A weight lifted...

Aight, so tonight I headed to body pump.  I was going pretty steadily until I hurt my back like the old lady I am a few weeks ago.  After a pep talk from my chiropractor, and a little adjustment, I am feeling pretty good and felt ready to take on the weights.  

It went well!  I went in expecting to feel pain but I I was very aware of my posture, and didn't over do anything.  I took it slow and simply concentrated.  And so far so good!  I am hoping this is a good sign!  

Now if only I could forgo the nightly bowl of ice cream or cereal, I may just have a chance at dropping a few lb's....piss!

Planking away...

In an effort to sway those holiday pounds to join somebody else's behind, I have been planking away this past week!

I love posting my pics to Instagram and hash-tagging the online communities participating in this challenge.  It adds a flare of motivation and seeing everyone else's numbers encourages me to push harder and hold my plank longer!  If you haven't been planking, join in!  It's never too late to join the party!

Happy July....

I had one of the most wonderfully relaxing and fun weekends!  I visited some friends in Moorhead, and spent some time with my sister.  It was truly a blast-the whole weekend!

The weekend was go-go-go...but in a good way!  I played some bar bingo, card games, ate ridiculously amazing pizza, and ridiculously amazing Fro-yo.  I went for a leisurely tube ride down a river with the sun shinning down and a cold one in my hand.  I took some down time and relaxed in an incredibly nice hotel!  If you ever find yourself in Moorhead, Mn, for whatever reason you might, the Marriott is INCREDIBLE!  I know it sounds unbelievable, but one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.  And I have stayed in quite a few.

And now it is back to reality.  For two days that is!  Then it's the 4th and I am stoked to have the day off.

I feel rejuvenated by the fact that it is July 1st!  We are 6 months into the year, and 6 months out from twenty 13.

June really was a great month.  Chaz and I got to spend some wonderful time with his parents.  Way more time than we usually get to in a year.  Simply wonderful!  Not only am I blessed with amazing parents but I got damn lucky in the in-law department too!

We went to Alaska and visited Laine.  We have enjoyed great weather and some lovely outdoor meals.  Father's day was a blast with both sets of parents being in town.  That rarely happens anymore!

June however did have it's downsides.  Dealing with my ankle definitely depressed me from time to time.  I imagine the fact that my physical activity has dropped way down due to my injury really doesn't help.  But July is a fresh start.  July allows me to set some mid-year goals and just start getting some shit together.  Ready for this?!?!?!  I know this is a long post but hopefully it will inspire you to make some mid-year goals too!

In regards to the good old ankle:

1. 30 minutes of stretching/exercise daily
2. Make physical therapy appointments
3. Ice bath 5 nights a week
4. All of the above contingent on physical therapy appointment but I got an x-ray last week and nothing is broken!  Holla!!!!

In regards to life:

1. Make more meals at home
2. Clean litter box daily (that shits a bitch!)
3. Start a savings account simply for vacations
4. Start intensely funding our "Life" savings account
5. Pay off the credit card we used to fix Chaz's car emergency last month-did I let y'all know that his catalytic converter was stolen right off his car?  In the middle of the night?  In our parking lot?  And that our deductible was $500 and the repairs came in at $475 (duh?  isn't that how it works?) and we just decided to be grown ups and get his brakes done to?  $700 dollars later and we were ringing in summer! 
6. Pack lunches and breakfast daily.
7. Buy coffee only once a week (back to treating myself on Friday's only)
8. Daily planned physical activity.
9. Go to bed earlier (trying to shave 1 hour off!)
10. Make the effort to call my CO grandma once a week...I suck at talking on the phone.  I am either not by my phone, or I always feel busy.  I need to make the effort because it's worth it!  She brightens my day!
11. Create an intense budget and keep it up monthly
1. I think this will provide piece of mind and 
2. allow us to really save money and track it. 
3. This will also provide an easy forum to allow discussion about future plans.

Chaz and I are moving out of our apartment at the end of July...we only signed a 6 month lease and thank the dear Lord because this place is just too run down and after having parts stolen off of Chaz's car, it's just not worth staying longer.  We are moving back in with my grandma and taking the next few months to discuss some long term goals and hopefully make some decisions on where we want to settle for a while.  Not settle for good, because we like a little adventure in our life, but we want to make some concrete decisions!

Wish me luck!  I am looking forward to the second half of Twenty 13!  Hopefully you are too! 

Hangry...

OMGAW was I hungry today…a hungry me does not do the world good.  Granted I tend to think of the hunger pains as little pissed off blobs eating away at my fat and doing me a big favor, but straight up, sometimes I think I would rather be fat and content than skinny and hangry.  Well, actually, let’s be real.  I don’t want to be skinny either.  I am striving for healthy, and athletic.  Luckily, I am well on my way to both!!!!  (Insert positive thoughts here!)

And let’s get real.  It’s not easy.  Moderation, exercising, all that crazy crap.  It’s hard.  But it’s worth it.  And once you get in to the swing of things, it definitely gets easier.  I think I am making progress towards the “this shit’s getting easier” mentality.  I am taking steps and making strides to be healthy.  Slow and steady, but steady is the key word.  I have been working on this for over a year.  I have had many successes, on top of many setbacks, but I have continued on.  And that’s what it takes!  I am DOING, not sitting back and watching. 

So instead of reaching into the cookie jar and undoing all of my healthy eating when the HANGRY attack happened, I opted to run to the store and buy a pack of strawberries!  Yeah I ate the whole pack but it was still probably 1/6^th of the calories in a big cookie.  And I feel satisfied and content.  Shit, I feel happy in my choice!  If only there was a word for Happy and Content!

Now this weekend, I am headed up Nort to my friends home.  I am so excited to relax and get in some quality hang out time.  Both of us watch what we eat so we can help motivate each other to eat good, and we have decided that Friday night we will enjoy some drinks and give ourselves a break by not counting the points of our drinks.  It’s about moderation and for me, that’s what works best!

Plus I’ll make sure to get in a lot of water action this weekend!

In foot new, I had an X-Ray today and should get those results tomorrow.  I am praying that all looks good so I can at least continue on the rehabilitation track and start getting more exercise in.  My doctor also gave me a referral to a Physical therapist by my work and I am so going to jump on that offer. 

The next month will be busy, but I am looking forward to July.  June was good, but it had it’s down moments.  Here’s to a great month ahead!  I am looking forward to it!

And shout out to my dad!  That awesome bugger bought my Graduation Cap and gown.  That’s right folks!  This chica graduates at the end of July!  I passed my last class, and with a 4.0! 

Just a quick note...

I know I am in the middle of talking about my Alaskan adventure but I have had some other things on my mind.

A bum anything generally means for me little exercise.  And vacation generally means for me unhealthy eating.  While I didn't eat insanely horrible on this trip, I did eat a lot of carbs, and I can certainly feel it.  But it's hard to not be able to get down with my bad self and exercise...I have always been one who needs to watch what I eat, and exercise.  But since I can't exercise as intensely as usual, I am going to make it a goal to watch what I eat even more than usual.  This means I am going to track everything in my WW tracker.

So tomorrow morning, I will weigh in as usual.  I will watch my food intake all week, and on Thursday, I am going to re-join the Y and start getting my swim on while I work on getting my ankle back into tip top shape.

Wish me luck!  I know it can be done.  I saw a great WW commercial tonight featuring Jennifer Hudson.  I needed to hear her message.  She said to tell yourself you can do it, and not listen to the self-doubt that can eat away at our motivation in our mind.  Thanks Jen...you hit a cord with me!

A year and a few months...

So, last Wednesday I decided that I was going to go hard core with my Weight Watchers tracking (Wednesday’s are my weigh in day)…I haven’t done that since like, umm, last April…I think. I have been a member for over a year, and I will preface with the fact that WW has been at the forefront of my mind, most days. Very rarely am I not cognoscente of the choices I am making…but it has been a while since I have recorded and kept track of everything. But this week I did, successfully! Granted today is not Wednesday, but there is no stopping me now! I feel wonderful, empowered, refreshed.

I would say that starting 10k training has also probably helped, but I just feel great. In a few short days, my pants are fitting better, my stomach feels lighter, and I just feel like me! And boy have I been running! I printed off a schedule and have stuck to it! Every day! I don’t know why it is so easy to fall out of a habit, and so fricken hard to get back into it, especially when the habit feels good. Yeah, it’s hard work, and yeah, sometimes it is the last thing I want to do, but I have to remember to push through and know that in the end, I will love the results, the feeling, and ultimately, the action itself (ie. Working out!).

The one thing I am good at is not lying to myself. I am very real. I love food. I admit that. I know that. I OWN that! I am never going to question why I am a bigger girl…I fricken know why. I love cooking, and baking, and Sunday Family dinner, and eating out, but that also translates well into my Weight Watchers Journey. I am constantly reading blogs, digging for new recipes, and most of them I really enjoy. They have even become staples in my house.

So I have written before about how this will be a lifelong goal...I have a feeling I will always be watching what I eat and making sure I get enough exercise-and I know I am not the only one…I think I am the majority, and that is why I don’t get down on myself too often. And I know there will be ups and downs, I just want to continue to keep it in check! For life! I’m cool with that! I know what my body likes, needs, what have you, and consistent checking in is the best method for me. There will be splurge weekends, and I know I will forget to track or just get lazy in the future, and I am sure there will be months where I just don’t put enough energy into it….but I am making a goal to never be what I was last December…if I hit that number again(unless of course that is the number I hit when I am prego-but let’s hope I can be healthier then that!), the shits gonna hit the fan!

So that's me...for now...who knows what tomorrow holds but I am pretty sure a run, work, and dinner with a friend!  Oh yeah, and cuddling my hubby!

Oh hi there!

Hey there! Friday I turned in my final paper! One more class to go, and I will be done! But I really took the end of last week to just focus on that paper and punch it out! I was happy with the paper, and hopefully can use it for my final course (25 page paper for that baby!), and this teacher was on her A game because grades were up already yesterday when I checked on a whim! 4.0 baby! It felt really good to see that, and now I am all that much closer to graduation!

I have a four week break before my next and last course starts. I really love having the free time and am looking forward to that when I graduate! With my free time, I have been making more dinner at home! We have been eating lots of fresh salads!

And playing around with meals! We bought these Pepridge Farm sandwich thins A. because they are healthier, and B. because we never finish off a pack of buns...they always go to waste! With these cute little fishes, I am able to make sandwiches for lunch, pb&j's for breakfast and just toast with butter. Below is a picture of our sloppy joes and sweet potato tots! I would maybe use regular sandwich thins for sloppy joes since the mouth cutout on the fish makes it a bit flimsy but I loved the taste and texture and it was the right amount of bread!
And I have had more time to run! My <3! I signed up for a 10k on April 28th and have started logging miles! I run slow (whatev's, at least I am running), but I just want to feel GOOD when I run this 10k! I want to be trained so there are no injuries and I want to maybe improve on my speed.
I found a beginner's 10k work out plan online and copied it into a word.doc and played around to make it perfect for me! It includes cross training, which I love, and rest days! Tomorrow will be my first rest day after 3 good, hard days of working out. I am looking forward to it!

I love cross training because personally, I would not be able to run without it. Cross training helps me make sure my muscles are strong, healthy, and ready to pound the pavement. I love incorporating the 30 day shred, yoga, classes at the Y, and other dvds.

So yeah, that's a lot, but I felt like some good catch up was worth it!

The awkward space between...

This past year was pretty interesting as far as trying to get healthy.

I made a commitment last December to get healthy. I jumped on the bandwagon and joined Weight Watchers online.

Around the time of my 25th birthday, I had dropped almost 25 pounds.

Then, I just kind of settled. I would focus, and then not focus. I was motivated, and then not motivated. Well, that's just life. But I would rather go through those lulls at an all around lower weight and a healthier lifestyle. Through the back and forth lulls I have managed to put back on 10 pounds. Ah, sucks putting that out there...but really, I settled.

I know weight and health is at the fore front of many people's minds. We are constantly trying to fit a mold, or reach a certain goal, or look a certain way. I am lucky enough that I am generally happy with myself and my features. Sometimes I feel I look pudgy and bloated, but other times I think I look damn good. Interestingly enough, it is not my body that I pay as much attention to when I am working out and eating right, it is the mental state that I focus on. I get a wonderful high from working out, it just seems a pain to get to that point. Why is that?

I have been getting in a few runs, and workouts at the Y. I am running a 5k again for my birthday. Definitely something I am going to try and anniversary. And fancy that, Pintrest has given me a few gems. I just started adding this to my routine today...I loved it and right now, I am feeling the burn.

I know this isn't easy, and I know this won't happen over night, but I don't want to continue in the wrong direction. Time to switch it up!

A filling night!

Today I weighed in down 1 pound. It always feels good to move in that direction! I really pushed it at the gym yesterday but then gorged on Tacos when I got home because I was famished! Then of course while eating, Faith was by the table begging and we realized that it had been a few days since the cats had had wet food as we had been out. Of course we had to go out right after dinner and get our little kitties some wet food (because who doesn't love an overly spoiled cat) and Petsmart just so happens to be right next to Dairy Queen. Well, you certainly can't go by a Dairy Queen without getting an ice cream cone right? So good weigh in, but it probably could have been better! I did however enjoy my tacos and ice cream, and Faith and Kea inhaled their wet food in 2.2 seconds. It was a filling night for all!

KetchUP!

I sat down to write a post about 4 times last week. I was just so busy at work and so busy with school that I could not get one finished. Needless to say, I just deleted all the saved drafts I had. Not need to try and back track. Let's just move forward!

Last week I weight in up 1.2. Not bad for Thanksgiving week and I am owning it! This weekend I made Christmas cookies with my dear friend Tonya and made sure to pop in a few semi-healthy recipes. I made these delicious white chocolate chip 2pp cookies and added dried cranberry for some festivity. I would imagine the cranberry brought the cookies up to 3pp (I added one half cup), however, I got more then 24 (I think 26), so maybe they are still 2pp....no matter the point value, they are still slightly healthy and REALLY wonderful! I also did not put the oats int he food processor this time and I really like the heartiness it added...I just used quick oats and it worked out great!

To also help me stay on track, I joined a challenge at the Y to not gain over the holidays. If I can maintain my weight, I will walk away January 1st with a cool long sleeve t-shirt. Since I love anything free, I think this may be some great motivation!

Last week was so intensely busy that I am so relieved it is over and a cookie baking weekend away was just what I needed. I got home last night and Chaz and I whipped up this wonderful stuffed shells recipe. I omitted the chicken (just for time sake) and it was so tasty, easy, and healthy. I would imagine without the chicken, the serving drops down to 6pp per serving but I am not for sure. I do know that I have two lunches out of the left overs which makes me a very happy girl!

And I know during the past part of November, I slacked on my What am I thankful for today? posts. To make up for that, I would like to say that I am thankful for my husband, my family and my friends. I am thankful for those who read this blog, and those who are a part of my life. When I was young, I was a shy individual. Now I love being a people person. I can fully attest to the fact that I love having people around me. I value relationships above all else. The relationships I have with my family, my friends, and most importantly, my God! Just makes life so wonderful!

Here's to a good and productive day! Two weeks from Wednesday I will be on my way to Reno and Two weeks from Saturday is Christmas Eve! Love it!

an update...

I forgot to let you know last week that I forgot to weigh in on Thursday so I weighed in Friday morning and had maintained through the week. Nothing lost, but nothing gained! I was super happy with that. With the bachelorette party this past weekend however, I went a little crazy with the alocoholic drinks and sweets. I am not as hopeful for this Thursdays weigh in but I had fun this weekend, and I will have fun on Thanksgiving. Friday I will wake up, and continue on my road to maintenance through the holidays. Hopefully this mindset helps me be successful!

Up Nordt...

I had a great weekend up north visiting my friend Tonya and the bro! It is nice having them in the same area so we can all visit. Mike ends up spending most of the weekend with us so it is pretty nice.

I can't give too many details as we were busy making Christmas gifts but let's just say the weekend included a bit of the following:

• hanging out in the garage until 2 am letting Mike play DJ, switching between Christmas and Rap music while Tonya and I labor away.
  


• shopping and heading out for a break to see the new movie Jack and Jill (it was good, but worth waiting till redbox to watch at home)



• caramel puff corn



• wine



• multiple outfit changes



• eating French toast both mornings, Saturday with bananas, Sunday stuffed with peanut butter

And as you can tell, with my busy weekend, I didn't take time to really hop on the computer so I will first let you know that I lost 3.2 pounds last week so I took off that weight gain from the previous week and am down a total of 3.9 since I recommitted to WW three weeks ago. And I really believe, it is not about the number, it is about the way I feel, and with my added workouts, I have been feeling healthy and strong. The number just helps keep me on track. If I don't focus on that number, I may slowly increase my food intake and totally negate the workouts and I just want it to all be a good, healthy mix.

And last, I owe a few thankful updates! I missed a total of 4 with today being 5 but I still thought daily about what I am thankful for.

• I am thankful for work out dvd's that make it easy to sneak in a workout when life is busy and I don't have time to leave the house.



• I am thankful for Faith and Kea who provide loads of cuddles and really brighten the house. On mornings when we get to sleep in, Faith loves hopping on the bed for some mega cuddle time and I wouldn't trade it for anything.



• I am thankful to have a job that I enjoy and one that provides for my family.



• I am thankful for good friends, combined with good laughs and good wine.



• I am thankful for the Holiday season and while I am getting excited for Christmas, I will thoroughly enjoy Thanksgiving and not put up any Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. I want to relish in each holiday and take in all the family time. Sometimes, it has to last you most the year so I really try and cherish it!

This ain't no cheesy post...

I was going to post a cheesy potato recipe last night, but then I realized I saved my pictures in a weird spot and now the husband has to come to the rescue...so that may be a few days.

I am however excited for tomorrow's weigh in! I have made the gym my biatch this week and I am hoping for some results, no matter how little! Slow and steady wins the race...that about sums up my whole road to being healthy adventure.

Just to recap, two weeks ago I weighed in down 2.3. Last week, I forgot to weigh in on Thursday, but I hopped on the scale Saturday and was up 1.8. No excuses here. I know what happened. I jetted off to Colorado, didn't eat the best I could, and didn't really get back into my grove once I returned. That's life though, and I will have weeks like that. I don't let the number define me, but I let it guide me. I want it to be my compass towards the best/healthiest decisions as often as it can. And sometimes I will get off track, but at least I know I can find my way back. So here's wishing me luck tomorrow and no matter the number, I know I feel great and I know my body is happy!

What am I thankful for today?

I am thankful to have wonderful parents who love, support, and have guided me in the past. Even as an adult, I look to them for advice. I know that no matter where life takes me, I will always have my family. They have engrained that in me and I am thankful to have the stability that that provides.

A quote on the white board...

I was beat last night. All I wanted to do was relax. And relax I did, after a wonderful fitness yoga class I took after work. Maybe that is what put me in the mood to relax the rest of the night. The last 5 minutes of class, when the lights were off and we were all in our meditative poses, relaxing, I got this big ass grin on my face and felt insanely giddy inside. I was so happy to be in that moment, relaxing after a great workout, and not have anywhere else to be or to be doing. It was bliss!

And while at the gym yesterday, they had a great quote on the bored. "Those who seek rest, find boredom. Those who seek work, find rest." I believe they said Dylan Thompsom said this but I could not find it on line. But, hello! This is exactly what I wrote about yesterday! The YMCA dry erase board read my mind!

After my workout, Chaz and I went out for Mexican and talked about our plans for the holidays. It was a nice little Monday night date! I am looking forward to the week! Should be a good one.

And since I was so tired last night, I did not write a thankful post so today you get two!

What am I thankful for today?

1. I am thankful that last weekend I was able to surprise my Colorado family with an impromptu trip out there. Those memories and the excitement will last me for a while!

2. I am thankful to have a body that allows me to run, jump, walk, skip, stretch, and do most physical activities. I feel empowered and strengthened when I can be active and really put it to good use.

movin on up...

Yesterday I joined the Y downtown, which is only a few city blocks from my work! I am making an effort to go either before or after work.

I love being back at the Y. I love the nice big locker rooms, the variety of workout equipment, and the pool! The smell of that place reminds me of being on the swim team when I was little. And I have successfully worked out the last two days after work! Gotta keep it up.

I have backed off the running train a bit because of some pain in my feet and knees. I am focusing more on a variety of exercise, along with strength training. Today I did the elliptical machine, making sure to have my arms moving most the time. To make it a good workout, I focus on intervals, remaining intense no matter the level. I keep my intensity up by finding music with a good beat that keeps me consistent. Bad Romance by Lady Gaga is a good one!

What am I thankful for today?

I am thankful to have a friend who motivates me to achieve my goals. Laura, one of my best friends, has lost almost 4 pounds in two weeks but more important then that, she has made working out a priority and that is making her a strong, healthy individual. I love looking up to strong women!

I did it!

Yesterday I ran a 5k, one that kicked off my path to getting healthy!

Last September, I wrote a post about wanting get healthy so I could run the Liz Logelin Foundation 5k.

http://proudlybrewed.blogspot.com/2010/09/for-love-of-liz.html

And yesterday, I ran it, 20 pounds lighter, and with 2 5k's and a half marathon under my belt! It felt great...and I was running for a great cause!

On the right side of my blog, there is a link to the Liz Logelin Foundation...check it out...And think about donating if you are able!

A family weekend...

I had a great weekend. My little bro came home from college and I really needed to see him! I had missed him since he left 3 weeks ago. Like teared up twice looking at pictures of him as a young pup type of missed him.

I spent the entire weekend out in B*town. Friday night we enjoyed the family's favorite Mexican restaurant and I never get out there so I indulged! For this reason, I knew Saturday was all about tracking my points and getting some sort of work out in! We headed to the golf course at 3 and I decided to wear my work out clothes, even though I would not be playing golf...nope, I was driving the cart and going to sneak in some exercises! For the first 5 or 6 holes, at each stop, I either did cardio, strength, or stretching...what I did? Push ups, sit ups, running back and forth between the two carts, running to the green to be the flag biatch, then running back down! I honestly got in a great work out! And all weekend I tracked my points, I just totally ate my weeklies within two nights! lol...I am so funny!

And my husband took my out on a date night last night so that really did not help the whole point situation BUT, I am tracking everything and at least staying with the game from a mental aspect! And, he is just so darn cute, you can't pass up being asked out to dinner by him! I am tracking what I eat though and that is the hardest part for me...it is hard for me to log on to the site, and write down everything I eat, because it just seems tedious, but I am doing it!

So today is Monday, and I am ready for the week...I have homework to do tonight, but I am also going to punch out a good, sweaty workout, and maybe bake some treats for work!

Things I have cemented into my brain:

• A small frilly drink at Starbucks is plenty...keeps the point count down while still enjoying a treat!


• You can find time to work out, no matter where you are or what you are doing!


• my brother grew up too fast!


• I will never understand statistics!

Tonya and Twins...

This weekend one of my best friends Tonya came down to accompany me to a Twins game. Needless to say, we had some large buckets of Malibu Punch and got a little tipsy...probably the most fun I have had at a game yet! Isn't it great to have friends you can have a good time with?!?

Yesterday I ran a mile and it felt great. I had some time before I mowed so I just hoped to it and punched out a quick run! I have been doing videos and not so much distance runs but I am ready to hit the pavement again! Tonight I will make Thomas go out with me...gotta start preparing for Thursday's MN State Fair Adventure!!!!

this shit is amazing...

My friends, head to the itunes store of you computer's Itunes. Type in yoga download, and download the free podcasts. There are a crap load, and I mean one large pile of podcasts, and under each podcast is a visual of the different poses. This is amazingness. Never mind the fact that I am always looking for a variety of yoga options cause I get bored. This will be great motivation to work out when I travel or go on vacation...Itunes has made it so easy, and it is free!