The Truth Of Tuesday Night

Can't forget this post either.

The scales were good to me again this week, and while I am pleased about my results, I don't find myself getting real excited about it.  I can't explain it, perhaps because it just feels like it's something I should be doing anyway so why pat myself on the back for it.

I did the math and I am now only 93 lbs away from my end goal.  Pretty awesome right?  Considering at one point it was over 100 lbs to goal.

Now for the numbers:

Last Week: 242.00 lbs

This Week: 241.00 lbs

I lost another pound and again find myself at my lowest weight.  I'm REAL close to the 240 mark and would like to pass that by Christmas, which is completely doable! 

Linking up again, join us!

Road Trip Review - Week # 17

I'm not sure who I was kidding, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with blogging everyday for the month of November.  It really is the worst possible month for me.  It's super busy with my side craft business (as I only craft for fall and Christmas), plus birthdays and a little bit of down time.

Anyway, that is also the reason this post is a few days getting up.

Let's review!

• The total distance to Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle, NC is 997 km
• We have 170 days until December 31, 2013 (the end date) and that means we need to walk   5.8  km a day.
• Our daily, everyday walking counts, but only up to half of our required distance (so 2.9 km)
• Each 30 minute of non walking/running exercise counts as 0.5 km, up to 3.2 km of our total

The road so far:

Week 1 ( July 14 - 20):

 - total walked: 34.99 km
  - total eligible: 27.44 km
      (-13.16 km behind)

Week 2 ( July 21 - 27)

 - total walked: 48.82 km
  - total eligible: 36.95 km
      (-3.65 km behind)

Week 3 ( July 28 - Aug. 3)

 - total walked: 36.39 km
  - total eligible: 25.30 km
      (-15.30 km behind)

Week 4 (Aug 4 - 10):

  - total walked: 58.44 km
  - total eligible: 42.91 km
      (+2.31 km over)

Week 5 (Aug 11 - 17):

  - total walked: 45.95km
  - total eligible: 35.49km
      (-5.11km behind)

Week 6 (Aug 18 - 24):

  - total walked: 56.91km
  - total eligible: 41.11km
      (+0.51 km over)

Week 7 (Aug 25 - 31):

  - total walked: 49.32km
  - total eligible: 42.45 km
      (+1.85 km over)

Week 8 (Sept 1 - 7):

  - total walked: 52.58 km
  - total eligible: 39.86 km
     (-0.74 km behind)

Week 9 (Sept 8 - 14):

  - total walked: 74.52 km
  - total eligible: 60.04km
     (+19.44 km over)

Week 10 (Sept 15 - 21):

  - total walked: ? km
  - total eligible: 28.92 km
     (-11.95 km behind)

Week 11 (Sept 29 - Oct 5)

- total walked: 38.81 km
- total eligible: 30.90 km
 (-9.70 km behind)

Week 12 ( Oct. 6 - 12)

  - total walked: 33.93 km
  - total eligible: 30.86km
      (-9.47 km behind)

Week 13 (Oct. 13 - Oct. 19)

  - total walked: 56.41 km
  - total eligible: 50.82 km
      (+10.22 km over)

Week 14 (Oct. 20 - Oct. 26)

  - total walked: 32.21 km
  - total eligible: 32.21  km
      (-8.39 km behind)

Last week (Oct 27 - Nov. 2):

  - total walked: 22.87 km
  - total eligible: 22.87 km
      (-17.73 km behind)

This week: (Nov 3 - 9)

Sunday: 10.89 km (Total) 8.64 (Eligible)

Monday: 9.97 km (Total) 7.47 km(Eligible)

Tuesday: 16.00 km (Total) 12.70 km (Eligible)

Wednesday: 10.29 km (Total) 6.84 km (Eligible)

Thursday: 11.30  km (Total) 11.06 km (Eligible)

Friday: 5.74 km (Total) 5.74 km (Eligible)

Saturday: 4.49 km (Total) 4.49 km (Eligible)

TOTAL ELIGIBLE KM FOR THE WEEK: 56.94 km
Goal: 40.6 km
+16.34 (over)

TOTALS:

Eligible: 604.18 km
-45.15 km (behind)

392.82 km to go!

I had a really strong week and worked very hard to catch up a bit.  This week is a bit slower, but I am going to ramp it up over the next couple days to make up a bit.  I am thinking also that I won't reach my goal of being caught up by the end of this month.  I haven't gotten over to mom's yet and I don't see it happening.  Betcha Julie is doing better than me!

On a brighter note, I got myself some new shoes.  I knew mine were pretty worn but just didn't make a point of ordering some from work.  Well, I finally did and had no idea just how worn my shoes were.  I now feel like I am walking on marshmallows!

And now for my random pic of the week!

Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite! Episode 1.0

I didn't want to miss my goal, but I'm too pooped to write tonight.

If you need something different to read and you haven't checked it out already, head on over to my other blog

http://amybickmore.blogspot.ca/

Non-Scale Victory - # 15

It has been quite some time since I have participated in a non-scale victory link up.

Thing is, I just really lost my flow and wasn’t trying.  I was getting by, but not progressing and felt like there wasn’t much to brag about.  I didn’t walk every day or log food or even really attempt to eat better.

However, over the course of the past week and a half, that has changed.  The “shift” occurred and I am back at it.

Part of it is a couple great experiences with my weight loss support group. Another part is my walking challenge with Julie and knowing that I am significantly behind and now need to work my tail off to catch up.

So, I have a couple victories to share today

1.  Getting back on track.  I pretty much lost my focus from the very beginning of this year.  It’s now November and I plan to be lighter by the end of the year.  I’m not setting a certain number goal, just a basic one to weight less by December 31 than I do now.
2. I walked my tail off this week, Tuesday in particular.  I’m proud that I am making a dent in my deficit for the competition.
3.  I made shortbread yesterday and only had about 5.  None today and no real craving for them today after yesterday's go with them.
4. I didn’t make myself a lunch last night for work today.  I bantered back and forth with myself this morning over it.....make it....buy it...make it....buy it.  In the end, I compromised.  I packed some fruit and veggies and on my walk picked up a 6" ham and cheese sandwich.

Here is to another great week with the hopes I have some more to share next week.

Check out the link up everyone!  Very inspirational

 

 

Temptation

This post came about while I was trying to decide what to make for a meeting happening at my house tonight.
I love to bake!  Like LOVE LOVE to bake, and I think I 'm pretty darn good at it too.  But somewhere along the line of this weight loss journey, I realized that I shouldn't bake.  It is too much of a temptation for me and I have a real hard time resisiting the urge to indulge.  I can have store bought cookies in the house and not touch one, but give me a batch of homemade and I can easily eat them all! 

I always wanted to be the mom that had fresh baked cookies ready when the kiddos got home from school.  That is not a reality for me.

November is coming and it's the start of baking season for many people.  I have some shortbread in the oven right now for tonight.  How do you cope with it?  Do you have any tactics that work for you?

There is a woman in my weight loss group that has managed to lose all of her weight and she is a wonderful baker....I'm talking, like, makes homemade fudge to hand out on Halloween and all the kids go to her house for some, kind of baker.  Her tip is this.....before she starts, she has a sink full of hot soapy water and the minute she is done with something, like the beaters and bowl, it goes right into the sink of water.  She must just exercise pure self control not to eat the raw dough.  I mean, I know I have about 6 cookies before I even get them in the oven!

But the thing is, we try to blame the temptations on the time of year.  Come the end of the year, people feel bombarded by Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  There are parties and celebrations and it goes on F-O-R-E-V-E-R!  In our house, that is how it seems. 

I will give you a brief overview of celebrations from Oct - Jan.

In October we have Thanksgiving and Halloween.  End of November is Abby's birthday and then a couple weeks later in December is Hayden's birthday.  Less then a week after that is Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years.  In that time frame, we celebrate with my parents, my mom's side of the family and Brian's brother.  Don't forget to throw in a couple work parties and our weight loss group goes out for dinner too!

How many of us say that after Christmas is over, we will buckle down and get back on track.  I mean, that is the exact reason that gym memberships spike in January.

But here's the hard truth!  We are constantly surrounded by temptation and we just have to learn to deal with it.  Pick what means the most.  Never will I NOT have birthday cake with my kids.  But perhaps I will have a smaller piece and no ice cream.  I enjoy the turkey dinner more then dessert, so maybe I will choose to indulge in that aspect.

Unless you have iron will power and can avoid any and all temptation, you have to find a way to make it work for you.    Indulge but don't overindulge.  Don't let it make you lose sight of the reasons you are working so hard.  If you do overindulge, don't feel guilty about it, let it go and move on.  Do better from that moment on!

You are all wonderful, strong people and can do this.  Let's do it together!

The Truth Of Tuesday Night

What a motivating and inspiring week I had.  For the first time in a long time, I had a week where I felt like I could do this. 

I could be successful and lost the weight I need to.

I worked at it and the scales moved in the right direction

Last week: 242.50 lbs

This week: 242.00 lbs

Loss of 0.50 lbs

I just have to keep telling myself that I am worth this.  I even had a great new friend join me tonight.  I am so happy to have her join our group and it encourages me to encourage someone else.

I will link this up tomorrow to weigh in Wednesday, so check back for the link!

And now for my regular dose of pictures.

Be proud of who you are and flaunt it!

Lunch

In an attempt to get my crap in order, I faced the hard truth and told myself I need to do a better job at taking lunch.  Out of nothing more than pure laziness, I have not really prepared myself lunch properly in over 2 months.  If left overs are not available, I tend to throw in  PB and J, a granola bar and a couple other things.  Never enough to really get  me through the day.  My other option is to go and get something.

So, when I went grocery shopping Sunday, I kept that in mind and picked up some stuff for lunch.

 

This actually is a breakfast/lunch combo.  Let's have a look shall we?

 

First off, to anyone who knows me real well is probably asking what the heck that green leafy stuff is in my lunch. Yes, it's a salad!  When I went to TOPS rally on Saturday, they had a green salad and I tried some. It was tolerable actually and I figured with time, I won't mind it.  So, it's just the store bought bagged salad with a  mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, carrots and red cabbage.  I also added some cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes and red pepper.  The salad dressing is a light sundried tomato and oregano.   I also have a cherry cheesecake Greek yogurt, a light babybel cheese, the green container is full of almonds, 3 Hersey kisses for my sweet tooth after lunch, some left over chicken breast.  The container with the blue lid is raspberries, a clementine and the mason jar is basically a bloody mary without the booze!

Planning a nice lunch makes me excited.  I should make a point of doing it. 

 



Road Trip Review - Week # 16

How about that!  This post is actually on time!  Sit back and enjoy!  Show Julie some love too!!!!!

Let's review!

• The total distance to Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle, NC is 997 km
• We have 170 days until December 31, 2013 (the end date) and that means we need to walk   5.8  km a day.
• Our daily, everyday walking counts, but only up to half of our required distance (so 2.9 km)
• Each 30 minute of non walking/running exercise counts as 0.5 km, up to 3.2 km of our total

The road so far:

Week 1 ( July 14 - 20):

 - total walked: 34.99 km
  - total eligible: 27.44 km
      (-13.16 km behind)

Week 2 ( July 21 - 27)

 - total walked: 48.82 km
  - total eligible: 36.95 km
      (-3.65 km behind)

Week 3 ( July 28 - Aug. 3)

 - total walked: 36.39 km
  - total eligible: 25.30 km
      (-15.30 km behind)

Week 4 (Aug 4 - 10):

  - total walked: 58.44 km
  - total eligible: 42.91 km
      (+2.31 km over)

Week 5 (Aug 11 - 17):

  - total walked: 45.95km
  - total eligible: 35.49km
      (-5.11km behind)

Week 6 (Aug 18 - 24):

  - total walked: 56.91km
  - total eligible: 41.11km
      (+0.51 km over)

Week 7 (Aug 25 - 31):

  - total walked: 49.32km
  - total eligible: 42.45 km
      (+1.85 km over)

Week 8 (Sept 1 - 7):

  - total walked: 52.58 km
  - total eligible: 39.86 km
     (-0.74 km behind)

Week 9 (Sept 8 - 14):

  - total walked: 74.52 km
  - total eligible: 60.04km
     (+19.44 km over)

Week 10 (Sept 15 - 21):

  - total walked: ? km
  - total eligible: 28.92 km
     (-11.95 km behind)

Week 11 (Sept 29 - Oct 5)

- total walked: 38.81 km
- total eligible: 30.90 km
 (-9.70 km behind)

Week 12 ( Oct. 6 - 12)

  - total walked: 33.93 km
  - total eligible: 30.86km
      (-9.47 km behind)

Week 13 (Oct. 13 - Oct. 19)

  - total walked: 56.41 km
  - total eligible: 50.82 km
      (+10.22 km over)

Last week (Oct 20 - Oct 26):

  - total walked: 32.21 km
  - total eligible: 32.21 km
      (-8.39 km behind)

This week: (Oct 27 - Nov 2)

Sunday: 1.11 km (Total) 1.11 (Eligible)

Monday: 2.22 km (Total) 2.22 km(Eligible)

Tuesday: 4.13 km (Total) 4.13 km (Eligible)

Wednesday: 2.86 km (Total) 2.86 km (Eligible)

Thursday: 4.45 km (Total) 4.45 km (Eligible)

Friday: 2.14 km (Total) 2.14 km (Eligible)

Saturday: 5.96 km (Total) 5.96 km (Eligible)

TOTAL ELIGIBLE KM FOR THE WEEK: 22.87 km
Goal: 40.6 km
-17.73 (behind)

TOTALS:

Eligible: 587.84 km
-61.49 km (behind)

449.76 km to go!

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Seriously!

I did TERRIBLE this week.  I really need to fix it for this week.  It must be a priority for me!  No more excuses.

Onward to better things!

 

 

NaBloPoMo 2013 Edition

What is this all about you ask?

Let me give you the quick run down that I "stole" from my girlfriend's blog.

NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month. The goal is to write a post a day for an entire month.  You can find more information at www.blogher.com.

"Thanks Bonnie"

I'm a day behind, as it started yesterday.  I tried to do this last year with my other blog, but failed miserably.  I decided to try it again...with BOTH blogs this time!

Here is to a November of blogging!

I'm posting this exact same post on my other blog!

Road Trip Review - Week # 15

Holy crap!  Julie, can you believe we have been at this for 15 weeks now!?!  I have never stuck with something this long.  We should both be proud!

Let's review!

• The total distance to Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle, NC is 997 km
• We have 170 days until December 31, 2013 (the end date) and that means we need to walk   5.8  km a day.
• Our daily, everyday walking counts, but only up to half of our required distance (so 2.9 km)
• Each 30 minute of non walking/running exercise counts as 0.5 km, up to 3.2 km of our total

The road so far:

Week 1 ( July 14 - 20):

 - total walked: 34.99 km
  - total eligible: 27.44 km
      (-13.16 km behind)

Week 2 ( July 21 - 27)

 - total walked: 48.82 km
  - total eligible: 36.95 km
      (-3.65 km behind)

Week 3 ( July 28 - Aug. 3)

 - total walked: 36.39 km
  - total eligible: 25.30 km
      (-15.30 km behind)

Week 4 (Aug 4 - 10):

  - total walked: 58.44 km
  - total eligible: 42.91 km
      (+2.31 km over)

Week 5 (Aug 11 - 17):

  - total walked: 45.95km
  - total eligible: 35.49km
      (-5.11km behind)

Week 6 (Aug 18 - 24):

  - total walked: 56.91km
  - total eligible: 41.11km
      (+0.51 km over)

Week 7 (Aug 25 - 31):

  - total walked: 49.32km
  - total eligible: 42.45 km
      (+1.85 km over)

Week 8 (Sept 1 - 7):

  - total walked: 52.58 km
  - total eligible: 39.86 km
     (-0.74 km behind)

Week 9 (Sept 8 - 14):

  - total walked: 74.52 km
  - total eligible: 60.04km
     (+19.44 km over)

Week 10 (Sept 15 - 21):

  - total walked: ? km
  - total eligible: 28.92 km
     (-11.95 km behind)

Week 11 (Sept 29 - Oct 5)

- total walked: 38.81 km
- total eligible: 30.90 km
 (-9.70 km behind)

Week 12 ( Oct. 6 - 12)

  - total walked: 33.93 km
  - total eligible: 30.86km
      (-9.47 km behind)

Last week (Oct 13 - Oct 19):

  - total walked: 56.41 km
  - total eligible: 50.82 km
      (+10.22 km over)

This week: (Oct 20 - Oct 26)

Sunday: 4.45 km (Total) 4.45 (Eligible)

Monday: 1.34 km (Total) 1.34 km(Eligible)

Tuesday: 4.40 km (Total) 4.40 km (Eligible)

Wednesday: 6.38 km (Total) 6.38 km (Eligible)

Thursday: 5.24 km (Total) 5.24 km (Eligible)

Friday: 6.02 km (Total) 6.02 km (Eligible)

Saturday: 4.38 km (Total) 4.38 km (Eligible)

TOTAL ELIGIBLE KM FOR THE WEEK: 32.21km
Goal: 40.6 km
-8.39 (behind)

TOTALS:

Eligible: 564.97 km
-43.76 km (behind)

472.63 km to go!

I don't really feel this is an accurate portrayal of last week.  My numbers the same as you might have noticed.  I was all about craft prep this week.  When I wasn't at work, I was at home, running from room to room getting things together and painted.  I didn't wear my pedometer at all times either.  I know 100% that I didn't go and get any "extra" exercise done.  At no point did I just go for a walk.  I think my shivering at the wet, cold pumpkin festival helped with my weight loss this week.  I am still planning on reaching my goal for the end of November though.

Here are some pics from our booth at the craft sale!

The Truth Of Tuesday Night

Another 2fer week.  Boy!  It has been so crazy hectic lately!

So, let's cut to the chase

Last week: 243.00 lbs
This week: 242.50 lbs

Another loss this week, down another .50 lbs. 

This is currently my lowest weight ever while being at TOPS.

We had a fantastic guest speaker at the meeting last week and his visit has helped keep me motivated this week and even get through the temptation of Halloween.

The gentleman that came out is a life and wellness coach.  He really helped put some things in perspective for me.  I also think I need a life and wellness coach on a weekly basis!

I am now trying to see the bigger picture and determine if my daily actions will help me get to where I want to be.

Something I did on Monday this week before our guest speaker was this:

 

The scales at home were showing I was down and I needed a reminder to keep going and get through the day.  Now that it is long sleeve weather, I decided to write myself a little note on my wrist with pen.  That way, every time I reached for the fridge, I would see this and hopefully second guess my actions.  I would never consider doing this permanently with a tattoo.  For a couple reasons, the main one being I am a HUGE chicken and secondly, I tend to ignore a message if I see it too often.  This way, I can wash it off and start fresh each day.

 

I managed to get through Halloween last night and only ate about 100 calories of candy.  Part of my technique was buying candy at the last minute, only buying enough and picking something that is easier for me to say no to.  As for the candy the kids brought home...I will just have to keep telling myself I don't need it!