Once a Week Challenge

If you are a Biggest Loser fan then you know that once a week they are put through a physical challenge. Well, why not incorporate a challenge into my weekly workouts? Maybe that will give me a little boost! So my challenge this week was to run 3 miles.

I did it! Normally I would not post a picture of myself unless I at least had make-up on, but I was too proud of myself not too! A 5K run in 48:36 .... not bad, roughly 16 min/mile. Any ideas for once a week challenges?

I also realized that I completely forgot that today is the last day of 2008... I'm a little ditsy this morning. So to finish 2008 right I took my measurements and am finishing this year with a total of 15.5 inches off my body for good! Not a bad ending... or beginning.

I am not making any resolutions for 2009. I figure I know what needs to be done, and what I need to do to get there. Its just a matter of waking up tomorrow morning and staying focused.

Happy New Year!!

Working On Perfection

**Note to self**

You don't lose weight by going back for seconds

Ok, so day one was a little rough. Bread is my weakness... and really, I did fine until dinner where I had 3 pieces of toast with my chili. (recipe to follow) Oh yeah, and two helpings of chili....ugh!

So, today is another day and I am still fighting myself to gain some kind of control over what I eat. On the positive note I did drink 64 oz of water yesterday, did an intense upper body workout, and ate 85% clean. I just need to work a little harder at it today.

Turkey and Bean Chili

1 lb ground turkey breast

1 large Onion

2 red bell peppers

4 large cloves of garlic

3 tblspns tomato paste

2 tblspns chili powder

1 tblspn ground cumin

1 tspn dried oregano

1 tspn salt

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (14 oz) can chicken broth

2 (15 oz) cans mixed beans for chili, rinsed and drained

1 zucchini, chopped

In a large soup pot, over medium high heat, cook the turkey, onion and bell peppers, sirring frequently for 8 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through. Add the garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano and salt. Stir constantly for 1 minute.

Add the sweet potato, diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes covered.

Stir in the beans and zucchini. Return to simmer and cover for 30 more minutes.

Makes 8 servings

Per serving : 227 calories, 17 g protein, 29 g carbs, 5 g fat, 680 mg sodium, 10 g dietary fiber

On a funny note..... Angel lost her first baby tooth last night! Its been loose for a couple of days now and after taking a couple of bites of an apple she came running in last night so excited that Tinker Bell would be coming for her tooth! LOL... too funny. (p.s. we are trying to grow her bangs out, so unless she has a clip holding them back she is running around blind!)

Get Going!!!

I have been blogging for almost 3 years now.(read my old posts at Where Is Tigerlilly?? ) I'm not really sure what happened the entire first year I blogged... maybe I was just thinking about losing weight! Ha.... that would fit! Over the last two years I have inched my way down from 225 to 184.5 lbs. I cant say I worked a miracle, after all it took me 2 years to lose 40.5 lbs (that is an average of losing a little under half a pound every week) but I will say that I never gave up. I had my bad days and my really bad weeks... but I always started again.

A friend of mine, that I have admired since day one, has really pushed it into high gear and blown right past me. Of course, my competitive spirit gave a kick and now I want to catch up to her. It really got me thinking. Am I as committed to losing weight as I thought I was... or am I just doing the bare minimum to get me by? I am no stranger to this tactic. Although I thought I had grown out of it. Maybe not. Maybe that is exactly what I am doing now.

Maybe I should see just how far I could go if my heart and stomach were in it 100%.

Ok, then I need a plan. What am I not doing 100%? That's easy.... I don't drink water, I drink crystal lite... So,

1) Drink WATER

Another thing I do is snack between meals... and never on healthy snacks.

2) If I need a snack, drink a glass of freshly juiced carrots! (I just bought 5 lbs!)

Another easy one....

3) Eat fresh... nothing out of a can or box (except maybe tuna!)

I think that my food is always where I go wrong. My workouts are killer and I know that they are the only reason I have seen any kind of results thus far. I don't want to give that up, but I don't want to get crazy with it either. So I will stay with what I am doing right now.

4) FOCUS on eating right..... more then working out.

Ok. Now I have a plan. Now I need to give myself a challenge.... that's how my brain works, crazy I know. So.... here is my personal challenge.

Lose 20 lbs in the next two months. (that would be 164.5 by Feb 28th)

I better get started!

NSV's (non scale victories)

Sometimes when you are trying to lose weight but the numbers dont budge you need to focus on other signs of success.... for me it was fitting into a size 12 sun dress that I got for Christmas! I would never have squeezed into this tiny thing 3 months ago... (and there is room to spare!) It made me feel very girly!

I also got a pair of MBT's! Oh yeah.. these shoes are awesome! They put you off balance so that your leg muscles are in constant use...all while making your posture so much better. It takes the stress off of your joints, so my knees are feeling much better. Well worth the money!

I am having an 'inner body' experience. Its hard to explain, but I am feeling every muscle and bone that was once hiding under layers of fa... blankets. Now that those blankets are coming off I feel like a whole new body is emerging. In the mirror I have seen it happening.. but this is the first time I can say I 'feel' it happening.

Today's Workout: 3 sets 15 on each....

Bent Over Row
Lat Pulldown
Flat Bench Dumbbell Press
Dumbbell Upright Row
Cable Curl
Pressdown

Cardio: 5 minute warm up jog , followed by 15 minutes of "1 minute on, 1 minute off" intervals, finish with a 5 minute cool down jog/walk

Weigh In Day

I decided that I needed to make today my weigh in day. If I waited until Monday I would probably spend the whole weekend thinking 'I'll just start on Monday'. Not the way of thinking I am trying so hard to improve! So, I am starting today. For my weight (Drum roll Please).........

184.5

I LOST 2 lbs over Christmas! I'm not sure how, but it sure is a nice present. So, on to the pic updates....

The last Pic I took.....(193.5)

Today's Pic 12/27/08 (184.5)

Ok, so different angles and a little closer up... but I see a small change. I think the biggest changes are in my legs and since there is no 'before' pic I don't see the point of posting a 'now' pic. Just take my word for it!!

Today's workout: 3 sets of 15 each....

Incline Dumbbell Press

Flat Bench Dumbbell Fly

Seated Row

Overhead Dumbbell Press

Lateral Raise

Dumbbell Lying Triceps

Extensions

Dumbbell Curl

Cardio:

5 min warm up jog, followed by 15 minutes of "30 seconds on, 1 min off" intervals, during which you sprint for 30 seconds and walk for 1 minute. Finished with a 5 minute cool down jog.

"Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow"

- Doug Firebaugh

Christmas....

We had a wonderful Christmas. Some how I managed to get the flu for Christmas... which made Christmas Eve that much longer. I think I got a total of 2 hours sleep before hubby was up turning on the tree lights and getting breakfast going. I managed to get up and sit on the couch before Baby woke up. She walked in and saw all the presents... then immediately ran down the hall whispering "Its Christmas, Its Christmas, Its Christmas..." until she reached Angels room. "WAKE UP... ITS CHRISTMAS!!!!!" she yelled at her snoozing sister.

My mom and her boyfriend managed to drive through a snow storm to get to our house at 7:30. We all had a blast watching the girls tear through paper and boxes to get to their toys. The best part is they played together... no fighting, no crying... just laughed and played. Great day!

In the afternoon the family left and I laid down in my bed for half an hour before Hubbys brother (who just got back from a tour in Iraq) and his wife and daughter knocked on the door bringing the girls presents. It was great to see them.. well worth the interruption.

An hour later I was in the shower getting ready for my FIL's Christmas party. For once everyone was happy and having a good time there. No fighting, no whispering, no rolling of the eyes... just happy family. The whole family got personalized jackets with the brand of my FIL's cattle on them. They are great!

We got home around 8 and I was asleep a minute later. I feel much better today and managed to clean up the living room and get my house looking some what normal again.

OH... Hubby got a Perfect Pull-Up and has already hung it in the door frame. Its time to work out!

Monday morning will be my weigh in day... lets hope for a small gain! LOL

Christmas Eve....

I love this day. So much to do, so much to look forward to. I have a list of 15 things that have to get done today. Not too much, mostly cleaning and making room for the family that will be coming in the morning to watch the girls open presents. I am also making a dish of Enchiladas to take to my FIL's Christmas party tomorrow night.

Tonight is dinner and a small present exchange at my Grandmothers house. I am praying that the next snow storm will stay at bay until we get home again tonight. Yesterday they got 14 inches... and another 12-16 inches is expected tonight...yikes. Have I ever told you that I am terrified of snow? Long story... some other time.

So, every Christmas my hubby tries as hard as he can to wait until Christmas morning to give me my presents... but he never makes it. Last night he got all teary eyed and handed me a small present. "It's the only present I have for you...." he said. Poor guy, as much as I tell him, he just doesn't understand that I don't need anything but him and the girls for Christmas. So we sat by the wood stove (it was freezing last night) while the girls were sound asleep in our bed under tons of blankets. I opened the box and found the most beautiful purple silk pouch... inside was a silver and diamond... yes, real diamonds... necklace. It is breathtaking. I have never seen anything so beautiful. I am going to wear it tonight to the party... and will be sure to get some pictures taken of me wearing it! I love this man!

The girls are letting off a constant hum of excitement. Baby seems to keep an eye on the fireplace... just in case! I was hoping to build a fire in it tonight, but I'm afraid Baby would have a fit.

I did not run again today and have already made up my mind to make this a little, but well earned, break from working out. I will start again on Friday! Just in time for my first Monday morning weigh-in!

Wishing you all a family filled day tomorrow. Merry Christmas!!!

2 More Days Until Christmas... is OVER!!!

I am no Scrooge... but I cannot wait until Christmas is over. I am tired of the rude people at the stores, the crazy drivers on the streets and the Christmas cookies taking over my kitchen. Now, I know there isn't a whole lot I can do about the first two but the last one... well, that is totally my fault. I am craving ginger and oatmeal cookies like crazy this year. I am sure I am becoming just as round and pudgy as Santa at this point, but I cant help it. It is mostly the stress of money that is causing me to eat, and eat, and eat. Its bad enough not having money, but to not have money at Christmas is really hard. We have managed to get the girls quite a few presents that I think they will really enjoy... and really, its ALL about the kids!

So, I cannot wait for Christmas to be over so I can enjoy the girls and their presents and STOP EATING COOKIES!!! LOL

I ran yesterday... but not as far as I usually go. Today I went and got my hair cut. Nothing major, just a trim and some layers. But because my appointment was early this morning and the area got hit with 14" of new snow last night... I skipped running this morning so that I could leave early. So, now I am home but do not feel like running (especially after those 3 cookies I ate with lunch). I need to clean my house and start getting it ready for company, but I am stuck on the computer! LOL... ok, so I'm not 'stuck' on it... I just have a lot of catching up with you all!

Long story short. I am being really lazy today and need to get my beautiful butt moving!

See You Tomorrow!

First day at Disneyland was very exciting. After 12 hours on a train where we had to sleep sitting up we were looking forward to checking in to the hotel and then taking a dive in the pool. Because we happend to be there the same day that Hannah Montana was having her birthday party, we got to spend the entire time in the pool listening to her songs. As much as I could not stand it... my daughter was very much enjoying it and was dancing in the pool!

The girls wore themselves out everyday... but it was worth it. We went on every ride they could go on and then some. (just for the record, this is the first picture I have of my husband without his sunglasses on in years)

Of course we had to get a family picture taken with Mickey before we left!! I will have to do a comparison to the same picture taken last year... you can really see a difference, at least I think so!!

So, our disney trip was a blast. The family was all there too. Granny, Great Grandma and Aunt. Definitley a trip to remember.

Day 1

I have dusted the cobwebs off my keyboard (literally) and am ready to start blogging again! I was so excited to see that I have not been forgotten... thank you so much for being so very patient! I have to say that life is so very boring when you don't have a computer. Now that I am back I will have to pace myself! LOL

So much has happened over the past 6? months with my diet. I have had my breakdowns along with my victories. Really, I have managed to stay focused and that is it. Of course, that is really all you need to do. Sure, your vision becomes blurred now and then when your eye falls on a heavenly piece of chocolate, but what is important is that you pull yourself away and focus in again.

I am calling today my 'Day 1'... not because it is my first day at attempting to lose weight... heavens no. I have been doing this for 3 years. It has taken me 2 years to lose 45 lbs. I am still 40 lbs shy of my goal weight, but I am happy to do it slow and steady. I have learned a lot about myself during this whole process. Every step I stumble brings me to a new realization that I am stronger then I thought. I am running now. Something I couldn't do at 16 when I weighed 160... I am mastering it now at 30 and 186.5 lbs. I love that I am making my body and mind stronger every day that I struggle.

I cant say that my goal is a number. Sure, I would look great at 145 lbs... but its not really my 'goal'. I think I would associate the word 'goal' with being healthy, running a 5K in 30 minutes, wearing a size 6 and living to see 80. Those are my goals. So if I happen to see 145 on the scale along the way... I will celebrate... A LOT.... but I will also keep going. Keep giving myself challenges that I will have to work hard for.

Sure you can go on a diet and lose 40 lbs and then be happy to stop... but what exactly have you accomplished?? Set a goal... other then a number on the scale and work towards it.

So, welcome to my Day 1..... I am dying to see how you all have been doing so I am off to cruise the blog world.

See you tomorrow!!! Stay tuned for much needed picture and measurement updates!

I am having serious withdrawls......

Almost two months has gone by and I have not had a chance to post. Even now I am sitting at my mothers house waiting for my Grandmothers 82nd birthday party to start. So... in these for short minutes I have to write I will try to update you as much as possible....

First, and most importantly, my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year and I yelled with excitement.... THE INTERNET BACK ON!!!! So, if all goes to plan I will be posting my Christmas pictures from home on Christmas morning.... be sure that I will be visiting ALL of you and wishing you well!!

My weight is steady at 186.5! I am excited about this because with the holidays surrounding me with cakes, cookies, chocolate and delicious food I have been all but good about eating.....

My workouts have been fantastic. I am running 6 days a week... and I do mean running. I am in no way a match to some of you girls.. but I can run a mile without stopping in 14 minutes. On top of that I have started the P90X workouts again because I am hoping for some nice clothes for Christmas and I want them to look fantastic on me!!

I have to get back to helping with the preparations for the party but know that I am always thinking of you guys... every single one of you! I will be back and with a vengeance... have a Merry Christmas and may God bless you with everything you need this up and coming new year.

Time for Ketchup!

Our trip to Disneyland was fantastic. The girls had a blast and I got the workout of a lifetime. Baby and Angel did not want a stroller and insisted on walking... at least for the first 30 minutes of the day. The rest of the time Baby was on my shoulders and Angel on Daddy's. Walking around Disneyland and then back and forth to the hotel with an extra 30 lbs on my shoulders was fantastic for the legs. I was so worried about gaining weight because, even thought I only ate 3 times a day, I did not eat the healthiest of choices. When we got home I told Hubby to look at the scale for me and if it was bad news to just push me off. He, instead, told me to open my eyes. I lost another pound! 187.5!!

This new body of mine has me more motivated then ever. Three years ago I wrote down my measurements. At that time I was 220 lbs and just barely starting this journey. I go back to those measurements now and then when I am feeling discouraged. This time it brought me to tears. I have lost 37.5 inches and 32.5 pounds in three years. I am fitting into a size 12 pants and feel fantastic. My waist is 35" and my BMI puts me at just 'overweight' instead of 'obese'.

With my new body I have given myself a new look. I dyed my hair black. Oh yeah... BLACK!! I love it. My family says I look like my older sister now....which after rolling my eyes I have taken as a compliment... and I enjoy being able to wear brighter colors... LIKE RED!!

My old clothes all fit now. I actually enjoy walking into my closet now to pick out my clothes for the day. The dread of pulling on a pair of jeans is gone. Twenty pounds ago I was worried about what would happen when I started to lose weight and fit into my old clothes. Would I lose my motivation? Would I become complacent?

I can answer those questions now. NO! I can run a mile now without stopping. The other day while I was running my hands brushed against my waist. It was the best feeling to run my hands down my sides without feeling rolls of fat and flab. It was tight... and the more I ran the more I wanted to keep running.

This new body has me even more motivated to see what I will look like with another 10, 20 or 30 lbs off. I am so close to my goal weight that I am in no way thinking of stopping now.

This weekend I am heading down to the city for a night out with my best friend. I am nothing but smiles!!

Still Strutting!

I truly miss writing my blog every morning. I have had to adjust my mornings...walking past the computer and onto the treadmill. I must say it has helped in the weight loss front, but I sure do miss you guys. I would love to say that I will be back soon, but alas, we are off to Disneyland next weekend. The entire trip is paid for, so we are thankful for that... but we will be just as poor when we get back as we are now.

My current weight is holding at 188.5 .... I cant complain. I now fit into my old size 12's!! I am skinnier now then I was when I first met my husband.... needless to say, he is loving it. I cleaned out my closet today and tried on clothes that hung in the back, dusty and wrinkled. They fit better then the day I bought them. I have lost a lot more on my arms and shoulders, so tank tops are really looking nice. My old 'bar' jeans are snug, but they zip up and make my butt look 10 years younger... Packing for Disneyland will be a lot of fun~

I am sorry that I have not had the chance to read all your blogs and keep up with your lives... I do pray that you are all doing well and keeping strong. Perseverance is key!

Hugs to you all and I will post pictures of my beautiful body next to a big hunky Mickey Mouse next weekend!!!

188.5 lbs!!!

Yes! I have hit my all time low in four years. It has taken me months to break the 190 mark, but I finally did it. I can attribute this to two things...

1- I have been getting a B12 shot once a week from my doctor and it is giving me more energy to do things and less time to eat

2- I have had the flu the past three days and have not felt like eating anything. In fact, when I do eat I immediately get nauseous... blech.

So, my weight might pop back up to 190 when I am over this flu... but for now I am feeling positive.

As for getting back online... because it is the beginning of the month, we have no extra money yet again... but we are crossing our fingers for next weekend! I miss reading everyones blog and I hope to get the chance to catch up to you all soon.

Stay positive and keep moving forward...

I miss you guys!!

Another week without the computer! Not only are we without Internet, but without TV! I have to say that we have learned to do other things... like reading! LOL. I read the best book ever, by my favorite author Sena Jeter Naslund. The name of the book is Abundance: The Marie Antoinette story. It made me cry.

Speaking of books... my aunt, Joan Long, has published her first book. Read the post below to see what its about!

Believe it or not I have spent hours on the computer...10 hours yesterday, in fact... writing my own book. I am hoping to be done with it some time next month and get it published. It seems that life has a whole lot more to offer when your not stuck in front of the 'boob tube'!!

On the diet front.. I am rocking it! I have been eating small portions and keeping away from the carbs. I have not stepped on the scale and refuse to until I can start blogging daily again! Which will hopefully be the beginning of September.

Thank you for the well wishes. The girls are over their flu's... but managed to pass it on to Hubby. Poor guy. I have managed to keep it at bay with lots of vitamins!

Well.. I have to go. I will be back!

A Book For Ages 9 - 99

Rosita felt like a taco all wrapped up in Mamá Elena’s rebozo shawl." Rosita Chavez is cute and cuddly. The Chavez family is desperately poor, struggling to get ahead.
A humorous accident lands Rosita’s grandpa, skinny Abuelo Don Juan and his burro, right in the middle of wealthy Helen Winters’ flower beds. The situation ignites a bond of friendship which develops between the two families. Don Juan is pressured by his wife, Lupita, to accomplish that which is beyond his reach.

The two families’ entertaining adventures exploring the historical sites of the City of Cuernavaca help develop a mutual understanding of their cultural differences. While Rosita and her family struggle to achieve what the Winters take for granted, the Winters on the other hand, begin to change their outlook on life and take pleasure in learning about the people around them. Helen Winters is determined to help the Chavez family in a way that does not hurt their pride.

"Rosita in Mexico" is educational and emotionally heart-warming, for children ages 9 to 99! The story begins to fill the gap in understanding between the peoples inhabiting the North American Continent.

Buy this book HERE!!!

Another Week Off..

This past week has been crazy. Angel started school on Monday and is thoroughly enjoying it. She is the only girl in her class so refers to her classroom as 'my boys'. She is so funny. Unfortunately she has not built up an immunity to all those boys and came home with a fever Thursday. The fever went away Friday night but she is now really congested. Ugh.

I have been doing well with my food. Low carb, high protein. I have also been working out like crazy...surprise, surprise!! LOL

So, there will be yet another week off from blogging. No offense, we just don't have money to pay our Internet bill yet..... tough times people. Hopefully I will be back online by the end of the month!

Stay focused!! I want to come back and see you all happy and healthy!

Time Off....

First thing first... I got my brown belt!! There were many black eyes, broken toes and bumps and bruises.. but we got through it. Hubby got his next belt as well! I am happily taking a break, at least until next Tuesday!

I am taking an un-welcome break from blogging. I will be back online...hopefully... in a week. Lets keep our fingers crossed!

No snacking while I'm gone!

Test Day

Tonight I will be testing for my brown belt in Tang Soo Do. What does that mean? That means that for two hours tonight I will be put through hell. Worn down until I can barely stand and then put in the ring to fight. Put through every obstacle, go through every form and attacked from every angle. In this art you have to earn your belt.... and tonight is my night!

Getting my brown belt means I am only one belt away from my black!

I am contemplating running a mile this morning. I think it would be good to loosen up my body for tonight.. but at the same time I am worried about being too tired tonight. I will have my protein shake for breakfast and then see how I feel about it.

I got called in last Monday to hear the results of my Angels tests. It seems she only has a moderate speech impediment. She was accepted into the program and starts Monday morning! This is great news! I will have to get used to a new schedule though. She will be going Mon, Tues, Wed & Thursday mornings from 8:15 to 10:15. It means a little juggling here and there, but not too bad. Definitely worth it!

Speaking of results, I need to call the doctors office and see if my blood tests have come in yet.

I will be out and about all weekend.. so I will see you on Monday morning for a well needed weigh in.

Just a little extra....

Once again I found myself sneaking food yesterday. I think it is stress induced snacking. I have a lot of things going on right now that have me biting my nails and twisting my stomach... so no surprise I am trying to comfort myself with food. Hopefully just the act of realising that I am doing this and writing it down will help me stop.

I wanted to respond to one of my comments yesterday:


I think you are too hard on yourself. You set up impossible food goals. Who could drink 16 glasses of water every day for the rest of their life? No wonder you go off plan and eat more on the weekends. Your body is seeking food on a cellular level. (I learned this when I went on one of those stupid doctor supervised medical fasts.) This sentence is the problem: " I need to stay on plan for 2 months and I would lose that last 40 lbs. TWO months.. that's it." Uh-Uh. You have to do it for the rest of your life. Think of changes that you can make that you will be able to live with for the rest of your life, and then do that, and don't look back.

I agree with you Debby! I am too hard on myself sometimes but here are my reasons for doing what I do. I do have to drink that much water a day because of how active I am during the day. With my exercise, my chores on the ranch outside and my martial arts training.. I am constantly in a sweat. In fact, it baffles me that I don't lose 10 lbs a day in sweat! So.. that much water is a necessary to keep my hydrated.. especially before a big test or fight.

I have to be strict with my food in order to lose weight. My body is not a 30 years old body... once I had the hysterectomy my body went through menopause and started acting 50. My metabolism is at an all time low. Some of those blood tests I had to get done were to test my thyroid and my insulin levels to make sure that nothing else has slowed down in the process. For me to lose weight I cannot eat sugar , carbs or high fat. I eat those things now... which is why I have 'maintained' for months now. But in order for me to actually LOSE weight, I have to be really strict with myself.

The changes I need to make for the rest of my life are along these lines:

• I need to control my binge eating/ sneaky eating
• I need to watch my portions
• I need to stay hydrated
• I need to change my view of food from "I can eat anything I want" to " I need to eat for energy and health"

Thanks for the concern Debby! If I can stay strict for 2 months then I am hoping I will lose the weight and then return to a somewhat normal regimen.

Today I have to get on the treadmill and walk a couple of miles. No running! Tomorrow is test night and I don't want to get warn down. I have class for the 3rd night in a row tonight. I rocked the bow last night in class.... I actually had to teach the upper belts their bow form!! These extra classes in the next town over are really helping me.

Day...ummmmm

It's been a long weekend. We were unexpectedly low on money this weekend.. so no camping. We did drive up to the lake on Sunday and took the girls fishing. They were more interested in playing with the worms then anything else.

Food was terrible. Fast food and ice cream at every corner. No exercise and no water. I feel like a bloated blob. I am excited for my new challenge to start next week. I think it will really keep me on track. Mostly because it is also a countdown to our trip to Disneyland. I need to lose at least 10 more lbs over those 7 weeks. Hubby and I have a date night already planned for the Disney trip and I have an old outfit I want to be able to fit into for it. If I keep eating like I have been then I will be back wearing maternity shirts for the trip... and I don't want that.

So today I am starting with a protein shake. In a little while I will be hopping on the treadmill and trying to get at least 3 miles in. I will drink 8 glasses of water before noon and 8 glasses before dinner.

I feel like a broken record. Always promising that THIS will be the day that I make the change for good and lose all the weight. When am I going to learn that I am not going to lose the rest of this weight if I keep going off plan. I need to stay on plan for 2 months and I would lose that last 40 lbs. TWO months.. that's it. So why cant I do that? Why do I sabotage myself?? Ugh.. I am so frustrated with myself.

So... I need a plan of action.... and here it is.

1) I am testing on Thursday night for my brown belt so today and tomorrow are going to be long training days.. mostly just cardio. So I will be drinking a lot of water so I am not dehydrated during the test.

2) I have been told by my doctor to stick to the Atkins and South Beach diet until my blood work comes back. That means no carbs and high protein... so that will be what I focus on in my meals.

3) My challenge is starting on Monday. It is a 7 week countdown to my trip to Disneyland and I want to make sure that I am in a size 12 by then.. so that means that there will be a LOT of walking in those 7 weeks.

4) Weekends will be active. Weekends are NOT free days. I will stay on plan for the next 8 weekends....

5) I will stay ON PLAN for the next 8 weeks... no cheating, no excuses

So the plan is set.. now I just need to stick to it.

Day 11

This Sunday is Hubby's birthday. To celebrate we are doing his favorite activities. We are heading up the mountain to set up camp by the lake and go fishing! He has Monday off, so we will most likely not be home until sometime Monday afternoon. A nice long weekend in the woods... that should keep me on track! LOL

I am only going to take food for sandwiches and fruit for snacks. The best part is that the food has to be locked away in the truck or tied up a tree because of the number of bears around the lake this time of year. So not only will the bears not be able to get it, but I'm guessing Hubby will be the only one with the keys, or the strength to climb the tree! LOL I don't know though, I bet if I'm hungry enough I could make my way up that tree better then the cat can!

We are off to town today to go birthday shopping.. and because Hubby reads my blog daily, I cannot tell you what I'm getting him until we get back!

So, I will leave you with some of the music I listen to to get my legs moving on the treadmill!!

Have a great weekend !!

Day 10

It has been a week since I've hopped on my treadmill. I know, that's terrible. But I needed the break. The one thing I am scared of is 'burnout'. You know, doing something for so long that you eventually don't even want to think about doing it ever again. I was starting to feel a little burnt out on the whole working out every day thing. So I've had a great rest week. Now I am feeling energetic and ready to start over again.

Today's workout routine will be: 3 miles on the treadmill, Shoulders & Arms weights and then a brisk walk tonight after dinner.

All this walking reminds me, sign up for the Walk With Tigerlilly challenge will be starting tomorrow! Go check it out and sign up! Our last challengers finished with a total of 365 miles walked in 3 months!

Last nights Tang Soo Do class was 'ok'. Not the workout I was hoping for but still learned something new. Knife defense. I need to go over all my forms tonight. Next Thursday is my test and I am really hoping to get my brown belt. Hubby is going for is second degree orange.

Anyway, I am off to get the day started. See you tomorrow.

Day 9

So the blood work is done. There were only 3 tests that needed to be done. My glucose & insulin, hormone levels and thyroid. The most expensive was the hormone at $350. They will get paid one way or another.. I'm not going to stress over money.

So I had to fast last night and this morning in order to get the blood work done. It's funny how you REALLY feel hungry when your not allowed to eat or drink anything. I think I even dreamt about food!!

I have Tang Soo Do class tonight and I'm afraid that is all the workout I am going to get today. I didn't do as much as I should have yesterday... so I need to get it done.

Tomorrow morning I am planning a good 3 mile run. That will get me back on track!

Have a great hump day!

Day 8

The doctors appointment went fairly well. There were no abnormalities... HALLELUJAH!

On the other hand, he asked that I get some blood tests done. He thinks my hormones may be off a little. He also wanted to check my insulin levels and my thyroid. Normaly I would be fine with all this but this time we have NO insurance. I asked him how much I was looking at here. The office called the lab and got a quote. $615. I about died. I took my orders and made my way to the front of the office to pay for my visit. The lady had me sign a paper and then said 'Thank You'... What? Wait! I need to pay you. The lady looked at the paper work and said that it was taken care of. The doctor had written of the office visit fee of $150... I LOVE HIM!

So, I now have the job of trying to find 1) an insurance we can afford or 2) an extra $615 lying around. I think I will have better luck with the thousands of insurance company's. The problem is... its going to cost us just as much for the insurance.. what is the use? really?

I had a great Tang Soo Do class last night. We worked on some combinations and then I got to spar! Some of the ladies in the class were real competition, but I managed to land some good hits on each one. My kicks were definitely on last night. I did get one bad hit and that was a block to my spinning back hook kick. She stuck her elbow out to block it and I caught it right in my calf. It was a frogger from hell. I could hardly walk on it when I got home. This morning I can put weight on it fine.. its just sore.

So the doctor gave me some advice that he wanted me to stick to until we get my blood tests back. He said I need to stick to a low carb diabetic diet... I found this website that will help me! He said I should do a little bit of Atkins mixed with a little bit of South Beach... sounds easy enough.

I have a run scheduled for today... but I'm going to have to do it tonight while Hubby is in class. I have a LOT of laundry to catch up on and the girls room is in dire need of cleaning.

See you tomorrow!

Day 7

So I weighed in this morning and am at 194.5 . Its a gain, but not a bad one. I actually kept to my plan this weekend. In fact, I was so stressed out I hardly ate at all... or drank any water.

With all the stress hitting me yesterday I decided it would be better if I stayed busy all day. I painted my entire living room, restored an old spruce fireplace mantle and cleaned every nook and cranny. The room looks beautiful now... and my arms are killing me!

Part of my stress will hopefully be relieved today. I have my yearly check up with my doctor. It terrifies me that he will find another tumor. When he found the first tumor I was feeling healthy, had no problems and was totally blindsided. I think it makes every doctor visit that much worse because I feel healthy, have no problems and am terrified of being blindsided again.

My appointment is at 9:50 am... please say a little prayer for me.

Today's plan is a little off because I will be in town all day. Food will hopefully be smart choices and nothing but water. I have another Tang Soo Do class tonight.

Thanks for following me guys... it means a lot to me.

A New Beginning

Why the change? Some of you will remember that I have had problems with my in-laws. Last night I found out that they have been reading my blog. Not a bad thing. But they took the one post that I wrote about my problems with the family and shared it with everyone. Apparently they put in their own names... because a couple of them took it personally and called Hubby last night. They called me names, said some inappropriate language and of course gave me no chance to say anything.

I am very hurt. For one, I'm not sure how they found my blog.. but I have an idea. For two, if they have been reading my blog then why weren't they cheering my weight loss on?? Third, I have never given names on my blog. I may say in-laws, MIL, FIL... but I never have never given names.

I write what goes on in my life. I don't make things up and I don't try to hurt any ones feelings. I write the truth. If they have a problem with that, then it is their problem.

I do not want anything to do with my in-laws.. .and the last thing I want them doing is reading my words and seeing what is going on in my life. If I didn't love my husband so much I would have gladly walked away last night. But I do love my husband.. and thankfully he is on my side.

So, enough of that. I have a new page. Its a chance to start over. My weightloss has been stalled for months. Maybe now I can give it a little more *umph* in honor of my new page.

Welcome to "The Tiger's Pride"