Progress

Using this space to sort of track what I'm doing.  Still haven't done a workout tape lately, but my hips are getting sore from running so I may do that Fri instead of running. Tuesday I did  4.5 miles, and yesterday I did 8.75 combined miles (4.5 on the AMT and 4.25 on the treadmill, plus a 3mile walk outside with my good friend Jen). Today I got in 3.5 on the treadmill.
I'm still at 150, so I know in order to see some real results I need to make some wiser eating decisions (fried green beans at Louie's probably shouldn't be one of my choices. They were tasty though and I wanted to try them ). I will keep you posted. Summer is coming and that means being at the pool every day, so I'd like to be in good swimsuit condition, plus we have a trip to Vegas planned for June and since my hubby will be golfing every day I'd like to feel comfortable sitting at the pool with all those young whipper-snappers who will probably be there :)
So that's my progress, still working on it.

beautiful breeze

I've been keeping up with my running on the treadmill, doing at least 3.5 miles a day. However, I am finding it really hard to work in those BL and Jillian workout tapes. I am consistently using my weighted hula 20+minutes at least every other day, sometimes more (this is an easy exercise to squeeze in because I don't have to be in gym clothes to do it and it doesn't make me sweat so I don't have to shower after).
Sunday morning before church I had an amazing (albeit short) run on the treadmill with all the windows open. It felt so nice to have that cool morning breeze blowing on me and smelling the spring air even though I was inside. I'm going to need to remember to do that more often, it was great!
Haven't really improved my eating much lately, which I know is what holds me back. I have a huge bakesale to prepare for this week, so I know I'll be nibbling as I'm baking, but after that I am hoping to really start making wiser food choices so I can see some results on the scale and in the fit of my jeans :)  Summer is coming!

finished strong

Today I didn't start my day with my workout as I normally do. Instead, since my hubby was off work we didn't set an alarm and we slept in. Then after taking my oldest to school, my youngest daughter and I sat and read books for well over an hour together. Throw in a quick trip to the hairdresser to get her hair cut, then lunch, and it was off to school for her. It was a beautiful day today so I wanted to exercise outside, so after dropping her off I took a 30 minute bike ride, then came back home and grabbed my dog and went for a 1.5 mile walk/jog with her. The problem was, these bits of exercise didn't seem like enough (it was already warm enough that it was harder to run outside than I had hoped). Consequently, I was feeling a little down-trodden, like I hadn't gotten enough of a good workout in for the day, especially knowing that my hubby was going to be out late at the carshow so the girls would want to watch a movie and eat junkfood tonight. Wasn't feeling too good about my lack of effort.
But....
after I finished the dog walk, I went and hopped on the treadmill and then cooled down on the AMT. I'm happy to now say I finished strong!
30minute bike ride
6.5 miles covered outside/treadmill/AMT combined
yeah!

6-pack in 6 weeks

Ok, so I've got a new goal. My fitness life seems to be a constant journey. A bit up and down (which I am trying to stop), but a continual process, none-the-less. Therefore, I sometimes get bored or worn out from doing the same things over and over. Other times I'm so motivated I'm like the energizer bunny going, going, and going. I'm trying to stop that up and down cycle and maintain more of an even-keel in my fitness.

 As you know from my recent posts I've gained some weight.

 I'm still happy,

 but I know I need to get back into better shape... love handles are beginning to appear and my tummy is starting to want to stick out (not to mention my REAL problem areas of my butt and thighs being bigger than I like and therefore making certain pants too tight in those areas). So I am on a new plan to get my body re-energized and get back to where I prefer to be (140, 145 at the most).

I have been doing some sort of exercise, whether it be a class at the gym, the treadmill, outdoor running or biking, the AMT, or an aerobic DVD, 6-7 days a week for over 8 years. It honestly shocks me when my gym-rat buddies (yes, this is you, Jen) tell me that they have gone a whole week and only worked out once (this isn't normal for her, but she went through a spell many months ago where she just couldn't find the time to fit it all in). Anyway, when I'd hear that, I'd really be speechless. I have been doing this for so long, that I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't on this schedule. Its crazy, but its just part of my life. Its something normal and expected , and routine for me. Which might be part of the problem sometimes. It sometimes becomes so routine, that I begin to get bored and lose interest which results in less effort and consequently less results. However, I am re-energized to (not go to a super High -no more yo-yo's remember- but to get back on track to get some results). My plan for this is to increase my running.

When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I began running. Just 2 minutes at a time. But I slowly worked it up to 5 min, 8min, 10min, 15min, then 20min. After I reached the 20minute mark I began running more and more. It felt great to be reaching these goals I had never dreamed of reaching, (because if you didn't know, I used to HATE running. I was on the h.s. track team one year and HATED it the whole time. I was the absolute slowest person in every race (except 2), and it hurt my shins so bad. However, I never quit, because I'm not a quitter.)  Well, anyway, the first time I reached 5 miles, then 8 miles it was incredible. Then a friend told me I should run the --------Run. It was a 10mile run I think. I ran it, and LOVED it! I had only planned on running 5k, then walking and taking a break, then running/walking the remainder. But, I missed the 5k marker, so when I came upon the 6k marker I was like "I already went farther than I planned and I feel great, I'll just go to the next marker and see how I feel." I told myself I could stop and walk, but only once I reached a marker. Funny thing was that at every marker I felt good so I just continued on to the next one. I ended up running the whole race which totally surpassed my personal plan/goal and it was awesome. So then I figured if I can run 10, how hard could 13 be? A half-marathon was scheduled 2 weeks later, so I ran it. Its amazing what you can do when you try.

Anyway, this post isn't about running, so to summarize this, I ran a second Half marathon and then began training for my first marathon. I really wanted to acheive that but I found that when I was training for it I began to dislike running. I was putting too much pressure on myself for it and it wasn't fun anymore. I just couldn't will myself to do it when it was no longer fun. I wound up cancelling the marathon and pretty much quit running for about a year and a half after that. I'd jog (slowly) for a mile or two, but nothing long or serious. About a year ago, I was looking through my running log when I realized this (this lack of running) and realized I needed to pick it back up. So that is what I have been doing I've started REALLY running when I'm on my treadmill, not just lolly-gagging and getting only 1-2 miles in. I have found though that I tend to mentally get defeated when I run and get tired and want to take a break but don't. So in order to combat this I took a que from some different training methods out there and decided to set my treadmill programs up where I run a minute, then walk a minute, run, walk, run, walk, etc. I've found this new routine is working really good for me right now. I also set another program where I run about 10 minutes, then walk about 5, then run 10 again. I've found that just about the time I am ready to yell "Mercy!" the treadmill kicks back down to the 'walk' and gives me that break I need, then I'm ready for the next run and I get right back at it.

So all this background info, to say, that is the type of running I am doing right now to acheive my goal of getting back to 140 and toning up my mid-section again. I also am finally using REGULARILY my weighted hula-hoop (thanks Jen and Cindy for getting me back on track with this) so we will see if that helps with results as well. I have also picked up some Jillian Michaels and Biggest Loser Last Chance workout DVDs to intersperse into my workouts, as well as my gym classes. Hopefully with these new plans I will not be as bored and get back on track. Jillians DVD is "6pack in 6 weeks" so that is my first goal. Based on my body-type and how I gain/lose weight, if I get my six pack back, the other areas will get back in shape too, so it will be a total-body recovery. I'm going to give u pictures along the way to see if we can SEE any progress. You know (yes u can laugh Jen) that my ultimate triumph is when I can wear my favorite cute purple shorts again lol, so of course that is the final goal :) and a picture will of course be granted when that happens. :)

Here is my first picture, which by the way was taken 2/16/11 and I am at 150.

You can see I've got the definition (good genes I think) to get my tummy in line (I love those lines on the side and that one at the top), but I want to get rid of the little love handles forming and of course u can't see my butt and thighs yet (ha ha----later folks you'll get a pix after I get some preliminary results, I don't want to scare you with the current situation!)

So there u have it, my plan for the next 6 weeks and a starting point picture.  No matter what though, I want you to know I AM HAPPY. I hope you are too in whatever workout regime you are currently in. That's all folks!

Results of the survey & proof of my theory

Ok, its time for the follow-up post to the 'how much do I weigh' question. If you are reading this, you will also see that I did a 'not what I was expecting' post which you may enjoy reading as well, since it pertains to the original post too and addresses some things I hadn't foreseen.

Anyway, the results are in and I want to thank all of you who were willing to participate. I know it wasn't easy for all of you (in fact, lots visited the site but didn't comment). I myself thought it would be a lot easier than evidently it was, however when my friend, Jen, tossed the question back at me and made me guess HER weight (even though we frequently TELL each other our weights) I myself was struck with how hard this could be for some people. You don't want to guess too high (and offend), but yet you want to be accurate, so you can't guess too low either or that would be a waste. Anyway, I once again want to thank those of you who DID reply because your replies were exactly what I thought they would be. They completely prove my point. First off, let me share the results...

These were the results I received on the survey...


146
140-145
153 (most accurate because Jen knows me so well: smile)
143
147
133 (the only guy to reply: that tells you something, guys think you weigh WAY less than you really do!)
145
125 (haven't seen this since high school, but thanks for the vote of confidence Jennifer lol)
140-145
145-ish
135-145
low to mid 150's
130-135 (Sugarberry u should be scolded for guessing so low, u are a 'follower' so u should know the last time I saw 135 was in 2007  ha ha)
150


Only 3 of these replies were even close to my actual weight.

My actual weight when those pictures were taken was...

(drumroll please lol)






155


That's right. One hundred and fifty-five.

Which only goes to prove what I believed all along...

We are much harder on ourselves than those around us are.

You may be struggling with some health/weight issues, but those around you don't see what you see. They are seeing you in a much more positive light than you give yourself credit for. This doesn't just apply to me. I have a friend who recently told me that she reached 170 recently. I never would have guessed it. Looking at her I would have honestly pegged her for 150, maybe 155  (she is shorter than me, which of course always makes it harder to guess when u are guessing someone who is a different height than yourself) -but regardless... I was wrong. And so were all of you!

We as women need to learn to be happy IN the moment, instead of always looking to a future goal or a previous moment for our happiness. I have written about this before on here, but how many times have you or someone you've known been at a weight, and instead of being HAPPY in that moment, were unhappy because they either weren't to their goal yet (something in the future), or they were heavier than a previous weight (the past). This has happened to me. I remember when I reached 140. I was so bummed out and only focused on the 120-125 of the past. Well, after I passed 140, how many times did I look back and think "wow how many wasted years did I have there of uncontentment?? if only I'd been happy then, because wow, I sure would be happy NOW if I was back at 140!"

That's the thing, we can't always look to our happiness to either be in the future or the past.

We need to learn to be happy RIGHT NOW!  I'm not saying this is an easy thing to do (it honestly has taken me a full year to get this thoroughly INSIDE my head. Not just coming out of my mouth (because I have been SAYING it for a year), but REALLY believing it and living it every day. That is why I wanted to do this survey so that I could prove to you that nothing is as bad as you may sometimes think it is. This applies to all areas of life, but yes, this is a fitness blog so we are going to focus on the fitness aspect. Chances are you look better than you give yourself credit for. Chances are you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Chances are you are faster or can run longer than you give yourself credit for. Its amazing the things we can do when we really HAVE to.
I know you can do it. I know you can do anything you set your mind to because God instilled in all of us a sense of purpose. (I have another blog where I share my faith and I usually save any posts that relate to scripture for that blog but God's word applies to everything we do and its really hard to not point that out because...) The truth is, God made you. He made your body. Your body is a temple to Him. He thinks its beautiful. So who are we to think any different?

And if you are worried about the opposite sex... did you notice that the only guy who replied was so far off (underguessing) that those few pounds that stress you out are probably not stressing out your mate at all! So please, take what I have learned from this journey over this past year and try to begin living it in your life as well. Now some of you may not be struggling with this, this sense of unhappiness, or discontentment. But a good friend I know, Pastor Chris, always says he's preaching from the heart because he wouldn't be preaching to us about it if he wasn't preaching to himself because he is or has gone through it too. Its so true. We can teach from what we know. If we have experienced it, we can help others. You don't go to a divorced person for marital advice, nor do you go to a bankcrupt person for financial advice. Go to someone who can try to lead you in the right direction because of what they have experienced. And believe me, I have been experiencing this sense of discontentment with my weight for 22 years. I decided I didn't want to waste another day living like that and so a year ago I really began focusing on being happy and content with where I was at THAT moment. My close workout buddies can attest to this. I no longer am on a single-minded quest for perfection, I am happy with where I am. I still work out and I still try to eat right (always a journey, remember?) , but by consciously working on fixing the inside (my feelings), I am fixing the outside too. I am a better mom because I am not so stressed out and angry about not acheiving a scale goal, I am a better wife because if I feel better about myself I have more to offer my husband in all arenas of our relationship together, and I am a better friend because I care more about how a person feels now instead of just cheering for them to attain a certain number on the scale.  Some of you commented that the scale isn't important to you anyway, its just how your clothes fit that matters. I agree. I want my clothes to fit good. But even if they aren't perfect, I no longer berate myself and beat myself up internally over it. I simply try to regroup and refocus, all the while being HAPPY that I am here today and I have a wonderful family and friends around me, and that I am thankful for all that God has given to me through His son, Jesus Christ.  I did the survey so that I could write this post with 'proof' to back it up. Proof that your happiness needs to come from inside you. You need to be able to say "no matter what, I am happy". If  you were one of those people who was experincing discontentment or unhappiness because of your weight I hope you will receive something positive from this post. Know that you are your most critical judge, those around you are not critiquing you the way you are yourself. So increase your sense of happiness by knowing that its really up to YOU on how you feel. Others will always think more positively than you do of yourself, so if you can make YOUR thoughts positive as well its a win-win situation for you.

I know I sort of rabbit-trailed here. (Anytime I start talking about God I can go in all kinds of directions! lol). But this post was intended to show you that others are going to perceive you more positively than you  might think, so go ahead and BE HAPPY with what you have and where you are! Improvement doesn't have to stop, you just need to keep being happy during your 'improvement process'  ;)

I hope this was a help to someone out there, and not just me. Because putting myself on the chopping block needs to rewarded with someone gaining some of the same insight I've gained this past year and applying it in their lives. Its time to go, kids are almost home, I hope you have a very Blessed day and a positive experience from this post.  :)

Didn't know it would have this effect

Ok, I'm writing this shortly after my last post (the one about the weight guess), but I'm not going to post it until I'm done with the survey.
But here is something I didn't expect...
When I was getting no replies at first, I was really bummed. I wanted people to reply because I feel confident that these replies are going to prove a point I want to make to women. I was tempted to re-post some encouragement to get folks to answer... like
"please do this, its not going to offend me if you guess higher than I am"
"Don't guess lower than you really think, just to try to flatter me"
"No, I'm not selling 'miracle jeans that make u look lighter than u really are' ha ha"
"Don't avoid this survey, because you don't want to get involved in what u are perceiving is self-absorbtion (when I post my follow-up you will see this is going to be positive for everyone, not a pat on the back to me)"
"Please partake in this survey regardless of your lifestyle-even if you aren't a gym-rat or health-crazed nut"
"Don't take this the wrong way, I'm not posting pix of me to boost my self-esteem, actually it could hurt it". But that's not what this is about, so I'm hoping that won't happen. I really want it to be about the second post that I make. But I have to do the research on the first post in order to get the results for the second post.
Anyway, if I don't get more replies I may do a follow up request post of some sort, but for now I am going to try to lay low and wait it out.


The other thing I didn't expect was my anxiety about opening a reply when one finally came in (thanks Mindy for being the first!).  I didn't expect to have that hesitation about what people were going to say. I really just wanted a cut and dry answer, but since most people who get this will know me, I guess it made it more personal and therefore I opened myself up for some potential 'hurt' if people said anything mean. When I got that first reply I realized it was sort of personal (which is why some people may not do the survey) and which I didn't expect at all. Because the follow-up post really isn't personal, its general to all women so this is just my 'research' in order to prove the follow up point. But anyway, I guess I'm human so I did get a weird feeling when I began to get replies. 

Hopefully, this whole thing will work out and I can prove my point instead of blowing up in my face and being a train wreck. Fingers crossed.


1/26/11
Ok, I'm going to go ahead and post this now because I am about to tally the results and post my 'follow-up post'.  Just decided that these thoughts that went through my head were worth sharing as well (because we are all human) and I thought it might help some of you too. It also sort of addresses why only got 14 replies, yet I had over 50 visitors to the site.  Hmmm, makes me think some of you were feeling the things I mentioned above (??) maybe you didn't want to get involved, didn't want to hurt me, or didn't realize that this was just the research to something much bigger and more important than how much I really weigh.
I realized today when reading a comment a stranger made to my friend about this survey that I really did open myself up for a ego blow. But I took a step back and thought about what was said, and reminded myself that I knew going in this could be bad, I was just willing to take the risk because as I said before
 I AM HAPPY,
and that means my weight or what others think of me or my weight aren't going to change that. Therefore, I was willing to take the risk and put myself out there for all the world to see (but not in a swimsuit ha ha-I wasn't THAT crazy!) so that I could hope to try to bring some insight and encouragement to others. So here goes, I'm posting this, and off to write the follow-up posting.  Again, thanks for participating

How much do you think I weigh?

Ok, so if you know me in real life or have been following this, you know that I have pretty much finally grasped this new way of life that appreciates where I AM, instead of being unhappy because I'm not at a specific goal. This isn't to say that thoughts don't come into my head that say,  'yea, that would look better if I was 5 or 10 pounds lighter', or 'hmm, should I eat this salad, or some pringles?'  It is a process you know, just like most things in life, we grow in them and grow stronger as we go. But as we go, we get stronger by making better choices, or choices that help our plan/goal and don't hinder it. That being said, I am not at my lightest, and not even at my preferred goal. But I am pretty happy anyway. In fact, I took some pictures and I want you to comment and let me know what you think I weigh based on these pictures.
I think when the results are in, I will be able to share something with you that will not only help prove what I've been saying for over a year, but will also help others who are on a path to improving their health.
I will give you this info to aid you in your vote...
I am 40 years old. I am 5'8".
Please partake in my project and cast your vote. How much do you think I currently weigh?
Post your comments on this blog please. If you don't have a google account, you can post a comment 'anonymously' and just sign your name at the end of it if you want me to know who you are. Or if you are like my mom and can't figure out how to 'comment' on a blog you can leave your comment on FB because I am going to put a link to this on there to try to get lots of responses.

P.S. These pictures aren't the best quality. It was too dark in my closet to get a good full length picture, so just do your best to guess. I did take pictures of my normal 'problem areas' (ie hips/butt) so you have close-ups of the part that shows my weight the most to help you in your guess. I guess next time I should have taken them in a better lit room with a full length mirror. Sorry.

you want some of these guns?

Did I tell u I've been working out really hard lately?
Finally, results!!!
Lol

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Grasping the Concept

Some of you may be wondering where I have been. (or maybe not ha ha). Anyway, just been busy with life and now that the 'newness' of blogging has worn off its not near the top of my list. I actually wouldn't even be on here writing this (because I have more important things to do with my family, and hence the reason its not near the top of my list---not that it was ever above my family u understand, but since the newness is gone its not pushing itself up there stealing my time as much anymore). So anyway, BUT... I wanted to share with u where I am because I feel its important. I think its healthy, and I think its good.
So that being said... no, I haven't dropped a ton of weight and entered a modeling contest for the boniest 40 year old on the  planet. :)    In fact, I've actually gained weight. BUT... I'm pretty ok. In fact, I'm good. I am finally absorbing into my attitude and outlook all the things I've been saying with my mouth over the past 9 months or so... and that is... JUST BE HAPPY!
I've said it before, it seems women are never happy with their weight, but yet they always wish they were x number of pounds lighter, BUT when they WERE x number of pounds lighter they weren't happy then either because they wanted to be Y number of pounds lighter!    Well, I am not at my lightest, I am not even really at my 'pretty normal' weight (it is the holidays u know?)  but I'm happy. And I don't want to spend all (or actually ANY) of my time talking about weight, food choices, or denied foods with anyone.  There I said it. I am tired of talking about weight and food.  I mean it.   There is more to life than this, and I am going to live my life enjoying life and enjoying my family, and NOT thinking in my head all the time about this stuff. If anyone doesn't like me for this. oh well.  I think you will find I am an actually better and  happier friend, wife, and mother when I am not beating myself up over weight and food. I am not obese. I am not huge. I am not unhealthy. I am not hideous to look at. I am normal. I hope everyone accepts that. I think they will. There is one person who doesn't want my attitude to give me free reign to hop on the chocolate cookie induced fat train. But don't worry, I'm not taking this to the extreme. I'm not saying get me the Big Mac and the shake, in fact make it a double and lets pack on the pounds. No, I'm just saying I'm sick of highs and lows, I am just going to stay here in the middle and enjoy life and myself. I'm not taking it easy. I'm not giving up. I'm not a wimp. I still work out 6 days a week doing running, treadmill, weights, and classes. I still try to make healthy food choices BECAUSE they are healthy for me, NOT because I want to deprive myself of something. In fact, there isn't much deprivation because my attitude has changed. If I don't eat it its because I don't want it, not because I'm depriving myself. If I do eat it (Bang Bang Shrimp I love you) its because I want to and I'm living a normal life where people do indulge some, but we just make some adjustments in other choices to cover the big indulgences.

So there u basically have it. I'm not going to keep going on about this because honestly I don't want to be on the computer, I want to go play with my daughter. But if u are around me, don't think I'm being rude if I change the subject when talk turns to 'dieting'. Its just not something I feel is worth talking about anymore, and I don't want my young girls to overhear those conversations. Even though I've tried to make sure they don't hear much (because I want them to have healthy body images), I'm sure they've still heard some, because even if its not coming out of my mouth I can't say how often it comes out of the mouths of women any time they get together, no matter what the circumstance of the gathering may be.  So, this is why I won't be partaking in those conversations anymore and I will either change the subject or remove myself from the situation. Hope u all understand. Happiness is better than a number on the scale. Happiness makes for a better mother, a better wife, and even a better lover. If you aren't happy with your situation, you aren't confident, and being unconfident in the bedroom is a real buzz killer. Just ask my husband :) In the past we've had several nights where my unhappiness with MY body ruined the fun we could have had together. So I'm just saying, it took me awhile to fully grasp this concept. (I knew it and said it, but didn't really get it into my heart and soul until now), if you can grasp this concept too, it might be something good for u. Its been good for me.   Talk to ya later gals! Rene'

coming clean

You are probably not wondering, but I'll tell u anyway, I deleted all those posts from July that had the yucky pictures in them. They were just depressing and I didn't want to see them anymore. So if u got a chance to see them before I deleted them u know I'm not perfect, but if you didn't you'll just have to trust me ha ha. Anyway, good riddence!

chugging along

Just a note to keep u  updated. Not much excitement or change around here lately, just living day by day. Not really being deprived in regular meals, but trying really hard to resist the sweets. Still working off that bday weight, actually I probably did work it off, but then it crept back up a bit. Anyway, not going to beat myself up over this. I'm still happy. Clothes still fit. I'm not 135, but I'm not fat either. I'm actually just pretty normal. No, I'm not a model, but I'm not an overweight housewife either. So I can't really complain. That is something I am getting a grasp of (and have been working on it for about 10 months now) is to just be happy/content with where I am, not always wishing for something that used to be whether it was 3 years ago or 20 years ago. Accepting myself for who I am now and what my body looks like now. Not letting it go to crap, but taking care of it in a HEALTHY way , not a maniacal way. Anyway, that's where I am right now. Hope u are happy with where u are too :)

The famous pie

I made a post on my other blog about the pie and its recipe if you are interested. You can make it and see for yourself how awesome it is. Check it out at this link.

The results of turning 40!

Just checking in with an update. For those of you who don't know... I turned 40 a week ago-woohoo! I say that to explain why I haven't quite been seeing the progress I'd wanted (a wee bit of celebrating). My husband and I went to Aspen CO with our friends for my birthday weekend and had a glorious time. Albeit there was no restraint. I ordered gourmet food I've never had before (yum!), and also consumed $50 worth of chocolates almost all by myself! Then add to that a lot of raw cookie dough and cooked cookies that my friend Jen and I made together to celebrate my birthday, and u can see that I probably wouldn't be losing any pounds this week. Therefore, I am not unhappy with the 2 pounds I gained. It had to be expected, I'm just glad it wasn't 5! Two is a lot easier to get off than 5! We also went camping this weekend which wasn't so bad, but yes there were treats there too (ice cream on the patio). Now I'd like to say this has all come to an end and I am back on track... but I still have a candy bar (that my daughter's thoughtfully bought for me for my birthday) to eat, and I have a pie (to make) and eat. I haven't made it yet, but just because my bday was a week ago doesn't mean I'm not going to-ha ha. (It's my favorite pie, and we make it for every birthday in our family) Its the BEST! Maybe I'll post a recipe and pix when I DO make it :) But after my pie is gone, u will see some improving posts from me I guarantee it! Also, my jean shorts are wearable again :)

P.S. I would like to point out, that even though I was indulging a bit in the food, I still had some great exercise... when Marlenes and I went for our massages at the Aspen Club, we also took a pump class, plus we went on a couple hikes, plus while we were camping I rode my bike, ran with the dog, and hiked up the foothills of the mountains. So even though I had a few splurges, I was still staying active :)

probably not making the goal

Remember I wanted to be at 140 or 139 by Monday (my birthday)? Well, it probably won't happen. I appear to be on a plateau right now at 145 and I'm heading out Fri for a weekend birthday celebration trip (which means... not much restraint is planned in the eating department). i.e. Probably not going to lose any weight over the weekend, and therefore won't reach my goal. Bummer.
But I will enjoy my birthday with friends, and I will enjoy my favorite birthday pie Monday (even if I have to make it myself-I already bought the ingredients) :) so after Monday, I'll get back on my stricter plan to continue my weightloss journey. I'll keep u posted.

making progress, taking the plunge

Well, I've made some progress lately, so I took the plunge...
I wore my purple shorts with the black stripes to the gym today.
Of course before I put them on I spent a full five minutes trying to pull them in every direction possible to stretch them out as much as I could LOL (but very true).
They clung a tiny bit under my butt which I don't like, but the rest fit perfect. I even got compliments from my girlfriends, so even though I still think they would look better in another 5 pounds, evidently everyone else thinks they are ok. Even my husband seemed to think so ;)

Those measurements I promised

Finally getting around to posting this... the measurements!
If you'll recall I promised I'd post the ugly numbers so that ideally someday I could compare them to improved numbers and revel in the glory of that progress with you. Well, today is the day. Here they are...

I took these measurements:
Date: 7/15---> 8/13
weight 155---> 145
diameter of widest thigh area 24.5"---> 24"
diameter around body at widest
butt area 40.5" --->39.75"
diameter at my panty waistline 34" --->33.25"
diameter at belly button 31" --->30"

There u have it. I've seen some improvement and I hope to keep improving. But I must admit I am starting to think/dream about cookies and snacks. I need to make sure I don't succumb, yet also don't feel deprived. Because the deprivation will cause me to fail. I'll keep u posted.
p.s. I DID eat a few chips and queso recently, but wasn't that satisfied by it (yippee) and didn't eat too much of it.

More progress

Things are still going well. Been eating good (ok, a few chips with a few dips of queso at the restaurant on Sunday), and I'm down to almost 145. Its hovering just a hair over it , so its probably 145.5, which means I've lost 9.5 pounds so far. My clothes are already fitting better (yippee) in fact I'm wearing my chino shorts again and totally enjoying the way they fit-Yay! Now I did succumb to the temptation when my friend Jen brought over homemade cookies today (darn those cookies!) Don't know how many I ate but probably about 5. I TOLD you I like cookies! I'm secretly hoping to be at 140 (or 139 fingers crossed) by my birthday at the end of the month. I turn 40, and I'd like to be able to say and feel like "look at 40, pretty good", instead of feeling old and fat. Hopefully, I'll be at my goal so I can feel hip and healthy and 'young at heart', even if my age does say 40. Which by the way, my husband and I were discussing recently how fast the first 20 years went by (since h.s.), and at this rate, the next 20 could go fast too, and that means in a blink of an eye I'll be celebrating 60 (!!!) Yikes! Our parents are celebrating 60's, not us! Anyway we also came to realize that in 13 years BOTH our kids will be out of h.s.---wow! that is too fast, especially since our youngest is just starting school this year! Time better not go as fast as it has up to this point over the next 20 years because that will just be TOO fast! Anyway, enough of this, have a great night!

progress continuing...

Still on vacation. Getting lots of walking and sweating in while at SeaWorld (ha ha), have also used the treadmill here at the hotel. Have eaten pretty good (ok, 3 shortbread Shamu cookies), and the gourmet mac and cheese at lunch today was probably alot more calories than the shrimp skewers I also ate. But if u are at new restaurants, sometimes u have to try new things, and it looked tasty. Even though I love salads, I don't want to eat them for EVERY meal!
They did have the most amazing looking dessert though -don't fret, I didn't get it- its my favorite, hot cookies and ice cream, mmmmmm! I was certainly contemplating it. But by the time I was done with lunch I was too full anyway. Thankfully. Remember Rene'-may taste good for moments on my lips, but will look horrible for TOO long on my butt!

Progress report

I'm on my second day of vacation, and I'm still doing good. Today I actually REALLY wanted some ice cream -because it was so hot and because I couldn't eat much of anything (I'll explain later) and ice cream always go down really easy for me. But I didn't. Instead I grabbed a peach and 2 pieces of string cheese. Was very satisfying too so I'm glad I refrained. I haven't told anybody this, and I haven't really made a 'bet' with myself, but I'm sort of trying to see how long I can go with NO junk. Its going good so far :)

So to explain last night, yesterday we ate at a really great authentic mexican restaurant. I ate the most delicious shredded beef tacos ever. Very flavorful :) But they didn't bode so well with me (probably because my body was already kind of wacked out from the long bumpy (love these roads) ride here. I've come to realize that long car bumpy car rides sort of make me sick. Well combine that with these spicy tacos... oh it was a very long no-sleep filled night. I literally slept only a few hours and was in the bathroom on the toilet and trying to puke the rest of the night and early morning. I never did puke (I wish I had, because I know I would have felt better if I had) but was still very queasy with a sensitive stomach all day today, which means I ate only bland/healthy food and very little of it. Fortunately I feel better now so when we head to Sea World tomorrow I hope to be a peak form and have full energy and stamina for the day's events.

Best (and very healthy) meal I ever made!

A few weeks ago my husband taught me how to use the grill (I blogged on my other site about this). May sound simple, but I had no idea how to turn it on without fear of blowing it up. So now that I've learned I'm made some absolutely FABULOUS marinated chicken on it as well as veggies. Its the best way I like to eat chicken and since chix is about the only meat I eat, its nice to finally have a way to cook it that I actually look forward to eating it. (I'm not much of a meat person if u can tell). So I decided to try my marinade on shrimp ( I love flavorful grilled shrimp at restaurants but have never been able to duplicate it trying to grill them on the stove).
Oh
My
Word!
They were AWESOME! Best meal I ever made. Dan AND the girls loved them too (I didn't even make plain ones for the girls and they STILL loved them marinated!) I'm going to get them eating a wider variety of food yet, eh?
Well, anyway, it'd be nice if I could post some fancy homemade marinade sauce recipe for you. But I just use packets from the seasoning aisle. They are McCormick's Grill Mates. Tonight's flavor was Mojito Lime. FANTASTICO! And besides being delicious, its so incredibly healthy to cook on the grill! LOVING IT! (except for the sweating part. I came in at one point and my face was drenched in sweat and my daughter was like "Whoa what happened to you?!" lol

By the way I read to cook each side for 2 minutes. I did them a bit longer just because I couldn't get them flipped fast enough and I wanted to get some black grill marks on them. I also did them at medium heat for most of it, after I realized the grill was still on high from lighting it, and I finally turned it down (ha ha) (still getting this grilling technique down pat obviously) :)

I have some metal skewers so filled four of those, but had extra shrimp so cooked those in a grill pan (the kind with holes). All turned out fabulous.

By the way, on a funny note, I invited Dan's dad to eat with us because I thought I had too much shrimp. He couldn't come though. It turned out that was a good thing, because we devoured it ALL (it was so good!) and if there was more we probably would have eaten that too, ha ha.