Projects

Last night I went shopping... It honestly looks like Christmas exploded in my living room and kitchen. I have a very small apartment and everything needs to be in its place, or it can be a disaster. So with my tree, it already puts everything out of whack. So I got great gifts for the kids yesterday. The box for Abby's is 4 feet tall. It took more than one roll of wrapping paper to wrap it. So now there is really no extra room. Lots of fun.

I am sure that most people when the start a project, they finish it. Somehow I have like ten Christmas projects going, all at different stages. I would really like to get some of them done, so I can actually feel like I have accomplished something.

I did decide that in my Jana Dream House, I want a craft room with lots of shelfs and work spaces. Right now I have a craft corner and my kitchen table. Lets just say my rubbermaid runneth over. However, all of the projects are good so far, so I will just keep plugging away.

Note for next year: must start early!

Blah!

I know, I know, I haven't written in forever. Been going through one of those times lately, where it is tough to even function with normal activities. Don't know why I have been so blue lately, may have to get new meds. We will see. It just makes me more sad to think about going back to the doctor for that since I don't have any insurance. Yuck. Anywho...

Started seriously training for the half-marathon in April. Jill devised a specific running plan for me that I am thoroughly enjoying. Never thought I could be one of those people who actually looks forward to tying up the shoes and running. It is a really good release for me and then I always let myself enjoy a steamy soak in the tub. So I love the rewards. On one of the episodes of Biggest Loser, Jillian was telling one of the contestants, to picture her body. So I try to think about that. I picture my body how I want it to look in April and it is great motivation.

I am still running on my treadmill. I would like to take it outside, but I really don't have any gear for that. What do you guys think is absolutely essential for cold weather running?

I am not cracking. I just decided that it wasn't something I could stick with. My plan is to just eat healthy! Thought about counting calories, but I don't want to have to always be thinking about that. So after I indulged all weekend, I am just planning on eating sensibly. Enjoy more fruits and veggies and go from there. We will see where it gets me.

I just watched Bridget Jones' Diary for the first time last night. It was on tv and I stayed up til midnight watching. It really cracked me up. Need more movies like that. Hope everyone has a great week!

Keep Runnin' Runnin' and Runnin' Runnin'

Here is some good news for me. I added up my total running for last month and here is the total: 21.176 miles. Not bad for the first month of running. Then even better, I ran for 20 minutes straight! Yay me. Next week is when everyone is starting WOE over again. Hope everyone is on board.

Getting into the Christmas spirit. Last weekend, Mom and I went to Hobby Lobby to get some supplies for Emma's sports scrapbook, and they were playing Christmas music. I am already used to all the decorations up everywhere, but Christmas music? Anyway, I have really been watching for great Christmas ideas. This year I am trying to have a very minimalistic Christmas. Lots of home-made presents. I would like to say that it is to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas and that money doesn't buy everything. But seriously, I am just flat out broke. lol Maybe they will learn something anyway. This Saturday we are going to start the process of making some of them. So when you get your crappy present from me, remember its truly from the heart.

Motivation

Thought I would ask a question... What is everyone's motivation to run? When your legs are killing you, sweat is running down your back, the stitch in your side is screaming, what makes you take another stride?

Glorious Day

Let me just share why I am smiling today... This past weekend, I was treated to a new outfit for work. I picked out a pair of black slacks and black and white long sleeve knit shirt. When I was decided on the size (don't like to try on) I thought I will get a 12 in the pants and a medium shirt. Even if they are a little snug, more motivation to stick with it. So this morning I decided to wear the new outfit. I put on the pants and low and behold... they are too big, way to big!!! So unlike my sister, I don't mind trading things in, so I will do that tonight and get a size 10. So I went to my closet and pick out another pair of pants to wear with the new shirt. When I put the new shirt on, it also is too big. I know it is just a sizing mistake, but seriously I am going to trade for a small. So I am celebrating anyway. May even leave the tag out for everyone to see. Just kidding, sort of.

It couldn't have happened at a better time. I was seriously contemplating eating the whole kitchen on Sunday and then had a hard time again last night. However Burl was great enough to take me out to a nice restaurant where I could enjoy a great salad bar and the most delicious steak with a side of broccoli. So once again I am reminded, why cheat when it is so easy?

I am a little worried about my running regimen this week. I opted to do legs last night, so running is a for sure today. Anyway, the program I am doing has a huge increase in the amount of running from this week to last. So we will see if I can keep up.

Have a great one!

Skinny Pants

Let me start by saying, "Woo-hoo!" I have a pair of pants that I have been measuring my weightloss by. Today I tried them on and wore them to work!!!!!!!! I am screaming with joy, "Forget you, scales! What do you know?" lol. Ok, I know I am a big dork.

Finally the sun has come out here. Yesterday it rained all day long. For those of you who don't know, that hardly ever happens here. I carried my daughter's princess umbrella (pink with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle) to work since it is the only one I own. Needless to say, a child's umbrella isn't very big, but at least it kept my head dry. It has been very cold as well, had to turn on the heater at the house yesterday and my windshield had ice on it this morning.

My injuries from the rip stick are healing nicely. My bruise on my hip is only the size of a computer mouse, and now is purple instead of black and my elbow is fine. My shoe however, will always tell the tale.

Have a good one!

Scales, Stupid Stupid Scales

I really dislike weigh day. I weigh at work because thank goodness I don't have a scale at home. Before coming to work, I was totally stoked because: (1) I had to hook my bra on the smallest hook, (2) I had to make a belt out of a scarf to keep my pants up that I just bought a month ago, (3) I love how healthy I feel. Then I get to work and the scale says exactly the same thing it said last week! Plus on weigh days I never want to drink water before I get here and even eating breakfast seems wrong.



All of you seem so in tune with your bodies so I have a question for you. I have been getting a headache every day. Its not like a migraine, but still there every day. I have started wearing my glasses all the time to see if that would help and it hasn't. Any ideas?

Rip Stick

Ok I know that my sister got seriously injured trying it, but it just looked like so much fun. Yes, I busted my butt. I left a 3 foot skid mark (not kidding) on my aunts driveway where I landed and then slid into the grass. I scraped up my right elbow, killed my right hip and scuffed my left shoe. How does that even happen? Trevor was the only one who saw me and after we made sure I was ok, both laughed until we cried. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Will I do it again next time? Absolutely. Will I wear the elbow pads? Absolutely.

Because I was tagged by Jo, here it goes. Six random things about me.

1) I hate feet. Don't like to look at them, will never touch them, and sure don't want to smell them.

2) I am addicted to tattoos. If I had more money, I would have more tattoos. I only have two now.

3) I am borderline obsessive complusive. Not the kind where I have to turn the lights on and off fifteen times, but the kind where I like everything on my desk at certain angles, and patterns to be a certain way.

4) I love fall. It is a perfect fall day, cloudy, cold, and breezy. Puts me in a good mood.

5) I wish I had better relationships with people. I just never seem to have enough time in the day.

6) I always worry about what other people think.

Can you pull your butt?

OK, since doing walking lunges the other night and running, I think I have pulled my butt. Seriously, I can't even walk right, or get up from my chair, or kneel down to get something. Makes me want to grunt every time. However, I know that really it is a good sign. If its sore, its tearing down and building up. My abs are sore today too, so another blessing. I was afraid I was not working them out hard enough. I have a hard time pushing myself sometimes. I guess I need to be on Biggest Loser and have Jillian screaming at me. Actually, I did get a new idea from BL last night. Did you see them on the last chance workout with Bob's team, laying on the treadmills and using the handles to pull them up into some sort of pull up/sit up/back bend? Looks hard and good. I am going to try it but without Bob sitting on me of course.



Spent the night with my sister's kids last night while her and the hubby went to the emergency room. (If you don't know, read Jo's blog). After trying to sleep in the chair I decided to get in bed with my niece which was not a wise choice. First of all, she sleeps on top of the covers. No matter how many times I covered her up, there she was smack dab on the top again. Second, she is all over the bed all night. Upside down, sideways, you name it. Third, she grinds her teeth just like her mom, LOUD! Jill got home sometime in the middle of the night. This morning (5 am my time) as she was propped up in the living room, she was using her cell phone to try to wake her husband up in the bedroom. In my sleep induced coma, I heard his cell phone ringing and thought it was mine. Being in strange surroundings, I jumped up, fell on something in the bedroom, ran into the hall and upon realizing where I was and that it was not my phone, went back to bed and never asked what she needed. Some help I am. Probably scared Jill half to death because I am a known sleepwalker. Maybe that contributed to my aforementioned butt problem.



Have you guys heard of the new 4 minute workout machine? Basically you can do either an upper body workout or a lower body workout in just four minutes and keep your metabolism spiked for the rest of the day. My cousin and I saw it advertised in the paper today. The sport medicine doctor in town has one and you can buy a monthly membership. They also have a facility in Clovis with several machines. We called to ask some questions and they said we could come try it for free anytime we would like. I am definitely interested in seeing what this is all about. We asked if we could come in our work clothes or if we would get too sweaty. The guy said that he has a man come in everyday in slacks and tie. However, he is probably in better shape than I am so, I don't know if I want to chance it. Something interesting to think about.

From one day to the next

As Jo and Jill well know, I was a little disappointed with my results as of Monday. I have lost 7lbs and 7 inches in three weeks. However, let me point out that six of the seven pounds were lost in the first week. So I was a little less than motivated to start the week off. However.... I still am cracking, haven't even fallen through a single crack. Still running and doing my resistance bands. So here is the good news....



This morning while I was evaluating my efforts (which entails me standing in front of the mirror with only my bra and undies on for about 5 minutes) I actually felt good about my image. Yes, I have stretch marks, thanks Emma, Alex, and Abby, yes, I still have my "momma belly", yes I still have those darn "mini boobs" under my arms, yes my thunder thighs are still rolling, but... everything is getting better! Mini boobs are now maybe an A cup lol, stretch marks no longer look like the grand canyon, momma belly looks like I am only 3 months along (no I am not even pregnant), and my thunder thighs are moving into the distance where you can just faintly hear them.



Just wanted to say thank you for all the encouragement. I feel great and now am seeing that feeling reflecting in the mirror. So in hindsight, don't get too discouraged one day, because the next day is bound to be better.

Don't you get hungry?

Last night was another one of Emma's volleyball games. This time Burl was fed up with his boss and told him he needed to be at a volleyball game in Fort Sumner. I think his boss was so shocked he let him go! FYI, Burl usually works for this guy until dark and we left at 3:15. Anyway, it made my day to have him with me in the town that I am always afraid will have stones to throw at me. (If you don't know, then great, and believe me I hope you never do!) This time she was playing Dora which has a 7th and an 8th grade team... And she got to play with the 8th graders too! The 7th grade won but the 8th grade lost. She played well for 3 matches and not so well for one. During the game, Abby was sitting with us. She first started with a slim jim, then taffy, then peppermints. She offered me a bite of each and I reminded her that I was on a diet, to which she replied, "Don't you ever get hungry?"



That actually got me thinking... On this diet, I am never really hungry. I follow the plan and eat when I am supposed to, and no I am never really hungry. Don't get me wrong, I am ready for the next meal, but I am never starving!!! It was a great revelation to realize that I am loving my body and not torturing myself at the same time. I have also noticed that my stomach must be adapting because there have been several times when I don't even finish my meal. Plus, one of the "angry mob" from the fort commented on how great I was looking! Besides Burl, she is the first person who has said anything. Almost made my day until she threw in an thinly veiled insult too. Oh well, I just had a flash of pegging her in the face with a volleyball, but decided I better not. lol



Last night was my second night to run. I did listen to some tunes and that helped. Here our radio stinks, but at night they have the "hip hop hizzy". So I got to run to some great gangsta songs. As I look at the blank wall as a run I try to set my mind on my running goals. I would really like to be able to do the half marathon in Oklahoma City this April. However, I just can't imagine at this point being able to run that far. But it was so inspiring last year to see the fam cross the finish line. So we will just have to see. Hopefully I can stay motivated!

I'm doing it!

Ok, here goes nothing, my very first blog. A little scared, a little nervous, and a lot excited. I have really enjoyed reading every one's posts during the start of my new WOE. So Jo Jo finally got me going with my own.

First on the WOE... I am amazed at how wonderful and easy it has been. Yes, the first week was challenging. But already I am on week three and just crackin' along. I love the way I feel and starting to love the way I look. I lost six pounds my first week of cracking. Due to some advice from Jilligan, I decided not to weigh this week, and we will see if I can hold out one more week. I have been researching tons of recipes, some great, some not so great. But hey, you live and learn. I learned that crab stuffed portabello mushrooms aren't all they are cracked up to be and that a minute muffin made with egg and oatmeal can be a nice treat.

Now on working out... I was lazy last week and didn't get into working out, so this Monday was my first day. I am doing a combo of resistance band workouts and Jilligan got me started on the couch to 5K. Monday I worked out arms and can't remember the last time my arms burned that bad. I was seriously wondering if I would be able to shampoo my hair or type the next day but surprisingly was okay. Last night was my first running "episode". I used to have an MP3 player but somewhere with all my many moves, I have left it behind. So yesterday on the treadmill, it was a quiet run. Because it is an interval program of running for a minute and walking for 90 seconds the first week, I found myself saying over and over, " Six minutes, six minutes, six minutes," then "eight thirty, eight thirty, eighty thirty," then " eleven, eleven, eleven." Well you get the idea. I made it through but seriously need to look into a new music situation.

Glad that Jo and Jill got me motivated to start the program, it is great to be doing it together. Hopefully, I can convince more people. Everyday at work, the girls look to see what I am eating and then say, "Oh, I could do that." But so far they haven't taken the plunge, so we will see.

Everybody keep "A Cracka Lackin!"