Jana Banana

Energy

2011-10-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

I am loving all of this new-found energy! I used to take a nap almost everday after work. Not a 30 minute power nap, more like a 3 hour slumber. Now that I am eating right and drinking water, I just feel so much better. It is amazing what you can get done in 3 hours instead of napping. I even exercised today for the first time since the start of this diet. Loved the cooler weather. Only walked a mile, but a start is a start. Hoping for a repeat tomorrow.

People are starting to notice that I have slimmed down. Can't wait for a major change. Now people are asking me more about what I am doing. There is only 28 more days until Aruba, so hoping the scale likes me tomorrow. Getting a little frustrated with the plateau.

Speaking of tomorrow, lots of good things happening. Our consultant, Patti, will be at the office. That means half a day of her observing and half a day of meeting and improvements. She is such a great person and always leaves me uplifted and excited about work. Plus she is a quilter too and we always get to talk a little about that too.

Then tomorrow night, long time family friends will be here for the night on a short break from a road trip. Can't wait to see them even if it is only for a few hours before and after sleeping.

Got my nails done, hair dyed, sheets washed, etc. Tomorrow before they get here I am hoping to get a cute Vixen Volleyball project done. We will see how that goes. Have a lovely Wednesday!!!

Sunday Afternoons

2011-10-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

What happened to all the projects that I was going to get done today??? Oh ya, a nap. A long, wonderful, refreshing nap. I still am managing to get some projects done tonight, they were just on a delay.

In some ways, I love Sundays, and in other ways, I dread them. I love spending time with my husband, relaxing, getting laundry done. I hate that it means another week of work starts tomorrow. )-:

So now here I am, drinking a cup of Yerba Mate tea, taking a break from making running cuffs (which I think I figured out), and about to make some cookies for friends at work. What kind of cookies, you ask? Sugar cookies to remember Breast Cancer awareness month. Yes, I am making boob cookies. I think it will be a nice treat for a Monday morning and get a good laugh. I can't believe I can make cookies and not be the least bit tempted!

Loved church this morning. The sermons are always so useful and applicable to everyday living. A great pep rally for the week. Lunch at the truck stop with the husband and mother-in-law, also very nice. The mother-in-law gave me a beautiful maxi dress for the Aruba trip. So pretty, just need shoes to go with it.

Also got all my meat grilled for the week. That way I only have to clean the Foreman once and lunch and dinner choices are easy to make. The husband even ate chicken without complaining. lol. Hard to do for a beef man.

Busy week this week... Volleyball, football, sewing projects, work, trying to include exercise in this new lifestyle, and kids this weekend. Also it is ENMU's homecoming parade and the son's game conflicts with it. Think it is the second time in my whole life to miss it. Life goes on.

Have a great week!

Here I Am!

2011-10-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a long time. Good thing this doesn't get shut down for non-use. What's new with me? I am trying to make some positive changes in my life. I known for 3 years that I needed to do something about my weight. After trying and failing at several attempts to lose weight I have finally found something that is working for me. All of my family and friends have been so supportive and that makes it easier too. I have been dieting 15 days and have lost 12.8 pounds. It is amazing to see the weight falling off. Today I even wore some capri's that I haven't been able to wear all summer. What a nice boost!

I have also quit drinking Diet Dr. Peppers. That may not sound like much to most people, but I drank them instead of water. I would go three weeks without taking a sip of water. It's is crazy I know but it was my lifestyle. I quit them cold turkey the same day I started the diet and feel incredible. Still drinking coffee, tea, but also just plain water. Plus, I am remembering my love for hot tea. Can't wait for the weather to get and stay cold to make it even more enjoyable.

In November, my whole office is getting rewarded with a trip to Aruba! Yes, Aruba. I can't even believe it myself sometimes. We worked hard to meet the goals each month and we are getting to go on an all inclusive trip. I have never been anywhere like this my whole life, so saying that I am excited is an understatement. Can't wait to go, explore, shop, and relax with my great friends from work. (Yes, a bathing suit on the beach was the wake up call for the diet!)

I recently got a new dog, against the husband's wishes. lol. Her name is Dixie, she is a chi-poodle. Half chihuahua, half poodle, and full adorable. Although my husband always plays the tough guy, every dog becomes his best friend. I have had many dogs and I believe she is the smartest ever.

All my life I have always wanted a blue roan horse. Lately, begging my husband for one has commenced full force. We started looking for one and hadn't found anything suitable, i.e. affordable. I mentioned a colt that I see on the way to work everyday and...... he got it for me!!!!! It is the most beautiful horse. He is still with his mama, but should be weaned either this month or next. I have already named him Beauregarde. Who knows why? I won't be able to ride him for a couple of years, but can't wait to start spoiling him and getting him used to me right away.

Yesterday, I bought a new car!!!! I have driven the same car for the last 4.5 years. It wasn't a car that I wanted but I car that I could afford at the time. The plan was for my oldest daughter to drive it when she got her license, but she didn't want it either. I think that had more to do with it being a standard more than anything else. Anywho, we bought her a used pickup a month ago that she fell in love with. Then my husband got a new beautiful pickup and I guess I was feeling left out. Once I found out that I wasn't upside down on my car it was a race to trade it in. I chose a Jeep Compass. The most adorable mini-SUV that had all the features I have always wanted. I absolutely love it.

As I was driving it home, I realized one thing.... I am so blessed. I have a wonderful husband, great children, a beautiful home, vehicles that work, an awesome job, fantastic friends, and an overall wonderful life. It is time I started appreciating it!

I'm Alive!!!!

2010-06-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it has been over a year since I have posted. Everyone has probably taken me off their list of blogs to follow, but oh well.

Here goes the update....

The past year has been interesting.... No dieting, no exercising, no blogging, nothing. Doesn't sound very interesting does it?

Some major changes have happened here recently. First of all, I quit my job. Yes, I know, crazy, but that is me. The husband and I have decided that I can stay home for the summer and still manage to eat and then look for something interesting in the fall. This is so absolutely liberating, it is hard for me to fathom.

Abby had her tonsils out on June 1 so a full week was dedicated to waiting on her hand and foot. She was in a lot of pain at first and was very needy. She stayed with me for the first week of recovery and then went back to the fort. She is improving daily and this is the first week that she is supposed to be able to resume her normal activities.

The other kids have been back and forth for the summer so that has been fun too. One night we decided to have a "drive in movie theater" in our own crazy way. We laid all the seats down in the minivan, watched movies on the tiny screen, and slept there overnight. First we were hot, then cold, then when the sun came out in the morning, we were baking.

Emma will be a freshman this year, so she has athletics almost everyday. Makes it very hard for her to come and stay. She was able to stay the first full week of summer so that was nice. She turned 14 on June 11 and it is hard to imagine where time has gone. Later this summer, she plans to go to her favorite church camp. We will see. I'm a little nervous considering there are a variety of ages, including older boys.

Alex is at a basketball camp in Portales this week. He definitely doesn't take after me. He was excited to go to a BASKETBALL CAMP, where he knows NO ONE. So outgoing. Today is the first day and they are providing lunch. So I won't pick him up until a little after 12, hope it goes well.

My latest adventure was buying a wading pool and a raft for tanning purposes. Laid out on Saturday and enjoyed every minute of it until I came in and realized that I did not get my sunscreen on as good as a thought. Seriously sunburned in some areas! Burl was nice enough to let me know this morning that a feed truck would be coming this afternoon. No swimming for me today. LOL.

I have also taken up quilting. My aunt, cousin, and I took a class in February and I have fallen in love. I just used my $89 sewing machine from Wal-Mart and my quilting frame and enjoy every minute. The first quilt I made was a Simple Simon, then I made an easy baby quilt for my future niece, Mackenzie, and now I am finishing up a pink scrap quilt for Abby's room. Have lots of "next" projects as well.

I have been bottle feeding baby kittens as well. Their mother disappeared one day (most likely a coyote got her.) There were four kittens about 2 weeks old when I took over. One died early on and I have managed to get the others ones to live. They are 6 weeks now, so I am weaning them this week. Two gray and one orange and they are adorable. Not sure I can let them live outside just yet, because I will be devastated if something happens to them.

Later in the summer I am running a concession stand during on of Trevor's baseball tournaments and hopefully going to Jodie's to help out with Mackenzie for a few weeks as well. Hope to have a couple of garage sales if I get my act together. I will try to be better about posting.

Still Here

2009-03-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Jilligan is making me update my blog while i am sitting at her house. Sorry I haven't updated my blog in a while. I had a stess reaction/fracture in my foot and was in a walking boot (which by the way, my co-workers bedazzled). I just got the go ahead to starting walking without for a couple of hours a day. So, taking the advice and not listening, I haven't worn it at all today. I am definately out for the OKC half marathon, and really don't know what I want to set my goals for now. We will see.

Ouch

2009-02-28T20:08:00.002-08:00

I got in four miles today, but i am experiencing serious pain. The other night after the battle of the dogs, my husband and i went to walmart and I could barely walk due to severe pain in my right foot. It was gone by the morning, so I figured, no big deal. Today not too far into my run, there the pain came again, but much more severe. I still managed four miles, but it is killing me tonight. I iced it so we will see how it goes. It is from the outside of my right foot all the way to my ankle. Tomorrow is our big run, so we will see.

I did enjoy the run a little bit more tonight because my youngest two and my husband, who only wears boots, started with me. They made it through the walking warmup and one and a half minutes of running. Still made me happy. I requested my ear warmer, so later down the road my daughter and husband met me with that and some water. By the way, my five year old was steering the pickup. Too funny. She got out and ran three more cycles with me and then they drove beside me for a little while longer. On the last stretch, a man on his horse met up with me and let his dog run with me for a few minutes. The dog is awesome, so it was a nice treat. All the joys of country life I guess.

We had a pretty good day. The five year old went to do chores with the hubby and loves every minute of it. Especially the driving part. She said tonight, I love him, he's the greatest. It makes it all worth it.

However, the ex tonight is a different story and is being a complete A__. He can go through periods where everything is great and then low and behold, there he is the same irrational man that I divorced three years ago. It makes me so mad, that he has the ability to ruin my day and will for at least the next thirteen years.

2009-02-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

Let me quickly catch you up on my running. Jill was able to drag me along for 6 miles. We went on one of the major highways so we could make a pit stop for water and bathrooms if need be. My husband was terrified that we would get run over or kidnapped or both maybe, but we made it back safely. I begged Jill to walk more than we used to and somehow I made it through. One good thing about the highway is that several of our family members passed and offered lots of encouragement. Later that night and the next day I was definately feeling the run. I can't remember ever being so sore. I seriously had to pick my legs up just to get my undies on. It was seriously sad.

Tonight Jill came back to town and offered to run with me again. We only needed to do three miles and since her ipod was dead, we went out on the road from my mothers on a course that she had measured. Let me just say, we will never run that course again!!! It was a mile and a half, so the plan was to run up and back. The way up was going along okay (except me wanting to die!) when low and behold we came up on our first aggressive dog for the night. Seriously, scary, foaming at the mouth, barking, running beast! We both started yelling and while Jill distracted him, I picked up rocks and threw them as best as I could. (a trick I learned long ago from Sandy). We were able to escape but we knew we would be passing by him on the trip back. When we got close again, I stopped to pick up the largest rocks I could find. I gave one to Jill which she said felt more like a shotput. So here we are running with these boulders, when we decide to arm ourselves with some empty beer bottles laying around. By the time we got close to the beast, we had a whole arsenal of weapons. We lucked out and the owner was outside, so Jill yelled from afar a request for him to hold him. With much effort the man did, so we threw down our weapons. Thought we would have smooth sailing on the way back, but all the dogs must have conspired together. On the trip back, we met up with TWELVE dogs. About half were rabid and half were friendly. Needless to say, it got the adrenaline pumping.

Ah, how relaxing running can be. LOL!

Today

2009-02-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

Jilligan is trying to talk me into running still. We are supposed to go for a run today, can't remember if it is 5 or 6 miles. I told her we have to go slower than normal since I haven't ran in 2.5 weeks. If I end up in the hospital I will let you know.

Dropping Out

2009-02-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

I think I am going to be a quitter. Too much stress right now. Stuff with the kids, and stuff at church, plus something must be seriously wrong with my iron levels. Seriously want to go to bed at 4 every afternoon and even get to be at 9 and still don't want to wake up in the morning. Wish I had medical insurance to figure out what the heck is wrong, but I don't. So for now, I am thinking about not doing the half. Haven't ran in two weeks anyway!

I'm Alive!!!

2009-02-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, seriously I am really here. I finally got internet at my house which happens to be way out in timbuktu. They were afraid the wireless wouldn't work way out here, so they gave it to me for one night to try and I have to actually go pay for it tomorrow. Which is nice, because I can already tell I need the faster service than they put me on tonight. I hate waiting for things to load. Anyway, I digress.

My training has not been so great lately. Why? You might ask. I have no idea. The last two weeks I have been having some stomach issues. Finally went to the doctor last Tuesday. (When you don't have insurance, you hold on for as long as possible) When I was pouring sweat and in great pain from stomach cramps, my cousin finally convinced me to go. We will see what the bill turn out to be and all that has changed is that I am now taking Zantac. Am I feeling better? YES. Have I run? NO. Seriously just can't get motivated. So basically I haven't run anything in about a week and a half. Yes, I know that the race is coming up shortly, but still just can't get motivated.

So here I sit, in my running clothes, catching up on all the "internet stuff" I have been needing to do for the last 3 months. Will I run tonight? Who knows. Seriously need some help with the motivation. Maybe it will help now that I can read everyone else's blogs and see that other people are in it with me. We will see.

Projects

2008-12-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

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'

2008-11-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

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!"