of exercise is it helps you to have more energy throughout the day, which then means that you're ready to sleep and you can't resist the call of the pillow at night.
Exercise was definitely the missing link for me. I would love to say that I love to exercise now. But I don't. I'll keep doing it though as the benefits far exceed any negative feelings. If I were to greet my exercise session it morning it would sound something like, "Hello Newman."
Ok - so I have to share a supper duper huge success this week. The hubs was talking about how he wished he had dropped some lbs by being up on the roof the previous week but he didn't lose anything at all. He then said what he weighs. For the first time like ever, I weigh less than him!!!!! Most of my friends weigh considerably less than their husbands so I know this may not seem like a big deal to them, but it is to me!! Yipppeee!!!
So last week I had gained 3 pounds, yikes! This week, I have lost those 3 pounds! So it's like losing a couple of weeks, but I'm cool with that. I don't normally set a weight loss goal for myself, but I really would like to lose 2 pounds this week. We'll see...
Week 23 goals:
Exercise at least 5 days
Track all food
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
Minimum of 7 hours sleep a night
Pray more, stress less (making good progress on this)
It's time to get dressed. I hope you all have a great week and make healthy choices!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Week 22
Do over - Do over!!!
Do you ever wish you could just call a 'do-over' of your week? If it were possible, I'd call one for last week. However, we do not live on the great kick-ball field of life, so I'll just put on my big girl panties (that are a size smaller thank you very much) and face the music.
Last week was a crazy week (the hubs reroofed our house with help, people in and out - praise God for the help and the good weather) and my diet reflected it. Let's call it what it is, bad choices. But I shant dwell on the past. No, I shall not. Rather, let me tell you about how week 23 is starting off...
This morning I popped in my Leslie Sansone tape for the first time in eons. By 6:45 am I had logged just over 2 miles and had sore thighs to prove it. Hours have gone by now and I feel great!! Hoping to do this 2 - 3 more times this week!
I have also tracked my food, something I really avoided last week. Tracking my food intake is absolutely crutial for me!!! I love SparkPeople for this (and it's free, holllaaaaaa). It's so convicting to write in what you have consumed, even when you don't want to admit it to yourself. Not to mention, it's a great way to track the nutrients you've had to keep your diet healthy.
I am bound and determined to hit the sack by no later than 11:00 pm this week which will give me 7 hours sleep. Sure, I'd like to say I'll be in bed by 10:00, but who do I think I'd be kidding? I will resist you my late night friends. You just keep that adorable Scottish accent to yourself Mr. Ferguson!
Ok, news on the job front. I recieved a call last week to interview for a church office administrator (part time). They had recieved 92 resumes and chose 6 people to interview. This made me feel great! I went and interviewed on Wednesday and it went great. I wasn't nervous at all and it felt like I did really well. This morning I received a message from the pastor that she would like to meet with me. (The Pastor was to be given 3 candidates to interview and then choose one from the 3). PROBLEM - After summer child care ($$) and putting our youngest son in full day Kindergarten ($3,200) I would only make about $5,000 for the whole year.... PROBLEM 2 - I am not in agreement with some of the churches theology. Some think this should not be an issue, but I feel that if it isn't a church I'd attend, then I shouldn't be working there... seems a little hypocritical. So I'm going to have to call in a bit and turn the position down. : ( I really think I'd enjoy that kind of position.. but the timing and specifics are off. Please continue to pray that God would either direct me to the right job outside of the home, or that He would bring just the right children into my home day care.
Dum du dum dum.... The scale. Well, what could I expect really. I'm up 3!!!! Ugh! Oh well. No worries, I'll make short work of those 3 pounds now that I'm exercising again.
For this week:
Sleep 7-8 hours a night
Track my food!!
Drink plenty of water
Exercise 3 - 4 times this week
Choose to not stress!
I'm a hungry chickie - need to go have my Progresso Soup. Yummm!
Have a wonderful week everyone!!
It's time to eat!
Do you ever wish you could just call a 'do-over' of your week? If it were possible, I'd call one for last week. However, we do not live on the great kick-ball field of life, so I'll just put on my big girl panties (that are a size smaller thank you very much) and face the music.
Last week was a crazy week (the hubs reroofed our house with help, people in and out - praise God for the help and the good weather) and my diet reflected it. Let's call it what it is, bad choices. But I shant dwell on the past. No, I shall not. Rather, let me tell you about how week 23 is starting off...
This morning I popped in my Leslie Sansone tape for the first time in eons. By 6:45 am I had logged just over 2 miles and had sore thighs to prove it. Hours have gone by now and I feel great!! Hoping to do this 2 - 3 more times this week!
I have also tracked my food, something I really avoided last week. Tracking my food intake is absolutely crutial for me!!! I love SparkPeople for this (and it's free, holllaaaaaa). It's so convicting to write in what you have consumed, even when you don't want to admit it to yourself. Not to mention, it's a great way to track the nutrients you've had to keep your diet healthy.
I am bound and determined to hit the sack by no later than 11:00 pm this week which will give me 7 hours sleep. Sure, I'd like to say I'll be in bed by 10:00, but who do I think I'd be kidding? I will resist you my late night friends. You just keep that adorable Scottish accent to yourself Mr. Ferguson!
Ok, news on the job front. I recieved a call last week to interview for a church office administrator (part time). They had recieved 92 resumes and chose 6 people to interview. This made me feel great! I went and interviewed on Wednesday and it went great. I wasn't nervous at all and it felt like I did really well. This morning I received a message from the pastor that she would like to meet with me. (The Pastor was to be given 3 candidates to interview and then choose one from the 3). PROBLEM - After summer child care ($$) and putting our youngest son in full day Kindergarten ($3,200) I would only make about $5,000 for the whole year.... PROBLEM 2 - I am not in agreement with some of the churches theology. Some think this should not be an issue, but I feel that if it isn't a church I'd attend, then I shouldn't be working there... seems a little hypocritical. So I'm going to have to call in a bit and turn the position down. : ( I really think I'd enjoy that kind of position.. but the timing and specifics are off. Please continue to pray that God would either direct me to the right job outside of the home, or that He would bring just the right children into my home day care.
Dum du dum dum.... The scale. Well, what could I expect really. I'm up 3!!!! Ugh! Oh well. No worries, I'll make short work of those 3 pounds now that I'm exercising again.
For this week:
Sleep 7-8 hours a night
Track my food!!
Drink plenty of water
Exercise 3 - 4 times this week
Choose to not stress!
I'm a hungry chickie - need to go have my Progresso Soup. Yummm!
Have a wonderful week everyone!!
It's time to eat!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Week 21
.........
Sorry. The above little delay was due to my doing a happy dance for writing "WEEK 21"!! I am so proud of myself for heading into my 21st week of healthier living!
It's not been easy - as you've read from yesterdays post. But there have been so many small victories, only a part of which has been the 35 pounds I have shed thus far.
I already touched on last week yesterday, so let's go straight into this week. Don't wish to dwell on the past.
Feeling great today!! Unfortunately, I didn't get breakfast in this morning as I had a super busy morning right from the get-go with lots of places to go and things to get done. As soon as I did get to stop to eat however, I made great choices. I started with a Jethro Bodine sized salad with Good Seasons dressing (made light - 1/2 the oil and more water). Then followed that with two multigrain rice cakes (sounds yummy, eh? actually, they're really good!!) with reduced fat peanut butter and a little jam. The jam satisfied my sweet craving - bonus!
This whole week is going to be out of the norm. My husband is stripping and re-roofing our house. This means kids have to stay in and company will be coming 1/2 way through the week to help. Good stuff - just different. But life is never 'status quo' is it? I have plans for these challenges (feeding people who may not be so stoked about a veggie burger and such) and I'm not the least bit worried.
Visited with the cc today. It went fine. I have an assignment for the next few weeks to track what stresses me. Specifically, to try to be mindful of negative thoughts that run through my head or negative things I tell myself. Note pad is opened and on the top of my desk. This should be interesting! Anyone else out there feeling stressed? Umm.... may be easier to ask, 'is anyone not feeling stressed'.. right? She's supposed to give me some strategies that will help. I'll keep you posted in case anyone else could benefit.
One of the sources of stress is that I've been looking for a job for a few months with no success. I've been home with my boys for over 6 years. Trying to return to the work force isn't easy. I'm looking for specific hours that fit our lives. But prospective employers aren't impressed with my 6 years out of the office environment even though my computer skills have stayed current. I've been doing home childcare (licensed) for almost 2 years, but all of my kids go to Kindergarten next year. Trying to decide whether I should leave the house for work or try to get more kids. I kind of like the idea of getting out....
Prayer Request: Please pray God will guide me to the right job for me and my family whether it be in or out of the home and that I will have the discerment to know His will from my own.
I have not been exercising at all practically. I hate this! I soooo want to change this. It just seems I'm always too busy. I need to make a concerted effort to change this. Dawn - I too wish we lived closer together so we could go walking!! I need to start a walking club. But when can I commit to going? Hmm... seems I've just given myself another assignment. I like assignments.
Considering my battle with sugar treats last week, I was happy to see that the scale stayed the same this week. No complaints. I'd love to see a 2 pound loss next week though. Let's see if I can accomplish that.
Goals for this week, week 21. Ahhh I said it again!!
(every week goals)
drink 8 glasses of water
sleep 8 hours a night
track my food and eat within my ranges
quiet time with the Lord
(added goals)
EXERCISE! Possibly establish a walking club
paint classroom
clean out boys drawers of winter clothes and add summer ones
do the same for the hubs and I
decide if I'm continuing with childcare next year
Quick shout out to my new "followers" - THANKS LADIES!!!
I hope you all have a great week!!
It's time to start cleaning off my desk.
Sorry. The above little delay was due to my doing a happy dance for writing "WEEK 21"!! I am so proud of myself for heading into my 21st week of healthier living!
It's not been easy - as you've read from yesterdays post. But there have been so many small victories, only a part of which has been the 35 pounds I have shed thus far.
I already touched on last week yesterday, so let's go straight into this week. Don't wish to dwell on the past.
Feeling great today!! Unfortunately, I didn't get breakfast in this morning as I had a super busy morning right from the get-go with lots of places to go and things to get done. As soon as I did get to stop to eat however, I made great choices. I started with a Jethro Bodine sized salad with Good Seasons dressing (made light - 1/2 the oil and more water). Then followed that with two multigrain rice cakes (sounds yummy, eh? actually, they're really good!!) with reduced fat peanut butter and a little jam. The jam satisfied my sweet craving - bonus!
This whole week is going to be out of the norm. My husband is stripping and re-roofing our house. This means kids have to stay in and company will be coming 1/2 way through the week to help. Good stuff - just different. But life is never 'status quo' is it? I have plans for these challenges (feeding people who may not be so stoked about a veggie burger and such) and I'm not the least bit worried.
Visited with the cc today. It went fine. I have an assignment for the next few weeks to track what stresses me. Specifically, to try to be mindful of negative thoughts that run through my head or negative things I tell myself. Note pad is opened and on the top of my desk. This should be interesting! Anyone else out there feeling stressed? Umm.... may be easier to ask, 'is anyone not feeling stressed'.. right? She's supposed to give me some strategies that will help. I'll keep you posted in case anyone else could benefit.
One of the sources of stress is that I've been looking for a job for a few months with no success. I've been home with my boys for over 6 years. Trying to return to the work force isn't easy. I'm looking for specific hours that fit our lives. But prospective employers aren't impressed with my 6 years out of the office environment even though my computer skills have stayed current. I've been doing home childcare (licensed) for almost 2 years, but all of my kids go to Kindergarten next year. Trying to decide whether I should leave the house for work or try to get more kids. I kind of like the idea of getting out....
Prayer Request: Please pray God will guide me to the right job for me and my family whether it be in or out of the home and that I will have the discerment to know His will from my own.
I have not been exercising at all practically. I hate this! I soooo want to change this. It just seems I'm always too busy. I need to make a concerted effort to change this. Dawn - I too wish we lived closer together so we could go walking!! I need to start a walking club. But when can I commit to going? Hmm... seems I've just given myself another assignment. I like assignments.
Considering my battle with sugar treats last week, I was happy to see that the scale stayed the same this week. No complaints. I'd love to see a 2 pound loss next week though. Let's see if I can accomplish that.
Goals for this week, week 21. Ahhh I said it again!!
(every week goals)
drink 8 glasses of water
sleep 8 hours a night
track my food and eat within my ranges
quiet time with the Lord
(added goals)
EXERCISE! Possibly establish a walking club
paint classroom
clean out boys drawers of winter clothes and add summer ones
do the same for the hubs and I
decide if I'm continuing with childcare next year
Quick shout out to my new "followers" - THANKS LADIES!!!
I hope you all have a great week!!
It's time to start cleaning off my desk.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Danger - Slippery Slope Ahead!
Terrible! Just terrible!!!
That's how I've been eating lately.
Typically, each day starts great! Healthy breakfast, fruit for snack... even lunch is good. Then it starts. The afternoon triangle (dum dum dum..).
"I'll just have a rice cake with some low fat peanut butter", I'll tell myself. "A 100 calorie pack will do the trick"... "I think a Luna bar will really hold me until dinner." (now we're talking about 350 calories consumed here people!)
Then I'll eat dinner. Dinner is fine. I'm pretty good at the point with fixing healthy meals.
But then, night time eating kicks in. "Gotta go pop my nightly popcorn". This is fine. "Hmm... Now I need a sweet. I'll have a WW 100 calorie icecreamonastick." "Tea time. Gotta end the night with a cup of tea..... And a biscotti to go with it."
Are you kidding me??!!! What is up? I kinda feel like I'm in one of the books like "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie"
"If You Give Diane A Morsel then she'll want....."
I really need to keep a short leash on this or else I'll be sliding down a slipper slope for sure!
Tomorrow is shopping day. I'll be very strict with whats allowed into the house!!
I'm determined to up my water intake and have a salad with lunch and dinner each day to help curb my appetite.
It's Time to get the kiddos to bed and watch a movie with my husband. I wonder what there is to snack on....
That's how I've been eating lately.
Typically, each day starts great! Healthy breakfast, fruit for snack... even lunch is good. Then it starts. The afternoon triangle (dum dum dum..).
"I'll just have a rice cake with some low fat peanut butter", I'll tell myself. "A 100 calorie pack will do the trick"... "I think a Luna bar will really hold me until dinner." (now we're talking about 350 calories consumed here people!)
Then I'll eat dinner. Dinner is fine. I'm pretty good at the point with fixing healthy meals.
But then, night time eating kicks in. "Gotta go pop my nightly popcorn". This is fine. "Hmm... Now I need a sweet. I'll have a WW 100 calorie icecreamonastick." "Tea time. Gotta end the night with a cup of tea..... And a biscotti to go with it."
Are you kidding me??!!! What is up? I kinda feel like I'm in one of the books like "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie"
"If You Give Diane A Morsel then she'll want....."
I really need to keep a short leash on this or else I'll be sliding down a slipper slope for sure!
Tomorrow is shopping day. I'll be very strict with whats allowed into the house!!
I'm determined to up my water intake and have a salad with lunch and dinner each day to help curb my appetite.
It's Time to get the kiddos to bed and watch a movie with my husband. I wonder what there is to snack on....
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