Owie!

I've never been the type to follow rules. I always have to try things for myself and THEN decide. Perhaps I've still got a bit of my teenage rebellion left in me. Well, let me just tell you that the rule given by the Couch to 5K program to do the program every other day should definitely be followed. See, I ran on Tuesday and Wednesday. I was feeling great! No soreness to speak of. So I thought I'd run again today. And even up the speed to 4.8 because yesterday I felt like 4.5 was too slow. Can I just tell you all now that I'm a moron? As soon as I started running on the first interval, I could feel the pain in my lower shins everytime my foot met the treadmill. By the fourth interval (halfway), the pain was way worse and I realized HELLO My body is trying to tell me something! So I listened to it and just walked the rest of the my 30 minutes, mind you I couldn't let all be lost, I increased the incline of the treadmill substantially and still got a really good workout in. To be honest, I felt like puking afterwards. I decided to heck with the elliptical and did a good 15 minutes of stretching before I packed it in.

This is a common cycle with me everytime I get on one of my exercise kicks. I've always been one to go all out or just stay home. Even when I did martial arts as a teenager, I trained a minimum of 2.5 hours per day, at least 6 days a week. I remember crying my eyes out when my parents wouldn't let me attend my class. I need to remember not to go overboard! By the way, here's a good article to read if you feel like you might be exercising too much.

My plan is to take it easy tomorrow. I won't be able to go to the Y tomorrow anyways because T has school. I have an appointment for a fitness test on Saturday. Check out this cool fitness challenge that the YMCA is offering! I'll of course update you all with my results.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Oatmeal, 1 tbsp sliced almonds, 2 oz blackberries, 1/3 cup skim milk, 1 carrot cake cookie = 4.5
Lunch: PC Blue Menu Cheese Cannelloni, 3/4 grapefruit = 5
Post gym snack: Starbucks Grande Skinny Caramel Latte, half whole wheat pita, Clover Leaf lemon pepper tuna= 6
Dinner: 3.5oz ground beef, 2 tbsp low fat sour cream, salsa, lettuce, 1/3 cup 2% shredded cheese, cucumber, 8 Quaker Minis sea salt and lime rice cakes = 5.5
Snack: Grapefruit, Kashi bar, Source Dessert Selections yogurt, French Vanilla w/nonfat creamer = 5.5

26.5/31 but I'm sure I'll add a few more things in there to use up my points...

I need new jeans!

Hard to believe that after only a 10 lb loss, my jeans won't stay up and I have a serious case of baggy butt. Even harder to believe because last fall, when I was the same weight that I am now, these particular jeans were tight! I guess that means that I'm toning up baby! Need more proof? I've started wearing my belt on the 4th hole, as compared to wearing it on the 1st for the last many months! I wish that I would have taken my measurements when I started but I didn't unfortunately. However, I think I will take my measurements on my next WI day and compare them to the measurements I took early last fall (when I was approx the same weight as now). I think it would be interesting to see the difference.

I had a very productive day today work-wise and it feels great. I also did my third day of week one on the Couch to 5K program. I didn't think I'd be doing this so soon but I even upped the speed on the treadmill when I ran. The past two times I'd walk at 3.5 and then run at 4.5. Today 4.5 just felt too slow and I upped it to 4.8. Then I worked it for another 30 min. on the elliptical. And I have so much energy tonight! If it wasn't so darn cold out, I'd go out for a walk. Someday I will have a treadmill of my very own... wouldn't that be nice?

I just wanted to say thanks to the people who commented about my recipe that I posted yesterday. I really had no idea that it was high in sodium. I mean, I do know that canned soups are high but I had NO idea about the salsa! I just checked and the salsa I have in my fridge has 480 mg of sodium per 1/4 cup. YUCK! That motivates me all the more to make up a batch of my own. I love the fresh stuff with lots of cilantro.

I've decided that I'd like to try and post my menu for each day. This might help me plan a little more in advance and I know I always like to read what everyone else is eating. So here's today:

Before gym snack: Source Dessert Selections Yogurt, 1 carrot cake cookie = 2
After gym breakfast: Quaker oatmeal, 1/4 oz slivered almonds, 2 oz blackberries, 1/4 cup skim milk = 3.5
Lunch: 1 cup Gardennay Potato and Leek soup, 1 whole wheat english muffin toasted, 1 can Clover Leaf lemon pepper tuna = 6
Snack: Rice krispie square, 1 mug Maxwell House French Vanilla Low Cal Cap with 2 tsp nonfat creamer= 3.5
Snack while preparing dinner: Quaker Mini rice cakes= 2.5
Dinner: leftover crockpot salsa chicken, 3.5 oz cooked cauliflower, 15g kraft 2% shredded cheese = 8
Snack: 3/4 grapefruit, Source yogurt, carrot cake cookie = 3

29.5/31

I may have some more fruit before bed to use up my points. Overall not too bad... I'm really liking my oatmeal loaded up with extra stuff. So yummy and low on points.

Healthy You Check In

First I just want to thank everyone for reading my blog and leaving comments. You don't know how much those comments help!!

Well, this week has been a little rough. It all started last Friday when I had to make cupcakes for my daughter's birthday. Then Saturday was her party, we were at the mall and I was so busy tending to the kids that I ended up just shoving in a piece of leftover pizza from the party. Sunday was another off day. We had a potluck at church and I had been so busy the night before and that morning that I didn't have the chance to prepare myself something healthy to take along. So when I weighed in yesterday, I really was shocked to see that I lost, even if it was only 0.6 lbs. I'll take it! I did good throughout the day yesterday... then we had yet another birthday party for my daughter last night and I did eat some chips/salsa and a piece of cake. I didn't track that but I figure I'll just assume that all of my flex points for the week are gone.

So anyways, today is a new day! I've already been to the gym this morning and did an hour of cardio. I started the Couch to 5K program last Thursday and I did the second workout of week 1 today followed by some time on the ellipitcal (love that machine!!).

One of my original goals was to be out of the 250s by the end of January. I've decided to extend the deadline to Feb. 4th (my next official weigh in). Only 3.4 lbs to go!

My goals for this week are:
1. Eat all my servings of fruit and veggies
2. Earn 32 activity points
3. Plan meals and cook ahead
4. Get my application in for Nursing at Mount Royal

I have 11 APs so far this week so I'm well on my way. I also cooked up some yummy stuff in the crock pot yesterday and have the leftovers put away for the week. It's delish!!

Salsa Crockpot Chicken
1 can condensed low fat Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup (approx) salsa
16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast

Toss it all into the crockpot and cook on low for approx. 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. You could also add in some extra veggies but make sure you add the points/calories for them.

Makes 4 servings, 5 points each

Surprised at Weigh In

Well, I must admit that I was a little hesitant to WI this morning. I was off program most of the weekend because I was crazy busy with T's birthday party on Saturday and then a church potluck and meeting yesterday (that I had to organize). Not really a good excuse but I just didn't have the extra time or energy to plan ahead and take healthy food along for myself. Then I made myself feel better about it by telling myself that after nearly three weeks of being completely on program, it was OK to loosen up a little for a couple days. Life happens... I'm not going to waste time feeling crappy about it.

So anyways, I woke up and did a 5 mile Leslie Sansone DVD, ate my oatmeal and then weighed in. I was down 0.6 lbs! Now that isn't much at all but I am NOT complaining! Best of all, it wasn't the gain that I expected. That takes me to over ten pounds now in three weeks. Not shabby at all. I'm no sure if I'll make my original goal of being out of the 250s by the end of January so I'm extending that goal to February 4th (next weeks weigh in). Only 3.4 lbs to go!

I need a little bit of strength!

Today is T's 4th birthday. Two out of the last 3 years, this is the day that my New Year's resolutions have been forgotten and I've gone way off track. The only reason it's not 3/3 is because I was pregnant on her second birthday. And... well, today isn't going so good so far. I had to bake cupcakes for her party tomorrow and of course sampled a few of those (tried a new recipe so I had to make sure they were good, right?). So then I felt gross and lunch consisted only of two cheese strings. Then I dropped T off at school and K and I did some running around. I just wanted to binge!!! I ended up going through the Burger King drive through and ordered a chicken tendergrill sandwich. That in iteself wouldn't have been SO bad but instead of the honey mustard sauce they used to put on it, there was a ton of mayo on it. Great. But I ate it anyways.

So as I'm driving, I'm really trying to think about WHY I had this overwhelming urge to binge. After all, I've been doing great and feeling really strong! The only thing I could connect it with is the fact that I'm feeling a little frustrated/stressed. I have a lot to do and then got another phone call this morning asking me to do MORE. Kids were always driving me batty this morning, especially K. She has learned to climb up on the kitchen chairs, which means that I'm grabbing her off of the kitchen table every two minutes. Or getting her out of the dog food. Or from playing in the plant dirt. You get my drift....

I also haven't had the chance to workout yet today and I think that's a big reason I'm finding it easier to binge. If I work out earlier in the day, the rest of the day, my willpower is alot greater.

Well, I just put the cupcakes into containers and put them out in the garage. I brushed my teeth and am guzzling some water as I type this out. I'm going to try and go the Y after I get K to bed, if my mom doesn't mind watching the kids. I'm NOT going to let this day throw me off track again!!

EDITED 5:26 pm: Thank you for the comments! I'm reading right now cuz I'm still feeling like eating everything in sight. We just opened the mail and my daughter got a birthday card from her dad. It's the first time there has been any contact in over a year. And now I'm stressed... apparently he was in another rehab for the last year. Yes, this is the second time in 3 years. But now I'm freaked... what if he wants to have contact? I realize this is good for the kids but freaky for me!!

Mmmmm Cookies

But they were really healthy, I promise! I mentioned a few days ago that I was going to make the Carrot Cake cookies from Shirl's recipe blog and I finally gathered up all the ingredients and got to it. I'm going to post the recipe here because I think it's just THAT good!

Carrot Cake Cookies (only 1 point each!!)

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup rolled oats, ground in a blender until four like
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup splenda
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
t tsp cinnamon
1 medium carrot grated
1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained

Bake in 350 oven for 15 mins.

I don't have any instructions for the recipe, but I mixed all my dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and then combined them. The recipe yields 18 cookies.

I followed the recipe exactly this time but I think next time I'll throw in some extras... maybe some wheat germ, raisins, sunflower seeds... you get the picture. You could really make these heartier and turn them into a really healthy breakfast cookie if you wanted.

I also started the Couch to 5k program today. I originally started it last October but then got sick and yadda yadda... so restarting now. I found these awesome podcasts that take you through each workout, telling you when to walk and when to run so you don't have to keep your eyes glued to your watch or timer. It really made the time fly by. I mean, I actually ran for 6 minutes (ok, not 6 min in a row but that's still good for me!). I did my session on the treadmill today and had an incline of 3.5. My speed for walking was 3.5 and for running it was 4.5. My plan is to get through the program to increase my endurance, and THEN worry about increasing my speed. Anyhow, I highly recommend checking the C25K program out!

The last two nights I've been feeling a little hungry so I've decided that I need to increase my protein, especially at dinner time. And it worked. Tonight I am stuffed! I had a 3.5 oz chicken breast, 3 oz of cooked carrots with dill and 3.5 oz of cauliflower with a little cheese melted on top. All of that was only 4.5 points!! I couldn't believe it when I added it all up. The only downside is that it's 8pm and I've still got 7 points left for the day. A couple of my yummy cookies and a cup of my delish French Vanilla coffee should take care of most of those though ;).

Three Things I'm Proud About

1- Yesterday when I was in line at the check out in Walmart, I resisted the temptation to grab a chocolate bar. It has long been my tradition to get one every time I'm there, even if it is one of those 100 cal bars. I almost did it, I had plenty of points so that wasn't the issue but I just made myself think about it and realized that it wouldn't even taste that good and I'd rather use my points on something else.

2- I rewarded myself last night. I had one of those WW Smart Ones fudge cake things in the freezer and decided to eat it. Then I realized that my dad had bought some chocolate ice cream. I looked up the points for a serving of that, realized that I was well within my points and added a serving on top of my cake. It was delicious! And no, it didn't leave me wanting more sweets. I ate it, I was satisfied (I even found it a little too rich!) and I was done.

3- I just walked T to preschool. It's a ten minute walk each way and I'm pushing K in the stroller. On the way home, it is up a steep hill. Today I realized that I was barely out of breath by the top of the hill. At the beginning of the school year, it would have me completely out of breath.

I also have to say that blogging and discovering the support available through the WW boards and from fellow bloggers is truly making the difference for me this time. I truly appreciate each and everyone one of you who read this and who leave a nice comment. It makes me more accountable and gives me something to look forward to!

So anyways, my question to all of you is: What 3 things are you proud of yourself for doing this week?

Healthy You Challenge Check In

I feel like I've done really well this past week. My WI yesterday showed a loss of 4.8 lbs and I earned 31 Activity Points last week. My goal for this week is to earn 35 (I'm already up to 9!). I've been on program all week and I'm enjoying my yummy food. My meals have looked so much more appealing than the meals of the rest of my family... I even think they've sometimes been jealous! I'm starting to feel some changs in my body. My thighs feel more firm and my pants are getting looser. This weekend might be a little tough though. My daughter's 4th birthday party is on Saturday and we'll have another party on Monday evening with family. However, I'm determined to make this recipe from Shirl's recipe blog so I have a healthier alternative to snack on. I'm even considering making her cupcakes from a WW friendly recipe. Afterall, I've found that kids only lick the icing off the cupcake and don't care what the rest tastes like anyway! Does anyone have any good recipe suggestions?

Anyhow, I'm thrilled to be a part of the Healthy You Challenge and I hope to get around to reading and commenting on many of your blogs this week!

Weigh In Day

Ahhh I had my post all typed out and then lost it! You're lucky - this version might be a little shorter ;)

This morning my scale couldn't decide how much I weighed. I followed the same routine as last week: drop kids off, go work out, come home, get ready for shower (read: eliminate my clothes so I weigh less) and weigh in. I was getting readings anywhere from 248 to 254. After a half an hour of this nonsense, I decided to be safe that I'll go with 254. That's still a loss of 4.8 lbs so I'm very pleased!

Because it looks like I may actually achieve my goal of being out of the 250s by the end of the month, I've decided to go out on a limb here and set my goal for my 10% loss. Those of you who read last week know how difficult it is for me to make goals but I'm working on that. First of all, 10% of my starting weight is 26.4 lbs. I've got 16.8 lbs left before I reach that. My goal is to reach that by March 10th, 2008. I know I can do it!!

Wow - 31 points! I feel good!

That's how many Activity Points I've earned so far this week and I still have one more workout to go before I weigh in. Maybe that's not huge for everyone but it is for me. The only day that I didn't get in any exercise was the day I sat in training all day. I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep up this pace once I am working out of the home 5 days a week but for now, it's good.

I know I've only been doing this now for 2 weeks (2nd weigh in is tomorrow) but I can definitely feel changes in my body. For example, when I slathering myself in lotion as I do daily in this dry winter weather, I felt a real difference in my thighs. They were just.. I don't know.. a little firmer and harder. It's amazing. And looking in the mirror, I *think* I can see a slight difference in my face also. I could be imagining things though. I'm starting to envision myself as a thin person too. Yesterday when I was at the Y, I saw this woman working out who was about my height, larger-framed but very fit and athletic looking. I wonder if that's what I'll look like. I've never been thin. Never in my life. I've always been the big girl... the chubby girl... the "solid" girl. Imagining myself thin is just plain exciting. Imagining myself fit and running around with my kids, crawling around on the floor with them instead of just sitting.... these are the images that motivate me. I want to be able to look in the mirror and feel proud of what I see, instead of avoiding mirrors altogether or looking and feeling disgusted.

Anyhow, enough rambling. Today was an OK eating day. Red River cereal for breakfast.. then someone dared bring cookies to church and put them on the coffee table. I would have been good if I could have avoided them altogether but K saw them and threw a temper tantrum until I gave her some. Normally I wouldn't have given in to a tantrum like that but it's a little more difficult when you're out in public and you're trying to keep your kid quiet. So, I had 1.5 chocolate chip cookies. I felt like crap about it even though I realize that's really not the end of the world. I even went and did an extra workout this afternoon after church when I was planning to just relax today. Anyhow, I had a ham sandwich on a whole wheat english muffin and an apple for lunch, a yogurt with wheat germ when I got home from the gym and healthy portions of the turkey dinner my dad made for supper. It was tough to have no gravy though! Tonight though, I'm feeling snacky. I think it's because I'm avoiding my work. So far I've had a serving of Smart Pop popcorn (2 points) and then an Oatmeal to Go bar. Those things are awful at 4 points each! So, I'm not really over on points but I did eat my AP for the day and I normally don't. Just hoping my WI is favorable tomorrow!!

Happy Saturday!

Well, despite having two sick little girls, I managed to get in a great workout today as my looked after them for me. Then I came home and made this delicious concoction:

Creamy Taco Salad
Makes 1 serving - 7.5 points

Approx. 2 cups of lettuce (I used green leaf)
2 oz ground beef, thoroughly drained
taco seasoning
2 tbsp. low fat sour cream
2 tbsp. guacamole
3 tbsp. salsa
1/3 cup shredded low fat cheese
8 Quaker Mini Rice Cakes - Salt and Lime flavour
Assorted veggies (I used cucumber)

1. Cook ground beef and add taco seasoning according to the directions on the package. (I skipped this step as I had leftovers from tacos last night)

2. Mix the sour cream with the salsa in a bowl and set aside. This is your dressing.

3. Break up the mini rice cakes into little pieces. Toss lettuce, veggies, cheese, cooked meat and rice cake pieces with the dressing. Garnish with guacamole and enjoy!

I have a hard time getting in my salads and I used to be the type who would smother their lettuce in dressing so this was totally awesome for me. The salsa/sour cream dressing was really creamy and there was lots of it (for only 1 point!!). The rice cakes gave the salad some crunch and are less points than nacho chips.

I also went to Costco this afternoon and bought a new George Foreman Grill. I used to have one but it was one of the things I left behind when I moved here and I've missed it ever since. I can't wait to get cooking with it tomorrow!

Oops!

In trying to pretty-up my blog, I managed to lose my list of links! So please leave me a comment on this post with your blog address if you don't mind being linked to my page. Thanks!! :)

Spreading the love

I've seen the "love" list on the pages of several fellow bloggers and I've decided to join in. I strongly encourage you to do this as well, if you haven't already. Here's the post that started it all.

THE ONLY RULE: No backhanded compliments. No "I like my eyes 'cause they distract from my incredibly large ass." Only positives.

The "I LOVE ME" List

1. What do you absolutely love about your body? I love my eyes and my lips. I love how my thighs may be a little chubby now but they are free from cellulite and they tone up really easily.

2. When did you surprise yourself with your physical strength? When I delivered both of my girls. It's still hard to fathom that I pushed a baby out, twice no less!

3. When were you braver than you ever thought you could be? When I was 6 months pregnant with my youngest and I left my horrible marriage. We lived 1000 km away from all my family and friends and I had no car but I packed up all of our stuff, carried box after box over to the post office to ship to my parent's house and got my daughter and I on an airplane away from a very toxic place.

4. When did your self-control blow you away? When I kept my mouth shut when my (soon to be) ex husband spewed vile and horrible comments and threats at me when I was packing up to leave him. I didn't even allow myself to hear what he was saying. By that point, I knew he was full of crap and that soon I'd never have to deal with him again.

5. What is your proudest moment ever? I have two. Holding my babies, just moments after they were born.



6. When was the last time you felt absolutely beautiful? It was sometime last fall. I was wearing a new top and a jean skirt... nothing fancy but I felt like I looked GREAT. I felt like I looked amazing and was full of self confidence.

7. Why do you deserve to meet your goals? Because I deserve to feel successful.

*sigh* Kids...

So, I bundled up the kids and made the trek out in the snow this morning to the Y. T (almost 4) is super excited because she hasn't gone to babysitting at the Y in a long time and she loves the ladies that work there. I drop her off and then go to drop K (15.5 months) off in the baby room. She starts clinging to me as soon as I open the door. Then it's more like a death grip onto my neck. I try to pry her little fingers off me and the screaming starts. Greaaaaat. So I take her over to the toys and sit down with her and try and engage her with the other kids. She wouldn't have any of it. It was like she needed her entire body surface to be touching mine and the minute I tried to sit her bum on the floor, she'd start grasping at me and the crying would start. After trying to leave her for half an hour, I gave in and knew today was not the day for me to work out at the Y.

I couldn't help but be disapointed and maybe even a little frustrated. I really wanted to work out. She was FINE there last Saturday. But then again, on Saturdays they have the big kids and little ones in the same room so she was with sister.

So, we bundled up again. Now T was kicking and screaming because she didn't get to stay in babysitting for "long enough". Fun times! LOL

Once I got clingy K down for a nap, I decided this would be the day that I unwrap my 5 mile Advanced Walk DVD by Leslie Sansone. And it was great! The box set I got included 2lb hand weights, a walk belt and a toning band. This is the first time I've ever done one of her workouts, and by no means do I consider myself advanced but you can totally customize how you want your workout by selecting the each mile individually, two, three, four or all five miles. Two of the miles are more fast paced to get the cardio level up really high and three of the miles are more moderate and use the accessories. It's perfect for people like me who are really uncoordinated and don't have previous aerobics experience because all of the moves are really basic, yet really effective. I only got through 3 miles today before K woke up but I still got in a good 40 minute workout.

I'm making my grocery list tonight and trying to plan some suppers... I've searched through recipes at the WW site and a few other sites as well. What are your faves? I always need meal ideas!

I did pretty well eating today:
Breakfast: Yogurt with 1tsp wheat germ, one mandarin orange
Lunch: 1 cup Healthy Request Herbed Chicken Noodle Soup, 1 whole wheat english muffin with melted 2% cheese, apple
Dinner: Smart Ones Santa Fe Rice and Beans (yum yum), 1 serving chicken breast, all on top of a plate of greens

I'm sipping a mug of International French Vanilla Cappucino right now. It only has 1 point per serving so you can't really go wrong with that. It's totally like dessert to me. Anyways, enough rambling for today :)

I fell down but I'm getting back up!

I wrote yesterday how I was worried about not having control over what my food would be today at the training day I had to attend. Well, I was tempted and I failed. I started my day well with a quick bowl of Special K and skim milk... arrived at the meeting and saw these luscious fruit skewers (YUM!)... and MUFFINS!! I thought hey, one muffin won't hurt. I selected the smallest little bran muffin I could find. Then coffee break came and I was bored stiff. One more muffin will be ok, right? Blueberry this time. Then lunch break. And honestly, there were no good choices for a girl who's trying to lose weight. Cream of broccoli soup, salad with some kind of creamy dressing, egg salad sandwiches and then... right there on the table were trays of delicious looking nanaimo bars and other assorted squares. CRAP!

Well, the good news is that I tracked everything, I didn't go over my weekly points and I have another 5 days to work it off before my next weigh in. And the even better news is that I didn't let it throw me off course completely. I came home and had a bowl of low-point soup and some FF ham for a quick and healthy dinner. And then I called the Y and booked babysitting for the girls tomorrow morning so I can get a big workout in. Normally I would have figured what the hey and ate a bunch more crap but I didn't! I'm not THAT girl anymore.

A little nervous

I'm training for a real job tomorrow. One where I actually have to wear real clothes (meaning not my usual uniform of jeans or yoga pants). I wasn't even looking for a job because goodness knows, it's not like I don't have enough work that I'm already doing. But a woman from my church called me last Friday and asked me if I'd be interested in working as the admin assistant in the campaign office of candidate in the upcoming provincial election. It's only temporary (4-5 weeks) and the pay made it impossible to turn down. On one hand, I'm really looking forward to it (hello- adult conversation!!) but on the other hand, I have to wear real clothes and get the kids to the babysitters every day. I realize that most people do that everyday anyways but I've been spoiled since I had kids and have been able to work from home. But, I'm trying to stay positive and look at it as an adventure.

So like I said, tomorrow I have to go to training... it's at some fancy hotel and they are providing both breakfast and lunch. Uh oh... it's the first time since I recommitted to WW that I'm not in control of my food. I'm a little worried... but there's got to be healthy choices, right? I worked out extra hard and a little longer today just in case. I figure I'll bring along an apple and my big bottle of water and hope for the best.

That also meant that I had to go shopping today and I got some awesome deals at Cotton Ginny. It's not normally a place that I shop but I'm glad I stopped in there today. I got a new winter coat (needed one desperately as I've been wearing this butt ugly bright orange *thing*), two cute sweaters, a down vest and a skirt all for under $100! My usual tendency when shopping is to buy things too big. They end up looking like crap on me and make me look even bigger. I didn't do that today! And when I tried everything on when I got home, I looked pretty darn good! LOL So - if you need any clothes, check out Cotton Ginny as they have 50% off already reduced prices.

Anyhow.... time for Biggest Loser :) Wish me luck for tomorrow!

Da dum! First Weigh In

Honestly, I could hardly wait to jump on the scale this morning because I knew that it would be a decent loss. And it was! I was down 5.2 lbs to 258.8 and I'm very happy with that. Then I went food shopping and got a bunch of cherries to celebrate (yes, I'm cheap and don't normally buy them because they are too $$ LOL). So, after seeing this weeks result, I'm feeling stronger than ever and even more motivated.

And now for some deep thoughts... I've been posting and lurking a fair bit on the WW message boards this last week and see how many people have their goals to lose XX lbs by XX date. Right there for all to see they have a bunch of goals in their signatures. I do not. And I've never done that. I didn't even tell my family that I'd started WW again until I'd been OP for nearly a week. My way of thinking has been that if I don't tell anyone or don't set any goals, then when I don't meet them, I'm not really failing. But that is such a lie that I've been telling myself. Because when I don't set goals, I'm not even giving myself the chance to succeed at something. Wow.. realizing that is quite emotional. So... babysteps....

Goal #1: Lose 8.9 lbs by the end of January 2008 (say byebye to the 250s!)

And gosh darnit, I'm going to succeed.

I did it!

Over the last few years, even when I've been in one of my many "working out all the time phases", I've never gone to the Y to workout on a Saturday. Well guess what! I did it today! I had intended to go bright and early but forgot to call babysitting and book spots for the girls so by the time I called, the soonest I could get them in was 1pm. But that's OK! We went to the mall first for lunch (and I had a 6" ham sub - only 5 points and a skinny cinnamon dolce latte from Starbucks that I've heard everyone talking about - 90 cals and 2 points for that and OMG YUM! - but I digress..) I worked out really hard! 30 minutes on the elliptical and another 30 on the treadmill (at an incline of 9 by the way) - same time as usual but I had the energy to really pick up the intensity today. I felt great! And even better, I already booked babysitting for the girls for next Saturday morning at 9:30 am. Go me!! LOL

I'm not sure what the difference is this time, but so far I'm finding it almost easy to stay on program. I haven't been hungry even once and in a way that worries me. I haven't used any of my activity points and none of my flex points either. Is that a bad thing? Should I be eating more?

By the way, I just have to share my favorite meal right now. I've had it twice in the last few days. It all starts with one of those little frozen dinners - the WW Smart Ones Santa Fe Rice and Beans. Then I cook up a serving of chicken breast (flavoured with hot sauce - 0 points) and throw all of this over a plateful of mixed greens and cilantro. Then I add a little more hot sauce on top of everything. This is a very filling meal and I find that it's a great way for me to get down a bunch of greens. YUM!

Anyways, I'm out for now... I've still got a bunch of stuff to get ready for church tomorrow.

Do I Believe?

I've never considered myself one to believe in psychics and I've never been into fortune telling, tarrot cards, etc. In fact, I've been raised to think all of that stuff is evil and bad. But, as a super belated birthday gift, my cousin sent me to a psychic last Tuesday. It was actually very interesting... and may have made a believer out of me. Without meeting me or even speaking to me, Jenny had a 5 page write up for me when I arrived. The only information she knew about me was my birthdate. Well, I was blown away. About 90% of the things she had written, I could really identify with.

She said that I am extremely devoted and close to my parents. This is very true, especially since the girls and I have moved in with them since my ex and I split.

She said that I am good with color and with design and home decor. Well, I don't really know how good I am but graphic design and home decorating are two things that I really enjoy.

She knew that I had had a broken marriage but that I would marry again to a wonderfully solid and supportive man. She also mentioned that I might marry into money (wouldn't that be nice! LOL).

She wrote "Court decisions that restore balance are possible." Could she have been refering to when I go to court to get a divorce?

Anyways, there was plenty more but I won't bore you with the details. The one thing that was emphasized to me was that there are currently chains around my neck. They are loosely draped, not choking me, but they are now loose and ready to be removed. Jenny told me that this is my year to do that. And I agree because that's the feeling that I had already been having and preparing myself for.

Oh! But there was one kinda freaky thing that happened there -As I was driving to her house, I was asking myself what the one thing that I wanted to know from her was - will I actually persevere and lose the weight this time? And get this, after sitting down with her and getting pleasentries out of the way, the first thing she said to me was "Don't worry, you're going to lose the weight." Boy, I sure hope she's right.

I've done pretty on that weight-loss journey this week though. I registered on Weight Watchers online on Monday the 7th and have been on program all week. I've worked out at the Y three times so far and on the two days that I didn't, I walked for at least 30 minutes around my neighbourhood. So, we'll see how the weigh-in goes on Monday. So far I haven't experienced any hunger. In fact, I feel like I'm cheating because I feel so full! So if this works, what could be better?

The Beginning

Honestly, I'm not really sure what has made me decide to start this blog. It's not like I need another thing that I'm addicted to checking and updating each day on the computer. It could be that I'm just procrastinating and avoiding my work that needs to be done tonight as well. Ah well - here it goes. It might be nice to have a journal of this journey that I'm intending on taking.

As my title suggests, this is my year. I'm 28 1/2 years old and there are things I need to have done, areas of my life that need to be cleaned up and dealt with before I turn 30.

#1 - My weight - I am 5'8" tall and as of January 7th, I weighed 263.6 lbs. I want to lose 100 lbs (and then we'll see from there).

#2 - My marriage - it's over (Thank God!) and we've been separated since June '06 but I need to file for divorce and get it all done and over with.

#3- My education - I need to finish it, or start a new program. I need to end up with something that will enable me to earn a decent living so that I can support my girls and I.