Burning those calories- Montana style!!

I think cross-country skiing is my favorite winter sport ever.  We spent 4 hours skiing not too far from our house.  4 of us, on Christmas morning--- practically perfect in every way!

Major catch up- like I promised.

Well, I can not believe how close we are to the end of 2011.  I swear this year has zipped by-- it seems like school just started.  I'd swear we didn't have November at all, but I aged & made a turkey.  Now we're just 20 days from Christmas (!!!!) and just a bit more til the new year.

CRAZY!!

What's been up with me?

We're moving. 
I've started taking Zumba classes.
I'm still working.
My husband's job is going good.  (We were afraid of another lay off.)
He's also having a lump removed from his noggin.  (Little freaked about that- crossing fingers.)
The kid is enjoying middle school.
I've not done a 5K in a long time.
My weight is only down 2.2 for the year. 
But it's down.  Last year it was up.

I'm in a good place.  Stress levels are high right now-- but Zumba is fun and is helping me stay active.  Did I mention it was fun?  I even went to do Zumba Thanksgiving morning.  And the Saturday after for 2 hours.  It was called "Burn off the Bird!"

I plan to be better, update more.  This helps keep me going & I have missed it.  For some reason 1st quarter is also busy, busy, busy.  I need to find a way to slow it down.

Wow.

I'm not been on here in awhile.  A long while.  If I wait another weekish, it will be 2 months long.

Sorry!

I need to make dinner, then run to Zumba.  But I promise a real, full, update this evening.. or tomorrow night... Saturday for sure!!

Things are good.  Weight is steady, exercise is great, food is so-so.

Wahoo!

Another loss, a small one, but a loss!!

Wow- they were *ALL* right!

Zumba might possibly replace my all time favorite "step aerobics" as my most favorite exercise classes of ALL TIME!

I had such a great time on Wednesday evening.  Really great.  I laughed, I tried to shimmy and make my hips lie a little bit.  I learned thriller, I drank a load of water.  And I sweated.  A lot.

I'm starting my Zumba Adult Ed class this coming Tuesday, but on Monday evening I will be registering for the dance studio's classes as well.  Money well spent for sure!!

Out of the 270 hump!

I had to get off and do it three times.

Do you know how long it's been since I've had a 3 pound (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) loss??

A long, long time.

Know how long it's been sicne I was in the 260's?

March.  That dreadful month where I went over and haven't been able to get out.

I'M OUT NOW!!!

Gettin' in the ZUMBA groove!

So another school district is offering a Zumba class, 9 weeks for $25, one hour a week.  I'm so excited!!!!!  I'm sending out the money tomorrow and have already signed up.  I feel slight guilt for not doing a class with our district, but I've wanted to do a Zumba class forever and ever.  Plus, I haven't seen our Adult Ed listings yet.

PLUS, I love classes.  The 2 gyms we have, have classes, but it's so busy and crowded.  A new shop opened up and they offer ONLY classes.  Zumba included.  I got a free pass class and am going to try my hand at it to see how it goes.  2 other co-workers are going to try it as well.  Should be fun with friends!

Over a pound!

It's been a long time since I've lost over a pound.  I didn't keep my "big" loss, but I did keep a 1.4 pound loss.  YAY!!! 

My son told me last night, we had a salad for dinner (think mega, with sunflower seed, broc, cauli, tomaters, croutons, turkey, etc, etc) that he missed having salads.  I'm so glad that he does love his veggies.  We don't hav esalads for dinner much, my husband doesn't like veggies AT ALL.  But now that he's on nights, we can have them more often- and the consensus is- have them!

I'm catching up on Biggest Loser today.  Watched only some of both shows...  what I saw was a lot of changes already-- will be interesting to see what I have missed... 

Back to basics

This was the theme for the motivational lecture I gave.  I think it was a big hit.  It was for me-- reminded me of where I've come from, where I'm going, and what I need to do.  Both from what I've done and what I've not done.

Someone mentioned that I looked really great, I said thanks.  I'm not down, and if I am- it's barely down.  The last couple weeks have been very minimal in the losing department.  But last night I decided to get on the scale and see how I was doing. 

HOLY COW!!  What a week of eating all 3 meals, having 2 snacks, and eating mostly produce has done for me.  When not eating produce, getting just a scoop of "whatever" and being done.  If I'm still  hungry, getting water or lemonade to drink to fill me up. 

I'm excited to see my weigh in come Wednesday!!

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

I love my TOPS chapter.  I really do.
Tomorrow is our Fall Rally, and it promises to be a LOT of fun!!
I'm looking forward to a day of motivation to be pumped through my veins.

Onward, down

Had a slight gain, but nothing big and major.  0.2 pounds.  I'm okay with that.

I also made a big decision to cut out some people in my life that I consider toxic.  I give them the benefit of the doubt over and over and over again.  However, over and over and over again they break my heart and stress me out.

I was amazed by how easy it was to decide to be off with this person's head... but I do think it's best.  Funny how much you can dislike someone you lived with for sooooo many years...

Had a loss.
Little bit, but a loss.
Week from the record books.
I changed nothing.
Just walking to and from school.
Trust me, that was good.

Curious about work

So, I am a teacher.  If you've been reading me for awhile you have probably guessed that.  What do you do for a living?

the reason I ask, is because this morning as I was getting dressed & realizing I put some weight on (since my capri's are tighter than normal) I wondered if it was because of my lack of eating this week.  Or the stress of 150+ kids in my room, or maybe just figuring out ever changing schedules...

Either way, I wonder what those of you who are having success, and those who are climbing hills, do for a living.  Does your job help or hurt?  Does it make it more difficult, or less?

For me, it depends on the day.  The first month of school is hectic & draining.  The last month as well.  But the section from November til January-- pure gold. 

What a week!

First full week of school, with kids, will be over today. Somehow I managed to lose a little bit, 0.2, but it's a loss, and I'll take it. I've done good and brought my lunch, but I haven't been eating breakfast- which is always hard for me it seems. I did buckle and have some soda yesterday. My head was throbbing at lunch & all too soon it was easy to remember why I drank soda during the school year. In the summer I rarely have it.

Anyhow-- this weekend a friend is starting a local bootcamp. I'm going to take part & am super excited about it. The gym is about over, and I don't think I'm going to renew. There is just so much I could use that money for instead-- like a new car. Mine had a casualty with a boulder falling off a cliff.

Weigh in day (back to school edition, B2SE) #1

274.6

My goal is to lose 15 pounds by my birthday week weigh in, which would be 11/24, 12 weeks away. I know some might think this is a little goal, and it is. But I have such a stress induced coma when goals are concerned, that I want to make sure I can hit it and not have some crazy 4 poound a week loss!

On 11/24 I wanna weigh in at 259.6!

Back in the swing of things!

So today is my first "real" day back at work. The kids return on Tuesday, next week, but for me- it's all about paperwork, classroom decorating and getting organized. Both at work & at home.

Yesterday I spent much of the afternoon purging. I had my trashcan & boxes to donate or sell. I'll have one more garage sale before winter sets in, and what doesn't go will give away. It was wonderful going through everything and feeling that release.

I've not kept track of food, water & exercise this summer. Mostly due to hectic paces I was in- but also because of sheer laziness. But today I will. I will walk this evening, I will bike to school (maybe, it's 47 out and looks like rain) and I will log food/calories.

Measurements will be today too. I have just under 3 months till I turn 34, and I want a goal to reach.

Brain is rested, heart is full & sanity restored

I'm back. Didn't weigh in at all while I was away to visit the East Coast.

In a nutshell, my title describes it all. Perfectly. I'm in a better place than I've been for a long time.

New Hampshire & my Gram always do that for me.

Be back in about a month!

Vacationing-- hoping that during it will come back with a great loss!!

Plenty of walking, site seeing, family & fun.

Road trip from Montana to Missouri. Then up to New Hampshire and back a different way to Missouri, then home.

Let the fun times roll!!

Eating when sad

That's what I do. I want to cry? I cry into a bag of chips. Or fast food. Or anything that we have in the house, which right now isn't much since we're leaving for vacation in a few days.

This morning when I opened the paper I saw an article that has shaken me. One of my "babies" (Had my 1st year here, as freshmen, and they graduated last month) was killed on Sunday. Funeral is on Saturday.

My heart is broken.

Biking- gears suck

Well, they don't really. But I have never used them. Yesterday, I *NEEDED* them.

It all started out with me wanting to spend the day letterboxing. There were a couple that were bike friendly (so I thought) and the plan was to go back there without bikes. I deemed yesterday, the day.

My husband tried to tell me how to switch gears- what a doozy of a time I had getting up even the littlest hill. He gave up, I got on his bike and did fine. He fixed mine, it was AWFUL!

After about 45 minutes of fighting with my bike I turned around, and he followed not so far behind. I was angry with myself-- I know in part it was because of how out of shape I am. But my study this evening will be on how to work gears. I saw some people doing it and there was no effort at all.

Next adventure: cracking the code of gears!!

Well, now- this is better!

I had a loss!

273 this morning, which makes it a 2.6 pound loss.

YAY!!!

Missoula 1/2 & Full Marathon

I didn't do it, I'd planned on signing up for the 1/2 marathon, but my feet have been hurting so badly lately. So I volunteered instead to cheer everyone on.

It was awesome!!

And it was motivating!!

And this lady-- well, she made me decide that if she could do 20 miles (that was my checkpoint) and be legally blind. And do it with no guide (amazing...)

Well, who am I to complain about my stupid feet?

I had 2 good friends in the marathon- got pictures of the back on one head (too busy screaming for him) and ran up in front of my other one. She completed her 1st marathon ever- I was *SO* proud of her.

I also screamed crazy insane for the people I saw who were like me. My size, my shape, those who were limping & struggling. I know that I would have wanted to be cheered at. They were my hero's that day. They are still today.

I am glad I stayed till the very end. Every one of those people who gave it a try (whether they finished or not) needed to be cheered on.

Next year--- it's gonna be me with raised "I did it" arms.

The Canyons- I did it.

This morning I signed up. It's only about a mile, maybe, from my house. I'd bike, but it's on a crazy, crazy road. I don't want to get squished. Walking might be safer- I can cut through fields.

The reason I did it?

Well, I got a free 3 month membership from school! We have a drawing every "end of the year" and they give away 6 memberships. 2 for teachers, and 4 students. GO ME!!!

Are you freakin' kidding me?

A gain of 4.6.

Yes, I was travelling all day yesterday, came home with semi-swollen feet, but nothing awful. After Sunday & Monday-- I thought for sure I'd lost half a person. 20 pounds at least. Okay, I was thinking 3-4 pounds.

I was not thinking a gain.

Hiawatha!!!

Not to be confused with Tawanda-- but close. :)

We had a GREAT time doing the Hiawatha trail here in Montana/Idaho.

There were tunnels (the 1.66 mile one was pretty, "is it going to go on forever?") and trellis' and moose and loads of chipmunks. Gorgeous views, peaceful noises (we got there early, 9am, so not many people till around lunch) and I could go on and on and one. But I won't.








But I could! It was cold when we started, a blistering 42* which when we finished was in the mid 50's. We were COLD, especially in those tunnels. But in hindsight, it certainly helped with water consumption!

We plan to go again, with my 11yr old, for his 12th birthday. He's currently in Missouri & I know he will LOVE this ride. Plan is to go up, camp and ride back down.

Serious fun for the whole family. If you come to northern Idaho, or in western Montana- do it. You can rent the bikes & stuff.

Glory Days 5K

Sunny & cold! (58 at race time) I think my hands my still be blue, I know they are still cold! Pretty good turn out for a holiday weekend!

Weight Loss Scrapbook

I've started one.
It's gonna be super cool.
I plan to do at least a double layout a month.
More if/when I meet goals.

I'll get pictures and post.

I'm making a super hero girl: FrogiNater to the RESCUE!

Love my hubster, but...

he really is my biggest obstacle. Don't get me wrong- he's right there with me- encouraging me, nodding his head, cheering when I have a good weigh in, tsking appropriately when I don't.

But he brings home fast food. He knows I have a love for butterfinger blizzards, and in the summer- he brings them home. A lot.

I can't toss them out, I can't leave it in the freezer and eat it over the course of the week... it's money down the drain- but I think he see's it as love.

I asked him once why bringing home a chicken sandwich, fries and a coke is his love note to me, and not- say... a stop at Albertson's for a pound of fresh kiwi's (which would send my mouth instead the sky!) He didn't have an answer...

I thought the talk would help-- but last night, a large fry and a hot fudge sundae is what he brought back with him. A night time snack.

I had the sundae (I had, notice "had," leftover calories) and a few fries...

Anyone out there have the same issues with a spouse or significant other? How do you handle it?

Getting close to breaking 270

For the last year I've been in that 270 bubble. Not higher than 276, but not lower than 270. In some senses I thought, "at least I'm staying consistent," but I know that isn't a good thing either- not with my weight being as high as it is.

Today my weigh in was 271 even. Next week I could break that bubble. I certainly hope & plan to. To help get me on track- we're joining a local gym. We discussed & we're doing it. I will make him go, he will make me go.

I'm home!

And my scale said 0.8 up, but weigh in is on Wednesday as always.

My feet were once again swollen. My water intake wasn't so hot. I hate having to walk out of lecture to go potty. But I'm home & have all the pott& water I can use!!

I went to visit my garden last night. After a week away it needs some serious attention, which will be given this evening.

I'm ready to get onto my summer workout schedule. The weather is finally being friends & I am ready to use my bike as my main sense of transportation again.

Getting my walking in!

I'm about 3/4 of a mile from the dorm I am staying it to the main area of where my sessions are. I walk over 1.5 hours before I need to be, to walk, walk back at lunch, then back again, then back to dorm after the end of the day. My husband is supposed to be bringing me my pedometer so I can see how far it is via that. I've tried counting on my own, but I'm a dingbat and lose count every single time! Too much to look at and do!

I'm debating what to do for dinner. I want HOT food. I've been eating very well since I got here- however, I am craving a real meal, not another salad, or the tuna and fruit I brought with me.

Problem is-- I want sushi- it's about 4 miles from me & I have no desire to walk that far and back. Problem #2, I have no car, and everyone from my school that is here is out partying or something- no one is answering the doors and the one cell phone number I have isn't feeling well.

Anyone wanna come rescue me?!

Manic Monday

Well, I'm in Bozeman, MT for a workshop for school. Should be a good time! It's been forever since I've stayed in college dorms, what a hoot. Although, my college dorm had it's own bathroom in it. Just sayin'.

I packed for 2 meals on my own, planning for lunch in the cafeteria & made sure I had 2 different outfits to exercise in. Bozeman is a mecca for walking trails, not to mention absolutely GORGEOUS. I would rather spend my full week there outside than inside classrooms, but them's the breaks.

I will try to get a weigh in at another TOPS chapter while I'm in the area. 2 people have volunteered to rescue me while I'm stranded without a vehicle. Saints!

Oh, and because I'm now officially out of school for summer- one week down- I'll be posting a LOT more. I have a goal to meet & I can use all the help I can get. I'll post a little more on that at next week's weigh in, just so I have my scale to go from!

Weigh In: 6/16

Well, I admit, I was NOT afraid to weigh in this morning. My feet are no longer swollen & that means GOOD things!

Like a loss of 3 pounds even!

Wahooooo!!!!

Profile picture- Ewwwww!

I ignored how dirty I looked- we have been camping/hiking and out in the wild. But I could not ignore the fact that I look 9 months and ready to pop pregnant.

What makes this sad, and it is, is that do you see the brown spot on the other side of the river? It's a moose. I love moose, and i nearly peed my pants when I saw her eating. (No baby in site, but I bet one wasn't too far off.)

So, this picture should make me happy- but it makes me enraged.

We are now back from our trip, and I do turn around and will be gone for another week and a half on Thursday, but I've got my exercise garb on, school is out, and I plan to do a LOT of sweating!

Weigh in: 6/9

Was a gain. A BIG gain. I weigh more now than I weighed 1st of the year. Adding in the HW hurt.

+4.1

After 3 days of semester exams and WAY more sitting that I am use to, my feet are swollen. I can't even get my rings on, and taking them off on Tuesday evening hurt.

We're in for a lot more sitting coming up- roadtrip (tornado type) this weekend to Cheyenne, Wyoming and back by Monday morning. But then I'm on summer vacation till the end of August.

Know what that means? I can focus on myself- hardcore! I rarely drive in the summer. I spend most of my time outside. I also eat 99% out of my garden and no where else.

Gonna be good.

I don't fit in a chair.

I have always hate sitting next to people in a row of chairs. I try to get an end seat, on the left side, because I'm left handed. I also rather enjoy my personal "bubble space" and use it with my students. It's a running joke about inanimate objects in my classroom needing their bubble space... I guess you'd have to be there to understand- they laugh, I swear.

Any who.

At graduation I was not on the end of a row. I was flagged on both sides with people, and I hated it. I hated it more because I was face to face that I do not fit in those seats, and instead I overlapped, no matter how I tried to rearrange. It was humiliating, and while I was concentrating on the kids walking across the stage, I was also concentrating on where my flab was falling.

Tomorrow is weigh in day. I haven't been on the scale since last week's weigh in. It's almost summer vacation, and I plan on being a driven force while my son spends his summer in Missouri.

I told myself it's going to be like it was the 1st time I did it. That kind of focus.

I wanted that deep down desire-- I need a good reason, a scare reason, and I found it. Never under estimate the power of blunt force facts.

Rain, rain go away...

I do believe it's rained every single day for 3 weeks. You would think we lived in Washington or something. I don't.

Tomorrow, it's supposed to be sunny- I was so excited, I even put a note on my windows and door (to my classroom) telling the kids to enjoy their one day of sunshine. I hope the weather man doesn't lie!! If he does, I'm gonna attack him myself.

I have a meeting at 11am. But after that we're going to be biking up Rattlesnake Canyon. FUN TIMES!!!!!

Yes, Hiawatha is still postponed. Dang it all.

100% back & NO GAIN!

I feel GREAT!

Will restart C25K today.
Biked, walked and did a short exercise video.

No gain & no loss for my weigh in.

Next week- gonna be a big one- I can FEEL IT!

Biking

Today we took a bike ride along the highway near our house. This is what we saw all those miles. Plus cows, horses and even a deer. Don't worry, it's a wonderful bike path that goes a long, long ways.

We'd planned to do the other bike ride- but the weather today was supposedly gonna be rotten. It was- this morning. However, this afternoon it was really nice!!

Weigh In: 5/26

I lost 1.1

And I'll take it!!

Today I can bend and move almost 100% without pain. Taking today to give me another "get well day," then tomorrow back on a small exercise schedule to build me up. Our sticker chart is looking naked- no on eelse will do it unless I am!

Almost walking again!

I've taken it easy-- actually got a sub for Thursday & Friday and spent those days and most of the weekend in bed. Today I overdid it a bit, but I am moving with very little pain. I did get on the scale and I am up about 2.5 pounds. I promised myself I would take it very easy this week, so I can be 100%, but I am concerned.

I had great plans for this coming weekend!!
Boxing & a long bike ride.

My husband thinks we should cancel the 2nd, and the first, would be easy-schmeesy ones. I want to hike and play outside- not do ones that are drive by's. And that darn bike ride has been cancelled and rescheduled for a year now!

I made him promise me that we'd wait and see how I feel on Thursday-- so cross your fingers & I'll be crossing mine too!

Weigh In: 5/19

A gain. Of 3.3

I'm breathing slowly- and moving slowly. That tweaked back went into full ouch mode on Saturday after spending 6 hours straight weeding & planting.

I couldn't stand up- and when I did get up, my back was spasming- horribly so. Went to the doc on Monday after getting a sub for my classes & received some meds.

I've spent most of the time since Saturday on my back, stomach or flopping.

I'm sure I owe my mom $5, will find out when I go to school.

Wii Update

I knew it had beeen a while since I'd played Wii Fit. However, when I logged in, I did NOT realize it had been 80 stinkin' days since I'd played!! YIKES!!

BUt, I was proud of how well I did. A little loss, my correct age, and I'm almost balanced!

Thoughts on BL last night.

This season I've not enjoyed the show much. Too much game play- and I want the stories... vote off's being because they are close to goal, not because they are a major threat to the cash.

Anyhow, I watched last night after spending the last 3 shows fast forwarding through stuff.

I cried. A lot.

The big one-- the "fatselves" talking to the "skinnyselves." Can you imagine? A video log doing that to yourself? I've done a letter- but I think I want to do a video. Might have to create a FrogiNater youtube version of myself.

The other big wake up call came today at inservice. I saw myself on video. My huge, butted self. I saw myself in a way I've not seen myself before- and I looked awful. I was so ashamed... really, really ashamed.

I am by far the biggest person in my workplace. There is one other, but she's almost a foot shorter, so since I'm a foot taller, my weight is just about hers, but I know her number is MUCH lower than mine.

But she wasn't on that video. I was. 3 chins and all. Big belly rolls hidden under a coat, but still there. Round pinchable face. But there.

Now, no one else was watching me, I was in the background. The video wasn't show casing me- just an activity we were a part of last spring and the video was finally finished.

But I saw only me. And I made myself not cry. But at my meeting, and weigh in, I brought it up. Everyone else nodded their heads, but I honestly had no idea "what" I looked like. I've done my fat pictures, I've stared at myself in the mirror.

NOTHING prepared me for that video though.

I'm going to get a copy of it, and I'm going to keep it fresh in my memory. I'm also making sure my food log stays in my school bag and not in my desk at school.

Weigh In: 5/12/10

Lost 0.4

Not mega, but I was trying to see how I would do if I gave up my food journal (forgot it at school and nothing for 4 days.)

Gotta keep that journal going! The 0.4 was not so bad, but last week was major.

Hiking Mothers day

That's what I wanted to do. Hike, which meant finding letterboxes. We didn't hide any, though I thought about it after the fact. We'll have to go back to the spots and do that.

I had to take a picture of the "mom" at U of M.

The spring run off is slowly starting up. The river was running fast and it was cold! We did soak our feet, my feet, as they were sore. Lots of people out on the trail. Sprinkling on and off also.

How does my garden grow...

With 5 shelves of this....

all kinds of peppers and
sunflowers and
tomatoes and
parsley and
cantelope and
watermelon and
rosemary and
basil and.... and.... and.... and....

It's gonna be a BOUNTY!

Weigh In Wednesday: 5/5/10

I lost & I lost good. -2.6

YAY!!!!

I have to say, counting calories is a pain in my butt. I'm sticking to the same breakfast and lunch (which I had to tweak) and a snack in.. and I need to tweak the time from 4pm-7pm... I'm starved when I come home from work.

I did have a moment where I ate 5 samoa's, but I still made it, I think, within my calories I'm allowing myself... I need to add it all up, but I think so.

Run like the wind!

Here's a picture the husband snapped of us running our little loop. We didn't stay close for very long and in no time at all, the husband caught up, and then passed me.

But I am doing it. That is all that matters to me.

I kept a very good food/calorie count yesterday. I just need to add up dinner and figure out was the calorie count might possibly have been for my sandwich last night... little worried about that one.

But, I also know that being conscience is helping a whole load!

Because I like charts

We have prizes, we have stickers, we have tracking capabilities! What more could you ask for?

the Longer (354 yds) One

We're using a parking lot to work on the longer ones. The space we chose was 354 yds, yay for range finders. We can really grow here also. Plus the view is nice.

Husband: 1:24, 91

Kid: 1:42, 32

Me: 2:18, 59

We are planning on going other places, but this is a spot close to home where we can get to it easily. We will take days and do it in the mountains & trails.

the Short One (55yds)

So we're starting our crap. Crap is how I felt yesterday going out & this morning I am in a foul mood- so excuse me.

I was slow, I knew I would be. The other two were pretty good.

the kid wanted 2 lengths to work on first. This was our first one (we'll do it every Sunday to see how we're getting along.)

Husband: 15:91

Kid: 12:03

Me: 22:69

Shopping on a Saturday

Which isn't a big issue. Unless it's me shopping (which I hate to do,) or if it's me & the friend (since we're both on STRICT budgets right now,) or because we had to drive an hour to get to the space. In snow and rain.

What I did was pick up a journal to decorate into my counter part of my blog. Food, calories, and thoughts. We also shopped for stuff to do a weight loss scrapbook for each of us and enjoyed the discounts that NSD (Nation Scrapbook Day) had to bring. This wasn't our initial plan a few weeks ago. But on Friday night, this is what it has morphed into.

Friday night after dinner it somehow got turned around, between the 3 of us, that we were all trying to lose weight. PCOS, age, schedules, food, calories, "I read....," "I heard.." etc, etc. We talked about this for 3 hours. Not much was made into a dent for our scrapping addictions. But I walked away with a weekend exercise buddy starting in June (she's traveling & the end of the school year for me is insane,) and a "Jillian" who is my WB's (workout buddy- till I create a name for her) sissy.

Today I make my thingie. I'll take pictures. Run to my school to get the training board I created for our family. Today I also start our training with the family to get my son ready for August try out's for cross country.

I'm so very excited.

Feedback anyone?

So I gained a pound tonight. I'm okay with this because I am on day #2 of counting calories, and I have to say, yesterdays calorie count made me do a double take.

Anyone have a website they use to do a good calorie count? Or do you just read the labels and jot it down. The latter bothers me, just because most of my meals are packed, so to take time to write down as I'm packing up, or to do it at night- is a pain. However, I could make a typical lunch or two and keep those counts... Hmmmm...

The other thing is our family wager. The last one ended, and we did so well. We need another challenge to keep us doing as well. The dilemma- we live in 3 different states (Montana, Texas, California.) 3 majorly different weights (so we do percentages,) and obviously different living conditions (military wife, single and a working mom.)

Any ideas on a competition we can do, semi long term (like 6 mos)???

C25K with friends

I'm starting this program up again. This time, not by myself. Of course, my friends are in another state- but friends I use to spend a lot of time with. Support is support, right?!!

I have to say, it felt REALLY good this morning to move for 45 minutes. It's been a long time since I've exercised hard in the am. Usually it consists of dog walking- which I figure they'll both miss. However, for me, getting my blood running feels SO good.

C25K will take place in the evenings with my son. He wants to get in better shape also.

Good golly- I figured it out!

So, me in my quest to not eat horribly, watch portion sizes, and read labels more (etc, etc) forgot one major thing for me. I forgot to check the calendar. Once I did, I got a little fluttery, thinking maybe my weight gain was because I was preggers. Then I laughed and reminded myself that preggers & my body are not friends and it would take a miracle to happen.

But still.... so I did a test, negative, just like I knew (if I'm being honest with myself.) So I dug out the cupboard and got the meds I swore I was done with. I've not had a visit from Auntie Flo for almost 5 months. Not unnormal, but on my special pills I got normal, sorta, and they helped me get her to come. Those same pills that made me feel slightly like a normal woman- made me cranky, tired, depressed and my family hated me. So I stopped.

I took them last week, and they still worked their magic. I was up another 3 pounds at yesterday's weigh in. This morning I am down that 3 pounds and I bet it continues now that my hormones have gotten a much needed dose of "real." Maybe I shouldn't have gone off the stuff, but I had to try.

Hoping this might help with my belly looking all bloated and preggo looking lately also.

Self- I promise to keep better track of my calendar. Love, Self.

Cold & Crisp with a black & white twist.

I reset my alarm for 5:30am. I put on my log exercise pants, a hoodie, and picked up my pedometer, headphones and both leashes for our dog & puppy. The weatherman said it was 34* so I grabbed my gloves.

It's been a long while since I've done a morning walk/run. I'd forgotten how much more I enjoy morning exercise-- I feel rejuvenated. My cheeks were bright pink and my legs feel partially frozen, but I got in a nice walk with a little bit of running. Super Puppy wasn't so happy about this walk- he reminds me of my son. Not a morning person. But Oreo surely did- he IS a morning person.

Dear Self- don't give up the evening walks, but do work towards getting back in the habit of your morning ones. You miss it, this morning was the proof. -Love, Me

Brushing myself off & going again

I admit it- I had a crappy March. This mornings weigh in proved it- I had a gain, a big gain. I didn't regain everything I'd lost, but pretty darn close. Last night I didn't care. I indulged in a large coke, large fries and part of a big mac. (I removed 2 buns and most of the dressing, & I dislike cheese.)

My mom and I have a mini war/bet going on. It's to do with our Farmville (I love this game. If it were a "computer" or a wii game, I'd buy it.) I lost so now I get to do her farm. Last night I told her I didn't care. But that's a lie, I do care.

The thing is-- I've been eating GREAT! My exercise hasn't been totally on point, but my food in the last 2 weeks has been from "scratch," or fresh. Minus the PB & J, or the one serving of mac & cheese. I've been careful to measure servings, eat good and haven't screwed up.

But I gained big.

I did get to a point where I honestly felt like saying, "what's the point." But there is a point. I want to be healthy. I want to get rid of the body I got in part because of my PCOS/infertility issues. I want to buy smaller clothes. I want to not come in last in a race. I want.... a lot of things- and me at this weight is not helping me achieve those things.

I tried to come at it from an educator's background. What do I tell kids in my classroom? At parent/teacher meetings?

Come prepared.
Don't give up.
Anything is possible.
Extra credit, extra tutoring.
Better choices.

I'm going to do some self reflecting and figure out what is seriously going on. I need to get my measurements also.

Running with Angels

I received this book a couple years ago & hadn't read it since. I found it this weekend while cleaning out a closet, so I took it to school with me, so in some down time I could reread.

I got to a point in the book where I made myself stop and reread.

"Suddenly, I did not want to take a walk any more. I wasn't sure why. I just knew... The next morning was the beginning of another beautiful morning. The fresh air brought a welcomed relief to my dampened spirits... however, I had the same experience that I'd had the previous day... Putting one foot in front of the other, I finally completed the circle... I decided I wanted to do it again..."

It hit me hard. I've been having that internal battle. Am I doing enough, I think I am, the scale is moving upward instead of downward. Calorie counting sucks, I get so busy I don't eat. That frustrated feeling isn't a good one... it's that little devil sitting on my shoulder whispering in my ear, "why even do it."

So those 2 pages I read, briefly shared, hit me.

My challenges seem minuscule compared to her-- but they are mine, and to me they are big.

I came home today, dropped my school stuff on the bed, made 3 phone calls I had to do while I laced up my tennis shoes, grabbed our 2 yr old lab/aussie mix and hit the sidewalk.

It felt good.

Run for the Luck of It! (5K, completed)

I did my 2nd 5K of the year this afternoon. Hosted by Sean Kelly's and Runner's Edge. Got there early & there was already a lot of people there!! I was happy that Mr, & N-kid made it. We weren't sure they would.

Lots of people dressed up and it was a mass of green. The race started VERY late. So many late registrations going on. I wonder if they will post just how many. But let me tell you, that line was triple the line of the pre-regi group.

My time wasn't so good. 1 hr, 1 minute and some seconds. I was so bummed. I was dead last. Again.

But again, at least I finished!!! :)

Coolest part of the race was the kick off-- a band of bag pipers- so VERY cool.

Weigh In: 3/10

Back in the saddle!!! And a good loss too!!!

What did I learn: not only check my calories, but check for sodium as well.

Quick stab in the balloon of moto

All day I was working hard. Getting steps in, made up a training plan, printed plan, kept a calorie count... prepared myself for my exercise video I would do when Mr. & N-kid go to hunter's safety.

Then I came home.

Mr. was laid off.
Again.
2nd time in less than a year.
He's only been back full time since right before Christmas.

AAArrrrggghhhh.

I want to eat, lay in bed and cry. The girl scout cookie orders all came in today (3 girls from work, ordered from all 3. Plans were to freeze most.) and I want them. All.

Stress-eater is coming out. I will fight, but my money-fight-i-ness is almost gone. We could very well not pull out of this one... we've exhausted everything we had last time... and we did it. I don't know how much more we can float and paddle.

The envelope for registration for the last post... is on hold on Frida (our fridge.) I'm so bummed at that too....

Walking a Marathon

I've said it before, I think... at least I have to friends and family. I need something to work towards. I've found it! Tonight at the Good Food Store is a 1 hour class on walking a marathon. Going with a friend- and if we do it together, we can keep each other going. Heck, just the fact that I am willing to go to Missoula once a week, twice if I can, should prove something!!

interested to see what they say about it.

Playing on the slopes

I forgot to take a picture of my weigh in. It dawned on me today when I was uploading all the pictures I took of our ski day. (My husband & I skipped work and went with N's 5th grade ski trip.)

My weight was a turtle, so no change. But no picture.

On the ski stuff- my husband grew up skiing. Me? Grew up in Central Texas- we don't believe in snow. Today was me doing a lot of watching, picture taking, helping kids stand up, and I did get in about 2 hours of snow shoeing. I wish I'd worn my pedometer today. My legs, right now, are KILLING ME! I know I'll sleep perfectly wonderful also. We were so excited last night sleep was hard to come by. (For two of us at least!)

My streak was broken

I gained. A pound. I'm posting this late because yesterday I was so bummed. I kept beating myself up over it. But, it is what it is.

This last week our chapter challenge was to keep an accurate food log. Anything that you placed on your lips, you wrote down. That was an eye opener for me. Want to know how many times I had breakfast? 3. Lunch? 5. Most of my eating came after 5pm and before 10pm. Gotta work on that.

My exercise has been good though. The weather has helped. Still cold, but I've enjoyed the sunshine on my face- even in 40 degree weather.

Next week, getting rid of that pound.

For me, the anal minded

I need something to keep track of how I am doing. I found a nice little blank book for a training log at RE. So I bought one for myself. I figure it will work with my GBOR that RE suggested for me.

I'll start it tomorrow. Why tomorrow? Because the sheets inside start on Monday. :)

Runner's Edge: Missoula Style

My first trip to the store wasn't very long ago. My second trip was to turn in my forms for my 2nd race of the year: Run for the Luck of It." (3-13-10.)

I just realized (I so need to read forms better) that it goes before the parade starts. Umm... what happens if I can't finish before the parade takes me over!! I gotta email the ladies to find out. My pride can't handle a DNF. Not at all.

Anyhow (that was a blurp because I got the link and was reading about it) on to RE. It's a GREAT little store. Really. One day, I'm gonna be able to buy clothes in that store. Real clothes, not just socks.

Mental Games

This morning I was asked if I had lost weight. My instant reaction, out loud, was , "nope, not really." When asked again if I was sure, I replied I'd lost a little bit this year, but nothing to be noticeable at all. No clothes size change or anything like that.

The 3 people let it go and we continued on with our project we were doing. I was explaining things but my head was having it's own conversations. Namely-- "why can't you just take a compliment with a 'thank you for noticing.'"

I'm still thinking about it 12 hours later.

Maybe it's because I've been boycotting all things healthy since Wednesday. Or maybe it's because I'm still in 260-ville (SparkPeople Team). Or maybe it's just because getting a compliment makes me blush and feel very uncomfortable. I don't like the spot light shining on me. Kind of like when I was the last one in that race... they were all cheering & I wanted to cry. I just wanted to cross the finish line in peace & quiet with no one noticing my time...

I know I can't be the only one out there with this kind of issues, right?!

Slow and steady.

Tools for Starting

I had known that we would use some of the taxes to get me started on my learning to run. Our state taxes came in & it was time to pick up things I'd researched and wanted. A trip to REI & Runner's Edge, both in Missoula, took most of the afternoon. But I left with a very diminished account, but 2 bags of things to get me started.

The iPOD is from my husband, for Valentine's day. I've been wanting one, but hadn't gotten anything. Even yesterday I kept going back and forth. This morning he said he was sweating bullets when I kept looking at them at every store we went too.

I started reading "Slow Fat Triathlete" on the way to stores and then home. It's very well written, so far.

But I have to admit, it was the name of the book that got me smiling and made me buy it. One of the phrases I tell a lot of people when we talk about diet & exercise, is:

"I may be fat, but I'm certainly not dead."

I'm on my way to being a runner. I've got some great tools to help me get started. I hope to be like the lady in Runner's World, this month, who lost 108 pounds by taking up running. She ran the New York Marathon a year after watching it form her couch. A little over 8 hours to finish. But she finished.

THAT is a hero.

Keepin' steady

Staying on the losing train!! Go me. I've decided to embrace my little numbers. I'm not some big contestant with double digit loses. I'm a normal girl, mother, wife. I'm a teacher of high school kidlins. I have many responsibilities. I am trying to make a lifestyle change that I can keep up with.

For those reasons, I *AM* proud of myself!!!

Feeling sorry for myself.

It was a rough day. Tomorrow will be rougher. Without going into it all- I had some hopes, that instead were crushed. Hopes that I was telling myself I didn't care about- but anyone who knows me, knows otherwise.

While watching a movie just now, I heard/saw this:

"This is your life. Right now. It doesn't wait for you to get back on your feet."

I like this quote... a lot.

You aren't even fat.

That's not what someone said to me, but instead what I said to a co-worker.

Basically this week was semester exam week. A very boring sort of time for us really- we had a lot of downtime. However, once a day for about 30 minutes 3 of us would get together and clothes shop online while we had a chance. The sites we looked at were the same, though I was very much a different size than them.

H & M are probably the 2 I talk with the most at school. They are size 6-8, me? I'm a 20W. M is trying to lose about 10 pounds, she's a tiny little thing, maybe 5 foot. H is taller, about 5'6" and has taken up running when school started because people keep asking her if she's pregnant. She's literally turned into a twig with boobs. However, yesterday she was complaining that she was asked yet again if she was pregnant. I suggested maybe it was because she had lost so much and now her chest looked so big in comparison. She said nope, it was because of her pooch. Which is seriously, not there. But, went on and on about how fat she was and how she needed to lose another 20 pounds.

My jaw did fall of my face, because afterwards she asked what was wrong. When I told her my theory- that yes, I was fat, yes I was trying to lose, and yes I got pregnant comments- but that she looked awesome and anything but fat. She just laughed and said our fat was different.

Ummmmm....

So I came home and couldn't stop thinking about it. Granted, I've never been a size 6. The smallest size I can recall was a 12, in junior high, and 14's all through high school and college. I'm taller, 5'11", and bigger boned, my hips bones stick out. I still can't stop thinking about her comment...

I'm not totally sure why it bothers me so much. Except for the fact that she is so unhappy in her own skin. I'm happy in mine- not content, but happy. I've embraced that this is me- all it'simperfections and rolls. I am content to work on myself and to bring my body on a trip to healthier and weighing less. Shopping for smaller sizes too.

Anyhow.. I'm rambling, but I had to perge it...

Clap.

In my TOPS group, a weigh in where you stay the same is a "turtle." We give a single clap. Today, that's what I got. We also went over January stats, where I lost 3 pounds for the month, recording not a SINGLE gain the entire month. Three cheers for ME!!!


I still feel really awful. I've done my challenge of 10 minutes of actively doing exercise, but not much else, other than feeding my son and sleeping. So a turtle was welcomed. A lot.

My husband spent the day laughing at me.

I would laugh at me also, if I didn't ache so much.

My rear end hurts. My legs hurt. Just rolling over, or trying to get pants on, coughing- it hurts.

Coughing-- I've got a nasty cold. I came home yesterday- all pumped up, and took a hot shower and within about 2-3 hours was miserable. Stuffy nose, horrid cough & fever. My joke was that my body was vetoing running. It doesn't like it- and last night and today was created to tell me so.

My muscles are so sore, I honestly wasn't expecting that. I also wasn't expecting my left knee to be throbbing so horribly and my feet to be fine. (Mom- can you believe it?!!!)

This is semester exam week at my school. I can not be sick right now. I'm going to attempt to make it to work tomorrow, hopefully my nyquil & dayquil will help me through the day. I also plan on disinfecting my classroom as soon as I get there. So many of the kids were out last week, even other teachers, I will become a wipe down queen before 8am. Unless I get a sub, which is likely right now.

I DID it!!

So, today was the race. We were up in Missoula with about an hour to spare. Met 4 fellow SparkPeople peep's and had a nice conversation. Our car was loaded with 5 of us down on the south side of the Bitterroot. Plus a good friend and her husband came down from Hot Springs. (He placed 1st for men walkers!!!)

My goal was to qualify. For this one, that meant doing it in under an hour. The best time I've ever walk/ran a 5K was about 1:25, last May. Not so good, and all my practice ones at home in the last 2 weeks have been around 25 minute miles.

So I was worried. Even more worried because I was DEAD LAST. No one behind me. It was sad indeed. However, that wasn't my worry, and I tried to not think about it. But that was hard also, because every time I got to a check station, they'd ask "you bringing up the rear?"

I said yes with a smile on my face and kept plowing ahead. Near the end I was worried.. I could hear people screaming for the lady in front of me (I was beat by a 68 yr old.) I was so worried that I might not beat the 1 hour mark- which was when they cut off the standings. My 11 yr old met me the last little bit & a fellow TOPS member did also. They ran with me, SH keeping me on track letting me know what I had to beat to get there. I thought my legs would be jelly when I crossed, but I did cross.

My time was:

59:31.3

I have time to spare!!!

Just joking.

I didn't cry, but I wanted to. I actually did it. I didn't really think I could... I admit that. I wanted to. Quite badly, but I thought it was impossible. But I did it.

I DID IT!!!!!

After we did it? We went to Red Robin, my favorite Missoula restaurant, and celebrated.

Go me!!

I'm back in the game! My goal has been to lose at least a pound a week. Very simple, slow & hopefully will help keep me on point.

Today's loss, 1.2!!!

Exercise has been nada since Saturday due to snow/ice since then. I've strapped on my pedometer, and while I am in my classroom I average about 3,000 steps. I put it on one I open my door & take it off when I lock it up.

Today and tomorrow I will wear it from wake up to go down to see what those results are. I'm not doing anything extra-- just want to see what I do on average. The reason I am doing it between 2 days is because each day has a different class schedule. My "A" day's are much easier than my "B" days. "B" days it seems I never get a chance to sit at my desk- I'm always in among the kids. "A" days, much more relaxed, smaller classes- more chance to breathe.

My Wii Fit Mii ROCKS!!

So, my real age? 33 years young. I got a 22 this weekend, which is the best I've ever done. I also unlocked advanced for my chicken game & also for the band romp thing. (I do love any type of "step" game.)

My fat percentage did go down as well- not a big amount, but down is down!! Next goal for this, to see it 34!

Feelin' good!

My son was taking pictures of me for my scrapbook. At the end, he asked me to pose how I would be when I got to goal. My first reaction- a hand in the air doing a cheer, head back laughing, and probably tears when the time really does come.

This picture I love. It represents all of that.

Facing Reality

Last night I did my first timed walk. I did a mile. In 26 minutes. I was disgusted with myself. Then I thought of the excuses.

I walked in my crocs.
It was below freezing.
I'd just spent about 30 minutes solid of playing JUST DANCE with my son.
I was tired.
My feet hurt.

But, no matter, at that pace, I will not be able to finish the 5K on the 30th in the allotted time. I must work on shaving 6 minutes on my miles. I must watch the time. I must bring music to keep me going at a good pace. I must wear my tennis shoes.

I'm a brand new owner o a pedometer- again. My first one died, and I replaced it. Today it will be strapped on as soon as I get to school, and I will hit my goal of 10,000 steps a day. Goal is to get at least 5,000 while at school.

No excuses-- just actions.

Small step weigh in

I'm not going to lie- I'm ecstatic that it's a loss. Since Saturday I've been in a little funk and I've done little exercise. Too many appointments and I've not been able to bike to school. I miss it, but it couldn't be helped.

Last night we went out to eat at my son's favorite Mexican restaurant. It was to celebrate his 1st band concert. I made smart choices, though I do love their fresh chips and salsa. I was a little worried that it might cause me a gain- but decided that if I made good choices for a week, then one meal won't totally flub it all away. A theory that was proven right!

The sun is shining & I have the day off. I'm going to time myself in a 5K- without trying- to see where I am. My son has decided that he's going to be my "Jillian" but nicer. We're going to walk 3.1 miles every night from now till the race- and on I'm sure.

Feeling lazy.

Today has been a day of almost complete rest. No exercise, no getting dressed, no cooking. We've played Wii, create celebrity Mii's and eaten all the leftovers that are filling the fridge.

It's been most awesome.

(I am the only one of who stayed in jammies- they went shooting for a couple hours.)

Sometimes I think I get too caught up in the day to day drama of family life. I miss those lazy days. I can become so consumed with what I need or want to do- that I don't take time to take care of myself. THAT is almost as important as finishing what I want to..

Today reminded me of that. Sometimes you do need to take a step back... tomorrow I will once again participate in life outside of our house. For today-- I'll love the fact that I didn't need to.

Frost Fever 5K- signed up

This is what I'm doing on January 30th. My first race of the year. My goal is to do 3 of the same size, so I can get better times at each. I figure a 5K is the best. Considering I'm new to this whole doing races thing. (I will be mostly walking or a fast walk/shuffle thing.)

I'm mailing off the registration today. We have no plans on going into Missoula before the deadline & we want shirts. (My husband & son will be doing it also.)

2010 Vision Board

My reasons behind the pictures:

To bike more

be imaginative in all I do

clean out the clutter & live more simply

remember my promises to myself

work on getting in fresh fruits & veggies

better choices in and from my fridge

learn to run & do 3 races

remember that the road isn't always straight- and round abouts bring new & exciting things

be unashamed of my body

do not fear the scale

And keep my spirits UP!

Leaving 270-ville

So, on Spark People I joined the team leaving-whatever-ville.

3 weeks it's taken me to leave my 1st one, but today- I officially have.

Couch to 5K

So, I'm doing it--- just not very well.

I've never run in my life. I chase my son or a soccer ball from time to time. But I never understood a runner's high, or why people would run around a track. Turns out a big reason could be that I stink at it. Perhaps I knew this secretly and I'm just not seeing it in living color.

But I'm not going to give up. I'm just going to have to take things more slowly than I figured. I also need to dig out my knee brace. I've got bad knees and feet, so I have to be careful, but not as careful as I've been.

We haven't signed up for Bloomsday yet. But I did fill out the papers for the Missoula 1/2 marathon. My goal is to complete that... 1/2 running it. I'm aiming at walking 2 miles a day and running/jogging (fast walking) some points through out that. To get me use to it. I can't make the entire 1/2 mile loop by our house yet, but that's my first goal. Hope to reach that by the 1st of February. (Only thing holding me back on that would be snow/ice as I don't have a treadmill.)

Supersize Me!

All I can say is:

Oh.

My.

Gosh.

Really. It was the 2nd best documentary I have ever seen. The 1st place for horrifying. I seriously don't think I will ever eat fast food ever, ever again. (Now if they can find something to kill my love of soda.)

I told my TOPS group about it. We're going to have a movie party and watch it. I think EVERYONE should watch it.

I remember hearing about it when it came out. I remember not being interested. Then I moved to the place we live, and the health teacher shows it every semester to her Health 1 class. The kids talk about it in my class- and I was curious. So I asked to borrow it....

If you've seen it- what did you think? If you haven't- go rent it, watch it- you won't be anything but "wowed."

BL: Wii game, week 3

2nd weigh in, didn't get eliminated again. YAY!! I was worried, this week has been a rollercoaster ride for me. SO much at work, home, and personal issues.

I lost teh challenge, I HATE football runs, or whatever they were. YUCK!!

Work out music

So, Bella on the Beach is hosting a contest. It involves music, and I love music. Music that makes me wiggle and twirl makes me also laugh and giggle.

I spent about 45 minutes making the mix on here. Wish list songs to add to my computer so I can burn them and listen to them everywhere. Instead of just blaring on my laptop when I clean or do a video. I would love to have some great songs that I own- it's just not in our budget right now. (We're recovering from a 6 month layoff for Mr. Melzie.)

I don't watch much tv, just a couple shows. Normally, it's the radio that is on. Music is always on in the car & my son and I are constantly singing. To add music to a workout routine is simple!!

Weigh In: First in 2010

I am so very disgusted. But once I click save on here, I promise to not dwell on it. I still haven't broken 270. Still. I thought for sure this would be the week. I've done so good. SO good. I did crack and have 2 cans of coke yesterday. But I've ridden my bike to work/school. Gone on walks. Done at least 30 minutes of exercise, most days over an hour. I've eaten right- including taking rabbit food for lunches instead of getting a school lunch. I've felt so good. But this picture shows not so good. It is a loss, so that is a happy thought, but it's not what I was expecting.

Tonight is our TOPS meeting. I'm doing the program & I will keep it motivational. It's going to be a good year- I can feel it. We all had a very long talk about it last week at our holiday party.

I plan to never be in the 270's AGAIN.