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Posts: 425
1/27/10 11:53 P

Phew! After almost 2 months, our house guest is finally gone. I miss having her around a bit, but it is SO NICE to have the house to myself and have some peace and quiet. And space! And not be able to blame things on someone else because they do things differently than you're used to.

I cleaned a bunch today, and also cooked a few meals to tuck in the fridge for work and breakfasts. I've been going full speed all day and am exhausted! But I'm almost done with my checklist for today and am looking forward to taking a shower and relaxing for a while. Maybe get some more strength exercises in there ;)

My lungs are still really sensitive. It's been a month since I came down with whatever cold I got, and if I start coughing too much (because of eating too much pepper or whatnot--I have a very sensitive throat), my lungs just go into overdrive. So I'm still taking it easy with the cardio, but will definitely be starting up with the 30 day shred again soon.

Now back to some jewelry stuff :D

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
1/14/10 1:38 A

This new year is off to a great start, as far as my motivation with jewelry is concerned. Exercise has definitely fallen by the wayside, especially with having someone living in our living room. However, she will be moving back to LA on the 25th, and I can once more have my house back! I am realizing though that I need to be getting up earlier and exercising first thing. Waking up early is really hard for me, especially since I have really intense dreams and find it hard to break out of them. But I'm going to try really hard to get up early. I got up at 6 am this morning to go to work and am going to try to set my alarm clock for the same time. Then I can go for a walk if weather permits, or do exercise in our office/studio space while everyone sleeps. Hopefully it'll work! If it doesn't, I'm going to have to start doing the "wake up 15 minutes earlier each day" technique.

Unfortunately, I am also battling something in my throat, or so it seems. I had a really bad throat/respiratory infection a couple weeks ago and last weekend it felt like it was coming back, but subsided, and once again today it feels like it's coming back. Let's hope it's pattern stays true and it goes away again! I took a bath in epsom salts tonight, and have taken some medicine, and drank some tea so let's hope it works. Otherwise I'll have to break out the raw garlic tomorrow!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
1/1/10 6:14 P

Happy New Year!!! I've still not been doing much exercise, but I've also been ridiculously sick. I'm feeling better but my lungs are still contracting and I'm hoping to back to 100% soon. I *feel* fine, but I know I can't push myself by talking too much or exercising too hard. Tomorrow is my hiking day with my best friend so I'm not sure where we'll walk/hike. I'm thinking down at the water front.

Good news though...I'm still at 152/153, probably because of not feeling well and not eating too much. Last night (NYE) I went a little overboard, but I'm back to eating healthy and moderately. Today I'm working in my studio and thinking of all the new and wonderful adventures I want to have with my jewelry business, exercise, and life in general.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
12/15/09 11:30 P

I'm not doing so well these days. We have a guest staying with us until January and it's really hard for me to exercise in the living room when she and her friends are here. I need to get to the gym more this week as I'll be fine exercising there. I've been sleeping late, as well, mostly due to having really intense dreams that I want to "finish", but I am going to work on going to bed earlier and getting up earlier, starting tonight. I hate waking up late.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
12/6/09 2:59 A

Well, I definitely did not do well on the waking up early thing today--I slept in until 11.30. Part of it was just that I wanted to enjoy snuggling in with my partner. Those mornings are rare with him :)

I did manage to do the whole 20 minute fitness Zumba video, which was really fun. It definitely takes a lot of paying attention to the steps to get it right! But I'll get it. I can't wait to try the cardio party video too, and then classes :)

I ALSO, despite really not wanting to, did the 10 minute cardio work out, and my strength exercises. I'd already spent 7 hours working making jewelry in my studio, so I was pretty tired, but I managed to make myself do the exercises anyway.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
12/3/09 1:27 P

I don't get it. I've been exercising more, eating healthy, and yet I gained two pounds. What the hell?! Ugh. It's frustrating. I know it's not the end of the world but it's still frustrating. It could be PMS bloat, of course. The full moon is out, after all.

Anyway, I've been trying out Zumba at home...I have been using the basic steps and 20 minute fitness DVD, but I haven't made it all the way through the 20 minute fitness portion. I've done at least 30 minutes the past two days, though. I stopped yesterday because I knew my boyfriend would be getting home and I didn't want to look like a fish flopping around out of water in front of him. Silly, after 4 years :) I told him that and he said "oh honey, you don't have to worry about that". Sweet.

And I've resumed my strength exercises, which I've done for the past few days. It feels good. I feel like I really need to get in some Yoga, though, as my body is not nearly as limber as I would like. And I keep getting side aches doing Zumba...what's that all about?

The most important thing is that I'm having fun through all of this. A few new goals are:

Get up earlier in the morning (I've been staying up late and getting up late)

Go to the gym before or after work 3x a week

Eat on the lower end of my calorie range

Get more veggies in

Work on eating less sugar

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
11/27/09 1:45 P

Well, I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! I know I did. My mom drove two hours to get here, and we spent the whole day cooking our dinner *from scratch*. I love it. My dad was a great cook, and he knew how to cook from scratch, but my mom was the one who really taught me. We bought a really big turkey so we'd have plenty of leftovers, and that we have! Now I have to cook up a storm with the leftovers and freeze most of them since we still have lots of fresh salad and such to eat.

I didn't get much exercise in yesterday, but definitely will today. It helps that the clouds have cleared up! Yesterday was rainy and gross. I've started going geocaching, which is a great goal-oriented way to get out into the outdoors (or the urban landscape). My partner, myself, and one of our friends went hiking for 2 hours the other night! We got home around Midnight. It was great fun!

And now, I've been at the same weight for about two weeks now, and I know it's time to "amp it up". So that is what I'm going to do. Get back into my exercise routine, do crunches/core workout every day, and shed these pounds!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
11/21/09 6:57 P

I feel as if I'm getting back on track with the exercise. After a few weeks of faltering because of work obligations and being sick, it feels good to get back on track.

Yesterday I worked SIXTEEN hours nannying. 16. I was sooo tired by the time I left. I ended up coming home, starving, and eating a bit from Taco Bell (ouch), but it only pushed me about 100 calories over my limit.

Today I've been eating less but healthier. For lunch, I made this amazing butternut squash hash browns and salad. The squash hashbrowns were AMAZING!!! I need to put the rest in the fridge, so I don't eat them all!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
11/19/09 11:15 P

I went to the gym again today, which felt really good. I meant to go in the morning, but slept in (I have intense dreams and often times sleep in if I want to 'finish' them), so I ended up going after work. I almost didn't go but then I told myself "you HAVE to go". I tried a different setting on the Elliptical (Cross-country instead of weight loss) and it felt great. I definitely *felt* the effort. I ended up coming home after 30 minutes because I knew my hubby needed some care. I was pleasantly surprised by a nice small steak and steamed veggies for dinner!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
11/12/09 10:35 P

Went to the gym today for a bit. I wanted to hurry home but I got off work early, and was right next to the gym so I thought "why not?" Did the elliptical for 30 minutes, which was short, but fine. I found that I feel stronger and that the resistance I normally am at feels a bit too easy, which is good. I was able to amp up the resistance a bit!

Also, while I was at work today I saw a photo of myself from about 14 months ago. I was about 170+ lbs and WOW. WOW. I just stared at it like "oh my god I can't believe I was that big!" That means that I have lost 20 lbs in the last year, with 10 of those being in the last two months! I am so looking forward to getting below the 150 mark. Soooo looking forward to it. I will go out dancing to celebrate and buy myself a new set of gym clothes (one for home, one for the gym). Just a couple more pounds to go :)

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
11/8/09 10:36 P

Phew! I am in a much better place today. I'm not feeling (quite) as sick as I was. The sore throat is gone, but I still have a bit of phlegm in my throat. I'm still tired, but that may be due to the 5+ hours of cleaning I did today! Yikes! Our house has been extremely cluttered and there's still clutter but I am way too tired to tackle the rest right now. I'm going to try to get to it throughout the week in small spurts. As well as make some jewelry.

Good news...my body suddenly thinks that 7.30 am is a great time to wake up! So hopefully I will be able to stick with that and start going to the gym before work! I am working 5-6 days this week so hopefully the weather will be good and I can get some good play time in with the kids.

I will be back to doing my strength exercises tonight, but need to let my wine settle first.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
11/8/09 1:56 A

What a week! This last week I could feel that a cold was trying to wiggle its way into my body...being lethargic, with a sore throat, and feeling somewhat heady. So I decided to just rest a lot and take it easy. I felt a bit of guilt about not doing my strength exercises, but I stayed up on daily cardio, even if it was just cleaning or playing with the kids, or walking. A couple days I went over my calories, but I didn't let it stress me out too much. Tomorrow will be the start of getting back to strength exercises again.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
11/4/09 12:01 A

Thank you :)

I have a sore throat which has been hanging on for three days, so I haven't been doing much exercise (unless you could a bit of cleaning and loving). I can't afford to push myself and make myself get more sick because I can't afford to take time off of work.

So, hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow and be able to get some exercises in. There's a salsa cardio video waiting for me.

current weight: 151.8

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SparkPoints: (6,199)
Fitness Minutes: (4,846)
Posts: 1,200
11/2/09 4:46 P

You're doing a great job! Have a great week :)

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Posts: 425
10/30/09 1:07 A

So today I got a video in the mail from netflix and was all excited about the cardio workout. Except...it was The Firm Cardio Dance, and it was WAY too advanced for me. It would be nice if there was a "how to" section for the steps but I'm not quite that coordinated yet, so I'm working on jewelry instead. I'll have to figure out some cardio for tomorrow because I won't be able to go to the gym (am working oh...13-15 hours tomorrow). Hopefully I can do something while the little one takes a nap!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/27/09 2:04 P

Yesterday was a good day. I dragged my hubby out for a hike, which was nice. I love that it's been raining at night and clearing for the most part during the day here. I had TWO meals at the kitchen table (third would have been, but we made chicken that made the kitchen smoky and I didn't want to poison myself). I still haven't cleaned the table off but it's clean-ish. And I did a workout using the workout generator on SparkPeople (not just the fitness tracker). I did a Swiss Ball workout which was interesting because it made me realize how far my balance has come in the last couple months. Yay!

Now back to making jewelry :)

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/26/09 5:27 P

Last night, I realized that I really need to make a certain change, which is to stop eating in front of the tv/computer. I was watching tv last night and was suddenly hungry! Uh oh, I said. My body things I should have food while watching something.

Today, I've had two meals at the kitchen table instead of while watching something. It feels good, and I hope I can keep it going!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/24/09 7:22 P

Thank you, MissLady!

Yesterday, I went to the gym for the first time in a while, and it felt great. I only had enough time to do the elliptical for 45 minutes but just the fact that I could do that for so long (and could have gone longer) felt really good. I've been house sitting/dog sitting so a lot of my core exercises and home stuff has gone out the window, but I'll be back home Monday and back on track in that arena :)

current weight: 151.8

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SparkPoints: (6,199)
Fitness Minutes: (4,846)
Posts: 1,200
10/21/09 4:47 P

You're doing a great job at posting and staying focused!! Keep it going!!!

Looking forward to reading more of your posts :)

current weight: 235.6

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Posts: 425
10/20/09 2:46 P

Today is a hiking day. It's cloudy out but no prediction for rain, and my other plans have not gone as...well, planned. So, after brunch I'm going to get a bit of work done and then head up Mt. Tabor. I love it up there. Hopefully I can get some good pictures of all the beautiful fall colors!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/20/09 12:26 A

No gym today, but I did get some good exercise in with the kids (playing at the playground and taking the dog for a walk), and also went for a bit of a walk (and hot chocolate date) with the hubby. Tomorrow's going to be a nice day so I'm going to go for a hike at Mount Tabor as well!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/19/09 12:13 A

Today, I went to the pumpkin patch with my partner and two friends, and we had a blast! Oh, and a dog :) It was great fun, we got some great pumpkins, and did a bit of carving too. One of mine is a cyclops pumpkin. Hopefully I'll do more carving with the hubby tomorrow. It's hard work!

Then, I decided to watch "Design for Life" and to work out at the same time. I set up the list of exercises I wanted to do, and also got the hubby to do some with me, which was great.

I'm feeling good, and a bit proud of myself. Hopefully I can get myself to go to the gym tomorrow!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/15/09 1:10 P

I'm finally starting to get back into my routine and have started working out at home again. I still can't seem to make myself wake up early, but I'm kind of okay with that. I just have to figure out a schedule for the gym. No use in wasting a perfectly good membership! It does feel good to be back to working out again at least a little bit.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/10/09 2:17 P

Okay, the last two weeks have been crazy. I feel as if I haven't had much time to myself, and when I do, I just want to relax. Today is really my weekend day, and I'm working for a good chunk of it. Tomorrow would normally be my weekend day but I'm helping a friend out. At the moment, I feel frustrated at not sticking with my eating and exercise regimen and frustrated that I haven't had time for myself. If I were talking to someone else I would tell them that they have to "make time" for themselves.

I already bailed on this friend twice this week, so that's not an option. But I can go for a hike or go to the gym today. Probably a hike since I'm not feeling too hot and don't want to give whatever it is I have to people at the gym.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
10/4/09 8:16 P

Whew! What a whirlwind the last few days have been! I picked up my friend from the airport on Wednesday night (1 am, so technically Thurs. morning) and have been helping her with a breakup and move ever since. My diet kinda went out the window, but I am confident that I never went too far over my calories. Unless it was because of wine! Exercise, however, ceased for the most part. Time to get back to it! Yesterday we spent moving furniture around and cleaning, but today I'm relaxing and will get in a yoga workout later tonight. Tomorrow, back to the gym and meditation!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/29/09 3:03 P

One of my struggles is waking up early and going to the gym first thing in the morning (or just working out first thing). This morning, I set my alarm for 6 am. When it went off, I changed it to 8.45. Just enough time to get dressed before the pest control guy came over. Luckily, he didn't stay long and I was able to go to the gym and have the car back to the hubby so he could go to work. I only did the elliptical but will do strength exercises at home later. It felt good to at least make that effort. I'm going to really try getting up earlier from now on.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/27/09 8:31 P

It has been 3 days since my last post. This last week's eating has basically been out the window. I've stayed mostly within calorie range, but I haven't had quite as many veg/fruit as I should. Part of it is the end of month/rent is due/food is on the backburner type of thing. Anyway, the good news is that I went to the gym and felt great. Yesterday and today have been full of long walks. Tomorrow it's back to work and hopefully the little one will sleep so I can get my exercises in! I'm going to the gym either before or after work tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday. Time to kick it up a notch!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/25/09 1:04 A

I went to the gym after work today! And unlike my fears, it was not super duper crowded (as in, I was able to get on an elliptical). I'm glad I went and looking forward to going again next week :)

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/22/09 1:46 P

The left side of my back is sore, and my calves are very sore. I think I will end up doing a lot of stretching today and possibly take a hot bath with bath salts. I think I need to lay off the calf raises for a bit, too. I am going to the gym today for the first time in a couple months!!! I'm excited. I love the elliptical and just being in an environment where people are working towards similar goals.

Last night I went to a party for my boyfriend and his twin's birthday, and had a good time. I ate kind of lightly during the day so I wasn't too worried about going over my calories at the party, plus I kept a keen eye on what I was consuming. It's interesting--now that I'm eating more healthily, I don't *want* to eat a whole piece of cake, or drink a ton of beer.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/21/09 1:07 P

After my little episode of weighing myself early (at night) last night, after a rough weekend of not eating incredibly healthy, I am feeling much better today. I know I'm fighting off a cold, but it's under the surface for now. My weight gain seemed to be water weight, or just the product of weighing myself at the end of the day rather than the beginning (thank goodness). After working out last night I took it easy--took a hot shower, drank hot ginger tea, and headed to bed. After the best night's sleep that I've had in a long time, I am now 154.6 lbs!

Today, because I won't be able to do exercises after work (we're going to a family party for my bf and his twin's birthday), I'll be doing them while the little one I nanny is down for a nap. Hopefully she'll take a nap!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/20/09 9:42 P

This weekend has been crazy. I hate to say, but I just want a break. A break from crazy helter skelter weekends that leave me little time to do anything for myself.

Little exercise has happened this weekend. I may be able to sneak in pilates tonight, if the reflux goes away. Or go to the gym for a bit, but I might leave that for tomorrow morning before work. We had company over last night so I spent time cleaning house and then entertaining and watching my niece until the wee hours of the morning. Today was more entertaining and then laundry until near 6 pm.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/19/09 1:25 P

I have a feeling that Fridays will routinely be my day to *not* exercise. Why? Well, for example...Thursday night I did a bunch of strength training, including pushups and lunges which my body is not used to. My Fridays consist of taking the little girl I nanny (special needs) to preschool and shadowing her, lunch, nap, picking up her brother, going to get a movie for their "Friday Night Fun", heading home and giving her bro as much attention as I can, and then getting off work and heading to my house. It's like 9.5 hours of go-go-go with little relief. Yesterday I was exhausted, my body was exhausted, and sore! And my left hip and knee were KILLING me. I ended up taking some ibuprofen to ease the pain and I feel much better today.

I'm still sore from push ups, but will be able to do some exercise today :D Since it's raining outside, it may be pilates, or if it clears up, a hike up Mt. Tabor.

One of my goals is to work on doing my 100+ crunches EVERY day, no matter how tired I am. I can already see quite a bit of difference in my muscles around my rib cage, which is encouraging.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/18/09 1:35 A

I did my exercises tonight, even though I was very tired. My reward? Watching a favorite show. Which leads to the snacking...I'm sitting here, not hungry at all, but wanting to snack. What's easy? Bread. Yummy bread. BUT, I know from my nutritional chart that I need some more protein and fat, so edamame it is. Happily!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/17/09 2:06 P

Today I gave myself a little reward for meeting the 155 lb mark. I went and got a wax at the spa, which unfortunately means I can't do too much aggressive cardio today, but I can do some pilates later, and crunches for sure. I think I need to re-do my rewards (my original ones are kind of outdated)....

160 - my own scale (done)
155 - wax @ spa (done)
150 - new pajamas!
145 - bike ride @ Sauvie's Island
140 - probably some new clothes
135 - tan!
130 - new bathing suit!!!

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/17/09 1:53 A

Okay, so I just kicked myself in the butt and did almost 30 minutes of my "Pilates for Weight Loss" video. Whew! I feel like a whale, fumbling around on the floor, but it feels good to feel my muscles activated so strongly.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to get more stomach work done while the little girl I look after is taking a nap. I'm going to aim for over 150 stomach exercises.

current weight: 151.8

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Posts: 425
9/17/09 12:54 A

So, in addition to blog posts, I've decided to start a journal. My journal will mostly be about my exercise, and my sort of reluctance to do exercise.

I was always a really active kid. I loved playing outside, climbing on trees, riding horses, etc. My weight issues really started when we moved to a different home when I was 12, and suddenly I had no backyard. I tried to go for walks but the neighborhood was small and there wasn't far to go. I ended up getting sucked in by the tv a lot. When I got to highschool, I ended up taking a "body development" class for a year and a half, and got down to a nice 130 lbs. I still wasn't thrilled with my body--I mean, look at all those skinny women we get visually assaulted with on a regular basis.

After high school, I left home and suddenly realized I could eat whatever I wanted! And I didn't have to exercise (not that I disliked it). I moved to a different country and OH MY...the food!!! Australia was a whole new world. I started college and exercise went out the window. Instead, I spent hours poring over designs, english papers, math, etc.

Fast forward to now. A couple years ago I joined SparkPeople and had some success in losing weight. I got down to about 145 and felt great. I thought I could do it without Spark. Unfortunately, I changed jobs and got severely depressed. I gained not 10, not 20, but 30 lbs back!!! Oh my. OH MY. Over the next year I was able to get it down to 162. And I finally admitted to myself that I needed the structure of Spark People. So, here I am.

Tonight, I've ummed and arred over doing exercise. That's why I'm here. There are so many excuses that I could use, but hell...the chicken is in the oven, I really have nothing to do, so I'm going to get to it! I've already done my stomach exercises for the day so let's see what else might be in store.

current weight: 151.8

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