The going to be new me....

Time has come…

2011-08-17T20:37:00.001-07:00

To close out this blog and start anew. I have combined both my blogs into this blog. I tried wordpress and it was beyond me so I just did what I do best and worked with blogger.

Come here and see what you think and if you’re interested join me on my new journey, if not that’s fine too, it’s been fun having you along.

Healthy, Wealth and Wise: NOT...but learning

Take care my friends and have a blessed evening.

Time for a change…

2011-08-15T06:30:00.001-07:00

While away enjoying my BWCA trip I was thinking about the future. Of course my new life style change needs to continue, I so want to tone up my muscles, work on running a full 5K. I want to continue learning how to cut calories and keep the nutrition and taste. I want to explore my new body and enjoy the new sizes I’m able to wear. Now to learn how to shop and mix and match things. There is lots I still plan on doing to enjoy this new body and the new me.

So I am bidding this blog farewell. I am going to incorporate this blog into my everyday lifestyle blog. By next week I will redesign my other blog so it can be a bit more me and not all kids and crafts and all. Not sure how it will work, not sure if anyone will follow me but it is something that I need to do. It’s been a terrific ride having the two blogs but it’s just now time to move one.

I want you all to know how much I have appreciated all your support, loving words, prayers and so much more.

Now before I go there are two weeks left of the Slimmer this Summer Challenge. So since I’ve missed the last two updates because of my vacation I’ll do them all here.

I have done well. In fact while gone I lost 3 more pounds. I really figured I’d of gained because of all the processed foods I had eaten but I’m betting that the 30 miles of paddling and 28 miles of hiking is what helped all of that. We climbed some mighty big hills, went from 1020 feet elevation to almost 1500 feet, just about straight up. We had plans on going further but decided to base camp and explore. The group I was with wasn’t the strongest group I’ve gone with but that was fine it was a great trip anyways.

So this week it’s back to work. I don’t feel the greatest but also came home with a period from hell. No complaints though because it waited until our way out to start so I’ll live. It’s hard to get back into the swing of things after being out in the wilderness for 9 days. God made the most awesome countryside. I’m going to end this post and this blog with pictures from our trip. Take care my friends and if you wish to follow me to my regular blog please feel free to do that. If not, I understand….this is a weight loss community and what does scouting, kids, driving bus, daycare, cleaning, crafting and my regular family life have to do with all of that. Well for me it’s life. I do plan on visiting and learning and commenting on you all. You’ve been my inspirations, cheering gallery and so much more, I’ll still be there for you. God Bless you all!!!

Phase 6…did, done and my results…not bad at all!!

2011-08-01T06:27:00.001-07:00

Suppose to be… 165, not bad at all!!! I weighed in at 11:00 Saturday night so that I could finish the challenge on time. So I could well be at the 165 or better after a good night sleep but I’m done with the scale and here’s the weight. Here’s the challengers when we started it all and I lost 25.8 lbs total with Allan’s challenges. I have now completed my weight loss section of my life style change.

I am now going to work on toning up this mess and building some muscle. I have a tummy that needs lots of toning and some back fat and bat wings that need to go so those are my areas of needing. I have to learn to maintain the weight or close to now for the rest of my life. I lost a total of 63.8 lbs on my life style change and that is never going to creep back on again.

I don’t know how the other challengers did and I’m hoping that when Allan gets all the results we’ll see who finished, who was there from the beginning and finished and just how everyone did. Diets, life style changes…whatever you want to call losing weight is not easy, heck I think it’s the hardest thing I ever did and it took me 19 months, 76 weeks. I know it was less then a pound a week but it was a constant down trend when figured out that way. Yes some weeks up, some weeks done mega and other week just a bit and some weeks nothing at all but in the end it ended just like I wanted it too, needed it too.

My last challenge this summer is Deb and Mir’s Slimmer This Summer challenge and for me it is an exercise challenge. I haven’t been stellar on the exercises I had planned on doing but I am moving my butt so for now as long as I am moving, doing and working hard I’m going to call that a success too.

It’s a new week, a week busy beyond belief. There’s daycare, gardening, yard work, our first cord plus wood to start stacking, packing for our BWCA trip and wow has my house exploded. Plus the biggy, I still need to study for my bus endorsement test and take that Friday. I’d also like to talk to the school and get that paperwork going, make a doctors appointment for my DOT physical, get to the chiropractor and meet with my scouts before we leave at 4:30 Saturday morning. We’ll see in the end what happens, the test, doctor and school can wait until I’m back but I’d prefer not, the lawn has to get done, the green beans and cucumbers are ready to pick and my wee ones, no matter what come first.

So how’s life for you? How’s your life style changes going? Just remember to take it a day at a time. Remember my poem?

Just for today, I will stay on my diet;
Just for today, I will answer the call;
Just for today, I will drink all my water;
Just for today, I will give it my all!!

This poem will follow me into maintenance also because the bad foods, lack of exercise and just plain laziness calls to me all the time. I’ll just do one day at a time for the rest of my life, which I hope is long because I want to live to be 101 years old.

Have a blessed week my friends. I am not positive I will be back here before I leave and I will be gone from the 6th to the 13th but when I get back I will have lots to share with you. But I’ll shot for a post before I got.

I do have a huge update for you too….

Scout and Wilbur seem to be feeling just fine. We were really worried on Friday and most of Saturday because Scout was very down and tired and not eating but by evening she was her old puppy self driving Wilbur nuts. I read about the medicine, she could of had a reaction to it that made her sick so we think that’s what it was. The bad part about it is I have one more dose to give her in 3 weeks so another sick couple of days or just maybe she’ll be fine with the third dose. However we are so happy and blessed and hope that this too will be over with and she’ll grow up to be the best protector and best friend for Mike.

BLESSINGS my friends. Take care and have an awesome week.

Puppy disease, Canine parvovirus…

2011-07-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

Scout had been exposed, one of her sister has died, the other one got it but survived.

Terri and Scouts two sisters

Scared would be an understatement for Mike right now. She is his heartthrob, she is his life, he loves her so much. I know to some she’s “just a dog” but to Mike, to us, she’s a huge part of our family so would you please, in your prayers today say a prayer for her and Mike.

We took a big chunk of our BWCA trip money and got her to the vet today and got her the 2nd series of shots ( we are 25 days behind so are hoping that she was still covered ) and the vet said she looks good but this is just day 5 of the 10 day incubation period so it’s hard to tell. She, the vet, told us what to look for so we’ll be on the look out the next few days. We are not looking at the glass half empty, she will be fine but there’s still the worry. I also took Wilbur because he was exposed X2 this weekend when the puppies came to visit so just to make sure, even though it’s a puppy disease adult dogs can get it but rarely, we got him his shot too.

I think our family has had enough stress this summer. We don’t/can’t handle a whole bunch more.

I hope that your day is going grand and that life is treating you with respect, love and lots of blessings. Take care my friends and thank you for your prayers.

Honesty is the best policy…

2011-07-26T07:50:00.001-07:00

And we all know this and after doing some soul searching and thinking and more I have come to the conclusion that I am doing terrible at my life style changes this summer. I can blame it on all sorts of things but really that’s stupid. Because other then some stressful issues this summer it’s not much different then last years summer when I was losing weight. Maybe it’s really because I am satisfied with my weight and size. Maybe it’s really because my goals when I started have been met and I’m learning to maintain. I am not really positive the whys, I just know the knows.

So for the month of August I am going to keep on doing what I’m doing minus the extra pound up here. I’m still going to count calories, track my food and get what exercise I can in and in September I will get back to the gym and get back to doing the losing part of my life style changes.

The Slimmer this Summer Challenge wasn’t a weight loss challenge for me, it was a move my butt challenge and I plan on keeping that up. Not necessarily the exercises I picked but as long as my butts moving and in 10 days I’ll be in the BWCA really moving so that should help too. Our trip will be a minimum of 75 miles paddled, 6 miles of portages and numerous miles of hiking, climbing, swimming and so much more.

I know Allan’s phase 6 is still going though I haven’t a clue how anyone is doing because with the new blog Allan doesn’t have that part on it. I’m not leaving the challenge there either though I’m not going to shoot for a huge loss. If I can lose the pound I gained, I’d like to get back into the 160’s and stay there. When September starts back up and I can get back to a regular routine I am sure I can lose a few more pounds and also work more on tightening the muscles and flab I have.

So honesty is the best policy and also pretty boring to read. I’m studying for my bus endorsement ,

I’m taking care of 6 kids a day, my garden is amazing so been working in there , with all the rain this summer our grass needs mowing at least once a week and each time is 5 hours of mowing,Mike and I go swimming each evening (A/C costs $$ so it gets pretty hot in here by time evening rolls around so what better way to cool down, get some exercise in then to go swimming),my parents need this and that, my grandma needs this and that, of course there’s scouts on Monday and camp last week , and then there’s fishing too . We’ve had friends over ,

we gone and done some visiting. Paintballing too.So not much time for butt sitting or TV watching but not much time for the gym either. No complains because like I said, I did make it, I did make it to the goals I wanted in the first place. It’s just time to set a next set of goals and that will happen in September.

So take care and have a great week. Keep moving the butt, watching those calories and taking care of yourself. Good luck my friends.

Slimmer this Summer Challenge…

2011-07-24T20:45:00.001-07:00

FLUNK, BIG TIME!!! No counting calories, no extra exercise other then lots of swimming and two walks. I have been just to worried, to busy, to everything to do anything right. Stupid I know and this is a new week but last week was just not the week to do anything I should of. Week 7 was a wash for me but week 8 is here and I have to do what’s right. Not because of the challenge though I have to admit it’s been such a great reason but mostly because I want to be the most healthiest me possible.

Sorry I flunked this week but thank God I have a new week to get back on track.

I hope you all are getting to the most healthiest you possible. I have been reading lots of your blogs and so many of you are doing so awesome. I am so proud of you all and so proud to be part of this challenge.

Take care and have a blessed week.

Also, weight it up to 170.4...it sucks and it's not good. Have to fix it, NOW!!!

Change is good…I’m hoping…

2011-07-22T16:17:00.001-07:00

You all know daycare hasn’t been the most profitable this past year. Thinks have changed, people have moved on and my numbers have shrunk so in order for me to keep doing daycare for the family I have left, because you also know that this is my life, I love kids so much and don’t want to do something different, I have found a solution, I am hoping.

Meet Julie (that’s me), one of Aitkin County’s new activity bus driver.

Now it’s just part time because I’m still doing daycare but when I talked to the bus garage they were thrilled. You see, the manager of the bus garage has known me since my early teens. He’s known me through driving truck, working at the nursing home and now daycare. I see him at least yearly when they make their first few runs of the year and I talk to him yearly because each year my numbers and kids change for the bus pickup/drop offs. All drivers in our district start off as activity drivers. It’s a chance to get a feel of the job without the rush of a timed schedule. Now to do this I already posses a commercial’s driver license so I don’t have to do that, I need though to get the endorsements for bus driving and safety and then do some practice driving with their instructor. I think there’s a drivers test too with the bus but wasn’t clear about that. I don’t think I’ll have any problems with any of the driving, now the written test…I’m not good at test, they make me sick really but I will start studying this weekend and hopefully feel able to take the written test next Friday. Oh I have to get a DOT physical too and pay for a background check, about $100.00 above and beyond what I don’t already have but we’ll figure that out in due time.

Because I’ve been scared out of my mind I wasn’t going to share this quite yet but you guys have always supported me, prayed for me and my family I’m once again asking for your support and prayers and courage to step out of my comfortable box and add something really new.

It’s the weekend, a quiet relaxing one I think. Well there’s garage saling tomorrow and then in the afternoon our friends are coming over to spend some much needed friend time. Mike is going to be hosting a shoot and I am going to go for a leisure walk with Terri and some chat time. Shopping on Sunday and maybe fishing if Jim has the time. And the most important, study time.

I’ll be back on Monday with a Slimmer this Summer challenge update and I’m hoping for a decrease in weight, I won’t promise it though cuz to lose weight you have to concentrate, move your butt and eat well and this week with what’s been happening, I haven’t done a lot of any of it but we’ll see.

Take care my friends and have a blessed and awesome weekend.

Deerflies and a dead itouch…

2011-07-19T20:48:00.001-07:00

I wanted to run so bad tonight. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to just go out and run without it either being so hot I can’t breath or so late it’s dark. So tonight at 7:30 I was done for the day, it was 75* and a bit breezy and I was ready. I grabbed my itouch, turned it on and……..crap, nothing. It was dead, so dead it took a few minutes after I plugged it in for it to be able to turn itself on. So I borrowed Mike but his is full of angry music. I know Mike, it’s not angry but it’s that kind where they yell a lot and it’s not my favorite. Anyways I finally got out and got warmed up, ready to go and they found me, those deerflies. I am sure there were enough of them buzzing around my head, biting me and being nasty pest they could of taken me for a ride. I ran as fast as I could, they can fly faster. The hotter I got the more of them showed up. By time I got home (3.5 miles in 42 minutes) I was so pissed and scratchy and crabby and beyond hot and tired. I don’t think this is the way a run is suppose to be, yes I moved my butt and moved it fast but my mind was going to explode. I HATE DEERFLIES!!!

I hope you all had a great day. Take care and God Bless!!

Slimmer this summer challenge…

2011-07-18T06:12:00.001-07:00

Well first and foremost my weight it up two pounds but I know why and I know at the end of the week it’ll be gone and hopefully the 2 pounds will follow. No worries there, it’s not permanent.

Exercise is good. Not always what I planned on for the challenge but my butt is moving. Wilbur and I’ve been walking/jogging up to 6 miles at a shot but I’m not using the C25K program. It makes me feel limited and I want to jog/run as long as I can when I can and right now not interested in someone telling me, run now…walk now…but I’m out there doing it so exercise is good.

Food has not been spot on this weekend. With the heat index in the 100’s I did not do any baking, cooking, grilling or anything. I even went out for supper and ate things that are not on any diet menu but regrets I don’t have, fun I did have and now it’s a new week to eat close to spot on and learn along the way.

I have never been on a diet, this is a life style change and change I really have. I know what’s going to bloat me, I know what’s going to clean me out, I know what’s going to make me feel good and what’s going to make me remember why I’m doing this in the first place. Everyone is on some kind of diet/life style change and we all do it differently but the end goal for all of us is to get healthy, feel good and love ourselves. It’s happening for me and I hope for you too.

Take care and have a blessed week.

A meeting of the blogging minds….

2011-07-17T17:47:00.001-07:00

I have to be honest because well you know that it’s me, I don’t ever pretend to be someone or something I’m not and I have to tell you I was terrible nervous to meet Michele. You never know what someone will think of you. You never know if it’ll be a difficult meeting. You never know if they’ll come to your humble home and want to escape but…. the minute Michele was at my door I knew there was nothing at all that I had to worry about. She is the sweetest, nicest, most pleasant person to be with and she was very easy to talk to. I am more of a writer, I’m not that much of a talker but I think it took me about 5 hours before I stopped talking. We didn’t run out of things to say, things to look at, things to do. It was a great visit. Michele brought with her the most amazing lunch for me to try. We had a lettuce salad but not lettuce that I normal have, beets, carrots, grapes, and some very good raspberry dressing, and then some pita bread and turkey too. It was a great lunch and so much fun eating things differently then I do here. For one of our activities I took Michele canoeing. She wanted to learn how to paddle, sit comfortable, and tip and not be afraid. Plus I taught her a couple other things like paddling when the canoe is full of water and also how to get into one. Now that was the hardest part of the day but she did it and she did it well. Mike came out with us too, just to make sure we were okay and also to help empty the canoe so we could do it all over again. Take a peek…

Oh I have to tell you, when Michele first got here she wanted a tour of my place so that was what we did and then I took her for a walk. Michele is from the cities and though she gets out plenty and has lots of pastures and meadows they are not quite the same as I have to offer up here. She had such a great time teaching me what the name of this and that butterfly was, this and that tree and those flowers or them flowers. It was so cool to learn some of these things that I just called by their generic names. She also taught me the name of the flower that Mike is most allergic too. Blue Vervain. It looks like this…

It’s a beautiful flower but not something Mike can go near without having big problems.

When we finished our walk, lunch and canoeing l took Michele for a ride to see more of our countryside. I took her to Cuyuna Country State Recreational area lookout and this is what she saw…

Then here on one of the many mountain biking trails.…

Then it was out to dinner at Coaches Corners. Brenda. my best friend, meet us there and we enjoyed more chatting.

It was a great visit, something I hope to repeat many more times in the years to come.

Thank you Michele for such a great visit.

I hope you all had a great weekend. I was so glad our heat wave waited until today to show up but my Lord is it horrible out there. The temps were 89* today with a heat index of 98*. And it rained again to bring that humidity up even more. It’ll be this way for another few days they are saying. My scouts are at camp this week, I’m feeling sorry for them. I am going up on Wednesday with treats, ice and a visit. Mike is going up tomorrow for Climb On Safely. It’s a BSA training course for teaching safe climbing. Mike loves to climb and lots of the scouts are wanting to also so Kevin our Scout Master and Mike are taking the class. I hope that they will be okay out in the heat.

Take care my friends and have an awesome week. Blessings to you all.

And the winner is…..and…..

2011-07-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

Drum roll please……….the named picked out of the hat is………..

Pam:

EmptyNester has left a new comment on your post "Gotein…review…":
Ok, I'm IN! And I want to win! LOL
Seriously.

And the runners up for the coupons are:

Ronnie

Deb

Myra

So please send me your addresses and I will send out your goodies.

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Now for life here. Eat-close, exercise-boring, stress-off the charts but life is good. Tomorrow Michele is driving up here to visit, play and eat with me.

**********************************************

I will be back on Monday. Take care and have a blessed weekend.

Gotein…review…

2011-07-12T10:45:00.001-07:00

Laura from Gotein contacted me: I am writing to tell you about a remarkable new Product called Gotein. Gotein is a protein powder designed for active WLS patients on the Go. Gotein is a protein powder that comes in a convenient stick pack that simply adds to your water bottle. Gotein contains 16-17g of Protein, 24 of your daily recommend vitamins and minerals, 1g Sugar, 6-7g carbs and 100-110 calories. We would love to provide you with samples and a give away prize for a review.

Gotein™ Vanilla packet contains 17 grams of our special protein matrix, 5 grams of carbs, 24 essential vitamins and minerals, and is only 100 calories. Vanilla Gotein™ is nourishing and delicious for those want to treat their bodies.

Gotein™ Chocolate packet contains 16 grams of our special protein matrix, 6 grams of carbs, 24 essential vitamins and minerals, and is only 110 calories. Chocolate Gotein™ is nourishing with a delicious chocolate flavor.

Gotein™ Strawberry packet contains 17 grams of our special protein matrix, 6 grams of carbs, 24 essential vitamins and minerals, and is only 110 calories. Strawberry Gotein™ is also nourishing with a delicious fruit flavor.

So I gave it a try. It comes in Strawberry (which I couldn’t try because I’m allergic to strawberries but Mike loved it), Chocolate, which was fantastic and Vanilla which was so-so. I got to try two of each and I have to admit putting them in water made them taste okay, passable and good for you but I tried them in skim milk and they tasted amazing, yes it added calories but I figured it into my daily calorie and food allowance so I was good.

So if you are in need of a quick protein snack before or water your work outs. Or even cuz you hungry and it’s a bit of time before supper I’d say give these a try.

Now they provided me with a sample pack for a give away so just leave me a comment and by Friday I’ll pick a winner. I also have 3 20% discount coupons that I will send to the runners up. So that means 4 of you will get a chance to give it a try. I think you’ll be very happy with it.

If you’d like to read more go to www.gotein.com and enjoy their terrific website.

Take care my friends, I hope that you are having a blessed day.

STS Challenge…Phase 6 update…

2011-07-11T20:27:00.001-07:00

Well you all know that I bowed out of Brad’s 5K in 100 days and he was very kind about it. He even has invited me to join the next group, if and when he starts one up. So today I went back to my C25K training.

My calories are better this past week. Not perfect but I took Mir’s suggestion and as I’m fixing the kids their meals I’m working hard on at least getting part of mine done. It’s not simple but with lots of thought it’s happening.

I am doing very well with my floor exercises. In fact the kids help me count and one of my little ones can now watch the second hand and know when a minute passes. I do however really, really miss working out at the gym. That sounds so weird from a woman who hated just walking to the mail box, wouldn’t lift a weight if she had too, who wouldn’t run, jog, bike or anything. I really miss it.

I have some NSV I have thought of this past week. I still am enjoying sitting and holding my leg and still breathing. I love putting lotion on my legs and being able to reach all of them. Trimming my toenails. Folding my shorts and remembering I use to fold my old ones in half and thought there were so huge and now opened wide it’s … well feels so nice. Ribs, collar bone, butt bones…things I’ve haven’t seen or felt in so many years and this year I can feel them and see them. Out walking my 6’4” son and husband with my itty bitty short legs, not always mind you but lots more then it use to be. Being able to bend over, lay bricks and breath. Swimming in a swimsuit and not feeling like a beached whale. Yep, loving the NSV.

I sent my weight into Allan for phase 6, a bit late today, noon my time but late his. 169.9. Not great but not back into the 170’s and hopefully never to be there again. My weight fluxes from 167-169, back and forth all week. Of course on the day to report it’s up even a bit more. But a big deal for me is 60 lbs lost now. I’ll take it, as slow as it’s coming off I’ll still take it.

So there you have it, my update. Not perfect, so very slow but excellent for me and really that is what counts. Lose it, keep it off, get healthy and enjoy life. I can do this, I can keep doing this, I WILL!!!!

Take care my friends. God Bless you all!!

No more 5K in 100 days…

2011-07-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

I wrote Brad last night and told him I just can not keep up with the pace I’ve been doing. With working 14 hours a day, working with the scouts getting ready with the BWCA, with my garden, yard and so much more I am not getting in my 3 days a week of 50-60 minutes of walking. I am disappointed that I quit after he let me in after he closed this training session but I just can not do it. I am going to go back to the C25K when I can get my walks in and even though I wanted to run the full 5K in October I will just do my best, like I always do with my races and then come this winter I will train for a full run race, maybe even a 10K. I just can’t fit it all in and the stress of feeling like I’ve failed Brad just isn’t worth it.

Just more of my honesty. I can’t do it all, no matter how important it is I just can’t fit it in right now.

I hope you’re having a blessed Sunday. Take care my friends.

Itchy…

2011-07-09T19:07:00.001-07:00

That’s what the sunburn is doing now but I can handle that, I can sleep again.

Today I taught my venture crew some canoe safety. Which means I put them in a canoe and tipped it, over and over again. Teaching them how to get into a canoe filled with water and paddling it around. Teaching them how to get as much water out of it and getting back into it without filling it up again. How to steer, how to paddle and how to just have fun and not panic when someone wiggles. They did excellent. I was tired cuz it’s a show and tell type teaching. After we worked on that for a couple of hours we then worked on our gear and needs. I think everyone is getting how important all of this prep is before heading to the BWCA for 9 days of no contact with civilization and just us to rely on.

I have been starved the past couple of days but have been keeping things in check, pretty close. We are out of fruits and veggies so it’s been hard finding healthy but it’s shopping day tomorrow so that will be great.

Exercise hasn’t been up to par. I just am not finding the time, or maybe it’s taking the time cuz I am sitting down now and I could of done something other then my walk before this. I did work hard with the kids today so am counting that.

Look at what I found today…Soon we’ll be having our own fresh veggies. The beans looked excellent and starting to bud and the corn is over knee high now, the peppers have flowers and the kohlrabi needs thinning and is health too.

I hope you all are having a terrific weekend. Take care and God Bless!!!

Burnt to a cinder…and honesty…

2011-07-07T20:03:00.001-07:00

Took the kids mini golfing, swimming, a picnic and then tonight canoeing with Mike. A full day in the sun on top of canoeing last evening in the sun too. Exercise is great, the sun is great, the kids were slathered in sun screen, I didn’t think of myself. DUMB!!! I have my own heater wrapped around my head right now. I think if you put a thermometer on my skin it would say….BURNT!!! Oh well, some cream and cold cloth and tomorrow it’ll be better.

Eating has not been spot on. Not terrible mind you but not great. When you spend as much time outside as possible there is no extra time for cooking. I still have daycare 10-12 hours a day so of course am cooking 3 meals a day for them and snacks but to plan ahead from me, well it isn’t happening. I know lots of people are busy beyond belief and are able to plan ahead, stick with a plan, be good, strong willed and able….me, well I’m still learning and working on it.

I have decided that fall, winter and spring are so much easier then summer and I really thought it would be the opposite. I thought busy would make it easier but that’s not true.

I read a post just a little bit ago from Laryssa about why we blog, why we tell the truth about our ups and downs and she is so right.

Honesty is the best policy. Well honestly I’m trying but not as hard as I could be. Honestly I need to exercise like I did when I was at the gym. Honestly I can do this, to keep this weight off, to lose the last few pounds, to tone up all that still left hanging around. Honestly it’s just time to really try harder. Will I, honestly?….only time will tell.

I have been terrible at reading, commenting and even just visiting you all and you still take the time to come here. THANK YOU!!! I promise I’ll find some time to visit and check in and support you, I will!!

Take care my friends and have a blessed nights rest.

Wow, what a weekend…

2011-07-05T16:36:00.001-07:00

You want to talk about busy. You want to talk about fun. How about you want to talk about a great family and many wonderful friends. That is what my weekend was.

We celebrated our 15th family reunion with a party for my mama and daddy’s 50th wedding anniversary. It turned out so great. It was mostly a surprise, I did share with mama a bit ahead and I told daddy the day of. But it was fantastic and the love, cards, sweet comments in the guest book, WOW!!! Here are the pictures to go with out great day.

I was told the cake was awesome. I did not have any. In fact I didn’t have any of the sweets except a couple tiny mints the whole day. No chips or dip. No breads either. I ate fruit, a few chicken wings, lots and lots of water and the veggie tray. I was a good girl.

Here’s the pre-party spread. Nothing on the back tables yet, it’s coming.

Mama always has a program with poems and music and some funnies and then of course I got to say something about the surprise.

Daddy waiting for the cue for the music.

These kids start out so little when the games begun. We use to not have any that were competitive because there would be hurt feelings if someone won so we always made them team games and not a win/lose kind. It was fun this year, we played games that were modified from the game show Minute to Win It. It was so much fun.

And the best, mama and daddy cutting their cake. 50 years guys, that’s a very long time to put up with your partners mistakes and quirks but the most important part, all of their love.

Here is the picture of their wedding picture and now. The cutest couple I know.

Well it’s a new week and I am sure I will have plenty more to share as the week goes by. Take care my friends and have a great one. God Bless you all!!

I am pretty sure….So here’s Monday’s update…

2011-07-02T06:53:00.001-07:00

We have big family reunion on Monday along with all that Independence day offers so I am pretty sure I will not have time to do any type of post. I will after all is said and done but the challenge rules are on or before Monday.

So here’s this week’s update:

Well really there isn’t much to update really. I have been doing my exercises and have see a great improvement in my arms and back. My stomach, I just don’t know, I think that thing is here to hang around for days to come but…yes but…I am working on it.

I have been mental watching myself lately and my posture is not the greatest while I’m sitting down. Do any of you have that problem? You just hunch your shoulders, or roll them forward, when you sit down to use the computer or eat? I do find when I’m sitting back I sit tall but I am not one to sit in a chair all the way back, I’m more of the kind of person that lights on a chair for a little bit and jumps back up to do something else. I need to work on that and that just might help the stomach muscles too.

My eat hasn’t been spot on. My calories are good (1200 or so) but with Allan not really around I’m finding it hard to continue with his phase 6. I am finding I am more eating the good for me, regular stuff in great portions but not by the rules of Phase 6. I am guessing that is also why I haven’t lost anything again this week. Well the scale read 169.9 but that’s just 4 oz of fat gone. Still gone but not enough to really count yet.

My week was not a bust though, good exercise, great walking with my 5K in 100 days and eating in the right calorie amounts.

Stressed to the gills this week also. I am hoping that next week we can find a space where we are all comfortable. Today is Mike’s last day, I am hoping they wish him well. I still have my full time family gone, another almost full time family gone and one that was a full time cut back to part time so it’s leaving me with just one family most days and well if you took $800.00 out of your monthly income…I’m pretty sure you’d be stressed too. BUT…of course I’m good with the buts…I will survive, I will continue until I see another door opening or another opportunity in a different way to service kids. Kids are my passion and I just don’t want to lose them. Michele told me to look into some schooling so my future would be more open. I am thinking about this, it’s just I still have to have an income and not quite sure how to fit all that together but more thinking and planning.

Speaking of Michele, remember when I told you we were getting together down in her neck of the woods and going to go sight seeing and all kinds of cool things? Well with my money situation for me to go to her or to even invite her here and treat her to a day out was just not possible so a couple days ago I wrote her and explained and said maybe we should wait another month or two and things will improve. Well my dear Michele said “But, here is the deal: I can wait and will honor your decision, but I am fully able to come up and would enjoy the drive. I also am very easy, and can pack a picnic so we can just go somewhere and just talk. I do not need to go out or be treated. This can be my treat”. Now you tell me how sweet this woman is? I said, yes let’s do that, so on the 16th of this month my new dear friend is coming to meet me, be treated to my area’s walking trails and mines and maybe even a little bit of Antiquing. I really didn’t think I was that worthy of someone wanting to do this. I mean meeting someone in your neck of the woods is different but to drive 150 miles with a picnic and planning to spend the day with me. That is AWESOME!!!!

But I have to stop writing now, my eyes are leaking and it’s hard to type. So there you have my update for week 5 of Debbi’s and Mir’s Slimmer this Summer Challenge.

Take care my friends and have an awesome and spectacular and restful, relaxing, rejuvenating and just plain fun Independence day (or for any one else outside the USA, weekend!!). God Bless you all.

Loving it…

2011-06-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

Finally, finally it’s in the 70’s, headed for the 80’s and it’s wonderful outside. I live in Minnesota because all my family is here and it’s beautiful. I don’t live here cuz it’s nice and warm and sunny because a lot of the time it’s not. But today, it’s amazing and I have been off and outside 80% of the day so far. I helped my parents with some things this morning to get ready for our family reunion. I’ve done some gardening today. And shortly I’m going to head back over to mama’s for some other stuff that needs to be done and tonight I’m going to convince Mike he needs to go play some tennis or take me hiking. I have done my exercise too today. I did 5 planks at 1:30-2:45. I did 45 crunches, twice. I did some other fish flopping exercises and I went for a very early 3.5 miles jog/walk (day 2, week 3 of my 5K in 100 days). And for Michele, I went for a bike ride but only made it about 3 miles before I had to head back home, my darn knees just won’t let me enjoy your favorite exercise. Being my unexpected day off I have even stayed out of the cupboards and not eaten anything I’m not suppose to. I am starving mind you but I’m being good. It’s not easy cuz no one is here to share with and I could eat the whole thing.

This month has really been a challenge for me. Losing the first 50 lbs was a breeze compared to these last few. I think because I just want to be done and begin something new. I am happy with my size and weight and though I have some lumps to tone up I even love my body. It has been an amazing journey and one I don’t want to take again so I need to stay in the game, keep up with what I know I should and keep learning.

Tomorrow I have another easy day, just three and they are older and we are going to be doing some pretty cool things. The Train Museum, disk golf and then bowling and dinner. I’m almost as excited as the girls our for our day out and about. It’ll be fun.

So I’m off to finish some painting and then walking back to mama’s. Take care my friends and keep up the great work. I did some catching up today on quite a few blogs, most I did comment on, others I did cuz blogger wouldn’t let me. But I did read and I did say a prayer for each and everyone of you. Blessing to you all!!

Slimmer this Summer Challenge and ….

2011-06-27T06:09:00.001-07:00

So last week I am going to call a bust. I didn’t lose a pound and I didn’t do any extra exercises except my 5K in 100 days. Well I shoveled, and laid pavers, and tilled the garden, mowed, walked 15 extra miles, played tennis, went geo-caching and then the usual stuff but no planks, no crunches no anything extra.

Here’s a peek into my weekend that I sent to my friend;

We had a really good weekend. Saturday I spent the morning with my daddy garage saling. Then after Jim got off from work he came home and took me out for pizza. Then we went and visited our best friends. Jim wanted to stay longer so I walked home the 4 miles (I walked this in 35 minutes). I needed to get in a walk and it was the perfect timing and weather for it. Then Mike and I went and played tennis. We ended our day geo-caching with the Venture Crew. We had a blast and even won a small bet. We bet that whoever found the most caches got a Dairy Queen treat from the other group. Our group found 9 out of 11 caches and the other group found 8. It took us 3 hours to find these with lots of hiking, climbing and more. According to the GPS we put on 15 miles of hill climbing and hiking.

Today Jim and I went grocery shopping and then came home to mow. It takes us about 3 hours to mow. I needed to water my plants too. We laid a patio for the pool. Which means digging out the ground, leveling, adding sand, laying the pavers, adding sand and all that meant lots of carrying of sand and bricks (10, 40 lb bags and 125 pavers at 35 lbs each). Then we filled up the kids little pool and put up a 10x10' canopy to cover them from the sun so they won't burn. When we finished all of that Jim took me fishing in our boat. I caught 3 sunfish and 2 crappies, enough for a nice dinner. To finish my evening I colored my hair so I won't look like an old granny at my mama's family reunion next weekend .

So my plans for this week is to try and get some fish flopping exercises done along with the normal stuff around here. We are always such a busy summer family (well for us yearly but summer just much more so).

I don’t have a clue as to what is happening with the Phase 6 challenge so I’m just going to keep working on losing my last few pounds and see where life goes from there.

So it’s onwards and downwards this week. Not a bad last week, no weight loss but I also didn’t eat on plan. The pizza, a small DQ treat and also 6-9 kids each day with foods that are not on my plan and I didn’t do well planning my week in foods so ate too much of this and that. I did maintain and really with just a few pounds to lose I will take that because it does show that I should be able to learn to maintain in just a few more weeks.

I hope you all had a great and successful week and if you didn’t, this is a new week and a chance to do exactly what you know you should to obtain the healthy and wonderful body that you’re so craving.

Take care and God Bless!!!

Allan….

2011-06-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

Allan is leaving the blogging world. He has helped many, many of us lose some massive amounts of weight and now he feels it’s time to move on. I want you to all know just how much Allan has meant to me.

I found Allan last October. Just when I was starting to struggle and lose faith and just not make any more headway in my life style changes. I was bored, stalled and so stuck that I was ready to throw in the towel. Allan was out there, losing an amazing amount of weight and had the first of his 6 challenges. He excepted me as one of the challengers and off we went. From then to now I have lost about 35 lbs and I know that if I hadn’t met him I am pretty sure I would of given up. Now I know that Allan has a way of saying things, doing things, and a different way of being but it is Allan and you know, even though I didn’t always agree, well I wouldn’t change a thing about that man. I am sure I am his slowest loser but a pretty steady one. I have followed all 6 of his challenges to date, not always word by word or exercise by exercise but they were always in the back of my mind and I would think, Allan isn’t going to like this or boy would Allan be proud of this.

Do you know that at Thanksgiving, he called me? He called me on the phone and taught me how to bake an amazing turkey in the most healthiest way possible. He has given me cooking and baking advice. I have learned a ton from this man.

Now for him it’s time to move on, time to do whatever is next for him. I wish him the very best in what’s left of his weight loss journey. He’s been amazing. Good luck Allan.

Now just for you Allan. Unless you change your e-mail address and your cell phone number you’re still stuck with this slow losing but very appreciative member of all of your 6 challenges.

Stop by any and everyone that has met Allan, that has learned a thing or two, that has had a chuckle or two, that has just enjoyed his journey into the land of the healthy, wealthy and wise.

Take care my friends, take care Allan. God Bless you all!!

Community Walk….

2011-06-23T20:27:00.001-07:00

Tonight I walked in a community walk. We have a new loop to our walking trails and our trails are working on meeting other trails and one day Minnesota will have a walking/hiking/biking trail that leads just about everywhere you’d like to go.

I had a great time, one of my daycare families joined me so we walked together. Rachel, Abby and their mama, Becky.

For the first time in at least 6 days it wasn’t raining and chilly. It finally warmed up and the sun came out.

Ready, set, GO!!!

There were about 150 participants and a few of them had their pups walking with them too. Wilbur is wonderful on the leash, Scout….well she’ll learn.

All done. The walk was about 2.5 miles. It took us about 40 minutes but I’m not exactly sure because I forgot to use my itouch and tracker.

I always have my own personal cheering section. Mike came and cheered us on and took pictures for us. And the ones in the middle of the race I just used my cell phone.

All in all it was a great community event and I am so glad I went.

On the way home Mike and I were talking and we talked about even one year ago I wouldn’t of done this. I had just really gotten into my walking and enjoying it but still had lots of body to fight and there was no way I would been out there with others. It now feels wonderful to be able to do these things.

If your community has anything like this happening, give it a try…you’ll be glad you did!!!

Take care my friends and have a blessed night sleep.

The first day of summer…and…

2011-06-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

In mid-northern Minnesota that is. Not the warmest weather we’ve ever had but sure is saving on the electric bill with no air conditioning.

We finally got to go fishing. Really I got to go fishing, both my guys don’t fish but they took me. I caught one bass so not a great catch but two hours out on the water, it was amazing.

This week has been hard for my diet and exercise. I am tired, stressed and did I say tired? When I go to bed at night my sleep is full of nightmares….last night everyone was getting killed. Night before that, we were all lost. No sleep makes for long days and either to tired to eat and exercise or over stimulated so eating at the top of my calorie count and running myself ragged. I need to find a happy medium. I will!! Life isn’t easy but you know it’s not suppose to be, what’s life without some challenges?

I hope that you all are doing well with you life style changes. I have 5.2 lbs to goal. So close, I’m excited to get to the end of this and start my next phase in life. Onward and upwards (downwards really).

Take care and God Bless!!

A quick update…

2011-06-20T11:08:00.001-07:00

I know it’s Monday and I am suppose to update everyone but it’s going to be a quick update because I have 6 kids that are in every area of the house and since daycare starts very early and doesn’t end until quite late I’ll just squeeze in what I can. I have to tell you it’s been a good week in eating and exercise though the exercise isn’t what was on plan.

My goals were:

*Crunches, planks, bicycle crunches and leg lifts. Two times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes. *To run a 5k in 24 minutes October 1st by using Brad 5K in 100 days.

Well I did 6 days of shoveling, 2 days of trenching, 4 days of pulling wire, 6 days of running here and there and lots more. For crunches, planks and the rest…..none. For running my program, yep I did that 3 times just like instructed and then 1 extra day of pushing my running to my max and really did good.

My phase 6 with Allan is going good. I am now 170.2. That’s down 2.2 lbs last week. So still heading in the right direction plus with my TOM just maybe it won’t all come back. HOPEFULLY!!!

So for now that’s my update. This week I am going to work on my real goals except there is still lots of shoveling happening (now drain tile and tailings and pea rock to be moved) but I’ll just do my best.

I am sorry I haven’t been super supportive of everyone, there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everywhere but I am praying for you all and hope that you all are doing well and challenging yourselves to become the most healthiest you possible.

Take care and God Bless!!

Brads 5K in 100 days and a good run….

2011-06-18T06:40:00.001-07:00

I have been working on Brads 5K in 100 days but because I’m starting out as a beginner I didn’t feel as pushed as I could but that’s good too since his program starts you at the beginning teaching you proper everything. I’m not complaining at all since I know that in about 3 weeks it’ll be about where I am. But this morning I woke up with energy to boot. I think it’s cuz after mowing in the rain for 2 hours I came in and sat on my butt and watched TV, read blogs, commented and just relaxed the evening away so felt super this morning so I decided to go for a jog. And I did!!! 3.5 miles in 45 minutes. Not the fastest but I did have these guys with and to control a puppy on a leash is a bit more interesting then just Wilbur.

Near the end when I wanted to push it a bit I let Wilbur go and kept the puppy with me. Right now I’m drenched in sweat and heading to the shower (waiting for the dishwasher to go) and the pups are sleeping. I did feed them both and water/milk them so now their bodies are tired and their tummies are full. Mine too. :o)

Today is garage saling morning, my cleaning job and then at 12:30 Mike and I are doing our CPR and First Aid training (well really updating, we do it every two years). We are doing it with the Scouts for our up coming BWCA trip.

Anyways, I just wanted to stop by and say hello, hope you have a great Saturday. Mine will be busy but a good busy. Now if the sun could shine instead of day 3 of more rain, really they are saying we have another 3 days of raining coming so put on my wet gear and just enjoy it’s not a hundred out there.

Take care my friends and have a blessed day.

A must read…my devotional today…

2011-06-17T11:44:00.001-07:00

CAN YOU RELATE?
I drive into work listening to gospel music or a pre-recorded sermon on the
radio. I get out of the car and walk to the building entrance.
As I open the building door I leave just enough room for me to get in and I
leave Jesus standing outside as the door closes behind me. He's standing
with His palms on the door glass and watches me as I get on the elevator.
His eyes are sad and He turns and goes to sit on the stone bench. There
He'll sit patiently and wait for me for the next 9 hours.
First two hours of work - I fuss and complain about things not going right.
Jesus, sitting with his chin in His hand looks upward toward the building
wishing He could help me.
By lunch time - I'm flustered, regretting I work in this place and
sputtering bitterness all over folks.
Jesus comes around to the side of the building where my cubicle is located.
He looks up from the ground trying to get my attention but I can't hear him;
my focus is on my problems.
Jesus goes back to the front of the building, sits down and continues to
wait for me. He thinks to Himself as He looks up to the third floor, "She
went in there defenseless. If only she had taken me in there with her. When
will she learn?"
End of the day - I'm pooped, run down, no energy, irritable & frustrated. I
leave the building & Jesus gets up happily to greet me but I'm in no mood
for Him now. I've just been to hell and back and the last thing I want to do
is be bothered with anyone.
God just actually showed me this is how I'VE been acting. He showed me each
act and worst of all, He let Me feel a small portion of how grieved he was
because of my actions and attitude. I left Jesus standing outside, almost
let the door smack him in His face.
From time to time our jobs overwhelm us and we completely forget to "take
Jesus with us". We may not go around cursing anyone out or punching anyone
in the face (hopefully not) but what are our actions saying about us and
about who or whose we are?
We are the salt of the Earth and the light of the world. A city on a hill
cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the
house. Matt. 5:13-15.
We should be bringing peace to our jobs and not be the cause of confusion.
We should be the ones to bring our gifts & talents to the table to help in
WHATEVER area God has chosen for us to work in.
Col.3:23-24-"Whatever you do, work at it with ALL your heart, as working for
the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance
from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Think material……….especially with all that’s been happening this week. It is amazing how the Lord leads when we get lost.

Take care my friends and have a blessed afternoon.

Update…sorta…and…

2011-06-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

First, just to update you a tiny bit about yesterdays dilemma.

Mike did resign at work. He will be finished the 2nd of July. Money wise he is okay through July so can take care of rent, insurance and gas. So he will have time to find his next job. It was a stressful afternoon for him telling his grandfather his plans (who instead of taking it wisely was a smart a** about it but that was his choice). Jim took time to absorb and after much talking last night will sit back and just watch and advise when asked but will not be judging. He was happy to know that when the time comes, if the time comes, that him and Mike can be business partners.

As for my daycare, I still don’t know. I really don’t want to go anywhere’s but Jim and I did talk about different ideas and will keep talking and praying about it and see what life brings.

**********************************************

On the challenge front it’s going great. When your stressed what choices do you have? You can eat and not do anything or take that stress and work it off and that is what I chose to do. My calories are lower then they have been for a bit but that’s part of Phase 6 but that’s fine because I took a peek at the scale and it’s liking me right now….except this is week three and that means my TOM is coming so we’ll see by Monday. The exercise, well it hasn’t been the kind on my challenge but it has been hard work. Monday Mike and I went geo-caching and hiking and day 1 of my 100 days to 5K with Brad. Tuesday and Wednesday was tons of shoveling and tilling and weeding the garden. Last night was just about the last of the shoveling and I did go for a walk but not a power walk, a relaxing clear my mind walk. Tonight I need to do my Brad 100 days to 5K walk. It has been going pretty good. Easy really because the walking and fast walking are only a few minutes at a time and I was already doing my running but I thought about skipping a part and going to week three to be with everyone else but I truly want to know how to run and breath and more so am starting at the start and in 100 days will be able to run the full 5K without running out of breath and without dying.

So there it is. The Life of Riley. Not easy but life isn’t suppose to be. It’s suppose to be full of challenges so that we learn to lean on others, to lean on the Lord instead of thinking we can do it all alone. We can’t, we don’t have to, we don’t need too. I want to thank you all for your advice yesterday. Each one of you had a point and was talked about and thought about and will be thought about for some time to come. THANK YOU!!!

Take care and have a blessed and awesome afternoon.

So it’s time for help…any kind…

2011-06-15T07:53:00.001-07:00

Words, prayers, thoughts, ideas….anything cuz you see right now our life is in a turmoil in a couple different directions and even though I know the Lord has plans I am sure he’s not wanting me to just sit on my butt and do nothing about it so I’m going to type it out here and just see what happens.

There are two things happening in our lives right now that need advisement on. First Mike hates working for his grandfather and dad. Working in a family business is hard for all. It’s not just the younger one being younger and not having everything it takes to be the best employee. It’s not just the older one expecting that because the son can do it the grandson can too. And it’s not the middle man, the father/son trying to keep peace and teach his son the steps needed to learn a business and trying to keep a father that’s getting older, forgetful and angry that everyone has to start some where’s. It’s hard from them all and since the youngest is my son and seeing him in such turmoil it’s just hard not trying to make it all better. I however do not get involved with the family business. I am not part of that, haven’t been asked to be and don’t care to be right now. 3 generations and all male…no thank you. I don’t understand why the grandfather can’t be happy one of his grandchildren want to be near him, work for him. I can’t understand the father not sticking up for his son when he sees the verbal abuse the grandson gets. I can’t understand the grandson just not keeping his mouth shut and trying to learn. I can only look at this as an outsider really. I’m the wife, mama, daughter-in-law but I can’t fix this and I can’t make them all happy. It’s hard to see the discontentment. Mike has decided to quit and find something else but you and I know there isn’t much out there to be had plus it’s going to hurt his dad’s feelings because I know in the long run Jim wanted Mike to be his partner in the business when Cecil is gone. IT’S HARD for everyone but it hurts the mama to see all this anguish every day.

And………

I think I have come at a cross roads in my business too. I LOVE DAYCARE!!!! I LOVE IT!!! But I can’t handle the drama of not knowing if I can make it anymore. I can’t imagine being without my kids but the families I have are having issues and are not coming or supporting me like they should if they want me to stay here. Now I understand your own family comes first. I know that and when someone’s not working you keep your kid/kids home. I know that everyone needs time off to do those things that make you happy. I UNDERSTAND these things. But when you know that the person that takes care of your kids makes a living by taking care of your kids then where’s the respect? How am I to make a living (cuz I live one paycheck to the next, the same as them)? It’s hard, I don’t want to quit this, I’ve been taking care of the same kids since they were born. They are part of me too. But what am I to do? Is it time to look for something else and say good bye? Or do I hold my breath and hope that things work out. I’ve been doing that for a very long time. Do I want to call the school and bus garage and apply? Are they hiring with all the other unemployed people? Do I fill out the applications but know in my heart that if I could just get a family that would be here all the time without the drama, the worries of quitting that I’d not take the job? I WANT TO KEEP MY KIDS, I WANT TO KEEP MY DAYCARE!!! I just can’t do it moneywise.

So there, it’s out there and I need advice. It’s not as easy as just quitting and moving on. It’s not as easy as staying put and hoping things work out. I just don’t know.

I didn’t plan on this post, but when I’ve needed help you’ve had some great ideas, wonderful prayer support and moral support. I’m just a bit lost today.

If you read this twice cuz I’m posting it on both my blogs I’m sorry. I just needed to share. I’m feeling a bit down and alone and even though I have family and friend support I think I’m hoping that someone else is going through or been there, done that and might have an idea or two. If nothing else please pray that I can except the Lords will and figure out what that is and go with the flow.

Thanks for reading, thanks for all your support. Blessings to you all!!

How many calories does….

2011-06-12T19:33:00.001-07:00

Running a trencher use up and shoveling tons of dirt and rocks? That is what we did all weekend and boy do I hurt and am I beyond tired. We had to trench 150’ in hard packed clay, rock and big rock and 210’ in much softer but root impacted yard. And since the trencher we rented only digs the hole we had to push all that dirt back in and the requires lots of arm and back strength. In the end we’ll have a cheaper electric bill and also no line loss but to do that WOW.

The hard packed driveway.

More driveway.

The softer soil and what was my daisy flower bed.

My nemeses when we returned it today

I’m not quite sure what part of me hurts the most, the stomach muscles, my arms or my back. But I lost 2 lbs while working out in the heat and sunshine ( I had gained one pound mid week so lost that and one more).

So my official weight for this weeks weight in is 172.4.

My eating was weird this weekend. Nothing on plan only because who’s going to cook when your running a trencher. I just did salad from a bag, fruit from containers and yogurt. I didn’t once count calories so I couldn’t even begin to tell you the total but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t over.

I started a new exercise program. It’s called Learn to Run a 5K in 100 days. Brad Gansberg is the teacher and he’s done some amazing things and one of them is to hopefully teach me to be able to run a 5K in 100 days. It is 110 days until I want to fully run a 5K. Now Brad was a sweetie cuz he started this challenge and all the instructions 3 weeks ago and really didn’t want any new students but I explained what I wanted to do, what I’ve been doing and since I have just close to 100 days, well he excepted my. YEAH!!! I had planned on starting my first training day Friday but that didn’t work out with all the work we did since then but tomorrow I am off in the morning so first thing I will do day 1.

So this doesn’t change my goals for Debbi’s Slimmer this Summer challenge except I won’t be doing the C25K program, I’ll work with Brad. It also doesn’t effect my Phase 6 with Allan so all is good there.

So all in all, life is good. Busy but good. Walk/jogging tomorrow, rug cleaning and then since Mike is off we are going to go geo-caching and scouts in the evening. That will take care of Monday.

I am sorry I haven’t had time to stop by any blogs to support anyone this weekend. I will try and make it this week. From the ones I read last week you all were doing fantastic. Keep it up, I know that you can do what you planned on doing.

Take care and God Bless!!

Thursday….Friday yet?

2011-06-09T05:12:00.001-07:00

Compared to last week this has been one very long week. I don’t mean my hours cuz they are always long, I just mean…it’s only THURSDAY? WOW, I was hoping…well only sorta cuz I really don’t want the world to pass me by or hurry up…it was Friday.

I had a few questions about my attempts at Zumba so I’ll answer them and add some. First off, I wish it was a class because I think I’d learn a bit quicker but it’s from my Wii. Second, I’m not sure I liked it or not. The songs are really different then what I’m use to listening too but the beat is excellent so I’ll adjust, not to mention I only got in like 6 songs and I’m betting that thing is almost unlimited. Third, I wonder if I’ll get coordinated enough to even do a few of the steps in time with the lady on the screen. She goes from pink to orange to green when you doing well but my girl didn’t spend a lot of time in the green. And Kristy, I did it with my daycare girls so you my dear get it out of the box and give it a whirl.

Now for another thing I found on Kristy's blog. She is doing a Run 5K in 100 days. Last night I went and check it out and it’s pretty darn neat. Now I don’t know a lot about it yet because I think this started back in March so I e-mailed Brad to see if he was still willing to teach more people how to do this. It’s 113 days until I want to run a full 5K so this would be perfect. I’m still using the C25K but something new would be cool.

Last night I went for a 2 mile run and a mile walk. I didn’t do grand but it wasn’t terrible either. I left Wilbur at home for my run and then picked him and Scout up for the walk. Wilbur wasn’t thrilled the last time I went for a run and he was with, he really just prefers the walking/trotting.

Food was good yesterday but I am craving and still want a hamburger and fries but Debbi said when we both hit our goals we’d meet half way (she lives about 125 miles from me) and find a good burger joint and get us one. I’m not sure I can hold out that long but will try.

So my plans for today are the same as yesterday except I’m just going to do some floor exercises and skip carrying water, running or anything like that. My back is really bothering me again and since the chiropractor costs money I’ll just take it easy today.

Are you reaching for your goals? Are you trying your best to get to where you want to be? With Allan's phase 6 and Debbi's Slimmer this Summer challenge I am doing my best. Slowly but surly I will be at my goal with the body I’ve wanted for the past 20 years. Nothing perfect but healthy, happy and ready to face the next 50 years of my life.

Take care everyone and have a blessed day. It was 40* when I got up this morning, I am hoping it warms back up, only two days of summer isn’t enough for me.

Hungry, Hungry Hippo….

2011-06-07T19:07:00.001-07:00

Week one, day two….

Allan, don’t read this part. Close your eyes and move on to someone that followed the plan exactly today. I wasn’t terrible but ate more veggies than was allowed and had some frozen yogurt. Total calories for the day is still under 1100. 850 for Allan and 230 extra for me.

I did work out hard even with the heat at 90*. Did you know that this white girl can not dance. Not even close. I did my Zumba for the first time today. WOW is that amazing and way harder then I expected. For 20 minutes I gave it my all and boy was I sweaty when done. Then I did 3 different planks. Each one 10 seconds longer then the first and I made it up to 65 seconds. Not excellent but a start. 10 push ups, 25 crunches and a 1 mile walk was my exercise for today. Then tonight I carried 10 5 gallon buckets of water up the hill to the new trees we planted a couple of weeks ago. I’m not positive what I used up for calories, myfitnesspal doesn’t have carrying water up a hill but I know I did lots. Oh I also decided since the girls went swimming this morning I’d give it a try tonight. It is 90* so you’d think the water was a bit warm. NOT!!!! You figure last week it was in the 60’s and the week before that still freezing at night but still I was hoping. Shivering has to count towards calories burned too.

My water is always in since I don’t drink anything else. I’m not a pop, coffee, tea, juice and just little milk drinker so drinking water is easy.

So it was a good day. Not perfect but still good.

Tomorrow I’m back to a full house (today easy, only 3) so not sure what I’ll get done but will do my best to follow both my challenges.

Take care my friends and have a blessed evening. By the say, I am loving all the comments and e-mails from you all. I’m working my hardest to get to visit everyone. I don’t always comment because of time limits but I am working at it.

Night-night!!

Phase 6 and Slimmer this Summer….

2011-06-06T16:52:00.001-07:00

So my weight is 173.2. Down a bit, not a huge bit but down. No complaints from me at least it’s moving. However looking at the numbers for phase 6 people, WOW they are doing amazingly great. You guys keep it up, I’m betting everyone of you will be at your goal weight before you know it. I’m working at it, slow but sure but working at it.

Slimmer this summer, well today is day one and I didn’t do anything towards my set goals. I worked from 4am-7pm today and didn’t have the time to do any fish flopping exercises and with it being 90* right now I haven’t taken my walk/jog either. There’s still a couple more hours in my day before I die in a pile so hopefully I get to at least one of these goals.

My eating is per plan and my water intake was up to over 160 oz so far and still time for more. It does take the hunger out of the day when you’re drinking all the time. I have always used myfitnesspal for tracking and no matter what challenge I am on, from the beginning with just me to Allan’s I have used it.

I can not promise I will post every day, there just isn’t time in my day for it. I want to read as many posts as I can and will comment as time allows too. I am so impressed with everyone that I have visited lately. You are all doing something towards getting healthier and happier. It’s hard, no one said it was easy, but it’s possible. Some of you are so strong, others a bit weaker but you all can do it, you all can set your mind to a goal and do it. I know you can, I have faith in you. Heck if I can run a 5K in 34 minutes when less then a year ago I couldn’t make the mail box, you all can skip that hot dog, that Twinkie, that soda and get your body to a healthy place. Some take it slow and steady, some take it as fast as it can come off but as long as it’s leaving and never to return, that my friends is the most important part.

Now it’s onwards and downwards. School is out for the summer here so that means 7-9 kids a day here. It was 90* for most of today but we were outside 10 of the 14 hours of daycare. There was playing in the sprinkler, playing kickball, digging holes in the woods and riding bikes. They ate more then they ever had and loved every single minute of their day. ME TOO!!! Life is good, LIFE IS GRAND!!! Yes stress is still here, yes things are difficult but I have got to not let it get to me like it did last week. It just can’t, I just can’t let it. So this week is going to be a grand one. One filled with happiness, fun, fitness and love.

Take care my friends and have an awesome and relaxing evening. I am heading outside to use the plasma cutter (yes there’s fire retardant sheet between my cutting and the fuel tank, just so you don’t worry) and cut a hole in a truck bed so we can change the fuel pump. Much easier then dropping the fuel tank of a 1988 rusty Minnesota truck.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!

34:08 …..10:10 less then 2 weeks ago…PLUS!!!

2011-06-04T22:11:00.001-07:00

That is what happened at my 5K today. I am very proud of myself. I fretted, worried and scared myself all week long because I was sure I had set myself up for failure when in the end I proved to myself that I can do it and I can do it better then I thought. I pushed myself and did exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to be faster then 2 weeks ago and I wanted to jog 80% of the race. I jogged a full two miles and then had to slow down and walk some and then I finished with running. I felt awesome.

My best supporter, my Mike. He took the day off again, for me, and was there from beginning to end. Even came to the half way point to cheer me on and take my picture.

*********************************************

I have had a lot of debates, issues and more this week. It was a hard week with more stress then I could handle or even imagine. I had thoughts of just quitting this whole diet and exercise thing cuz it’s just so hard at times. I worked 70 hours this week and didn’t have much time to do anything that was good for me. Family needed me, daycare needed me, scouts needed me, everyone needed me and I didn’t get I needed me time. Like everyone I can handle a fair amount of junk but when my boat starts to sink it sinks fast and I was sinking. THANK GOD for today, the sunshine, the perfect weather and the ability to get out there and push myself and prove to myself I can do this for me because I needed it.

So there you have it. My race, a peek into this past week. Now I have two challenges to work on this summer, Allan’s phase 6 and I am still working on getting to 165 lbs. Slow and steady is working for me and I guess that is just how it’s going to keep going. I am sitting at 173 lbs. That’s down 1.4 from last week. I’ll take it, since it’s down and down is great.

I also have Debbi’s Slimmer this Summer challenge. I need to set some goals and I did in a previous post but after much thoughts I am going to cut back on those goals. They were a bit aggressive and with the way this summer is turning out to be there is no way I could keep up with them and life too. So I will work on two goals.

1. I need to work on my stomach muscles or lack there of. I am way to fluffy around the middle. So in the 12 weeks of this challenge I am going to work on that. How you ask? By fish flopping exercises. Crunches, planks, bicycle crunches and leg lifts. Two times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes.

2. I want to be able to run a full 5K by October 1st. And I want to do it in 24 minutes. So that will mean keep going on my jogging. I am going to start up the C25K. I did most of it before but I was just starting to jog then so now this time I am going to work on it faster and further. The program C25K is 3 days a week so that is what I’ll do.

So there are my goals for Slimmer this Summer. Not as aggressive as my first thoughts but still something I really need to do.

So between Allan’s and Debbi’s challenges by August I should be at my goal weight and have a figure that isn’t all that fluffy.

My city has a fitness walk planned for June 23rd in the evening. It’s a grand opening of our Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative/Touchstone Energy Loop. It’s a different loop then our Fit City 5K loop and will be exciting to see what else they have planned. So this is my next event.

So onwards and upwards to this week challenges. I am hoping for a bit more peace this week but just as many physical challenges since those keep me on my toes.

Take care my friends and have a blessed weekend.

So how did it work for you? and more….

2011-05-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

If you did my challenge with me can you leave a comment and tell me how you did, please? I’m just curious and felt honored you joined me. I also have something for you, if you’ll leave me your e-mail address.

I rode 22 days out of 31. Logged in 57 miles, I didn’t try for any certain distant just getting on the bike. I am still going to keep riding and just take the doctors advice and just go for joy rides, nothing hard.

This week I will refine my personal challenges for Debbi’s Slimmer this Summer Challenge and get it posted on Saturday.

This week I’m going to just concentrate on practicing for this Saturday. I haven’t beaten my 33 minute time but am happy with it so will just keep working at it.

I am going to take this week off from blogging and just try and get some other things done. I am so far behind on taking care of business here that I’ve got to do that. I’ll be back after my race on Saturday.

Take care my friends and have a blessed week. Keep up the great work that you’ve all been doing. Keep up working as hard as you can to become the healthiest, best you possible.

33:18….practice….and this week’s weight…

2011-05-29T20:46:00.001-07:00

I’m working on it. This was my latest time for my 5k walk/run. 5 more days, 3 more practices and then Saturday is my day.

As for my weight this week, staying on plan, exercising (but not as much as usual) and it being my TOM I gained a pound, 174.4. This will come off next week, I know it will and a bit more if at all possible.

I am so tired this weekend. We’ve been beyond busy and I was hoping to go fishing, we’ll just see what tomorrow will bring.

Hope you all have a blessed night sleep and a great day tomorrow. Take care my friends.

I wanted to share….

2011-05-27T13:09:00.001-07:00

This is the post I put on my everyday blog. I wanted to share what my life is other the diet and exercise. Though I work hard at that, I wanted you to see I have a life that is filled with so much more.

THIS WEEK….

Has been busy but here it always is in one way or another. The kids and I have been busy doing what we do best, playing and learning.

One of our biggest events was Justin graduating from Preschool. It was such an honor being invited to watch Justin graduate. He has come so far this year. I am very proud of him.

Another big thing in these little lives. Jon, Justin and Hannah have never had a wiener roast. So Mike taught them how to roast wieners and we had a picnic.

We got our boat ready this week and while it was sitting by the garage we had to play in it.

We transplanted, for the 3rd time, the tomatoes and peppers. This should be the last planting because after next week it’s time to plant the garden, that is if it warms up. This morning when I got up it was 30* and quite chilly out there.

Jim and I got the boat launched. It was such a beautiful day. Wilbur loves going for rides. We had a blast and it felt so good to just be out with Jim.

We feed the last of our bird seed to our birds and Junior (he’s our Yellowbellied Sap Sucker) came for one last visit.

Today Justin and I made chocolate chip cookies except I didn’t have any brown sugar so just substituted white and a bit more flavoring and I swear I bought chocolate chips but couldn’t find them anywhere’s so we took the last of the Valentine and Easter candy from the freezer and beat the living daylights out of it with a hammer.

So between this stuff, mowing, tilling the garden, scouts, getting some spring cleaning done and making a bracelet for an older customer….no wonder I’m tired and tomorrow I’m going to work out in the morning, take my daddy garage saling and I so want to do some kind of BBQ.

And I think last but not least, the rhubarb is ready so I went out and cut a stock pot full and make sauce. I made 12 quarts. I don’t have a picture to show you, you all know what canning looks like. But I have to say this was the tastiest batch I’ve ever made. I put the last of the apples from last fall, the last of the cranberries and the last of the freeze dried raspberries in it. Oh plus a box of sugar free orange jello.

I’m off Monday, time to relax and do some fishing. AND…. do a huge Memorial Service Flag ceremony at our VFW for our veterans. Our scouts and leaders were asked to do the flags and lead the pledge so that’s where Mike and I will be Monday at 10:00. Remember what Monday is folks, a day to say thank you and pray for all the families that are or have put their lives on the line for our freedom.

Take care my friends and have a blessed, awesome, relaxing, rejuvenating and wonderful weekend.

Try as I may….

2011-05-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

I can not leave a comment on anyone’s blog. I am sorry because I am reading and I have tried and tried and tried, for the past two days. I even thought it was my computer and did a clean up, restore (in case some how I changed some setting). I can’t find a place to e-mail anyone so I am just hopping blogger fixes itself and I can go and tell you I was there but until then please know I am reading and I have tried to e-mail a few of you telling you this. Most have gone to you, some come back.

Just wanted you to know. At least I can post and see what’s going on in your worlds.

Jim took me for a boat ride tonight. IT WAS AMAZING!!! It has been at least 5 years since we’ve taking the 14’ out on the lake. It felt wonderful. You know the biggest deal, I fit in the seat, between the seats, on the spotter seat and was able to get in and out without help.

Take care my friends. Have a blessed nights sleep.

Talked to the doctor and the doctor said….

2011-05-25T13:08:00.001-07:00

No more bike riding. That was the biggest change. Really I can bike ride but just pleasure, only me on the bike and only a mile or two at a time. My knee is terrible, not going to improve and it’s life. I told him I didn’t like the bike because of the pain but figured I’d get stronger and could learn to like it. Nope, that part isn’t going to happen he says. Okay so the next thing we talked about….

My cholesterol. It has come down 28 points since May 2009, nothing to worry about. Yes the LDL was a little high but less then last year, lots less then the year before. My good HDL is excellent which makes up the difference in the bad so nothing to worry about there. Okay so the next thing we talked about….

My thyroid. It’s funky and with the 55 lbs gone it’s changed but not for the good, yet. So he upped my dose and in 6 month go back for a lab test to see if that helps. So if it does it means no more thinning hair, a normal sleep pattern will come back, I won’t be so stressed feeling when really like if pretty good. Things will even out. Okay, I can handle that so the next things we talked about…

Since last August I have lost 30 lbs. He was amazed, in awe and so very impressed and happy. He asked what my goal was and I said 165-170 and he jumped with joy. He is very happy with those numbers and said by next May when I come back he’d like to see that. I did the show and tell with my last race and he was happy for me. He wanted to know what else I had planned told him about the 5K walk/jog next weekend, told him I guess the Cuyuna Bike Tour is out so won’t do that, there’s a couple more runs coming up and then normal every day working out and learning to live healthy. He told me NO!!! NO!!! running but jogging and walking is great. He agrees with my chiropractor on this. Okay, I was giddy he was happy with all I had done so the next we talked about…

My back. I have lost another 1”. That is 2.25” in about 5 years. I have problems with my lower back and the compression stuff doesn’t have much cushion anymore. There is nothing we are going to do about this. I do not take medicine unless I have to but when it gets to the point I can’t handle it anymore then we’ll talk. The exercising will help and has helped so will just keep working on that. See, I can handle that…at least for now. So we then talked about….

The lady stuff. My periods are less the 3 weeks apart. It is screwing up with my hormones and other stuff. A couple of years ago I had a biopsy done and found out I have an enlarge uterus. I can have it taken away or just let nature take it’s course cuz sooner or later I’m going to be old enough for it to just shrivel up and quit doing it’s job. I opted for the wait and see. It’s not dangerous, just annoying and I will pray to God that he’ll one day agree with me, that it can go away anytime. Here’s the goody (NOT!!), I ended my period on the 7th of this moth, guess what came today for the ladies tests, yep…it’s here, again!!

So all in all I had a great physical. Found out a few things I didn’t know, learned a few things I hadn’t a clue on and shared a few things I thought he needed to know. He was kind, happy, sweet and so unlike he’s been all my adult life with him. He said he’s very proud of me and excited for me to see just what I can do with the next 50 years of my life. If all physicals could be like this I wouldn’t stay away for a couple years or more at a time. Camp physicals is what I go in for, the eyes, ears, weight and sign the papers so I can go stuff.

AND THE BIGGY!!!! READY??? HERE IT IS……….for the first time in all my years of scouting, I am under the weight requirements for ALL, yes ALL scouting adventures. I CAN GO AND DO ANYTHING!!! White water rafting, Sky Diving, Scuba, rock climbing, ANYTHING!!! I am so excited, I’ve never worried about it because some of that stuff our troop doesn’t do but you just never know, now that I can, I just might start looking into some of the other wonders of scouting and more!

So there you have it, physical. In all my years I have never come back feeling like this, it’s amazing, wonderful and so worth every little bit (really big bits) of work I have put into my new life style journey.

I hope today is amazing for you too. Take care my friends and GOD BLESS!!!

Slimmer this Summer Challenge…

2011-05-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Debbi and Mir are hosting this cool challenge. Now I am already in a weight loss challenge with Allan so my goals aren’t going to be food or weight related but I have some other challenges I’ve been thinking about. I’ll still post my weight every Monday like I’ve been doing but will just include both challenges. Why mess with my first challenge that’s working.

This challenge starts June 6th – August 28th. 12 weeks, 84 days.

I really need to get back to my floor exercises. I call them fish flopping exercises. I don’t think it matters if it’s an exercise DVD or a Wii work out or even just plain floor exercises. I am not going to the gym for the next 3 months, I am on hold there until September 1st. So I have to be sure I do and keep up doing something. I also want to keep up my walking but now more jogging and running. There’s also the bike. So I think for this challenge, Slimmer this Summer Challenge I am going to do this:

1. 3 days a week, 20 minutes a day of fish flopping exercise. Monday Jillian, Wednesday Zumba, Friday crunches, push ups and jumping jacks. I can mix them up or change who I work out with, just for sure 20 minutes 3 days a week.

2. 4 days a week walking/jogging/running. Monday, Wednesday, Friday pushing as hard as I can and a pleasure walk on Saturday. A total of 12-15 miles a week.

3. That darn bike. How about Tuesday and Thursday to Great Grandma’s and back with the kids. And if possible I’ll go for an extra ride in the evening. I’m not going to put a mileage on this, just out and about.

4. To continue with Allan’s challenge and losing the last of my weight. 165, that’s my number I’m shooting for. Once I hit that the real challenge will start, maintaining.

So there, that’s my Slimmer this Summer challenge ideas. I do reserve the right to change them up as I need to but to keep up with the challenge and share whatever I might change along the way, as long as I get slimmer this summer!!

Now if anyone is interested, go check out Debbi's and Mir's Slimmer this Summer Challenge. There’s already a great list of people participating.

**Now before I close I do have to update you on my loss for last week. Drum roll please, 3 lbs. 173.2. That is my weight for this week.**

I have my physical on Wednesday and am going to talk to the doctor about my LDL being up slightly and also my Thyroid being higher then last year. Otherwise I don’t have any issues and I hope he’s kind with the 25 lbs I’ve lost since I saw him last. I’m only fat now, no longer morbidly obese. 55 lbs gone and never to return.

Now take care and have a blessed week.

44:28…

2011-05-21T17:00:00.001-07:00

Well I beat my time, I wanted to do it in less the 45:00 and I did. I came in 9th, 3rd in my age group. The fastest time was 40:56, over all in the competition walk, so I am going to work hard to make that my best time.

Mike came and gave me lots of love and encouragement and I was so glad to see him at the 1/2 point. I was starting to cry a bit because of the challenge, the rain, the being alone but when he came and gave me some water and a smile I was ready to finish good and felt much better. I now know I can do this again and alone as long as there’s a friendly face in the crowd. It was weird, I live in a small town where most people know most people but out of the better then 100 people I knew maybe 10. It was a lonesome experience but a rewarding one.

Wilbur walked too in the Fitness Walk with a Venture Scout of mine, Kori. They did an awesome job too. Thank you Kori for taking Wilbur. He loves to walk so much and looks forward to you too.

Mike took some pictures so here they are. Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement also, I really needed it and it made all the difference in the world.

Ready, set GO!!!!

Half way point. The 5 of us were in the middle of the group.

Almost done and Mike there taking pictures. You guys, you have to know that Mike makes me so proud. He’s there always to give me what I need to keep going. I LOVE YOU MIKE!!!

And just about done.

All done, wet but so happy.

Kori and Wilbur crossing the finish line.

My partner in all my exercise walking.

And my sheet….

So I now have 2 weeks to improve my time but this walk is a walk/jog/run so my time should be about 10 minutes less. I’ll see what I can do to perfect that.

So now it’s time to relax, warm up and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Now before I close you’ve got to go to Michele's blog. Today she did her first bike tour. As of this minute she hasn’t posted anything for today but I know she will be. YOU GO GIRL!!! I am so proud of you.

Take care my friends and have a blessed and super awesome weekend. Weigh in is Monday, we’ll see!! :o)

Canoeing…and…

2011-05-20T07:56:00.001-07:00

Mike and I took the canoe out last night and went fishing and canoeing. We worked hard because we went up the creek and two years ago it was more opened but we had beavers then. Well someone (not us because we don’t believe in trapping them from our area) trapped them so now we have muskrats. YUCK!!! They are so messy compared to beavers. Beavers make nice clean stand able dams, muskrats make mess soft yucky spots. Here, I’ll show you….

This is a beaver dam. There’s a difference of about 3’ in the water. Both sides are clean and we can fish either side.

This is muskrat mush, we had to portage around them and after doing that three times gave up and came back, portaging again 3 times.

I’m only complaining a little because out here all wild life is excepted just beavers are cooler.

Here’s a couple just because pictures and then I have to tell you about the loon.

We have a pair of loons that have been nesting on our lake for at least 10 years and if I think really hard I bet lots longer then that. They are so use to us they swim around the boat. Well last night on our way back we got to stop by mama loons nest and take some pictures and while we did that she swam close to the canoe just to make sure we weren’t touching. She never threatened us or us her we just sat and drifted along and took pictures. ENJOY!!!

So there you have it, our outing last night. I’m not sure the calories burned being out paddling, portaging and fishing use up but it’s gotta be better then sitting at home doing nothing (like that ever really happens here).

Jim and I transplanted some trees last night after fishing. Jim will buy or get small baby trees and put them in the garden until they are established and then transplant them. When we bought this land from mama and daddy it was a field. Now look at it…

This little guy came and visited us yesterday, he’s called an Indigo Bunting. He never stays real long, maybe a few days, but him and his lady are so fun to watch.

So there you have it. Nothing to do with diet and exercise, I’m getting bored with just writing about that. How many times can you hear how many miles I walked, how fast I walked, how many times I rode the bike, how many miles I went, how much weight I lifted, how much food I ate? I have been thinking about incorporating both my blogs together. I know I’d lose some followers but then again I know some of the ones that followed me at first have moved on anyways. What are your thoughts about that. Do you like two different ones, The Life of Riley and this one or is it time to put them together? I need your thoughts and ideas.

So tomorrow is my 5K. I’m a bit distraught about it. I had a walking partner, exercise partner but she has moved on with other things and some health issues so I’m alone. I know most of you already run/walk alone but I haven’t been that brave yet. I do now go to the gym alone and I enjoy myself so I’m expecting tomorrow will be just fine too but different. I have been practicing the past two weeks alone but tomorrow with all those people. I’m a bit scared. I’ll live but still scared.

Okay we’re off for a bike ride to great grandma’s. Soon I’ll have the little bike cart fixed and be able to have the girls in that instead of on me and my bike but for now this works. Speaking of bike rides, how is everyone doing on their 20 day challenge? 11 days left to get your time in and then I’ll have a drawing for everyone that participated. I have 15 days in now with a total of 65 miles. Not far but I am getting my days in.

Take care and have a blessed and awesome day.

That was hard….

2011-05-17T18:58:00.001-07:00

I did my first really push it, run/walk on my road tonight. 5K in 37:02. My best time ever not on the treadmill. There is a huge difference between the two but I am getting to like the road much better. I out ran my dog tonight. He’s a bit out of shape, like I am, and he had to stop twice…not to pee either…to catch his breath and then ran to catch back up. He’s such a good running/walking partner. He usually sets my walking pace about about 3.8-4.0 so we book it right along but tonight I decided it was time to move my buns and see just what I could do. I am so happy with that time. I will do it again tomorrow night, before I eat because at first I had a hard time catching my breath and not sure if it was because of that or my asthma kicking in a little bit. I’m just bored line asthmatic but at times I am sure the air is thicker then pea soup. I just keep pushing along, sucking in as much breath as I could. I didn’t have a set run/walk, just ran when I caught my breath and stopped when I need to catch it again.

Then today I also found my pedometer, not the cool one I bought using my gift code from Debbi…that one got washed the second week I had it, this is my older deader one that you have to sorta guess on one of the numbers cuz part of it is missing but anyways, I walked 38,890 steps today.

And, I took the kids for a short 1 mile bike ride to see my parents. So I got my exercise in for the day. I was kind of lax the past two days so it was time to kick some butt.

Day 2 of Phase 6 and the food is going down. I am a bit more hungry this week but am trying to stay out of the kitchen and just be outside but with daycare that’s hard. They need to eat 3 meals a day and 2 snacks plus there supper for Jim and Mike and a meal to cook for the store but in-between that I stayed outside. We are getting our boat ready to put in the water. It hasn’t been in for 3 years so it need some major cleaning and engine work. I don’t do small engines but did get the cleaning done, canopy fixed and tires filled and everything greased.

So now it’s hump day tomorrow. We are done with the library for the season so not sure what we’ll do but if it’s nice maybe it’s time to head to the farm for a visit. We’ll see what tomorrow will bring when it gets here. Hopefully another sunshiny, 60*+ day.

Take care my friends and have a blessed evening. Good night, sleep tight!!

Week 1, Phase 6 weigh in…

2011-05-16T06:13:00.001-07:00

4 lbs down. Not a great loss but sure not one I’m going to give back. I’m excited and happy and ready for week 2. Excited for the food this week. Maybe it will cure the last of the headache, which after 7 days if finally just a dull ache.

Today is a busy day, daycare of course, training after for my 5K and then roadside pick up with the scouts and a pot luck. Not a problem cuz I just plan on eating before I leave the house. I am working on trying to beat my 47:47 time on my walk, I really want 45:00. Only 5 day to go.

So that’s that. Take care my friends and whatever life style changes you are on, good luck…I know you can do it….I have faith in you!!!

God bless you all!!

Never in a million years…

2011-05-15T17:11:00.001-07:00

Well Jim took me shopping today. I really needed a pair of jogging shorts. Jim said he’d buy me a pair if JCPenny’s had some so we stopped, we bought and I took a couple pictures. A year ago you would never see me in a picture or if you did it was behind a tree, rock, kid anything. Well today I have a couple for you to show you that if you stick to any life style change diet and exercise it’s possible to get a body that you have wanted for so many years. Now my body is no where near perfect and it’s not going to be but I have come so far and am so happy with the body I have now. There’s a few more pounds to go and some toning up to do but I am thrilled and you know what? So is Jim. So here is something I’ve never done before.

This is me trying on a size 14 skort. Me a size 14. I picked up a few 16’s too but all were way to big. It was so fun and Jim was in the sitting room waiting for me to come out and show and tell. I was so giddy and excited and………well ready for week two of phase 6.

So something a bit more revealing. These are the shorts Jim bought me along with my jogging ones. He wanted shorter shorts then I wear and the halter top, he bought that at least 5 years ago thinking it would fit me, not then, not 4,3,2,1 years ago but today I tried it on and it fits. Still tummy to tone and some back fat and bat wings but getting there.

So headache or not I am going to work on week two of phase 6. I have to tell you, in my head I was thinking of ways to tell Allan I can’t go on. The headache is horrible but today it’s a bit less so maybe my body is adjusting better. I don’t know but I do know that another 10 lbs off and a few hundred more crunches, a couple 5K’s, a few more hundred miles on my bike and I’ll be toned and ready to not have to wear a shirt over my halter top.

I’ll weigh in tomorrow and tell you what I know. I’ll hope for the best and just keep doing my best.

Take care my friends and have a blessed and relaxing evening.

Phase 6 and exercise…

2011-05-14T21:35:00.001-07:00

So Monday is coming and so is the weigh in. I haven’t cheated and looked yet but am expecting at least some loss. I see on Allan’s blog he’s saying some great numbers are already in. Oh I can hope. I still have the bugger of a headache but am sticking to it and hopefully next week it’ll get better. I had a great workout today, pushed to hard with the plan though cuz I felt like crap a good part of the day but I haven’t been to the gym all week (been working on my biking and 5K on the trails instead) so wanted to make my workout worth it. I can’t seem to find the perfect life style change yet for me. I so love my workouts and don’t want to change them but I want to lose a bit more weight too so need the lower calories but feeling like crap isn’t what it’s all about either. I’ll learn, I know there’s a happy spot in there somewhere.

I got my lap report back. Glucose was great, my thyroid is a bit high so will need to change my dose of meds, my cholesterol is still a bit high too, 208. My LDL is what’s not good so need to talk to the doctor and see what I need to change. I’ve been reading a bit on the LDL and it has some things to do with insulin resistance too. Not that I understand much about this yet but I do read a lot of blogs that talk about it but don’t understand yet how it starts but I’ll learn. I thought with all the weight loss, exercise and healthy eating everything would be just fine or even better then fine but I guess not. I know that on my mom’s side high cholesterol is part of life so maybe it’s a start for me. I’m hoping not and maybe my food will be changing a bit more, we’ll see. More to learn.

Sometime looking back, not knowing all of this stuff, not worrying about what I was eating, what I weighed, what I was doing was easier, not good just easier.

So right now, sitting here I’m feeling a bit down. I’ve worked so hard to make myself healthier but it’s not working as good as I hoped. The good thing, it’s all fixable. I hate medicine so I’m going to do some research and see what else I can change in my diet and also in supplements and come up with a plan. I didn’t work this hard just to have a heart attack from a messed up LDL.

Onward and downward. A good diet, good exercise and a healthy life style. Working on it. Not easy but well worth it.

Take care my friends and have a blessed and awesome Sunday.

5K practice…Thursday….

2011-05-13T10:43:00.001-07:00

47:47….shaved off 6 minutes tonight. I think we’ll have 45 minutes in our pocket before the official race. YEAH!!!

Mammogram came back normal, YEAH!!! Waiting for lab work now.

Still have a horrible huge throbbing headache, not to sure about Phase 6. Will keep trying a bit longer but with my works outs not positive how this will pan out. No sneak peek yet at the scale, I want too but Allan says wait for the surprise. Oh how I hope there’s a surprise that will make this headache worth it all.

That’s it but had to share and for me to keep track. Take care my friends and have a blessed and awesome day.

Patience .... you'll see...

2011-05-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

I had something total different I was going to post today. A bit of this and that but this tops what I was thinking. I found this from Shannon at Milk and Cuddles.

Have a blessed day.

5K…

2011-05-10T19:49:00.001-07:00

54 minutes. That’s what we did tonight. Not our best time so need to speed it up a bit. I know we’ll do just fine. Really I wasn’t winded or anything but Brenda has been off from exercising for a month or so which made it was a bit harder for her. So we have some practice to do. I’d like to get our time down to 45 minutes. This race is “our” race, I will not leave her behind and if she was better she wouldn’t leave me behind. We do this together and will cross the line close to each other also. So we’ll work this out and get that time down. We’re going to head out again on Thursday evening and see what we can do then. I’ll share again.

Just before sunset Jim, Mike and I went for another walk. A speed walk but not super fast. Just down to the creek which is about a mile round trip. The weather is so funky tonight we weren’t quit ready to go in. We are under a tornado watch until midnight and south of us has had lots of bad weather along with west of us. So far we’re okay just some thunderstorms and hail earlier today. There’s also flood warnings too in our county and neighboring county. You’ve got to say that this spring has really been some different weather. Today was the first day for shorts without also wearing a sweatshirt.

Good night my friends. I hope that you sleep well and wake up refreshed and ready to have a blessed and exciting day.

Burning extra calories….

2011-05-10T12:42:00.001-07:00

Now this has got to be worth a bit more then just biking at a moderate pace. We went for a ride last night, about a mile and a half and today about 2 miles. Justin, the little boy on the bike, is loving this. He usually isn’t allowed on the road but see how he’s riding the white line? Well as long as he follows directions then we’ll continue this. Hannah will soon be big enough to take a bike too and then Joss will be in the bike seat but for the time being this is working, really working!

Day 2 Phase 6, not perfect but not bad either. I fixed roasted veggies for my husbands store lunch tomorrow and ate a couple raw carrots before I knew what I was doing and then ended up tasting the sweet potatoes when cooked. So maybe 50 calories extra…and I think that’s pushing it a bit. I know people do this everyday, cooking and not tasting, well for me to feed the daycare, family, a business…I am tasting but learning a tongue taste works as well when you don’t swallow what you’ve tasted…that is except the veggies…I swallowed today.

Tomorrow no baking or extra cooking. It’ll be a perfect day plus it’s library day so I won’t be home all morning. And if all goes well I’m heading to the gym after daycare. Tonight Brenda and I are going to walking as fast as we can the 5K course. I’m hoping to beat the 51 minutes we did last year. On the treadmill I can, on gravel, tar and grass, well we’ll see.

So there’s my update today. I hope you all are doing well. Not easy but possible as long as your brain is working at the same time as you are. Take care and have a blessed afternoon.

Phase 6, day 1…

2011-05-09T16:22:00.001-07:00

And I didn’t die. Well my head thinks it’s going to but the rest of me is just fine. I didn’t get to do the full day 1 because I ended up fasting for 22 hours (for lab) but did just finish up supper and still have a snack but since I don’t eat after 6 will have to skip that.

Tomorrow will be the true test from the start of my day which starts at 4:30 am. But I am thinking I will drink and drink and drink until 8ish and then start my eating and then I never eat past 6 at night so all the food I can eat and be satisfied for 10 hours. I’m good at sleeping on empty because if there’s anything in here it just comes back anyways and I think waiting for breakfast won’t be terrible either as long as I stay busy.

Good luck to anyone on any life style journey. It does take commitment and I am committed to finishing up this journey and staring a new one. Take care my friends. Have a blessed evening.

Onward and upwards…

2011-05-09T07:07:00.001-07:00

So today is the start of Phase 6. The last and final phase before maintenance. This Phase is bit drastic but it’s a great kick in the butt and a great way to get the last bit of weight off.

Today is the day for my mammogram and my lab work. It’s early in the afternoon which works great for daycare because they are napping and Mike is home so he can just relax and listen while I’m away. The bad thing is it’s early in the afternoon and it’s a very long time from dinner last night to 2:30 before I get something to eat. I know fasting is good for a body and soul so I am going to look at it as that.

Today was my monthly weight and measurement day. According to last months to this months results I’ve lost 2 lbs and 2 1/2” of fat. Not my greatest but still down hill so will take it. With just a little bit ways to go things are bound to slow down.

So how is your week going? Drinking your water, watching those calories, exercising? We all know the drill, we all know what we have to do. It’s just life gets in the way sometimes but we just need to set priorities and like missmommy said…”that I have come to realize that I have the rest of my life to eat but that I needed to do this for now so that I will be able to ENJOY living the rest of my life instead of just living it”. Well said, WELL SAID!!

Take care my friends and have a blessed and excellent week.

Not a skinny week at all…

2011-05-06T10:37:00.001-07:00

It’s that TOM again, every 16 days maximum and this time 14 days. You know that really screws up the scale, my psyche, my eating and so much more. Eating, well I will tell you that was way out of control the past two days and the scale shows it today. I’m up a little over 6 lbs. 4 of them are of course from my period but 2 from eating the world. THAT SUCKS!!!! I do admit that with my period also comes constipation so that will add a bit but still 6.2 lbs. What happened to 173.4?

This was yesterday.

This is today’s.

I think this is the first time I have had an increase like this since I started my life style change. This is terrible but expected but unacceptable. It’s a good thing I know what to do.

So with that I am also going to be joining in on Allan’s Phase 6. The last phase before maintenance. This Phase will be very different then any of the other ones. Today Allan had this to say about this Phase. It’s more of a “you know the rules, I’ve provided the plan, get your butt in gear and just do it” plan. No weekly weigh-in’s to Allan. But I will still be telling you because I need someone other then me to hold me accountable and that was what you’ve been doing since the beginning. I really don’t have far to go. 165 is my goal and now with the extra weight gain it’s 15 lbs instead of just 10. Oh well, it is what it is and I could get mad, stand on my head, beat myself up but where will it get me? No place at all. So today is the first day of the rest of my life and I will be doing the best I can, learn from this past week and move on.

Still 179.6….YUCK!!!

Monday I have my lab work up so that means I am fasting until after 2:30 in the afternoon. WOW, that’s a long time with just water but also a great kick start to this week. Then after lab I will get a mammogram. I’ve been a little lax on that the past 3 years and that’s stupid. I need to go and take care of things. Then on the 25th is my physical. A complete one because like my mammogram it’s been 3 years and needs to be taken care of.

Oh I almost forgot. I got 4 days in on my quest for 20 days of bike riding. Each day a little bit further. 2, then 4 and now 5 miles. It’s still not a mileage breaker but that’s not the goal, the goal is to ride my bike for 20 days out of the 31.

Joss has been joining me on my bike rides too.

I am finding it a struggle to get to the gym, practice for my 5K out here on our road, ride my bike and hike the trails but as long as I am out there moving my butt I am not going to worry. The main thing I need to do is practice for my 5K so this week that will be main goal. Brenda and I are going to go walk the course on Tuesday and get a base line to work on and beat before our race on the 21st.

So there you have it, my screw up, my challenge and my goals for this up-coming week. Plus working 70+ hours, boy scouts, preschool, the vet and more it’ll be a busy and great week.

I hope you all have a great week. No matter if it’s with Allan and his phase 6 challenge, your own diet and exercise plan or whatever, I wish you the very best and that you get to the goals you’ve set for yourself. The best goal of all, to be happy, healthy and ready to take on the world.

Take care my friends and have a blessed weekend.

Hiking….

2011-05-04T20:35:00.001-07:00

Tonight Mike and I went and hiked one the mountain bike trails in Cuyuna Range Recreation area. We went a little over 2 miles and though it doesn’t sound like a long ways, when it’s up and down tailing piles, ravens, hills and more it is.

We had a great time and took both dogs with us too. Now the trails aren’t opened yet for bikes so we hiked, took pictures and enjoyed ourselves.

These are my favorite picture tonight. We always keep the dogs on leashes, just to keep them safe and so if we do meet anyone no one is bothered by them. I let Wilbur walk on his own with the leash dragging and all of a sudden Scout picked up Wilbur’s leash and it looks like Scout is walking Wilbur while being walked by us.

Here’s a switch back on a hill side. Three levels and still not near the waters edge.

I love this picture too. It’s a tree that is sorta just growing off the edge of the hill side.

And of course what is an outing without a picture of Mike.

And last but not least. The pups….

So there’s my first hike this week. Now I also have to report I have ridden my bike 2 of out 20 so far. Both time with Joss in the baby seat so I haven’t gone very far. The first trip just about 2 miles and then this afternoon 4. Now the rest of the week is cleaning out the chicken coop, getting the garden ready to till, cleaning up the yard, and lots of spring cleaning.

So until my next chance to post take care my friends and have a blessed rest of the week.

Daddy is home…

2011-05-03T12:28:00.001-07:00

Finally back home and on my computer. It was interesting posting with my itouch, I have never done that before.

Daddy is going to be okay. Sore but like any surgery is was scare for a bit but he’ll be okay now. Mike was so good for me today, he took the day off from work to take care of Joss so neither I or her mama had to worry.

I left daddy after helping him and mama get settled. I’ll go back tonight to get supper if they need help and take care of the outside animals and wood fire. I think all will be fine after a couple days recovery. Well I shouldn’t really say fine because there’s some mega healing happening but if he listens to mama it’ll go much better.

Thank you all for your kinds words, prayers and support. I and my family appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.

Take care everyone and have a blessed afternoon.

At hospital .... Itouch

2011-05-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

This is hard on my touch but cool too. Daddy is in surgery and last update all okay. One hour done four more to go. Hope all is well in your worlds. I will update tonight. Take care my friends

20 day Bike challenge….

2011-04-30T21:51:00.001-07:00

I’ve been be-bobbing around the blog tonight and came across a blog that was part of a challenge last month,

30 days of biking

Now this was last month but that’s me most of the times, late. But I was thinking, since I really hate biking but I know that it’s good for me, I know that it’s a healthy thing to do and I want to be able to bike with Michele when we get together in July. And I want to be stronger and more able. Plus remember back in March I talked about the 8th Annual Cuyuna Bike Ride. It’s a 30 mile bike tour in my area. I’m not sure about this yet.

Well I’m thinking along with my walking and exercising I’d like to get in 20 days of biking.

I’m not setting a mileage, just 20 days of bike riding. Would you like to join me? I’m going to give it my best. I’ll just start out slow but hopefully by the end of the month I can go and do a fair amount.

I am going to get to liking riding my bike or at least try. It sure can’t hurt me. Well my knee yes, but it can only get stronger too.

Take care my friends and have a blessed weekend.

Meeting a blogger….and this weeks weight….

2011-04-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

I get to meet Michele!! I’m excited. We’ve set a date of July 16th and I’m going to drive to the cities and Michele and I are going to go biking. She lives just a little ways from Minnehaha Falls, a rose garden and some other cool things so we are going to spend the day doing some good for us stuff, some great visiting and enjoying a meal together. Doesn’t that sounds grand? Oh I sure do think so. I am so excited. She promises me the bike ride won’t kill me, it’s only about 6 miles one way, we get to walk and visit, then a couple miles to the rose garden and then 6 miles back home. I know, I hate riding bike but Michele does it all the time so as long as she’s patient I can do it. I will do it and I know I will enjoy myself.

It has been a successful week in the life style change. I am going to post my weight today because I don’t know how much time I will have this weekend for blogging and what not. Both Mike and I are off tomorrow so I think we’ll go and geo-cache a little bit and then my nephew will be here in the afternoon and then it’s family game night at my parents. Then of course Sunday is family day and shopping and I want to get some seeds planted.

So here it is….(I have got to paint those toenails or at least get rid of the racing strip).

Down another 1.4 lbs. Nothing huge but I’m inching closer to my goal.

I love this little chart. It’s been a long time coming but oh so close to my 165.

I got another Nike + iPod Sensor. I have one for my workout shoes at the gym but since I don’t wear those shoes out here on the road and hate unlacing my shoes to trade it back and forth I spent my birthday money and got me one. I’m going to ask Mike to cynic it for me because…well he’s good on the computer and all and I just sorta do my best. It’ll be so nice to be able to keep track of my miles better. Speaking of miles….for the month of April I walked 66 miles. That’s a little over 280 miles so far this year. I also have skied on that elliptical 25 miles in the past two week. I need to get back to my strength training though, this week all I’ve done is my cardio, a few crunches and push-ups.

A new week next week to try and do all that I can to the best of my abilities. What more can a person ask for?

Take care my friends and have a blessed, relaxing, rejuvenating weekend.

Laundry….and of course more….

2011-04-27T07:12:00.001-07:00

That’s such a naughty word sometimes but folding my own clothes has become a treat. You know why, they look like they are made for a little person. I still find it hard to believe that I use to hold up the pants and just hurry and fold them in half cuz I couldn’t believe those where mine. Now to hold them up and fold them up, they take up a lot less space and it’s fun seeing them. My bars that I got at Christmas, they are now hooking on the last hook. The shirt I wore down to the cities in November, it’s huge. I have to wear a belt to hold up my jeans and I found underwear Jim bought me years ago in the back of my drawer that I can wear today. He has always bought me clothes two sizes to small because no matter my size he loved to see it all. Well it wasn’t my thinking so I’d just keep it hidden away and now, those size 6 panties….they fit and I’m excited.

I snuck a peek at the scale today, it’s moving again. Maybe finally time for the scale to like me again. We’ll see on Saturday for sure.

On Monday Mike was crabby. If you looked at him the wrong way he’d get worse so we just left him alone and he spent the day target practicing. Shooting all his guns and enjoying himself. I think he gets frustrated because he just doesn’t know what he wants. He’s 19, living at home, working for his dad and making a little bit of money but not really enough to go and do. As you know jobs are few and far between so it’s not like he can just go out and find a second one though he is trying so on his days off he’s sorta stuck at home with mom and daycare and though most days that is just fine I’m sure it’s boring with a capital B at times. So anyways, when daycare was over I asked Mike if he wanted to go for a bike ride on the Cuyuna trails. I knew this would perk him up, not really just being with mom but there’s girls on those trails. So we loaded up the bikes and went. We went 10.56 miles. I HATE riding bike. I don’t think I’m ever going to love it. I would rather climb a mountain, walk to town, anything but ride a bike. I know it’s good for me, I know it’s great for us, so we’ll be doing it again and maybe, just maybe one day I won’t hate it as much. We took some cool pictures while out and I’ll share some of them here with you.

Oh one more NSV, when I was sitting to pose for Mike’s picture…well I can grab my leg and hold it up to my chest and nothing gets in the way. I can cross my leg and not have it out like a mans leg crossed. Life is good, life is great, losing weight is grand.

So pictures and then I bid you farewell for the day. It’s hump day, library day for the wee ones. Have a blessed day. Take care my friends.

Last but not least…

2011-04-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

STARTING OVER….

The two important things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any Endeavour is taking the first step, making the first decision. – Robyn Davidson

These words were written by a woman who learned to handle camels and traveled alone with them across the Australian Outback. Somehow the intensity of the circumstances under which she gathered these learning's make them even more profound. What if each of us believed that we are “as powerful and strong” as we allow ourselves to be? What if we quit trying to be accepted by everyone and gave up trying not to alienate anyone and just let ourselves be as strong and powerful as we are? Nothing extraordinary, mind you, just as wonderfully powerful as we naturally are.

And, what if we let ourselves take the first step towards what we really want? Nothing big…no fanfares…just do it!!

REMEMBER today really is the first day of the rest of my life.

AMEN!!!

If you want a good book for meditations, check this one out at your local library.

Meditations, For Women who do too much. By Anne Wilson Schaef. It has helped me with my daily meditations and I asked the library if I could check it out again, this is the third time and since it’s not a well used book I get it for another two weeks. YEAH!!! Lots of things to read, think about and then listen.

Even though Lent is over, our Lord has risen from the grave to give us the opportunity to be in heaven when we die, I am going to continue my meditation. I am no where near up to a full 30 minutes of just listening but I’m learning. And I think this has been one of the best Lents for Christ yet.

Take care my friends and have a blessed day.

Part two: SOLITUDE…

2011-04-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have been fretting about the empty nest. I have been afraid that what Jim and I had before Mike won’t return and that I’ll be left standing alone to do the things that make me happy. I’m wrong. So very wrong. The love is still there, the passion is still there and yes we’ve both grown into completely different people we are still the same in many ways too. The biggest fact, we love each other for now, for always, no matter what.

SOLITUDE:

You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub. – Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Solitude is such a blessing! Everyone needs time alone. Often we are fearful of time alone, because there is no one for us to encounter but ourselves. How comforting it is to go to ourselves! How much like returning home to an old friend or lover after having been away too long visiting places that felt foreign and unfamiliar.

Our solitude is one of the pleasures that only we can arrange. It is up to us to see that we regenerate through our time with ourselves. We have the right, and we have the power. If we do not model respect for our own need for solitude, our children will never learn that they deserve their time alone.

LET ME REMEMBER that there is nothing more soothing than sound of running water, even if it is only in my bathtub.

Take care my friends, find a quiet corner and just relax and collect yourself and enjoy. God bless you all!!

What I learned… a 3 part series:

2011-04-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Remember for Lent I was going to meditate each day for at least 30 minutes? Well it’s personal, lots of learning, listening and more but there are two things I want to share with you. To very important things. Also no matter what you think about life, meditation is good for the soul. It doesn’t have to be spiritual, it can just be self centering or soul searching or just plain old regular quiet time.

#1. Living in the Moment:

Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries – Corita Kent

We women who do too much have a terrible time loving the moment. We are always making lists and eyeing the tasks that are just around the corner when we need to be busy working on the task at hand. Hence, rarely does anything get out full, undivided attention. Because of this subtle distractibility and lack of presence, we miss a lot.

When we really can be in the moment, the very process of being in the moment radiates into the crevices of our life and begins to dust out the cobwebby corners.

PRESENCE is such a gift….to myself and other.

This last Monday I spend the day with my family and I put my heart and soul into that day. No distractions, no thinking about what’s next, nothing but family, together, fellowship and fun.

This is so true, LIVE IN THE MOMENT!!!

Take care my friends, tomorrow will be my second insight. God bless you all.

5K…

2011-04-23T22:17:00.001-07:00

Two of them coming up. One walking on the 21st of May and one running on the 4th of June. Got a lot of work to do. Yesterday did it walking at a 3.8-4.0 in 48 minutes (I can run it in 36 minutes). I want to get the time down to 40 minutes or so. I am finding it so hard to walk instead of jog or run. Walking muscles are different then jogging ones which are different the running ones and when you change up the routine you can go further and faster but my first 5K is a walk so that is what I’m working on for the next 4 weeks. Also I need to do it out here, not on a tread mill so in-between work outs at the gym I will be pushing myself out here. When it gets closer to the date I will walk the course and see what I can do.

So who else is signed up for 5K’s, 10K’s, biking or marathons? Just curious.

Hope you’re having an excellent, relaxing, family fun, rejuvenating Easter. Take care and God Bless!!!

49 and holding….

2011-04-23T20:00:00.001-07:00

I’ve never been one for fibbing on my age It is what it is and I have earned every gray hair and wrinkle. Life has treated me very well in my 49 years. Of course the ups and downs of life, death and life and some hardships but nothing I haven’t been able to handle with the love of Jim and Mike and my family. And mostly being able to lean on the Lord.

April last year I was 215 lbs. I was struggling to work on my life style change but I was just starting out and learning. Well I am now…

55 lbs less, 4 sizes smaller and 60” of flubber gone. Still learning, still working on losing a few more pounds but getting there.

Phase 5 has 44 more days. I would love the scale to say 165 by then. Really I’d love it to say that by May 25th when I go for my physical.

Phase 6 starts after that and after chatting with Allan and some thinking I am going to keep doing what I’ve been doing in Phases 4 & 5 and just support and encourage and more for all that will be part of the last phase before maintenance. I am going to miss Allan’s e-mails in the morning, the weigh ins and all but I understand Phase 6 is for anyone that has a bit more to lose then I do.

So with that next week is a new week but first Easter. My in-laws have invited us to the casino for dinner and last Easter I was just starting my journey and still ate pretty much everything but less of. Thanksgiving came and I had learned what to stay away from and then Christmas dinner there I stayed at my 400 calories for the meal. I am not in the least bit worried any more because I know what I can have and can’t. I am learning and am implementing now.

I wish you all a very Happy Easter. Take care and God Bless!!!

Question…

2011-04-19T18:57:00.001-07:00

How do you remember to eat every two-three hours? Or do you just eat breakfast, lunch and supper with a snack now and then? Or do you eat one meal a day and snack in-between or ??? I am curious because I have read it’s best to eat every two hours, a couple hundred calories each time up to 6 times a day. I’ve been taking Allan’s menu’s and been trying to do that, just cutting up the meals a bit so that everything is still there and done in the day but broken up a bit but I am finding it very hard to eat every two-three hours. Boy does that sound strange for someone that didn’t miss an hour of eating ever. Today I did fine until about 2 o'clock and then the day got extra busy, the night got busier and now it’s 8:45 and I didn’t have supper but I don’t eat after 6 pm so when I go to bed at 10:00 there’s nothing in there to keep me awake. Which means I’m a bit hungry which isn’t going to kill me but still it’s hard.

Do you set the timer, or just remember, or eat like us farmers use to, breakfast, lunch and supper….no snacks? What? just curious as to what all you guys do.

Yesterday I took my parents, aunt, Mike and nephew to the Conservatory in Minneapolis. It was beautiful. We walked, talked and had a great time. Well really the boys went to the zoo while we looked at the flowers and more. Then we went to the Old Country Buffet and I did awesome. I didn’t over eat, I didn’t have to roll out the door and I didn’t have anything that over did it. It wasn’t even hard, not even a little bit. I just knew when to stop, when to listen to my stomach and not stuff it so bad. It was a long day, gone 12 hours with 4.5 of them in travel time but oh so worth it all. I’m going to leave you with just a couple of pictures (if you want to see more check out this post on my other blog).

Take care my friends and have a blessed evening.

Burr….and this weeks weight…

2011-04-16T19:50:00.001-07:00

It snowed, can you believe it’s April 16ths and it snowed. Well it is Minnesota and it happens as soon as the Robin’s get back so it’s here and it’s cold enough it’ll stay for a day or two. YUCK!!!

There is a beautiful full moon tonight. It makes it 25* so it’s not terrible but not springy nice either.

Here’s the moon earlier this week. I love the flag and the moon.

My ankle did fine for my 5K walk last night and I was able to sprint some. Today it handled 4 miles on the elliptical but tonight is a bit swollen and sore. Not bad so all is good. I got a good work out in today.

For this week I am back down to 176, so off came the water weight from TOM and now next week I’m hoping to see 175 or less.

I got to work out today, visit with my best friends, take a neep (longer then nap but not as long as sleep) and worked outside for a couple of hours and now settling down to watch a movie. A good day. Tomorrow is shopping day then not sure. I’m positive it won’t be a sit down do nothing day, that doesn’t happen here very often.

I hope you all are having a great and blessed weekend.

Ankle/food vs wood pile…

2011-04-15T13:06:00.001-07:00

Ankle/foot loses……OUCH!!!

I can walk, run….well we’ll see. It’s snowing out there, felt need to carry in the last of the wood. HUMMM!!! Maybe should of left it for later.

Hope you’re afternoon is uneventful or at least interesting and safe.

Take care. God Bless!!!

Satisfaction

2011-04-15T10:57:00.001-07:00

I have been meditating this month and I have found that while meditating I keep coming back to the word satisfaction. And really that is what I am. I am satisfied. I am at a point in my life that I’m happy. When I set my weight loss and size goals I said… 180 lbs and a size 14. I said when I get there I’d learn to maintain and enjoy this. Well you know what, I am. I am anywhere from 178 and 183, I can wear a size 14 that doesn’t stretch and be comfortable. And the best part is, I AM LOVING IT!!!! I think that is why, the past three week I have enjoyed my exercise so much and why the scale hasn’t moved. Without really thinking about it I have put myself in maintenance mode. It’s what I wanted for years and years and years and I did that. I got to where I wanted to be ……

But I am part of a weight loss challenge, I am so into Allan and his budding buddies that I don’t want to quit. This challenge of Allan’s goes for another 50 days. 50 days to trim just a bit more off this body of mine. 10 lbs more. Something that’s manageable and obtainable in the next 50 days.

I have my year physical on the 25th of May. A full years ago I weighed in at 230, last August 204, this May in the 170’s. I want to see where my blood work comes out and I want to see if any of this has made a difference on the insides. I want to see if Dr. Cousins even notices without reading his notes.

So it’s the new menus, the exercises from the list and hopefully 3 times a week at the gym. Back to concentrating on but not obsessing on the last 10 lbs. I have got to tell you, this last 10 lbs has gotten more thought, more talking about, more planning then the first 50.

I have reached the NEW ME!!! I am SATISFIED with the new me. I am loving all that I can do. Now I’ll tweak it a bit and end up even better, healthier and full of smiles.

Take care my friends and have a blessed and awesome weekend.

New week….YEAH!!!!

2011-04-11T12:37:00.001-07:00

So the scale didn’t move last week but I’m not going to dwell on that. I’ve lost the inches so the weight will follow. Now I do need that scale to move and it can’t be the exercise since you and I know I do that so it has to be the food. Allan supplies a menu, I’m suppose to follow it word for word. I usually add a bit for my work outs but this week I’m going to try and just rearrange the menu so I don’t add but have the needed fuel to work out.

It was a hectic weekend here. My husband’s grandfather passed away. The new puppy is just doing perfectly. We got new baby chicks since it is that time of year. We’ve started some intense electrical work plus the usual stuff. We did take some time to relax too and talk about my last week. I felt they needed to be in the loop on how I was feeling and what conclusions I had come too and both are on my side. They want to hear, they want to be part of it, they just don’t want to see me so focused I lose sight on the three of us too. So now it’s just not my life style journey, it’s theirs too. YEAH!!!

If you need inspirations, stop by and see Allan, Miss Mommie, Debbi, Mike, Jackie, Margene, Princess Dieter, Michele. I stop by these guys each day, at least once and some times many more and when I feel like I can’t do it, when I feel I’m not meeting the mustard, when I feel like it’s just not the day, these guys are doing it. Through thick and thin they are doing it and doing is so well.

I hope that you all have a great Monday. Good luck with your life style journeys.

Take care my friends, God Bless!!!

My rant…

2011-04-08T08:23:00.001-07:00

Well I’m over it and have learned quite a bit from it. Really I honestly thought I was in the right and everyone was against me. Well not against me really, just not in my corner. Well I’m big enough to say I was wrong in more ways then one and after my day off yesterday and a chance to really think about it, talk to my best friend about it and reflect, well I’m a putz. Not a tiny putz either but one that is learning so I’m not a total loss.

Yep, for 14 months I have worked my butt of literally and and it has gone to my head. Not in the bad way such as I’m better then anyone…really the opposite, I’m not as good as anyone. Look at so and so, they have lost blah, blah, blah…..look at so and so, in less then 6 months they lost their 50 lbs, you it took 14 months. Who give a flying monkey how long it took me to lose it, I LOST IT and I need to be proud of that fact and just not worry about that last 10 lbs. Just get over it and do what I’ve been doing and it’ll happen. Kind of a duh really!!!

So now that the PMS part of my period is over and that darn thing is here my mind is back where it’s suppose to be, the body well it’ll follow in another week and then life will be back to normal, for 15 days at at least. I’m getting old (almost 49 you know) so my time rolls around every 18 days now and it messy me up a bit more then it use to but a thing about getting old, maybe it’s working on ending soon. At least in the next few years. Jim says 72 more cycles and then just maybe it’ll be done. This is according to my grandma’s cycles and I seem to mimic my grandma in many ways.

So I am going to try and talk to others not just about my exercise, diet, eating and all. I’m going to try and be normal. There is more to life then just this, though it is still my top priority right now it’s not for everyone else. So I’m going to work hard on that. Yesterday I only talked about my exercise and all, maybe 5 times instead of 50 times. There is daycare, scouts, family, gardening, chickens, lots of other things and I do bet everyone was beyond tired of hearing about it.

Okay so your stuck though, cuz this is my life style change blog. For you there’s that little X in the corner if I’m boring you to death or you’ve heard it before or just one of those days as” why is she sharing that?” I don’t mind because well, this blog is for me, for me to look at and learn. To read back and see what was happening at this time, what was I thinking, what was I feeling and boy was I stupid at times. It’s okay though, I’m human, I’m fairly normal and I’m just me.

I have to share one thing, since I was feeling that way yesterday before I finally got things sorted out, I killed the elliptical. 40 minutes, 4.4 miles from level 2 to 7. 435 calories did and done with. Just my third time on that machine for any length of time.

Okay, it’s Friday, YEAH!!!! It’s sunshiny, 46* and time to head outside for a walk. Daddy and I went yesterday early evening. I’m going to leave you with a couple pictures of what we saw. Take care my friends and God Bless!!

Obsessed…

2011-04-06T19:13:00.001-07:00

That is what I was told tonight by not just one but 4 different people. It started out with one comment, talked about with someone else and she agreed so I talked to Jim and Mike and they agreed with the other two. I am told I am obsessed about losing my last 10 lbs. I am working to hard at the gym, I am not eating enough, I am running myself ragged trying to lose these last 10. Why can’t I just stop and maintain what I’ve done so far? I’m beautiful like I am, I have a shape, I can do things I couldn’t do before. Why can’t I just take a day or two and just relax? Why can we just go out and get an ice-cream cone? Why can’t we ….blah, blah, blah. After about 2 hours of hearing this from these people all I wanted to do was cry. Yes, they think I’ve done great. Yes, they are happy with the body I now have. Yes, I have had a great support system and they have been awesome. BUT….But I want to weigh 170 lbs and learn to live there the rest of my life. It’s not even the skinny range, it’s just a bit above the normal range.

I heard enough tonight that my night went to hell in a hand basket. Sorry about that but it did. Oh I didn’t go and eat the world but I’ve cried more tonight then in ages. Now I will admit the stress level right now is a bit on the high side (and not diet related) so even if this really isn’t that big a deal, tonight it’s huge. I have no intentions of quitting this and learning to maintain yet, I am going to lose my last 10 lbs come hell or high water. My feelings are hurt tonight and it’s really sorta stupid because the reason all of this started in the first place was because I forgot something, something that was pretty big and had to have my mama come and rescue me and she said it was because all I could think about was going to the gym. All I could think about is losing those last 10 lbs. All I could think about was me. Then down hill from there. But that’s not true, I forgot because I FORGOT!

I was also told by my best friend that there has to be more to Julie then sleep, eating, exercise and health. I tried to explain for me right now, that’s it. I have been something to everyone for years, lots and lots of years and last year I decided it was time for me. She told me years ago to do something for me, well a few years later I’m doing that and now it’s not what anyone wants. Is it because I am taking time for me now and not as much time for everyone else? Is it because instead of fixing exactly what someone wants for dinner I change it to make it something we all can have, me included. Is it because I spend 3 hours at the gym a few times a week and not home doing the dishes or folding clothes or stacking more wood or cleaning the chicken coop (by the way, I do these things too…all the time but first some me time). Is it because I grew some balls because I want to live a healthy, long and wonderful life with them and without them?

PMS….going to be one of those periods I think. Touchy, hurt, sorta felt left down. A darn drama queen. But what would you feel like if someone said that too you?

I am off tomorrow. I am going to the gym, I am staying there for as long as I want too and then I’m coming home and then going thrift store shopping and a late lunch out. I am taking the day and doing what I want and no I’m not doing laundry, dishes, carrying any wood or cleaning out the coop. I’m not vacuuming, I’m not washing a floor. I’m not worrying about daycare paper work, I’m not doing taxes. I’m not doing any scout work. And when I get home, I might take a long walk with Wilbur and enjoy the day because I am all about me right now. Friday, I’ll be a wife, mama, daycare mama, best friend, friend, daughter, grand daughter, sister, aunt and anything else I need to be.

My first ever rant. My first ever complaining about everything and everyone. Still love me?

Take care my friend. God Bless!!

A few things to share…

2011-04-05T11:27:00.001-07:00

1. My mama is sick. Lots of doctoring in the near future. Future is unclear but a day at a time. Prayers please. I’ll tell you what I know when I know more but for now an Aneurysm in her belly and little circulation to her feet. Swollen so bad the skins going to burst and so painful to move around. Feet are bruising. Dr. Appointment yesterday, Ultrasound today, test results ??

2. I have a new daycare little one starting the end of the month. Full time and normal hours, 8-5 M-F. Life here has been a struggle for so long and really just one isn’t going to make me a millionaire but it will make paying the bills more manageable. It will make being able to stay home and work from home a continued possibility.

3. Jim is okay with Mike getting a puppy. No arguments, no crabbies, nothing!! Friday is the day, Mike will have his little Scout. She has turned out to be the runt of the litter but also the lovingest. Perfect for Mike, perfect for her.

4. My back and legs are better. The nerve isn’t pinched any more, I can feel my arm again and my leg is just fine. YEAH!!!

5. The new menu’s are perfect for me. Chicken, turkey, fish and lots of veggies. EXCELLENT!!!

6. Getting to the gym, not perfect. Working out at home and walking 2-4 miles each evening. I’ll make it to the gym Thursday and Saturday this week. Next week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. After that lots of hit and misses. Now comes the challenge of getting there but I’m not giving it up.

I think that’s it guys. I’m a little scattered so easier for me to tell you in short bursts what’s what then writing a book. The kids and I got to walk to the creek today. It’s opening up so we threw rocks. They had a blast and I soaked up the sunshine. It’s still hat, coat and mitten days here but at least I didn’t have to put on my snowsuit.

I hope you all are doing well. I hope your life style journeys are moving in the right direction. I hope that you are blessed to the fullest with so much love and life your cup is running over. Take care my friends. God bless you all!!

Weight and measurements…

2011-04-02T10:07:00.001-07:00

Well on the weight, you can skip the drum roll, I am up 2 lbs (really 1.8 but we go by full lbs so 2). 178 again, UGH!!! But I am not in despair because I finally got to my measurements and for the month of March I lost a grand total of 5 1/2 more inches of flubber. I now have a waist that is in the 30’s, I have lost a grand total of 58 1/2” off this body of mine. Though it doesn’t help my chances to go to New York I am not going to say anything negative about what I’m doing. I can’t, because you know what? I am looking and feeling pretty darn good.

There is so much I have learned in the 14 months of being on my life style change journey. I know what to eat and what not to. I know what a healthy portion is and I know how to read labels. I have learned that yes the scale can be your friend no matter if it likes me this week or not but I’m not totally depend on it for my life. My moods are not going to be effected by the up a wee bit because shortly it’ll be down a wee bit more. I have learned I can walk/jog and run and still breath. I’ve learned that even though I still am not friendly with the bike I don’t hate it any more and my newest, I can do the elliptical and not fall off or die. Today I did another 30 minutes and went 2.54 miles so up just a little bit from Thursday. I also learned I can push myself and I listen. On Thursday I couldn’t do much on the tread mill but today felt I need to keep up with my walking/jogging/running along with working on other machines so I did. I’ve learned that 8 oz of milk with whey in it and a banana gives me the energy and the stuff I need to do my workouts. I’ve learned shoes are very important and that even though I just got a pair of new ones, these are not “it”. They’ll do but they are not ones I want to do a marathon in. I’ll keep looking and trying on. I’ve learned to ask questions, follow advice and also make up my own mind. I’ve learned to listen to my body and rest when it says it just can’t do it anymore. There is still tons and tons more to learn in this new life style of mine but I’m game, I plan on learning and losing and one day learning some more so that I can maintain all that I’ve done so far.

I finally make my physical appointment. May 25th. The last time the doctor saw me was for a camp physical last May, at over 200 lbs. This time it’ll be in the 170’s and more healthy then he’s ever seen me. I’m curious to see what my blood work up will come back like. My cholesterol was 210 so a bit high so this time I’m hoping in the 190’s or less. I’ve never had the sugar stuff done or really anything else but I’m going to ask for a full work up and see where my numbers are. I need all the lady stuff done too and 3 years ago I was a candidate for a hysterectomy because of a few nasty problems and we might have to discuss this. I’d like to keep all my body parts forever (well till I’m dead then I hope I’m healthy enough they can use me to help someone else) but this one, I don’t know…maybe I can live a healthy life without it.

Okay this post is way to long to keep anyone attention so I’ll close for now. I do thank you for sticking with me through thick and getting thin. Take care my friends and have a blessed and awesome weekend.

Elliptical….

2011-03-31T14:57:00.001-07:00

I guess it is possible for my very uncoordinated body to use that machine. As long as I’m not thinking about it, that is. If I think about it my feet and arms do not work like they should and my feet slide on the machine and my hands fall off the handles. But if I listen to my music, look out the window and just go I can do it. Today for the first time ever I went 30 minutes and logged in 2.5 miles. I haven’t a clue is that is good or bad by anyone else's standards but by mine I am happy and proud of myself. I did all my weight circuit today too but was unable to run after doing the elliptical but I walk 2 miles at 3.8-4.0 at a 7% incline.

I have to say my lower back is improving and my hip did not hurt but my thigh still sore but a little bit improving is better then none so maybe with tomorrow off from my work outs it’ll be all better by Saturday. I am off again this weekend so can get another good work out in on Saturday morning. That will make 3 work outs and 2 road walks. So with my eating on track that scale will be nice to me, do you hear me scale, YOU WILL BE NICE TO ME!!!

I want to thank you all for the well wishes with my couple weeks of pain. I do so appreciate your concerns. It feels good to know others are out there that care and say so.

Tonight for the first time in 2 years I am meeting an old co-worker for dinner. I went over the meal plans to see if there’s anything close to what is offered at the 40 club and think I’ll go with the chicken. I’ll do my best to stay with-in my calories and I also think there is a salad bar too so will make sure I have a good salad before I even start on anything else.

I hope you all have a blessed and relaxing evening. Take care my friends and God Bless!!!

I am so out of whack…

2011-03-30T14:32:00.001-07:00

I am so tired of hurting. I wish I was a millionaire or at least had an extra $30.00 not earmarked for groceries/bills to go back to the chiropractor. I can say my arm and neck is finally better. YEAH!!! But I think from favoring that side and sitting funny and all, my lower back and left hip hurt and it’s making my left thigh very sore. Now it didn’t stop me from working out last night but it did stop me from running. I went 2.5 miles in 33 minutes but at a walk/jog. I did do my weights but instead of 100 reps did 50. I did go swimming and that seemed to help a lot. Tonight I think I am going to just do a power walk here at home so that tomorrow morning I can give my workout a good push at the gym. I don’t know if I’m pushing myself to much or just feeling my age this month. It’s just a pain…in more ways then one. :o)

Eat is so excellent, I’m on plan and doing it right. We are getting new menus tomorrow (I think). And Allan is talking about more new menus after that. I love the variety of these menus. I was going to ask Allan if for some reason we couldn’t do a day in that weeks menu could we substitute one for a different week. I don’t have access to a grocery store except on Sundays and when the menu's come out at different times I just want to be sure it’s okay to change a day, not the food part the day. I’m doing my best to follow the challenge.

I wish it was more then hump day today, more like TGIF but it’s not and it’s not that I’m tired of working with the wee ones cuz that just isn’t ever going to happen, it’s just I’m tired of hurting and want to sleep the day away. Probably couldn’t but can wish about it. I know that this will work it’s way out, it always does and I’m being a baby about it cuz you guys care and listen where my guys here…well they are men and if they aren’t hurting it really doesn’t matter much. I’ll quit complaining now.

It’s a beautiful sunny day today. We went to the library and had a great time, went to Kim’s for a visit and lunch and after nap went outside and I carried in wood while the kids played in the mud. We collected 18 eggs today, the chickens are loving this warmer weather too. In fact my Muscovy duck is laying eggs and I saw a nest in the corner of the coop. I’m not going to let her start yet but it’s a nice sign of spring. Unlike tomorrow and Friday where they are saying more snow/rain.

Okay, I’m off. More kids from the bus so better go met it. Take care everyone and thank you for listening to my moaning. Have a blessed and relaxing evening.

Scale….friend or foe?

2011-03-29T06:08:00.001-07:00

When I first started my life style change I weighed in once a month. I really truly liked that. I didn’t check it in-between and took whatever it said on the 2nd of each month. Then someone said I should go to twice a month just to see what things were like and now on Allan’s Phase 5 Challenge I have to weigh in weekly. Sometimes the scale is nice, other times I think it should be at the bottom of the lake. I know that some weeks I poop more then others, I know that some days I can pee quarts and quarts and other days it just stays inside. I know that some days no matter what I’ve eaten I feel like a lead balloon and other days just like a balloon. I was reading Sheri's blog the other day and she had an amazing posting with a couple really cool sites to go read and check out. First here is the post I’m talking about Losing a Confidant. Please take the time to go there because if you are hating the scale but really are seeing changes and feeling so much better this will help a lot. Allan talks about a lot of this too, how some weeks it all comes out and other weeks it’s just plain stuck, in the end the scale does move but it can be so disheartening when it doesn’t.

I have been on my life style change journey now for 14 full months. I have lost a little over 50 lbs and I am very happy with my results. Oh yes I would of liked to have lost it all in less then a year, yes I would like to be on maintenance now instead of still weight loss but no matter how many blogs I read, how many doctor papers, how many information sheets it all says slow and steady is best and I guess that is just what I’m doing. It sure won’t help me win Allan’s challenge though and oh I would so love to take this northern girl and her son to NY and explore but I know in my heart it’s not going to happen but you know that isn’t stopping me from trying anyways.

So please take the time to read Sheri's post and the articles she sites. You will feel a bit better understanding the scale.

Now take care and eat well, exercise as much as you can and have a blessed day.

Meet Scout….

2011-03-28T11:20:00.001-07:00

This is Mike’s new puppy. Now he can’t really have her until the 8th of April, which for Mike is going to be the longest two weeks ever but she loves him like he did her. It was so cute. He sat down in the hay with all the puppies, picking up this one and then that one and his new one came to him first and each time he picked up another one would pull on his sleeve, bite his pants and just look at him. It was a match. So here you go guys, the promised pictures of Mike’s new girlfriend. :o)

You know another really cool, super cool thing? She was born just a couple of days after Mike’s birthday. I jus figured that out and it is awesome!!!

It was a great morning so far today. How could it not be, picking up and loving 6 little girl puppies that smell oh so wonderful and squeak like little ones and …..oh it was just plan great. I am as excited as Mike for him to have a companion. He and she will have the best summer ever.

Okay, time to finish up a banana cream pie for my father-in-law, banana cake for the kids dessert and pork chops in mushroom gravy for Jim and Mike at work tomorrow. None of this for me but I’m not missing the stuff any more so not a big deal at all. I do however want some chicken still. Broasted, fried, anything crispy. So far so good.

Take care my friends and have an awesome afternoon. God Bless!!

Much better….

2011-03-27T18:25:00.001-07:00

No not all better but I’d say 75% better. At least I can lift my arm and lower my head without feeling like I’m going to pass out. My headache was manageable today also. So onward and upwards to healing and feeling better. Back to work tomorrow with my wee ones and also Mike is home too. I think we are heading to the farm to look at puppies. Mike wants a friend, a new friend to take camping, hiking, fishing, traveling and more. A man’s best friend.

We got our new menu’s today. Not bad at all. More fish then we’ve had which I like since I have crappie, sunnies and northern in my freezer. It’ a white fish so should meet all the rules. I think I’ll look into what in Burger King’s Chicken sandwich and also Wendy’s chili because I’m not driving the 50 miles to get these but I’m sure I can make something close so I’m still in the calorie range plus you have got to think that it is so cool that these things are available even when on a diet or life style journey.

So for me I have two things happening in April, one my birthday/anniversary and I have a goal, 175 and my wedding dress and a trip to Minneapolis to take my mom’s to see her sister and to visit the Como Conservatory which I really want to be at my goal for. I’m close, very close but I need to get there and stay there. My anniversary is the 25th and our trip is the 18th. That’s 3 weeks to lose the last little bit for this goal and to tone up just a bit more to make that dress at least go on. I was talking to Jim the other day and he says I was a size 12 when we got married. I am just getting into a 14, so close but not on target yet. But still amazing, starting size 22 and now a 14. I’ll take it, even if it takes me a bit longer to make the 12 and 165. As you can see, my new goal. But June 8th is the date for that.

Measurements this week and following the plan.

Take care my friends and have a blessed and awesome up-coming week.

Is it possible…

2011-03-26T18:32:00.001-07:00

To concentrate on toning and exercise more then the diet? Is it possible to concentrate on both? I’m finding it hard to do both. I am following Allan’s plan (more this week with the new menu’s then last week with the old ones though). This week I lost 2 lbs. Nothing huge but now 176.4. I need to measure myself on Monday. I went shopping today, had a 30% off at Kohl’s and since I’m not a name brand person I just went to the clearance racks and found two pairs of new jeans in a size 14 and they fit, just like they were suppose to. So cool. I also got these…

Mike found them on the clearance rack, with my 30% off $35.00. I can do that…well with the help of my Kohl’s card today. They are ugly, black and purple but they felt good on my feet so I can live with that. Maybe later on I can get a cute pair but for now these should feel good, wear good and give me the support and all I need.

I didn’t get to go and work out today, I can’t lift my left arm higher then my elbow height and I can’t put my chin down on my chest because the pain is bad enough I feel like I want to black out. And the headache, well thank goodness for pain meds or today’s shopping trip wouldn’t of been any fun. I know this will heal but it better hurry cuz I want to go to the gym on Tuesday evening.

So it’s onwards and upwards to a new week. Loving the new menu and excited to see what happens with the scale this week but more excited on seeing the new measurements.

Take care my friends. Have a blessed evening and an awesome Sunday.

UGH~

2011-03-25T11:01:00.001-07:00

I can barely function today. The pain in my neck, head and arm is making me not a pleasure to be around. Well the daycare kids just play and we did go outside and do the chores and I carried a cart load of wood in but I hurt and it is making me so tired. I know that this too shall pass when the swelling goes down but until then it’s miserable. I am going to go and sit down, ice my neck/back and hope the kids take a nice loooong nap.

I just wanted to check in. Have you tried a duck egg with a little bit of peppers, onions, tomato and toast? It was an excellent lunch. I didn’t have the cheese so opted for the veggies instead and it was filling and tasty to boot. Supper is a good salad for me and the kids are having a baked spaghetti dish and Amish oatmeal cookies and I’m sure salad also. Love looking ahead and being prepared, so much easier.

Okay, heading to the recliner with my ice. Take care everyone. I hope that you are having a blessed afternoon.

Mankato House Fire March 2011

2011-03-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

You all know Michele right? (http://ruminationsasiuncoverthewomanwithin.blogspot.com/) She's been part of our weight loss family for some time now. Her farm house burned up on Tuesday. No one was home thank God but the devastation, the loss...WOW!!! And to read her post is just plain amazing. Go and read, watch the video and pray for this family.

Have a blessed day everyone. Let's thank God for what we have cuz in a moments time it could be all gone.

A wonderful spring day……NOT!!!

2011-03-24T16:51:00.001-07:00

On my way to the gym…

Had to let the suburban warm up 15 minutes before I could even see out of the window.

The creek is thawing and even though you can’t see it there is steam coming up which made the brush fat with frost.

Speaking of fat…mine is disappearing. Check this out…

Oh there’s more to go but I have a shape. And it’s not an apple anymore.

I ended up going to the chiropractor today after my work out. I got dizzy again, my hip was killing me and I could not put my head down without pain in my left arm. So he said, I have a pinched nerve in my neck, I’m not eating enough before I go and work out, my shoes suck and he is very proud of all the work I’ve done. Oh and he wants me to change my workout routine. Remember I was complaining about dizziness and some of it is my blood sugar but some of it is I’m working out harder then my blood can pump so I am to do my running, then my upper body exercises, then my middle and end with my legs. Swimming is the excellent ending to a good work out so I’m going to try and do that more often. Today the big pool was cold (new water with a cleaning last Sunday so takes a bit to warm up) so I swam in the little pool. Had it to myself and just floated and back stroked around it. Today’s workout used up 1752, the most yet.

I am so tired tonight. I was gone from 7:30 this morning until 3:30 this afternoon. I didn’t only go and exercise, I also did my cleaning job for 2 1/2 hours, the chiropractor, the thrift store where I found a new to me spring jacket, met my dad to help him get a new DVD/VCR player and then a visit with mama on the way home (daddy was still in town). I got home and carried in wood, did a load of laundry and collapsed on the couch for a 15 minute nap with Wilbur (this is where Jim and Mike found me when they got home).

Now I’m starved so better go see what’s on the menu (I didn’t plan ahead so hopefully it’s an easy supper).

I hope you all had a great day. Tomorrow is a work day and then I have a full weekend off. We were suppose to go snow tubing but the place we go closed so not sure what’s planned now, cross country skiing? Bowling? We’ll find out tomorrow. Take care my friends and have a blessed evening.

Snowmen baseball team…

2011-03-23T18:53:00.001-07:00

Told you I’d share some snowmen with you. So here they are.

The snow was sticky on top but the bottom layer was so full of ice crystals that it didn’t make snowmen so we made a bunch of tiny ones.

We played outside for 2 hours this morning and 3 hours this afternoon. We went from this at 10:00 am..

to this at 3:00 pm…

I haven’t been to the gym this week. I’ve walked a couple times on our road, a total of 8 miles and then today just played outside. Tomorrow I get to head to the gym and I don’t have to hurry home at all so I’m even going to go swimming when my workout is done. I am excited to get to go and just do my thing. I really miss working out this week but it’s just the way it is. Next week I can get back to the way it’s suppose to be.

Today was the new menu. I like this menu, it’s more normal everyday possible foods. Well most of it is. For me Taco Bell, well there isn’t one around here. We have a Taco John’s, 40 miles away.

Take care my friends. 4 days to weigh in. I’m expecting a loss this week since none last week. God Bless you all!!

Spring my butt….!!!…

2011-03-23T07:23:00.001-07:00

Well if this is spring, then I’m a 180 lb snow bunny. UGH!!!! There is at least 10” out there and 2-4” more coming. Now tonight it’s going to be below zero again. See….

Well the squirrel doesn’t care.

Canopy bit the dust. After at least 8 years of use.

It is so windy even my porch has snow on it and Wilbur's couch looks so cold.

Just yesterday I was out raking under the trees and picking up the yard. Guess now it’ll be another couple of weeks before we see the grass or dirt again.

The kids are home today so we made these. First roasted veggies and then apple/blueberry turnovers.

And these….

Now we are heading outside to take the canopy apart and feed the chickens and the fire. I’m sure if we can get the snow to stick together maybe even a snowman. We’ll see and I’ll share later on.

Take care my friends and God Bless!!!

Nothing new but…

2011-03-22T07:38:00.001-07:00

I do have a couple reviews I can do. Awhile back I won a CSN gift code from Debbi. So I got to go shopping for nothing. Oh that was fun.

I got this… A new scale. The old one I had I loaned out and not positive to whom and really it was an older one so this one is so cool. This is thin, sleek and once I got the batteries in there right the digital read out was excellent. Take a peek.

Now if you’d like one, here’s the link to it and it was under $35.00 for the scale. So well worth it’s money.

Food scale

The other item I got was this cool Pedometer. Here’s the link to that in case you want one.

Pedometer

Look at this. It’s so thin and it’s made to sit in the pocket and it works wonderful.

It has more then the clock and step counter, it also does calories, stop watch and distants.

So while I’m at it, I also received a CSN gift code for helping them promote their site and was able to get two more goodies. I just love CSN.

I got this for our up coming BWCA trip. It’s so light weight and it says fits one but is big enough for two as long as we don’t tip the scales at more then 300 lbs.

Sorry this pictures is so little. I didn’t open it up to take a picture so used the one on their site.

Here’s the link if you want it.

Hammock

And last but not least is my favorite item. I got a Heart Rate watch. Oh it was so simple to program and to use. It’s right up my alley and I use it each time at the gym and also when I walk and bike out here.

Here’s the link for my favorite toy.

Heart Rate Monitor

Everything I can use and everything I love. You just can’t beat it and to just go shopping around at CSN is an experience you won’t regret. This is also the place I got Brenda’s exercise shoes and mine too. Check them out if you haven’t already.

Here’s the link to their main site… CSN Stores

I hope you all are having an excellent day today. It’s cold, windy and on the verge of a snowstorm here. 10-12” with 40mph winds. BURR!!! Spring is suppose to be here but it’s Minnesota and we know we still have this storm and possible one more before it really starts to thaw. But look what I found yesterday…

Pussy willows. Not lots out there, in fact almost none but a start.

Take care my friends and God bless you all!!!

up .4…

2011-03-19T21:23:00.001-07:00

So I’m up to 177.6 which rounded up is 178. Up a pound this week. Not good and not part of the plan but I am not going to sit here and fuss about it. It seems that I lose 2-3 pounds every other week. So that means next week I’ll be down and that will be just fine. Well sorta okay, I am on plan,

I am exercising more and more (a total of 4293 calories used up) so not positive the why maybe it’s the not on schedule pooping any more. I use to be so regular, twice a day 9 am and 9 pm. I could tell time by the regularity but now not so much. We’ll see.

I do not feel good today either. Sorta dizzy during my work out and then came home with a stomachache and headache. Not the flu I don’t think but not tip top either. This too shall pass but sure not impressed with not feeling good either.

A new week, the last one with the menus we have, new things coming for the following week. Exciting. Exciting like looking in the closet and not finding anything that fits right any more. Exciting like being able to do things I can’t remember doing for years. This week is my new measurements for the month. I know there will be inches lost, now that exciting too. Exciting like being the healthiest Julie possible.

Good luck this week. Take care my friends. Have a blessed Sunday.

Think I’ll be ready…

2011-03-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

With two 5K’s coming up this summer I’ve been working on getting my mileage up and my speed. Last night I walked our road for a total of 4.5 miles in a bit over an hour. Not hurrying, in fact the first half I did jog/walk

but the 2nd half I had my dad with and we just walk at a normal pace with a push sometimes.

But today…today I did something I haven’t done yet I ran a full 5K. Check this out…

It’s not my fastest time 11:15 mile but it’s my fastest for that distant. So I’m getting there folks, I’m working at it all. I also rode the bike (still not liking that thing to much) and then 90 minutes on the weight circuit. As you can tell I’m off today and had no plans this morning so could go and give it my all without having to hurry to my next thing.

1292 calories burned this morning. I really wish I could do that every day and then the diet part of my life style change would be a bit easier but 3-4 times a week is the max I am able with the schedules I have. At least now with daylight savings time in effect I can get out after my daycare day and get a walk done. Next week I can only get to the gym once unless I go at 5:30 am but when I do that I can only be there an hour and a half and have to get back home for work. When I’m done at 7 o’clock at night I just don’t have the energy to work out but I do for a decent walk/jog will do that. I’ll figure it out, it’ll happen. There still the list of Allan exercises to do at nap time so it’s not like I’m doing to much of nothing. Just not as much as I’d like. That sounds weird, me liking exercise. A year ago I still called it fish flopping and hate every single minute of it.

Okay, enough for now. I got some great things at the thrift store on my way home so I need to go get them posted on my other blog.

Take care my friends and I hope that you have an amazing and awesome afternoon. God Bless!!

My devotional and ….

2011-03-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

Therefore; Watch and pray, lest you enter
into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak." ( Mark 14:38 )

Boy is that so true. The spirit wants to so bad but the flesh is so darn weak. You know about my day on Monday. I’ve been fine since that day but it is amazing how one day of being weak can really affect the next few days too. The craving yesterday were pretty intense but I was able to ignore them and live. But you know, this right now is not my hardest challenge.

Remember my my promise to God, Giving him just 10 minutes a day in meditation? How can settling down a brain and listening to your heart for 10 minutes be that darn hard? I do my devotions in the morning, I pray before I go to bed and little prayers through out the day but I promised him 10 minutes of just quiet time. Time to just sit still, relax and listen. I will learn, I will listen.

Went for a walk with my dad last night. 2.25 miles. It was so nice out there, about 45* and sunny. Suppose to be that way today, so that means we can go again. Tomorrow is my gym day, time to get a rip roaring good work out in. Same for Saturday.

How are you doing this hump day? Sticking to the plan, working hard doing what’s right for you and your body? Spring is just about here summer to follow with shorts and tank tops. It’ll be so cool this year not to wear a cover up all the time. Not the perfect body but a lot less of it.

Take care my friends, have an awesome and blessed day!!

Not on plan…

2011-03-15T05:56:00.001-07:00

So for weeks and weeks I have been exactly or as close to exactly as possible on Allan’s great challenge. Then came yesterday.

Hungry came to visit and he was roaring mad because for weeks and weeks I have ignored him. I have pushed him out in the snow. I have stuffed him in the wood stove. I have even fed him to the chickens, so he was quite upset yesterday and just wouldn’t go away.

I went and exercised, he followed. I went and helped deliver a baby goat (by the way the mama’s name is Peanut so I named the baby Pop-corn), he followed me there too. I carried in wood, went sledding with the kids, made a snowman, went for a walk to great grandma’s and he followed along. He gave me the biggest headache and upset stomach to the point I just could not ignore him any more. So I ate.

I fixed a smoothie, even put whey in it to fill me up a bit. That added 200 calories, I ate chicken strips that added 550 calories and finally I ate a banana which was an extra 100 calories. Now really these are not on top of my normal days food, just instead of but I did end up with a 1700 calorie day which is 500 over and my sugar was high and the carbs oh my gosh. Now I always count everything so even on a bad day like yesterday I have kept track and know that I have Tuesday-Friday to fix this, to just miss a snack or two each day and to work out a bit harder tonight and Thursday. I can make it up but I shouldn’t of had to if Hungry would of just left. He didn’t, I ate and now today is a new day where he’s thinking he’s staying around. NOPE, NADA, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!! He’s over stayed his welcome (and really he wasn’t welcomed anyways).

I have no intentions of becoming a Hippo again. It’s just not going to happen.

I hope you are all doing wonderfully with your life style changes. Yep it’s hard and yep we screw up but remember my post and this poem?

Just for today, I will stay on my diet;
Just for today, I will answer the call;
Just for today, I will drink all my water;
Just for today, I’ll give it my all!

Well just for today I WILL GIVE IT MY ALL!!!

Take care my friends and have the most awesome and blessed day.

Oh by the way, I’m still looking at shoes and today in my e-box I found a coupon for 1/2 price running shoes and accessories at the Running Room. I’ve never stopped there but will be checking it out today, so just maybe I’ll find something I can afford and will be good for me feet and body.

Ideas, thoughts, suggestions…

2011-03-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

I am going to need a new pair of shoes. Since I am running but not all the time do I buy walking shoes, running shoes? What kind do I buy? I don’t have tons of money so looking at shoes over a hundred bucks really isn’t in my future. Really that’s even pushing it but I don’t want problems with my feet since I have so much I want to do this summer. What are your thoughts? I wear a regular 8 so don’t need anything special.

Today got to do something I haven’t done in years. Buy 2 light fleece jackets in a size large. We went to Grand Rapids to Glen’s Army Navy store and they had a clearance on them, usually $25.00 on sale for $4.00. I used to wear at least a 2X sometimes 3X so to put these on and have them fit, well it was fun. The green one is more form fitting and Jim’s eye jumped out of his head, that was cool. The blue one is just a pull over, nothing special but both so soft.

So when you have a moment, please tell me your ideas on a shoe.

I hope you’re all have an awesome Sunday. We are. Take care and God Bless!!

177.2

2011-03-12T09:00:00.001-08:00

I made it, I’m in the 170’s. Not since 1980 has that happened. Yep, I’m proud of me. Yep, I can see that the 160’s are just around the corner. It’s really happening I am becoming the New Me!!!

I have to brag just a little bit today. Went to work out at the gym, after falling down on the ice (no Michele I didn’t have your Yak Trax on, should of and I probably won’t have two very nice bruises) and ran…I’m calling 5.0-5.5 running…not sure about anyone else but for me it’s not a jog, for 2 straight miles. 10:18 minute mile. Less then a year ago I couldn’t go 20’ without dying. Me moving my butt, WOW!!!

I have again upped my weights also. I work out with anything from 40-110lbs. I can even do the leg press now and hold 60lbs for 45 seconds. I’m happy.

To NSV this week, I have ankles. No I have never had them, my legs always went from calves to feet. One day this week I noticed them, I also have knees, really bony ones and I have a clavicle bone that you can see. There is no fat on these things. It’s so cool!!

Okay, I have to get going. Mike gets to pick up his gun today and since I’m the only one in the family with a carry/buyers permit he needs me to go too. He is so excited which makes me so happy for him. It’s his birthday present to himself. A Walther P.22.

Take care my friends and have the most blessed and awesome weekend.

Lent…

2011-03-09T12:06:00.001-08:00

Okay, I’m not Catholic or Lutheran or any one of those religions that practice Lent but years ago I just thought what better way to give back to Jesus for what he did for us then give up something for him for 40 days. I’ve done lots of different things from giving up certain foods, to no TV, to devotions and other stuff but I’ve been sitting here today (well sitting isn’t exactly what I’m doing, it’s been a busy day) trying to think what I want to do. All day today in my mind I keep saying I need to meditate on this problem. I need to meditate on seeing what the Lord has for ideas. I took the kids to the library today and even checked out a book called “Meditations For WOMEN Who Do Too Much”. It’s for the busy mind, for the mind that won’t shut up and let a person meditate.

Anyways, I got the point Lord, I know what I need to do I need to learn to meditate. I need to learn to sit quietly for 10 minutes a day and not think or do anything. Now I know nothing about meditation. I am reading the book “Eat, Pray, Love” and that lady in there is trying to find her center, trying to find what makes her tick. I think that is what got me started thinking about this in the first place. I find it hard to sit still. I find it hard to just pray without a million other ideas rolling around in my head. I read somewhere about a woman’s mind is never still, never thinking about one subject, never just stopping to reflect, relax and rejuvenate. Well not all women because I know of some that can sit and be at peace. Some that can close their eyes and just focus on one thing. It’s not me but I am going to try.

So for my 40 days of Lent, I am giving the Lord my mind in Meditation 10 minutes each day. It’s not long I know but if I can start out with 10 minutes and learn to just shut up and listen, well I bet in time I can do it more. I can really just let the Lord do the talking and not interrupt him all the time with 10 million other ideas running around in my mind.

No matter your status in religion don’t you think giving something back to the Lord is a good idea? How just a reason to do something that’s good for you for 40 days in a row.

Just my ideas and thoughts rolling out there for you to see and think about too. Wish me luck…well that’s not really right…it’s not luck I need, it’s more, wish me the wisdom to learn to do this.

Take care my friends. God Bless you all!!

One day at a time…

2011-03-09T05:53:00.001-08:00

Just for today, I will stay on my diet;
Just for today, I will answer the call;
Just for today, I will drink all my water;
Just for today, I’ll give it my all!

Write it down, memorize it, and just do it, just for today.

I found this last night while just surfing around. Thought it’s the perfect poem.

One day at a time, is all we have to worry about. There’s no changing yesterday, there’s no since in worrying about tomorrow, just today. We can do this, we can make the changes we need to do to become the most healthiest person possible.

Good luck today on your life style journey. You can do it, I have the utmost faith in you.

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. John Rohn

Today is a new day, new challenges but you can handle them all.

God Bless you all my friends!!

Fun, fun, fun!!!

2011-03-07T19:49:00.001-08:00

Told ya we were heading out with the snowmobile this afternoon. The kids had such a blast and this time I rode on the inner tube and didn’t fall off and get hurt. Sure does help having the new fluffy snow on the ice.

After all this playing I still went for a walk tonight. 2 miles before I started to get really cold plus it was dark when I got home. I had forgotten walking the road was so much better then walking the treadmill. Oh I can’t wait until it warms up just a tiny bit more or I finish my days in the daylight.

I’m off tomorrow, time for a major working out at the gym and then mama and I are going out for breakfast and some thrift store shopping. YEAH!!!

I hope you all have a fantastic Tuesday. I’m going too. Take care and God Bless!!!

Smiles…..see the smiles?…..

2011-03-07T11:30:00.001-08:00

How can you not when the day is like this outside?

Oh I know it means we had more snow. It’s Minnesota, it’s one of the things we do best but look at the blue sky. The sun is out and it’s 21* but if you read the thermometer it’s says it’s 40* in the sunshine. We went for a walk today, just a slow one cuz you know 2 & 4 year olds have legs that are almost as short as mine. :o)

See this…?…

Okay it’s been on Allan’s list of things to eat for weeks but I am not that adventurous and have been himming and hawing about trying it, And texted Allan yesterday about what kind to get. Well by time he got back to me I was already home so read some labels, talked to a store person and they said the Roasted Garlic is wonderful and so was the Sweet Bell Peppers. So I gave it a whirl and picked up both. Only 50 calories for 2 tablespoons and it’s good for you.

Well I gave it a try for lunch with the baby carrots and …. it didn’t kill me but I think I prefer my carrots plain. Now I did just try the garlic one, so maybe next time the sweet peppers. Now for the Tuna, I don’t think so. That’s still cat food.

This is new week. I am going to do the best I can by keeping up with what I’ve been doing. I do have a little extra I’m planning on adding to my work outs. Since it’s nicer now I’m going to start getting my miles in here on the days I can’t go work out, like Wednesday and Friday this week. At the gym I have been going for speed but at home I go for distant. So the mixture should shake it up a little bit. I have invited my daddy to join me at the gym twice a week. It’s been fun and exhausting taking him. I worried a bit about him but he’s really doing good now so I can concentrate more on my work outs.

So a new week full of good things, challenges and so much more. I can do this, I will do this. No matter what the scale says, no matter what the tape measure says I will become the healthier me. I have made amazing progress so far and have a wee bit more to go. It’s exciting, it’s wonderful, it’s amazing.

Take care my friends. God Bless!!!

It’s Sunday again….

2011-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

And that means another weigh-in for week 4 of Allan's Phase 5 challenge. I have not been losing like I was in the other challenges but I’ve never exercised and lost inches like I have since I started at the gym and working my tail off. I don’t know if I am gaining muscle while losing the fat but not losing a pound or what because I am still at 180.0. Allan is not going to be impressed, the other challengers aren’t either cuz I didn’t pull my weight. I don’t blame them, but I am trying.

I will admit this week wasn’t by the book. No excuses, Mike turned 19 this week and one day I fixed his favorite meals and the next night he took me out for dinner to say thank you mom for life. Both days I didn’t over eat but I did not stay on plan either. I did go to the gym an extra day to try and make up for the extra’s, I did burn an extra 1000 calories but not enough to lose anything this week.

So this means instead of being in the middle of Allan’s chart I’m going to head to the bottom, the bottom where the slow losers are. Except, slow losing is better then no losing but still not good when there is a plan that needs to be followed, exercises that need to be done and weight that needs to be lost.

So week 5 is on the horizon. Will it be a great week? I am going to work my tail off, stay on plan and do my best. I’m running out of time before my anniversary. It’s now only 50 days away.

So to all my friends in the challenge I am sorry I didn’t hold up my end of the stick this week. To Allan, I’m sorry too. Can’t say anything else, it’ll just be blah, blah, blah.

Enjoy your weekend, stick with the plan and next week there will be great strides in the Mother of all challenges. We can do this, I CAN DO THIS!!!

Take care and have a blessed Sunday.

Why is it so hard at times….

2011-03-05T20:04:00.001-08:00

To just stay away from, not crave, not want the foods you know aren’t good for you? Why is it so hard at times to just do what you know you should? Why is the brain weak when in your heart you know better? Why does your body sing “I want candy” even when you don’t really like candy? Is it because twice this week I didn’t follow the plan? Is it because I had some ice-cream for Mike’s birthday? Is it because I had chips with our picnic? Is it because I had a steak and baked potato and veggies in butter sauce? Is it going to be like starting all over again?

Fell of the wagon, nope…just didn’t follow the plan every single day. Didn’t gain weight, didn’t lose weigh. Did lose inches though but that doesn’t help the scale. My clothes are getting too big again, the 16’s are hanging, the 14’s are fitting much nicer but still the scale isn’t moving. 7 lbs in February, not much still something.

Tomorrow I’ll post more. But for now, it is what it is.

Sleep well my friends and God Bless you all!

Found one….My town….

2011-03-03T11:40:00.001-08:00

Aitkin Active Living Day Certified 5K Run and Competitive Walk presented by Fit City Aitkin

FIT CITY AITKIN'S VISION:

To develop, provide and promote exciting and diverse opportunities for active living that enrich the lives of all persons of the Aitkin Community.

We have a full day of fun events planned. Start by putting on your running shoes and join us for the 2nd Annual Fit City Aitkin Certified 5K Run; Competitive 5K Walk; Fitness Walk; 5th Street Stroll and Kids' Run. Starting around noon, we will have free yoga, pilates, belly dancing, zumba, and kickboxing classes, a Kids' Fest in the Aitkin Fairgrounds, canoeing and kayaking in the Ripple River and end this active day with a community movie.

COURSE

5K Run, 5K Competitive Walk and Fitness Walk take runners/walkers along the Aitkin Walking Trail which winds through Aitkin and its beautiful park area. It is mainly on tarred or cemented surfaces, with a very short period on gravel. There will be a water stop shortly after the 1 mile marker in the Aitkin City Park and an Energy Tent located in the Aitkin Fairgrounds.

That’s one….more to come!!!

Hope you’re having a great day. I am. Blessings to you all!!!

My gym….

2011-03-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

Is offering this month….

Just another great idea to keep heading to the gym and getting my body in shape for summer.

Have a great Thursday. God Bless!!

Maybe ??? I hate bike riding but maybe ???

2011-03-02T18:37:00.001-08:00

Okay, I’m learning the bike isn’t as bad as I use to think it was. It still hurts my knee to use the bike but I wonder if I work hard to strengthen everything around the knee that this would be possible? I want to start using our trail around here. I do take the kids hiking and Mike and I did go biking twice last summer but now I really want too get into them.

8th Annual
Cuyuna
Bicycle Ride

September 10, 2011

The Ride

The 2011 Tour of Cuyuna will begin and end at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge near Deerwood. This year we will offer route choices of approximately 30 and 60 miles. All riders will start between 7:00 and 9:00am.

Check-in will start at 7:00am and close at 9:00am. Riders are permitted and encouraged to start as soon as possible after check-in. All riders should be on the road by 9:00am. These start times should allow most riders to return to the start area by mid-afternoon. All riders must plan to be off their respective routes by 2:30pm. The last rest stop will close at 2:00pm, and official course support will end at 3:00pm.

The Tour of Cuyuna is a recreational ride for cyclists of all abilities and is not a race. T-shirts will be handed out at check-in from 7:00-9:00am.
We are greatly concerned about the safety of our participants. All riders must obey the rules of the road, watching out for others as well as themselves. Our tour is entirely on public roads, and we must cooperate with other users. We require the use of an ANSI approved helmet by all entrants.

Services
Two food stops will be available on the 30 mile route, and four on the 60 mile route.
Lunch will be served between 11:30-2:00, so plan your ride accordingly. There will be a $5.00 charge for non-riders.
Both routes will be monitored by support vehicles to aid in emergency situations and to help those with mechanical problems. If a rider is in need of aid, priority will go to those with serious problems. Riders and their equipment are expected to be in good condition. As on all other rides, cyclists should carry tools, pump, and a spare tube. Route support will end at 3:00pm.
Bikes pulling trailers will be considered as one unit and will receive one shirt. Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Want to know more about my area?:

http://cuyunalakestrail.org/index.cfm/home

We also have an awesome trail system around here called the Paul Bunyan Trail. It doesn’t connect yet to my trail outside my back door but it’s in the future.

What do you think? Can I get into this bike riding? Can I get so my feet don’t go to sleep, my butt die?

Ideas. I’m also looking for some 5K or other goodies for this summer. I want to do things I have never done, never even thought about doing. Some I know I’ll do alone, some maybe with Mike and maybe some I could convince Brenda or Kim to join me in. This is my year, to go out and kick some butt to prove that I can do things I have never done. Not to prove to anyone but myself but to prove I can do it.

Just thought I’d share what I was thinking tonight. Take care and God Bless!!

Mike is 19 today…

2011-03-02T06:21:00.001-08:00

The guy here, my pride and joy is now officially 19. I can’t believe how fast time flies. I can’t believe that just 19 years ago I was 29 year old with no children and no hope of having any. Boy do doctors sometimes get it wrong.

I share Mike with you guys all the time, I know that but I can’t help but be the proud mama and share him with you some more.

Mike is at a cross roads in his life. Not quite ready to grow up but to old to just screw around all the time. He works 40 hours a week with his dad and grandpa and really enjoys being with them but at the same time would love to find a niche in life that’s just his. He’s not sure what schooling he wants to do. He loves the outdoors, manufacturing things so not quite sure what he’ll do but there’s time. He’ll figure it out, one day. At least with a full time he has the time to figure life out.

Mike is going to make the greatest dad ever (but no hurry there). The woman of his dreams will be treasured, loved, worshipped and so much more. I know, I’m not a fortune teller but I do know that whom ever gets him, will be the luckiest lady in the world.

My son, I love you so much Mike. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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March 2nd….isn’t it suppose to be getting warmer out? This was at 7:00 this morning while walking Jon to the bus. BURR!!!!

I’m off to see what the menu says for breakfast today. I’m off plan tonight, on purpose because we are having rabbit. Mike asked for rabbit and since it’s as good for you as anything on the menu, that’s what we are having. Portion control and a huge salad.

Take care my friends, have a blessed day today.