Goodbye, Gym

There is some sadness today. Mike and I cancelled our memberships to Powell Wellness Center. That's $87.oo extra a month we'll be able to save, which is good. I'll just have to figure out something else to do. I need to get some small weights for the house.

Pregnant Thoughts

If you've read my other blog, you'll know that random, off-the-wall thoughts just creep into my head from time to time. Well, obviously due to me being pregnant, those odd thoughts have a theme.
Like, the other day I went into a little freak-out mode. My brother and his wife just had a baby about a week ago. Being the dutiful aunt that I am, I clicked through the photos they posted of Britt Louise on Facebook and oohed and ahhed. I got to a picture of Eric, Anna, and Britt standing posed in their living room. Eric had one arm around Anna and effortlessly held little Britt on his forearm. It's a really cute picture, but the thought that popped in my head was, "Holy crap! My brother has a baby!!!" Trying to rationalize with myself, I thought about when my oldest brother and his wife had Emily a couple years ago. I remember looking at their pictures and the feelings I felt. None of them included, "Holy crap!" It was, "Cool! My brother had a baby! When are they coming down? I want to see her! I want to hold her!"
Now, don't get me wrong...those questions are going through my head with Eric, too. But the holy crap factor I think comes from him only being two years older than me, as opposed to ten. I think that he can't be old enough to have a child. He's too goofy to have a child!
Of course, this freaking out then turns to myself. I'M PREGNANT! HOLY FRIGGIN' CRAP!!!!!! Am I ready for this? Taking care of animals is a lot different than taking care of a child. Will I make a good mom? There's so much stuff I want to do for the baby...will she/he think it's dumb when he/she gets older? What traditions will we do? Will the baby keep them when it gets older? (Yes, I totally called the baby he, she, and it in one paragraph)
Anyhoo...I guess that's it.

(As a side note: I know I pick on my brother a lot. It's only because I love him. Obviously, none of the above-mentioned points are faults...they're strengths!)

7 weeks and 3 days

I know what you all are thinking..."Now why don't she write?!"
Sorry I kinda cut you guys off there for a bit. Obviously because of me being pregnant (yay!) I am not going to be losing weight. Well, at least I hope not. Not that it's impossible, but it's probably not very good. Anyhoo...
Because plans have changed a little bit, my blog will change with them. I won't be giving weekly updates. I'll probably be giving updates after each of my appointments. Now, closer to the date (which is July 4, 2011 now, by the way!) I may not be quite as up to updating the blog, so I apologize in advance!
I asked the doctor a few things while I was there...okay, I asked a lot of things! I asked about foods...I can have lunchmeat and hotdogs, they just have to be heated. Cheeses and milk have to be pasteurized (that sounds kinda "duh," but certain cheeses like feta aren't always). As for exercising, he told me pretty much anything is fine, just use common sense. If it hurts or I'm really tired or out of breath or something's not right, STOP! Take a breather. And as for me gaining weight, he said that 25-30 pounds is usually general rule, but different women have different pregnancies. He said that since I'm already started at a higher weight, I could only gain 15 pounds, and that would be fine. Heh, that would be GREAT in my opinion!
So, so far things are great. I guess my starting weight for this stage in my life is 251. But I've been eating really well...actually, as far as that goes, I'm really paranoid about making sure the baby's getting enough of the right nutrients that I'm eating better than I have in weeks! I take carrots and yogurt to work for lunch every day along with (so far) either my eggsalad sandwich or my good ol' peanut butter and jelly! And I'll take string cheese or a cheese stick with me, as well. I'll snack throughout the day, which I always thought was a bad thing, but I snack on the carrots or cheese sticks, so I figure that can't be too bad. I haven't been to the gym in about three weeks since I found out I was pregnant (well, the first week I was sick, so I didn't go then), just because I wanted to be sure I got the "okay" before I did anything I might regret later! But all's well, so I'm hoping to start back next week...you know, Thanksgiving week...(hmmm...maybe I should have thought this through a bit more...) :-)
So, here's to a healthy baby! (and hopefully an equally healthy mama!)

Decisions...

Hi, guys...
Okay, I have to say something. I hope you all aren't too disappointed in me. I was just a little embarrassed.
I lied last week about how much weight I lost. I actually didn't lose two pounds. I didn't lose any. I gained a little weight. I know, all of you guys have supported me and encouraged me and I turned around and betrayed you and your trust. Sam...I'll admit I haven't eaten the best. I try to get as many veggies as I can, but some days I fall short. However, I've noticed the last two weeks I've steadily gained weight, and not to make excuses, I think I know why...
I'M PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, right?!?! Now, I still need to go to the doctor, but I took three different tests and they were all STRONG positives!
Danielle, I have questions for the doctor you (and the mom you!). I know I need to ask my doctor, too, but as I think of them I may ask your opinion first so I don't call the doctor every two seconds! First question: I know you're only supposed to gain about no more than 30 pounds (on average), but what do I eat? How do I exercise? WHAT DO I DO??????? ;-)
I'm hoping to keep up with this blog, but it may turn more into a pregnancy blog for a bit if I do. We'll see!

Week #33

Hey, guys!
Sorry I'm a day late. I'm a bit under the weather this week. Something's being spread around the workplace...fun.
Not too bad this week. Been doing the free weights (it still feels a little odd doing it...I need an IPod or something, just so I have something to keep my mind off of people possibly looking at me). I am still using the other gym equipment, but now my routine is half an hour on that and then about half an hour with the weights. I also managed to go for a walk in the park with Mike and the dogs one day.
Now, because I'm sick, I haven't gone this week as I don't want to pass it around the gym. I don't know when I'll get back in...hopefully it won't go on for much longer. I need to get weights for home, that way I don't have to miss out completely with working out.
So this week...I'm down to 244. Two pounds! Woot!

Weeks #31 and #32

Hey, guys!
I'm so so so so sorry that I didn't check in last week. Monday I fell asleep as soon as I got home and then I just got distracted the rest of the week. But here I am today...
Not a WHOLE lot has happened the last two weeks. Eric and Anna were in town this past week, so I got to hang out with them. I've been taking Lady for walks in the park...let me tell you, it is so peaceful after a long day at work. Last Thursday, on my day off and not usually a day I go to the gym, I met up with Eric and Anna for a little gym time. I did my usual half hour on the treadmill. Then I went...TO THE OTHER SIDE!!! Ominous sounding, huh? Not really. It's just that there's a wall that divides the workout equipment (treadmills, bikes, etc.) from the weights. Normally I stay on the workout side. But Eric and Anna feel that I should start adding weights to my regimen. So Anna showed me her workout that she usually does with the free weights (for those that don't know, they're the little handheld ones). It's a fairly simple workout that works I think all the muscles in the arms, as well as some in the back and shoulders. This is a good thing because I've been working on the lower body.
So, today, I did my half hour on the treadmill and then moved on to...THE OTHER SIDE!!! Okay, I'll stop. I did the workout Anna helped me with. Ummmm....yeah, as a side note, Eric and Anna: Remember when I told you the other day that it didn't burn? Oooooooh, it burned today. Granted, I did three sets instead of the just one. The one that really killed me was when I bent over and had my arm by my side and then stretched it back behind me. My arm was shaking with the strain of trying to finish it. But I did.
Oh, and something happened while I was on...THE OTHER SIDE!!! (Last one, I swear) I was standing there doing my workout looking in the mirror like Eric and Anna said. There was a woman that kept coming over to the free weights. I didn't pay much attention at first...I was trying to focus. But then I noticed she kept glancing over at me. Then she would go to another piece of equipment, then back to the free weights and glance at me occassionally, then to another piece, and so forth and so on. Just about when I was starting to think, "What the heck is this woman's problem?" she stopped what she was doing and turned to me.
"I want you to know that you're doing a great job," she said. "Just keep up the good work and focus you'll get to your goal. You can get through it."
I smiled at her and thanked her and went back to my routine. A complete stranger! I don't know if it was a sign from God, a little encouragement on His part or what, to let me know that even though I'm struggling so bad with this, more at times than others, that He's there helping me and my family and friends are helping me. It really made me feel good to hear what she said. Not that your guys' encouragement is nothing to a stranger's, but every now and then I get the mindset of "What's the point?" and to tell you the truth, I had started to get feeling that way again.
This week I'm sadly back up to 246. I'm not entirely okay with that, but at the same time I'm not that worried. I've noticed that my pants and (embarrassing to say) panties are majorly looser. It's from all the walking, I know. It's starting to get my legs and butt under control. Now maybe with the weight training I can start getting the upper half with the bottom.

Week #30

Sorry I'm a day late, faithful followers. I got distracted yesterday!
Well, the gym is getting easier and easier. Yay! I'm not huffing and puffing on the treadmill anymore. This past week hasn't been very interesting, however, really. I took Lady on the nature trail at the park. It was fun. It was relaxing.
So, this week I'm down to 242. Another pound. Slowly but surely. I can do it! I know I can!

Week #29

Hola!
So I'm back in the gym. It's getting easier, but I still have to really push myself. I want to stop so bad. Like today...I had my book and I'm reading and walking. Sweat is POURING off of me! I happened to look down and saw only 8 minutes had gone by. What?!?!?! But I keep going...and going...and going. I finally finish with the treadmill. I'm thinking to myself, that was only half an hour. I would kill myself on the bike if I kept going. But you know what? I kept going. I got on the bike and pushed myself. My legs were burning, but I kept going. I was absolutely disgusting after my workout from sweat, but I did it!
So, after this week, I'm down to 245. Only one pound, which is kind of a letdown, but it is one pound. I know, Chris, I told you I was down to 243 at dad's party. I also had two cheeseburgers and two helpings of potato salad at said party... :-(
We'll see what happens next week...

Weeks #27 and #28

Why, hello there!
Yes, my dears, I am back from the beach. Oh, my goodness I had so much fun! The sights, the sounds...the food! Ummm....yeah. About that. I hate to tell you this, but I didn't lose and in fact gained. I will tell you how much I gained, because I think by letting you know and getting it written down, I see it and see/hear your reactions to it and it sinks in that much more. I know you guys give me encouragement during times like these, and it's greatly appreciated. I just hope you don't get frustrated with me because I keep yo-yoing.
I think last I weighed in I was 238. This week I'm at 246. And really, I'm actually amazed at how LITTLE weight I gained! I honestly thought that after three weeks of not going to the gym and two weeks of not weighing in it would have been more than that.
One thing that hit me a little hard last week, however, was when Jimmy, Katie, Jason, Stephanie, and I went up a dune down near the Hatteras lighthouse. It was a very large dune, and then still had to walk a couple hundred yards in the sand to get to the water. I was panting quite heavily by the time the first wave came up and hit my feet. Panting is very embarrassing for me. Even more so than my appearance for some reason.
On the lighter side, however, speaking of my appearance...I was looking in the mirror one day last week while I was getting dressed. The first time I noticed this was when I was putting on a bathing suit. I have tankinis...halter tops with short bottoms. I had the shorts on and was putting on the halter top. I happened to look up in the mirror before I had a chance to pull my top down over my stomach. I was amazingly pleased with what I saw. I have an hourglass shape! It's true! And my stomach doesn't protrude quite as badly as I portray it in my head. Needless to say, I felt good about myself. I actually, truly, honest-to-goodness felt good about myself for just about the first time in...well, a long time.
Now that I'm back, I'm getting back in the gym which I had been ignoring lately. Oh, and about that...I went back today. I only did half an hour on the treadmill like I used to do. Why, oh WHY did I ever stop going to the gym. It's soooooo freakin hard to restart! But I did it. I wanted to stop oh so badly when I'd realized only ten minutes had passed, but I didn't. I kept going. I started panting, which, as stated above, is very embarrassing for me. But I kept my feet moving on that thing. Then, to top it off, Mike and I walked the dogs tonight. For anyone who knows Culpeper, we walked from our house on West Park Avenue, down Blue Ridge Avenue, crossed Business 29 at the light (Southgate Shopping Center, where Wachovia and Luigi's is), and walked all the way to just about the light at Meadowbrook Shopping Center (where Mama's Pizza and Subs is), then, obviously walked all the way back. It was a long walk. But it was great! And the dogs are learning to walk on the leash...especially Sprite, who always tugs.

Week #26

Whaddap!
Sorry I'm late this week. Again, it's going to be short and sweet. I'm psyched about going to the beach this weekend, and going to the Lady Gaga concert with April tomorrow, so I'm a little distracted!
This week I'm STILL at 238! Grrrr...I'm beginning to hate those numbers. But without going to the gym, I'm sure it won't budge too much. I think I may have lost a couple tenths of a pound, but it's so minute of an amount that I don't really count it.
So, next week, as I won't have a scale down at the beach with me, I will not be logging in. Sorry to disappoint, but you'll just have to wait with baited breath for my return.

(What does "baited breath" even mean? It sounds disgusting!)

Week #25

Sup, yo!
Not a whole lot yet again this weekend. I have not been going to the gym (bad, I know). The pool right now is down due to maintanence, I think, so my big urge to go has dwindled. I know, I need to use the equipment, too. But it's just not as fun! As it won't be up again for another couple weeks, we'll see if I can drag myself there. Doesn't look promising. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to the beach! Yay!!! I so need a vacation. Work's driving me nuts (I know, it wasn't a far drive). Jimmy, Katie, Jason, Stephanie, Mike, and I are all going down to Nags Head. And I actually mean Nags Head. Some people use Nags Head as a general term for the Outer Banks. Normally my family stays in Corolla, but we got a small house further south on the island. So the Monday after next, you may not hear from me, as I will not have a scale down there. Maybe I'll check in the Friday before I leave...again, not so promising, as I'll be packing and getting ready and will therefore probably forget.
So, for this week...238. I went back up a bit. I know. But maybe that's from the gym, or lack thereof? I'm not too freaked about it. I've been slipping a bit. But I'll be fine.

Week #24

Yo!
So, not much happening this past week. Kinda dull, really. Just work. No big.
Nada.
Zip.
Zilch.
Lame-o.
Okay, okay. I guess you get the big, blank picture. My life's boring. Well, maybe not BORING, but not exactly on-the-edge-of-your-seat exciting either.
So this week my weight is 237. Yep. Another pound gone. Seems things are getting back on track. It's supposed to be relatively cool the next couple of days. I'm hoping instead of hitting the gym I can maybe go to the park. And take Lady for a walk. Lady's my German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix dog, for those that don't know. She LOVES to go on walks. I would take Sprite, my Cocker Spaniel, but she's not the best walking dog. She zigs and zags and pulls and stops to smell the flowers...which may be a great philosophy for life, but not for walking. Maybe I'll see if I can take Steve's Anna up on her offer to have a walking buddy, too. That'd be cool. I guess we'll see...
Peace out!

Week #23

Hellooooo!
I'm in much better spirits this week. I got back in the gym last week, which was good. I started my food journal, which was also good. I also drank a lot more water than the previous week. One or all of these things could have contributed to my drastic weight gain last week. But this week I'm back on track!
A few things happened this past week. I became a jeweler for Premier Designs, a business I can do from home (which will be great when I have kids). Speaking of kids...I also went to a baby shower in northern Virginia for my sister-in-law, Anna (Eric's). So, all-in-all, a VERY busy weekend! I did pretty good about food, though. There was a lot of hors d'ouevres at both places. But I was good and didn't have very much. Well, except for those cucumber sandwich things made by Lindsey Spurlock. They were DE-LIC-IOUS!
So this week for my weigh-in, I am now...238. I lost 8 pounds. I don't know if the food journal is helping. I don't know if I had retained a lot of water the week before, and by drinking water this week I managed to lose water weight. I don't know if it was because I hadn't gone to the gym the week before. All I know is that something I changed this week worked. So I'll just keep doing all three!

THE PLAN

Hello, again!
Sorry about my little rant yesterday. I feel a little better now, though. Why, do you ask? Because I have a plan. Not entirely sure the plan will work, but it couldn't hurt, right?
And now...THE PLAN! I know, I make it sound so phenomenal, when really it's not something all that big. My plan is a journal. Yep, a journal. No, not a "Dear Diary" journal...a food journal. Mom, I don't want to hear any comments from you, especially in the I-Told-You-So Category.
Seriously, though. I'm going to start a food journal. By doing this, I'm hoping it'll make me more aware of what I eat, and therefore make me realize just how much I consume and can therefore adjust accordingly. That's a lot of therefores, I know. That's how serious I am!
So, I've already logged for today. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens...

Week #22 (kinda)

Okay, so I guess you guys are wondering why I'm writing a little early. Come on, I know you're at least a little curious. Really, this isn't much of a joking matter.
I figured I'd go ahead and write a little early because I kinda have a bone to pick. Seeing as I highly doubt my weight will drastically drop in a day, I'll go ahead and write now. I'll go ahead and admit that I have gained weight back this past week. I'm up to 246. No, you don't need to get your eyes checked and it's not a typo. I gained 10 pounds back this last week. I didn't go to the gym due to some slackage on my behalf (obviously, as it couldn't be on anyone else's behalf). No, I haven't made the best food choices this past week either. But I'd like to believe that I didn't go absolutely crazy and eat everything in sight either. My previously stated bone to pick is that I think it absolutely, positively SUCKS that I give in a little and I gain a lot. I know it's all on me...I mean, no one else can lose my weight for me. But it's not fair that there are others that can eat just about everything in sight and hardly gain an ounce.
Take Eric for example (sorry Eric, you're the first one that comes to mind...no offense). Now, I don't know what he does or eats now (I know being in the military you have to be in shape and I know you have a gym membership and I know that your wife cooks REALLY healthy). But I remember in high school he would get two, sometimes three lunches and clean his tray. I realize that men and women have different metabolisms and the like, so there's really no comparison. But I have female friends that eat either all the time it seems, or at least what they do eat isn't always healthy. So why can they stay a size 4 and I can't get below a size 18?! It's so freakin' frustrating and completely bums me out!!!!!!!
I'm gonna try harder, redouble my efforts and get back in the gym again, but that's not exactly the point I'm trying to make. I know life's not fair, but I'm just so fed up.
Sorry, faithful followers. I just needed to rant a bit. I'll be okay.

Week #21 (ON TIME!!!!!)

Howdy, folks!
Wait, what's that you say? It's Monday, not Thursday? Oh, my goodness! Looks like somebody got all technological!
Yes, Mike and I got a new laptop. And because somebody hasn't had a chance to COMPLETELY DELETE EVERYTHING (INCLUDING THE BUILT-IN WI-FI!)...not to mention any names, Michael...we have been able to install Verizon Wireless, so therefore have wireless internet throughout our cozy little home. No more need to go to mom's every week! Okay, that's not entirely true. I kinda like my mama...
Anyhoo...not that any of that had ANYTHING to do with my weight loss...Other than getting the laptop and internet, yet again, not much interesting has happened this past week. So, on to the weight!
Okay, I'll say it...236. Yep, no weight loss. Still the same. No weight gain is good, but no weight loss is not desireable. Here's hoping for next week...

Week #20

Hello, all!
Last week was a pretty blah week again. Not much happening. So, I'll just cut right to the chase.
I'm down to 236 now. I've lost another pound this week...WOOT! A pound a week is just fine with me!
So really, that's about it. I said there wasn't much going on! You didn't believe me? Well, there is one other thing. Mike and I got our refund back from buying the house (the tax credit thing). We've divvied up all the money into where we want it (savings accounts, vacation, bills, etc.) and one of the things we wish to buy is a new laptop. Mike kinda fried our last one, even managing to somehow completely wiping out the standard built-in Wi-Fi so we can't get it back. But hopefully with a new laptop, I will be able to check in a little more regularly and I can get back to my beginning of the week weigh-ins. That'd be absolutely WONDERFUL!!!
So, yay for one pound less and yay for money! ;-)

Week #19

So, as you know, I'm loving the pool. I tried pushing myself more. I told you that I'd do 50 of the one set of lifting, 30 of the other, and so on. Well, I tried doubling that amount. My arms feel like jello afterwards, but I feel great all around. I also try to move more in general while I'm walking, so I try to swing my hips a little more and/or do little lunges with every step.
I talk about the gym a lot, but I don't talk much about the food I eat. Not that there's too much to talk about. When Mike and I moved, I got back into eating what I wanted, when I wanted, but I've been able to cut back from that again. And now Mike's doing it with me! He found out he had to lose some weight for another job he applied for. I don't think he's applying for that job anymore, but he's still eating better, eating more vegetables (I'm so proud of him), and since this month he's off Mondays and Tuesdays, he goes to the gym with me. We've been good about checking each other with our food intake, too. He's already lost a little weight. He has a physical today for work (they do it once or twice a year) so we'll see how that goes for him.
My clothes are fitting better. I look in the mirror and see that my middle is cynching in a little more. My bathing suit (speaking of the pool) fits great. It's a two-piece tankini...halter top and shorts. I spilled over the shorts last year and had to keep tugging the top down. I don't have to do that anymore.
So, this week's weight...237. I've lost another pound! Woot!

Week #18

I LOVE the pool!!!!!! It's so much fun and it just about kills me, but it's great! There's an in-water track, which I'll walk around a couple laps with water weights and then I'll go into the middle pool and do a little workout. I'll start by (if you can visualize this) keeping my back straight and putting my arms straight down my sides, though back behind me a little, and lift up/push down the weights. Basically it works out the back of my arms. All of this while floating (not touching the ground). Usually I'll do about 50 of those. Then I'll go to the 6-foot section (so I can't touch the bottom), put my arms straight out to my sides, and push my hands down to my hips, kinda like the top half of jumping jacks. I have to be careful with this one, because if I go to fast, I bob up in the water really high and then dip down really low in the water and try to drown myself! I usually do about 30 of those. Then I go back to the 4-foot section of the pool (where I did the first routine) and put my arms out to my sides again, then bring down one arm at a time to the opposite foot and back up (I saw a water aerobics class doing it, so I tried it). I usually do about 30 sets of that. Then I swim across the pool a couple times, but I can't do that very much because by that point my arms are killing me. Then I finish up by doing some more laps around the track, sometimes in the opposite direction of the water flow.
So, basically, the water exercise is my weight training, which I've been needing to get in. It's so much fun and I can't wait to get into the pool each day. Usually I'll use the equipment in the gym and then I'll go to the pool (it helps me cool off that way, too!).
This week, I've lost two pounds, so I'm back down to 238. Yay!

Week #17

Well, people, there's ups and downs this week. On the down side, I unfortunately did not lose weight...in fact, I actually gained a lot of weight back. On the up side, however, I found a new love in the gym! I know, I sound a little fickle, don't I? My first love was the elliptical. I still like that well enough, but now I found...THE POOL! Actually, ironically, I was on the elliptical when I "discovered" the pool. Okay, okay, let me explain...
Mike was off the beginning of this week, so we went to the gym together. I didn't bring my book to read as I usually do as it's a little difficult to on the elliptical, since you use both your hands and feet. So instead of listening to music, I was flipping back and forth between "Judge Judy" and "American Choppers." Then I noticed on CBS, they were having something about water exercise and they were using little dumbbells. I flipped my headphones to that channel. They were talking about how water aerobics is a better workout as far as less stress on joints and it's a more fluid motion (no pun intended) than equipment or weights. The dumbbells they were showing (which the gym happens to have) weigh next to nothing out of the water. But because they want to float, it takes a lot to push them through the water, which is how you use them.
So after the elliptical, Mike and I changed to get into the pool. Powell Wellness Center has a really cool aquatic arena. There's an in-water track, three smaller side pools, a larger pool in the center, and a hot tub in another corner. Mike and I walked around the track for a bit using the new-found water weights, then went in the middle pool. I LOVE IT!!!!
All that said, here comes the bad part. As I said, last week I gained weight back...I'm at 240 again. But with no more reunions to go to, me going to the gym 4 days a week now, and my new friend the pool, hopefully I'll be back on track by next week. I'm sorry I disappointed you guys this week, but I will slap myself out of it. I promise.

Week #16

I'm going to make this a quick one. Again, no picture, but now I'm thinking I may wait until I get down to thirty pounds off. Two more pounds to go! I'm still at 235, but I'm seeing that as good. Even when I got down to 236, I yo-yoed every week between 236 and 238. I've managed to stay here for two weeks. I've upped my gym time to four days a week by adding Tuesday now, as well. This weekend could be a breaker, though, as I'm at a family reunion with Mike's family and it's going to be a whole lot of Southern, down home cooking. We'll see what happens.
And just so you wonderful fan club of mine know, as Mike and I have no internet at home yet, I can't check in there. Well, Mom and Dad's computer is trying to die, so I'm not able to check in there for I don't know how long. Right now I'm using Mawmaw's computer here in Southwestern Virginia. I'll just have to figure out how to check in next week. Until then...

Week #15

This past week was fun. Well, I guess not so much the week, but the weekend. One of my best friends, Becca, got married. Yay! She married Brandon Deane in a private ceremony somewhere where there was an orchard. I say somewhere because it was, as stated, a private ceremony, with only immediate family present. The reception was a bit more public. It was held at the American Legion Hall in Madison. It was so much fun! I danced my butt off! It was hot, so I got a wee bit sweaty, but it was so much fun. There was the Chicken Dance, the Cupid Shuffle, the Electric Slide, the Cha Cha Slide, YMCA, the Twist. Everyone was hurting after the Twist! I got to wear the wrap dress that I had mentioned a while back and I got a lot of compliments on it! It was such a great time, and I didn't eat too much food. And there was A LOT of great food. There was salad, potatoes in herbed butter, chicken, prime rib, and dinner rolls. I had a good salad, with a small amount of potatoes and a piece of chicken. They also had a chocolate fondue fountain, which I had some marshmallows, pound cake, and strawberries. Then there was the cake...the CHOCOLATE cake. Beccas really likes her chocolate! (which is fine, because Brandon likes his meat, having three plates of prime rib!) The wedding cake was chocolate, with alternating layers of chocolate fudge filling and chocolate mousse filling. I had the chocolate mousse filling. I figured it'd be less damaging than fudge.
And after all this...my weight. Okay, I know I've been going up and down these past couple weeks. I've slipped and gotten back up. I've gotten back into the gym after my back injury and have kept with it (in fact, I think I may end up going on Tuesdays now, too, just to up the ante). It's been really hard going through this journey. So, prepare yourself for my weight...
235!!!! Yes! I have broken through! I know it's only one pound, but it's lower than it has been in nine weeks! Can I keep it down next week?

(P.S. Eric...Kim Berry (used to be Russell) says hi. Her husband (Todd Berry) was the one who catered)

Week #14

Hey, guys! I don't have much to tell you this week, so I'll make this one short and sweet. I'm still at 236. Sorry to disappoint you, Eric. But at least I've stayed here this time and haven't gone back up. I'll keep trying for next week. I'm back in the gym, so that'll help. It won't help that my friend is getting married this weekend and there'll be great food at the reception. But I'll only have one piece of cake, I swear!

CONGRATS BECCAS AND BRANDON!!!!!!!

Week #13 (yep, late again)

'Ello, loves! Hope you had a great week. I'm gonna get this off my chest now so I won't leave you in anticipation...yet again, there is no picture of me this week. I forgot to get someone to take it for me. Sorry...I may just wait until week #16 to post one.
Anyhoo...not too much happening. My back's feeling better, so I'm able to get back into the gym. Yeah, not so fun going back after taking two weeks off! I only went half an hour, but I'll get back up to what I was. My weight is back down this week. And I found out something...Now, see, last week when I weighed in I was at mom and dad's. I figured since I was already there I would use their scale. Well, when I saw the numbers on the scale, I freaked (hence the ominous entry last week). Something seemed a little fishy, though, so I tested it. I weighed myself at mom and dad's and then went home and weighed myself on my scale the same day in the same clothes. My theory was confirmed...mom's scale is shows five pounds more than what mine does! So, really there was no need for the omission of weight last week. Well, I take that back. I had actually gained two pounds...but at least it wasn't the SEVEN I originally thought!
So, by going off of MY scale, I am now down to 236. Yay! I know I've been here before, but hopefully I can get below it by next week. That is my mission should I choose to accept it...which, of course, I do!

Week #12 (actually on time!)

So, I've been thinking about something. I've been really lax here lately with my weight loss. You've read in the past that I will go along fine and then slowly go back to my old ways, then jerk myself back on path, then slowly drift again. This week is no different. I have no photo this week, and I'm also not going to tell you my weight as it is an embarrassment to all I have been trying to do. I have a plan that I'm thinking of, and I'd like to get some feedback if I could on this. Previously, I mentioned that I don't have a goal weight...that I'm just trying to lose weight period. Well, I think that's part of my problem. Because I don't have a goal, I kinda figure I can do what I want when I want. But I've found in the past that I work better under pressure, so therefore I need something to set my sights on...a deadline per se. So what I need now for feedback is for you guys to tell me what a rational weight loss goal is. Like, say, so many pounds a week? Or should I go monthly? Yearly I think would give me too much slack. I'll try to do some research to see if I can find a normal weight loss. Obviously, I don't want to set a goal too outrageous that I can't possibly reach it, like 50 pounds in a month or something like that. And I also know that my weight loss can and/or will possibly slow down over time, that's why I was wondering what a reasonable number is. Let me know what you guys think and hopefully next week embarrassment will be gone and you'll have a number again from me.

Week #11

Hey, guys!
Not much has been going on, I guess. Well, unless walking in the Relay for Life and having a herniated disc are not much...
I guess I'll start with Relay for Life. It was Madison's first year doing it. I was on the team Exxon Cruisers and we were "Cruisin' for a Cure." We did really well, raising over $4,000 for the American Cancer Association. The day of the walk kinda sucked, as it rained nearly the entire time and we were walking on a muddy track. That made for some fun! All in all, though, it wasn't bad. I had screwed up my back earlier in the week, so I had decided to try to walk earlier, in case I wanted/needed to go home. I had asked the doctor if I could still walk in it. She said I might regret it later, but I would be able to. Well, I regretted it. Not completely, mind you. It was fun to be out there...there was live music and just talking with people was cool. What I regretted was stepping in a hole...HARD, and then I had to go sit down. But I walked with my friend and co-worker, April, and we had a good time. She told me later that she had stayed the entire night (it went from 5:00pm Saturday evening to 7:00am Sunday morning). I was there from about 2:30pm to 9:30pm (I got there early, obviously).
As far as my back goes...I was doing laundry last Thursday. LAUNDRY, of all things. We have a stackable washer and dryer. Well, I bent over to put a new load in the washer and immense PAIN shot into my back. I immediately stood up, trying to alleviate it, but I found I couldn't stand up very straight. Mike had left for work about an hour prior to this, so I knew I couldn't call him to come back. I decided to go lie down on the couch to try to straighten myself out. It helped, but as soon as I moved, I hurt all over. I managed to get up and finish getting the laundry started. The next day I had to work again, but when I woke up, I could hardly move, so obviously I called in sick. Later that day, I was able to call the doctor and make an appointment. She said that with how it happened and where it was hurting, I had herniated a disc in my back. So she perscribed me some really good drugs and told me not to do a lot of heavy lifting (ummm...HELLO! I'm a groomer...of animals...sometimes really BIG animals!). *sigh*
So, after that, obviously I wasn't able to get to the gym for a couple days, though I did walk for an hour on Saturday. So I gained back two pounds making me 238 again. Dang, I can't get past that number! I've decided to take it easy and not go to the gym for a little while. On the bright side of things, the doctor did give me a few exercises I can do for my back, which coincidentally are core exercises, which coincidentally are what I need to be doing to try to tone my middle. So, in a way, me hurting my back is a good thing, right? ;-)

Week #10 (later again)

Howdy!
I hope all is well with you guys. I had kind of an action-packed week this past week...well, more like weekend. On a side-note before I get started...Eric, I was telling you before that my clothes are fitting better. The ultimate confirmation was when I went to karaoke last Tuesday. I decided to wear my black button-down shirt that you can roll up the sleeves. I haven't worn that shirt in FOREVER because it would always gap and pull. I decided I would try it on, and if it still was doing that, I would choose another top. Guess what...it fit BEAUTIFULLY! No gapping! Hallelujah!
So Saturday mom threw Mike and me a housewarming party. It wasn't too much of a "party" unfortunately as many people couldn't make it. But family came, and it was fun all the same. Mom made the food which, of course, was AWESOME! I ate a lot of it. :-/ I had a lot of the fruit and veggies, though, so it wasn't bad. Those honey yum-yums are disasterous, though! It was a pounding, which is when everyone brings a pound or so of something. We now have rice, pasta, apples, and oranges to last us to the next millenium, I believe.
Sunday was a really nice day out, and thankfully I didn't have to work that evening as usual, so Mike and I decided to take the dogs to the park. Unbeknownst to us, Yowell Meadow Park in Culpeper has a one-mile nature trail in the back of it. We came upon it and were standing there, when Mike asked me, "You wanna give it a go?" I shrugged and said, "Sure! Why not?" So we went hiking with the dogs. It was a gorgeous trail. And the dogs loved it. Well, Lady more than Sprite. Sprite is not a "walking" dog. She is such a princess! It wasn't long before her pulling and tugging at the leash slowed down and her back end started drooping. I had to carry her every now and then. Finally, we came to the Daughters of the American Revolution Memorial. We were walking up the hill to it when I couldn't go any further. Sprite had plopped herself down in the shaded grass and wouldn't budge! I had a bottle of water with me and poured it in front of her face until she lapped at it. I passed the bottle to Mike for Lady, who proceeded to take the end of the bottle in her mouth and tipped her head back, just like you see horses do with whiskey bottles in the old Westerns! We headed back, finally making it out to the actual park itself. As we were making our way back to the car, Sprite was doing something funny. Every time we came up on a shady area, she'd start to slow down and drift toward the grass, sinking her body as she went. I'd give a tug and encourage her on, but the next shady spot she started to drift again. From the first time I started carrying her, I started putting words in her mouth...
"I am not used to this strenuous activity! I'm a pure-bred show dog! I'm far too cute to be out here hiking the backwoods like some mutt!" (she's a cocker spaniel and Lady is a German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix, by the way)
So, after all that, I weighed in Monday at 236. Two more pounds gone! Woot!

Week #9 (not as late)

Well, I'm a little more chipper this entry. I have pictures, which I'll post at the end of this post.

In response to comments made on my last post...

Eric: Yes! My clothes are fitting better. I feel it and my coworkers all see it! I have to wear a belt to work. This is not new, as even though my pants were tight before I started losing weight, they still kept gradually sliding down throughout the day. But when I started this weight loss, I was on the very last hole. I'm almost to the third one in now! And my coworkers tell me about every other week that my scrubs look like they're not as tight, especially in the shoulders. Every now and then I feel energized, especially right after I've worked out. I feel really good about myself and my body. And I've found a way to pass the time while working out. Remember "Week #7" I kept having to convince myself to keep working out? Yeah, they have TVs there, but I don't always like what's on during my time there, so instead I put it on a music channel and read! I can't believe how fast the time goes!

Danielle: Thanks for the vote of confidence! I wanted to tell you, though, that yes, overall I did set a high bar, but at the same time every little pound less makes me feel great! I don't know if you've ever heard of the John Tesh Radio Show (it comes on 95.1 down here at 7:00 pm). He gives really great advice on nearly every topic. One time I was listening to it and he was talking about weight loss. He said to not look at the big picture (i.e. me getting down to 200 or even 175) but to set little goals, like 5 or 10 pounds at a time. Then it won't seem like that much and that way you don't get discouraged. I guess that's what I'm doing now. Every pound lost thrills me, but when I get down 5 or 10 pounds, I'm ecstatic! And I have a question for you: Which is better--working on one piece of equipment and working off twice as many calories or burning half the calories, but working on two different pieces of equipment? For example...the elliptical for half an hour burns twice as many calories as doing one hour (half an hour each) on the bike and the treadmill. Just wondering...you know, get a doctor's take.

And to all of you (both commenters and readers): Thank you all SOOOOOO much for being there for me. You have no idea how much it means to me!

So, this week's weight is...238! Even though I'm only back down to that daggone number, at least I was able to lose what I had gained, right? I feel like those little toy cars that you pull backwards and then let go and they shoot forward, then stop and you have to pull them back again. Well, I just had to be pulled back a little, so now I can shoot forward!

Sorry for the scrub top. I stopped by mom and dad's after work and remembered that I needed to post pictures for you guys. But look, guys...I'm smiling!

Week #8 (not on time)

First of all, I'd like to let you all know that there's some disappointment with this blog entry. For one, I forgot to get Mike to snap a picture of me, so I'll have to wait until next week to post one. Another is that, not only have I not lost weight, but I have gained back some weight yet again. I gained back two pounds, making it 240. And this very reason is why I always end up quitting. I get to a plateau or I start yo-yoing and I figure it's not worth it, so I stop. I'm not making excuses for myself, I know that it's my own fault. I can't blame this on mom's good food! I've kept to my not-eating-after-eight rule, but I've gradually started back to nibbling here and there and starting to screw up my portions again. I also haven't been pushing myself as much at the gym. I think I've told you that I've started the elliptical. It's great, because it's burning more calories, but because of that, I figure I don't need to stay the full hour I use to. I'm slowly going back to my old ways.
But I like what I've been doing. I've never lost so much weight. And they say that if you diet/exercise for over three or four weeks, you'll be more likely to stick with it. Well, I'm twice that time frame, and I'm not ready to quit yet. I WILL lose the weight I've gained this past week and more by next week. I know it!

Week #7 (tardy)

Hello, all!
This not having internet thing really kinda sucks, so just bear with me for now. I did weigh myself as usual on Monday, even though all your calendars say today is Thursday (unless you're really lazy). My new favorite thing at the gym is the elliptical. But oh...my...gosh is it freakin' hard! Half an hour on that thing burns twice as many calories as doing both half an hour on the treadmill and half an hour on the bike! I've gotten to the point, though, where I want so bad to stop, but I keep having to tell myself to keep going. I start out on the equipment and almost immediately want to quit. So I tell myself to at least do half the amount of time (aka 15 minutes). I get down to 15 minutes and figure, "What's 5 more minutes, and then I've done 20 minutes, which is better than 15." Well, I push myself to 10 minutes and think, "What the heck, I'm under the 10 minute mark now. Let's get down to 5 minutes. No one'll care if I stop 5 minutes early." At the 5 minute mark, I'm like, "Well, heck! I've made it this far, might as well go the whole way."
You may think it's a little funny, but I do this every time! I have to push myself every time I get on the thing! My diet hasn't changed much. I was worried moving away from mom's cooking that I would go back to my old routine of pasta all the time, but I haven't. I have made Rice Krispies treats (mainly for Mike), chicken salad with grapes and pecans (REEEEEEEALLY good!), and a sausage puff. Basically it's eggs, sausage, cheese, and Bisquick mixed together and you bake it. I just cut a little square and pop it in the microwave for 15 seconds before I head out the door in the mornings.
And my weight for this week is....stiiiiill 238. Yep, you read right. It hasn't budged. I'm not too bummed about it, I guess. We all hit plateaus. If you want to be technical, I've lost a couple tenths of a pound. But at least I haven't gained any, right?
And don't forget, next week is a picture week!

Week #6 (belated)

Hey, guys! Sorry I'm late posting this. Mike and I just got a new house (HALLELUJAH!!!!!!) and we don't have internet set up quite yet. I know some of my loyal followers probably won't get this (i.e. Eric and Anna), but since Danielle and Eric seem to be in sync with each other telepathically, anything Danielle says I'll just file away in my mind doubled! ;-) Love you guys!
Even though we don't have internet, one of the first things I got for the house was a scale, so I can still weigh myself in. Unfortunately, I was not able to get to the gym last week due to moving in and fixing up the house. I started back this week again, however, so all's well. Even though I feel like I'm rushing through this and not telling you guys anything going on in my life, really not much has happened this past week, other than moving in and getting settled. So, rather than bore you with details of deciding which paint colors I wanted and the placement of furniture, I will go on with...THE WEIGH-IN (cue dramatic music!).
I did weigh myself Monday, as always, and even though it's Thursday now, I will tell you Monday's weight. My weight as of Monday is...(pause for dramatic effect)...238! (Crowd cheering) Yes, yes...I had lost all the weight I had gained the weekend in Baltimore, plus some! I'm almost down to my high school weight of 235. I know, 235 sounds horrible for a high school weight, especially when you hear women who are in their 40s or so and have had multiple children and are wishing they could fit into their prom dresses again of size 2. But I'm happy! I really didn't think I'd be back down to even that! I'm hoping I'll get even lower. I've been following another blog of a woman through her journey of weight loss with Weight Watchers. She had set ultimate weight goals and milestones for herself. I haven't exactly gotten that far. For now I'm happy with every couple pounds I lose. I guess if I have to give myself an ultimate weight loss goal, it'd be about 175 (which would be my ideal body weight, what with my height and age and all), but for now at least 3-5 pounds a week is good for me!
So for now...tune in next week for more...or less, technically!

Week #5

I did a boo-boo. I was doing pretty good this past week, until I got to the weekend. I didn't work out on Friday, as I had off due to us closing on the house (yay!) and figured this weekend was going to be full of walking, so I didn't think there was a need to go to the gym. Jimmy, Katie, and I went up to Baltimore this weekend to see the Orioles play against the Toronto Jets. The Orioles lost, but it was still a good game, especially since it was my first one. Well, I threw all caution to the wind this weekend, figuring it was a "free" weekend. I ate late at night, I had snacks that were not entirely healthy (i.e. candy bars), and I just all around didn't make the best choices this weekend, pretty much all because I figured I was working it off by doing all the walking. You've read before my thought process when it comes to my diet!
Well, because of all of this, I'm paying for it. I gained back those four pounds I had lost last week. I'm back up to 246. And I'm not going to the gym today because Mike and I moved this past weekend and we're trying to unpack. I'm actually at mom and dad's right now typing this as we don't have internet yet and I also had to pick up some stuff. (*sigh*) Hopefully once we get all moved in and settled I'll get back on my A-game and get back on track.

Week #4

Another week has gone by. I feel I'm doing pretty well, now. I find I'm not as hungry in between meals. Drinking water has helped A LOT.

As you read in my previous blog, mom made a GREAT Easter dinner (as if she could make any other kind!). I did really well, surprising myself even by taking only correct sizes. It helped that there was a lot of food, so in order to fit it all on my plate I had to use smaller sizes anyway. I'm one of those people that don't like my food overlapping. I've been pushing myself at the gym as well. Mainly on the bike. I don't turn the resistence down part way through like I used to. My thighs have been letting me know it, too! I still do only an hour after work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, though today I only did half an hour as I got out of work really late and had had a hard day. I didn't even get a lunch break!

I guess not much else is going on. So, since this is the fourth week into this, roughly about a month, I will present you with a picture. I'll warn you now that it's not the greatest. I had just gotten home from the gym and gotten a shower and I hurt all over from lifting big dogs all day (and no...stupid me did not lift with my legs so my back is screaming at me...). So I'm in my comfy clothes, but I tried to find a somewhat tight-fitting shirt so you can see my frame easier. And now...(*drumroll*)...

I am down to 242...in other words, I have lost 21 pounds thus far! Holy macaral! I've NEVER lost this much before. I wasn't kidding earlier when I said I'd lose five pounds and give up. 21 pounds is NUTS!!!!
(and, yes, I know...my pictures look like mugshots. Mike always catches me a little off-guard!)

SABOTAGE!!!!

Mike and I have to move out soon. I think mom's out to get me. Today's Easter (as if you didn't know), and so mom's making Easter dinner. If anyone knows our family, especially our mother, we have big meals for holidays. Mom makes great food anyway, but today she's making A LOT of great food! And there's only three of us here to eat it! It's not exactly what one would call low-fat, either. Well, Paula Deen might think it's low-fat. ;-) What's on the menu, you ask? Here it is:

Rotisserie-style lamb
Miss Alice's potato casserole (hash browns...sour cream...cheese...loads of calories...the works!)
Steamed asparagus (I don't know if I'm brave enough to try it yet)
Green beans
Devilled eggs (I never understood why they were called that)
Dinner rolls
Fruit salad for dessert

Not to mention there's plenty of homemade coconut- and peanut butter-filled chocolate candy strategically placed around the house for your nibbling pleasure. What is this woman trying to do to me?!?!?!
Happy Easter, everyone!

Like, OMG!

Okay, so I'm, like, SOOOOOO freakin' excited! (and apparently, like, sooo freakin' "valley girl") I spent the day hanging out with my friend, Heather, and her daughter, Chloe. Yes, that's cause for excitement enough, but there's something else. Poor Heather forgot her purse at home, and she really kinda needed it if she wanted to buy things at PetSmart. She just got a new dog...a really cute Eskimo Spitz. So she decided to run back to her house to retrieve said purse. While I waited for her to get back, I went to Target, initially intending just to look around. I found a book that I had wanted..."Big Girl" by Danielle Steele. I also grabbed the new season of Sex and the City. But the most exciting thing of all, and obviously the reason I am writing on this blog about it instead of my other one, is a dress. For Steve's wedding I had wanted a dress, but all the one's that I liked I either couldn't even fit in or they didn't hang right on me.
I had been looking in the ads that come with the Sunday paper my parents get, and I had seen in the Target ad a shirt dress and a wrap dress, both of which I had wanted for who knows how long. I didn't really pay them much attention because, due to Steve's wedding, I had given up on dresses for a while. Well, while I was in Target, I happened to see a wrap shirt dress that I had seen in the ad. I took a little while to decide, looking at it, holding it up to me, holding it out in front of me, putting it back on the rack. I had turned my back on it, then thought "What the hay...I'll try it. It's not like I have to buy it." So into the dressing room I went. When I put it on, I looked up in the mirror and was amazed to see how good it looked. And the best thing of all...IT FIT!!!! I was so happy! It wasn't clingy or anything! It fit and I looked pretty good in it! Then I thought about the shirt I was wearing today. I haven't worn it since last summer. It's kinda stretchy, and so fit me kinda snug. It's actually a little loose. And my jeans are feeling baggier. I've noticed at work that I'm almost to the next notch on my belt I use. IT'S WORKING!!!!! THE DIET IS WORKING!!!!!!!

(and P.S. I bought the dress!)

Week #3

I have a little confession to make. I'm slowly getting back into my old routine. Looking back on the past week I've realized that I've snuck a few extra bites here, a couple there. And of course, it's reflected in my weigh-in this week. Maybe now that I've realized it, I can get myself back on track. Like Thursday morning, for example, after the final walk-through at our house (it's so great to be able to say that!), we went to Country Cookin' for breakfast before we had to go to Warrenton for closing. I had a HUGE breakfast. Maybe not as big as I used to have, but big enough. I kinda TOTALLY blew out portion sizes, reasoning with myself that it's breakfast and therefore it'll be fine. Then on Friday, my parents and I went out to a Chinese buffet. Okay, let me just say up front that anything "buffet" is almost guaranteed BAD for a diet. I was good and got a good helping of green beans, but I got crab rangoons. For those of you that don't know, crab rangoons are crab, cream cheese, shallots, and a couple other ingredients wrapped and DEEP FRIED in wonton wrappers. Well, when I've had them in the past, they've been large enough that one, possibly two, would equal a portion size. Not this night. China Garden had little bite-size ones. Oh...holy...crap! I told myself to be good and I only grabbed about 5. Really good, right? Well, I was then really bad and went up for seconds. Of just about everything! Yes, even the beans (again, my twisted reasoning said that that was okay). I wasn't hungry anymore after the first plate. I was satisfied. After the second plate, I felt stuffed to the gills. Safe to say I didn't have dessert that night.
So, all that said, I'm going to try to get back on track. And this week's lucky number is...

246. Yes, I lost another two pounds. I'm excited, don't get me wrong, but I honestly didn't think I would, or even should have. And, I'll admit, I'm a little nervous about moving out. Mom's always made a balanced meal. I guess it was a good thing I started this while Mike and I still lived with mom and dad, or else I wouldn't have been able to get off the ground. After this week I'll have to fend for myself as far as planning meals. When Mike and I lived next to work, 99% of my meals consisted of pasta, pasta, and more pasta. No wonder at my weight, right? It'll be a challenge, but I'm really excited about using my own kitchen, so hopefully I'll come up with some good stuff...or at least something edible!
So tune in next time, kids. We'll get to see what I whip up in my own kitchen. We'll also get to see what I look like...hopefully at least 20 pounds lighter...?

Very Funny it is to Laugh

For those of you that seem to like my rantings about my temptations and such throughout my dieting, here's a funny little entry for you...
We all know that I LOVE pasta. I'm pretty sure I mentioned that a couple entries ago. Well, tonight mom made spaghetti and her homemade sauce. Salad and Italian bread went with it, of course. I was first up to plate my food. Now, everyone knows that no matter how little spaghetti you want, you always end up with a heaping amount because it all sticks together (unless you use oil or something, but obviously that wasn't the case here and therefore I wouldn't be telling it as part of my funny entry). A portion size is about a cup of pasta. Now, for someone like me who loves pasta, that's not really a whole lot. Mom said I could cheat if I wanted. But I was gonna do it. My little "cheat" day was Saturday with the potato salad, and I wasn't ready for another one yet. So after I managed to separate the spaghetti from itself and put half of what I'd gotten on my plate back, I moved to load up most of my plate with salad. As soon as mom got a plate, she said, "I'll get more than a cup." Chuckling a little, I "thanked" her for rubbing it in. About that time, dad came in to get his plate and gave a long, overly loud gasp. Mom and I turned to him questioningly. "I'm just so used to seeing a plate full of spaghetti in her hands!" he exclaimed, acting completely aghast. I glared at him and kept going.
I guess it was kind of one of those things you had to be there for. The whole situation was really funny. After I ate, I was planning on going back for a second portion-sized helping (I was full, but it was just so freakin' good!!!), but I managed to not get sucked in and had one of my Weight Watchers ice cream bars instead. Those things are good, and even though I'm not doing Weight Watchers, they're still good for being relatively low in calories! On that note, I try to ask myself after one helping of a meal, "Do I really want another helping? If I have another one, then I can't have dessert. Which do I want more?" Of course, dessert always wins!

Week #2

I think this week went a lot better than the first. I didn't feel quite as tempted as last week. I was sick most of the week with seasonal allergies...ugh! I think I may have blown the weight out of my nose! It was definitely not a good time to be a groomer!
I did have a "cheat" day on Saturday. We had burgers and potato salad. Anyone who knows me knows I ABSOLUTELY LOOOOOOOVE mom's potato salad. So, of course, I snuck a little more than a proper helping! Don't get me wrong...it was still considerably less than what I'd used to get as a "serving." And I only had one burger. So, really, I think I did pretty darn well!
Mom and dad planted some stuff in the garden this weekend, too. I can't wait to get this house so we can get our own garden started. I LOVE fresh veggies.
Anyhoo...so, because not much happened in this past week, I won't keep you guys waiting on the edge of your seats any longer...

248. Yep...another 5 pounds! It's great! So far I love the gym. I've discovered it's a wonderful stress reliever after crap I get from work. It kicked my butt today, though, let me tell you. The tops of my legs were burning while I was on the bike. I guess that's supposed to be a good thing, but it hurt like heck! So, I guess until next time...

Week #1

Well, the first week is over. As you've read, it hasn't been easy. Not that I particularly thought it would be, but still. I'd like to say I did really well. I only did portion sizes...though I did cheat here or there, mainly with starches. I'm sorry. I can't help it. I just love pasta and mashed potatoes and the like too much. But I only had one helping per meal.
I started at the gym today. Is it okay to say that it was kinda fun? :-) I know, I say that now, right? I did half an hour on the treadmill doing the "calorie burner" setting, and then did a half hour on the bike, again doing the "calorie burner." The treadmill I kept on the original settings for the program. I didn't alter the speed or incline which automatically change throughout the routine. The bike I did second and therefore was a little worn out by the time I got to it, so I had to turn the resistance down. I walked a total of 1.5 miles and then biked 6.8 miles. Needless to say, my legs were the consistency of jelly!
Oh, I have to tell you my first experience at the gym, though, so let me back up. Mike and I get there (he hadn't signed up yet, but I was given a free, one-day guest pass when I signed up and he wanted to go...he's now signed up) and we walk up to the front door. I look on the glass to see the times of operation written boldly on there. I read the line: Mon-Thur 5:30-9:00. I panicked. "Mike," I said. "What time is it?"
"About 4:30. Why?"
"Oh! We can't go in yet. It doesn't open 'til 5:30."
We looked in the building to see people already working out. That's when it hit me...5:30 AM! I smiled sheepishly as Mike's head swayed side to side.
"Shut up," I muttered as I snuck through the door in front of him.
But that's not all. We were shown the locker rooms. We were not shown the locks, however. They were the set-your-own combo lock. Basically, you find a locker that's open, then before you lock it, you can set the numbers to whatever you want. You know, something you can usually REMEMBER. I had forgotten my water, so in between the treadmill and the bike, I went back to retrieve it. I thought I knew the combo. I tried every combo, KNOWING the first and last numbers were 7 and 8. Finally, a nice woman beside me asked, "You forget the combo?"
I sighed. "Yeah."
"You're first time here?"
I grinned. "Yep."
She chuckled. "You can either call up front or go up there and they'll open it for you. I always use my birthday as my combination."
I went up front to get assistance. On the way back to the locker room, the woman asked me, "Is this your first time here?"
That's obvious, you think? "Yeah."
"Well, congratulations! You've just been initiated!" I laughed. She went on, "Believe it or not, I actually get this woman on the phone a lot...'Umm, yeah. I'm a repeat offender.'"
(*sigh*) So, all-in-all, it was an interesting experience. I figure I'll try to do Monday, Wednesday, Friday, about an hour a day.
And after one week...253! Ten whole pounds! SWEET!
(And Eric...Bohler says hi)

Trials

I'm slightly depressed right now. Tonight after dinner, Mike and I took a quick trip to Walmart to pick up some things. On the way out, Mike's like, "Ooh, Dairy Queen." He then turned to me and his kid-in-the-candy-shop grin faded a little and he's quickly said, "No, that's right, you can't have any." I told him it was okay, that I could just get a little one or a shake or something. I've been doing well, so I figured I could binge, right? We pull in and as we get out of the car, I realized it was after 8. I panicked. This was a rule I had set for myself...no eating after 8. I'd seen it on Biggest Loser one time that it's not good to eat that late (I think your metabolism slows way down by then as you're usually getting ready for bed by this time...or something like that). We went in and were waiting in line and I was thinking, "You could have just a little bit, Sam. It's not going to kill you. You're going to the gym tomorrow. You'll be fine. Go ahead." Then Mike mentioned that I'd have to drive home, because he wouldn't be able to eat and drive. Heaving a sigh, I firmed my resolve. We got to the counter. Mike put in his order for a Heath Bar Blizzard. The cashier cheerfully asked if that was all. "Wait," my mind screamed. "No, I want..." But I bit my lip and she rang him up. I had managed to win this small battle.
But on the way home, my mind was churning as I drove. Mike finished his Blizzard and we rode in silence for a while. Trying to not feel bad about it, I asked him how it was. "It was good," he replied, but I heard the guilt in his voice. Finally, I told him to tell me I was doing the right thing, that I was doing good. Are you kidding me?!?!?! It's been one week...one MEASLY week since I started this and already I was caving this bad? I'm pitiful! Mike told me he was proud of me for doing this and that I was doing wonderfully so far, to just stay with it. I just can't believe I am that weak that I want to give up after one week. I've realized I've been whiney about not being able to eat more. Part of me says to just screw the whole thing, I'll never get any lighter. I've gone this long this way, I can go longer, right? (*sigh*)
Weigh-in's tomorrow. I'm going to the gym after work with Mike (I'm a little nervous for some reason), and then I'll get home and log on to let you guys know how I've done. Crossing my fingers!

Veggies with Dessert

Please don't hate me! I had a really weak moment today! I was out with a friend today and we decided to go to Luigi's in Culpeper. It's an Italian restaurant, and anyone who knows me knows well enough that I LOVE pasta! But I was going to be good. I got the vegetarian manicotti Florentine, which has spinach. I had a salad with it. When the meal came, I slowly ate one manicotti, trying to take my time. But as I sat watching Heather and her almost-two-year-old daughter feeding each other's faces (no, literally, Chloe's meal ended up mostly on her face!), the other manicotti was sitting there under my nose. I tried ignoring it, but I had nothing to occupy my mind and/or attention (well, except bread...really, REALLY good homemade bread that I'd already had two pieces). Needless to say, it followed it's twin into my belly. (*hanging my head in shame*) I know! I'm sorry. But that's not all...I had a piece of carrot cake. It was a portion size, in my defense! (*sigh*) At least it was carrot cake...I passed up the Death by Chocolate. I swear it won't happen again...much?

Temptation

I know I said I'd give you weekly updates, and I will, but I just had to vent for a moment. It's only been three days, true, but this is kinda hard! I guess I knew it would be, but you don't really miss something until it's gone. I never realized how much I ate before now. I'm not starving, mind you. It's actually going better than I had imagined (hence the "kinda" hard). I've been good...taking only the correct portions and not going back for seconds. Although, I have to tell you, I got a little hung up on dinner tonight. My portions chart didn't have a listing for hamburger helper! Mom told me to go with the pretty much standard cup serving size. And I've realized that I'm not HUNGRY after dinner. I could eat more, sure, but I'm not starving or anything. Pretty much the only reason I feel like I want to go back for more is for the taste of it...it tastes so good! I try to make the food last as long as I can while I eat it, though. I chew slower, trying to savor each bite. I break things up into pieces. Anything to make me FEEL fuller. I've been trying to drink more water, too, you know, as a filler. All this helps, but I hope my willpower will hold. Man, I'm so weak...

Cue "Rocky Theme"

Hello!!!!

I'm glad you all followed me over here! You know, the whole two of you! No, I know there's more of you. Anyhoo...If you came by way of my other blog "Life's a Musical" you'll know that I'm doing this because I want to lose weight and feel better about myself. I've dealt with weight problems my whole life, and have now discovered that I am at my all-time high at 263 pounds. Yes, you read correctly. As embarrassing as it is to tell you my weight, I am doing it to give you, and myself, a starting reference. I get lower back pain throughout the day due to bad posture and just hanging weight. I'm always winded just from doing small things. I've had the awkward moment when a complete stranger asked me when I was due (it didn't help that I had a pale blue scrub top with puppies all over it, but that's beside the point). But to top it all off, I went to my brother's wedding this weekend and split the side of BRAND NEW dress pants, WHILE wearing my Spanx! Yeah, I think that's telling me something.

My plan is to find out what REAL portion sizes are and stick to them. That, and I hope to get a membership at a fitness center in Culpeper. Mike and I are moving up there soon, and it would be on the way home from work, so I figured I could stop by for half an hour to an hour a day or so. I'm not going to do any fad diets, I'm going to do it...well...I guess naturally, if you want to call it that. I will log on to here every week with an update as to how much weight loss and/or gain (hopefully none of the latter), and then try to get a picture on here monthly. I know it's going to be a long, hard road, but I hope with your guys' support, I can do it. Feel free to send me comments and e-mails of encouragement. It'll help to know that I have that.

So, without further ado...

Starting weight: 263