I feel like I am starting this journey all over again.  Since getting back from the cruise in May. I have been in constant battle with myself. I've said before I am a creature of habbit. I like things to go as I plan them and I do not like to feel everwhelmed. Over the past 4 weeks I have felt myself slipping back into my old ways. I haven't been logging down my food. I haven't really exercised like I have wanted to. I have used food to feel better. Plain and simple my attitude stinks. Where did I go wrong? There have been kid issues, couple issues, school issues, ...blah blah. I let them get the best of me. I am letting them control my attitude and my eating. While I am being honest here lets just say they (ALL the thing that I can't control) are controlling me. I don't like that one bit. There wasn't just one thing that sent me over the edge it was the compounding stress of ALL of them. My name is Andie and I do not handle stress well.  Actually I should take that back. I do handle certain stressors well. Work stress easy peasy. Gas price stress, so what. Computer crashes, its a doddle. When it comes to my personal life... stop the boat... I WANT OFF.

 

I am in need of a revival!  A weightloss revival! My fervor for living well and H.Q.D.s went right out the door. Last night I went to the kick off meeting for the half marathon training. That was a good way to renew my fervor. I sat in my car waiting for my run buddy to get there and I took note of all the fit people walking by. All I could do was sit there and say I want to look like that. Wanting something is not enough. You have to act on that want. I can want something  24 hours a day 7 days a week and unless I act on it well... I can just keep on wanting. I want to be done with school...so I decided to torture myself by taking a governnment class that requires way too much reading (i.m.o.) and way too much writing. But August 4rth when I am done with summer school I will be so glad I knocked 3 classes out of the way.

 

Do I not want to be healthy enough to act on it? Well at the rate I am going that is what it seems like. I must not think very highly of myself when I continue to eat junk. When I put junk in my mouth, junk exudes from my thoughts, my attitudes, my behaviors, my emotions and my heart.

 

As I am sitting here typing this its about 12:15. Time for lunch. I can't even be bothered to go in there and make a simple sandwich and slice up some cantelope. I want someone to do it for me. I want someone to take care of me. Is that so wrong. Does anyone out there get tired of taking care of themselves? I know it can be just me.

 

I wasn't even going to blog today because of everything I have to finish for class but I had to unload it somewhere or I was going to go crazy.

 

I need a revival at the starting line because I can't seem to get past it.

 

I am going to go make me a sandwich and cut the cantelope... I wonder if I could train my canine companion to do that???

 

P.S. I apologize for not being around... I am having a bit of a problem balancing everything. You know I love you guys :)

 

XO,

A

So glad it is Friday. I have had such a stressful week. This new school thing is killing me. My advising appointment went well Wednesday. The advisor was a very nice lady and answered all of my questions. We got my schedule sorted. I had to switch up a few things but it will work out better in the long run. For the next 3 weeks it looks like I will be making a trip up there once a week to complete orientation requirements, financial aid requirements and things of that nature. None the less I feel I am on the downward slope towards getting all my ducks in a row at the new school.

 

I have had all H.Q.D.'s since my last post. I have manged to drop 5 pounds. Thank goodness. Now if I can just continue on and finally reach the coveted Onederland I will be happy. I have managed to work out twice this week; one short run (2.50 miles) Tuesday night and I went to the gym yesterday. I really need to start making it a priority to get some sort of physical activity in everyday NO MATTER WHAT!!!! I can tell my mood is better and even though I am stressed I seem to handle it better when I am physically active.

 

 I have been toying with the idea of starting on WW. I received a coupon in the mail for free registration. But I need to find a meeting that works well with my schedule now and when school starts in the fall. I don't mind doing my own plan but it sure is a lot easier to count and keep track of points than logging everything in to the daily plate and sometimes I don't always have internet access. Although I may still use it every once in a while. I don't know... I am still thinking about what my P.O.A. will be for the fall. My BFF and her family are all WW. Which is good because we are spending a couple of days down there for the 4th. I know I will have H.Q.D.'s there (at least that is my plan).

 

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Til next time...

 

XO, A

 

 

Yesterday I wrote down everything that I feel is "out of control". First thing that came to my mind was school. It's a new school. (Have I mentioned I hate new things) It's 65 miles away. It's HUGE. I am worried about the drive there. Will I get there on time? Did I allow enough time between my first class here and my next class there? Will I find parking? Will I get lost? As stupid as this sounds I am worried about going to the bathroom. I visited the bathroom while I was there last time and the stall walls are shorter than I am so you can see in them! That irks me for some reason. I'm worried about the money I will be spending on gas there and back.  How will I eat my lunch. Will I get to eat lunch? The fact that I haven't been going to the gym is making me feel out of control. Every time I want to go something gets in the way. Also when the kids are here it makes me want to stay at home and make sure they don't do anything they aren't supposed to and do the things they are supposed to. I think well maybe I could go to the gym in the evening but I come back with thoughts like what if the gym is crowded ( I go to a small gym with 5 ellipticals) and I can't do my thing. What if there are no machines free? I usually go between 1 and 2 and NO ONE is ever there. I love that. I don't want to go when its crowded. I start the half marathon training on the 9th. I am worried about that.

 

I am nuts aren't I?

 

 

So... with the list I made I am  going to take each one of my concerns and pray about them everyday. Everyday!!! God doesn't want me to feel like this. I am not in control he is in control and I think Ms. Underwood says it best "Jesus take the wheel". Instead of rushing off to the gym today I am going to spend an hour praying and asking Jesus to please help me not to take the wheel from him.

 

One last thought thanks to Hopeangel. Here was her comment to my last post:

 

I have to tell you something that has helped me lately. Instead of focusing so much on weight by a certain date goals I have decided to focus more on having the highest quality day i can have. So in other words quality would mean eating right, exercising, getting good rest, positive self talk, setting boundaries with others, etc.  High quality isn't overeating when I really want rest or maybe some spontaneous fun in my life.  So just a thought. I have been going up and down now for several weeks and I think some of it has to do with focusing SO much on weight and not on living the LIFE I  want.  Either way you have SO MUCH to be happy about for your 31st birthday!!!!

 

 

Exactly what I needed hear! So right and so true. I need to get back to the basics of my"living well plan" so that I can have those High Quality Days. I am not defined by the number on the scale. I am how ever defined by how I live my life.

 

Here is to the next leg of this journey being filled with High Quality Days!!!

 

XO, A

Not sure where to start. I have had days and days of busyness at work and at home. I've had a really crappy weekend. I've been eating like a little pig since Thursday. I am stressed. I am moody. Peter and I have been at each other's throats. It's hot. My internet broke. My weight is up. I haven't worked out in almost 3 weeks. Not to mention I haven't ran in 3 weeks. The kids are driving me nuts. My job is driving me nuts. I miss my BFF. I wish she lived here or I lived there. I feel like a bloated mess.

 

I hate feeling like this. I feel out of control again. Why is it when I things are out of control I can't control what I put in my mouth. If anything EATING is the one thing I CAN control. DUH....

 

I have good intentions of making it to the gym but something ALWAYS gets in the way.

 

I want to reach my goal of 100 pounds by my 31st birthday. I had it planned out to a T... now I am up 5 pounds and that could be a 2 or 3 week delay. 

 

I know I can recover from this little setback but I shouldn't have even let it happen.... Here is to a better tomorrow!

 

XO,A

209.5 Baby! I am slowly but surely getting back to my pre-cruise weight!

 

 I don't have a lot planned for the day. I have some errands I need to run and an assignment due. Other than that it should be an alright day.  I forgot to mention I got my new toy yesterday. What better way to stay hydrated than with one of these. Water is a must in the heat of the Texas sun. It will also come in handy for my half marathon. That's really a great website too. They offer free two day shipping and free returns.

 

That's all I have for now.

 

XO,

 

A

Lot's going on in my world.

 

I made a MAJOR life decision last week. The details were finalized yesterday. I have made my mind up as to the direction of my education and what I want to be when I grow up. I am getting a bachelors in social work! I have never felt more at peace with a decision in my entire life. I KNOW this is what I am supposed to do. I had an appointment with the director of the program yesterday and it went splendid. He was very nice and we worked out my schedule until I graduate! This is very exciting for me because I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. What a brilliant light it is! I am enrolled in summer school now. One class this summer 1 and then two classes summer 2. I start at the university this fall!!! I am still waiting for my acceptance letter to the school, I hope I get that this week so I can register for my classes and get financial aid sorted. I will apply to the program next spring and I will graduate Fall of 2010. A little longer than I had planned but there is an end in sight! Who knows maybe I will even continue on and get my masters?!?! None the less, I have a plan and plans are good.

 

Weight is holding steady at 210.5. I ran 3 miles Monday night and did pretty good. But I woke up yesterday with shin pain. Thought about running tonight but think I am just going to walk. I am going to try and get my body acclimated to this HOT weather.

 

Eating has been going well. I am trying not to focus on the numbers and just concentrate on living well.

 

Have a great rest of the day.

 

XO,

A

This paragraph is about my race stuff, the next paragraph will be about something I found that anyone with C.S.S. (crawly shorts syndrome) should have. You will want to read it... trust me!

 

Bloomin' HOT is what it was! I had my first club race this morning. Dear me! I woke up about 5:50 this morning. Ate breakfast and got dressed.  I warmed up on my treadmill for about 10 minutes with about 7 minutes of stretching. I got to the race site about 7:15 got my number and my club t-shirt. Then me and my running bud lined up. I think there was about 220 runners. Very small but I liked it. I ran for a good 7 minutes and then it was walk and run after that. The heat was just awful! I will be investing in a hydration belt this weekend. I had my garmin set to monitor my pace and heart rate. Pace was great but my heart rate was pushing 190. I HAD to slow down. I finally got my hr to 170 but the minute I started running it would shoot back up to 188/190. I didn't really pay any attention to my pace. I knew I wasn't going to set a PR. Its been over a month since I have done any real training and TOM came Thursday. None the less I did finish the race and wasn't last. My time was 1:03 according to Mr. Garmin. After the race I headed to my parents house (they live 5 minutes from the lake) and crashed there for about 45 minutes. I ate some grapes and drank lots of water.

 

OK now for the really exciting Stuff, SO yeah, Since starting running in February I have been able to wear my trusty black cotton capri pants. But now that summer is here I was desparate to find some shorts. But not just any shorts -- shorts that DO NOT creep! You know ladies, when you run/walk or even just move and your shorts look like your crotch got hungry. You know what I am talking about girls. You try to gracefully pull them out of the black hole of your thighs but they just don't care. Let me tell you I have found our answer to this problem. Yes, it is true I found shorts that don't creep! Seriously.I even orderd another pair after I made sure these would work.They are  PERFECT girls!!!!!!! I must admit paying $70 for a pair of shorts may be crazy but I am telling you now they are well worth the money! Soooooo do you want to see what I am talking about? Here is a brief description:

 

A simple solution to an age-old problem, these innovative shorts never ride up during your workout. The inner layer is made of our breathable, moisture-wicking QuikWik® fabric, designed to stay in place and provide soft support. The outer layer of full-cut, lightweight shorts attaches at covered elastic waist and is made with a durable, abrasion-resistant nylon/cotton blend. With only one layer at the inner thigh, these shorts simply can't ride up. Side seam pockets for easy storage. (Size 1 inseam: Petite 7", Average 8"). Outer short: 70% Cotton/30% Nylon. Inner short: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex. Machine wash. Imported. #379070

 

Click here to go straight to the website.

 

I got a 1x and they are roomy almost too roomy but they still worked brilliantly.The second pair I ordered I got an XL. They have 3 colours and sizes XL - 6X

 

I ran/walked 4 miles today girls I didn't have to "adjust" ANYTHING one time! Love them Love them Love them!

 

I can run like the wind!!!!! Well almost!

 

Have a great Saturday and check those shorts OUT!!!

 

Oh wait I almost forgot... WE GOT TICKETS TO THE NKOTB CONCERT this morning!!!!!! Wooohoooooooo San Antonio here we come!

 

XO,A

 

 

I subscribe to this website and this was her most recent article:

 

I can't believe I actually bought one, but I did. Staples office supply store has a big red button that when pressed says, "That was easy." I love it.

It's totally true: Weight loss is easy. It really is. As soon as you want it bad enough to adopt a can-do attitude – you will find easy ways to lose weight too.

Getting back into summer clothes and discovering that, well, shall we say, winter clothes are a little more forgiving – this is a time of year when many folks suddenly acquire that can-do attitude.

Are you ready to push the "That was easy" button?

Are you ready to get rid of those extra jiggles? Really ready? Well good. Because it's easy!

Following are the ABC's of easy weight loss.

No, you don't have to do all 26. Pick the ones you are willing to do for a week. Pick all those that appeal to you in an easy manner. This is totally about you combining a can-do attitude with a little bit of focus

• Apple – carry one with you at all times.

• Bags and Boxes – eliminate them. Eat only off of a plate.

• Change – your meal frequency. Eat three squares or four to six mini meals.

• Daily – one treat per day. Is it going to be salty or sweet? Early or late? (Tip: Avoid the foods know will lead you down the slippery slope of more, more, more.)

• Eat – five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

• Free Food – eliminate it. That's right. No donuts at work. No chips at the Dos Rosales. Eat nothing you didn't personally pay for.

• Good-bye – to cheese. (Hey, we are just talking for a week here, not forever.)

• Halve it – and bag the rest when eating out.

• Invest – in almonds. Pre-measure almonds and carry them with you. (Tip: A breath mint tin is the perfect carrier for 14 almonds, which is 100 calories.)

• Join – the 21st century and get an I-pod or other MP3 player. Listen to a motivational podcast everyday. Podcasts are free. You can sample The Reasonable Diet's Six Minutes of Sanity podcast at www.reasonablediet.com. Click on the podcast button.

• Keep – your liquid calories to an average of 200 per day.

• Lean – protein only. That's chicken, fish, tofu, beans – nothing fried.

• Make – your evening dinner plan before you leave the house in the morning.

• Negotiate – with your family or housemates. Get them on board.

• Only – while sitting down at the table. No eating at refrigerator, in front of the TV, etc.

• Pedometer – wear one and challenge yourself to average 8000 steps a day.

• Quit – procrastinating your work out. Set a schedule and stick with it.

• Rethink – the sandwich. Use mustard instead of mayo and invent a way to eat only half the bread. (I use a lettuce leaf for the top or halve the sandwich and pile the filling all in one half.)

• State – the mantra, "Peacefully I end my day stretching and breathing." And then do it. No food after dinner.

• Take – your lunch to work.

• Unhook – from the restaurant lifestyle. With a little preplanning and a gas grill, you can do it!

• Veggies – instead of pasta. Simply by eating less pasta or bread and more veggies, you could lose a pants size in a year.

• Website – when eating out, think ahead. Get on the restaurant's website and make your selection before leaving home.

• X-out – the second servings. Dish it out from the kitchen instead of family style. When finished with your meal, floss your teeth and take a walk around the block.

• Zipper – storage bags full of washed-and-ready carrots and celery. Lots! Don't underestimate here.

Have you made your choices?
Good.
Here are the 1-2-3 rules.

1. Start your day reviewing your ABC plan and stating the intention: "I eat with the intention of losing weight."

2. Write down everything you eat. No, you don't have to track calories, carbs or anything else. Just keep a small notebook with you and jot down what and how much you ate.

3. At the end of the week, get on the scale, see your results and say it – "That was easy!"

Then make your plan for the following week.

That was easy! It's easy to do anything for a week. Come on. It's the sticking it out that's challenging. But, next week, you get to start fresh. Maybe next week you'll create your own ABC's of easy weight loss.

See if you can make a diet that matches the letters in your name. Have a little fun with it. Have a can-do attitude. That was easy

 

****FYI***** Immigration appt went AWESOME! We got the stamp no questions asked! Good to go until June 4, 2009 or when the new greencard gets her (which ever comes first).

I am down 1.5 pounds! Yea! As far as eating goes I have been awesome. Still haven't managed to get back into the swing of working out though. That will all change after tomorrow though. I don't have to work any more extra days for a while so I can concentrate on getting back into the swing of things. I have 4 mile race Saturday. So I don't want to do any strength training (my muscles always get sore) before a race. Tomorrow I am working out with my neighbor (if you remember a while back we would do yoga together on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hopefully I can get a bike rack soon for my ride and I can head to the lake. Oh, and a helmet!

 

Work has been really, really bad this week. People getting on my nerves and just other things. I really need to do some soul searching about what I really want to do when I grow up. I have a few things in mind and I have an appt at a University Next Tuesday to talk with someone about where I go from here.

 

Tomorrow we have our "appointment" with immigration. Should be great fun (read: a complete drag standing outside in the heat waiting to talk to some guy at the window that may or may not let us inside to see someone of importance)

 

Anyway, I best go. I have lots of stuff to catch up on at home since I've had to work for 6 days straight.

 

XO,A

 

 

Let's make it a great month and here's how