A Week in Review...

This week has been crazy -- to say the least!   RECAP!!

I had a GREAT Mother's Day!  We decided that since we are not going on a vacation this summer, that we would buy King's Island Gold Passes for the family.  I am happy with that decision because now we have zero excuse to say we are bored with nothing to do.  We went on Mother's Day and although it was a little chilly, we had a lot of fun!  I really enjoy taking the kids to do stuff like this, because I feel like we are creating fun memories for them.  I want them to look back and remember the awesome, fun things that we did as a family.  Here are a copious amount of King's Island pics (mostly starring Darcy because she and I were off by ourselves for awhile while Tim and Aidan were riding bigger kid rides...)

Me and the kids  in front of the fountains! I wanted a nice picture of me with the kids for Mother's Day.  Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time (Thanks,Darce) This picture makes me realize that I need to do something with my hair.  

At Planet Snoopy, all the Peanuts characters were running around for photo ops.  Saw everyone but Charlie Brown. He didn't seem to be anywhere.  Boo, Charlie Brown, Boo.

The kids had fun on the rides also.  My kids seems don't seem to be afraid of much ride-wise.  Tim and I on the other hand... We are getting old and afraid!

These were the Red Baron airplanes.  The kids loved this one.  It seemed to be Darcy's favorite!  She was laughing and squealing.  So cute!

The only picture of could get of my hubs.  He does not allow photographs, so I had to be sneaky.  

Riding rides and quality time spent with my family was awesome.  The only not awesome part was the crappy $46 amusement park lunch we purchased.  (Why, God, why??)  Why we did not leave the park for something tastier and cheaper, I will never know.  I mean, we have passes, we can leave and come back in whenever we want, because we are important.  ;)  So, yeah, all of that was fun, BUT the very best part of the whole Mother's Day weekend was...

Be still my heart.  This is the very best gift that I could have ever gotten.  My little guy is just the sweetest.

Moving on from the weekend...

This week was graduation week for my Senior students.  It has been a lot of work getting them here.  I don't know if I have mentioned it, but I am a school counselor in an urban school district.  It is hard, but I love it.  This week was hectic and emotional.    

On Wednesday, I went to the salon for some much needed "me time" and a change with my hair.   This is what my stylist came up with.  It is short, but done so well!

Sorry about the stupid look on my face, but I hate taking pictures of myself.  It just feels so odd and forced.  About the only time I do it is when I get new hair and text it to a friend for their opinion -- like I can go back in time and change my mind or something...

Fast forward to graduation day...yesterday.  It was awesome, but I am exhausted!  I essentially had a 6 day work week.  Back at it tomorrow, but counting down the days until summer!

The last awesome part of my week was this:

I got this as my Mother's Day gift.  it was a week late, but worth it!  My in-laws came for a visit and brought it with them.  Tim got a great deal on it because his mom gets an employee discount at the store where it was purchased.  When it was all said and done, I got a fancy model of a Keurig for about $100.  Coolness!  I have great in-laws and we always have nice visits.  Don't be fooled because I have a picture of a coffee maker up instead of them.  :)

Well, that has been my week!!  I have been out of the better lifestyle routine, but really did well.  I ate well and although I did not to formal exercise.  I got in a lot of activity points in just because of all the running around I have been doing.  Now, I am off to plan my week in food before going to the store!  I need ideas for packing lunches....blah...

Planning Ahead

I had a really good week!  I ate well, exercised and maintained a healthy state of mind and had plenty of motivation.  I did not lose any weight though.  This is because my monthly visitor has become a bimonthly visitor lately...much to my chagrin.  Soooo, as a result, I am bloated and without weight loss.  I am trying to to let that get me down though because I know I rocked the plan this past week.

In order to keep the positive direction, well, positive, I decided to plan ahead again this week and prepare food for healthy packed lunches.  I decided to do grilled teriyaki chicken with veggie kabobs.

Earlier in the day, I marinated some boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders in teriyaki sauce.  I did not know then that there is high fructose corn syrup in that stuff.  Unfortunately, the chicken was already marinated and ready to go when I figured that out.  Soooo, next time I do this, I will make my own, HFCS free marinade.    Then, I chopped up some veggies for my kabobs.  The veggies I chose were inspired by my old favorite dish that no longer serve at Outback Steakhouse -- the chicken and veggie griller.  I was so sad when they got rid of that, but I digress...

I sliced up zucchini, red onion, red bell pepper, baby portobello mushrooms and pineapple chunks (not pictured).   I did not have any fresh pineapple, so I used canned pineapple chunks -- the kind in juice.

Time to grill!  I usually grill on the non-stick aluminum foil.  It is easier to clean up, and I don't run the risk of the veggies falling in the fire.

All finished! Yummy!  I plan to pack these with a couple tenders, one skewer of veggies and brown rice.  I kept the veggies pretty crisp, because I do not want them to get mushy when reheated.

Packed up and ready for my lunch box!  

If Eating Brownie Batter is Wrong, then I Don't Want to be Right!

Today sucked.  Work was a frustrating nightmare.  I came home feeling tired, grumpy, and defeated.  However a few good things did happen today.

Good thing numero uno...

I woke my sleepy butt up at 4:30 AM this morning and did a Jillian Body Revolution DVD.  I did it!  Of course, I DID plan ahead to make getting out of bed a little "easier." ;)

  

• Set the alarm sound to "Trill" -- quite possibly the MOST annoying tone ever AND the most terrifying when you are in a deep sleep.  That sucker goes off and I practically leap out of bed.

• Snooze is turned OFF, my friends!

• I sort of gave myself a "motivational" message to go along with my wake up call.  Yes, I typed to get my fat ass out of bed.  Self deprecating humor is even funny at 4:30 AM.  I just think it is funny that my alarm can call me names.  ;)

Good thing numéro deux...

I ate a brownie and a taste of brownie batter.  Ok, you may be wondering..."Uh does this chick know how healthy eating works? Should we tell her that brownies are not in the good healthy guidelines?"   

You see, I make kick ass, from scratch fudge brownies.  Tomorrow is my husband's birthday and he love these brownies.  Therefore, because I am the best wife ever -- naturally --, I made him a pan of birthday brownies.   Now, remember that I have had a really bad day and I had a bowl of umm nummy brownie batter right in front of me.  Before, I would have eaten it by the spoonful to make me feel better.  Today, I took a small taste, dumped that batter in the pan, shoved it in the oven, and washed that bowl out before I had a chance to stoop low enough to lick it. 

I also ate a small brownie because I had mucho points left at the end of this crappy day.  So, I finished my day with a delicious, warm brownie.  I had the points.  I counted it.  Done.  This is about lifestyle change.  It is about moderation and self-control.  It is about having one small brownie and not the whole pan, or one small taste batter and not shoveling it in.  I do not want to live in a world where I can never eat another brownie!  Craziness!

Well, I am heading out now.  Time to go to bed, so that damn trill so Jillian can kick my butt tomorrow morning!

And apparently, I took a blogging vacation...

I started this blog back in August and I have very few (if any) people who actually read it.  I am hoping to change that, but it would helpful if I actually submitted entries.  Here is the thing...I started this blog as a way to journal my thoughts as I meander along the path towards better health and wellness.  Unfortunately, when things went bad for me, I went into denial mode.  I blamed EVERYTHING but my lackluster efforts for the fact that the weight loss had ceased to exist.  I also avoided my blog because blogging about my wellness pitfalls would be like admitting that I was the problem.  Is this a productive outlook?  No, but it is exactly what I was doing.  I am ready to face the music now and promise to record both my successes and pitfalls in the hope the honesty will keep me on a productive path.  Also, it is good for readers (as few as they may be at this point) to read about struggles.  In reality, it can be just as helpful as reading about success.  

Anyway, what have I been doing?  Well on the positive side, I "ran" my first 5K in back in October -- the color run.  It was really fun, but I was disappointed in my performance.  You see, I was training on a treadmill.   I was running 3 miles straight with no breaks and doing awesome!  I knew that running on pavement would be different, but I did not realize HOW different.  I was in pain really early on and had to walk a lot more of it than I had anticipated.  I was disappointed in myself, but was also glad that I had even put myself out there to begin with.  Signing up for a 5K is something that I would have never imagined myself doing in a million years...and there I was...purple hair and all!

This is me before the run.  I was SO COLD!

This is me afterwards!  I am so glad that purple dust washed out!! Not many guidance counselors out there with purple hair!  ;)

So, I have made positive strides during my blog break.  I think the biggest breakthrough I encountered was simply admitting that I cannot do this alone.  Because I need the support, I decided to rejoin Weight Watchers.  The meetings and accountability mean a lot to me because it is a constant reminder that I am not alone in this battle.  Plus, it has been the plan that I have been the most successful with in the past.

Here's to a new start!  This is one of the few circumstances in life where you can start with a clean slate.  I am taking advantage of it!  

I have one word...

OUCH!!! FREAKIN' OUCH!!!  (Ok, that was 2 words.)

I am on day two of Body Revolution.  Every inch of my body is sore.  I think my fingernails may even be sore. ;)   I guess the pain must mean it is working, right?  I am also getting headaches.  I am assuming it is due to sugar/carbohydrate withdrawal.  I have had mad cravings today for anything sweet -- even a piece of fruit, but I am going to follow the plan as written and hope that I see some good results.

I am very proud of myself because I dragged my sleepy, flabby butt out of bed this morning at 4:30 AM so that I could do my morning workout.  It was not easy, but once I started moving, I forgot how horribly early it was.  Only problem was that I got a bit sleepy on the commute to work.  I guess I should brew some coffee for the road in the morning. I am glad that there is only one week of doing 2 workouts per day, because I don't know if I could make waking up at 4:30 in the morning a ritual.  Of course, maybe by the time the week is over, I will change my mind.

I had my husband take some before pictures yesterday so that I can see if there are results after Phase One is complete.  I am not going to post them yet, because quite frankly, they disgust me.  Once I start to show results, I will post comparisons though.

Well, I am sleepy...thanks to my early workout.  I think I am going to try and stand up...although I am not sure I can...and walk (oh, geez, ouuuuuch!) upstairs (nooooooooo!) to bed.  ;)

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ......

Let the Revolution Begin!!

So, I have been a little bit lost lately with my exercise and eating plan.  I have been exercising, but not as often as I should, but at least 3 times per week.  I have had some setbacks -- mono and a pulled back muscle that have hurt my mobility and my energy levels, but both of those have past and I am trying to look at it as a new beginning.

Food has also been an issue.  I have stayed within my calorie range, but I may not have been choosing the best possible foods.  Some of the things that I am eating are still really processed and I have had a few too many miniature chocolate bars from the candy jar at work.  I have a real problem with saying "no" to chocolate of any kind.  It's my drug of choice, really.  I have really tried hard to find something to give me motivation.   As silly as it may sound, the answer has been...Jillian.

Ok, I am not some creepy, overly-obsessed stalker.  I am just a fan.  I have read all of her diet related books and they make so much sense.  I also listen to her weekly podcast --- which I LOVE and makes my hour plus commute a lot more enjoyable.  I have done the 30 Day Shred too.  The thing is, I wanted something more.  I am at the point right now, where I need to boost my metabolism because it is currently working at a dead snail's pace.  One thing I have learned is that she really is an expert at boosting one's metabolism -- through eating all the right foods and exercise.  This is why I decided to look into this:

Body Revolution is a 90 day fitness plan, but the beauty of it is that it is also paired with a nutrition plan.  Based on reviews that I have read, the fitness plan works well on it's own.  I, however, have opted to follow the nutrition plan as well.  According to Jillian, it is modeled after the nutrition plan that she used with her Biggest Loser contestants.  I really need to follow a certain meal plan, because even though I thought I knew how to eat, I really don't.  

The first week of this program gives the option of a 7 Day Kickstart.  This program is a week long and is supposed to kickstart your metabolism to prepare it for the rest of the system.  It is also optional, but I have decided to do it.  This program puts you on a very strict diet for a week that it intended to detox you of the chemicals that have built up due to the over consumption of processed foods.  It is also intended to wean you off of sugar and white flour.  You also have to do 2 workouts per day -- where on the rest of the program weeks, you are only expected to do one.

Day One Verdict:  I know it is too early to have any kind of review yet, but I really really enjoyed the first workout.  It was challenging, but fun at the same time.  I also liked that time flew.  That is important to me in a workout!  She also works out with a large group of people -- well, larger than her usual 2 or 3.  It is nice to see all of those super fit people sweating and being challenged.  It almost like you are there with them, suffering along.  I really felt like I was in on their class and I loved that!  The only thing wrong at this point is that I am SO HUNGRY.  I know this is likely all in my head, but I know this week's drastic change diet-wise is going to be challenging -- but I am up for it.  The two a day workouts are going to be an adjustment too.  Not because I am not up for working out twice, but because in order to do the morning workout, I am going to have to get up at 4:30 each morning this week! Eeeeew.  

I am going to check in at the end of the week and let you know how I did this first week.  My husband is going to take before pictures today and I plan to make comparisons after each month of the program.  I am actually really pumped about this.

What the hell...?

These past few weeks have been so odd.  I went back to work and my new boss is working me to death.  I am a hard worker and have no qualms with working hard, but for the love!!  I would come home exhausted.  Even eating was too much work...which is NOT the way I usually am.  Stress usually is behind my binges.  Not this time.  I just didn't want to eat.  I was trying to work out, but could barely muster enough energy to lift an arm.  I started not feeling well, but I thought it was due to fatigue.  Then, one morning I am washing my hair in the shower, and I feel two painful lumps on the back of my neck.  What the hell?  I was alarmed, but decided to wait and see if they went down throughout the day.  They didn't.  They got bigger and more painful.   I went to the doctor, and through his exam and blood work, it was determined that I had Mono.  Just what I need!  I really needed this energy-draining, miserable illness when I am at my busiest at work and need motivation to continue living a healthy lifestyle.   I fell off the wagon, but I did not land in a pile of Oreo cookies.  Mmmmm...a pile of Oreo cookies..... Ok, snap out of it!

I am feeling so much better and have more energy today than I have had in weeks.  I used that energy to finally clean the house I have been neglecting since I got sick.  I am hoping to get a run in and to also get back into the positive direction I was going with my diet and exercise before I started to feel "off."