Hodgepodge Thursday with a G - W13.D4

Thursday, July 22, 2010

First of all, thanks to all of you that listened to me rant and gave me some wonderful comments/shoulders. Job still sucks, but I cannot control that. I can continue to put in resumes and hope there is something out there for me...or that another way is lit in the dark for me to follow. Moving on!

GOALS
We all have goals we're working toward. Our goals change and, sometimes, so does our committment to them. So far I have lost over 40 pounds. That's great! I don't diminish this accomplishment at all (though I don't know exactly what to tell people...but I'll get to that later). BUT. (You knew that was coming, didn't you?) But I can't seem to break myself out of these stupid size 30 pants. And I'm done. As of Monday this week I decided I was officially done wearing size 30 pants. Seriously, 100%, with everything in me, done and over it.

So my one and only goal to focus on right now is squeezing my big (but shrinking) butt and stomach into a size 28. I've gotten a bunch of those weight loss trophies so far, but I really, really, really want that little picture that says "Down 1 Pants Size." So bad it fuels me every moment of every day. I must be in size 28s before the end of summer. I must see my shrinking butt in size 28 shorts before August comes to a close. THIS is my NUMBER ONE goal!

"GEE, GIRL!"
I keep hearing this comment. See, apparently when you have a lot of weight to lose, 30 is the magic number for people to start noticing. Lose 30 pounds, my mom always told me, and people start to see a difference. Well, that did happen, but I'm figuring out now that if you lose 40 pounds EVERYONE notices! Well, everyone that sees you semi-regularly notices.

Several coworkers have come up to me and said, "Esther, I just want to tell you you have really lost a lot of weight!" or "Gee, girl! You're really dropping a LOT of pounds, aren't you." What the eff do you say to that? I said "Thank you" to one person and felt totally stupid. They didn't really compliment me, they just stated fact. The other one threw me off with the emphasis on LOT and the word drop, like I was shopping in the store and dropped my friggin' wallet on the ground or something. I have worked really hard for these 40 pounds, thank you very much. Nothing was "dropped," everything was fought for and bought - in sweat! (*snort* FAME!)

So what do you say to a statement like this? Thanks for noticing? Yeah, some? (which I actually said and nearly slapped myself for the negativity in that response) What I should do is shout, "Hell yes I have!" but I don't know how appropriate that is. *shrug* Suggestions? (And why does this seem to be so hard for us...responding to this statement?)

GALAPAGOS
This is what I'm reading right now. From one of my all-time favorites, Kurt Vonnegut. (Near God-like with a wicked sense of dry humor and a tell-it-like-it-is-but-masked way of speaking.) I point this out for three reasons.

1) I have finished The Master & Margarita and loved it! I passed it along to a friend. Nothing makes me smile more than crazy, wacky Russian characters that have some hidden themes and buried cracks behind their language. The Russians are SO sneaky at speaking out against an effed up system in their novels. FUN!)

2) I have found that reading while working out makes the time go by SUPER fast! I barely noticed the 3o-some minutes on the treadmill last night until I smelled something funky (more on that later).

3) Finally, I need to copy this quote for all of you. It stuck to me when I read it and thought, "I am SO blogging that one!"

"If Charles Darwin had not declared the Galapagos Islands marvelously instructive, Guayaquil would have been just one more hot and filthy seaport, and the islands would have been worth no more to Ecuador than the slag heaps of Staffordshire.
Darwin did not change the islands, but only people's opinion of them. That was how important mere opinions used to be back in the era of great big brains. [He's talking about us as the "big brains" btw]
Mere opinions, in fact, were as likely to govern people's actions as hard evidence, and were subject to sudden reversals as hard evidence could never be."

Sit on that for a while...especially the last line.

GYM
Two adventure stories to tell you from last night and one triumph.

--- Triumph - I went. Hubs wanted me to come up to his parents' place right after work to celebrate his dad's birthday, but I was having such a crappy day that I needed my gym time. NEEDED! So I went anyways, because I can't be everything to everybody and I didn't want to sit there bitter and angry and guilty. And when I was done, I made it to the party and felt great! No big deal, even though my mind tried to make it into one.

--- Adventure One - I nearly broke the treadmill. Seriously. I don't know if this treadmill just sucks or it's me, but this one treadmill squeeks on the right side. If I hold my weight up some using the handles, it doesn't squeek. I ignored it for a while (while feeling incredibly self-conscious because I know everyone could hear it) but at about minute 38 I started smelling a burning smell. I think the machine had had it with my big butt. So I got off the stupid thing and finished my two miles on the indoor track. No big deal, but scary. WTF happens if I break the equipment? *shrug* Do you know that I don't care...they said their equipment could handle me and I'm taking them at their word!

--- Adventure Story 2 - I started stretching after my two miles and an old guy who was walking the track said, "Good job!" to me. I smiled at the nice old man and then he asked me if I had diabetes. (Of course my head was like, "WTF, dude? What, because I'm fat I must have diabetes?" but he was my elder and I just answered the question without any lip. I told him that if I didn't do what I was doing I could end up that way.) He then proceeded to tell me that he used to be able to do 30 laps around the track in no time when he was in his 20's. "Wow!" I said. He told me he was 81. "That's great!" I said. He told me he did 3 miles the other day with a 30 minute break in between, and that he was now on his 17th lap of the night. "...." I had nothing to say. 81, borderline diabetic (yeah, he shared that too), hunched over, walking very slowly...he did 3 miles the other day on the indoor track. Break or no break, this man is amazing and I love him. The amount of time it must've taken (when we're all rushing to get this and that done and want a quick-fix workout). Usually I try to inspire other people at the gym...last night it was ME who was inspired!

GREEN BANK
So I was talking to Hubs last night (who is SO sweet when he's a little tipsy, btw - he told me like 3 times how GREAT I looked and was bragging on me to everyone at the party. *lol*) and told him that I want to take our oldest, Logan, to Green Bank, WV very soon on a Friday. After talking to him, and him agreeing (let's hope this wasn't just the Miller Lite talking because he should know by now that he can't take back something once he agrees!), I'm thinking we may do it tomorrow.

For those that don't know (Hubs didn't and he was born in WV, why should you?), Green Bank houses the Green Bank Telescope, the world's largest fully-steerable radio telescope. I learned about the thing in my Astronomy class (and there was a picture of the telescope in the book! Too cool!) and have wanted to take Logan. Logan is our science nerd. He hates school. He nearly fails every year and somehow manages to slip by (more boredom than stupidity we've discovered), but he can tell you tons of cool facts on Jupiter and Mars and the moon. He loves anything dealing with space and has decided that when he grows up he will be an Astronomer (though I wouldn't rule out Astronaut either). So, for Logan, this would be a dream day to go out and see this huge telescope and hear about all the strange findings they've made about space and the "stuff out there."

Here's a picture for you:

And just look how big the thing looks next to the mountains!!


So...that's it for today. GEE that was fun, wasn't it. GOLLY, I don't know what to do with myself now. GET a workout in?

(BTW - do you know if you can eat too much zucchini? *lol* We've had zucchini for weeks trying to get rid of those monsters. I think we're done with the 3 giants but I have a strong feeling there is another one or two waiting to be picked. I need to find a good zucchini bread recipe because that's what I'm really craving!)

GYM and GOALS (aGain)
One last thing...Zumba tonight at 7pm. I drove to work so I'll be able to go straight there and get there in time. If I feel good after I might hit the elliptical for a few minutes. No more treadmill until Saturday, though. I'm trying to stick to this 10K training schedule and today and tomorrow say "Rest/X-Train." Saturday is just another 2 miler. It feels good to feel like, "I'm GOOD! I GOT this!"

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SLICKEM05 7/22/2010 3:33PM

Hey there. I read your blog today and was SO inspired by you. Don't let ignorance slow you down. Sometimes people just don't know any better. God looks out for fools and babies. You will just have to trust that He's looking out for the ignorant folks. You have made tremendous strides. You should be patting yourself on the back. The next time somebody mentions your 40 pounds tell them that converts into 160 sticks of butter. That is a lot of butter baby! Don't focus on how far you have to go but the journey you are on and how much YOU (nobody but you) have done! TERRIFIC! You're beautiful, strong and worthy today! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARVY09 7/22/2010 2:28PM

Man, does everyone have verbal diarrhea this week? I bet the old man was lonely, but to straight out ask someone if they have diabetes? Weird. You are kicking butt and then some on these workouts and I'm so proud of you! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRETTYMANDI 7/22/2010 2:27PM

You rock my world! BTW, go check out my blog today, I posted a pick of my new hair because the stylist said I need to leave it with my natural curl for awhile and just a little help with the curling iron because all the processing has made it where if I try to use the straightner it burns it. you were my hair-sper-ation ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

NOT2LATE2BGR8 7/22/2010 2:17PM

Ok, if it were me I'd say, "Heck yes I have, fourty freaking pounds." Or at least that's what I'd want to say! Honestly though, people who ask I tell. You'd be surprised how many people will be inspired by you! Lot's of people will want to know how you lost it. If nothing else it'll give you a chance to spread the spark! Keep up the good work and the great blogs. Brandice Report Inappropriate Comment

GOGOSHIRE 7/22/2010 1:35PM

Wow - Great post! About the comments you're getting about losing weight - just say "thanks," and move on. No reason to analyze the commenter's intention, though it's probably good. It will be healthier for you if you just assume that everyone supports your weight loss endeavors, say "thanks," no matter how they word it, and don't give it another thought. You're doing this for you, not them, anyway, but yeah, people are going to notice. Report Inappropriate Comment

MERAINA 7/22/2010 1:30PM

Picture this and picture that as I read your blog! Love it! So vivid! So live! Keep'em coming! Report Inappropriate Comment

-JENSSPARK- 7/22/2010 1:29PM

I love the frame of mind you're in today! So much positivity flowing. AWESOME. Great gym accomplishments and the telescope sounds like a blast. I wish I had weekdays every once in a while to do something cool with my boy. Enjoy the time together. You deserve it! Report Inappropriate Comment

Random Ranting and Other Crap - W13.D3

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

First off, let's get this out of the way. Yesterday, calorie-wise, I sucked. *lol* Of course, yesterday, fitness-wise, I rocked it out of the park.

Morning weigh-in: 375
Calories Consumed: 2818
Calories Burned: 1040
Net: -1185

(This is according to my handy-dandy spreadsheet from SUGIRL06.) BTW - This morning's weigh in: 373

SP says I can eat 2230-2580 calories per day and should burn 552 Mon-Sat. I usually try to hit the fitness goal, but I rarely hit the calorie goal. I actually try to stay around 1600-1800, but I listen to my body. Sometimes it only needs 1500 calories, other days it needs closer to my 2580 limit. Now the problem yesterday was dinner. Following my rockin' 45 minutes on the elliptical (yeah, you heard me right!) I met Hubs at Wally World to buy bedsheets for his father (I have no clue why his father wanted a fitted sheet for his birthday, but whatever). Hubs then tells me that he has not cooked anything for dinner because he's been at his parents' house all afternoon and into the evening. We ended up at the Mexican restaurant, and while I did get a Spinach Quesadilla (spinach, mushrooms, cheese in a tortilla), I overdid it on the chips and salsa while waiting and there was way too much cheese on that tortilla. I can't say that the spinach quesadilla I put into the tracker is right because this little place doesn't have nutrition guides, but when in doubt I pick something similar and just go with it.

Whatever, I'm not stressing. Still over 1000 calories in the negative category so who the hell cares? (Well, I do, but I can't change it so...moving on!)

Now, let's get back to those 45 minutes on the elliptical. (I know, right?!) I had planned on hitting the Zumba class last night but crap got in my way. The people I carpool to work with were REALLY slow and then decided that this was the night they needed to stop at the drug store on the way home. *slams head against steering wheel repeatedly* Whatever. I got to spy on the class (it doesn't look as fun as the other one I was going to...SAD!). I decided I was going to get on the elliptical and do at least 30 minutes, shooting for 40, 45, or even 60 (though I didn't think that was a good idea). The most I had done so far was 25 minutes, so I knew I could do 30...but 45 seemed like a stretch. I brought a book to distract myself with (when I'm reading I lose track of time, especially if it's a good book). I tried to keep a steady pace (about 90) and just ignored the timer function. After 45 minutes I felt good, sweaty, happy, proud, all of that. I snapped a picture so I wouldn't forget...


Time: 45:00 (forget the :04)
Distance: 3.07
Strides (not pictured): 4129
Strides per Min (where it says 0): avg. 90-100
Calories (according to their machine): 296.3, with weight figured in on SP: 952

An older gentleman who works at (owns?) the gym came up to me as I was stretching and said, "So? Who won?" I didn't think I heard him right. Maybe there was a game on the TV downstairs or something. *shrug* He said it again and it hit me. *lol* "Oh! Well I did! I kicked that thing's butt!" He smiled. "Good," he said. He then went to clean the machine and I couldn't help myself...I told him that it was the most time I'd ever done on it. He asked if I had worked out before and I told him I'd been doing it on my own for a few months but just joined up on Friday. "You know what's important?" he asks me. I'm all ears buddy! Give me the secret. "Just keep dangling that carrot in front of yourself. Sometimes I like to compete with the machine." I wanted to tell him I'd lost over 40 pounds, but I'm not one to easily volunteer this information -- not really sure why. I also almost yelled at two of the fit guys attempting P90X Yoga that if I could do the move they were showing on the TV, they certainly could. But I got scared. (Sometimes I can be very shy...other times I try to just forget that I don't know these people...you never know when you're going to find someone interesting by just talking to a stranger.) Only one of the 3 was doing the move (a variation of the Inverted Triangle, I think...) and the other two were wimping out.

So on to today.
So far today:
...my stomach didn't feel good (hello, revenge of last night's Mexican)
...my head hurt
...my cycle still isn't done (since July 8th, people...I'm tired!)
...my husband commented on my thinner legs
...my job blows
...my prospects for employment still look grim
...my hope in the future is growing dim

I'm working on the things I can control now that I've already had a good cry and pout this morning. Same old story - this stupid job. The fact that I worked so hard for 3 years for seemingly nothing. The feeling that I will never be more than I am right now financially and career wise. The feeling that my children will suffer for my bad luck. Wondering how someone can do everything they're told is the "right" thing to do and still fail at every turn. The realization that next month school will start again. A year since I started my Senior year and it might as well have not even happened. Wondering why I'm having to fight so hard again and again while others seem to have their futures fall in their laps. Frustration to the umpteenth degree.

Now that I have THAT out of my system...I'm faking it today...


Can you tell or am I a good actress/model?

So far this week:

Sunday: mini-binge. Meeting your mom at the donut store = not a good idea. I was good for the first 45 minutes, and then it all fell apart after that.
Monday: Good nutrition day. Great exercise day (elliptical, treadmill, walking breaks, yoga/stretching, full ST round on machines).
Tuesday: BAD nutrition day (ate out all 3 meals! WTF, dude?). Great exercise day (elliptical for 45 minutes, yo! That equals 3 miles!! And stretched after.).

My SmartCoach app has me scheduled for an "easy run" (which I will turn into a walk) of 2 miles tonight. I set it to train me for a 10K by September 4th, the date of the Charleston Distance Run. (I'll be walking it...still can't trust the knee.) I might hit the elliptical for a little bit after the treadmill...then onto the ST machines. Long day, long night. I'm tired already...but I don't have to do any other 10K training this week until Saturday, which is another 2 miles, so it's all just what I want to do those other days. May hit a class or two on Friday/Saturday. Surprisingly, I'm not scared of the the 2 miles now, which is amazing considering where I started. Just three months ago the prospect of walking ONE mile seemed daunting and about two months ago I nearly died trying to walk a 5k VERY slowly. Now I think I could go out tomorrow and do a 5k walk and not have a horrible time. Still, training for the 10K is a good way to keep myself focused.

BTW - I apologize for the crapiness of this blog but my mind is still frustrated and upset. *plants a smile on my face* Faking it, big time!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUGIRL06 7/30/2010 1:45PM

1000 calories burned?! That is AWESOME! You actually don't want to burn too much more than 1000 every day because that's 2lbs per week and then you won't lose because you aren't eating enough. But enough of that babble. I just wanted to let you know that you were RIGHT ON this day so don't be so hard on yourself! You are doing SO GREAT!!!! Look at you! 45 minutes! Way to go! ~Ang Report Inappropriate Comment

-SHIMMER-ANN- 7/21/2010 10:25PM

Well, at least the picture is really pretty! AND, by reading a book, I hope you don't mean that you were NOT using the arm handles on the machine...because if it DOES, BAD GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That arm movement comes with pretty boobies and a nice back haha. Other than that, WOW to 45 minutes, and WOW to just being awesome!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KILA1228 7/21/2010 10:12PM

Good job on the elliptical glider!! Kudos!!!! Your picture ROCKS!! I hope you feel better tomorrow!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SMURPH32 7/21/2010 3:05PM

Fake it til you make it!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTH-E-CLARE 7/21/2010 2:51PM

It usually feels good to let it out, so vent away sista. As for the 5k, you basically did that yesterday on the treadmill and with the training your doing, I have no doubt you will make the 10k. 3 miles in 45 on the elliptical... CONGRATS. keep up the amazing work, you are doing awesome. Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYB73 7/21/2010 2:08PM

I can't tell you how much your current job hatred resonates with my own experience. I FEEL your pain. In fact, when I really started gaining weight was when my State Job turned into something from the deepest pits of Hell. What I can tell you is that this job of yours is not forever. It is a vehicle to get to another professional phase of your life. Spend the free time it gives you on applying, writing articles and focusing on your Health Journey. I say this because I KNOW that no matter how much crap they pile on you, you're still not being really challenged, because you are obviously so very capable of more. Before I changed jobs in 2007 I must have called in 2, maybe 3 days a month, they were my "Mental Health" Days. Since starting my current job in 2009 I have only missed 2 days of work and that's cause I had the flu so bad I was delirious and my boyfriend took my car keys. Fake it if you have to. Towards the end I sucked at faking it and I was a toxic, asshole to just about everyone in my life. Just remember there is more out there and when you find it, you're going to ROCK IT like there's no tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

AIMEETURD 7/21/2010 12:02PM

Sometimes you just have to fake it til you feel it! It will get better! I have a case of the grumpies today too and I'm just waiting it out! Report Inappropriate Comment

-JENSSPARK- 7/21/2010 11:19AM

Vent away! Great job at the gym last night BTW! 45 minutes is awesome! I have the endurance to do 45 minutes, but my heel just won't let me. I hate that. Try to stay positive and have confidence in the job hunt. Things WILL pick up! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRETTYMANDI 7/21/2010 10:08AM

I love that picture of you! It is great! I am still envying the hair. If I don't go to the zoo today I think I am going to play around with a curling iron or rollers. I think curls may be my new friend lol Report Inappropriate Comment

SPALM01 7/21/2010 9:59AM

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one having issues with staying under my calorie range. I've done really good with getting the fat down and within range, but I still can't get it to all be on target. Thank you for posting. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARVY09 7/21/2010 9:40AM

Sounds like you didn't do too bad. I stay in range sometimes and still don't get a -1000 for the day! Make today even better! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAGPIE17 7/21/2010 9:32AM

Fake it til you make it! I recently read "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, and one of her tips/goals was to "act like you want to feel" - smile when you want to be happy but aren't, and before long, you'll feel a little happier! Hope you end up feeling more positive today! Way to go on the elliptical, btw!! Rock it! Report Inappropriate Comment

MERAINA 7/21/2010 9:23AM

Sometime we just gott a let it out! If we hold it in we will mplode! Things will turn around and like you said you are working on things you can control. This is the best way to go with it. Report Inappropriate Comment

Sometimes I DO Think About What Others Think - W13.D3

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Shocking, I know. But it's not what you're thinking. Sure, there are the occasional negative thoughts that run through my head, a supposition of what I think others around me might say about me if they weren't able to lie and had to always speak their minds...but we're not going to talk about that right now.

Instead, let's talk about hitting 10 minutes on the elliptical machine and glancing over to see that there's a girl across from you on her own machine. This girl is cute. Probably a few years younger than you. She's skinny enough and is either in maintenance mode or is hiding whatever extra pounds under that baggy t-shirt of hers. Either way, you're matching her stride for stride. She sees you across the gym and smiles. You smile back.

Suddenly your mind whips into a flurry of thoughts and emotions. (I mean, you're working out...what ELSE is there to do? Sure, the music is on, but that's only distracting enough for a little while...eventually your brain kicks in and starts turning out whatever crap it wants.)

"She looks great! I'd love to look like that when I reach goal. Not uber skinny. Fit. Athletic. I think that's my goal right there. I wish I knew how much she weighs. Of course, weight doesn't really matter, does it? Your body could be very similar to hers at 20 pounds higher or lower than her weight. I mean, I don't even know how tall she is...it's really hard to tell from this angle and while bouncing up and down."

Eventually I cut myself off. I don't think it's healthy to constantly imagine my goal weight because I have a long ways to go before I get there. Instead I like to focus on what I can do today, tomorrow, this week. I like to look in the mirror and say, "Well, that looks smaller! COOL!" It's much easier for me to keep my head in the game when it isn't floating off into What-If Land without me. I need it here, in this moment, pushing me on to my best. So I focus on me. I focus on the music and what my body feels like. I can feel my muscles in my legs working hard for this. I'm coming up on 13 minutes and I want to push myself. I increase my pace to 130-140 stride pace. I tell myself it will just be a minute, two max, depending on how I feel. A minute and a half later I give myself a big smile for pushing through at that pace as I settle back down to a 120 stride pace. My legs feel great. Sweat is pouring down my back. GOOD workout!

Now it's time for me to decide whether I'll do 20 minutes or push to 25. I have to decide soon because I need those last few minutes of cool down if I'm going to stop, and I hate random numbers like 23. (I have a little Monk in me, I'll admit it.) At 18 minutes I decide that I'm feeling good, and I can push to 25. So I push through 20 and it feels great. And suddenly I notice that girl, you know, the one who occupied my thoughts for a minute or two earlier?, I see her looking at me and then I see her pace increase. I think to myself, "Could it be?" Suddenly my mental focus has shifted.

"Could it be that she was inspired by me? Could she have been watching? Maybe she wanted to give up a couple minutes ago too, but she saw this girl across from her, easily twice her size, push through and challenge herself. Maybe, just maybe she got inspired to do a little more tonight too. Of course, that's probably not true but..."

I cut myself off again. I'm going to let myself believe the positive here, because it doesn't hurt anyone. In fact, it helps me. I finish my 22-23 minutes at a 130 pace without even realizing I've increased my speed. I slow down to a 100 pace for the last couple minutes before feeling a rush of pride flow through me when I see the clock hit 25:00. I did it. I accomplished this one simple thing and it has made such a difference to me inside.

So maybe I used a few mind tricks to pull me through. It doesn't always work out this way, but I try to use the mind of at least one person in the gym each time to push me through. I pick on one person, be it guy or girl, and I think, "Tonight, I'm going to inspire him/her! I'm going to make them push because they can see this big girl pushing through! They don't want me to outshine them, so I'm going to try to show them what I'm made of tonight and dare them to beat me!"

See? Sometimes I do think about what others think of me. And sometimes I make up stuff for them to think. What harm is there in that?

A big shout out to the men and women at the gym who have become my mental surrogates for my cheering section. Maybe one day you'll know that you were in my corner all along without ever even knowing there was a side to pick. Maybe not...it's pretty cool having you here in my head, and me in yours...maybe we'll just leave it at that.
-----

Yesterday update:
* 15 minute walking break
* 10 minute walking break
* Lunch with AM at pizza place, I ate my zucchini crab cakes beforehand and went for the company instead
* 20 minutes elliptical (120 avg. pace)
* 20 minutes treadmill (3.0 pace)
* 10-15 minutes stretching/yoga
* 20-25 minutes ST
* Pissing off of one gym employee who cleaned the showers before I was ready to take one. Ah-well, I paid my membership fee and I've got some shopping to do before I can go home. You'll have to spritz it again in 10 minutes and try not to hate me too much for showering 30 minutes before closing.
* Zucchini soup made by hubs = wonderful, with a grilled chicken sandwich

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSAEBARRON 7/20/2010 5:46PM

this is great! the last time i was at the gym on the treadmill, dreading the remaining 20min I had left, I looked over and saw this guy on the stair stepper. He was stair-stepping and doing little left and right jabs. he seemed so focused and determined - he inspired me to finish my workout. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKGIRL32 7/20/2010 5:13PM

I totally get what you are saying about inspiring other people to work out harder..I always usually have a set amount of time that I work out..but when I want to give up I look around and notice who got on the machines before I did and are still rocking it! Totally motivating!! Keep pushing yourself, girl!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RED_WRITINGHOOD 7/20/2010 4:49PM

I think it's wonderful that you motivate yourself that way. I talk to myself a lot when I'm working out as well... lol. Pretty soon some girl will be looking at you trying to guess your weight because you are their ideal! Report Inappropriate Comment

-SHIMMER-ANN- 7/20/2010 3:28PM

Hehe, I love it!! From a maintainer's point of view...whenever I see someone who isn't there yet working really hard, I AM inspired! I am excited, and happy for her. I'm so glad to see her building self confidence, and promoting good health! And I have to prove that already there girls work hard too...she's not the only one. I bet she WAS inspired! Report Inappropriate Comment

JAMARCIL 7/20/2010 2:59PM

I totally get you! I do similar things when I used to go to the gym and hit the elliptical. I'd compete with people who were very clearly in shape and felt so good when I went longer than they did or what have you...hehehe Whatever it takes to be motivated to break through! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAGPIE17 7/20/2010 2:34PM

Awesome blog! I'll have to try your trick! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUGIRL06 7/20/2010 12:48PM

Ahahah I like that you made the gym employee clean the showers again! They were just rushing to get out of there! Anyway, I love this blog!!! I do the same thing sometimes. I wonder what people are thinking, make up my own little thought scenarios for them, imagine that they are inspired by me and that they are pushing harder because of it, etc. The same stuff! First off, it keep me from getting bored when on the treadmill for an hour, and its funny when you actually end up talking to the person and they were inspired by you! LoL! That's only happened once but it was so exciting! So keep on being a motivator to those other gym goers! ~Ang Report Inappropriate Comment

KARVY09 7/20/2010 12:05PM

Wonderful workout! And you had a great day yesterday too. Zucchini soup sounds so delicious. I love your writing style. Very flowing and easy to read! Report Inappropriate Comment

-JENSSPARK- 7/20/2010 11:15AM

I totally get this! I was scared to death when I started Zumba. I was freaked out over being the biggest, most uncoordinated girl in the room. When I'm there now, I notice other "big" girls that have started since I've been there and when the class is pushing harder than ever, I start to think about how maybe it took seeing me in that class to get just one of those girls to join. Maybe it did, maybe it didn't...but it gets ME through the rest of the class because I have to be tough for them! HAHA! Report Inappropriate Comment

MERAINA 7/20/2010 10:51AM

LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! You made me think of the other day when I was out walking... a car drove by and honked and some guys hooted out the window, not really what you think you will hear. I mean some nerve of ppl... LOL I always think that when ppl see me walking they look me up and down and say, "boy, she DOES need to be out walking". But these guys made me laugh and step it up a bit, cause they yelled, "You go girl!" I had a bounce in my step that day that I didn't have before they went by. And as I walked I began to think that other cars that go by my think what they want but there may be one person one time that says, "hey, I should start walking too. If she can do it in this heat, then so can I." Again, my step gets a bounce to it. I use to have thoughts that were all bad and judgmental, BUT I am getting better. You know the feeling. Nothing feels better than to go further than you did the day before. Rock on! Comment edited on: 7/20/2010 10:52:33 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

PRETTYMANDI 7/20/2010 10:48AM

You are so hardcore! My exercise has totally been slacking, I think I might feel a little morsel of inspiration building up inside me as I read this ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

Rings, Soreness, Straightening Irons, Fun Stuff, the Future, and Making Healthy Choices (pics) - W13

Monday, July 19, 2010

See, I've got a lot for you today, so settle in for a little show and tell...

RINGS
About two months ago, I looked over at Hubs and said, "Hey, babe? When I lose enough weight that my rings don't fit anymore, will you buy me a new one?" He said yes, and now that they're about to slip right off my finger, he's claiming he doesn't remember this conversation. *lol*

Let me explain. This is my wedding band:


When I got it I was 6 months pregnant with Ethan and probably near my highest weight of 466. When I lost the first hundred, my wedding band became too loose to wear on it's own. I paired it with a smaller ring that Hubs bought me for Christmas one year.


But now this ring is getting too big as well. (No, wait - that's giving IT the credit. I mean I'm getting too small for this ring!) (BTW - excuse the nails...I swear I'm giving myself a manicure a little later today! *lol*)

So I'm hoping that by Christmas, Hubs will be forced to fill his obligation or risk his new skinnier, sexier wife going out in public without rings on her wedding finger, therefore implying that she is single and ready for the taking. ;)

SORENESS
OMG I've been so sore lately in my calves and arms. Though my calves are looking more amazing than they have in years and are even feeling smaller to me! *LOVES IT!* I may have to hold back a tiny bit tonight at the gym, but there's no way I'm giving myself another "rest" day. Yesterday turned into "I can do whatever I want" day near the end, and I ain't having that again!

STRAIGHTENING IRONS
As of 6:30 this morning, you can say goodbye to this:


My straightening iron gave out this morning...and that makes me sad. :(

FUN STUFF
So now it's back to what it looked like on date night:

BTW - THIS is what I looked like when the girls were giggling. WTF, dude? I look HOT!


Even the Mothman thinks I look sexy, dude. He's reaching out to grope me! PERV!

THE FUTURE
I woke up this morning and begged Hubs to not make me go to work. This happens so often now it's just gone beyond rediculous. Hating your job(s) for years on end is just no way to live. Before I had a reason to stay - they worked around my school schedule. Now it's just a paycheck. Nothing more. I hate that! And the resumes keep going out into the world with no answer, so getting up this morning was super difficult. At one point I'm laying there talking to Hubs and I say, "I just want a nice house!" and I start crying. Thank the Lord hubs butted in with, "Alright, hold up now! Take a step back. You haven't even gotten out of bed and you're already crying." I knew he was right, so I wiped my eyes and got up anyways. *sigh* I'll keep pushing because I have to, but something's really gotta give soon!

HEALTHY CHOICES
With the kids gone, hubs and I took full advantage of the fact that we could eat out this week and not spend a fortune. We also took advantage of the alone time together. On one particular day, I asked Hubs if he wanted to go grab something to eat. "Sure," he says. And when I ask him what he wants he says, "Well, I *want* Long John Silver's, but I know you can't eat that..." Now lately I've been trying to work my eating around my life, instead of the other way around. There's really no reason why my husband shouldn't have their yummy, but, oh so bad for you, fried battered fish. Lord knows I *love* that stuff with some tarter sauce. But while I like it, I didn't want to blow my calories on a piece of it that day....it wasn't worth it to me. But why should Hubs have to sacrifice for me? I appreciate that he does, and sometimes I might insist that we go somewhere else, but that day I was feeling brave and I said, "Don't worry, I'll find something I can eat. Let's go." And go we went. And Esther ordered off the Freshgrille menu.


While it's high sodium, most of the stuff I can eat without too much calorie concern (except the corn coblette...avoid this thing like the plague, people!). The veggies were wonderful, I had a bite of the breadstick, I ate a little more than half of the shrimp and rice and I was full. It's a little more pricey than a regular 'fat' meal, but I'm worth the extra cost.

Saturday, I made these Zucchini "Crab" Cakes. Hubs wasn't overjoyed,..I thought they were OK. But they'll do in a pinch. I found them a little dry so I serve them with a little light ranch, spread out on the plate to look like more than a "little" *lol*


I'm having these for lunch today.

And FINALLY! I picked the boys up in Chillicothe yesterday. For those of you that don't know, my mom is on Spark too (check who remains #1 on my friends list...there's a reason for that! *lol*) She's lost over 16 pounds so far and she started just after I did! She's got the eating thing down, but she's really been working on exercise. (She's not like me...she has always, and will always find exercise a chore she MUST do to lose/maintain...she does not enjoy it! *lol* Love you, Mom!) Anyhow, I figured we needed a new picture of our skinnier selves, and while I'm still not happy with how I look in pictures, it's a pic of me with my mom, so I like it anyhow!



42 pounds gone. Lots of lessons learned. Lots of healthy recipes now at my fingertips. SparkFriends that keep me from crashing in upon myself. Whatever the ups and downs I'm dealing with, I must remember that I am making 2010 a year to remember! (Now if I could land a great new job before it's over? - ICING, baby! ICING I will gladly gobble up!) Onwards and upwards (err...downwards on the scale, but you know what I mean!) 165 days left until 2011. Let's make them count...every last one of them!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

-SHIMMER-ANN- 7/20/2010 3:36PM

I think you look great in that picture!!! Honest to Jesus girl, you look like a normal size!! You look beautiful, happy, and like someone who could totally be into exercise!! You are looking sooo much more different, these last few lbs are making a huge difference! I'm so excited! You must just be used to looking at you...I see MAJOR changes. Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNTRILAUGH 7/20/2010 11:05AM

I love this blog!!! So cool that you and your Mom are on here together, making healthier choices and bettering yourselves! Better watch out for that mothman!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

-JENSSPARK- 7/20/2010 10:09AM

Hang in there! The work situation definitely is tough. Been there many times and am there again presently (although I at least get to travel SOME). I hope you find that dream job real soon! You and your mom are looking great! Keep up the good work! BTW, the date night hair was awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

ACLUBB5 7/19/2010 12:50PM

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BELLALUCIA 7/19/2010 12:46PM

Congratulations on your weight loss and here's to many more, hurray! Report Inappropriate Comment

CALLIKIA 7/19/2010 11:52AM

But I'm a girl who likes options! WAH! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIGHTYFINEWINE 7/19/2010 11:39AM

I'm so glad your straightener gave out because that pic of you on date night with curly hair is SO HOT. You are one hot mama! Report Inappropriate Comment

CALLIKIA 7/19/2010 10:16AM

SHHH...don't tell hubs about those! He has NO NEED to know! ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

THEWEIGHTSOVER 7/19/2010 10:05AM

Hey I saw that recipe on your other blog for the zuchini cakes and was going to try them. ( I don't like zuchini and am trying to convince myself that I can). As for your rings, you can get an insert temporarily that fits inside them to keep from losing them. It beats having to wear them around your neck or something. I'm sure you are glad to have your boys home again but I bet it was nice to have a break too. Have a great week! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRETTYMANDI 7/19/2010 10:03AM

I loved the part about mothman! I was cracking up! And I really liked your date photo hair. Is it just curled? I am very concerned with hair right now, sorry. I went to get the purple out of mine this weekend and it took 4 hours and it still has some sea foam green left in it so I have to go back today. After all that the color had damaged my hair so much I had to lose a lot of my length. Now I have no idea how to style the new cut. I knew it was coming. I just don't know what to do now. Stupid purple. Looked so cool for a few months until it ate my hair. Now there's a lesson learned. Report Inappropriate Comment

CALLIKIA 7/19/2010 9:36AM

If they paid me less money I'd be better off getting government cheese, but I totally know what you're saying. I'm fighting every day to get out of a job that is stable, but which relentlessly uses me without increasing my pay (not the boss' fault...I'm a state government worker and the tax payers think I do nothing all day instead of the 5 jobs I'm trying to fill to keep costs down). I will find something. I must - for my sanity to remain in tact. I pushed myself through 3 years of schooling for something! I *have* to believe that! Thank you for the hope, though. There's something out there and I'm going to find it VERY soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

ROZELL99 7/19/2010 9:28AM

Being male, I kind of gravitated toward the going to work at a job you hate comment. I have done that during a couple of periods in my life and there is probably nothing worse for your morale or your waistline. In both cases, I was trapped by money. They were paying me a lot more than I could replace easily and I had a wife and kids to support. One of those jobs I stayed with for seven years before they closed the plant I worked in. They offered me a promotion and a paid transfer and I turned them down. I figured that in the worst case I would have several weeks of unemployment pay before we went into the poor house. I found a job for more pay working for better people the next week before the plant even closed (for my job anyway). Years later, I accepted a job as a consultant for a LOT of money. Mainly because of the firm I was with, I again hated every day going to work. I stuck it out for a year before I had enough of them and they had enough of me lecturing them. Again, I had another job in a week making more money than I did at the hated job. I have learned three things from these experiences. One, it really isn't worth it in the long haul to be miserable every day because of a pay check, even if it is a big one. Two, there is almost always a better situation out there even if it may be for slightly less money. Three, it is similar but different, never leave a good job to chase bigger money elsewhere. It is almost never worth it. Congratulations on your weight loss. Good luck with school and your job hunt. Report Inappropriate Comment

MERAINA 7/19/2010 9:15AM

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I Dunno, Don't Ask Me - Week 13.Day 1

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Starting Weight: 466.6
SP SW: 416.2
Last Week: 377.8
Goal This Week: 375
Actual: 374.0
Weight Lost This Week: 3.8 pounds
Total Weight Lost with SP: 42.2
Total Weight Lost overall: 92.6

How did I lose 3.8 pounds? Uhm...I don't know. Seriously. I can assume it's because I might finally be done with the TOM bloat. I can assume it's because I switched up my routine by going to the gym for the past two days. Either way - I will take it! I got on the scale like 12 times and never got a number above this. I will admit that I went to the movies last night with Hubs for a date night before the kids get back and I ate some movie popcorn, but I did have like 1,000 calories left that I could burn, so I'm guessing it didn't hurt me too much. ;)

I pushed myself at the gym yesterday with that "last chance workout" vibe running through me. I hopped on the elliptical first and it felt good (even though my calves were already sore...I raised the incline and started working my butt and thighs at a higher incline) so I ended up doing 25 minutes. I lovers the elliptical! Then I did a lap around the indoor track and hopped on the treadmill. By this time I didn't think I could do 10 minutes because my legs were so sore...but I talked myself into pushing past it. I warmed up at a 2.5 pace, increased to a steady 3.0, increased for a minute at a 3.5 pace, and then did a steady 3.0 until I hit 23 minutes before lowering back to 2.5 for the last two minutes as a cool down. My mental conversation was hilarious.

"Come on, you wimp!"
"If the Biggest Loser people can do this, so can you!"
"You got this."
"You get to rest tomorrow, just push today."
"Earn yourself a cup of ice cream here."
"Look at that guy lifting that huge friggin' weight...if he can do that, you can do this."

So after 50 minutes, I spent another 5 stretching (except for 10 wall pushups I did). I have to say that the group of people there on a Saturday morning is much different from the one on Friday night. Basically it was a bunch of older dudes upstairs and a bunch of younger guys downstairs on the free weights. I got a few looks from one guy, but nothing nasty or menacing. All in all, it was a good day and I felt strong.

Like I said, last night hubs and I went to see Inception (OMG, one of the BEST movies I have seen in a very, very long time! SOO good.) While we were walking through the mall waiting for the movie to start, I saw this girl look at me, turn really quick to her friend, say something, they both laughed and then the other girl looked at me. I have been fat all my life, and I know when people are making fun of me. So as we walked by, I kept staring at the first girl, because I knew she had to look again....and she did. I smiled at her and her smile dropped immediately. I think I freaked her out a bit. As I'm in the bathroom, though, I'm sitting there thinking about how I should say something to her and stand up for myself. I formed the thoughts in my head ...

"I would *love* to know what you're laughing about. Is it because your life is boring and I'm married, with two beautiful children, a honors degree in English, and a full-time job? Is it because I'm a published journalist for the Gazette and just had an interview in New York City? Or maybe it's the weight thing. Is that it? Because I worked out at the gym for an hour today, what did you do? I'm telling you honey, making other people feel inferior in order to boost your own self-esteem doesn't work. You might feel good for a second, but you'll soon realize that you have to go back to your pathetic life, and nothing that's wrong with me will make any of that better for you. Grow up and find something good within yourself."

Thankfully (probably), the girls were gone when we got out of the bathroom. It still felt good to remind myself of all the pluses in my life.

Today I have no plans other than going to pick up my boys at 4pm.

This week? I'm going to try to get the gym every day. I get home about a quarter to 7pm and they're open until 9pm, so I should have time to get a workout in before bed. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays are ST days. They have a little chart there that I can use to track my ST and eventually increase my time or reps.

Goals for next week:

372

Cook up more zucchini recipes and eat healthy at home.

Track on Spark Savings. We're trying to save money for an eventual down payment on a new home.

Workout at the gym every day except today. (I keep thinking that the more time I spend at the gym, the more money I use and the more my 38 bucks is totally worth it!)

Act cool. Live life and enjoy it. And finish reading my book so I can start another. I'm reading The Master and Margarita right now...it's really quite good, Russians are crazy and I love it!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

-SHIMMER-ANN- 7/20/2010 3:32PM

I had a very thin girlfriend once, who said she'd like to become a trainer. She said she'd love to tell "fat people" to just put down the damn cheeseburger, because it "isn't that hard." I was so annoyed!! I saw her two years later...and guess who had become quite chubby? And I don't mean a little...she looked miserable. I bet she has a much clearer understanding now. She also unfortunately suffered several miscarriages, and it was confirmed that her and her husband could never have children together...their genes were incompatible. I don't think she deserved that AT ALL, that's not what I'm saying...I just think that multiple pregnancies and stress have probably given her a new idea of how "hard" it is to keep up with health and fitness all the time. I don't wish awful things on those girls, but they will someday face their own hardships, and hopefully regret sucking so much. Hugs! Report Inappropriate Comment

KNOWMOREBBK 7/19/2010 7:25AM

Karma is going to bite those girls in the butt one day. Wouldn't you love to be there when it happens? More small minds. Some days I just can't stand how many petty people there are in this world. Makes me sick. On the positive side, you showed her the difference between a girl and a woman. Great job on the weight loss! Report Inappropriate Comment

BAYBELIEVER 7/18/2010 10:25PM

OMG! I had a similar experience at the pool today with two pre-teen, maybe teen girls. When I jumped in the pool and came up they were laughing at me! I had the same conversation in my head as I swam my laps and they floated around on their noodles! I was going to blog about it tonight, but now you have gone and stolen it! Great blog! Better than I would have done with it. And, thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

AIMEETURD 7/18/2010 5:09PM

Congrats on the weight loss & on taking the high road! Someone will knock that girl down a peg & she'll hopefully learn her lesson! You're a better person & that's all that really matters!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETLEXIE520 7/18/2010 4:20PM

Oh, girl - you so have that 2 lbs kicked this week - it's gonna fly off! I also love how you built yourself back up in the bathroom - she'll find out eventually that talking like that doesn't make her any better, and you got a bonus self-motivational session out of it! You win! Hubs, Roomie and I want to see Inception sometime this week. Now we just have to find someone to take Little Man... Report Inappropriate Comment

_TRIXIE_ 7/18/2010 3:40PM

Don't you sometimes wish you lacked the class to take the higher road and could just blurt out flaming retorts like the ones you thought of in the bathroom? I loved it and have wanted to say similar things but always remind myself "Just take the high road, don't let this ruin your night." Which, unfortunately, I would let it do. I am so inspired by your continued progress! You are just melting away. I'm super proud of you! And thanks for the movie review -- I'm thinking about going next week sometime! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMJINX 7/18/2010 2:50PM

Way to talk yourself through that tough situation! People like that are not worth our time. Wow you are so motivated, keep it up. Soon you will reach that goal! Tammi Report Inappropriate Comment

STICKYSISTER 7/18/2010 2:12PM

You are so motivating and encouraging to me! I wish I could have been there when those 2 girls were laughing at you; I would have been right up there with my "whatchyoutalkin'about" girls? This is my Spark friend you are putting down, and would you please apologize to her right now?! Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLALUCIA 7/18/2010 11:58AM

You are a beautiful woman with a full life. Even if you weighed 800lbs, you'd still be beautiful! Congrats. on having lost so much weight! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRETTYMANDI 7/18/2010 11:45AM

I love how you built yourself up after those girls tried to tear you down! Sometimes I think comebacks like that and sometimes I even say them out loud and my husband will catch me talking "sassy" to myself and he finds it funny. Report Inappropriate Comment

_COSMOPAULATAN_ 7/18/2010 10:49AM

You are SO strong. We have all been through what you had to experience. Someday, you will be able to teach a lesson to someone else. In the meantime, keep up the inspiring work! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAGPIE17 7/18/2010 10:48AM

I saw Inception Friday night too and LOVED it! The anti-grav scenes were so cool! Way to go on this week's weight loss, and giving that girl a look ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYB73 7/18/2010 10:35AM

Act cool? You ARE COOL!!! What a great week and keep rockin it at the gym!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARVY09 7/18/2010 10:32AM

Great week! And I know the stares and the laugh too. One of these days you'll have the perfect comeback, I know it. Master & Margarita is one of my favorite books ever! Let me know how you like it. Report Inappropriate Comment