I blaim stretch jeans

Healed

2010-08-04T23:49:00.002-05:00

Well, I've been back into my workout routine for a week now. After 5 days off, waiting for my stupid toe to heal, my workout routine was pretty difficult the first 2 or 3 nights. But tonight it seemed to fly by. I haven't taken any measurements lately, but my weight has gone up a bit. I find this a little discouraging; but keep reminding myself that muscle weighs more than fat. This month is gonna be tough as there are 5 birthdays in my family that will undoubtedly include cake and ice cream (Oh, how I love ice cream!!!)

Injured

2010-07-26T20:45:00.002-05:00

Successfully managed to slice open one of my toes! Can't walk straight, let alone finish a workout. Hopefully it will heal up soon.

?Goals?

2010-07-23T00:08:00.003-05:00

So far so good with the workouts. Although everyday there's some muscle that's sore! ha ha I've held steady for 3 weeks, the workouts are a bit easier, but still challenging. Not to mention that there are ways to make it even harder! Last week I decided to take some measurements in order to chart any progress. My goals are in parentheses, although having no experience in this area, several of my 'goals' are any change at all either up or down. ha ha

Bust: 33" (Expect no change)
Waist: 26" (Expect no change)
Hips: 37" (Loose at least 1")
Upper Thigh: 23.5" (Loose some?)
Just Above Knee: 15.25" (Loose some?)
Shoulder: 12.5" (?)
Just Above Elbow: 10" (?)

Jillian Michaels

2010-07-07T12:34:00.008-05:00

Although I feel the last year and a half has been full of turmoil I'm pleased to say that I've been able to hold relatively steady at 120 lbs.

That being said I would like if that weight were more muscle and less fat.

My exercise level has all but disappeared. Although my job is fairly active it can't compare with the 2-3 miles I was walking daily in Manhattan. (Aaah the joy of trudging up and down the little hills on campus with a ridiculously heavy book bag strapped on! Just kidding! All the back pain I had in college is gone!!!) And due to laziness my diet has suffered almost as much as my exercising.

As of July 2nd I started working out to Jillian Michaels' frontside and backside videos. I alternate frontside one night and backside the next. By the end of the video I'm hot and tired, but feel very accomplished. I've also been watching my portion size and trying to eat more fruits and veggies. I know this may sound frivolous but I want to have arms like Jillian Michaels! I'm considering this a long term goal, and hope to see results with in 4 to 6 months.

At it again!

2009-11-15T21:54:00.003-06:00

Well, with the stress of the last year I've actually done very well. I was almost never able to stick to any kind of diet while living with my parents and Travis (brother). I moved in with Tammy (sister) 2 1/2 months ago when I finally landed a job in Wichita at Book-A-Holic. I took the first couple months to adjust to my new job and to living with Tammy. But now it's time to get back to business! I started counting calories again. I would only like to loose between 5 and 10 pounds, as that's what I've gained. Eventually I want to work on my flabby arms, but for the moment sticking with a healthy diet is the main goal (especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up).

Job!

2009-08-30T16:50:00.001-05:00

Just to let you all know that I FINALLY got a job at Book-A-Holic in Wichita. I start sometime this week, so I'll finally be able to get into a schedule. (and loose the pounds that I gained this summer.)

HooRay for employment!!!

Blah!

2009-08-04T13:40:00.004-05:00

This summer has been one stressor after another. Oh wait! That's just my life! Ha

Regardless of how my life is, I have no routine and I think that's the problem. If I'm super busy I don't eat nearly as much as I do if I'm not so busy and therefore loose weight when I'm busy. Does that make since? I know for most people it's the opposite.

Anyway, I've gained again. Not to much, but enough that I can feel it.

Please pray that I can find a job soon! This would give me a routine, hopefully get me out of my parents house, and be a HUGE relief.

Hard Work

2009-06-27T10:08:00.002-05:00

So I started working in the office of the Cunningham, KS branch of Cargill (it's a grain elevator for those of you who are unfamiliar with Cargill) on the 18th. It's just a temporary job until harvest is over, but, hey, it's a job! But apparently I using more calories than I usually do because I lost another pound. I'm not used to working, it's makes me really tired, but it's a good tired!

June 26, 2009 - 114.8 lbs.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

Medicine is bad

2009-06-16T12:32:00.003-05:00

June 16, 2009 - 115.6 lbs.

Ok, so I'm back to my goal weight. WooHoo!

The bad thing is how I got there. Can't say that I was real diligent about what I ate, or that I exercised every day, or that I even tried.

I had a physical and they told my I had a UTI. (I didn't even know!) So they wanted to treat me with an antibiotic. The antibiotic was bad! Very bad! I had an upset stomach and a headache for a week and a half, plus I had absolutely no appetite at all so when I did eat I had to force myself to swallow every bit. It was horrible! Anyway with not eating I lost the weight.

Now that I feel better I just have to make sure I don't over due!

Barb - I have a terrible time doing anything with a DVD. I live with one of my brothers and if he were to catch me he would tease me unmercifully.

Iris Iris Iris

2009-06-04T13:52:00.005-05:00

June 4, 2009 - 117.6 lbs.

So originally I meant to weigh in on a weekly basis, but then I forgot so I thought I'd weigh in the next morning and then I forgot again and on and on. Until I finally remember to weigh in today.

I've been writing in my food journal, keeping track of those calories. If nothing else I walk from my parents house down to the southern stop sign and back. Which I think is about a mile and a half, it takes me about 30 minutes if I don't take Shadrack with me. (He actually slows me down, he gets hot and has to rest.) But I have to go before it gets to dark otherwise the mosquito's try to carry me away and eat me alive!!!

Yesterday and the day before I spent several hours working on my mom's flower garden. Digging out the plethora of Iris' and pulling out the grass that has completely taken over. I've only finished 1 side of the house and the flowers aren't even planted yet! (I'll have mom help with that, it's her garden.)

Picnic Pounds

2009-05-26T14:55:00.002-05:00

So the whole Memorial Day weekend thing was very bad for my diet and so I gained of course. But now I'm back to business! It's just to hard to count calories when you have a potluck picnic everyday.

May 26, 2009 - 119.6 lbs

New Leaf!

2009-05-19T15:31:00.002-05:00

Ok so it's official! I'm sick of watching myself slide back into my old habits and being mad at myself for gaining weight. Time to get back into the routine! Yesterday I weighted in at . . .

May 18, 2009 - 119 lbs.

I wrote everything I ate (and the calories) down in my food journal, started keeping track of how much water I drink, went for a 30 minute walk in the horse pasture, and hopefully I'll find my dumb-bells tonight when I get home. (When I was a kid I used to walk in the pasture all the time. The rolling hills are a bit of a challenge as opposed to the dirt road and very tall grass keeps the sand down some. The down side is the mosquitoes! The are vicious!!!)

This morning I went for a 45 minute walk in the pasture. One of our horses lost a halter out there some where and Dad asked me to look for it whenever I went for a walk. No luck today. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm turning over a new leaf!

Grrr...

2009-05-16T00:28:00.002-05:00

I'm so frustrated!

So my brother Travis asked me to help him tile his ex-mother-in-law's (umm yeah, little strange, but she totally loves him. I just don't know why?) kitchen/dinning room and bathroom, and since he said he would pay me I said ok. It was only supposed to be a 2 day job, maybe 3. Ha! Yeah Right! I left after 6 so I could get ready to come to Manhattan to go to Mike and Lindsey's graduation. Anyway I thought I would see how much weight I could loose while I was helping him. So my starting weight was . . .

May 8, 2009 - 118.4 lbs

Unfortunately my brother does not take regular breaks while working. So whenever I did get to eat I was always starving and I pretty much just took whatever was handed to me. Which resulted in me gaining. It's my own fault! Soon as I get back home I'm going to start writing in my food journal again and keeping track of my calories.

May 15, 2009 - 119.2 lbs

Oops! I gained again!

2009-04-17T13:20:00.004-05:00

April 16, 2009 - 117.4 lbs.

I seem to be steadily gaining instead of staying at my goal. Oh, well I'll have to pay better attention to what I'm eating.

On a good note I have a phone interview on Monday with a bank in Wichita! So hopefully all will go well and I'll have a job. Wish me luck!!!

Achoo (Sneeze), Sniffle, Caugh

2009-03-26T12:15:00.004-05:00

March 26, 2009 - 116.2 lbs.

It's my own fault I haven't been keeping track of my calories for a couple of weeks now. And now I have a head cold so I don't really care.

Living With My Parents & Brother SUCKS!!!

2009-03-12T11:21:00.004-05:00

Well Ladies I totally forgot to weigh in this morning. However if you'd experienced what I went through last night your main thought would have been, "Get me the &%#@ out of this house" too. I'm not going to go into any of the details, just that it was bad and I'm officially desperate to move!

Pizza Sandwiches

2009-03-05T10:38:00.004-06:00

March 5, 2009 - 115.4 lbs

Ok, so I've decided that holding steady is just kinda boring. I mean YEA I met my goal, but now there's no challenge to drop that next pound, no excitement over reaching that next marker. And I am missing Dairy Queen like you wouldn't believe!!! Not that there's any real temptation since the local DQ closed almost 2 years ago, but still I want a chocolate extreme blizzard so bad. On the bright side, I do have a recipe for you all.

Pizza Sandwiches
3 - 3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pkg active dry yeast
1 1/3 cup water
*mix 3 cups of flour and the rest of the ingredients together. Knead in more flour until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl. Spray the top of the dough as well and cover with a clean cloth. Let rise until double in size (about an hour) in a warm place.
*pat out half of the dough into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch backing sheet.
Pizza sauce
Your choice of pizza toppings (don't go to crazy here, this is where you could get into trouble)
Mozzarella cheese (mozzarella has much less calories than cheddar, I just learned that) :)
*add pizza sauce and toppings.
*pat out the other half of the dough into a greased pan of the same size and then flip the pan (with the dough) over on top on the pan with the toppings. The dough should fall out over the toppings. Pinch the edges together to seal in the toppings. Then poke holes in the crust to prevent huge bubbles.
* in a bowl mix together
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons water
*brush over the crust.
*bake in 425 degree over for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Cut into 15 pieces.
**if you don't want to add all the spices to the top at least brush the top with the egg. I makes the top shiny and pretty.

I made this for my parents and brother the night before last and . . . well there's only 2 pieces left. So I guess I'm not the only one who thought it was good. It also makes a pretty good packed lunch as long as you have access to a microwave.

.6

2009-02-26T10:09:00.002-06:00

Well, I managed to drop another .6 lbs. this week. I finally figured out why the roof of my mouth was so sore. It was canker sores. I've officially had them on every surface of my mouth (except on my teeth of course.) Got one under my tongue now. It doesn't seem to matter what I do or do not eat I still have one. Oh well.

February 26, 2009 - 115.2 lbs.

Frustration

2009-02-19T10:43:00.003-06:00

Ok so I totally forgot to weigh in last week. But this morning I weighed in at 115.8 lbs. Which means I lost a whopping 0.4 lbs in 2 weeks. That proves it I need to move out so I can properly get myself back in shape. But to move out I need a job. AAAAUUUUUUGGGHHHAAAA!!!!

I caved

2009-02-09T10:51:00.004-06:00

OMG! You guys make me feel terrible! I made it two whole days and then Saturday Mom and I went to Great Bend to do some shopping and she wanted this dessert after lunch and it was huge and ice cream and warm brownies and I'd taken 5 or 6 bites and she goes, "So much for the no chocolate." I actually gasped I'd totally forgotten. In the face of temptation I caved big time!!! But I was good yesterday and I plan to be good the rest of the time. Does that count?

I never thought you all would jump on board this giving stuff up thing. I just wanted my mouth to feel better. I'm down to only one canker sore, it's a new one but at least there is only one. Now if I could just figure out why the roof of my mouth is so sore. It feels like I burned it, but its felt that way for about a week now.

No Chocolate? Or No Pain?

2009-02-05T10:06:00.004-06:00

Ok, so according to Mom's scales I weigh 116.2 lbs.

Also I'm officially on a no chocolate diet for the next couple of weeks. I've got something like 4 canker sores right now and the chocolate makes my entire mouth feel kind of raw. So I think the chocolate may be contributing to the large number of canker sores. (Sniff, sniff, good-bye dear friend. I'll miss you.) (Just so you know any chocolate that I did consume was with in my calorie limit.)

Reached 1/2 My Goals

2009-02-02T10:24:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I found my food journal FINALLY!!! It was in my book bag, I could have found it weeks ago if I had bothered to actually open the bag. So I've been keeping track for 4 days now. Still don't have a place for my scales (kinda forgot about that goal). Todd and Angie told me I could use their wireless anytime so that's taken care of. But that Pilate's DVD is still on the shelf.

Wednesday I organized my room. It involved heavy lifting, moving furniture, and took several hours. But now I can walk from the door to the dresser with out having to climb over a box or two. Friday I completely unloaded the trailer with all my stuff in it and then reloaded it. Why you ask. Because when they loaded it up they put all the boxes in first and I couldn't find half the stuff I needed. But in order to get to those boxes I had to take all the furniture out first. It took me several hours and the next day I was pretty sore, but wishing I had something physical to do again. I can't afford to join a gym and there is no place I can go for free. Not to mention that living 15 miles from town on a dirt road in western Kansas pretty much leaves out walking outside. If the wind doesn't kill you the sand hitting your face will!!! (The wind has been really bad lately too.)

Ok, so I have no idea what my weight is. But that will come next time.

Guilt Trip

2009-01-09T20:26:00.002-06:00

Welp . . . Mindy, Amber, and Teniah you have all made me feel super guilty!

But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Here's the deal. With all the pressures that came with preparing for my show, then graduation, then packing everything up at school and turning everything in, then Christmas, and finally moving (or rather half moving) and everything's a mess and completely crazy, oh, and my birthday (I got birthday pies) . . . well, I found my scales a couple of days ago!

Uh, yeah. I don't know where my food journal is. And even though I found my scales I haven't stepped on them and there's no place to put them anyway and I feel absolutely no motivation to find a place for them.

On the bright side I have been (halfheartedly) trying to watch what I eat. It took some convincing, but I finally got my Mom to stop buying ice cream. That was mostly because Travis is gigantic! and It's nasty to watch him stretch and see his belly fat hanging out from under his shirt!!! (Nasty shivers totally running down my back! Ha he would totally kill me if he knew I was putting this online for the whole world to read. Hee! Hee! Hee!)

Also, the only reason I'm able to update is because I'm at Tammy's house. My parents are still in the dial up dark ages so I usually loose patients just trying to check my e-mail. Most of the time I don't take the time to check everyone's blog much less update my own.

Here are my goals . . .

Find my food journal
Find a place form my scales and weigh in
Find a faster Internet connection and try to update weekly i.e. make a schedule

Mindy, about that Pilate's video. If I remember correctly it is similar to yoga but a little more intensive. Still quiet and no bouncing the baby out of bed. Hmm . . . I have a Pilate's DVD too. Maybe that should be my 4th goal.

Actually use the Pilate's DVD (I think I found that like a week ago)

Turkey Day

2008-12-04T20:29:00.004-06:00

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I completely went crazy and didn't count for the whole 5 days that I was at home and let me tell you there were lots of pies, cookies, and ice cream that I just had to eat. Mmm, Mmm, Yummy, Yummy!!! Before I went home I weighed in at 114.5 lbs. and when I got back to Manhattan I weighed in at 116 lbs. So I thought that was pretty good. I have, however, been living in studio and not really taking care of myself the way I normally do and have therefore already lost that 1.5 lbs. Only one more week and then I can sleep again. But now I have to get back to work.

Before and After

2008-11-02T14:20:00.004-06:00

Wow! Can I just say that I completely HATE trying to take a decent picture of yourself with a stupid timer thing on the camera. It is impossible to get a good one! The first picture was taken at Easter with my mom (my dad took the picture and he can't really run a camera, thus everything is slightly washed out) and the second today. Same dress, different house. I can tell a tiny difference, but you might not be able to. I mostly notice the difference in my clothing a.k.a I must wear a belt with all my jeans now.Before

After

Skating Party

2008-10-22T11:48:00.002-05:00

This weekend I went skating for the first time in 10.5 years! Thanks God they still have the regular skates for people like me. Those in line skates hurt my ankles! Anyway, out of the 6 adults out there I was 1 of 2 that didn't fall. It was super fun, but my legs hurt the next day.

Wednesday October 22nd 27th weigh in: 115 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1 lb.

Total weight lost: 18.5 lbs.

Teniah's Post

2008-10-13T23:36:00.011-05:00

Ok Teniah, here you go! Yes, I did take picture of my groceries and my food. But there are a couple of things you have to keep in mind.

~~~

#1 I live alone and can therefore cook little meals just for me.

~~~

#2 I have almost no time to actually cook any of those little meals so everything is pretty fast.

~~~

I love love love potato bread.

Just a few random items!

Chicken Chow Mein over 5 Minute Rice.

Pepperoni Pizza with Mushrooms, Cheese, and an Apple. (my typical working at church meal)

Tortellini, Grapes, and Broccoli. Mmmm love tortellini!

Dinner in a bag meal with Grapes. I usually make two meals out of one bag.

I eat a lot of cereal with milk.

I also pack a lot of sandwiches to eat at school or in studio. Usually add a piece of fruit, carrots, and/or a cheese stick.

I try really hard to only have one Mountain Dew a day. But sometimes the stress is to much and I gotta have another one. (I can't help it, it's so yummy!)

~~~

I broke down and bought some hot chocolate mix. I'll have to work that in, if I actually want to drink it. (More veggies and less bread.)

You don't have to give up sweets completely. Having a chocolate craving? Have a tablespoon of chocolate chips, 70 calories. Just need something to sweet suck on? Try a jolly rancher, 23 calories.

Wednesday October 15th 26th weigh in: 116 lbs.

Weight lost this week: -.5 lbs.

Total weight lost: 17.5 lbs.

Reaching Goals!

2008-10-08T12:18:00.003-05:00

HooWoo! I reached my goal! Of course I'm going to Memphis this weekend for Repair Days. (It's another school trip.) So I'm sure I'll be eating more of that greasy goodness that I talked about last time, but oh well. I'm super excited to be where I am! Now I just gotta stay there!

Wednesday October 8th 25th weigh in: 115.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: .5 lbs.

Total weight lost: 18 lbs.

Greasy Goodness

2008-10-01T09:23:00.003-05:00

Ok, I don't know what was up with last week, but we're just going to pretend it didn't happen. It was all a mirage, a figment of my imagination! Well I'm very pleased that my weight went back down to what it was two weeks ago, especially since I spent last weekend in Carbondale, IL at the SIMS conference. (SIMS Southern Illinois Metalsmithing Society) They had 3 guest artists, all of which were fantastic. Hopefully I'll have time to post pictures on my other blog. The only bad thing about this weekend is that we eat out for almost every meal and every place we ate was wonderfully greasy goodness type food. Needless to say I did not count calories, I just ate whatever was put in front of me!

Wednesday October 1st 24th weigh in: 116 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 3 lbs.

Total weight lost: 17.5 lbs.

Teniah, I working on a special blog just for you, but it might take a while. Life is really hectic right now!

What The . . . ? Hey!

2008-09-24T17:48:00.005-05:00

Ok, I'll admit that I did have some very unhealthy ice cream this week, but seriously this is so not right!

Wednesday September 24th 23rd weigh in: 119 lbs.

Weight lost this week: -3 lb.

Total weight lost: 14.5 lbs.

Seriously! The End Of The World!

2008-09-17T15:59:00.008-05:00

Alrighty then! So this is for Mindy and Teniah! And thanks for the comments! When you go a month and a half without any you begin to wonder why you're doing what you're doing.

Ok, so I joyfully woke up yesterday with a sore throat and a runny nose. (Major sarcasm on the "joyfully waking up" thing! I don't wake up joyful even when I feel good, I'm just not a morning person.) And although this wouldn't be a big deal to most people, not being able to breath properly is pretty much the END OF THE WORLD for me! I can't sleep, so I take medicine, which dries out everything BUT my nose and somehow makes my throat worse. Or . . . I used to take Mucinex and that would make my excess mucus super thick so I would wake up gasping for breath because it would block off my air way and I would literally be suffocating! Not a happy feeling people!!! Anyway, yeah. I'm dealing with that, but other than having a cold, I'm good!

Wednesday September 17th 22nd weigh in: 116 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1.5 lb.

Total weight lost: 17.5 lbs.

Hello? Where are you guys?

2008-09-10T08:42:00.004-05:00

. . . why should I write anything? nobody ever comments anyway. Is anybody even out there?

Wednesday September 10th 21st weigh in: 117.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: .5 lb.

Total weight lost: 16 lbs.

20th Weigh In

2008-09-03T09:16:00.002-05:00

I think I'm gonna have to increase my calories on the days that I have Blacksmithing class. It takes a lot out of you!!! And as the shortest (a.k.a. puniest) person there, the smallest hammer they have is almost too heavy. But I'm not complaining, it's way fun!!!

Wednesday September 3rd 20th weigh in: 118 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1.5 lb.

Total weight lost: 15.5 lbs.

Hooray for small victories!

2008-08-27T12:13:00.003-05:00

Hey all. Today is my niece's birthday. She's 12 today!!! Happy Birthday Taylor!!! I love ya babe! (You are gonna love your gift almost as much as I do or rather will!)

So yeah, I started my classes yesterday. I'm super excited to finally be in my last semester, but I'm a little nervous about my blacksmithing class. Eric (teacher) kept telling us how we were all gonna get hurt, and that if he has to open the first aid kit for us we have to sign it and he was talking about all these things we have to do that I don't know how to do, and in my head I know everything will be fine, and that I'm just doing that whole first day overwhelmed thing that I do every semester. And wow that was a one really long run on sentence. Guess what? I talk in run on sentences too! Ha Ha

Hope you all are having a fantabulous week!!!

Wednesday August 27th 19th weigh in: 119.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1 lb.

Total weight lost: 14 lbs.

Stuck

2008-08-20T08:23:00.003-05:00

I seem to be stuck. Yesterday I rode my bike to Wal-mart and back (about two miles). Then I walked everywhere the rest of the day. You know I can walk all over and not get tired, but 15 minutes on a bike and I'm exhausted. Guess I'm not in bike riding shape!

Wednesday August 20th 18th weigh in: 120.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 0 lb.

Total weight lost: 13 lbs.

One Semester Left!

2008-08-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

Wonderful news! I got a C in my class! Business minor completed! NO MORE BUSINESS CLASSES!!! HooRay!!! Happy Cherry!

I'm back

2008-08-13T13:01:00.003-05:00

Ok, I'm coming back from my hiatus early. Horrible final tomorrow! I'll let you all know how I did once I get my final grade.

Wednesday August 6th 17th weigh in: 120.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: -1.5 lb.

Total weight lost: 13 lbs.

It's A Habit!

2008-08-06T15:44:00.003-05:00

Although I'm not counting and keeping track of everything I eat right now. The habit of stepping on the scales seems to be ingrained in me now.

Wednesday August 6th 16th weigh in: 119 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1.5 lb.

Total weight lost: 14.5 lbs.

C

2008-08-04T16:41:00.002-05:00

I officially have a C in my class!

Thank you for all your prayers! Please don't stop yet: wisdom and courage, wisdom and courage, wisdom and courage!

Time Off

2008-07-30T22:54:00.002-05:00

Life has gotten completely out of control! Completely! I have no control of school, no control of my work environment, and definitely no control over my emotions anymore.

With my control being completely striped away, I'm making the conscious decision to not control my eating. I'm taking the next two weeks off. My date to resume is August 16th, two days after I finish my finance class. I'm hoping that with the class out of the way I can regain some of the composer I once possessed.

I'm having a huge issue at work right now. Please pray for the situation.

Thanks!

Nothing At All!

2008-07-30T09:53:00.003-05:00

If I can't say anything good, I should say nothing at all!

If it involves work or school, I should say nothing at all! Since work and school is pretty much all my life is right now you can probably guess how it's going.

Wednesday July 30th 15th weigh in: 120.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: -.5 lb.

Total weight lost: 13 lbs.

New Bike

2008-07-24T15:34:00.002-05:00

Here's my new bike that replaced the first new bike that was gigantic!!! Bethany and I went for a ride today we'll see how sore I am tomorrow! Yeah, it's totally a kids bike!!! What can I say? I'm a shorty!!!

14th Weigh In

2008-07-23T12:30:00.003-05:00

This week kinda went to heck. Pleasantly surprised that I didn't gain!

Wednesday July 23th 14th weigh in: 120 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 0 lb.

Total weight lost: 13.5 lbs.

AAAHahhhaAHAAHahahhahAHhha!!!!!!!

2008-07-16T11:37:00.004-05:00

Umm . . . yeah, the summer from, you know where, is never going to end!!! Finance SUCKS! and that's all I'm going to say about that.

So I bought this bike, but it's way to tall! Seriously, I can't even hardly get on it! I got it yesterday and ATTEMPTED to ride it home, woke up about 4:30am, could NOT go back to sleep because I kept thinking about how much I hate this bike and that I don't feel save on it, because if I come to a stop I have to be able to reach the ground with my foot otherwise I'm going to fall and break something. Finally at 5:30am I got up to see if I could return this thing and I think I can. I'm definitely going to try and exchange it. I think I might have to buy a kids bike. Seriously, my inseam is 27" and from the ground to the seat on this bike is 34"!!! I'm only 5'1" people!

The weight loss thing is good. School is bad. Bike situation is bad. Price of gas is $4.09 (which is why I bought the bike in the first place) so that's bad. Work is bad (or rather obnoxious).

Sorry to be so negative all the time. I feel like I never have anything good to say!

Wednesday July 16th 13th weigh in: 120 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1 lb.

Total weight lost: 13.5 lbs.

I passed!!!

2008-07-12T00:19:00.003-05:00

I got a C in "Accounting for Investing and Finance"!!! Thanks so much for all your prayers!!!

So I'm pretty sure that I checked the site where they post grades everyday this week and always it said the same thing. "There are no grades posted for this semester. All short classes are posted every Friday. Blah Blah Blah." But that "every Friday" part stuck in my head. So today (well, actually yesterday) I checked at 6:45am, 11:30am, 4:00pm, and 5:45pm and still no grade. Ok the Registrar's Office closes at 5pm, so I was livid. Here I was patiently waiting to see if I passed the worst class I've ever taken in my life, and they aren't living up to there end of the deal. (I actually have the registrar's office number programed into my phone now. I was going to give them a piece of my mind come Monday morning. But lets face it, by then I would have calmed down and would have been polite and mostly calm on the phone.) Anyway, for some reason I decided to check one more time before I went to bed and it was there!

Hooray! Thanks again! I love having all these friends out there! Some that I've met and some that I haven't!

Still No Grade

2008-07-09T11:56:00.004-05:00

So I still don't know if I passed "Accounting for Investing and Finance." I should get my final grade on Friday. In the mean time I started "Intro to Finance", the teacher is much better! He will actually do the problem on the board so I can see what to do. Amazing how much an example helps!

As far as excercising goes I've been walking, but not as much as I would like. It's been kinda rainy lately. Today I walked to school in the fog; I could only see about a block. Also still working on arm strengthening. Mostly I just watch what I eat and try to keep up with all the homework I have.

Wednesday July 9th 12th weigh in: 121 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 2.5 lbs.

Total weight lost: 12.5 lbs.

Blah! Blah! Blah!

2008-07-02T11:56:00.004-05:00

Just to warn you, this blog is not going to be a happy one. I'm way down!!!

So my final is tomorrow and since I got a lousy 70% on the last test I have about as much confidence in my ability to pass this final as I do that Pastor Pat will ever be the administrative type! I'm nursing my 6th canker sore, and now for some reason the roof of my mouth is completely raw. ( I don't know why! I didn't burn it, I haven't eaten any pineapple, or tomatoes, or super hard cereals, I donno, it just hates me!) I started my ____ yesterday so all the lovely things that come with that are plaguing me. And as we speak I'm eating chocolate chips! I just want tomorrow to be over!!!!

Wednesday July 2nd 11th weigh in: 123.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: -.5 lbs.

Total weight lost: 10 lbs.

For Teniah

2008-06-25T14:58:00.006-05:00

Per Teniah’s request here is a glance back at what I’ve changed in my life to loose weight. (Hey Teniah – e-mail me your current mailing address)

Life prior to the diet . . .

I have no idea what my calorie intake was before I started counting. But I would guess it was somewhere between 2500 and 3000 everyday. (I can’t believe I just admitted that!) That’s my guess because I would eat things like an ENTIRE box of Kraft macaroni and cheese for lunch, or get my lunch from the vending machine (Mmm Doritos or Cheetos and Grandma’s mini sandwich cookies) at school. I’m also a big fan of cereal with LOTS of sugar!!!

As far as exercising went . . . well, it didn’t! The only thing I really enjoy is walking, it’s easy and you don’t need anything, but a good pair of shoes! I tried a Pilates DVD, but I really hated it and therefore didn’t stick with it. I kinda liked lifting weights, but I hadn’t done it since freshman year in high school, and I hate going to a gym!

Life on a diet . . .

Ok after my dressing room break down I realized that I didn’t even know how to eat healthy. I mean before I moved out Mom just fed me and (as long as it wasn’t disgusting) I would eat whatever she put in front of me. (Don’t get me wrong I knew how to fend for myself if I had to, and I could make dinner if Mom asked me to. I just never put any thought into what I was eating.) Mom suggested I start counting calories and to write down everything I eat and how may calories are in each item. Well, knowing me I knew I would never stick with this if I didn’t make it kinda fun and very easy. So I went to Wal-mart and bought a pretty journal and I found a little book called Calorie, Fat, & Carbohydrate Counter.

That book is the best thing I’ve ever bought! It has a ton of helpful information in it. The first two/thirds lists out the different foods, what a normal portion size is, and the number of calories, fat grams, and carbohydrates. The last third lists 200 fast-food chains and restaurants. There is also a website (www.calorieking.com) where you can look up anything that’s not in the book. There’s also stuff in the back like; Fats & Cholesterol Guide, How Fats Affect Blood Flow, Fiber Guide, Protein & Iron Counter, Sodium Counter, Calcium & Osteoporosis Guide, Diabetes Guide, the list goes on.

When I first started counting calories my goal was 1500 per day until I got used to that and then I went down to 1300 per day. I’m not going to go down any more. But using that as a guide I was able to make a HEALTHY meal with in my allotted calories. I ate a ton of broccoli at first and apples and oranges. Started looking at the calories on the things that I buy, put a lot of things back on the shelf, I’m still learning how to make low calorie foods. My next goal is to rework some of my recipes to that they are healthier.

Exercising . . . well I broke out the pedometer set a goal of 12000 steps a day. Most days I work in more than that, but only because Bethany really pushes me. (I don’t even think she knows that she’s pushing me!) I walk to and from class everyday that gets me 1.86 miles (according to my pedometer) and then Bethany and I go for a walk in the evenings - around one of the many parks, around the campus, to church, up and down the streets (commenting on the houses), etc. I also bought a pair of 5 lb. bum bells, and I try to to some arm straightening exercises every couple of days.

My goal weight is 115 lbs. That’s what I weighed when I first moved here and I remember being really happy with my body then, so that’s my goal now. To be really happy with my body.

10 lbs!

2008-06-25T10:29:00.003-05:00

Class Update: I had a quiz today. I think I did pretty well. I got a 100% on the last homework assignment so that should help. Thanks again for all your prayers!

Bethany and I started walking around campus every couple days. It's about 4 miles. Tonight we are going to walk to church and then beg someone to give us a ride home. (Please someone have mercy!) I know I can do the 3.5 miles there, but I don't think I can make it back. My legs are tired from walking around campus last night anyway.

Wednesday June 25th 10th weigh in: 123 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1.5 lbs.

Total weight lost: 10.5 lbs.

Hey, I finally hit that 10lb. mark!!! Woo Hoo!!!

It's a Miracle!!!

2008-06-23T11:54:00.003-05:00

Thank you! thank you! thank you! for all your prayers!!! I got a 90% on my test last Friday!!! Don't stop yet though I have another test this coming Friday and then the FINAL the Thursday after. Plus a couple quizzes in there somewhere! But at least now I have a passing grade in the class.

Stessed Out

2008-06-18T11:51:00.004-05:00

Ok, you all are my weight loss buddies and I'm gonna ask you to be my prayer buddies too. I need some serious help. I'm trying to take this stupid accounting class over the summer and it is kickin' my tush! I've never worked so hard on a class and gotten such poor grades. I did fine on the 1st quiz and then got a 67% on the 1st test. So I studied really hard for the next quiz and completely flunked it, studied really hard for the 2nd test, made flash cards and everything, and then got a 68%. I don't know what to do - I can do the homework, half the time I don't even have to look up the process to do the homework right. I check it after to make sure. But his tests are nothing like the homework or the stuff we do in class. It's like he wants us to fail. (I'm not the only one doing so badly.) I have another test on Friday. Please pray that I'll be able to understand the test and do well. My confidence level is so low, I'm really frustrated and to be perfectly honest I just want to quit, but I need this class for my minor, and I can't afford to take it again in the fall.

Ok I wrote the 1st paragraph yesterday. I just realized how stressed out I am because on this class. Last night I had a dream that Calvina (a 3rd grader from church) was trying to teach me my accounting, we were outside and it was really windy, and I thought there was a tornado coming for us. (Maybe the tornado that hit Manhattan has played a bigger role in my life than I thought.) Then I woke up. I've also had 3 canker sores in the last week and a half. (That's more than usual even for me!)

Pray hard! I'm kinda freaking out!!!

Wednesday June 18th 9th weigh in: 124.5 lbs.

Weight lost this week: -.5 lbs.

Total weight lost: 9 lbs.

8th weigh in

2008-06-11T16:51:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I have no idea how I lost 3 lbs. this week, but apparently I did something right. I learned some new arm exercises and have been doing those, but the walking tapered off a bit (ok, a lot) mostly because I got a blister the size of a dime on the ball of my left foot. (Don't be too alarmed about this it happens every summer for the past 3 summers.) It hurt the first couple of days and then was fine, but then it popped and then all that new skin was exposed and it was VERY tender. The skin has started to tighten up again so bring on that 4 mile hike.

Wednesday June 11th 8th weigh in: 124 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 3 lbs.

Total weight lost: 9.5 lbs.

Poo!

2008-06-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

I got pooed on by a bird on the way home from class this morning!!! Ok the poo actually landed on the ground and then splattered all over my right foot, but still. There was actual bird poo on me! Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!

Anyway, I didn't loose any weight, but I didn't gain either. Holdin' steady this week.

Wednesday June 4th 7th weigh in: 127 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 0 lbs. (zip, zero, zilch)

Total weight lost: 6.5 lbs.

So here's my story

2008-05-31T10:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry yesterday all I did was post the weight changes. I had a massive headache, but I was already two days late and . . . yeah that why it was just the stats.

Ok so Bethany is amazing and crazy all at the same time. Tuesday my class started and so now I walk to campus and back every morning. That alone gives me about 5,000 steps. Then on my way to work I had to go by the Union to buy this homework packet for the class I'm in and since the Union parking lot is a huge mess I had to walk a ways. Anyway, Bethany came by to go for a walk and when we started I had around 7,000 steps. So we went on this walk all over, just looking at houses and making comments ("Oooo look at that one!" "Love the porch." "Oh my gosh! Tear it down" "Hello time to break out the mower!") Anyway, by the time I realized that I was in very real pain and needed to go home we were about 10 blocks from my house (hers was even farther). Those 10 blocks were the worst thing ever! By the time we got home I was limping, because my muscles hurt so bad. When I went to bed I had over 18,000 steps!!!

Wednesday I had a ton of homework so I didn't walk. (It was a really good excuse! I was much better, but still a little sore.) I did have to drop my car off at the shop to get worked on.

Thursday I was car-less all day. I walked to class, then to another building on campus to drop off a check, then to the bank, then home. I didn't have to work, but I did have to take the newsletters to the post office. (Thank goodness the post office is only 5 blocks away! The boxes weren't heavy, just cumbersome.) Anyway, walked the newsletters to the post office and then back home. Walked to Bethany's and we went for a walk. Then decided to make this apricot, white chocolate, almond bread for Friday Night Dinner (it was sooooooo good), but I didn't have all the ingredients, so I walked to the little grocery store across the street form the post office and back. I had over 19,000 steps Thursday night.

Anyway, I think all the walking is the only reason I lost my pound. I still have no car. (That story is on my other blog.) Hopefully it will be back to me on Monday otherwise Pastor Pat or Pastor Linda may have to come get me for work again.

Just had to share all my outrageous walking stories with you guys!

6th Weigh in

2008-05-30T13:37:00.000-05:00

Wednesday May 28th 6th weigh in: 127 lbs.

Weight lost this week: 1 lb.

Total weight lost: 6.5 lbs.

Commercials are BAD!!!

2008-05-27T11:59:00.001-05:00

Ok, it's been awhile since I actually had time to watch plain old regular TV. You know with all the commercials, the evil, devil commercials, that talk about ice cream, and cookies, and chocolate, and crazy restaurant food. No wonder we sit around and eat all evening! Grrr Evil Commercials!!!

Confession time!

2008-05-23T08:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I saved up 150 calories to use on a small ice cream cone from McDonald's. I'd been thinking about it for 3 days and just couldn't take it any longer. It was so worth it!

WooHoo

2008-05-21T08:42:00.000-05:00

So I totally made up for gaining that half pound last week, but I worked my tush off doing it. (Ok, I know I can't literally work my tush off. But don't you wish you could?) This last week I unintentionally left the dumb bells sitting in the same spot, undisturbed the entire time. I don't know I just kinda forgot about them until last night, but I didn't pick them up then either. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Anyway Bethany, Carolyn, and I have been trying to walk together. I'm hoping we can set up a more routine schedule. I'm really bad at spur of the moment type things. If I have a schedule I'll stick to it. (I highly recommend trying to get a friend to walk with, its MUCH less boring (especially if you are poor like me and can't afford an iPod) plus you can encourage one another as you go.)

I also lowered my calorie intake a little.

Hope you girls are having as good a day as I am!

Wednesday May 21st 5th weigh in: 128.0 lbs

Weight lost this week: 2.5 lbs

Total weight loss: 5.5 lbs

Grrrrrr

2008-05-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

This has not been a good week. I'm blaiming finals! Yesterday I spent 2 hours writing 6.5 pages for my lit final, 5.5 hours working on my project for metals, 1.5 hours studying for my accounting final, and then another 1.5 hours taking my accounting final. My neck, back, and arms hurt!

Wednesday May 14th 4th weigh in: 130.5lbs

Weight lost this week: -.5lbs (in other words I gained half a pound.)

Total weight lost: 3lbs

Mmm Smoothies!!!

2008-05-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

Firstly I really did go for a 3mile walk yesterday! So at least I didn't lie two days in a row. I've got a smoothie recipe for you all to try. I've only tried a couple of them and this one is definitely better than the first one I tried.

1 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup ice

Makes about 6 8oz servings depending on how much ice you use. I put in a little more because I like my smoothies a bit thicker than some.

85 calories in each 8oz serving. Makes a great snack!

I like to make it up ahead of time and freeze it in these little cups that I have. Then I just grab one out of the freezer when ever I want. I have to let it thaw out for awhile but the wait is totally worth it! You could put popsicle sticks in them and turn them into popsicles, but don't let them sit out before you eat them. That wouldn't work to well. Might be messy too.

I'm such a lier!!!

2008-05-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

I'm a horrible person!!! I wish I'd never posted yesterdays blog. It rained pretty much all afternoon so I did not walk to studio. In fact I never even went to studio. I didn't go for a walk (because it was cold and rainy), I just sat all day in front of the TV and cross-stitched. On the bright side I did finish the cross-stitch project that I've been working on ALL semester. Ok it's pretty sunny right now so out I go. For real this time!!!

Today's plan

2008-05-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

I started to count yesterday, but then realized that it was Friday!!! Hooray for days off! Today I have to go to studio and work on my last project for the semester. Hopefully I'll get really far, really fast so I don't have to go back tomorrow. I am going to walk to studio and if its not dark when I quit I'll walk back. If it is dark I'll call Bethany and beg her to come get me! Hopefully I'll burn a lot of calories bending metal, hammering metal, sawing metal, and playing with the torch! Hee Hee Hee I like fire Hee Hee Hee

Only one Oops!

2008-05-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

Okay so exercise does not get rid of the head ache that accompanies Aunt Flow when she comes for a visit. Totally wanted to die yesterday, in fact at one point sleeping was more important than food (and for me to say that, it should tell you how much pain I was in). Other than Aunt Flow's visit I had a pretty good week. Only went over on calories once, that's because Phil and Bethany invited me over for dinner and for dessert we had smoothies. If I would have stopped with half of one I think I would have still been in range, but noooo I had to go and drink the whole yummy thing!!! Still it was pretty reasonable for a smoothie the whole thing was made from different fruits, juice, and yogurt. No Sugar! Kayla this could totally take the place of ice cream if you made it ahead of time and froze it. Yummy yummy!

Wednesday May 7th 3rd weigh in: 130.0 lbs

Weight lost this week 1.5 lbs

Total weight lost 3.5 lbs

CalorieKing.com

2008-05-04T15:09:00.000-05:00

Ok I just figured out that my calorie book is basically online. So if you want to join in on the calorie counting fun go http://www.calorieking.com/ and you can look up anything. Today I looked up what I ate for lunch at Panera. (I was a good girl!) Now I'm gonna go inhale an apple and a bunch of water. That 3 mile walk made me hot, sweaty, and hungry!

FND

2008-05-03T10:21:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad that I take Friday nights off from counting calories. I made this crazy baked pineapple dish. It was so yummy! The weird thing is that it has cheese in it. I ate way too much last night a braut; two of Lisa's potato things with cheese, chives, and bacon pieces on it; Lindsey's potato salad (so yummy); my pineapple stuff; little bit of rice; and eventually some of Carolyn's apple crumble stuff (also so yummy). I felt like I was going to explode! I have to learn to take much smaller servings, so I don't die at the end.

Today I have a ton of homework to work on, a VERY long walk to take, must go to the market and get some more fruit (I only have one apple left), want to check out Hobby Lobby for some decorating ideas for a room in the church.

Okay, now I've confessed how bad I was last night! I did however gather up all the candy in my apt, put it in a bag and gave it to Pastor Linda to hand out to the kids at church. Hee hee not in my apt = not in my tummy!!!

The Plan/First Week

2008-05-03T09:53:00.001-05:00

So here's the deal on April 21st I had a small break down at the mall, in the Maurice's dressing room actually. Last fall I bought jeans and the size that fit was a 3/4 short. I couldn't believe it, I've never in my life worn a 3/4 I was ecstatic. So I've been wearing these 3/4 jeans all year, but now its starting to get warm and none of my shorts fit. And when you go from wearing a 3/4 to have to try on a 9/10 in non-stretch shorts, break downs occur! I left the mall crying and determined to do something about it!

Here's what I've been doing!

Pedometer is my best friend. The more aware you are of how much you walk the more walking you are likely to do. My goal is 12,000 steps a day (recommended is 8,000 to 10,000; this higher number motivates me to get the 10,000 much more.)

I bought a pair of 5lb dumbbells, they are green, I do arm exercises for about 10 minutes a day, they make my arms incredibly tired in that time and I feel really good after wards.

I bought a cute little journal and a not so cute calorie book. You got it! I write down everything I eat and the number of calories in each item. I keep a running total and try to stay under 1500 calories a day. (I found this thing on the web where you plug in your height, weight, and exercise level and it tells you you how many calories you need to maintain that weight. If you want to lose about a pound a week you subtract 500 calories from the total it gives you. Mine was something like 1964 to maintain a weight of 133.5 lbs. on my 5'1" frame. That's how I got the 1500 calories per day.) This has seriously made me think about what I eat. Veggies are your friends, so are fruits, meat is a little higher, but you still need the protein. Pastas, cheeses, and COOKIES are your worst enemies!!! You can get you entire days calories in like two candy bars! (Bad, Bad, Evil!!!)

And lastly I take Friday's off from the calorie counting. This way I get a reward for being good all week and I can enjoy myself at Friday Night Dinner with all my friends. I still try to walk and lift those dumbbells!

This is what I learned this week!

I can't go clear from lunch to dinner without a snack and water just doesn't cut it. So I'll grab a piece of fruit Apple-55, Pear-105, Orange-45, 1 cup of Grapes-105 and then I make myself wait til dinner. I distract myself with something (water my plants, do the dishes, do a dance to my favorite song.)

Canned mushrooms only have 30 calories in the whole can! This was an exciting discovery for me, but I know some people (Carolyn) wouldn't care!

If I have a headache and go for a quick walk, it will go away. I find this amazing! I always heard that exercise was supposed to help with cramps, but nobody told me it would get rid of a headache! Who'd a thunk it?

I secretly hate dumbbells and glare at them every time I pick them up. Maybe that's why I feel good when I'm done, I don't have to touch them for another 24 hrs!

For me setting a high goal and keeping a record of what I do is key. It makes me strive for what is recommended and makes me accountable to myself.

Wednesday April 23rd 1st weigh in: 133.5lbs.

Wednesday April 30th 2nd weigh in: 131.5lbs.

Total weight lost 2lbs.