Hot 100 #12

Doh, I forgot to update again.  I was off for a few day to rest my back and try and get some Christmas shopping done.  So I'm an idiot and totally forgot.  To be honest there really isn't anything to report.  I gained a little weight because of burning less than I was consuming.  I am however moving around better and even managed a training session on Friday morning!  It was a lot of free motion machine and no twist of the back.  Much tamer than my usual session but progress nonetheless.  I see my chiro one more time before he leave town for the holidays.  Hopefully, I can continue to heal and not do something stupid in the next two weeks!!!!

I spent Saturday with my niece and nephew!  It was an amazing day.  The only problem was not being able to pick my 4-year old niece up to get her drink at McDonalds.  It sucked not being able to explain that I couldn't pick her up.  We scooted a chair over so she could do it her big girl self; crisis adverted! 

The next two weeks I intend to finish out the Hot 100 the best of my ability and know that I gave it a great effort up until the end! 

Still in pain....

I saw my chiro yesterday.  I am doing a little better but still in a ton of pain.  Driving is the worst offender.  I was in tears on the way to work yesterday.  Today I managed to suck it up but could not wait to get out of the car.  It sucks when sitting, laying and walking hurt.  The walking actually hurts the least.  So I try to get up and move around as much as possible.  Dr. Back wanted me to hit the gym and walk; I looked at him like he was crazy.  I went.  It helped some.  Ms. All-star was shocked to see me mobile and has higher hopes than I that we will return to our regular programming on Wed night.  I'll keep my fingers crossed!  I guess the good news is I am walking and getting some sort of exercise.  Even if it is slow and deliberate.  I hate being in pain and not doing my normal routine.  I didn't realize just how much of a gym rat I had become until I couldn't go and play like normal.  I don't like it and will do everything in my power to get my back back to normal. 

Tomorrow is my monthly weigh and measure day but I am not sure that I feel up to it.  I reverted back to my old behaviors and ate more crap than normal.  I spent a lot of time wallowing in self pity and not following my goals.  We shall see what happens.  I've been sitting too long and need to walk for a bit!  

All I want for Christmas is a new back

This has been a great year for my lower back until now.  It started to twinge after my workout on Friday.  It felt better with some low impact walking and arc trainer time on Saturday.  However, it did not like the 8 hours of standing/walking at our annual Parents Night Out event.  I am in misery today.  I can't bend without screeching.  I hate when my back goes out on me.  I am taking my prescriptions and using the heating pad.  I will be seeing my chiropractor tomorrow and getting some much needed help.  Here's hoping that with treatment this flare is over with very soon.    

I am trying to take it easy today.  Unfortunately, I have to do laundry and just carrying down all those baskets took me all morning.  I will get my mom's work clothes done and see if I feel up to doing more.   This is not the time of year to be limited in movement.  I have so much to do.  I kinda wish elves existed because I could totally use a few.  

This will physically set me back and that frustrates the hell out of me.   I was making such great progress.  I just need to remember that I can't do things right now and that doing them will only make things worse in the long run.  Sigh....

On a great note, we had our first snow of the season!! I love snow!  I took my puppy out and he loved it.  He was too little last winter and hated it back then.  Today he was a mad man with excitement!  It made me forget about my back for a few minutes and that is a great thing!  

Hot 100 #11

I can't believe this year is almost over.  Wow!  I have been way to busy and blogging has not been at the top of the list.  Not because I don't love sharing with all of you but just because it can be so time consuming as we all know.  I have been doing well and trying to stay on track with eating and exercise.  I had a fun workout tonight and actually feel energized to start my weekend of various church activities!  Why is the holiday season so insane, lol?

1. Get more sleep.  I really need to make this a priority in the new year. If I were a candle both ends would have met by now.... 
2. Lose 20lbs.  I weighed-in at 212.6 and that is a 3.6 loss.  I am totally happy with that and so glad to see the scale moving!! 
3. Meal planning.  We are doing great with following the meal plan.  I can not even tell you how much easier life is when you plan it out.  Especially with throwing things in a crockpot and coming home to yummy food!!!  It has made such a difference. 
4. Balance.  I am trying to work on this as much as I can outside trainer time.  
5. Tracking.  I am doing soooooo much better.  My exerspy and Ms. All-star pushing me in the right direction helps.

I think the next three weeks will be successful maybe not the expected outcomes but still progress.  I am excited to see how this month continues to unfold.  Now back to merry busyness!  

Hot 100 Update #10

Hello everyone-

I feel like I have been MIA from blogland.  My basement cleaning was a monster of a project and I didn't get the opportunity to read blogs like I had wanted last week.  I have been plugging along but not consistently.  I need to regroup from a useless November and focus on making this a December to remember! 

1. Get more sleep.  LOL.  Now that I have the Exerspy, I know exactly how much I am sleeping.  
2. Lose 20lbs.  I weighed-in at 216.2 so I gained a pound.  However, I don't think this is attributed to my birthday or Thanksgiving but rather to a visit from Aunt Flo.  I weighed on Saturday and was down.  So I am not entirely worried about this one tinsy little pound.     
3. Meal planning.  I planned Dec's meals on Tuesday.  We have a crap load of leftovers in the fridge from my week off and we are working our way through those!  This week has been easy for meals!
4. Balance.  I am working on it.  My trainer encouraged me to stand on one foot while tying my shoes, etc.  It's hysterical..... 
5. Tracking.  I am trying!  

I went swimming last night! Yay!  It felt good and sure I didn't even remotely come close to my NovGTD goal at least I still gave it an effort!  I am not doing the Dec challenge just for sanity reasons.  I have enough to focus on just regrouping my life!  Here's to an awesome December! 

Hot 100 oops

I totally forgot to post an update for the Hot 100 challenge.  Doh!  I was on vacation and so buried in cleaning out my basement that it slipped my mind.   I had a great birthday on Tuesday and not only did my Exerspy show up but I got my car back on Wed!!  Woohoo!!  So a very, very late update. 

1. Get more sleep.  Vacation = less sleeping and more time to clean. 
2. Lose 20lbs.  I didn't weigh-in last week.    
3. Meal planning.  We stuck to the plan!  But had to make a few changes to accommodate Thanksgiving and the unexpected Turkey we made at home. 
4. Balance.  Well with all the leaping over boxes and dodging piles, I think I did an okay job on this one! 
5. Tracking.  I tried!  

Well there is my update. So very late that it is...sigh!  I hope everyone had a great holiday (if you celebrate it)!      

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating today! May you be able to celebrate with your families and those you hold dear.  I have so much to be thankful this year!  

I am thankful for being able to change my life.  The past 5 months have proved that I can do it and move forward to a better life.  I am super thankful that God put Ms. All-star into my plan and I can't imagine going through this journey without her. I am incredibly grateful that my mom has had a stable year with her health.  The past few years have been rough on her.  My mom is the most important person in my life and the best mom ever!  I have amazing friends that I am incredibly grateful for their friendship, love and support!  I love my job and I thank God every day for being able to get up and go there!  Thank you to all those people that shape my life and help make me the person I am today!

I hope that this Thanksgiving is a wonderful safe holiday for all of you!  Best of luck on not eating the traditional 3500 calories!  Happy Thanksgiving!    

Happy Birthday!

My 34th birthday is tomorrow and of course it has me reflecting on the past year.  A year ago I was 40 lbs heavier and on month 5 of a 6 month asthma attack.  I felt like crap.  I probably looked like crap.  I was incredibly disappointed that I had gained 30 pounds and hadn't seen the inside of a gym in close to a year.  But I didn't really feel up to doing anything about it.  I had gone from this workout/diet Nazi to this lump on my couch.  Then January came along and I started feeling better.  By June, I felt like my old self.  It was time to find a new gym and tackle this weight loss demon again.  With the help of my awesome trainer and the support of my friends and family,  I have made huge strides on my journey.  Sure I still have issues with food and some days I would rather do anything than workout but I try each and every day to progress my life rather than regress back to the lump on the couch.  

Tomorrow is a medium day and not just any medium zone day.  It's the mother of all weeks.  The first time I did Week 10 back in August it made me cry.  As luck would have it or in my case as that bitch Karma would have it, I get week 10 for a birthday present.  The infamous week 10 is 5 min warm-up, 10 min in HR Zone 2, 10 min in HR Zone 1 and finally 10 min in HR Zone 2 again.  It sucks.  Running for 10 min at a 6.0 - 6.3 mph or higher is not all that fun.  However, a year ago I wouldn't have been able to attempt it.  My coughing was so bad and all the extra weight would have kept me from doing it.  I would have done what my co-workers suggested and skipped the gym.   I can't wait to do this and prove to myself just how far I have progressed both physically and mentally.  Sure it will suck but at least I will have done something awesome for my birthday and myself!  

Keep your fingers crossed that my new Exerspy (the bodybugg of Gold's) comes like they say on the UPS site.   It is my birthday present and it would be totally cool to have it tomorrow!   Oh and maybe just maybe I'll get my car back too.  I am doubtful on the car but you never know....

Hot 100 #8

Hello Blogland-

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!  I still don't have a car but I hope too soon!  Mine should be done soon...I hope!!  I am excited because tonight is Harry Potter!  So maybe this emotionally draining 2 weeks can have a happy ending.  Plus, this starts a week long vacation!!  Woo hoo!  No big plans except to clean out my basement and catch up on blogs.   

Wednesday was weigh and measure day with Ms. All-star.  I didn't gain or lose any weight but I did lose 3% of body Fat and gained back some of the lost muscle!  Whew...because I was really worried after last month.  At least I am headed in the right direction.  

1. Get more sleep.  Sigh.  Let's just say I need to get back in the habit of sleeping more than 5 or 6 hours. 
2. Lose 20lbs.  Weighed in at 215.2.  At least I stayed the same.  
3. Meal planning.  We stuck to the plan!  At least something is a Win! 
4. Balance.  Eh, there is always next week.    
5. Tracking.  I promise to get back on track next week.  My birthday present (provided it comes) should help that along!    
   

NovGTD Challenge update:  I completed 3.70 mile of my 30 mile challenge!  It could be better but I am still trying to swim as much as possible.  At this point it is 3 more miles than I swam in the past! 

A brand new week

All the drama of last week is over.  Well not really but I am moving forward.  I need this week to be drama-free and Monday has been good so far!  I hate dealing with stress.  It's why I left my old job a few years ago and started to exercise in order to release the mountain of stress from being in an unpleasant situation.  I'm not pleasant when my stress level is up and I think everyone prefers the reduced stress life so much better.

My weekend was good and 100 times better than the last!  A monumental step in the right direction.  I was able to do some swimming for the NovGTD challenge.  I know that I can't possibly reach my goal but I am still going to give it a decent effort.  It feels great to be in the pool and truly not thinking or dealing with anything that happens outside of the water.  But boy, is it tiring.  I remember being a kid and passing out after swimming ALL day.  How do I get that energy back?  :P  

My birthday is next week.  I'm not all that excited.  I used to love to celebrate it but now it seems like just another day.  I took all week off because I don't think anyone should work on their birthday, plus Turkey Day gives me two holiday days!!  More bang for the vacation buck, lol!  I am counting on the drama-free zone extending into next week too!  Hopefully, the karma Gods are listening.  

Enjoy your day! 

Hot 100 #7

This week has been up and down emotionally.  I've been waiting for the girl who hit me to grow up and deal with the situation.   Thankfully, she gave her statement about the accident this morning and now we can move forward with fixing my car.  Hopefully, I get it back this time next week!!  Needless to say my focus has not been on my weight loss journey but on repairing my car.   No rental car until Tuesday so I am still borrowing my mom's car and trying not to hog it.  Sigh....

1. Get more sleep.  Suckit sleep.  Really, I can't wait for life to return to normal and I don't have to worry nearly as much. 
2. Lose 20lbs.  Weighed in at 215.2 that is a 1.2 pound lose!  Win!!  I am back to where I was before gaining a few weeks ago! 
3. Meal planning.  We stuck to the plan until last night when I hit my mental breakdown mode and so did not want fish!  We had Chinese and it wasn't a complete disaster.   I ate until I was satisfied and then moved on. 
4. Balance.  Eh, there is always next week.    
5. Tracking.  Fail!  I can't get in the habit.  I really need to get back to doing this.   
   

NovGTD Challenge update:  I completed 1.70 mile of my 30 mile challenge!  Well this isn't going well...

I can't wait until my life resumes it's normalcy.  I hated this week and how much it upset my routine.  I think having to give up some control was the part I hated even more.  Stupid control freak that I am.  Here's to the start of a much more productive week!!

At least I have bad luck

I was rear ended on Friday night.  I am doing okay just irritated at the timing.  The car can be fixed and will soon be back to normal.  However, in the mean time I have no car and limited transportation.  I am trying to get around renting a car until I hear from the other person's insurance company.  In theory, I don't need one at all because I can use my mom's car.  Except it means squeezing in everything before she heads to work each night.  My gym time is being cut short and I am about to throw in the towel for the swimming challenge.   I can only fit in so much in my slotted time frame.   I will try and salvage the challenge when I get my car back! 

In addition to the wreck, my uncle died on Thursday and the visitation was Sunday.  This is only the second time I remember seeing him.  He was my daddy's brother.  They didn't get along or something.  I don't really know what happened but we never spent time with his side of the family.  The first time I remember meeting my uncles was at the hospital when my father was dying.  That was almost 20 years ago.   I was told I met them before but it was so long ago and my memory is fuzzy.  It was weird meeting all these cousins for he first time and feeling completely out of place.  There is this whole other family out there that I don't know.  A very surreal day.  I am grateful for meeting them and glad that I've reconnected with one of my cousins on FB!!  Perhaps, we will be able to see each other again someday.   

The visitation left me with a jammed pack Saturday to get all my planned weekend activities done.  I wasn't entirely successful.  But I got as much done as I could and left the dirty bathroom for another day!  :)  It is a new week and the bad luck has to swing the other way, right?

Hot 100 update #6

I can't believe that 6 weeks has flown by in this challenge.  Heck, I am still in shock that Turkey Day is in a couple weeks.  Where has this year gone?  The first half of the year I spent feeling better than I had in months and doing WW (well trying).  The second half I can account for all of it because most of it is blogged right here!  Either way this has been a much better year that 09.  I look forward to the last two months and what they might bring (presents for birthday and Christmas)!!

So this was not the best of weeks for my challenge.  I was off all week and not exactly sure why.  It could be that I spent all last month really gearing up for the 10k race and now that it's over I'm bummed.  However, I have other things to look forward to and other goals to achieve.  I need to snap out of it and realize that these goals are just as important to having a well rounded self!

1. Get more sleep.  I did my best but a couple of nights were still a lost cause.  Semi-win!  
2. Lose 20lbs.  Weighed in at 216.4 that is a 2 pound lose! We are back in the Win column. And with Aunt Flo visiting and all!
3. Meal planning.  We stuck to the plan!  Total Win!
4. Balance.  I was forced to endure a training session via CD yesterday.  So I did balance activities while attached to my computer.  Otherwise, I have been slacking a bit and not doing any outside the gym balancing.  Semi-win!   
5. Tracking.  Fail!  I haven't tracked all week.  I really need to do this and I hate it.  Sigh. 
   

NovGTD Challenge update:  I completed 1.00 mile of my 30 mile challenge!  Perhaps a slow start will mean a strong finish! 

Have a great weekend everyone!  

NovGTD aka swim til I sink

I am 100% sure that I have over challenged myself this month.  Running has nothing on swimming!   However, it was super great to be in the pool last night!  I finished my 1st mile and to be honest I swam half the laps and walked half the laps.  It was bloody hard to swim that much at one time.   I think I found some new muscles that Ms. All-star has missed!  :)  My whole body feels like I've been run over by a mac truck.  I've never been so glad for a night off from the gym.  I am cherishing this rest day with my whole body and not just my heart!  FYI, the muscle soreness isn't all from swimming some can be attributed to my 10,000 lunges during training.   She's loving being able to torture my legs again...silly trainer!       

I am pretty sure I won't make it through all 30 miles but I am going to give it my best effort.  I will probably be a much more proficient swimmer in the process.   Perhaps the real challenge should be to progress from walking half the laps to swimming all of them!  Stay tuned to see whether I sink or swim....


Look for my Hot 100 update tomorrow. 

I ran a 10k and OctGTD update!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween.  I will be sad to take down all my decorations but Christmas is right around the corner and I can put up more lights!!  I may have a holiday decorating problem....I'm not looking to correct it though!  :P

This was a kick ass weekend!  My very first 10k was on Saturday morning.  The race I chose to run was "The Race to Cure Lymphoma".  My mom is an 11 year survivor of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma so what better than to race in her honor.  She came along and sat in the car until I was close to the finish line!  It made me super proud to have her there and witness my first big race!  We forgot the camera so no pictures.  I tried to show her how to use my iphone but it was too much for my little old momma!  The run was tough because of the cold and wind.  I never realized just how tiring it is to run into the wind.  This caused me to be slower than my previous non-windy practice runs.  But you know what I did it and it felt amazing!  I finished in 1:09:30.  My goal was to finish it in under 70 min and I just squeaked under!  There is room for improvement on the next one!    

Another huge milestone was met this weekend!  I finished my October Going the Distance Challenge of running/walking a 100 miles in the month.  I finished with 103.64 miles.  When I chose to complete a 100 miles it seemed like an incredibly daunting task.   However, it wouldn't have been a challenge without trying to achieve the seemingly impossible.   I am amazed by what I was able to accomplish.  It wasn't easy and there were days I really wanted to skip that last mile.  I am so glad that I didn't listen to the little voice in my head! It is great to know that I can set a goal of this magnitude and not only achieve it but improve my health along the way.   I am choosing to dial back my goal a bit this month.  I need to recoup and not burn myself out!  My NovGTD goal is to swim 30 miles.  I've missed the water while running so much.   It will be a nice change of pace to tire all my muscles out instead of just my legs!   

I am super proud that my body supported me through all this training and let me push myself to new highs! I can't wait to see what all the swimming brings! 

Hot 100 update #5

Happy Halloween weekend blogland!  This has been a weak week (say that 10 times fast).  I'm not proud of the weight gain or the actions that lead to it.  But in reality there will be times when I need to live my life.  This is a journey and there will be ups and downs.  I don't like it but I am moving forward and keeping the larger picture in mind!  Being healthy is the ultimate goal!  

Tomorrow morning i am running my very first 10k!  It is freaking cold here and I may run faster just to reach the warmth, lol!  I can't wait to see where my training has gotten me! 

1. Get more sleep.  I was good most nights.  But there were a couple nights were I just wasn't tired and couldn't attempt to sleep.  Must have been the full moon.     
2. Lose 20lbs.  Weighed in at 218.4 that is a 3.2 pound gain! Fail.  But moving forward. 
3. Meal planning.  We stuck to the plan and have planned out November!  I just need to decide where I want to go for my birthday and what night!  Win!
4. Balance.  I love doing this at random times.  Filing, sure!  Standing in the elevator, why not?  Win!    
5. Tracking.  Checkish!  The weekend was a bit off.  Yesterday, we had a potluck at work and I'm not entirely sure how to input all the homemade foods. I may just have to write it down.    
   

OctGTD Challenge update:  I completed 97.30 miles of my 100 mile challenge!  Hooray!!! I will finish tomorrow at the race and actually be over by a bit!  I am so proud of myself for being able to do this and finish!  I can't wait to go shopping for my reward! 

Have a great weekend everyone!  

I gained. It happens. Doesn't mean I like it.

So I gained 3 pounds this week.  It sucks ass.  However, it was bound to happen.  I get to this weight and bam my body starts going crazy.  Or maybe I am going crazy...yea that is probably the correct answer.   I did change things up and try eating more every day since I wasn't hitting my calorie goal.  Well I may be eating more than I actually realize or account for in the tracker.  I think I'll go back to my prior method.  At least then I was losing and not having to fret about where I was calorie wise.  Ugh.  

I can account for some of that gain the rest must have been from a food induced coma.  on Saturday, I ate mozzarella sticks (a lot of them) while watching Mizzou kick some Sooner ass.  They were yummy and totally not diet worthy.  Then on Sunday, I was non-stop hungry all day.  I think the better statement is I was bored.  I realized it but couldn't seem to stop.  My self-control button was apparently on the fritz.  I fell off the wagon.  I am trying really hard to put my self back in the driver's seat.  

So dear readers, I know what I did and it was stupid.  Will it happen again?  Maybe.  But I just have to get up and start anew.  This isn't something I can fix overnight and with Auntie Flo right around the corner it won't be much better for a bit.  But I can work on it each day and try not to let the cravings control me.  I have more self-control than this and I need to realize it!

Random Survey Fun!

I stole this from the lovely Suzi.  Feel free to post it to your blogs!  It is always fun to learn new things about each other. 

1. What time did you get up this morning?  6:30am

2. How do you like your steak?  On a live cow.  I don't eat beef!

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?  Vampires Suck (I loved it)

4. What is your favorite TV show?  Bones (but I haven't had time to watch this season yet)

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?  New York City

6. What did you have for breakfast?  Egg, turkey sausage and a piece of toast

7. What is your favorite cuisine?  Indian or Italian

8. What foods do you dislike?  I am incredibly picky so this is a REALLY long lists.  Beef, pickles, olives, coconut, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, lima beans, cilantro.  I am sure there are more but since I run away from them I can't think of any.    

9. Favorite Place to Eat?   Mosaic, it is a fusion tapas restaurant here in St. Louis.  Amazing sea bass!

10. Favorite dressing?  Ranch

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?  Jeep Liberty

12. What are your favorite clothes?  PJs followed closely by work out clothes.  The comfort thing!

What happened to 13....

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?  1/2 full most of the time

15. Where would you want to retire?  Who gets to retire?  I'll be working forever, lol! 

16. Favorite time of day?  Late evening

17. Where were you born?  Union, Missouri

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?  Baseball, college football and basketball

19. How many siblings?  Zero, I'm an only child! 

20. Favorite pastime/hobby?  reading and crocheting.

22. Bird watcher?  no

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?  night but I am starting to become a morning person

24. Do you have any pets?  a 13 yo kitty, Maya and 10 mo puppy, Moses

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?  I have to pee. 

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A doctor...well I work for one!

27. What is your best childhood memory?  Making cookies with my mom or helping my daddy build stuff! 

28. Are you a cat or dog person?  Both (I love my furchildren equally)

29. Are you married?  Nope, haven't met Mr. Right

30. Always wear your seat belt? Always

31. Been in a car accident?  a couple

32. Any pet peeves?  smokers in large crowds, strollers in large crowds and people with little to no manners

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?  chicken

34. Favorite Flower?  yellow roses or gerber daises

35. Favorite ice cream?  Pumpkin Custard or mint chocolate chip

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?  McDonalds...oh how I miss the nuggets.  I do eat Jimmy John's from time to time.

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?  Once, stupid parallel parking.

38. From whom did you get your last email?  a co-worker

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?  Coach or Nordstroms

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?  Nope, I am truly a planner.  Spontaneity scares me. 

41. Like your job?  Love it!

42. Broccoli?  Yes please! 

43. What was your favorite vacation?  Caribbean cruise with my mommy or any that I've taken with my bff!

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?  My momma

45. What are you listening to right now?  Pandora

46. What is your favorite color?   PINK!!!!

47. How many tattoos do you have? One of the STL Cardinal's bird on the bat! 

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 4:45pm

50. Coffee Drinker?  Nope but if I could main line Diet Dew.....

My desk makes me fat?

The hospital that I work with posted this article to Facebook.  So here I am thinking that I am living a much more active lifestyle only to find out that perhaps I'm not.  I am not naive.  I get that sitting at my desk all day is not entirely healthy.  But seriously, I work my ass off at the gym and try to not sit around when I'm at home. 

However....

I have a 12,500 step goal each day.  And I struggle to reach it.  Why, because my butt is sitting in a desk chair 90% of the day.  This month has been the exception because of the 100 mile challenge I've been doing.  I've made my step goal and then some every day but one.  I'm already screwed on the heart disease front thanks to my genetics.  I don't need to have my job exacerbate the situation.  The bottom line is that I need to move more during my work day.  So I've tried my best today and I am happy to say I am half way done with my steps!  One step at a time, right?

Hot 100 update #4 and OctGTD update

Time for the weekly challenge segment!  This week has been very "eh".  I've been going through the motions but not feeling as if anything is being accomplished.  I am sure that I am accomplishing something though!  Thank goodness this challenge is long.  It allows for off weeks or weeks that feel off.

1. Get more sleep.  I did much better this week!  I consistently got there by 10:30!   
2. Lose 20lbs.  Weighed in at 215.2 that is a 0.2 pound loss!  Well you can't lose 6 pounds every week.   At least it wasn't a gain!
3. Meal planning.  We changed out one meal because I over porked us.  We really wanted something chickeny!  Otherwise, we totally stayed on plan. 
4. Balance.  I try to do this while I am watching tv.  This way I'm not entirely wasting away on the couch.  Not that I watch all that much tv anymore.  My DVR looks like a rental store.
5. Tracking.  Check! 
   

OctGTD Challenge update:  I completed 72.42 miles of my 100 mile challenge!  Almost there and not doing too shabby!  I plan to finish this challenge off with my 10k race next Saturday! Because this girl is NOT moving a muscle, joint, bone or her ass on Halloween except to hand out candy!  I think I will have earned a day off!  :)  

Have a great weekend everyone!  

Ding, ding, ding...I think she's got it!

Tuesday night was a Glee rerun so my mom and I settled on BL while we had dinner.  She doesn't watch it often as reality shows aren't her cup of tea but she seemed to enjoy it or maybe it was just the spending time with me!  Anyway, she remarked about how big some of the contestants were and this was after 5 weeks on the ranch.  I'm like many of them were 300+ at the start.  She looked at me and said, "I'm glad you were never that big".   But I was that big mom; a  whopping 323 pounds.  She was stunned and immediately said I would have noticed if you were that big.  Apparently, my mother was in denial or missed out on 3 years of my life.  We have lived together since 2002 and I see her every day.  So I pulled out our cruise album from 2004 and handed her photographic evidence.  You could see her jaw hit the floor.  And then came the tears and the "I'm so sorry I let this happen" spiel.  It wasn't your fault mom, well at least the obese adult part of my life, I did this and I made the wrong choices.  I let this happen.  Sure I was a fat kid but I could have made choices to change the direction my body was headed.  I chose to ignore it and eat everything in sight.  I never want my mom to feel guilty because it was my choice to hide in the basement and finish off that whole pizza.  She never forced me to eat the amounts of food I consumed in the past.  The past is over and I am succeeding at becoming a new person!  The important thing is we are learning to make better choices together!  Together we are educating ourselves on proper nutrition and portion control.  We can't change the past but we can dictate what happens in the future!   

I'm having a fat day or at least that is my perception of today.  It feels like my size 14s are too tight but in reality they actually fit and aren't baggy like my "fat pants".  The first time I wore these jeans I was so elated to have on a smaller size that I didn't even notice how they felt.  However, today I realized these aren't as comfortable as the baggy pants from yesterday.  I think I need to wrap my head around the fact that this is what I am working towards!  The damn mental portion of weight loss is so exhausting!  :)  Challenge updates tomorrow although this has been a very "eh" week. 

Weekend Review

Sorry for the lack of updating or keeping up with everyone's blogs.  I am incredibly behind in my reading.  I hope to rectify my absence this week!  

This weekend was beautiful here in STL!  I ran a 5k on Saturday morning for the Second Wind Lung Transplant group.  This organization raises money to help patients and their families who are waiting for a lung transplant.  I work with lung transplant patients as part of a research study that I coordinate.  So it is always good to support those that support my study!  I finished the race in 33:40 which is a minute better than I've been averaging on my long run days!  Woot!  It was a great morning! 

However, I think the cool air may have intensified my sore throat.  I felt sick and incredibly rundown the rest of the weekend.  I am feeling much better today and slept a bazillion hours last night! 

I did manage to get in 6 miles on Saturday between the 5k and my high intensity gym day.  However, I barely survived a 45 min low day on Sunday.   I did feel a bit guilty for not utilizing my low day properly but at least I was doing something and going home to rest helped too.   Ms. All-star took it easy on my last night...well slightly!  :P   I plan to hit my medium night at a moderate pace, eat dinner and go to bed super early.  I should be completely back to my old self by tomorrow! 

I hope everyone is having a great week!   It's almost Halloween!!    

Hot 100 Update #3

Happy Friday everyone!  Here is my Hot 100 update!  I hope everyone has a wonderful Fall weekend and that the weather is fabulous in your neck of the woods.  (Does Al have a trademark on this phrase?)  Guess who is wearing size 14 jeans today??  Yea baby!!

1. Get more sleep.  Negative.  This is a big fail for the week.  I did fall asleep on the couch a couple times trying to watch TV but I didn't make progress on actually going to bed earlier.   
2. Lose 20lbs.  Weighed in at 215.4 that is a 6.4 pound loss!  I guess I made up for the Aunt Flo week!  Win!
3. Meal planning.  The menu is going as planned.  I really need to post some of the recipes I've made recently.  I am really bad about it.  I'll work on that soon!  Win!
4. Balance.  I feel like it is getting better.  But don't get me wrong I still fall over when we put more than one thing together, lol!  One step at a time or leg at a time!
5. Tracking.  I have tracked all week. 
   

OctGTD Challenge update:  I completed 47.30 miles of my 100 mile challenge!  I am ecstatic about being almost half-way through this challenge at well the half way mark!  I think this is better than I expected!  I can't believe that I have run with some walking of the puppy 47 miles.  I am so proud of all the things I have begun to accomplish!  

Good luck to all the hotties!  I will be looking forward to all your successes!    

Weigh and Measure Day - Month 4

This month's weigh and measure day brought disappointment to myself and my trainer.  Oh sure, I lost 10 lbs and now weigh 215.4.  That is a huge accomplishment and I can't even tell you the last time I weighed this little.  But and it is a huge BUT....8lbs of my loss was muscle.  I even gained a percentage of body fat.  The two main explanations as to why this occurred are a) I don't eat enough calories each day particularly protein and b) I am exercising more given the challenge to complete 100 miles and preparing for my 10k.  

So how do we fix this....
I know I should eat more but I can't help that I'm not always hungry.  I don't crave protein either.  I force myself to eat what I do intake each day.  I need to suck it up and eat the 1700 calories that my body requires each day.  But I have a mental block about eating more.  I KNOW that you need to eat to lose and trust me poor Ms. All-star has all but beat it into my head but I still have a hard time doing it.  It is hard to admit that you need to eat when all you want is the weight to disappear.  It is 100% all in my psyche and something I have to work through.  There is no easy answer to fixing my internal dilemmas.  I need to convince myself that eating properly didn't make me fat that it is okay to eat the right foods in the right amounts.  

As for all the running and meeting my challenge, Ms. AS is not telling me to stop or to discourage me from finishing.  She knows that it is important for me to push myself and see what I can accomplish this month.  I just need to better fuel my body to handle all the extra activity.  This muscle loss is totally my bodies way of telling me that we aren't getting what we need and we need more so that you can succeed.  I need to start listening to it better.  And for those saying that I should cross train and strength train, I do 3 days a week.  I just run/walk like a mad woman on top of all the other cool stuff!  I enjoy doing all of it but maybe next month I need to dial it back just a little.  I do sort of need this body for years to come and now would not be a great time to burn her out! 

There was some inch lossage but I was too distracted by the muscle loss and fat gain to pay attention to it.  I think my waist shrunk, okay I know my waist has shrunk because I have to pull my pants up Urkel-style!  I also need some new bras so there is more shrinkage!  I need to stop focusing on the negative parts of last night and remember that I have made huge changes to my body.  I just need to be a bit nicer to it!  

Challenge updates tomorrow!

Super run today!

Just a quick update on my running progress!  

Today was my low workout day (aka long run day).  I almost made it 7 miles.  I ran 6.88 miles in the freaking heat!  It wasn't my fastest time but it was a good long run.  I shocked myself!  Yay!  Now if the weather would act more like October, lol!  I am feeling super ready for the 10k and maybe just maybe I could pull a half out of my rear end in the Spring!  I love being able to run and not feel like my body is falling apart.  It feels great being able to accomplish something that at one point was the most difficult thing in the world.  Don't get me wrong it is still difficult but it gets easier with every step!  I can't wait to see what happens next weekend!  

Hugs to all my bloggies! 

Hot 100 and OctGTD updates

Good morning friends!  It is time to update on my Hot 100 progress.  It has been a difficult week since I've been inhaling food like a vacuum cleaner but it has gotten better!  I had to hit the gym early this morning and knocked out my miles for the OctGTD challenge.  So all-in-all a productive Friday!  Woot!

1. Get more sleep.  Still a work in progress but I am consistently making it by 10:30!  Baby steps in the right direction.  
2. Lose 20lbs.  Weighed in at 221.8  so I was down 0.4 and I will take that and run with it!   Absolutely a WIN! 
3. Meal planning.  We stuck to the plan all week!  I did make a few edits last weekend because of some upcoming events!  So total WIN!  Already picking out meals for November! 
4. Balance.  Is improving!  I am trying to work in a little balance while doing ordinary every day things.  Yesterday, one of the docs laughed because I was doing it while faxing!  :)

I feel like I am meeting my goals!   I think I should add one.  I have been slacking on tracking my food intake.  I really need to get back to doing that every day.  It is something that has always helped and I suck at it.  But overall a bright spot in an otherwise not great week!  

OctGTD Challenge update:  I completed 23.27 miles of my 100 mile challenge!  I am feeling good about my progress so far.  It is tiring trying to fit all the miles in but it wouldn't be a challenge if it wasn't, right?  So go me!! 

I hope everyone is doing well with their challenges as well!!  I have a 3.7 mile walk tomorrow with one of my awesome friends and I can't wait!  Have a great weekend!

Highs and lows of the Weight Loss Journey

This week is a mix of highs and lows and maybe TMI (sorry dear readers).  The high being that I am so glad my health is turning around.  I was diagnosed with asthma earlier this year.  It was horrible in the beginning and although my numbers were never awful they were bad for me.  I am happy to say that after 10 months of treatment and diligent supervision, my numbers are improved and I am currently asymptomatic!  And since June, which was my last PFT and right before starting with Ms. All-star, my lung capacity has improved by almost a liter a quarter of a liter (apparently I need to read the test better)!  Still an improvement though!  More benefits of following an exercise and weight loss plan and using proper medicinal control!

The low of the week and probably the TMI portion (boys run away from the girly speak) is that for some reason my ability to control the cravings thanks to Aunt Flo is non-existent this month.  A bonus from losing weight is she comes like freakin clock work now.  I can almost pinpoint the hour.  But the bitch is driving me to potato chips.  I shoveled them in last night like someone might yank the bag out of my hands.  You might be wondering, where did I get chips in the first place?  Well lovely readers, my mother is my biggest sabotuer.  She knows better than to bring them in the house.  This never deters her from buying them.   Normally, I can have a few and then ignore them.  But last night they were all I wanted.   I can't even say I regret eating them becasue the hormones are telling me otherwise.  I'd eat some right now if I had them.  Ugh.  Why are my hormones worse now that I have less body fat to make them?  Seriously....stupid girly things....stupid chips....stupid hormones....

This means tonights weigh-in will suck but that is okay.  Next week is my monthly weigh and measure day so it's more important.  I will be ready to rock it and not worry about the fact I can't control my cravings.  I am going to eat lunch now and not think about chips.  Although they would be mighty tasty!!        

Celebrate Good Times!

Lots to celebrate in this post!  This marks my 50th post.  Woo hoo!  And I've hit the 100 lb mark in weight loss!  I've been here once before in my journey.  I don't like to dwell on the last year and the 30+ pounds I regained but it happened.  I didn't feel well and let things get out of hand.  I am thankful that I am healthy now and can push through to the next goal!  I have an amazing support system that has always cheered me on even in the tough times.  I can now add the most awesomeness of trainers, Ms. All-star to the mix!  Together we are unstoppable!  You rock sista! 

I promised in an earlier post that when I hit the 100 lb mark I would post a before and after picture.  So as promised! 

September 2004 ~323 pounds

Now ~ 222.2

It's weird to post that earlier picture.  I haven't seen that girl in a long time and I hope to never see her again!  I still have a long way to go but I think I'll enjoy celebrating this milestone for a little bit longer!  :)

Hot 100 Update!

Good morning and Happy October!!  It's time to update on my first week of the Hot 100 Challenge!   

1. Get more sleep.  It is definitely a work in progress.  I managed to get to bed by 10:30 most of the week!   I think my goal is 10!  
2. Lose 20lbs.  I started this challenge at 226 and weighed-in on Wed at 222.2!   - 3.8 WIN! 
3. Meal planning.  This is a bit of a cheat because I already have October done.  However, I do need to abide by it!  Still a WIN! 
4. Balance.  Not as good with this goal.  I have had to stand on the train more and that takes quite the balance.  So it's something.  Yep, need more work on this one. 

Over all not a bad start.  The best part about 100 days is that there is plenty of time to reach my goals and improve my life one step at a time.   Here's to the next 7 days and making strides to further my health!  

OctGTD Challenge starts today!  I have to average 3.2 miles a day which seems really scary now but bring it!!  My friends are all being super helpful and offering to walk with me.  The puppy is going to be going for loads of walks too!  Plus, the running to be ready for my 10k! I BELIEVE I can do this!  

Welcome to the Autumn of Change!  Good luck to everyone embarking on these and other challenges!   

Going the Distance Challenge

Because one challenge is never enough!  I am going to add one more and hope I can keep track of all my goals.  Robby at Fat Girl vs. World is running a little challenge!  The goal is to pick a distance for the month of October and meet it!  Simple enough!  I've been wanting to set a distance goal but was too afraid to include it in the Hot 100 challenge.  Yay for a separate challenge!  

My goal for October is to run/walk 100 miles!  Phew that is a ton of miles and may just kill me but I gots to try.   I chose to buy a new Fall/Winter outfit since I am hoping to need new pants by then...(hides head in anticipation)!  

I will update on both challenges on Fridays!  Look forward to hearing all about my progress on these two awesome motivators!!  

Damn you weekends!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was super busy and I couldn't wait to sleep last night.  I didn't make proper food choices all weekend.  It's amazing how much your body feels like crap from eating crap!  I will have to spend the rest of this week just trying to put my digestive system back on track.  There is the school of thought out there that shaking up your caloric intake will throw off your metabolism.  Well then mine should be shocked and awed!  

The weekend is over.  I made the choices.  Time to pull up the big girl panties and move forward.  I plan to stick to my calories and piss off the part of my brain that loved this weekend.  Those neurons can shove it.  

I did get my exercise in.  But with all the activities that required sitting meeting my step goal was a challenge.  Too bad you can't use cell phones during trivia or I could have walked laps around the building, lol!  This would have kept me away from the food too!  

Yesterday was a cold, wet miserable kind of day.  I couldn't go for my long run until evening and thankfully the wet stuff cleared out but it was nippy!   It felt great to be outside running in the cool evening air.  The only drawback was I had to pace myself more.  I ran 6.33 miles in 69 min.  Apparently, my pacing didn't translate from my brain to my feet!  Oh well.  It felt good anyway.  One month to the 10k!  I am so ready to hit this race!!  

Hot 100 Challenge

I've decided to join my fellow bloggers in making the best of the final 100 days of 2010!  South Beach Steve over at Log My Loss is hosting a 100 Days Challenge.  You still have time to get involved so come join us!  

I need to pick at least 3 goals that I would like to achieve before the end of the year!  Can you believe there are only 100 days left?  

1. Get more sleep each night.  I am horrible about staying up much too late and then spending the rest of the week exhausted.  
2. Drop 20 lbs and be at 200 lbs!  I will totally buy a hot dress and spend NYE out on the town when this happens!!
3. Continue my monthly meal planning even with all the holiday activities looming.  I want to be prepared even if things have to change at least there is a plan in place. 
4. Work on my balance.  I need to spend time practicing when I'm not with Ms. All-star!  I am good while standing still but add movement and I'm guaranteed to fall. 

I want to make the next 100 days work for me and not against me!  I don't want to fear the holidays and then give up because caving in seems easier.  I don't want to spend the first 3 months of 2011 fixing my mistakes!  

So here's to finishing 2010 strong and ringing in an awesome 2011!  

Sources of Inspiration

For the last few seasons of The Biggest Loser, I've taped them and waited until the season was over to watch the whole thing at one time.  I did this because I found myself unmotivated in my own weight loss and not interested in watching someone else have success.  Plus, it gave me something to watch over the summer!  Truth be told, I was scared that the show wouldn't hold the same meaning, that the motivation and inspiration wouldn't be there because I wasn't mentally ready to receive it.  I had failed on my own journey and needed to find my way back to the road. 

I've decided to watch this season in real time (well DVRed real time).  I have found my path once again which provides all the motivation I need to succeed.  The show will always provide inspiration to keep going but now it is no longer a catalyst for my own success.  So much of this journey is mental.  It's something I struggle with every day.  One day at a time; striving so that each one builds on the last. 

Anyway, musings about the show.  I always cry because I understand where the contestants are coming from.  The back stories are almost more interesting than the weight loss and challenges.  The point that struck me the most was when the potential contestants run 1 mile.  Bob says something like, everyone can run a mile, right?  Wrong.  I remember the first time I ever tried to run at all.  I thought my legs were going to fall off.  The first time I ran a mile I thought my lungs were going to rip out of my body.   I look back and realize how far I've come.  I can run 6 miles now.  That is 6 miles without walking.  I'm pretty sure the Brigitte at 1 mile would have laughed if told one day you'll run 6 miles without stopping.   I am so proud of what I can push my body to do and accomplish.  I've come a long way mentally, physically and spiritually.  Just think the journey still has miles to go and I look forward to every bit of it! 

Cupcake of Happiness Blog Award

I am always honored to receive blog awards!  I got this one from Dr. Fat to Fit!  The requirements are as follows:

1. Post who gave you this award

Thank you Dr. F from Dr. Fatty Finds Fitness!

2. State 10 things you like:

1. Spending time with my niece and nephew.  They are so much fun to hang out with.
   
2. Tennis shoes.  I probably own 15 pairs.  I love shoes in general but I own way too many athletic shoes.  Seriously, I only need 1 pair! 
   
3. My iphone.  I don't remember life before I got it!
   
4. Pumpkin.  I bought a bunch of cans and can't wait to start making things! 
   
5. Halloween.  I can't wait to decorate.  Is it too soon?
   
6. Reading.  I like to hold real books but I am intrigued by the electronic readers. 
   
7. Office supplies.  There is nothing like new pens or pencils, post-its and the smell of tape!  I always carry post-its!  You never know when you need one! 
   
8. Mizzou football.  Go ZOU! 
   
9. Candles.  I buy way too many.  I love this time of year when the pumpkin spices are coming out.  The Christmas scents are also a fave. 
10. Flowers.  It is always nice to get them but even more fun to pick some up just because! 
    

3. Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment.

1.  This is when I realize I need to read more blogs.  I give this award to all those wonderful blogs out there that haven't had it yet!  Claim away kids!! (I know this is the cop-out answer...I suck)
   

Weigh and Measure Day - Month 3

Yesterday was W & M day with the trainer!  Ms. All-star and I have been putting up with each other for almost three months (surprisingly neither of us has killed the other, YET)!  It's amazing how different I feel by doing more than just cardio at the gym.  The other day she was whining about having to do so much cardio and not having enough time for all the "fun" stuff.  I would much rather do cardio and pretend the "fun" stuff doesn't exist.  However, I will be the first to admit before her my idea of strength training was lifting the kitty liter carton (it does weigh 25lbs) once a month!  I am really glad I have her around to make me do all the "fun" stuff!  Heck, I can even sort of balance now and that blows my mind, well until I trip over the flat floor. 

So without further ado....
I weighed in at 226 pounds!  That is a lose of 6 lbs for the month and 1% body fat!  It is also 3, count 'em, 3 lbs from 100 total.  Woo hoo!  Something to strive for next week or realistically the following week!  I lost almost an inch around the middle and various fractions of an inch in other places.  I am pretty happy with my progress.  The results have slowed down but I notice my clothes fitting better or in the case of my pants this morning not at all!  Suckers fell right to the floor!!!  I also love that despite the bat wings my arms have some definition.  I can actually see a muscle there, who knew?  My calves are also pretty hot, lol!  It's so much fun to see other people's reactions and hear all the praise.  I can soak it up for days!  :P 

My wish for everyone struggling with their weight is that they reach the point where they feel good about their bodies.   It doesn't matter what size you are at that point, just that what you see in the mirror no longer makes you cry and instead puts that smile on your face! 

Allergies suck and it's W & M day

My Fall allergies are worse than the Spring/Summer and I don't like it.  I've had a sinus headache for a couple days.  Last night, I came home from work, took some sudafed and passed out for a 2-hour nap!  It was great!  I was able to function better and even had more energy for the gym.   Luckily, dinner was salmon and quickly broiled in the oven.  Apparently, my meal planning in advance was a lifesaver last night!  The headache is still there but it's not nearly as annoying.

Today is weigh and measure day.  I already know that I haven't lost much this month and can only hope that muscle is compensating.  I have to be more diligent in my food tracking and stop the weekend binges.  Stupid weekends.  This happened the last time I made it to this weight (before all the sickness drama).  My body clung to the fat like glue.  I'll have to work harder.   Wish me luck tonight!! 

Runner High

I received a new blog award and will post all about it later!  I am excited!  Thanks to Dr. F!

I've been running for a few years now and have never experienced that "runner's high" that other people report.  I am always happy when the run is over but that's because it is over and not some endorphin rush.   I am usually dragging my ass home and whining about how hard it was to complete.   I love to run and get really bored walking, so that is what motivates me to do it over and over again.  This all changed last night!  

I waited to run until late evening and had to finish in the dark.  It was a bit spooky; I ran faster!  I started out at a pretty good pace and wasn't laboring.  Wow, that is something I am pretty sure I would never say or put into writing.  I finished the first 5k in 34 min.  In the back of my mind I was thinking, maybe I can do all 6.2 miles tonight.  I kept going and was still doing pretty well (minor almost asthma attack from the wood burning smoke near the trail).  I finished 5.5 miles and was starting to feel jelly legs coming on but I persevered and finished 6.22 miles in 70 min!  There was some happy dancing and fist pumping smack dab in the middle of the trail.  Thankfully, it was dark and no one saw it, LOL!  I couldn't wait to get home and tell my mommy!  I was bouncing off the walls and that folks was my first ever "runner's high"!   

I also felt some validation into the running world!  Not that I need acceptance but it was kind of nice to feel the support from a total stranger.   I passed a few runners on the other side of the trail and always take stock of who is around me.  On the way back, a guy that I passed earlier gave me a thumbs up and a smile of encouragement!  He was obviously a big time runner, you know the ones with the lanky build and the ability to run without an ipod marathoner-types.  It was a super cool move and he has no idea how much the support meant!  So I think I am a real runner now...  :P Well at least in my head!  

Recipe: Apricot Chicken

We made this for dinner on Wednesday!  It's a staple from my childhood and my mom dug it back out!  It came from one of the ladies in her beauty shop and the "Grandma" type recipes are always the best! Enjoy!

Apricot Chicken
4-6 Boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 8oz jar of apricot perserves
1 8oz bottle Russian salad dressing
1 pkg of onion soup mix, dry

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix all the ingredients together.  Place the chicken into a 9x13 pan. Pour over the apricot mixture.  Bake for about 1 hour or until chicken is tender.  Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and serve!  

It is super yummy! 

Have you seen my energy?

I have been really tired, fatigued or whatever you want to call my lack of energy.  I blame my TOM and perhaps all my workouts have caught up with me.  The rainy weather hasn't helped the cause either.  If I had a good book, my butt would have stayed in bed this morning!  I don't like feeling lethargic especially since I feel rested and not sleepy-tired.  My energy has just left the building.  I hope it finds it's way back and soon!

I had this lofty goal of working 8-4 starting this week.  This way I wouldn't be making up so much time because of the gym.   Well that never materialized.   I'm up plenty early.   I just choose to be a bum at home than get my arse into work earlier.  Perhaps next week will be more fruitful and I can actually meet this goal!   

We have stuck to the menu plan fabulously!  It has made things so much easier at dinner time.  My mom wants to help more and that thrills me!!  I'm hoping this helps us spend less on groceries and eating out.  We only buy the stuff we need for 2 weeks at a time and with meals all planned we won't have to eat out as much.  I will be glad if we can keep eating out to only once a week!  I'm super proud of us for making this change!!  

Hugs to all my blog friends! 

Donut Crisis!!

You can all stop panicking the donut crisis has been contained...for now. 

I arrived to find donuts sitting on the shared space between my cube mate and my desk.  Gasp!  I am not a huge fan of the fried sugary goodness but I have been know to gobble one up from time to time.  I can usually turn them down without a second glance.  Well in the interest of TMI, it's that TOM and the smell of all the sugary goodness was making my knees weak.  They smell amazing!  Damn donuts why must you taunt me so.  Thankfully, they have been moved to the center of the Cube Quad.  I can still smell them but now in order to be tempted I would have to get up.  Oh, that would be good use of steps......

Just kidding!! Damn donuts.... 

Long weekends rule

I wanted to send a welcome out to my newest followers and blog friends!  Thanks for stopping by my little world!  And to everyone, thank you for all the continued support!  

This weekend was wonderful!  The weather was great and I didn't have anything pressing to do.  I got a ton of things accomplished but not everything...oh well!  I cleaned up some of my summer plants and put out the mums.  Now my patio is all ready for Fall!  I baked some Cranberry Pumpkin Bread which turned out really good!  I would post the recipe but it isn't exactly weight-loss friendly.  A girl has to splurge every now and then!  So my kitchen is in the mood for Fall (the pumpkin spice candles help).  Can you tell I am moving this season thing right along?  

The biggest accomplishment (besides the 5.6 mile run) was planning out meals for the next two months.   I have main dishes planned out for 3 nights per week!  That leaves plenty of left overs for lunch and dinner the other days!  It is of course open for wiggle room should unexpected events pop-up but for the most part we are all set through the end of October! It feels like a good mix of things I like to eat and things my mom will eat!  So hurray for balance!  I am happy to report that so far we are sticking to the plan.  Stay tuned to see if it continues!   

Sunday: We had Turkey Burgers with a peach grilling sauce mixed in and grilled corn.
Monday:  We had BBQ Pork Steaks and Red Beet Salad (courtesy of Gina's Skinnytaste).
Tonight:  Apricot Chicken and some kind of veggie or the beet salad again.  


Now I'm hungry!  I hope everyone had a nice week! 

10k running update and blog award

Hello dear readers!  I am spending my evening catching up on blogs, Facebook and my DVR!  I'm being a regular ole bum!  I believe I earned the right after running this afternoon.  I ran 5.63 today in 63 minutes!  I'll worry about improving my time later.  I don't think I can keep this pace up in a race...well not right now!  It was nice and cool today which made it easier. My first priority is to hit the distance consistently!  This is a huge success in my world and I can't wait to reach for more next weekend!  Now for the fun and exciting part of the post!  You can find out more tidbits about lil ole me!

I was given this awesome award back in July.  I haven't had time to truly answer and accept it until now.   I am super thankful to Joy at Nuggets of Truth and I am truly sorry for not accepting sooner!   Everyone should stop by her blog and read her inspiring journey!   

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.

2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Nominate fifteen newly discovered blogs.
4. Let your nominees know about the award.

7 things about myself...  (This is not easy)
1. I am stoked that NKOTB got back together!  And getting to meet Donnie Wahlberg is pretty much the pinnacle of my life!  Call me a dork but meeting your teenage crush is pretty f'n awesome!  

2. I am a baseball addict.  I love my STL Cardinals to death (and right now they are killing me)!  I even have the tattoo to prove it.  So my love is a little deeper than skin, lol!  

3. I love NYC.  The sights, the sounds, the people, heck I even love the smell!  I could wander the streets people watching for hours!  But I truly love MOMA, Broadway, Serendipity 3 and spending time with my East Coast friends!

4. I like to garden.  There is nothing like the feeling of playing in dirt!  Unfortunately, all I have is a patio but I make the most of my potted plants.  The crowning glory is our peony bush rescued from my childhood home!  It has to be close to 80 years old and is still going strong!  This summer was incredibly brutal on the pots and I hope next Spring/Summer is better. 

5. I am active with my church's youth group!  I love getting to spend time with the kids on activities and mission trips.  They treat me as one of them!  It's awesome getting to revert back to my childhood with them!  But more importantly, I love being able to help them grow in their faith.


6. I am a Christmas freak!  The baking, the decorating, the shopping, the light viewing and gift giving.  I love it all!  I put up two trees and one is just Cardinals stuff!  This year I may have to scale back so that the puppy won't eat everything.  This makes me sad!  But I'll just have to make his first Christmas with us super special in a puppy friendly way!!

7.  I am excited that the air is getting crispier and cooler.  Fall is my favorite time of year!  I love all the pumpkin foods, the smell in the air, the beautiful leaves, Halloween, wearing jeans and sweaters, Thanksgiving and last but not least my birthday!  College football starts with hockey and basketball around the corner.  It a beautiful time of year!  

I nominate: Thanks for your motivation!  I am glad I found all of you and love to read your blogs!

1.  http://kyokocake.blogspot.com/ 
2.  http://261milesleft.blogspot.com/
3.  http://drfattyfindsfitness.blogspot.com/
4.  http://nevertheskinnygirl.blogspot.com/
5.  http://smallerfunpants.blogspot.com/
6.  http://destinedfor150.blogspot.com/
7.  http://toosexy4thisfat.blogspot.com/
8.  http://greetingthedawnwithoats.blogspot.com/ 
9.  http://fitgirlversusundead.blogspot.com/
10.  http://lockthefridge.blogspot.com/
11.  http://fatgirltothin.blogspot.com/
12.  http://iwillbehot.blogspot.com/
13.  http://molly-fluffygirl.blogspot.com/ 
14.  http://kyratx-afoodiegetsfit.blogspot.com/
15.  http://thisfinaltime.blogspot.com/ 

Phew, that took me all night.  It's almost 2am, ok well I went to the grocery store for a couple hours.  We had like no food!  Night blog friends!