4 NSVs and a Pain (NSV Thursday)

1) I finished my 12 week Tai Chi class on Saturday. I only missed one class and that was because I went to the Step Out Walk. I really need to practice more. I have signed up to take the beginner class again and it starts on Monday July 11th.

2) I was ok with posting my pictures on my blog. I may not have been happy about it but I did it anyway. I still should get some more pictures up on facebook.

3) I know I have more energy and I think I am needing less sleep. We have one car and 3 people in the household. JD and I work at the same place but my schedule is 8-5 and his is 2-10:45. I have to come back and get him at the end of his shift. This means I am really not getting to bed till about 11:30 or 12. The alarm goes off at 6:20 and I use to hit the snooze 3-5 times. Now I am getting up after 1-2 snoozes and sometimes I do not even hit the snooze. I am also taking less naps.

4) I submitted an application to participate in a weight loss blog challenge that starts on July 11th. I have not heard back yet. Once I hear back either way I will post more about it. I am still debating about doing the  Beat the Heat 10 week challenge. It starts on July 4th. I think trying to do both would be problematic so I need to wait till I hear back on my submission.

My  biggest problem lately has been aches and pains. I have arthritis in my knees and at times they give me fits. Last night was one such time. I came downstairs about 3am because of the pain. I would turn over in bed and bend my knee which would wake me up. I took some OTC meds and decided that I could not get back up the stairs. Luckily we have a guest bedroom downstairs where I can crash. I am doing this more often than I would like. I am also having some shoulder and elbow pain. None of these feel like somthing major, but I think they are holding me back at times.

One More Thing: LM went with me to pilates last night! It was nice having someone else going thru the torture experience the class with me. I really like the instructor. She is very clear and gives modifications to help those who are just starting out. LM is also going to try water aerobics. We went to Target last night and she got a bathing suit and I got a new tankini to go with the swimshorts I got a couple of weeks ago. The cool thing is that it was on clearance- SCORE! There was a 1-piece on clearance but I could not fit it. I did think about getting it for later in the season since it was only $10. I might go back later and pick it up. I am not usually a big fan of Target for clothing but they have been really good for swimwear.

Pictures are worth 1000 words

I have a picture from April and one that I took recently. Based on the numbers there is about a 20 lb difference in the 2 months. I am not sure I see it, but LM states she does. I can tell some in the face but that is about it. I so do not like pictures.  LM was kind enough to put the pictures side by side. At least I am smiling in the 2nd picture. The one in the swimsuit is from April and the one outside is from June.

Now for some pictures that I really like. I work to pay the mortgage for my cats. I have 4.

This is my oldest at about 16 years old. His name is Mr Melodie Man. When I got him from the humane society I was told he was a return and that he was a she. That is where he got the name Melodie. On the 3rd vet visit I was advised that I had a male kitty. Then his full name became Mr Melodie Man.

Next up is Dustbunnie. She is about a year younger than Melodie. She is our pudgy curmudgeon. She is also another humane society adoption. She is the heaviest of the 4 but can move when she wants like when she has a mouse.


Last up are a brother and sister named Strife and Serendipity. He perfectly named cause he brings such strife at times into our life. We call him our slow and special kitty at times. He just lives life to his own special music. He is such a lovable kitty. 

Serendipity is his sister. At one time I was feeding the strays outside and we caught the mother and picked these 2 up at the same time. I think they were about 3 weeks old when we brought them inside.

She is a sweety but if you visit you probably will never see her or Strife. They do not like guests much and will run and hide. She also does not like to be held but loves to be brushed.




So those are my 4 babies. They deserve alittle face time on my blog.

Friday Weigh In: I am not pleased

I am not disappointed. I am just meh about today's weigh in. I feel I did everything 'right' this week but the numbers just are not there. Some weeks are just like that I guess. My abs and other parts are still sore from Wed night Pilates. I really pushed myself during the class and it felt good.

By The Numbers

Weight: 275.6 lbs

Loss: -0.8 lbs

Total: 52.4 lbs

Avg: 2.28 lbs/wk




I am officially 2/3rds of the way to my 1st goal. I have 18 weeks till Oct 27th. My average is still better than the average I need to make my goal. I am feeling so much better. It is easier to move and breathe. I may be meh about the numbers today I am not meh about my workouts. Today is also my weigh in for work. We shall see how that one goes.

In other news: 

The North Lexington Y is going to start renting bikes to members on June 27th. I am super excited about this! I am going to go look at helmets this weekend. A helmet is a much lower investment to find out if I will like riding a bike. I can test it out a bit and then decide. Woohoo!!!

I got a Blog Award!!!

Wow, my first Blog award. 

Karen at Waisting Time picked me on Monday as a Stylish Blogger Recipient. I am really in awe and want to thank her for my first award. I have been blogging 4 months now and really having a great time talking about my journey. The other great thing is the connections I have been making with other bloggers. I have laughed, cried, and nodding my head in agreement as I read.

Now to the 7 things about me.

1) I am a water baby. I love the water and wish I lived by the ocean. My background is from a trip to Florida last year. I am trying to get to the beach at least once a year. I wish I could swim better and I am thinking about taking an adult swim class to help that. I do not like to get my face in the water much. Now I just want to find a nice swimsuit that I can do water aerobics in. I think I have bought 3 recently and nothing is just right. Next I think I am going to try the local swim shop. They carry speedo.

2) I was a teenager in the 80's and still long for the feathered hair look. I was not into the 'big hair' but loved having the feathered look around my face. I have layers now but it is not the same. The shortest I have ever had my hair was my shoulders and that is when I was about 10 years old.

3) I am not a big fan of the color green. If you look in my closet right now you would only see 1 green thing and that is a T-shirt that I got free from work. I love the color green in nature, but it so does not look good on me.

4) I really like red. I just like the pink-red-purple spectrum. I keep on buying red shirts lately. I even got this bright pink shirt the last time I went shopping.

5) My pants are mostly black. I am trying to branch out and I have recently purchased some purple capris as well as a beige pair. I do not think I will ever willingly wear White though. *shudder* The white t-shirts I get from conventions get Tie-Dyed.

6) I bought clothing recently in a size 22 and I have been scared to wear them. I am still not believing that I can wear a 22. I worry that they will be too tight and I will have a wardrobe malfunction. I know logically that the pants may be snug but they will fit. I am just not all mentally there yet. I still gravitate to the 24s and even the 26s in the morning. I am doing ok with the 22/24 pants that have some stretch to them. Hopefully in a week or 2 I will be more secure in my wardrobe.

7) I am trying to learn to gracefully say thank you when people comment on my weight loss. I am having a really big problem accepting the praise. I had a random woman today mention it when I was going into the Y. I think she is a regular in the water aerobics class so she has been seeing me for months now. She yelled out of her car window that I was looking good and she could tell I had lost weight. I just find it so hard to answer with style. To not stumble over my words.

Dang this was hard! It took me a bit to get started, but I think I came up with 7 interesting things about me and my style!

Now for my Nominations! 
 I am suppose to pick 15 but I am not reading that many blogs. I am going to stick with 5!

Noel @  http://noelfigart.com/blog/

Emmie @ http://skinnyemmie.com/

Leila @ http://withinpages.blogspot.com/

Katie @ http://www.areyouwilling.net/  and http://www.zumbafitnesswithkatie.com/

Maia @ http://musingsofmaia.blogspot.com/


Thank you again Karen for my first blog award.

The beat goes on!

I have realized that my solo cardio workouts go much easier if I have 2 gadgets.

1st: My MP3 Player

The music makes the elliptical go round! When I have a great play list with fun songs I can just groove and increase my speeds. Last night the battery in my MP3 player died and it made the workout that much harder. I was so not interested in working out and when it died I basically gave up. I ended with about a 25 minute workout using the treadmill and the elliptical. All I can say is that I got some exercise in.

2nd: My Heart Rate Monitor

My best investment was changing the battery in my heart rate monitor. It was so cheap but it has made a world of difference. I am able to walk on the treadmill and not hold on to the sensors which I think has increased my speed. I am willing to jog now that I can monitor my heart rate.  It is so cool that the Precor brand machines at the Y register the signal. I love seeing my heart rate. The only annoying thing is when my workout is not going well and my heart rate shows it. Last night I only got to the lower end of my range for most of my workout. I know supposedly that is the 'fat burning' zone, but I want my heart rate to be up in the 140's when I exercise. That is one reason I do interval on the treadmill and the elliptical. I push to have my heart rate up for about 2 minutes and then 2 minutes of slight recovery. I do this about 5-10 times. Last night even with interval I could not seem to get my heart rate up. I know some days will be like this but I really hope they are few and far between.

In other news: 
I received a blog award from Karen at Waisting Time. I am still composing my post about the award and thinking up 7 things to say about myself. If you have anything you would like to know about me now is the time to ask!

Friend Making Monday!

Friend Making Monday!

Today Kenlie has some great Yes/No Questions for Friend Making Monday. Head over to her journal to find some new friends!

FMM: Yes or No?

1. Do you use coupons? Yes- But with the Show extreme couponing it is getting harder and harder to get good deals. I am not extreme in my usage, but I was on TV many years ago showing ways to use coupons. It was fun!
2. Do you like football? Yes. I am a Green Bay Packers and a New England Patriots fan.
3. Are you in a relationship? Yes- Going on 16 years.
4. Is your phone always within arm’s reach? Most of the time. I even use it as my alarm clock.
5. Do you like thunderstorms? I love storms especially thunderstorms. I go out and walk in the rain when I can
6. Can you cook? Not really. The microwave is my friend
7. Are you – or have you – lost weight? Yes. I have lost about 60 and still working on losing more.  
8. Do you know how to read a map? Yes and I love having a map on my road trips.
9. Do you wear makeup? Rarely. I am trying to wear it more.
10. Do you read regularly? Yes. I love to read. Mostly I read Sci-Fi/Fantasy
11. Are you publicly affectionate? Yes
12. Do you like picnics? No. I am not much for the outdoors.
13. Do you have a/c? Big time yes! I so do not like the heat.
14. Have you ever been out of the country? Once when I drove over to the Canadian Side of Niagra Falls.
15. Do you know how to ride a bicycle? Yes, and lately I have been thinking about getting one.

Friday Weigh In

By The Numbers

Weight: 276.4 lbs

Loss: -1.8 lbs

Total: 51.6 lbs

Avg: 2.35 lbs/wk

TGIF!!!!! I am so ready for the weekend. It is going to be a fun filled weekend with Tai Chi and lunch with my mother on Saturday. It is my 2nd to last Tai Chi class. I am really glad I signed up to take it again. I am trying to talk some friends and family into taking it as well. We shall see. I am still debating on what other classes I want to check out. It is really interesting how I keep searching for ways to increase my exercise. On Tuesday I walked to my dentist. One reason I want to get a bike is because I like to go places and walking just feels so slow. I can get more places and carry more back with a bike. I might even go for a walk on Saturday since after lunch I will have the afternoon to myself. Sunday is food shopping and probably going to the Y.

What are you weekend plans?

It really must have shrunk in the wash

Or an observation on NSV Thursday.

My shirts use to feel 'too short'. They would come up and show my belly if I raised my hands over my head. I use to rationalize that the dryer must have been too hot and they had shrunk some. I know a couple of my shirts did shrink but not all of them. I was really self-concious about the fit and would be pulling/tugging them down all day.

Now I am wearing a size smaller (3X down to 2X, 26/28 down to 22/24) and I am not having the ride up problem. The shirts are hitting at my hips or at times lower. I can almost use the 3X as a big sleep shirt now. I do not have as much up top or in my belly taking up all the room in the material.

I am still checking on the fit though. I catch myself when I move making sure that my belly is not showing. Each time I am rewarded with a feeling of wow my shirt is still where it should be. It is nice to not have to do the Trinny and Suzannah trick every day. (have someone tug on the shirt to 'lengthen it'. )

Friday Weigh In

Well I am back to where I was 2 weeks ago. I am feeling really good about things. I worked out 4 days in a row for a total of 3 hours. (treadmill/elliptical, water aerobics, and pilates). I also remembered to wear my heart rate monitor last night!  I am feeling so much better than I did last year. I can do things I have not done in years. The other cool thing is that I am enjoying what I am eating and I can eat out. I just need to make healthy decisions. 

By The Numbers:      

Weight: 278.2 lbs

Loss: -2.6 lbs

Total: 49.8 lbs

Avg: 2.37 lbs/wk 
 




Today is also my weigh in for my work challenge. I am glad we do not weigh in every week. I hope it is still in line with what I get at home. I am still at times having trouble deciding on things to list for my physical activity and nutritional goals. Last week I put water intake and this week it was my food diary. I am thinking about doing a couple of days with out chocolate or with only one mini-serving. I know I have overindulging on the chocolate on days. Next week I will be below 50lbs total.

Thursday NSVs

Now for some NSVs

1) I did 27 hours in 2 months per the Y 100-hour club log. That is over the 11 hours/month I need to get the 100 hours before the end of 2011. I might even be able to finish by the end of November. I already have 5 hours for the month of June.

2) My cardio health is getting better. Monday night on the treadmill my heart rate was staying under 135 even when I was pushing up the speed. (target is 90-153) I had to increase the incline to get my heart rate up some. It use to be that on the interval program I would go up to about 150 bpm when I did the program as set. (2 minutes 0 incline/2.6 speed and 2 minutes 3 incline/2.4 speed) I still feel that my pace is SLOW. I am also still trying to get the courage to jog more. I also need to remember to wear my heart rate monitor. I got the battery changed for a reason.

3) I am also getting stronger. In Pilates last night I was able to (with alittle forced momentum) do the roll up (like a sit up) I felt like I was having such a hard time last night during that class and then I just went for it and was able to do it. I did not let my mental 'I can't' talk keep me from it,.

4) I have lost about 2 inches in my waist.

5) After about a week of not recording my food I have been consistently recording for the past 5 days.

I am thinking about going to a Free yoga class on Sunday that happens every 2nd Sunday in town. I am so looking for free/cheap group exercises or fun things to do. A discount deal today from Pete's Deals is to get 10 boot camp classes for $40. The 2 things that keep me from purchasing the deal are: Time (6am) and location (totally across town) I did have a fleeting thought that I am not ready, but the main reasons are the 2 above. It is just not logistically feasible. Maybe another deal with come along that will work. I do like that right now I am doing 3 different classes a week: Water Aerobics, Pilates, and Tai Chi.

What are some exercises/classes you enjoy? How do you change up your routine?

The weather it drains me and other thoughts

Sarong One Piece

I do not like summer. The heat and humidity just drain me. I have realized I do not mind being hot and sweaty when I exercise but getting hot and sweaty by stepping outside is just annoying. It is going get worse here in Kentucky before it gets better. I just want to stay inside with the A/C  and read. At least I have my water aerobics. I get exercise and not notice the sweat. Sweet! To this end I have bought another swimsuit from Just My Size. It was on sale plus they had a code for free shipping on an order over $25. YES! Of course now that I check out the site again I see that the price has gone down again. Well if I like it I might order a smaller size to have for later in the year. I also found a local swim shop that carries Speedo suits up to size 24.Today the water aerobics class had about 16 people. It was great! Cee is back from vacation and she decided to work us hard.

I have been feeling down for about a week. It has affected my eating. I just was not in the mood to keep track.  I did not post though because I felt I would just have a pity party and not work through the problems. I also had doubt thoughts about posting. I just need to really accept that this blog is about me and mostly for myself. I can not compare myself to other bloggers in ways that make me feel unworthy or stupid. I know I have mentioned this in other posts. It just keeps cycling through my mind. I am just trying to replace the thoughts with: "This is my journey, be proud!".

I need to work on my weekend eating. The main problem is that most of the things I do on the weekend center around food in some fashion. Dinner and a movie. Lunch out with my mom. Breakfast run before grocery shopping. Heck even the Step Out walk ended with a bunch of different options for free food. (Bagels, chips, yogurt, fruit, and drinks)  Any suggestions to help me?

I requested my medical records from my doctor to see my weight history. The lowest recorded weight in the records I got was 274 in May of 2005. It is quite interesting to realize that I will be at my lowest weight in 6 years. I think this is a also a factor in my thoughts and problems the past 2 weeks. I need to figure out who I am. I am not only changing physically but mentally and emotionally as well.

I wrote a poem back in high school or college that still rings true for me. I did make 3 line changes to make it about being healthier.

In the beginning there was only me
but now that is not to be.
I AM
daughter, sister, student
friend, lover, teacher
and others I do not name.
BUT AM I
Healthy or prone to sickness?

Weak or strong?

or other labels I do not name?
Of this I must know.
Because In the end
I am just me
On this new beginning

My Step Out Walk

I ended up raising $235 for the American Diabetes Association. 

I want to thank my coworkers and family for the donations. 

This morning was a lot of fun. I got to Keeneland at about 7:40am and was able to quickly check in and get my t-shirt. I then wandered around some and found one of my coworkers. We went over to the ADA booth and I picked up a red strider hat. I quickly put my hair up and the hat on since it was already starting to get sunny and hot. I had put on sunscreen before I left but forgot my clip on sunglasses. I really need to find them. I then also wandered to the booths and started to get some of the free items that were out. It was great that one person was giving away bags. I knew there would be stuff, but did not realize how much. I did debate about waiting till after since I did not want to carry it all on the walk. I went to about 1/2 the booths before and 1/2 after.

At about 8:30 they started the announcements and such. A country singer sang the National Anthem. They had some of the youth ambassadors come up for awards and one was handed out by the Mayor. The 2 corporate sponsors, Kroger and Carmax were thanked. At times I was not able to hear and I know I am forgetting the order of things. They had Coach Mo from the Biggest Loser Season 8 talk some. I did not know till today that he is from Louisville. He has lost 130lbs and is off his diabetes medications. Just before we started walkin a guy from the Health Department led us in a warm up. He was such a trip. Lots of fun and a great warm up.

Then we were let loose to start the walk. It started up a small hill in the beautiful Keeneland Race Track. At the top of the hill was our first rest/water area and the spot where I had to make a decision. I chose Down... I decided to go to the right and head back down the hill to complete the 1 mile walk.

At that point I got out my camera and turned to catch the people who were still coming up the hill. They said that there were over 1500 people registered to walk. I finished the 1 mile and went to get some of the food that was available like a Panera bagel (YUM!) I also finished my health booth bingo to go in for the drawings that would be later. I know I got some neat things and some great informational handouts. I did not take the time to get a chair massage though. I probably should have.

I felt really good. I had been on my feet about 2 hours and I was not in a lot of pain. There was some but not as much as I use to get when standing for long periods. I was able to see some of the others from my work who had signed up. There was so many people though. I know we did not find all. I wish I could have talked to them after the walk but missed them.

I did get in the red strider picture. What was really cool is that I was right next to Coach Mo when the picture was taken. I was able to talk to him for a short minute. I mentioned that I had tried out at one point for biggest loser, but did not make the cut. He commented that he actually tried out on a dare. That he went to a live tryout and did not have paperwork or a picture. That is kinda cool.

Once the picture is done I called JD and started walking some to the exit as I waited for him to show up. By this point it is 11am and very hot! I have downed at least 3 bottles of water since 7:30am and still feel slightly thirsty. I was also hot and sweaty. Once I got home I had a nice shower and changed into my new shirt.

All in all a very good morning and a fun time.

Friday Weigh In

With seeing the 11lb gain in 4 days I did not think today would show a loss. I had a feeling it would still be up. I know I have had some stress lately that is affecting my food choices. Last night we were in the grocery store and I saw a king sized snickers bar and gave thought to buying it and eating it in secret. If I had been by myself I just might have done it. I have driven by fast food places thinking that I could get something and eat it quickly in the car then get home and hide the trash and noone would know. I am still trying to work thru where this is stemming from.

By the Numbers

Weight:  280.8 lbs

Gain: +2.6 lbs

Total: -47.2 lbs 

Avg: 2.36 lbs/wk






Other than my eating not being more mindful things are going good. I have still been working out. I did twist my knee alittle bit on Wed. I am looking forward to my walk for Diabetes tomorrow.

Now it is time to get some breakfast and get ready for work.

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

On Saturday June 4th I will be participating in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes in Lexington Kentucky. 

Click to Sponsor Me 

I was diagnosed last year with Type 2 diabetes. I had been pre-diabetic for years, but did not do anything about it. In January my A1c was still abnormal. I decided at that time I was going to get serious with controlling my blood sugar. I went to the ADA's website for reliable information. In 3 months I was able to lower my A1c and have my medication cut in half. I hope by July I can be off one of my medications. I am Stepping Out to help give back to the ADA. 

I am also excited since this is my first walk since I started my journey to live healthier. I hope to be able to participate in others in the future. I love reading about other walks from bloggers.  The recaps I have read have been very inspiring. Saturday I will be walking with others from my work which will be nice. I think I am going to go for the 2.5 mile walk.