The last week of boot camp is finally here!
As of Wednesday around noon I will be completely finished with my final examinations, manager reviews and hardware challenge. It has been exhausting and I'm struggling to fight off a cold this weekend likely induced by all the stress.
I've lost a little more than 5 pounds since class started, so I'm quite proud of that too. I'm down to 161.2 this week and I can't tell you how nice it's going to be to see the 150's on that scale!!
I should be back around more regularly after next week. I miss you guys and the support I get from you all. Hope everyone is well & happy!
xo
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Week 1: Complete!
I have survived week 1 of work boot camp.
Holy hell.
My manager asked me last night (while we were all celebrating at the local pub by getting completely trashed) what the biggest surprise of the class has been so far.
My answer: crying after the 4th day.
It's true. At the end of each day, there is a quiz, and for the second day in a row on Wednesday, my grade was not a fair reflection of how well I understood the material. I only scored 80% because I either overthought the questions or misunderstood them. And it would be different if I didn't get the concepts. At least then I could ask for help.
So, I went home, cried, slept, ate a large serving of comfort food and did my best to shake it off. The next day I made sure not to assume anything about any of the quiz questions. I asked for clarification, and lo and behold I scored 99.83 - the highest grade in the class. My strategy continued to pay off on yesterday's database quiz - my first 100%!!!! (to the dismay of my lower scoring Georgia Tech graduate neighbors who had just took this college course and commented on how easy the test was going to be - heehee! select statement THIS, bitches!)
Ok, I realize this isn't exactly a weight loss related post, so I will end with an update on that front. In spite of grueling 10 hour days, I forced myself to get out of bed at 5:30 twice this week to get in a workout. That, my friends, is just a plain out miracle. This girl NEVER gets up before the sun. But I did, and honestly, it wasn't all that bad. I may just do it again this week since it's too cold now for my usual outside run when I get home at 7pm.
And last but not least, I saw a nice loss of 1.8 pounds this week. That was Wednesday's weigh-in - and it already looks like I'll be having a nice loss next week as well - crossing my fingers!
Finally, the holiday pounds are gone and I'm seeing numbers not yet seen since 2003! Feels so good.
Hope you all are having fantastic weekends!!
Holy hell.
My manager asked me last night (while we were all celebrating at the local pub by getting completely trashed) what the biggest surprise of the class has been so far.
My answer: crying after the 4th day.
It's true. At the end of each day, there is a quiz, and for the second day in a row on Wednesday, my grade was not a fair reflection of how well I understood the material. I only scored 80% because I either overthought the questions or misunderstood them. And it would be different if I didn't get the concepts. At least then I could ask for help.
So, I went home, cried, slept, ate a large serving of comfort food and did my best to shake it off. The next day I made sure not to assume anything about any of the quiz questions. I asked for clarification, and lo and behold I scored 99.83 - the highest grade in the class. My strategy continued to pay off on yesterday's database quiz - my first 100%!!!! (to the dismay of my lower scoring Georgia Tech graduate neighbors who had just took this college course and commented on how easy the test was going to be - heehee! select statement THIS, bitches!)
Ok, I realize this isn't exactly a weight loss related post, so I will end with an update on that front. In spite of grueling 10 hour days, I forced myself to get out of bed at 5:30 twice this week to get in a workout. That, my friends, is just a plain out miracle. This girl NEVER gets up before the sun. But I did, and honestly, it wasn't all that bad. I may just do it again this week since it's too cold now for my usual outside run when I get home at 7pm.
And last but not least, I saw a nice loss of 1.8 pounds this week. That was Wednesday's weigh-in - and it already looks like I'll be having a nice loss next week as well - crossing my fingers!
Finally, the holiday pounds are gone and I'm seeing numbers not yet seen since 2003! Feels so good.
Hope you all are having fantastic weekends!!
Friday, January 18, 2008
My solution to the girl's night dilemma
So, first off, I didn't mean to keep you all in suspense this morning about girl's night. The boot camp that I have mentioned before - and let me clarify is work related and does not in any way involve circuit training or exercise - started today and I've been away from my usual desk. I will be for the next 6 weeks, making blogging anywhere but home nearly impossible. Hence, the abbreviated post this morning regarding my weigh in.
As for girl's night, I did end up going. I didn't have time to make anything to bring, so I just ate a normal dinner beforehand. Luckily, I had some dental work done earlier that day, so I used that as an excuse (not completely a lie) for the tiny portions I took. But it was still not pretty. A handful of regular white grain pasta with pesto, three slices of baguette with brie, three glasses of wine (which I had planned for) and the worst of all - the creme brulee. I only eat ate half the ramekin, but at 11 points for the entire serving, even a bite was dangerous! I ended up logging 40 points for my day yesterday. No doubt part of the reason for my .2 gain today, but good thing I'd saved my flex points!
And I've made up my mind that the particular girl hosting this event is a diet saboteur. Do any of you have friends like this? I couldn't believe that she was judging another girl there (psst...she's new to the blog world. give her a little hello if you have a chance) for still being hungry after she was the one who made a meal that could go down in the 'weight watcher's worst nightmare cookbook'. Even worse, she went so far as to point out the light version of the creme brulee in her cookbook. Ummmm, hello?! Did it not occur to her that would have been a better choice in respect to her guests?! I'm a little baffled by it. I always consider other people's needs, especially when I'm the host. Am I wrong in thinking this way??
As for girl's night, I did end up going. I didn't have time to make anything to bring, so I just ate a normal dinner beforehand. Luckily, I had some dental work done earlier that day, so I used that as an excuse (not completely a lie) for the tiny portions I took. But it was still not pretty. A handful of regular white grain pasta with pesto, three slices of baguette with brie, three glasses of wine (which I had planned for) and the worst of all - the creme brulee. I only eat ate half the ramekin, but at 11 points for the entire serving, even a bite was dangerous! I ended up logging 40 points for my day yesterday. No doubt part of the reason for my .2 gain today, but good thing I'd saved my flex points!
And I've made up my mind that the particular girl hosting this event is a diet saboteur. Do any of you have friends like this? I couldn't believe that she was judging another girl there (psst...she's new to the blog world. give her a little hello if you have a chance) for still being hungry after she was the one who made a meal that could go down in the 'weight watcher's worst nightmare cookbook'. Even worse, she went so far as to point out the light version of the creme brulee in her cookbook. Ummmm, hello?! Did it not occur to her that would have been a better choice in respect to her guests?! I'm a little baffled by it. I always consider other people's needs, especially when I'm the host. Am I wrong in thinking this way??
F!
I had decided to weigh in today, but I should've stuck with my official weigh in day of Wednesday instead. I'm actually UP .2 from last week. I'm really in disbelief considering how good I've been all week and how many chances to be bad I've said NO to.
I have to just trust that my efforts will show up eventually.
For this week, it's 166.4.
Blah.
I have to just trust that my efforts will show up eventually.
For this week, it's 166.4.
Blah.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Girl's Night Dilemma
So tonight is girl's night hosted at the super skinny girl's house. I hear she's making creme brulee. There will also be brie. And the other three of us are either on weight watchers or being mindful of what we eat.
I think it's completely thoughtless of her and I'm thinking about just bringing my own food to eat. Would it be rude? Or should I just not go?
I think it's completely thoughtless of her and I'm thinking about just bringing my own food to eat. Would it be rude? Or should I just not go?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sunday 6
Swizzle's Sunday 7 is responsible for this impromptu post that sums up my weekend in a list of 6 little tasty niblets (see also - too lazy to type complete paragraphs - I don't know how Randi does her novelas!):
- The Christmas Tree is finally in the attic! Only 330-something days...
- Sweeney Todd just may be my favorite movie ever. Who knew throats being slit could be so damn hilarious?!?
- It's Sunday night and my house is clean. *insert sounds of angels singing*
- The peanut M&Ms from my christmas stocking are officially GONE.
- Hopefully the 7 miles I managed to get in since Friday will help offset the damage caused by accomplishing #4. Heh.
- Tomorrow is my last Monday before the work-related 'boot camp' starts. In about 50 days from now, I will have a life again.
Friday, January 11, 2008
166.2
Is the number.
A couple of pounds worth of christmas joy. Eh, it'll be gone shortly.
Anyway, some new finds:
Shape Magazine's 20-minute playlists
my shuffle is dying for some new tunes!
Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Mask - Ultra Dry Hair
a small sample has made me a huge fan of this miracle for thick, colored hair like mine.
It makes my hair like silk!
Quiznos
just recently came clean with their nutritional information, turns out the cup of chili and a side salad = a pretty good quick meal for only 2 points! Yay!
Now, I'm off to download those new tunes!
A couple of pounds worth of christmas joy. Eh, it'll be gone shortly.
Anyway, some new finds:
Shape Magazine's 20-minute playlists
my shuffle is dying for some new tunes!
Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Mask - Ultra Dry Hair
a small sample has made me a huge fan of this miracle for thick, colored hair like mine.
It makes my hair like silk!
Quiznos
just recently came clean with their nutritional information, turns out the cup of chili and a side salad = a pretty good quick meal for only 2 points! Yay!
Now, I'm off to download those new tunes!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A New Year
This official first week back from the holidays has been exhausting!
First, Let me back up and say that my holidays were amazing, ending with the big 'ol beach bash at St. Pete. I had an awesomely cute dress that I punked out with some black tights and black ankle boots - hot! And most of the pics I've seen of me from all angles don't make me want to photoshop them. Especially this one:
And we really were having that much fun!
But it's good to be back in the swing of things. I've been so busy training my replacement that I haven't had a chance to comment on many of your blogs, but I AM reading them all! It's comforting to know that I was not alone in my overindulgences of the past month. I too have found myself hiding the scale this week so as to not get down on myself about the past that I can do nothing about. BUT, I've been totally back OP this week, and although I did partake of the tiny cakes and tartlettes this past weekend, we forced ourselves to go to the hotel gym on Friday and walk on the beach for 2 hours on Saturday. I don't feel like the damage was severe.
Regardless, I'm ready to face the numbers tomorrow - and I feel pretty good about it. Or at least I do in my clothes.
I haven't really had a chance to think about any resolutions aside from reading a book a month (which was one I failed to do last year). I have a feeling this one will be easy with all the travel time I'll accumulate before the end of the year. I also want to learn to knit. More on resolutions to come...
I do have a loss goal that I'd like to meet by Spring (March 31st): 10 pounds.
I'm guessing that will put me at around 155, depending on tomorrow's weigh in. I would like to have a fitness goal, but I think my upcoming 12-hour days are going to make getting in any exercise an achievement. I plan to keep pounding the pavement though! Nothing better for the stress of trying to plan a wedding and start a new position!!
I really should not be blogging at all tonight. My christmas tree still stands. Seriously.
First, Let me back up and say that my holidays were amazing, ending with the big 'ol beach bash at St. Pete. I had an awesomely cute dress that I punked out with some black tights and black ankle boots - hot! And most of the pics I've seen of me from all angles don't make me want to photoshop them. Especially this one:
And we really were having that much fun!But it's good to be back in the swing of things. I've been so busy training my replacement that I haven't had a chance to comment on many of your blogs, but I AM reading them all! It's comforting to know that I was not alone in my overindulgences of the past month. I too have found myself hiding the scale this week so as to not get down on myself about the past that I can do nothing about. BUT, I've been totally back OP this week, and although I did partake of the tiny cakes and tartlettes this past weekend, we forced ourselves to go to the hotel gym on Friday and walk on the beach for 2 hours on Saturday. I don't feel like the damage was severe.
Regardless, I'm ready to face the numbers tomorrow - and I feel pretty good about it. Or at least I do in my clothes.
I haven't really had a chance to think about any resolutions aside from reading a book a month (which was one I failed to do last year). I have a feeling this one will be easy with all the travel time I'll accumulate before the end of the year. I also want to learn to knit. More on resolutions to come...
I do have a loss goal that I'd like to meet by Spring (March 31st): 10 pounds.
I'm guessing that will put me at around 155, depending on tomorrow's weigh in. I would like to have a fitness goal, but I think my upcoming 12-hour days are going to make getting in any exercise an achievement. I plan to keep pounding the pavement though! Nothing better for the stress of trying to plan a wedding and start a new position!!
I really should not be blogging at all tonight. My christmas tree still stands. Seriously.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Some Favorite Holiday Memories
Merry Christmas from Joe & Mandy
Preparing the feast.Observe that I am merely drinking a White Russian and not helping in the least bit.
Our lovely and healthy Christmas Eve Dinner - YUM!courtesy of Nicole & Zetty
Faithful friends who are dear to us...Me & Nicole
Outside lights...
and the inside lights...aww!!
Mandy and Joe ornaments!
Christmas Grayci with her jingle on.
The culprit of last week's gain.I cooked for three days...
Me with my new haircut & Joe's niece, Cheyenne.
Joe with his grandmothers, Mary & June.
They're the BEST grandmas ever!
(notice Joe's tacky sweater I made him)
Joe with his grandmothers, Mary & June.They're the BEST grandmas ever!
(notice Joe's tacky sweater I made him)
Yuehli, Amanda and I atAmanda's Tacky Sweater/Guitar Hero 3 Party.
I hope that you all had holidays just as wonderful as we did!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Raise your hand if you're over the damn holidays!!
Too much wine, too many shots, and WAY too much eggnog, grandma's fudge, coconut cake and m&ms. I fear it will not be a pretty sight at the scale on Friday.
BUT although I was totally kicking my own ass about the numbers last night, I'm totally not stressing about it today!
I feel this strange and unfamiliar motivation urging me to get back on the the wagon with a vengence that I haven't felt since early November. See, this weekend was the first time since joining WW last March that I've completely let all of my self control fly out the window. And it's led me to realize that I absolutely hate the feeling of being out of control! I found myself eating anything within reach as if I were a starving zombie (and I will even confess to then spitting it out in the garbage when my taste buds reminded me of what I had done - yikes!). And I certainly don't like the depression that follows my actions when I've been that way.
So, even though I have a major uphill battle to climb this week to get back on track, I have had a valuable reminder of why I started this to begin with and why I will continue - not on January 7 as previously mentioned. But TODAY!!
Who's with me??!
BUT although I was totally kicking my own ass about the numbers last night, I'm totally not stressing about it today!
I feel this strange and unfamiliar motivation urging me to get back on the the wagon with a vengence that I haven't felt since early November. See, this weekend was the first time since joining WW last March that I've completely let all of my self control fly out the window. And it's led me to realize that I absolutely hate the feeling of being out of control! I found myself eating anything within reach as if I were a starving zombie (and I will even confess to then spitting it out in the garbage when my taste buds reminded me of what I had done - yikes!). And I certainly don't like the depression that follows my actions when I've been that way.
So, even though I have a major uphill battle to climb this week to get back on track, I have had a valuable reminder of why I started this to begin with and why I will continue - not on January 7 as previously mentioned. But TODAY!!
Who's with me??!
Friday, December 21, 2007
And to all a good weigh in!
This is probably my last post before Santa's arrival, so I'm ending my Christmas Challenge with a loss of .4 for the week. That puts me at 4.4 away from my goal, but I'm pretty happy with what I've accomplished in spite of the holiday fare over the past month. I'm continuing the rest of the holiday season in maintanence mode, but I vow to be back to weight loss mode on January 7. That's the day we return from our annual employee appreciation bash (which is an entire weekend at The Don Cesar in St. Pete, Florida this year - sunshine, baby, yeah!!!). I think someone around here *cough Randi and Carolyn cough* should propose a Spring Break Challenge to get our asses in gear for bathing suit season! Not that you'll see my ass in a bathing suit anytime soon, but just seeing them on the racks makes me want to have the option, you know?Anyway, the food here in the office sent from clients and brought in by employees has been just plain out overwhelming. I've been holding out for the most part, excluding the 2 chocolate covered raspberries and 2 toffees on Wednesday and a handful of Mud Buddies yesterday. Actually, a coworker noticed I was eating yesterday and was curious to know which treat from the kitchen I had decided to nibble on. She almost seemed disgusted to find out it was an apple, and that made me really proud. :D
A side note in reference to yesterday's Pottery Barn rant, I was thrilled to see a sincere apology from them in my inbox this morning along with a $50 gift certificate which is also good at Williams Sonoma! I'll be doing a little late kitchen gadget shopping for myself in a few weeks - hooray!
As I may have mentioned, after the holidays are over I will be training my replacement for two weeks and then starting 'boot camp' on Jan 17th. Boot camp is basically a 6-week, 12-hour a day, intense training course here at my company where you learn the details of our company, the industry and our software. Only a few more than half make it through the class, the rest go to the unemployment line. I have an advantage in that I've already been here a year (but in a position that did not require getting through the training) and I also happen to live with one of the QA testers for the new version of the software that's being used in training this time. The biggest obstacle for me, I believe, will just be the disruption to my normal routine. I will have to plan my meals even harder and pack more food to get through the 12-hour days, but it's not impossible. Oddly, I'm actually even looking forward to the challenge.
It looks as though they're letting us go home early here today, so I should get back to work tying up some loose ends.
Merry Christmas, Ya'll!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Happy Freakin' Holidays to you too, Pottery Barn.
This letter pretty much sums up how my shopping experience has been this year. Hope you guys are more ready for the holiday than I am.
Dear stupid f*$#s at the Pottery Barn:
(no I didn't say that in the real letter, but I should've)
Last Wednesday (12/12/07) I placed my first, and what may very well be my last order with the Pottery Barn. After I placed my order , I continually checked back on the progress on your website only to find it still "in progress" a week later. Upon calling your customer service line yesterday, I was told by Ellie that my order appeared to be lost and that 2 of my items were now out of stock and I would not be able to get them. This was SO disappointing - as they were two of my main christmas gifts that were going to be given during our dinner this coming Saturday. Not only would I not have any gifts, I would have to make time to go and choose alternatives in just 2 days!! Meanwhile, I asked for those 2 items to be cancelled and since the rest of my order was in stock, I asked Ellie to please expedite those items for Saturday delivery.
I did receive an email today (Thursday) that my items had been shipped. To my surprise, the 2 items I was told were not in stock were shipped!! The good news is that I will have the gifts I originally wanted. The bad news is that I will have to make ANOTHER trip to the mall today to return the gift I bought in replacement for them last night. The straw that is absolutely breaking the camel's back here is that I just found out that my items will not arrive until MONDAY! This is just completely unacceptable considering I placed my order LAST WEDNESDAY!
I do not want to cancel my order, however, due to your failure, my parents will now not receive their gifts until after Christmas - possibly spring! I am so very disappointed. I was very much looking forward to being a long time customer of the Pottery Barn. I had recently gotten my first catalog and couldn't wait to get my first order. I am very let down that a ruined christmas would be my first and last experience.
A. Vaughn
So now thanks to them and Barnes & Noble, half of my presents won't be here until Monday - 2 days too late. I'm having to try REAL REAL hard to keep up the Christmas spirit, people. *sigh*
Dear stupid f*$#s at the Pottery Barn:
(no I didn't say that in the real letter, but I should've)
Last Wednesday (12/12/07) I placed my first, and what may very well be my last order with the Pottery Barn. After I placed my order , I continually checked back on the progress on your website only to find it still "in progress" a week later. Upon calling your customer service line yesterday, I was told by Ellie that my order appeared to be lost and that 2 of my items were now out of stock and I would not be able to get them. This was SO disappointing - as they were two of my main christmas gifts that were going to be given during our dinner this coming Saturday. Not only would I not have any gifts, I would have to make time to go and choose alternatives in just 2 days!! Meanwhile, I asked for those 2 items to be cancelled and since the rest of my order was in stock, I asked Ellie to please expedite those items for Saturday delivery.
I did receive an email today (Thursday) that my items had been shipped. To my surprise, the 2 items I was told were not in stock were shipped!! The good news is that I will have the gifts I originally wanted. The bad news is that I will have to make ANOTHER trip to the mall today to return the gift I bought in replacement for them last night. The straw that is absolutely breaking the camel's back here is that I just found out that my items will not arrive until MONDAY! This is just completely unacceptable considering I placed my order LAST WEDNESDAY!
I do not want to cancel my order, however, due to your failure, my parents will now not receive their gifts until after Christmas - possibly spring! I am so very disappointed. I was very much looking forward to being a long time customer of the Pottery Barn. I had recently gotten my first catalog and couldn't wait to get my first order. I am very let down that a ruined christmas would be my first and last experience.
A. Vaughn
So now thanks to them and Barnes & Noble, half of my presents won't be here until Monday - 2 days too late. I'm having to try REAL REAL hard to keep up the Christmas spirit, people. *sigh*
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Scrooged
It had to happen eventually. My indulgent celebrations have finally caused me a gain: A whole freakin' pound this week.
I'm currently trying to detox from Friday night today in hopes that I can level it back off for this weeks' weigh in. 0-point soup, here I come!!
I'm currently trying to detox from Friday night today in hopes that I can level it back off for this weeks' weigh in. 0-point soup, here I come!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I Give Up
I'm not exactly sure why, but my info for the christmas challenge never gets updated.
So I'm posting my own, because I'm starting to feel like a loser with the 30% that keeps showing up on the official spreadsheet:
Goal: 160 lbs
Current: 163.8
Total lost: 9.2
Total lost %: 71%
12/07/07 163.8 lbs -1.0 lbs
11/28/07 164.8 lbs -0.8 lbs
11/21/07 165.6 lbs -1.8 lbs
11/14/07 167.4 lbs +0.2 lbs
11/07/07 167.2 lbs -1.6 lbs
10/29/07 168.8 lbs -0.4 lbs
10/26/07 169.2 lbs -0.6 lbs
10/19/07 169.8 lbs -1.5 lbs
10/12/07 171.3 lbs +0.9 lbs
10/05/07 170.4 lbs -1.1 lbs
09/28/07 171.5 lbs -1.5 lbs
I feel better now.
So I'm posting my own, because I'm starting to feel like a loser with the 30% that keeps showing up on the official spreadsheet:
Goal: 160 lbs
Current: 163.8
Total lost: 9.2
Total lost %: 71%
12/07/07 163.8 lbs -1.0 lbs
11/28/07 164.8 lbs -0.8 lbs
11/21/07 165.6 lbs -1.8 lbs
11/14/07 167.4 lbs +0.2 lbs
11/07/07 167.2 lbs -1.6 lbs
10/29/07 168.8 lbs -0.4 lbs
10/26/07 169.2 lbs -0.6 lbs
10/19/07 169.8 lbs -1.5 lbs
10/12/07 171.3 lbs +0.9 lbs
10/05/07 170.4 lbs -1.1 lbs
09/28/07 171.5 lbs -1.5 lbs
I feel better now.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Checkin' in
I managed a tiny loss last week (1.0 lb) And for that I am SO thankful! I have had to employ the most stellar of eating habits during the week to make up for all the festivities. I'm now 3.8 away from my Christmas goal, and with 2 weeks to go, it *could* happen.
BUT, I'm worried about WI this week...chinese food, wine, eggnog, cupcakes, peppermint bark, sausage balls, bacon wraps were all a part of my weekend. Our Christmas party for our friends was Saturday night, which wasn't SO bad. I even ate a healthy dinner BEFORE the party started AND drank all of my water. I nibbled here and there, probably more than I would have had it not been for the wine, but overall, I escaped with little injury. THAT was Saturday. I will share a bit of advice with you all about the day after: put up any food the night before!! I awoke Sunday morning a little dehydrated of course and starving, so I managed to ruin the day 30 minutes into it with the leftovers lying around(cookies & M&M's). F)%*(&@#&@!!!
I proceeded to ruin it even further last night by choosing to order chinese instead of getting my ass up and going to the grocery store (we were cleaned out on everything to eat from the party). I'm paying dearly today with a major case of bloat. And I couldn't even make myself step on the scale this morning.
On top of it all...my fitness goals for the month are going on the backburner for now. And I really hate this since I'm seeing all of you guys setting fitness goals, but I'm barely managing to get my cardio miles in! AND I haven't even done a lick of shopping besides what I got for Joe. I'm seriously behind. Whoever said (I think it was Randi) that dieting should be just a summer thing, I have to agree.
But I think the break from it all during the holidays may be just what I need to get back to it in January.
In the meantime, a couple of tiny goals for the week just so my whole world doesn't crumble:
- get in 12 miles somehow
- give away the rest of the damn cupcakes and peppermint bark
You may now commence to kicking my ass:
BUT, I'm worried about WI this week...chinese food, wine, eggnog, cupcakes, peppermint bark, sausage balls, bacon wraps were all a part of my weekend. Our Christmas party for our friends was Saturday night, which wasn't SO bad. I even ate a healthy dinner BEFORE the party started AND drank all of my water. I nibbled here and there, probably more than I would have had it not been for the wine, but overall, I escaped with little injury. THAT was Saturday. I will share a bit of advice with you all about the day after: put up any food the night before!! I awoke Sunday morning a little dehydrated of course and starving, so I managed to ruin the day 30 minutes into it with the leftovers lying around(cookies & M&M's). F)%*(&@#&@!!!
I proceeded to ruin it even further last night by choosing to order chinese instead of getting my ass up and going to the grocery store (we were cleaned out on everything to eat from the party). I'm paying dearly today with a major case of bloat. And I couldn't even make myself step on the scale this morning.
On top of it all...my fitness goals for the month are going on the backburner for now. And I really hate this since I'm seeing all of you guys setting fitness goals, but I'm barely managing to get my cardio miles in! AND I haven't even done a lick of shopping besides what I got for Joe. I'm seriously behind. Whoever said (I think it was Randi) that dieting should be just a summer thing, I have to agree.
But I think the break from it all during the holidays may be just what I need to get back to it in January.
In the meantime, a couple of tiny goals for the week just so my whole world doesn't crumble:
- get in 12 miles somehow
- give away the rest of the damn cupcakes and peppermint bark
You may now commence to kicking my ass:
Thursday, November 29, 2007
SO BUSY!
Between trying to plan a wedding (which is officially October 25, 2008, by the way), a bachelorette party, and 2 christmas parties in the next 30 days, my blog is suffering. Luckily, my eating habits are NOT!
I don't know if my metabolism has decided to pick back up since I've quit smoking (I heard Oprah's trainer say that quitting smoking actually does affect your body's chemistry and makes it very hard to lose and quit at the same time - so yay me! I'm awesome!) or maybe just not obsessing about every little thing is the key, but whatever the reason, I managed to lose again this week without half trying!
I've been too sick, exhuasted and busy to get more than one good walk in since last week. I've cooked pasta for dinner for the last two evenings - something I don't EVER do. I just haven't felt focused on 'the plan', but maybe I've been doing it so long that I'm unconsciously ON even when I don't think I am.
Who knows. But I will take my .8 loss this week as a blessing and encouragement to focus harder next week.
And with this loss, 4.8 to go until I reach that Christmas Goal!
I remember saying when I signed up for the challenge that I wanted to be wearing a size 12 to the company party this year. Actually, it looks like it might even be a 10!
Here's something I just got in my inbox. Pics are always fun! This is me & Joe at Thanksgiving. Look! You can see my collar bones and no double chin! Holy skinny cow! I almost look THIN in this pic!
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Fear of Failure
Do any of you ever start replying to someone else's blog only to realize you have suddenly written an entire entry of your own in their comment section?
Well, I just had this happen over at Randi's blog. She just met a chin-up goal of hers - how very awesome! It made me think about my own goals and how I tend to keep them all secret. Not like super secret in a locked up box or anything, I've just not told anyone or announced them here on my blog. I remember learning in my persuasion class that by making something public, you commit yourself and increase your chance of success. Then again I also know that by NOT announcing my goals, I've never really set them, so I never fail at achieving them. I really despise making plans and goals only to have them fall by the wayside when life gets in the way. I don't like letting other people down and so I often miss out on things that I might enjoy and even be good at (like playing softball with the team at work).
I suppose this is something I learned before I even knew what failure meant. I don't look down on other people who occasionally don't reach their goals - I commend them for trying. So why in the hell am I so hard on myself?
What do I have to lose, right? There's a better chance I'll succeed or at least improve myself trying to get there than never trying at all, right?
So, here goes. A goal aside from numbers on the scale (that I seem to have only a moderate amount of control over on any given day).
I hereby declare that I, seldom setter of goals with a dog in her lap licking her turkey leftover infused fingers, will be able to hold that plank for 60 seconds by the end of December. 3 of them. Without uttering explicatives.
It shall be done.
Thanks, Randi. :)
Well, I just had this happen over at Randi's blog. She just met a chin-up goal of hers - how very awesome! It made me think about my own goals and how I tend to keep them all secret. Not like super secret in a locked up box or anything, I've just not told anyone or announced them here on my blog. I remember learning in my persuasion class that by making something public, you commit yourself and increase your chance of success. Then again I also know that by NOT announcing my goals, I've never really set them, so I never fail at achieving them. I really despise making plans and goals only to have them fall by the wayside when life gets in the way. I don't like letting other people down and so I often miss out on things that I might enjoy and even be good at (like playing softball with the team at work).
I suppose this is something I learned before I even knew what failure meant. I don't look down on other people who occasionally don't reach their goals - I commend them for trying. So why in the hell am I so hard on myself?
What do I have to lose, right? There's a better chance I'll succeed or at least improve myself trying to get there than never trying at all, right?
So, here goes. A goal aside from numbers on the scale (that I seem to have only a moderate amount of control over on any given day).
I hereby declare that I, seldom setter of goals with a dog in her lap licking her turkey leftover infused fingers, will be able to hold that plank for 60 seconds by the end of December. 3 of them. Without uttering explicatives.
It shall be done.
Thanks, Randi. :)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Unplanned
A monkey wrench right in my perfectly planned week of festivities and projects arrived yesterday in the form of some nasty head cold/sinus infection funk. Bleh. The first time I'm sick in over a year couldn't have been more ill timed. I have too much to do to feel like crap! And between the paint fumes and cold meds, you are lucky if any of this has made sense so far.
I did manage to escape the dreaded Thanksgiving dinner disasters. I didn't feel up to making the salad, but I still filled half of my plate with green items - beans & collards. I rounded it out with a small serving of the white bird meat and about three bites of my sweet potato souffle. I had seconds on the green beans and shared a slice of triple chocolate cheesecake with my honey (that he made all by himself!). Not a bad day at all. We even left all of the remaining dishes for everyone else to take home (a nice advantage of not having the dinner at your own place).
I can't say I've been completely on plan all week though. I've been so busy, I am starving by the time I realize it's past time for lunch or dinner. Such moments lead to ordering of pizza. I doubt this will be ANY good for my weigh in next week, but I tried to be somewhat healthy and left off the cheese. Anybody have any ideas on what a slice is from Papa John's thin crust without cheese?
I totally forgot to post my WI from yesterday. The scale was kind: 165.6. Down 1.8 for the week. 5.6 from my christmas challenge goal with 4 weeks to go. We shall see....
I did manage to escape the dreaded Thanksgiving dinner disasters. I didn't feel up to making the salad, but I still filled half of my plate with green items - beans & collards. I rounded it out with a small serving of the white bird meat and about three bites of my sweet potato souffle. I had seconds on the green beans and shared a slice of triple chocolate cheesecake with my honey (that he made all by himself!). Not a bad day at all. We even left all of the remaining dishes for everyone else to take home (a nice advantage of not having the dinner at your own place).
I can't say I've been completely on plan all week though. I've been so busy, I am starving by the time I realize it's past time for lunch or dinner. Such moments lead to ordering of pizza. I doubt this will be ANY good for my weigh in next week, but I tried to be somewhat healthy and left off the cheese. Anybody have any ideas on what a slice is from Papa John's thin crust without cheese?
I totally forgot to post my WI from yesterday. The scale was kind: 165.6. Down 1.8 for the week. 5.6 from my christmas challenge goal with 4 weeks to go. We shall see....
Monday, November 19, 2007
Thankful For
...all of the holiday eating survival tips that have surfaced over the past week!
(Ok, and yes, pumpkin pie, ya got me)
While alot of them are common sense, I've chosen these four as my mantra for Thursday's feast:
1. DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!!!!!!!!!!!!
(the water, that is)
It's the only thing I can count on to make me not hungry and to keep me that way.
2. Take only about 3 bites of the things that you want.
I like this one. I agree that I really only remember the first and last bite of it anyway, so why bother with the rest?
3. Sit next to the slowest eater.
I am SO guilty of inhaling my food - but when I'm around slower eaters it makes me more conscious and I tend to slow down. This could work...
4. Wear the skinny jeans to dinner!
Not only will everyone tell me how fabulous I look in those new 12's I just bought, but I won't be able to overstuff myself without developing a muffin top either!
I have to admit that I'm also thankful that my man's family's thanksgiving dinner food isn't the greatest. It basically consists of every possible vegetable in a mayo or soup-based casserole - ugh. So this year, I'm taking my kick ass sweet potato souffle that I take every year (it's just not thanksgiving without it, and mine is the best!) and a SALAD! I'm looking forward to seeing how many takers there are on the salad...
oh, and that gives me an impromptu #5:
Half of my plate will be that salad.
Rock on, my fellow turkey lovers.
While alot of them are common sense, I've chosen these four as my mantra for Thursday's feast:
1. DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!!!!!!!!!!!!
(the water, that is)
It's the only thing I can count on to make me not hungry and to keep me that way.
2. Take only about 3 bites of the things that you want.
I like this one. I agree that I really only remember the first and last bite of it anyway, so why bother with the rest?
3. Sit next to the slowest eater.
I am SO guilty of inhaling my food - but when I'm around slower eaters it makes me more conscious and I tend to slow down. This could work...
4. Wear the skinny jeans to dinner!
Not only will everyone tell me how fabulous I look in those new 12's I just bought, but I won't be able to overstuff myself without developing a muffin top either!
I have to admit that I'm also thankful that my man's family's thanksgiving dinner food isn't the greatest. It basically consists of every possible vegetable in a mayo or soup-based casserole - ugh. So this year, I'm taking my kick ass sweet potato souffle that I take every year (it's just not thanksgiving without it, and mine is the best!) and a SALAD! I'm looking forward to seeing how many takers there are on the salad...
oh, and that gives me an impromptu #5:
Half of my plate will be that salad.
Rock on, my fellow turkey lovers.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
No Surprises
I'm true to my pattern again this week. After a good substantial loss, I always gain or stay the same the following week. This week I'm up .2. Not shocking at all.
If there's a bright side, it's that I am learning how my body likes to lose weight, and that keeps me from losing motivation knowing that a so-so week is just part of the deal for me. So yay for not being deflated over a .2 gain.
Aside from the cheese and wine incident last Friday, I've been doing pretty great with my food intake. I'm not doing as well as I could substituting the apple for the Jello pudding snack, and I totally have an addiction to the baked Lay's with cheddar & sour cream, but there's still plenty to be proud of - including walking right past 3 boxes of donuts and muffins AND a homemade chocolate cake in the breakroom yesterday without touching any of it. I work with a bunch of evil bastards, I tell ya.
The new running shoes (made by Ryka - anyone tried them before?) are breaking in nicely and I'm totally kicking ass on my goal of running at least half the distance. I may be a good bit above half actually. And it feels great! There's this KILLER hill in our subdivision I save for last and last night I noticed I wasn't even winded at the top! I'm still managing only about 3.5 miles 4 or 5 times a week. I'd like to be at 4, but I have to be realistic and set time limits on exercise. Otherwise, I'd be out walking for 2 hours every night. I'm doing planks (3 for about 40 seconds each) and some arm weights while I watch TV to try and get in some upper body and core work. It's not much, but it's a start.
This weekend the holiday blur begins. Saturday morning I have a wedding consultation at The Foundry Park Inn in Athens (which means I could have a date set on Saturday!) and going over to my crafty friend Jolene's to make christmas cards that afternoon. Sunday I am prepping my living room/hallway/foyer/dining room area for repainting over Thanksgiving. Joe and I are taking the week off to get it all done. Thanksgiving we'll go to his parents and then the 2nd annual hockey game with our friends, and then at some point during the weekend, we'll go visit my mom. The rest of the time will be spent with a roller in hand. Joy, joy. (notice the sarcasm)
Ah well, it needs to be done and what better time than before the holidays, right?
The weekend after Thanksgiving I'm hosting a post-bachelorette party for a friend of mine whose matron of honor somehow managed to miss that detail of being the highest ranking member of the wedding party. She's already tied the knot, but loved the idea of having a girl's night out, so I'm getting the limo for us girls and we're going to a nice dinner in Decatur, followed by dessert at The Chocolate Bar (a new awesome dessert bar), and karaoke at the Irish Pub here in Conyers. Should be a blast!
The next several weeks after that are a hodgepodge of my own holiday parties and parties of friends, so you can bet I'll have my ass in the kitchen quite a bit! This is the one time of year when my Martha gets to come out and play. Hee, and I don't mean anything off-color by that at all. HAhahahaha...sometimes I crack myself up!!! Could you imagine referring to your hoo-hoo as Martha??! Oh dear....ahem.
ANYWAY, the real Christmas challenge is just beginning for me. Somehow I am doubting that I will reach my 13 pound goal, but a little more than halfway at this point isn't too bad. I think NOT gaining anything over the next month is going to be much harder than losing what I have the last 3 months! I WILL BE STRONG! And I will not be having that cigarette with the glass of wine! Funny, I really don't even think about smoking anymore until someone reminds me that I use to. Perhaps I really am a non-smoker now.
:D
Oh, weigh in for the week is 167.4. +.2 from last week.
Goal for 12/25 is 160.
Just reminding myself.
If there's a bright side, it's that I am learning how my body likes to lose weight, and that keeps me from losing motivation knowing that a so-so week is just part of the deal for me. So yay for not being deflated over a .2 gain.
Aside from the cheese and wine incident last Friday, I've been doing pretty great with my food intake. I'm not doing as well as I could substituting the apple for the Jello pudding snack, and I totally have an addiction to the baked Lay's with cheddar & sour cream, but there's still plenty to be proud of - including walking right past 3 boxes of donuts and muffins AND a homemade chocolate cake in the breakroom yesterday without touching any of it. I work with a bunch of evil bastards, I tell ya.
The new running shoes (made by Ryka - anyone tried them before?) are breaking in nicely and I'm totally kicking ass on my goal of running at least half the distance. I may be a good bit above half actually. And it feels great! There's this KILLER hill in our subdivision I save for last and last night I noticed I wasn't even winded at the top! I'm still managing only about 3.5 miles 4 or 5 times a week. I'd like to be at 4, but I have to be realistic and set time limits on exercise. Otherwise, I'd be out walking for 2 hours every night. I'm doing planks (3 for about 40 seconds each) and some arm weights while I watch TV to try and get in some upper body and core work. It's not much, but it's a start.
This weekend the holiday blur begins. Saturday morning I have a wedding consultation at The Foundry Park Inn in Athens (which means I could have a date set on Saturday!) and going over to my crafty friend Jolene's to make christmas cards that afternoon. Sunday I am prepping my living room/hallway/foyer/dining room area for repainting over Thanksgiving. Joe and I are taking the week off to get it all done. Thanksgiving we'll go to his parents and then the 2nd annual hockey game with our friends, and then at some point during the weekend, we'll go visit my mom. The rest of the time will be spent with a roller in hand. Joy, joy. (notice the sarcasm)
Ah well, it needs to be done and what better time than before the holidays, right?
The weekend after Thanksgiving I'm hosting a post-bachelorette party for a friend of mine whose matron of honor somehow managed to miss that detail of being the highest ranking member of the wedding party. She's already tied the knot, but loved the idea of having a girl's night out, so I'm getting the limo for us girls and we're going to a nice dinner in Decatur, followed by dessert at The Chocolate Bar (a new awesome dessert bar), and karaoke at the Irish Pub here in Conyers. Should be a blast!
The next several weeks after that are a hodgepodge of my own holiday parties and parties of friends, so you can bet I'll have my ass in the kitchen quite a bit! This is the one time of year when my Martha gets to come out and play. Hee, and I don't mean anything off-color by that at all. HAhahahaha...sometimes I crack myself up!!! Could you imagine referring to your hoo-hoo as Martha??! Oh dear....ahem.
ANYWAY, the real Christmas challenge is just beginning for me. Somehow I am doubting that I will reach my 13 pound goal, but a little more than halfway at this point isn't too bad. I think NOT gaining anything over the next month is going to be much harder than losing what I have the last 3 months! I WILL BE STRONG! And I will not be having that cigarette with the glass of wine! Funny, I really don't even think about smoking anymore until someone reminds me that I use to. Perhaps I really am a non-smoker now.
:D
Oh, weigh in for the week is 167.4. +.2 from last week.
Goal for 12/25 is 160.
Just reminding myself.
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