I have dinners for my family awaiting!

I feel so empowered!! It took awhile, about 4 hours of shopping and about 8 hours of assembly time, but I have about 25 meals for 8 in my freezer! It feel so good and it has been fun having family meals together. I must say, I had a lot of help from my sweet sister, Danna. She is a rock star, as far as I am concerned!

Check these out! If you are interested in this plan, go to www.savingdinner.com and check out their mega menu mailer. It is amazing.

Maybe if I'm Really Good...

...the pity fairy will put one of these under my pillow.

I have had a couple of horrible days at work, of the variety where I have to remind myself that "we do not cry when we're wearing our grown-up clothes." Home? Not much better. About the only redeeming value to this week is that since Monday was a holiday, it's short. That said, I have to disclose: (1) I set a really big goal for myself last week as far as getting to a regular exercise schedule and kicking myself into gear; (2) after a week, I pulled a muscle in my calf (and also in my hip) doing something unrelated and stupid so I couldn't really walk all that well, much less stick to the schedule; (3) I got discouraged; (4) I had a bad week wholly unrelated; and (5) I went for the cookie dough.

Over the past year, we've all talked a lot about the emotional response to eating - good and bad - and I never really thought much about it. Other than occasionally wanting (but being able to refrain from eating) certain foods after a rought patch, I didn't really connect with the idea because truth be told, I'm an impulse eater, not someone who eats their way through adversity. At least that's what I thought.

So now I'm looking for novel ways to come up with an alternative game plan. So far, I have used the following as proxies: (1) spit-shining the house, (2) washing curtains, drapes, and other things too big for the washing machine but that will fit in the bathtub with detergent and Oxy, (3) leisurely strolling (leg still hurts), and (4) Hugh Grant movies.

I'd love to hear what the rest of you use as stress defusers/distractors. And I promise, I will stop whining and being blue soon. Promise. Promise. So let me hear what works for the rest of you so I can get a jump on that promise.

Muchos besos to my co-bloggers,
Lisa

More tales of that crazy Kristina!

I didn't journal on Sunday or Monday. It was a holiday weekend, AND I was starving as I was premenstrual. But I got right back on track Tuesday... for the most part, anyways. : ) I worked my arse off at the Y, and then I came home and took another 1 1/2 hours to mow our lawn! I did soooo good until I went out to dinner with a girlfriend. I was FAMISHED and had just started my period. So I had a burger, the first burger in several months, thank you.
I've been doing really well, I haven't weighed since Saturday. I will once my cycle ends... You know, I've been so encouraged by what I've been able to accomplish with my fitness. It struck me on Tuesday, the day I started my period, that that was the day I've done the most cardio that I've been able to ever do. I did 73 minutes of intense cardio, and I felt soooo good, and strong. In the past when my cycle has started, that would be the one day of the month for sure that I could give myself a pass on working out for the day. But as I've increased my endurance, I didn't even think to take the day off.

Anyhow, here's some stats:

Tuesday: 754 calories up until dinner. I'm not sure what my total was for the day as I had a burger and a couple of drinks. I think it's safe to say that I had at least 2,000 calories for the day. I had 12 glasses of water. I did 73 minutes of cardio, burning 1,100 calories, and lifted 43,400 pounds.

Wednesday: 1,596 calories, 12 glasses of water, and I did 63 minutes of cardio. I burned 900 calories, and lifted 53,000 pounds.

Kristina is almost to the 170's!!

Three cheers for Kristina!! Go, go, go, girl! Leave those 180's far behind! I am sending you lots of skinny thoughts and will power vibes, babe!

Love, Jules

For Jennifer - the legacy changer

Jennifer, this is the graphic I created for my friend who did the walk last year. I'm posting it here for the ladies of the blog to think about as well.

Thank you so much for your sacrifice of walking so many miles for this noble, important cause.

You are changing the legacy, one step at a time.

Tickers

To Melissa and others who have not known how to post a ticker. Go to www.tickerfactory.com , create a ticker, copy the html coding, then sign into blogger, go to our template of the blog, look for the other ticker coding and paste in what you copied from the website. Simple as that. Melissa, I added your name in the coding, so just paste under that line of code. Hope this helps!

Jules

Wow! Who are those two blond babes?

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

That's right! Elicia got carded for her drink! : )

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

SueAnne & her daughter Paige

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Mommy! Did you HAVE to tell them it was my birthday?!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Jennifer & Jules

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Yeah! We finally got to meet you Jennifer!

Right before I left for the Hurrah!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

More Hurrah

Hurrah!

Progress Pics

Here I am at 234.2 pounds on March 8th and 214 pounds on May 24th


It's maybe a little hard to see the differences because I'm wearing sweat pants in yesterday's picture, but I think you can see the difference better in the side view.

The things that I have lost, and gained over the last two weeks...

In my first two weeks of journaling again, my total weight loss is nine pounds. (That's right, I'm up a pound). But even though I believed that weight loss was the first, and primary reason to start up again, I've realized that it really wasn't it after all. Even after just my first two days of journaling again, the sense of being in control of my eating, and not letting it control me, was a very freeing thing. And the renewed pride in myself FOR being in control, the pounds really became secondary. Naturally losing some more weight boosted my self confidence, as my clothes started fitting me better. And I've worked out harder in this last two weeks as well, it's like it's all interlinked.
I'm just thankful that my inspiration has been renewed. I'm thankful for the church photo that they blew up and put on the greeting table of me and my boys. For in that, there was a true reality check for me. We have a way of telling ourselves that we really don't look that bad. Especially when we look back to where many of us were a couple of years ago. But you know what? I don't want to settle for just looking pretty good, for my age, for how many babies I've born, etc... I want to look, feel, and be MY BEST.

Thursday's stats: 1,925 calories, 19 glasses of water, 40 minutes on the elliptical, burning 656 calories, and I lifted 61,000 pounds.

Is it a BIRD? Is it a PLANE? NO!! It's that crazy Kristina who has worked out ELEVEN days in a row!

100_4583, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

I know I look like a dork here, but my eight year old photographer LOVED this shot, ( he even showed me how to pose for it). So this one's for you, Christian.
This was taken pre-work out. If you would have seen me post work out, I'm sure I'd gross a bunch of you out.
Tomorrow will be my last day working out, for a few days anyways. I've got a really busy weekend. And the Y is closed on Monday! (Of all the nerve!)
I know most of you think that I'm crazy, I even think that I am crazy. But I've got a goal, and I'm gonna get there.

Yesterday's stats: 1,321 calories (up until after my early dinner) and then I went to a baby shower, where yummy horderves were offered. And of course the sweet stuff too. Let's just say, that I'm certain that my calories crested the 2,000 calorie mark. Anyhow, I drank 21 glasses of water, I did 1 hour of cardio, burning 814 calories, and lifted 15,000 pounds.

Doing a Little Celebratin'

I lost 3.4 pounds this week and updated my ticker. I'm celebrating because I had a short term goal of reaching 215 pounds, which I've done, so now I need a new short term goal. I want to be 199 pounds by the end of June. Do you think that's too ambitious? I am so anxious to kiss the 200's goodbye! Ooooh, this means I need to take new weight loss pics because another 10 pounds are gone since the last ones.

Quote of the week...

I was outside working in my flower beds when I struck up a conversation with my 70 year old neighbor, Tom, who was also working in his yard. I stood up, he came over, and this is what he said;' Well, now, Kristina, are you losing weight, AGAIN?... If you lose any more, the wind is going to going to come and pick you up and blow you away'.
Oh Tom, I thought to myself, if you only knew that I still weighed 181 pounds. : )

Tuesday's stats: 1,366 calories, 22 glasses of water, (and I already told you about what I did at the Y in yesterday's post).

So, Amy, How About a Date?

It has come to my attention that the Spring Hurrah is this weekend. Since I can't seem to get to my goal weight (and thus, go to the actual event), I'm going to be around this weekend. I know it's Memorial Day weekend and short notice, but would you like to get together again for coffee/tea and just celebrate our respective awesomeness?

If this weekend doesn't work, maybe we could find another that does.

Let me know!

The scale has stopped...

I've not lost anything for the last two days. But am I discouraged? Of course not. I knew it had to slow down. So what do I do, I take my butt to the gym and push myself harder than ever. Today was the first day that I've ever done a solid 70 minutes of cardio. 25 minutes on the treadmill, and 45 minutes on the elliptical. You guys, I burned 990 calories. I felt so encouraged afterwards, because I realized that yes, I was tired,(and very sweaty) but also that yes, it WAS doable. And then I went and did my weights, lifting 47,000 pounds. : ) Who is this woman that I have become?!

Here's Monday's numbers: 1,719 calories, 22 glasses of water, 1 hour of cardio, burning
833 calories, and lifting 45,000 pounds

(Finally) weighing in

Sorry I've been MIA the past couple of weeks.

Two weeks ago, I had a gain of a pound, taking me up to 162.5. Then last week, I lost 2.5, taking me down to 160.

Yes, part of the reason I stayed away that week after my gain was shame and disappointment on my part. Which I shouldn't have had, because I knew that I was letting "life" get in the way (family problems, etc) and wasn't taking proper care of myself.

Even after over a year and a half on my weight-loss journey, I still fall sometimes. I think it helps keep me from getting too comfortable and complacent, and reminds me that this is something I'll have to deal with every meal, every day, for the rest of my life.

Here's to taking things one step at a time.

5 days ladies, just five more days!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

I'm with Jennifer, who else is meeting us for the Spring Hurrah on Saturday? It's at 11:30 a.m., at the Northgate Red Robin. We always have a wonderful time. Let us know if you're going to make it. Whether you lost some, gained some, or stayed the same... we want to see your smiling face.

Sounding Like A Junkie

I've scored a ten mile walk on Sunday next weekend, so I will see some of you on Saturday! Who else will be there?

New blog graphic

Today is the first day of the rest of my life...

Me and the family at the Skokomish River

Today, my husband starts his new career as an investment representative or a financial advisor for Edward Jones. He begins the lengthy training process and we begin a whole new lifestyle. Many adjustments are up ahead for us...it is kind of like expecting a new baby, accept this time, Blake is the one pregnant! Ha! Please keep me and all of us in your prayers.

On another note, I am coming off of a family vacation that included me consuming foods that are not "legal". I am having to readjust to normal life again and I am anxious to get it started right. I have my treadmill and my blog and my Sunday (now turning to Thursday nights) Prism weight loss group to keep me in tune. I will journal. I will drink my water. I will purchase and consume veggies. I will avoid meandering through the kitchen in between meals and after the children are in bed. I will only drink alcohol in moderation. I will pray. I will slow my life down and enjoy the time I have with my children. I will keep my home running smoothly and happily with a heart of devotion. I will support my husband emotionally and all other ways as he wades into new waters. I will have grace available to myself through all of this "newness". I will love my own soul, my own body and my own mind without guilt or reservation and I will love those God has put into my life.

Well, there you have it! Happy Monday to you all...

Jules

I've started and I just can't stop!

I feel like I'm addicted to working out and drinking water. But it's like, I'm afraid if I stop, that I'll start gaining my weight back again. I let it creep back up to 191.5, (UGH!!). That's what I weighed ten days ago. And now, I'm back down to 181.5. I've already lost ten pounds. I want to surf this wave as long as I can, because I know it's only a matter of days before it radically slows down again.

What put me in high gear again was seeing a photo that someone took of me a couple of weeks ago at church. I remember thinking,'wow, I thought that I looked better than that'. And then I forced myself back onto the scale the next day. I then realized that I had to get serious about my food consumption once again. That I needed to bite the bullet and journal my food. As I recall, I was very grumpy about it the first couple of days.

Anyhow, I hope you all still love me. There's not been a lot of commenting happening lately. I have been working my behind off at the Y. Today was the fifth day in a row that I did a solid hour of cardio, so I've been working for it. I HAVE been working for it. I love you guys...

Saturday: 1,616 calories, 22 glasses of water, 1 hour of cardio/ burning 802 calories, and I lifted 44,200 pounds.

Sunday: 1,441 calories, 22 glasses of water, and 1 hour of cardio/ burning 853 calories. (My most yet!)

And another pound bites the dust!

Nine pounds in nine days. I feel kinda like a contestant on The Biggest Loser... I'm in a bit of a shock, actually. If you would have told me a week and a half ago, that I would be down nine pounds, this quickly, I would have laughed in your face! But look at what discipline, and motivation have done for me lately! I'm so excited, I can't help but smile to myself as I type this out. Why is it that the thing we often need the most, generally the thing that we run from? In my case, journaling again, and being honest with my eating patterns. It occurred to me, that this is the first journaling that I've done since we've gotten our Y membership in January. I'm thinking, dude, if I would have started journaling again when we first joined the Y, I'd maybe even be at my goal by now!

Anyhow, here's yesterday's #'s:

1,517 calories, 21 glasses of water, an hour of cardio, burned 805 calories, and lifted 41,500 pounds.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when we practice to self decieve.

RATIONALIZATION:

I had a small slice of apple pie for breakfast the other day. I rationalized it contained fruit and grains and if I added a dab of ice cream, I'd have dairy. I went to the freezer. --Jerrilyn Farmer

Never underestimate the power of Rationalization.

That is the evil little nuance that makes bad not so bad.
It causes a waver in the walk.
It causes 'Slumps' and losses in motivation because it degrades ever so gently the goals of our hearts.

Be Aware of it in your own life - with food, and other things.

It looks like my hard work is really paying off!

treadmill, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Yesterday I burned more calories than I ever have for doing one hour of cardio. I really pushed myself, and between the treadmill and the elliptical, I burned 826 calories! In addition to that I dranks tons of water. And as a result, I'm down another pound. Unbelievably, I've now lost eight pounds since last Thursday, and I am soooo pumped!

Here's yesterday's stats:
1,718 calories, 21 glasses of water, and in addition to my cardio, I lifted 39,400 pounds

After I Post This I'm Going To Go Relax!

I've hit a 2 week slump. I think I've lost one pound total in the last two weeks.

Of course, I have been back to old eating habits, skipping breakfast, running to the deli for dinner because I didn't feel like cooking, and stuff like that. I'm trying to make a few other changes that are not weight related (getting organized, clearing house clutter, that kind of thing) and it has really thrown me for a loop. I was doing okay when I was concentrating on eating and exercise alone, but throw in trying to be a better mom and take care of the house and homeschooling more efficiently, and I lose it.

I have a shaky day planner system in place, and that is helping me, but getting the system up and running requires establishing a new habit which always drains me of so much energy for some reason. I'm starting to feel crazy busy, trying to fit longer walks into my day, wrapping up the homeschooling year which means getting the kids tested, (I love jumping through those hoops!)and stepping up my fund raising efforts.

On top of that, my aunt called me to remind me that my mom's 60th birthday is this year. I told her I had been so wrapped up in my own momentous year, that I'd completely forgotten about my mom. I'll be doing the 3-Day Walk in the beginning of September, and then after that celebrating my 20th anniversary, which has me planning a trip to the Oregon Coast, and then I'll be turning 40, which just has me obsessing about my wrinkles and aching bones. Now, I'm planning a surprise birthday party for my mom whose sister will be flying out from Minnesota for the occasion. Whew! Are you feeling the stress?!

All of this has me running into the arms of the Lord BEGGING him to replace my heart with his. I wish I had been practicing spending more time with him long before now because if I had made THAT a habit before trying to change the rest of my life, I would be feeling peace and serenity instead of the anxiety stew I'm simmering in now. This is good, though, because God knows I need a real reason to change before I get off my butt, and I'm thanking him that all of the STUFF provoking this change is GOOD STUFF and not crises. He is so good, and in his presence I will find peace. Maybe then I'll stop eating everything but the wallpaper.

Update

So, umm, yeah, it didn't work out. Bummer.

Otherwise things have gone okay. Lots of stress, but I've been doing a good job of avoiding the chocolate and other things that are no good for me.

My love to you all,
Lisa

One week journaling again, and I'm down S-E-V-E-N pounds!!!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

My eyes about popped out of my head this morning when I weighed myself. I mean, I know that I worked out extra hard yesterday, and drank SOOOO much water, but I was down another three pounds just from yesterday. Seven is a huge number, I am SO motivated again!

Here's my numbers from the last couple of days:

Tuesday: 1,759 calories, 18 glasses of water, and I burned 325 calories on the elliptical, and lifted 43,700 pounds.

Wednesday: 1,359 calories, 20 glasses of water, and a solid 60 minutes of cardio. Between the treadmill and the elliptical, I burned 780 calories, and I lifted 37, 500 pounds.

Tuesday

Good day today. TOday was our homeschool park day and I took only snacks I can eat.

I blew it at dinner as a ate double what would not have been a bad dinner. SO I headed to the gym and did the elliptical for 35 minutes and the treadmill for 20 while watching "Dancing with the Stars".

I had net 1463 calories for the day.

Tomorrow my father, my boys and I are headed about 5 hours south to attend the funeral of my great aunt. She was 88 and has had Alzheimer's for the past 5 years. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by her family. She is a believer and it will be a celebration of her entrance to heaven. Pray for me that I can eat in control and eat right while on the road. Pray for Aunt Margaret's children as the learn to be without their mother. She was my grandfather (2 of 9)'s youngest sister (9 of 9). He was 21 when she was born. The oldest 7 were boys and the youngest two were girls.

Reminder on the Spring Hurrah!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

We are meeting in eleven days, on Saturday May 26th at the Northgate Red Robin. At approximately 11:30 a.m., that is our usual time.
And Jennifer, it would be SO GREAT to meet you in person! You had mentioned possibly making it. I thought you lived far, far away. But maybe not so far after all?
We always have a wonderful time chatting over lunch, swapping our "fluffy" photos, and of course, shopping. Let's make an effort to have the biggest turn out yet!

Lunch in a week or so

What time are you all planning to meet next Saturday? I'd love to meet you ladies. I have a training walk in the morning, but if lunch isn't too early I might have time to run home, shower, and then drive north.

This is my very best Mother's Day image.
We have a new child in our home, and we are SO loving having her.

Wanted to share this with my lady friends on the blog - she's one reason I get up fighting each day :-)

Just reporting Monday's stats...

I've been doing really well with my diet this week. And journaling is not as big of a pain as it was the first day, I'm getting a little used to it again. What I'm really loving though, is the feeling that I am in control again. In control and really aware of what I'm putting into my body. I have a renewed inspiration to lose more and to tone up more.

So here's the #'s from yesterday:

1,613 calories, 19 glasses of water, and had a great workout at the Y. I'm still kinda babying my foot, so I'm sticking with the elliptical for a couple of more days. Anyhow, yesterday on the ellip., I did 35 minutes, burning 532 calories, and I lifted 57,025 pounds. And I felt wonderful for the rest of the day!

Monday (and a little Sunday too)

I wrote about Mother's Day on my blog. I just ate what I wanted which is so out of control.

Today is a new day. I have written down every bite. I am using this website which is cool and fun and free to boot.

I ate 1636 cal, burned off 514 at the Y on the weights and treadmill. Drank 12 glasses of H2O.

I read my Bible this morning before anyone got up. We got all our schoolwork done today. Most the laundry is done.

I still have not tackled the time from after dinner to bedtime but I have good fruit in the house and veggies. I bought some 100 cal popcorn which was a good suggestion from Lisa. I am going to make some hot tea and read a good book, maybe take a hot bath and get to bed on time. (Fatigue is one of my triggers.)

The fin'l issues have not resolved, the kids still fight, Honey is still stressed at work, there is more to clean in my house than there are hours in the day but God is still in control and I can eat in control and in His will for my life.

A couple of shots from Mother's day!

100_4544, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Me & 2 of my monkeys

100_4541, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

I'm just reporting my stats from yesterday. My third day journaling, and I've lost another half of a pound! 3 1/2 pounds in three days. I must have been retaining alot of water. Regardless, the scale is going down, baby!

From yesterday:
1,600 calories, 18 glasses of water,( that's right), and I made it to the Y to work out. Still no running, my foot is still kinda sore. But I did do 30 minutes on the elliptical, burning 452 calories. And I did lift 50,000 pounds. : )

No journaling today. But back on the horse tomorrow. Perhaps I'll post some photos of my boys and I later. Have a wonderful day ladies!!

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish all you mothers a Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Coreen

The key to my success!

Queenlivalot and Papa gave us this wonderful treadmill to work out on in the comfort of our own home! Wonderful timing as we are going to have to let our Y membership go while Blake is transitioning into his new career as an investment representative for Edward Jones. I think it is the key for me to letting go of these last 20 lbs. I have worked out 6 x's this week! A new record for me!

Jules

Two days journaling, & I'm happy with the results

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

As much as I don't enjoy journaling, I'm loving the results. I'm down another pound from yesterday. Making that three pounds in two days baby. Even though my calories are still somewhat high, I'm drinking tons of water, and eating only healthy things.

Yesterday's stats:
1,725 calories, 16 glasses of water. ( I didn't work out after all, my foot was bugging me from the run the day before).

I'll let you know how I did today in a post tomorrow. But I'm not planning on journaling on Mother's Day.

Thursday and Friday

Sorry for two days together. May busyness is getting to me!! Thursday was our last Community Bible Study for the year and we had a huge brunch. I am in leadership and had to make a breakfast casserole for the day. I made one with part Egg Beaters (for the color) and Egg whites. Turkey Bacon, WW bread and skim milk. It was delicious and good for you. I did eat one sweet bread but only one.

The rest of Thursday was a blurr as was Friday. I know I did not eat great but not bad either.

Today I am going to WRITE IT DOWN. I have my journal out and before it goes in, I write it down. Stay tuned tomorrow for an update. (I know you can't wait)

As soon as the child who stayed up till midnight is up, I am headed to the gym. Childcare 'till 1:00.

I think I have been being a bit (ok a big bit) of an oppositional child. "I can eat what I want, you can't tell me what to eat, I don't want my food to be restricted, I just want it." GOd has convicted me that this is just rebellion and He is right. I have been being rebellious. I need to turn myself, especially in the area of eating, over to His will for my life. Today, I am going to eat in His Will, not my own.

Just as I would not feed my children a diet of junk food and too many carbs, God will limit me in what I eat as a loving parent who wants what is best for his daughter. He is not punishing me by limiting what I eat. He is guiding me in my food choices and giving me what food is best for my body.

Thank you God for being my loving parent!!

Until tomorrow.
AMy

Quote to Carry You Forward

" Nothing tastes as good as THIN feels"

One day at a time

Here I am, reporting my journaling from yesterday like I said I would. Yesterday was the first time in a long time time that I actually recorded everything that I put in my mouth. I must say, I'm out of practice. But I did it, even though I didn't feel like it. So here's the stats:

1,700 calories, 14 glasses of water, and excersized. I ran 2.2 in the morning,( lots of hills!) And then I walked that same 2.2 with the boys early in the afternoon, to play at the park.

You know, I was a bit grumpy to be journaling again, because I have been allowing myself more treats lately... but not yesterday. When you take the time to see the calorie content, it really makes you think twice about popping it in your mouth. What my body needs is proper fuel, not a temporary sugar high. I opted for the sliced up sweet red peppers for a snack yesterday, instead of a bit of candy. And in making that right choice, I felt sooo good, so in control. And all of that water I know helped flush my system a bit. I'm down a solid two pounds from just yesterday. I'll weigh again tomorrow, for a better guage. I'm not too excited about the weight, yet, because I'd gained like 4 1/2 pounds over the last couple of weeks. I'm still a few away from what what my ticker says. : ( We'll see what the magic number says tomorrow. I'm going to be getting my van today, so YMCA, here I come!!

Wednesday

Made it to the gym last night. Walked on the treadmill 50 minutes while watching Oprah.

At pretty good eating today. It is the time between when the kids go to bed and I go to bed that are killers. I think I need to save some good food for that time of the night.

Spent some time with the Lord today. Read and meditated on James 1:2-4

2Count it all joy, Amy,
when you meet trials (overeating, cookies, anger) of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of Amy's faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that Amy may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (enough food).

I have to be accountable and you all bless me by your feedback. (oh yea, my name was not really in the Bible, I just was personalizing it)

Uggh. But in a good way, sort of.

After spending the last month eating very well (and the last few months eating fairly well), I am unable to eat badly without feeling more than a little yucky. Today's lunch was barbeque - wonderful barbeque - and I've come to the realization that I am simply not meant to eat that much fat in one sitting.

While it was yummy, I think I feel one of Jules' aptly-named "food hangovers" coming on. And I have to make it to tennis tonight to work some of this off.

One foot in front of the other!

That's right, I have found a new way to get my body moving, enjoy the fine air, and guess what? The scale is moving!

This morning, I stepped on the scale and my moving average is that I'm 153.8 lbs! Considering I started out 'again' at 164 and wasn't able to continue riding horses as often, I was really pleased.

One of my dogs, Mr Bill (here pictured with my hubby and me in LA this past weekend) has really gotten buff since taking him on these walks. I figure if I can see the difference in HIM, then I probably have changed too, even if the scale doesn't move around too much.

I wanted to encourage you all - if you can't work out at a gym, to take a lil walk.

I'm loving it!

I've earned my red star at the Y!

red-star, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

After my run this morning, I logged it in my Fitlinxx online, and it just pushed me over the 50,000 fit points mark!
I am van-less until tomorrow, as it is in the shop. The last couple of days I've not been able to make it to the Y and I've really missed it. Anyhow, I thought I'd at least get a run in early this morning while my husband was still home. I much rather prefer running on the treadmill, indoors, where the temperature is controlled. Outdoors, especially at 5:50 in the morning, the air is so cool, ohhh, how my lungs burned in protest!
Another cool thing that I've accomplished this week, is that I've had my 100th work out since we've become members at the Y in January. Now if I can just get a better handle on my eating as of late, I know I could get some more of these pounds lifted off of me. I need to start journaling again, and I don't want to. I'll start doing it again today, and let you know how I've done tomorrow. I need to have accountability if I want to press forward.

Tuesday Night

I still ate terrible last night but not as terrible as the night before. I did not get to the gym as a friend has a crisis at work and needed to talk (for 2 hours) on the phone. But, last night I had a divine intervention.

Here was my evening devotional:

A New Song

You are being led forth. You have crossed the Red Sea.

Your wilderness wanderings are nearly over. Behold I make all things new.

A new birth, a new heart, a new life, a new song.

Let this time be to you a time of renewal.

Cast away all that is dead. Truly live the Risen Life.

In mind and spirit turn out all that offends.

It is now Wednesday and I have already cleaned house and gotten things back in order. I am planning healthy meals. I will get to the gym at 4 so the twins can go to the kid's exercise class too. The laundry is almost caught up. I am headed to finish folding it.

The kids are getting to bed earlier and are better behaved and in better moods. I am getting more sleep. We had a furious thunder storm last night and today everything looks washed and new. I feel the same way.

Eating on the run

I noticed something recently.

For some reason, food tastes better to me when I'm "on the run." I think it's all in my head, actually.

It's almost like I think I'm SO important, I can't even take a few minutes to have a decent meal.

And while yes, sometimes I'm going from one meeting or interview to another, and have to eat on the go, I know it isn't the best thing for my health.

(For one thing, the number of healthy foods one can eat while driving is somewhat limited)

Did you know that in Europe, where people tend to be healthier than we Americans, the cars don't come with nearly as many cupholders? They just don't eat in their cars the way we do!

Does anyone else experience this? I'm having to retrain myself, even at this point in my weight loss journey, that I'm worth the extra time it takes to enjoy and really taste my food - every time I eat.

Accountability-I NEED YOU ALL

Right now I am a bit needy:

I need to write down and post my food for each day.
I need to track and post my exercise each day.
I need to count my water.
I need to talk about how I am feeling each day.
I need to be held accountable.

Basically today sucked.(can you say that on a PG blog)
I ate horribly. I ate ice cream, three pieces of fried chicken and two slices of pizza. Not a very good day. I did get to the YMCA and walked on the treadmill for 45 minutes and burned 378 calories. (that was the good part of the day)

Today, I woke up not feeling to great and we did not get any school work done. I had done laundry all day yesterday and today. The kitchen was a mess. There are some fin'l issues going on. (nothing major but I am fretting over it)It seems I am eating over it too. The kids had a busy weekend and they are overtired and misbehaving. I had been letting them stay up later and later and it has caught up with them. Tonight they are in bed and asleep on time. I need to disciplined so they too can be disciplined. I need to get to bed on time and not stay up fretting. My heavenly Father cares about my problems and tonight I am placing them in His hands.

So I am back to posting daily how it went. It is what works for me. Writing down daily. Posting daily. Drinking enough water. Exercising. Sharing with you all.

Gearing Up for...?

Okay, ladies, big things are afoot! In addition to maintaining my recent weight loss and losing a little more (which will not be reflected on the ticker until I can verify it wasn't just because I was dehydrated), I have some potentially good things in the works.

I haven't been happy the last few (6-9) months and a lot of that has had to do with where I've been working. I feel underutilized, overpatronized, underpaid and unappreciated - a combination that has been more than enough to send me running for the chocolate. I've been praying that our heavenly father will point me in the direction of what he has planned for me since I'm pretty sure that this isn't it. As always, He is coming through for me and giving me some hope.

I'm (hopefully) headed into the final rounds of the interview process with a firm that I really like, and one that I think is a much better fit than where I am now. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

It's amazing, however, how a little hope affects my weight. I gained back 11 pounds because I was unhappy and couldn't seem to lose it. A few weeks of courting and being courted by this firm and I drop nearly 7 of it seemingly by magic. I know that this doesn't bode well for my future success - after all, life isn't always bunnies and unicorns and I can't always gain and lose weight based on whether things are going my way or not. So that is one additional aspect of myself that I will be working on: trusting in His plan for me and letting go of so much of the stress and bad habits that I grab ahold of when I forget that I am able to turn myself over to him completely.

Just the same, I hope the plan gets me out of here soon.

Love to my Ladies,
Lisa

This might explain why we are so complicated...

Love you guys! You are all doing terrific!

Jules

Weighing in

I had a feeling I'd had a good weight-loss week, and then it was confirmed at my weigh in.

I reached the -75 pound mark last night.

I now weigh 161.5.

The closer I get to my goal, the more concerned I become about keeping it off. Will I become just another statistic? Or will I "buck the odds," so to speak, and maintain my loss?

I guess I've got a few more months to figure that out.

Eating Right

Well duh. This list makes it all seem so much simpler than I think we all tend to make it.

I've noticed that when I've been doing the things on this list (hey! even before I knew there was a list because I'm an overachiever like that, sometimes, maybe) is when this whole losing weight thing has done best for me. Especially the working food into my diet part.

I hope you ladies have a blessed weekend, and hope you enjoy the article.

This month in the Minivan

This month has been a humdinger. I have continued to go to the Y which has been the redeeming part of the whole month. I earned 4604 Fit points which puts me in the 91st percentile. I'll take an A any day. I earned my "White Belt" which means I have more than 15000 points since Jan 1st. This is the good part of the month.

Were it not for all the fit points I would probably have gained a ton but as it is I have only gained 2 pounds since March.

My eating is out of control. I find myself planning to binge which is bad thing. Tonight I was plotting to go to Sonic and get Tater Tots. Instead, I went and got a big glass of H2O with lime and decided to tell you all about it. April is an emotional month for me but that is not reason to blow it. (To know about my April, read here and here.)

6pm on seems to be the worst time of the day. I do good at breakfast and lunch and then blow it after dinner time. I am going to try to drink more water in the evenings.

It is now May and swimsuit weather is just around the corner. The pool opened this past weekend and the boys have already had one dip. Shorts are next. The fresh food I love is starting to show up in the stores; cantaloupe, summer squash, green beans, okra, tomatoes, sweet corn, and sweet onions. We are almost done with school work. Come on SUMMER!!!

Not as good as last month, but noteworthy still...

Here are the my fitlinxx stats from last month at the YMCA:

I lifted 711,630 pounds. Ranking me 1st in my age group, 1st for all women, and 3rd for the entire Y! : )

I earned 13,961 fit points. Ranking me 1st in my age group, 1st for all women, and 3rd over all.

I burned 11,400 calories. Ranking me 2nd in my age group, 10th for all women, and 21st over all.

I even tried a new class today. An hour long step aerobic class! It was tough, and for a portion of it, I felt a bit dorky, as I could not keep up with the fancy foot work. But I am definetly going back. It's fun to try new things. And even though I think I was the biggest girl in the class, I will not let it disuade me. Most of these women had long, beautiful limbs, and nice flat bellies... ah, such is life. I'm getting there. I AM GETTING THERE. Not that I could possibly make my limbs any longer though. : )

May Day

Hello everyone!

I am so encouraged that you are still around. We just returned from the happiest place on earth. It was a wonderful vacation. Really. Our family was so united and just happy to be together. But I have been away from the computer. Had a great time eating. Not too much, not deprivation, just right. Still can't make the scale move. Filling out my size 14. But still around......

Love to you all
SueAnne

May First!

Its May Day.
Its the day that you can tell yourself, "In one month, I may....."

I may weigh 5 lbs less.

I may run 5 miles (or minutes) longer.

I may lose a dress size.

What May you do this May?