tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39270181359945643882024-03-12T23:35:23.903-04:00Operation Changemy journey to a healthier meUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-40674442629949281412012-05-29T12:41:00.001-04:002012-05-29T12:57:28.402-04:00Oh, By The Weigh | 5.27.12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp8sbMbeY6M/T8T7XrlaBGI/AAAAAAAAAzk/y-vnVLkHakk/s1600/title+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp8sbMbeY6M/T8T7XrlaBGI/AAAAAAAAAzk/y-vnVLkHakk/s1600/title+copy.png" /></a></div>
Finally. FINALLY! Finally I think things are moving in the right direction. I was down 1.5 lbs this week. Which means I have lost a total of 30.5 lbs since starting this thing. I'm pretty much back where I was a year ago...but this time I have confidence that I'm going to keep this momentum going and get out of the freaking 180s! I'm in the best shape I have ever been in. I'm eating great 90% of the time. Only thing I want to work on is losing the booze. (But it's just so tasty and fun!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu6oVDNBn7E/T8T7d4_f9zI/AAAAAAAAAzs/3ieUQuwaWSY/s1600/accomplishments.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu6oVDNBn7E/T8T7d4_f9zI/AAAAAAAAAzs/3ieUQuwaWSY/s1600/accomplishments.png" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Great workouts again this week. And I'm having fun doing it. AND! Running has really become a stress reliever. Instead of sitting on the couch and stressing, I'm getting myself outside and running. It feels good. </li>
<li>I think I'm handling stress much better in general. I felt pretty great this week. A few moments of freaking out as I dealt with the not so fun stuff, but overall I'm doing pretty good. And most importantly, I'm not avoiding anymore. I'm being more proactive. And I think I'm figuring out what is really important to me and getting rid of the rest. </li>
<li>I cooked a few great meals this week. Which is HUGE for me. I don't cook. But this week I made a great <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/05/mango-quinoa-salad/" target="_blank">quinoa, mango and black bean salad </a>(I added some grilled chicken to make it more of a meal) and I grilled all on my own (I made <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/313695/balsamic-skirt-steak-with-polenta-and-ro" target="_blank">this</a>, but cooked the meat and tomatoes on the grill). It's been fun! It's been fun to have someone to cook for. And hopefully I will continue to experiment. </li>
<li>I wasn't the greatest at tracking this week. Again...if it's hard to track, I usually don't. With lots of new foods and recipes this week, it was hard to track. But I would say that I fueled my body with good stuff this week. I'm still working on changing my attitude about food. Trying not to look at food as good or bad, but as fuel for my body so that it can keep doing the amazing things it's doing. And sometimes that fuel includes a donut on Sunday morning. :) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCT3CKjII94/T8T7_nklaXI/AAAAAAAAA0E/I1VzAkKooVQ/s1600/activity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCT3CKjII94/T8T7_nklaXI/AAAAAAAAA0E/I1VzAkKooVQ/s1600/activity.png" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Sunday: Rest Day </li>
<li>Monday: Gym - Arc Trainer for 30 minutes; Circuit with cardio </li>
<li>Tuesday: 3.87 mile run on the boardwalk (a surprise great run...wasn't expecting it)</li>
<li>Wednesday: 34.21 mile bike ride to Sandy Hook (was a great morning, loved the ride!)</li>
<li>Thursday: Rest Day</li>
<li>Friday: 3.39 mile run in Nyack</li>
<li>Saturday: 8.15 mile walk to Piermont and back (not bad except for the HUGE blister I got)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTVOnmd_GJE/T8T7zM9WDpI/AAAAAAAAAz8/JbXJ74t0WYQ/s1600/goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTVOnmd_GJE/T8T7zM9WDpI/AAAAAAAAAz8/JbXJ74t0WYQ/s1600/goals.png" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Hmmmmm, always working on this one: Lose the Booze! The weekend included an extra bottle of wine that I really didn't need. Working on moderation! I wish wine would come in single serving bottles. ;)</li>
<li>Activity: I want to get to my May running goal of 26.2 total miles. I'm really close and after a run this morning I only need 3.2 more miles. I would also like to get back out on my bike...but perhaps I need to invest in some padded shorts first. And if I'm going to continue to spend more time in Rockland County, I need to invest in upgrading my gym membership so I can go here. I don't want my weight training to stop. </li>
<li>With temperatures rising, I need to get out on my runs EARLY in the morning. It was nearly 80 degrees when I was running at 8:30 am today. And it nearly killed me. If I want to keep working on my speed and endurance I need to have the temps on my side. I will eventually become a morning person! </li>
<li>Track, track, track. </li>
<li>Try one new recipe this week (and track it).</li>
<li>I want to focus on my goal to get out of the 180s this week. It's so close now. And I think keeping this goal in the front of my mind might help with the everyday decisions. I'm not putting a date on when I think I should reach this goal, but I want to keep moving in the right direction. I'm getting out of the freakin 180s!!</li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-18064001173859759012012-05-21T17:54:00.000-04:002012-05-21T18:04:29.422-04:00What I'm Learning From RunningThe more time I spend running, the more time I have to think. And the good thing about thinking while running, is that it's usually positive. Negative thoughts don't like all those exercise endorphins. ;) And with all that thinking and running, I'm realizing that running is teaching me a lot:<br />
<i> </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu9pkjMvwTE/T7q2o9X3YkI/AAAAAAAAAzI/v-Nxqffr9o8/s1600/303300_10101138300757959_844052_62406907_1583278431_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu9pkjMvwTE/T7q2o9X3YkI/AAAAAAAAAzI/v-Nxqffr9o8/s400/303300_10101138300757959_844052_62406907_1583278431_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i> </i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Sometimes you just can't look at the finish line.</i> Because, you know what, sometimes it looks really, really far away...when running and in life. And so it's easier to just stay focused on the present. The next step, the current view, the pavement directly under my feet. When the finish line is overwhelming, just take it one step at a time. Cause if you keep going, you will eventually get to the finish line. </li>
<li><i>Focus on the present moment and appreciate each step.</i> This is more than not focusing on the finish line. It's knowing that you will get to the finish line eventually, but you also have to get through the next step...and the next...and the next. And perhaps instead of just wishing each step would go by faster, I should appreciate each one of them. Appreciate that my body can do it. Appreciate the view. Live in the moment. I think this is big for me right now. A couple months ago I kept telling people I was 33. In my head I was thinking I was 33. Well, I'm not 33 for another 3 months. And it wasn't because I forgot my age, it was because I kinda didn't want be in the present. I didn't want to be an unemployed girl who was feeling lost. I wanted to be past the hard times. But that is so silly. I still have to get up and live each day and I'm learning that each day has something to offer. I have started to appreciate each day for what it might bring my way: the view, the lessons, the smiles, the tears, the love, the heartache, the struggles, the little victories...all of it. </li>
<li><i>Don't always focus on what other people are doing.</i> Sometimes I'm running along, feeling great...on top of the world and fast. Wind in my hair...you know, the whole shebang. And then some dude comes striding past me...all light and airy and smiley and going, I would guess, at least twice my pace (at least that's what it feels like to me.) And I start to get all deflated. I question my ability, my progress...I question what I'm even doing out there. But then I remember how far I've come. How I couldn't even run a mile without stopping and now I'm running four. Right now I might be slow, but if I keep working at it I won't be as slow. And I know that...I have proof in my running times. So I just have to forget about those other people, stop comparing myself to them. And in life, it's so easy to look at other people and think their life is great. To think I'm not good enough or I will never be as good as the person next to me...as that blogger or that girl I follow on Instagram. But the truth is I'm also pretty freaking amazing. My time is coming. And it's ok to celebrate my little victories...and my 11 minute miles!</li>
<li><i>You always feel better after you've done it. </i>Always! Sometimes I feel great while doing it, but I always feel great after I've run. Which you would think would be enough motivation to get up and do it everyday...but I'm not gonna lie. It's still hard to motivate myself. Life chores are that way too. I always feel better after I've paid my bills, cleaned up my inbox or made that appointment I've been putting off. I'm such a procrastinator, but I'm learning I always feel better after I'm done. And that is starting to be motivation enough. </li>
<li><i>I can do it!</i> I use to think I couldn't run. I was too fat or too slow or not fit enough. People would wonder why I was doing it. Laugh at me. I use to think I wasn't physically capable. But I am. My amazing body is carrying me along farther and farther. And I'm getting better and better every day. Doubt and fear are real things I deal with on a daily basis. And being unemployed and not exactly sure where I will end up aren't helping with that. But I'm learning to let go of that. To have faith that things will turn out exactly as they should. I recognize the doubt, I hear the fear...but I don't let it overwhelm me. And more importantly, I know I can work through it. </li>
<li><i>If you put the work in, you will see the benefits.</i> I don't think this needs much explanation. The more I put into my training the better I get. But I'm also starting to recognize that I have been working really hard to live the most juicy, happy and full life I can...and it's really paying off. I have come so far. I can look back and truly know that I've learned from my past experiences...I have grown. And that feels good. </li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-17818649813362405802012-05-21T16:06:00.001-04:002012-05-29T11:50:30.555-04:00Oh, By the Weigh | May 20, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" /></div>
So far I feel like moving my weigh-in day was a great idea. It's making me think about things a little differently. Making this new again. I've had to change some of my strategies. It has helped me be more aware of what I'm eating. Makes me think about my indulgences a little differently.<br />
<br />
And it's showing up in the numbers. Down 2.9lbs this week! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcPqaN7TjI/T1FqECNE57I/AAAAAAAAAqE/CI38xrYlMqk/s1600/accomplishments.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcPqaN7TjI/T1FqECNE57I/AAAAAAAAAqE/CI38xrYlMqk/s1600/accomplishments.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Well, the obvious: DOWN 2.9 LBS! This is exactly the number I was hoping for. I like it! I love that feeling of stepping on the scale and seeing your hard work pay off. And I think it is going to help motivate me to keep moving in the right direction. It feels good to be successful on the scale again. </li>
<li>Lots of great activity this week: bike ride, runs, gym time. Lots of great things and making me feel good. </li>
<li>Mentally I think I'm in a good place. I'm being productive and I'm happy. I'm dealing with stress a little better. I've also been able to see how far I have come in the last couple years. I'm learning what I can control and what I can't. Learning to have patience and a little faith. Focusing on the positive. </li>
<li>I tracked almost everything I ate. Best I have done in weeks. And I also photographed most of what I ate (you can see a feed of my Instagram food photos on the left hand side of my blog.) I still get a little afraid people are going to get annoyed with all my food pics...especially since I so often eat the same thing. But there were times when it did help: I thought about eating something and then realized I didn't want to have to admit to my Instagram world that I ate it. It helped me make some good decisions. </li>
<li>My relationship with booze is moving in the right direction. I had wine a couple times this week, but didn't go overboard. I still love me some wine! But I'm just starting to learn it's not worth the damage it does to my body...short term and long term. On that note, I also saw this amazing frozen sangria I want to try! {Hey, I'm working on balance here.}</li>
<li>I didn't go overboard at the graduation party this weekend. Oh, and I wore a dress that I love (definitely making the switch to dresses this summer, it's been seven summers of shorts and camp t-shirts. I'm going to have as much fun with my wardrobe as my very tiny budget will allow me to.)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22447778@N00/7244010966/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="156431_10101170794994249_844052_62570918_736917636_n by PhotosByDre, on Flickr"><img align="middle" alt="156431_10101170794994249_844052_62570918_736917636_n" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7244010966_306a628490_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Sunday: Gym - Arc Trainer for 15 minutes; about 1/2 The Circuit</li>
<li>Monday: Gym - Arc Trainer for 45 minutes</li>
<li>Tuesday: Morning - The Circuit and 10 minutes on Arc Trainer; Afternoon - walk on the boardwalk</li>
<li>Wednesday: Walk on the boardwalk</li>
<li>Thursday: Gym - The Circuit (one round); Arc Trainer for about 10 minutes</li>
<li>Friday: 4 mile run on the boardwalk</li>
<li>Saturday: 25 mile bike ride</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22447778@N00/7244011252/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="576653_10101169918984779_844052_62565655_1435167939_n by PhotosByDre, on Flickr"><img alt="576653_10101169918984779_844052_62565655_1435167939_n" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7244011252_dffe445f07_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Activity: I want to get two good runs in this week! Hopefully the rain won't stay around too long. </li>
<li>I want to add four items to my Etsy shop: <a href="http://www.dregetscrafty.etsy.com/">www.dregetscrafty.etsy.com</a></li>
<li>I want to apply for two jobs. </li>
<li>Track all week and have another successful week on the scale! </li>
<li>I recently found out my blood pressure is high. It could be because of some medication I was on (the doctor took me off it this week), or it could be stress. But there is a history of high blood pressure in my family. And this is just not something I want to deal with as I get older. It's funny how it's so hard to relate our food choices to something like high blood pressure. There is an obvious link and it should be enough to make it easy to make the right choice. But it's not. I often don't think about my blood pressure when deciding what to eat or drink. I think about my appearance or the number on the scale...but not my blood pressure. I want to try to be more mindful in this respect. That I have to ability to make my body the best it can be...and that it goes so far beyond looking good in a dress or seeing the numbers go down on the scale. I want my heart to be healthy so that it can keep my body going...so I can go on bike rides and climb mountains for many, many more years to come. </li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-54082861413104404552012-05-16T13:32:00.000-04:002012-05-16T13:32:24.536-04:00A Look At The Numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oblz7mAS8gE/T7PiJp6TJ-I/AAAAAAAAAyc/_0SMseMVZnE/s1600/statistics.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oblz7mAS8gE/T7PiJp6TJ-I/AAAAAAAAAyc/_0SMseMVZnE/s1600/statistics.png" /></a></div>
Things have pretty much stayed the same for the last 5 months. Although, I'm in better shape than I was when I was in Colorado. I was active everyday in Colorado...but it was usually just a walk with
Cooper. Which is still good, but obviously not cutting it when I was
eating so much. Plus I wasn't working up a major sweat...which is one of
my favorite things to do. Since returning to Jersey, I have developed a pretty great workout routine. I can say I'm proud of my activity the last couple months. I can now run 4 miles without stopping to walk at a pretty decent pace. I'm faster than I have ever been and that happened relatively fast. I still feel slow, but I'm getting over it and I know sooner or later I will be running faster than I ever thought possible. I have also kept up a strength training routine. While Bob Harper and his kettlebells haven't become a constant in my life, I'm lifting weights at least two times per week. I'm getting my sweat on and I love it! And I think that shows in the numbers above.<br />
<br />
I have lost inches everywhere...except my waist. So I think that goes to show that the few pounds I have gained by eating too many cheeseburgers, drinking a beer and a couple too many glasses of wine are going all right to my middle. Ugh...that's so annoying how that happens. But I'm determined to work it off. And I'm determined to put the right fuel into my body so I don't undo all my great work. <br />
<br />
I'm still holding onto the goal to get out of the 180s! I have come so close once before, but this time I'm saying goodby to the 180s once and for all. But first I'm setting a little smaller goal. My first goal is to get to 30lbs total loss. So that is 3.9lbs. Easy, right? I want to put a <a href="http://shrinkingdre.blogspot.com/2011/01/5lb-stars.html" target="_blank">new 5lb star</a> on my board. And then I'm going to celebrate like crazy when I get out of the 180s. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CcxZfdSmsw/T7Ph1Ertd1I/AAAAAAAAAyU/rPpoQyZ4O9k/s1600/stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CcxZfdSmsw/T7Ph1Ertd1I/AAAAAAAAAyU/rPpoQyZ4O9k/s1600/stars.png" /></a></div>
<br />
So, here it is in numbers:<br />
<br />
<b>Current Weight:</b> 187.9<br />
<b>Total Pounds Lost: </b>26.1<br />
<br />
Arms: 12.5"<br />
Hips: 43"<br />
Bust: 40.5"<br />
Waist: 37"<br />
Thighs: 24'<br />
Dress Size: 14 <br />
<br />
<b>Goals</b><br />
1. Get to Total Pounds Lost = 30lbs (need to lose 3.9 lbs)<br />
2. Get out of 180s (need to lose 7.9 lbs) <br />
<br />
I'm still a tiny bit hesitant to focus so much on the scale again. Because honestly, I'm feeling pretty good these days. But the truth is, I want to be thinner, fitter, lighter. I want to wear clothes that I still feel like I can't wear. I want to be more comfortable in my skin. And I want to be as healthy as possible. And also, I know I can do better than I have been doing. <br />
<br />
I've got one life and I want to make the best of it.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-41460237901100119032012-05-14T20:38:00.001-04:002012-05-14T20:46:44.376-04:00Big ChangesOk. Finally time for some big changes. I'm so over being stuck at the same weight....losing two pounds and then gaining them back. And I know I've probably said that like 50 times in the past six months, but I decided to make a big change that will hopefully kick start things back into gear, help hold me more accountable and hopefully help me get rid of some bad habits that are sabotaging my hard work (oh, and by the way, my workouts have been pretty out of this world lately...and I'm excited about that).<br />
<br />
My big change: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I moved my weigh-in day from Friday to Sunday. </b></div>
<br />
The Friday morning weigh-in was great for me before, because it allowed me to have some drinks and go out on the weekend and still be successful for the week. I indulged on the weekend, but not horribly. And then I was able to eat very good during the week. It worked. Knowing I could indulge a little on the weekend meant it was easier for me to stick to plan during the week.<br />
<br />
But, it's not working anymore. I think for many reasons... For one, the structure of my week has totally gone out the window. There are no more workdays and weekends. And so when I indulge a little on the weekend it's harder to stop because there is no clear difference in my days. So I eat a little something extra on Monday...and then maybe on Tuesday. And I was still going overboard on the weekend. Just not working anymore. <br />
<br />
I'm hoping changing my weigh-in day will help keep me more accountable everyday. I don't want to treat Sunday afternoon like Friday night. I want to try to focus on spreading out my indulgences. I want to listen to my body and feed it the fuel it needs. I want to eat as clean as possible. I want to have a healthier relationship with booze (you know, maybe one or two glasses of wine with dinner a couple nights a week, instead four...or six glasses of wine on Friday night.) <br />
<br />
This is going to be a hard change for me...I really think a lot of my success came from the very structured ability to indulge in some of my favorites, and now I'm officially walking away from that. I probably should have came up with this solution months ago...but I just didn't want to. I guess I just have to be honest with myself. I'm not putting my best effort into fueling my body the best I can. Now that I'm running more and getting stronger, I can really tell the difference on the days I didn't put the best stuff into my body. I'm slower, sluggish...it's just harder to get a good workout in. I get anxious more easily. I'm less likely to motivate myself to get work done and apply for jobs.<br />
<br />
I've got a couple weapons up my sleeve to help with this change:<br />
<ol>
<li>In addition to tracking everything, I'm going to start photographing everything I eat. I think I'm going to post to Instagram (at the risk of losing followers) and also do a daily wrap-up here (as long as it doesn't take up too much of my time...I'm trying to focus as much energy as possible at figuring out my life and getting a job). I need accountability. I haven't been thinking about what I'm eating lately. Hopefully this will help me take a moment to stop and think about what I'm eating before I put it into my mouth. </li>
<li>I started reading <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healthy-tipping-point-caitlin-boyle/1107000574" target="_blank">Healthy Tipping Point</a> by Caitlin Boyle this weekend. Even after only reading 10 pages I'm feeling really motivated by her book (I also read her <a href="http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> pretty regularly). My favorite part is she focuses a lot on the mental side of being healthy. And she has a wholistic approach and preaches not berating yourself and to stop worrying about perfection. Two things I really think I could benefit from. </li>
</ol>
So, that's that. It might seem like a small change, but I'm hoping it will be a huge one. Change things up a bit. Make me think about this get healthy journey in a new and refreshing way.<br />
<br />
Cause, I still want to wear high heels and hot dresses. And I still want to climb mountains. And I want to feel great while doing it...<br />
<br />
Oh, and now that I've caught the running bug, I might be tempted to add "run a marathon" to my list. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-6962001685080347822012-04-29T19:13:00.001-04:002012-04-29T21:36:55.925-04:00Life Lately...According to My Phone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93qY1HW_dR8/T53KzCB4kuI/AAAAAAAAAsw/ZxlRb_F91vI/s1600/lifelately.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93qY1HW_dR8/T53KzCB4kuI/AAAAAAAAAsw/ZxlRb_F91vI/s1600/lifelately.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-39265057236636368932012-04-28T20:56:00.000-04:002012-04-28T20:58:46.876-04:00April GoalsAfter walking 7.5 miles this morning, I'm one mile away from my 50 mile walking goal this month. I'm going to pat myself on the back for this one...especially since I had tons of other amazing workouts in the gym, running, etc. 'Twas a good month my friends. <br />
<br />
Oh, also, I was looking at some photos from about a year and half ago and whoa! I might feel a little stuck right now, but I've come SO far. Like, oh my gosh, who was that girl? And that is great motivation to keep working hard. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-56654303584437026862012-04-21T10:00:00.000-04:002012-04-28T21:17:03.077-04:00Perfectly Muggy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dHfKHUgRng/T5yWWnsms1I/AAAAAAAAAsk/kA7qhDcMCdE/s1600/581272_10101070341868119_844052_62217972_963262530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dHfKHUgRng/T5yWWnsms1I/AAAAAAAAAsk/kA7qhDcMCdE/s400/581272_10101070341868119_844052_62217972_963262530_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="hasCaption">Perfectly muggy in the gym this morning. Great sweat session!! :)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-25601073882050173832012-04-06T14:16:00.001-04:002012-04-06T14:18:33.169-04:00Oh, By The Weigh | April 6, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" /></a></div>
I didn't weigh in this morning. Not the greatest week. I could give you excuses (i.e. stress, stressing about money, allergies, lazy, fast food, wine...did I mention allergies?), but the fact is I just didn't give it my all this week and I'm not going to torture myself by getting on the scale. It doesn't mean I have given up. I've used this strategy in the past and I think it works and is fair. Makes it easier to have a fresh start, wipe the slate clean. One bad week out of four is not horrible. On the plus side, I got my first kettlebell workout in on Tuesday and I plan to do the circuit tomorrow to meet my <b><a href="http://www.shrinkingdre.blogspot.com/2012/04/time-to-get-strong-april.html">April challenge</a></b>. I set some ambitious goals for myself on <b><a href="http://runkeeper.com/user/runningdre/profile" target="_blank">RunKeeper</a></b> and I'm making progress towards them. I had some great salads. And I tackled some major life chores that I have been putting off. All in all, not horrible. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-3552836534617910692012-04-02T20:04:00.000-04:002012-04-02T20:04:18.175-04:00Time To Get Strong: AprilAfter the success of my <a href="http://www.shrinkingdre.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-love-planet-fitness-circuit.html" target="_blank">Planet Fitness Circuit challenge</a> last month, I was excited to come up with a new challenge for April. I wanted to push myself, but not make it too hard so that I would stop doing it. In the past I have loved doing Bob Harper's kettlebell DVDs, but of course never really stuck to it. But I think with this new plan I will.<br />
<br />
Here is the challenge:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Do the Planet Fitness Circuit 1 time each week.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Do the Bob Harper Kettlebell DVD 1 time each week.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bonus: Get a third toning workout in each week. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've made a little tracker chart, just like last month. I'm not exactly sure how that extra week is going to play into it...five weeks makes it look a little more daunting, but still totally doable. And it's all about progression, I suppose. So I will call the challenge successful when I get through all five weeks!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y4h-9SU7Dk/T3o-DR3VeWI/AAAAAAAAAsY/e3Uw1pJQ_LM/s1600/trackercharts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y4h-9SU7Dk/T3o-DR3VeWI/AAAAAAAAAsY/e3Uw1pJQ_LM/s1600/trackercharts.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm excited. A little nervous that the DVD might make me too sore to run, but I will deal with that if/when it happens. I just want to focus on how much I think these types of exercises are really changing my body...in great ways. I like feeling stronger. I like seeing the progress. I like doing things I haven't done before. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tomorrow morning: First Kettlebell DVD. {wish me luck} </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-78979253127988617182012-04-01T16:58:00.000-04:002012-04-01T17:05:52.249-04:00One Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhKBfFUYWzA/T3jBLI5OziI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/aRodkB8bvc8/s1600/MarchCampare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhKBfFUYWzA/T3jBLI5OziI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/aRodkB8bvc8/s400/MarchCampare.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
I think I see a difference...I feel a difference and that is what is important. But! I'm done being stuck. And I'm ready to finish this thing! Be ready for some astonishing after photos! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-1045606035992356872012-03-30T20:11:00.000-04:002012-03-30T20:11:47.959-04:00Oh, By The Weigh | March 30, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" /></a></div>
First of all, I'm pretty sure I'm going to win the lottery tonight, so if I disappear from this blog for awhile that's why.<br />
<br />
Second, I'm down this week! I lost .6 lbs! I wasn't fabulous this week. Too much wine, not great workouts everyday. But besides that, I would say it was pretty good. And come to think of it, I actually had two great workouts on Monday and Thursday. And I completed my March challenge to do the Planet Fitness circuit at least 2 times each week. The important thing is I'm feeling good! I didn't did let the shock of last week's weigh-in (which I totally didn't blog about) sabotage my motivation. <br />
<br />
I'm still missing the thrill of seeing my Weight Watchers weight graph angle downward.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pU-uL_gjVS8/T3ZIkPUPUmI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Ew-h0zliHWw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-03-30+at+6.36.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pU-uL_gjVS8/T3ZIkPUPUmI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Ew-h0zliHWw/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-03-30+at+6.36.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired of the straight line stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But, I'm doing better than I have been in awhile. I'm toning up and feeling good about that. I'm eating great most of the time. And I'm getting my activity in. I just need to be consistent and this will work. I want to have that feeling of success again. While I am not where I want to be right now, it is much easier to focus on the potential progress I can make. When my size 12 jeans were a little tighter than I wanted them to be I thought: "I can't wait for the day when these are too loose." And when I realized how far away I was being out of the 180s last week, I thought: "But one day soon I will be 170-something and I can't wait to experience that." <br />
<br />
I just have to focus on making this happen for myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcPqaN7TjI/T1FqECNE57I/AAAAAAAAAqE/CI38xrYlMqk/s1600/accomplishments.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcPqaN7TjI/T1FqECNE57I/AAAAAAAAAqE/CI38xrYlMqk/s1600/accomplishments.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I completed my March Planet Fitness challenge. And I love how I'm feeling and can't wait to keep going. I'm ok with the fact that this toning work may make the number on the scale higher for awhile. I like the changes in my body and am excited to see more. </li>
<li>I managed to get some activity in everyday this week except Sunday. </li>
<li>I got some life chores done (paying bills, updating insurance, etc). My days of avoiding the not so fun stuff are over. </li>
<li>I read a lot! And I'm loving it. </li>
<li>I tracked most days. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrA9gjV4iS0/T1FqJWHEOpI/AAAAAAAAAqM/NGTV22DQei8/s1600/activity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrA9gjV4iS0/T1FqJWHEOpI/AAAAAAAAAqM/NGTV22DQei8/s1600/activity.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nF3ZCdGfbG4/T2POO7xce4I/AAAAAAAAAq8/nSHtkk7Q0Es/s1600/goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Friday: Planet Fitness Circuit</li>
<li>Saturday: Ran 3.66 miles on the Boardwalk; first half was great - the fastest I've ever done it; my hamstring started cramping at the end (I haven't pushed myself that hard since).</li>
<li>Sunday: Rest Day</li>
<li>Monday: Morning - 3.8 mile walk on the boardwalk; Afternoon - 45 minutes on the Arc Trainer, great workout and sweated a lot, made me remember how much I do love my gym workouts) </li>
<li>Tuesday: Planet Fitness Circuit</li>
<li>Wednesday: Morning - 2.5 mile beach walk (it's hard walking on the sand); Afternoon - 2 mile walk to the beach and back (included some me time at the beach and love it!)</li>
<li>Thursday: Morning - Planet Fitness circuit (went around the circuit twice and it was a great workout!); Evening - 1.6 mile walk around the neighborhood</li>
<li>Friday: 1.6 mile around the neighborhood</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nF3ZCdGfbG4/T2POO7xce4I/AAAAAAAAAq8/nSHtkk7Q0Es/s1600/goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nF3ZCdGfbG4/T2POO7xce4I/AAAAAAAAAq8/nSHtkk7Q0Es/s1600/goals.png" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> I want to focus on my workouts this week. After the cramp I got on Saturday I thought I gave myself an excuse to take it easy (although looking back I think I did pretty good). I want to focus on my running though. I want to get a good run in Sunday, Monday and Thursday</li>
<li>Set a new toning/weight lifting goal for April. I want to do something similar to last month, but maybe include some kettlebell work or something. But I want to take some time tomorrow to write out my goal and make a chart like last month</li>
<li>Focus on getting more veggies in my evening meals. Eat one piece of fruit each day. </li>
<li>Set up a concrete goal for my graphic design work - I want to use the same strategy that worked with my March Planet Fitness challenge, but for the week. It's all part of setting a routine for myself. </li>
</ul>
<i><b>Current Weight:</b> 186.6 </i><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-12254411465872548012012-03-29T16:45:00.000-04:002012-03-29T16:45:06.248-04:00The Results of the Planet Fitness ChallengeI completed my <a href="http://www.shrinkingdre.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-love-planet-fitness-circuit.html" target="">Planet Fitness Circuit challenge</a>!! This is the most successful I have ever been at sticking to a weight training/toning exercise routine. EVER. And I'm so glad I stuck to it. And not only that, I can't wait to keep doing more weight training and toning work. :)<br />
<br />
I wanted to take some time to debrief this whole process and celebrate why I think it worked so well.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Challenge</h3>
If you <a href="http://www.shrinkingdre.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-love-planet-fitness-circuit.html">remember,</a> the goal was to do the circuit two times per week, with a third time as a bonus. The plan was to just go and do it. And I didn't worry too much about doing it perfectly or making it too hard. I just wanted to get through at least twice every week.<br />
<br />
<h3>
What Happened Along The Way</h3>
There was a slight learning curve of course. I had to learn how to set the machine to fit me and remember what a good weight would be for each exercise, while also trying to challenge myself with each new workout. Most days I incorporated the cardio steps in between, but there were a couple times that I didn't. And I liked that. It gave me a quick workout and wasn't just another cardio workout. Some days I would go through the circuit twice. Some days I was really good at pushing myself...some days I took it a little easy. There were days I was completely sore from the workout and other days I wasn't. <br />
<br />
I'm sure I wasn't perfect at using the machines, but I think I got better as time went on. Today, for example, I was on the ab machine and a Planet Fitness employee (I actually think he is the owner as he is always there in the morning and I have talked to him a few times, especially when I managed to spill an ENTIRE bottle of water in the circuit area) came over to help me adjust the machine so that it was right for me. I've always felt a little intimidated by trainers/health gym employees, but I wasn't at all this time and I really appreciated the help. And it made me think that maybe one day I will actually have a trainer or do something like cross fit.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Results</h3>
I wouldn't say I notice a HUGE change, but I do notice some difference in how I feel and how I look. <span style="font-size: x-small;">The pictures below aren't great...I took them with my phone and in the gym. I'm wearing pretty much the same thing, my tops are both UnderArmor t-shirts, same size, just different colors. (You can see more attempts to take photos of myself <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22447778@N00/sets/72157628724941063/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Phbdd-N2NsA/T3TF7Qycs9I/AAAAAAAAAr4/6XqPaXceKtY/s1600/beforeandafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Phbdd-N2NsA/T3TF7Qycs9I/AAAAAAAAAr4/6XqPaXceKtY/s1600/beforeandafter.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I feel more toned and stronger in some ways. My core seems stronger and I feel like I have more control over my body. Today, I especially noticed how my upper body has gained some strength. When I first started, I would reach a point where I just couldn't lift anymore with my arms. Usually very early on. I never experienced this with my legs quite the same way. I would reach a point where it was really hard and really burned, but I still felt like I could push through. When I first started, I couldn't just push through with my arms...they just couldn't do it. BUT! Now I can push through. I feel the burn and I keep going. So I know I'm getting stronger...and that's a great feeling.<br />
<br />
I think my body is more toned...more firm anyway. Things seem to be sitting a little higher...and my posture feels better. My weight is still high (186 this morning) but I knew that when I decided to get serious about this I would probably get heavier before I got lighter. I think this has always been a reason why I shied away from weight training in the past. The results took awhile to see and, AND, the scale would start moving in the wrong direction. My clothes seem to be fitting better. I was back in my size 12 jeans yesterday...they were tight, but definitely wearable. And my other jeans are feeling looser. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Why I Think This Worked</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>I set a clear goal:</b> Do the Planet Fitness Circuit two times each week, shoot for three if you feel like it. I didn't just say that I wanted to get stronger or that I wanted to get more toned. I set a clear and attainable goal. </li>
<li><b>I didn't have to be perfect:</b> I'm a recovering perfectionist and when I feel like I can't do something perfect I tend to give up on it. Here, I gave myself permission to not be perfect. I just had to do it. </li>
<li><b>I focused on one thing:</b> There were days I was like: This is going so well, I should try the kettlebell dvd again...or I should try the other machines or something else. But I'm glad I didn't. I feel like I have gained some confidence in seeing this through to the end. Confidence I hope to take into future workouts. And it made it easier to just get up and do it...I knew exactly what was ahead of me. </li>
<li><b>I didn't care about the scale:</b> For part of the time it was easy not to think about the number on the scale, cause I wasn't weighing myself, but the second half of the month I was. I forced myself to focus on how I was feeling and how my body was changing instead of being unhappy about the number on the scale. </li>
<li><b>I kept a progress chart:</b> I printed out my goal on the top of a sheet of paper and all the weeks in March and kept track of my progress. I hung it in spot where I would see it all the time. It really kept me motivated. I liked to cross off completed workouts and it made the month much less intimidating, cause two days a week didn't look so hard once it was all laid out. </li>
<li><b>Annie Thorisdotter:</b> She is amazing. Check her out <b><a href="http://youtu.be/wtk2dSphI_Y" target="_blank">here</a></b>. When I wanted to whimp out I would think of her lifting up really heavy things and how awesome she is. And how maybe, one day, I could be that awesome too! But also, I heard once that it helps to imagine yourself doing the exercise and what that looks like. It does help me. </li>
</ul>
All and all I would say that this was a huge success! And I'm very happy with the progress. :) The month is not over and I could still shoot for my third workout this week. And I'm thinking I will probably try to get that in on Saturday. In the meantime, I'm working on a new challenge for April.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-89982063264735205972012-03-28T20:42:00.000-04:002012-03-28T20:42:23.009-04:00I Wear My Emotions on My Sleeve...err, I Mean, Face<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf6pfFX9Flk/T3Om8v1PtAI/AAAAAAAAArw/ZnD8DF9Uf1w/s1600/LotsofMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf6pfFX9Flk/T3Om8v1PtAI/AAAAAAAAArw/ZnD8DF9Uf1w/s1600/LotsofMe.jpg" /></a></div>
I know we all have our bad mood moments. It happens. And I definitely have those days where I just don't feel like putting a smile on my face. <strike>Sometimes</strike> Lots of times I lack patience. There are days I need some major me time. I've realized over the past few years that I don't like being told what to do and I don't like having to check in with people. I am fiercely independent and feel I can take care of myself. Almost to a fault.<br />
<br />
The hardest part is that I know how much my bad moods, my lack of patience, my intolerance affects other people. And I know I need to reign it in. But, because I wear my emotions on my face I can't hide it. And then I feel bad about it.<br />
<br />
I know I am probably way more aware of this than other people, but I still want to work on being a "better person." I know I'm not a horrible person to be around, but I think there are things that I can work on. Like being more patient. Being more tolerant of other people in my life. Saying yes before no. Focusing on the positive. But it's hard. And there are days I just want to go it alone and wish I was in my comfy little apartment all by myself. <br />
<br />
I'm having one of those days. Hell, I'm having one of those weeks.<br />
<br />
I just need to work on balancing what I feel people expect of me and what I expect of myself and what I really want out of life. I think I struggle sometimes because I am a people pleaser, but also want to be independent and do my own thing. And those two things collide big time. I feel bad when I stand up for myself and I'm not sure I have the skills to do it properly. I don't like how I feel when I know I'm being inpatient or I let people get to me. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure there is a point to this post. Just getting my thoughts out there...and realizing there are parts of me I want to work on while I'm working on getting healthy and <strike>thin </strike>sexy. It's all part of the same thing, right? (Plus, I am currently reading <b><a href="http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/the-happiness-project-book.html#buy_book" target="_blank">The Happiness Project</a></b> by Gretchen Rubin and it has me thinking about this a lot.)<br />
<br />
So...I'm trying to focus on having positive thoughts and being patient. That way I don't have to worry about wearing my emotions on my face. And I'm working on defining what is important to me and finding the confidence to really go after what I want. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The photos above were taken over the course of four months. I know I'm more likely to play around on Photo Booth when I'm 1) bored and 2) usually in a good mood. But I think I managed to capture some not so great days. I can really see it on my face when I'm feeling blah and when I'm feeling good. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-15252685959033546352012-03-27T20:47:00.000-04:002012-03-27T20:49:25.392-04:00Gym Playlist<iframe width="500" height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3gOHvDP_vCs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
SexyBack is making it back onto my gym playlist. It just doesn't get old! Even after being on constant repeat the entire summer of 2007.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh, and the gym time has been good. Almost done with my March challenge of doing the circuit two times per week. Only one more gym session away from completing it. The scale is not being my friend, but I like feeling more toned and I'm already looking for ways to expand: Kettlebells maybe...or Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (if I can find it in my storage unit). Good times. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-80832427984031451132012-03-24T08:15:00.000-04:002012-03-24T08:15:53.404-04:00Go Claire!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYLTZhVri9E/T20hLVeh45I/AAAAAAAAAro/zs-8gYPvlBs/s1600/Go-Claire.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYLTZhVri9E/T20hLVeh45I/AAAAAAAAAro/zs-8gYPvlBs/s1600/Go-Claire.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My good friend Claire is running her first half marathon this morning in <a href="http://www.131marathon.com/NewYork/" target="_blank">Queens</a>. Cheering her on from afar!!!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #999999;">
<b><i>Good luck Claire. Kick some major ass!!! {I know you will!} And I'm buying you a beer to celebrate! xoxo</i></b></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-23918665570206647922012-03-19T13:54:00.000-04:002012-03-19T13:54:09.289-04:00Sun Sparkles<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/38789847?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/38789847">Sun Sparkles</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user10918406">Andrea Daniel</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
Got up <strike>early</strike> somewhat early to run on the boardwalk this morning. The water was calm and the sun was shinning...creating the perfect little sparkles. It made me smile...and perhaps run a little faster.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music: The Ghost Inside by Broken Bells</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-29862378037650676422012-03-18T11:37:00.000-04:002012-03-18T11:41:27.956-04:00x3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAuYDyOBcmg/T2YAfj56qOI/AAAAAAAAArI/MtfeU8Ta5sw/s1600/3+times.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAuYDyOBcmg/T2YAfj56qOI/AAAAAAAAArI/MtfeU8Ta5sw/s1600/3+times.png" /></a></div>
If you remember, this month I've <b><a href="http://%e2%80%9cit%27s%20hard%20to%20remember%20that%20this%20day%20will%20never%20come%20again.%20that%20the%20time%20is%20now%20and%20the%20place%20is%20here%20and%20that%20there%20are%20no%20second%20chances%20at%20a%20single%20moment.%e2%80%9d%20/">challenged</a> </b>myself to do the PF Express Circuit at least two times each week, with 3 times as a bonus. Well, I got myself to the gym early Saturday morning and got in three workouts this past week! I'm feeling good and I think it is making a difference. Only major concrete evidence I have so far, besides being a little sore, is that I'm so hot at night. Like sweating my balls off hot. Probably my muscles working to repair themselves and get stronger! I like it!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-88836072498082991642012-03-16T19:36:00.000-04:002012-03-18T11:37:15.412-04:00Oh, By The Weigh | March 16, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" /></a></div>
The Bad News: I have still not worked up the courage to get on the scale.<br />
<br />
The Good News: I'm feeling great and my pants are feeling looser. <br />
<br />
I feel like I'm doing things right. My head is in a good place, most of the time. I'm getting in great workouts, consistently. I'm eating great, 85% of the time.<br />
<br />
But I'm still afraid to get on the scale. Afraid of what the mental consequences might be. I'm just not sure I'm willing to risk the great motivation I seem to have right now. But I think it might be time. Next Friday I'm getting on that scale no matter what.<br />
<br />
Cause even though this journey is suppose to be about getting healthy and feeling good, I'm also doing this to lose weight. I want to be thinner. I want to look better in clothes. I want to feel better about myself. I want to be able to do anything I want to do and not feel like my weight is holding me back, either mentally or phisically.<br />
<br />
And I need to make sure I'm moving in the right direction.<br />
<br />
I also think that getting on the scale again will help hold me more accountable. It's easier to not track when I'm not weighing in, cause I feel like it doesn't matter as much. It's easier to have that ice-cream after dinner, cause I won't feel it on the scale latter.<br />
<br />
Maybe, most importantly, I miss that feeling of actually losing weight and having the evidence right there in front of me. Sure, I think I'm looking thinner, but that is such a subjective thing for me...my mood and how I'm feeling about myself completely impacts my body perception. It's crazy how much it does. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nF3ZCdGfbG4/T2POO7xce4I/AAAAAAAAAq8/nSHtkk7Q0Es/s1600/goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nF3ZCdGfbG4/T2POO7xce4I/AAAAAAAAAq8/nSHtkk7Q0Es/s1600/goals.png" /></a></div>
So here's the plan:<br />
<ul>
<li>Have a great week. Do what I've been doing and take it to the next level. </li>
<li>Food: I'm plan on preparing my own dinners this week. I want to put clean, simple food into my body. I want to provide myself with the best fuel possible. </li>
<li>Workouts: Continue running and doing the <a href="http://www.shrinkingdre.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-love-planet-fitness-circuit.html">circuit</a> at Planet Fitness. </li>
<li>Keep myself busy: I want to make sure I'm working on job applications, practicing my graphic design and being crafty. Also, I want to make sure I'm getting the everyday little chores done (bill paying, doctor appointment making, etc). I'm stressed about life right now and my go to coping mechanism is to avoid all of that. I'm not avoiding life this week!</li>
<li>Read: I just really enjoyed getting back into reading this past week and it made me happy. I'm going to make time each day to read a book. (Not just blogs!)</li>
</ul>
On Friday, when I weigh in, I'm going to take my measurement first. I have finally implemented a consistent strength training plan, and as a result I might be getting heavier, but fitter and tighter and thinner. I'm taking measurements first so that I can hopefully see some progress even if the scale isn't exactly where I want it to be.<br />
<br />
And most importantly I'm going to work on having faith this week. Faith in myself. That I can do this and I'm making the right choices to get to where I want to be. Faith that it won't happen all at once, but if I keep working towards it (all of it: weight, confidence, life, job) it will happen.<br />
<br />
So here is to a great week of doing and not just hoping!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-87935566914143685662012-03-06T21:00:00.000-05:002012-03-06T21:01:31.319-05:00I Love: Planet Fitness Circuit!One thing I have always struggled with is staying committed to a strength training plan. I think I have always been a little intimidated and I don't really know where to start. I have tried using weight machines at the gym before, but I always feel a little lost. I don't know how long I should be doing a single exercise or what I should next. I lose motivation quickly when there are so many decisions to make. Well! I think I found the answer!<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTmJq4g9NopAphgu3-_OWS3HmsKPtF2tiz52GyTx7sN2G1vfTlJxVnz9um5hpeQVxWVweYsBS4A28IC2KB4vAEHdtzCjFnFpeU6BEtcqlgqMuZmCZ2cPMdWVO3iwp0R8LfYENOvfPdeTy/s1600/PlanetFitness.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTmJq4g9NopAphgu3-_OWS3HmsKPtF2tiz52GyTx7sN2G1vfTlJxVnz9um5hpeQVxWVweYsBS4A28IC2KB4vAEHdtzCjFnFpeU6BEtcqlgqMuZmCZ2cPMdWVO3iwp0R8LfYENOvfPdeTy/s1600/PlanetFitness.png" /></a></div>
Today was the second day I did the Planet Fitness Circuit. I love it for so many reasons. I don't have to make so many decisions. I just start at #1 and go all the way around. The Planet Fitness circuit works on a red light/green light system. When the light is green you do the exercise, when it turns red you move on to the next one. And that REALLY works for me. I like that there is a beginning and an end...to the circuit and to each exercise. I feel like I'm finishing something. I did what I was suppose to do. I think in the past I never really knew how long I should do each machine and what machines I should be doing. And as I result I didn't really feel like I was doing anything and I quickly lost motivation. Not sure if that makes sense?<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FryQwhIPVTg/T1a-Yn849PI/AAAAAAAAAqs/0O1lK6Wa32c/s1600/sheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FryQwhIPVTg/T1a-Yn849PI/AAAAAAAAAqs/0O1lK6Wa32c/s1600/sheet.png" /></a></div>
Anyway, I'm loving it! I'm even doing the step/cardio exercise between each machine. I thought I would be way too embarrassed to do this in front of other people, but there were like four people doing the circuit this morning and I still did the cardio in between. And I kinda loved it! Oh, and good music on my gym playlist totally helps. I hope to one day challenge myself more and in different ways...take a class or something, but for now I'm focusing on this. I've made a goal to do the circuit two times per week for the month of March and I made a little sheet to track my progress and keep me motivated. <br />
<br />
Hopefully this will be the time I really stick to it and build some muscle.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAvMFqojzxc/T1a_dH9EZiI/AAAAAAAAAq0/hLy-4mQpmP8/s1600/inothernews.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAvMFqojzxc/T1a_dH9EZiI/AAAAAAAAAq0/hLy-4mQpmP8/s1600/inothernews.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I returned my running shoes and got new ones yesterday. (Gotta love 90 day return policies, yayy <b><a href="http://road%20runner%20sports/" target="_blank">Road Runner Sports</a></b>.) The pair I originally got was too big and I felt like I was trying to hold on with my toes. Not good when running. I have yet to run with my new shoes, but I will tomorrow morning. I think they will be good! </li>
<li>I haven't been great at sticking to my goals this week. Tracking has been terrible, but I'm eating OK. And I haven't been logging the details of my workouts like I wanted. My heart rate monitor hasn't been working for some reason. I'm hoping to read the trouble shooting section of the manual tonight and get back to the plan tomorrow. I still have time left to do it for a couple days!</li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-73523714865340478802012-03-04T18:40:00.002-05:002012-03-04T18:41:07.761-05:00breakfast.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI_gZEA4RS0/T1P9cJKdtsI/AAAAAAAAAqc/-f1gYL-NLrU/s1600/breakfast.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI_gZEA4RS0/T1P9cJKdtsI/AAAAAAAAAqc/-f1gYL-NLrU/s1600/breakfast.png" /></a></div>
my go-to breakfast these days. and by "go-to" i mean i eat it everday. cause that's how i roll. two eggs, spicy fresh salsa, side of fruit and my second cup of coffee. did i mention i'm becoming addicted to coffee. love it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-18797717532421191982012-03-02T17:36:00.001-05:002012-03-02T19:54:13.098-05:00Oh, By The Weigh | March 2, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5urzxBJzzM4/T1FpvBOZSyI/AAAAAAAAAps/gpc0gu5RHhQ/s1600/title+copy.png" /></a></div>
Good week this week. I tracked...most of the time. I got in lots of great activity. And I managed to keep myself busy. But I still didn't weigh in this morning. I think there is a big part of me still not over being stuck at 180-something for so long. I don't like the number on the scale and when I weigh in that becomes the focus. I forget about all the good things I have done. I get frustrated all over again. I lose confidence in myself and then I lose motivation. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kjnuTrzJDA/T1FWCHpGOpI/AAAAAAAAApM/5hKsJdmMAqs/s1600/2012-03-01+09.41.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kjnuTrzJDA/T1FWCHpGOpI/AAAAAAAAApM/5hKsJdmMAqs/s320/2012-03-01+09.41.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the gym on Thurs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm also staying away from the scale because I think I got really good at finding ways to trick the scale: only weighing in first thing in the morning, eating very little the couple days right before my weigh-in day, staying away from anything with any significant amount of salt. The scale would go down a couple pounds, but it wasn't a real loss. And it would work for a couple weeks, but then I would be up again and I would be upset and lose motivation.<br />
<br />
So, I haven't weighed in since Feb 3.<br />
<br />
I do have to say that in a lot of ways it makes it really hard to know exactly where I stand. I have no idea how much I weigh right now. I could be 190 or I could be 180. My clothes seem to be fitting better, so I know I'm doing something right. But sometimes I'm feeling slimmer and other moments I'm feeling fat and bloated...<br />
<br />
But I guess overall I'm feeling much better. Healthier. Motivated. Committed for the long run.<br />
<br />
And I'm not sure if I'm going to get on the scale again next week. I've thought about maybe just taking measurements. I think my biggest fear is that I will step on the scale and it won't be exactly what I want and I will lose motivation. And right now I feel like I've got some good momentum going and I don't want to lose it. For now I plan on re-evaluating middle of next week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcPqaN7TjI/T1FqECNE57I/AAAAAAAAAqE/CI38xrYlMqk/s1600/accomplishments.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcPqaN7TjI/T1FqECNE57I/AAAAAAAAAqE/CI38xrYlMqk/s1600/accomplishments.png" /></a></div>
This was a good week as far as getting things done. I'm feeling like I'm accomplishing something. Which is a good feeling. I stayed active. I stayed away from bread and other carbs that make me feel slow and just leave me craving more food. I'm drinking a lot of water. I think it was a good week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrA9gjV4iS0/T1FqJWHEOpI/AAAAAAAAAqM/NGTV22DQei8/s1600/activity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrA9gjV4iS0/T1FqJWHEOpI/AAAAAAAAAqM/NGTV22DQei8/s1600/activity.png" /></a></div>
I had some great workouts this week.<br />
<ul>
<li>I started running on the boardwalk and I'm really falling in love with running outside. I don't know why I avoided it for so long. It's so much more enjoyable to run a mile outside than it is to run a mile on a treadmill. </li>
<li>I did the circuit at Planet Fitness and think I finally found a weight lifting regime that I like. More on this in another post. </li>
<li>It just felt good to really sweat again. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efvdhJR4N6o/T1FqPyJIZNI/AAAAAAAAAqU/RNJMYyIHej4/s1600/goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efvdhJR4N6o/T1FqPyJIZNI/AAAAAAAAAqU/RNJMYyIHej4/s1600/goals.png" /></a></div>
Although I had a great week, I think I want to try to move to the next level next week:<br />
<ul>
<li>Track my workouts more. I always input my activity into the online WW tracker. And I have been using run keeper for my outside runs and walks, but I want to keep a more detailed log of what I'm doing. I want to start using my heart rate monitor again and tracking calories and my heart rate. For now it's just because I think I'm motivated by numbers and I like looking back at all the work I did, but maybe sometime in the near future I will be able to use this information to direct my workouts so that I'm getting the most out of my activity. One idea that I have been thinking about is EXERCISING SMARTER. I want a lean, mean and efficient body. Next week I want to have a detailed summary of what I did each day in the activity section of my weekly wrap up. </li>
<li>Track all my food! I think this is always a goal and I know how important it is. I can do better than I have been doing. </li>
<li>Be more mindful during dinner. I know what works best for me is preparing all my own food, but that just isn't an option all the time. But I have the skills to make better decisions and stick to what works best for me. </li>
<li>I want to spend one hour each weekday on building my web-designs skills. I need to get into this habit and start to really put some work into my future. It all seems so overwhelming at the moment and as a result I'm avoiding (my usual coping mechanism). If I just start with baby steps I will eventually get to where I want to be (hmmm...recurring theme, no?) </li>
<li>While I feel like I was accomplishing things this past week, I still want to work on a more consistent routine. And I want to keep working on gaining the skills and confidence that will make me marketable and able to support myself again. </li>
<li>Continue to try to take more photos of myself. I have to have the confidence in myself that photos I take today will soon be my "before" photos. </li>
</ul>
<i><b>Current Weight: </b>?? </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-80804747816056802642012-02-29T10:46:00.003-05:002012-02-29T10:47:10.281-05:00Run Before The StormWe have a storm moving into the area here and unfortunately I haven't been taking advantage of the nice weather as much as I should. So I decided this morning I was going to get up and go walk on the boardwalk. I was a little slow getting out of bed this morning, but I dragged myself downstairs and poured myself a cup of coffee and then tried to officially wake up. And then I got myself dressed and out the door. AAANDDDD...the run was great! OK, well more of a jog, but remember, I don't stress about how slow I am anymore. I felt pretty great while it was happening and fantastic when it was all over. Then I came home and made myself two eggs with some pineapple on the side. It was a good morning. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-84109512363954081012012-02-25T19:29:00.000-05:002012-02-25T19:37:04.621-05:00180-something for way too long.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtaYHSHOMTg/T0l4smSfznI/AAAAAAAAAns/w2XQhRlA82o/s1600/reward.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtaYHSHOMTg/T0l4smSfznI/AAAAAAAAAns/w2XQhRlA82o/s1600/reward.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have been stuck in the 180s for far too long. I know why. I know exactly why. I just haven't been doing what I need to be doing. Which, you know, sometimes I think you just aren't ready... not there yet...or something like that. But I'm thinking I'm ready now. I can do this, I just need to put the effort in to make it happen. I know that I will feel so. much. better! <br />
<br />
Rewards aren't usually a huge motivating factor for me, but I'm hoping that "keeping my eye on the prize" might help me when I'm faced with a decision in the middle of the day and feeling healthier isn't enough to help with making the "right" choice.<br />
<br />
I think the main reason why rewards weren't very helpful in the past is that I didn't really have an action plan on how to get to the goal. So, I've got an action plan this time:<br />
<br />
1) Track everything I eat: This is something I have NOT been doing. I need to get back into the habit.<br />
2) Plan my meals and just eat the same thing every day: I use to always eat the same thing every day of the week. It was easy, I had my meals planned for the whole week and it was so easy to track. And I'm a creature of habit, so I really don't mind.<br />
3) Get activity in everyday: Activity has been lacking the last week. I was on a major streak of getting some sort of activity in every single day (I did something for over 70 days straight!) I think what will work best for me is getting up and going out for a walk. Sometimes I don't like to work out first thing in the morning because I don't feel awake enough to get in a good work out. But if I wait to do it till the end of the day it is way too easy to just not do it. I just need to get into slowly again.<br />
<br />
On the mental side of things I'm going to work on having patience with myself and my body. Patience is not my greatest strength. I want everything to happen right now. But this doesn't work with weight loss. I have to let things slowly progress and before I know it I will be feeling great again. One good decision after another really adds up.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927018135994564388.post-51996341825748854142012-02-20T07:00:00.000-05:002012-02-20T07:09:23.171-05:00since i left my job I've…<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22447778@N00/6906631657/" title="Wilbur's New Belgium Raffle Winner by PhotosByDre, on Flickr"><img alt="Wilbur's New Belgium Raffle Winner" height="310" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6906631657_4bf997e558.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<i>won</i> a raffle at a liquor store (see picture above).<br />
<br />
<i>updated</i> my resume countless times. <br />
<br />
<i>rode</i> a bike on the jersey shore. <br />
<br />
<i>walked</i> 160 miles with my dog cooper in three months. <br />
<br />
<i>became</i> obsessed with RunKeeper. <br />
<br />
<i>drove</i> almost 1,900 miles across the country and back again.<br />
<br />
<i>attended</i> the wedding of two of my favorite people.<br />
<br />
<i>made</i> new friends.<br />
<br />
<i>had </i>a falling out with a good friend.<br />
<br />
<i>used</i> the tv guide app on my phone cause i don't have a cable box.<br />
<br />
<i>watched</i> the entire Bones series and i love temperance brennan.<br />
<br />
<i>opened</i> my etsy shop.<br />
<br />
<i>redesigned</i> my blog.<br />
<br />
<i>filed</i> for unemployment.<br />
<br />
<i>missed </i>my friends in nyack.<br />
<br />
<i>drove</i> the million dollar highway over red mountain pass and fell in love with colorado all over again.<br />
<br />
<i>realized</i> that i actually love living alone.<br />
<br />
<i>seriously wondered</i> if i would look good in aviator sunglasses and considered buying some (but never tried them on).<br />
<br />
<i>drank</i> craft beer in colorado.<br />
<br />
<i>rediscovered </i>my creative and crafty side.<br />
<br />
<i>purchased</i> a new computer.<br />
<br />
<i>purchased</i> the adobe creative suite. <br />
<br />
<i>downloaded</i> lots of fun fonts. <br />
<br />
<i>made</i> the switch from word to pages. <br />
<br />
<i>lost </i>five pounds.<br />
<br />
<i>gained </i>eight pounds. <br />
<br />
<i>decided</i> to stop weighing myself for a month. <br />
<br />
<i>learned</i> some HTML and CSS.<br />
<br />
<i>applied </i>to a million and one jobs.<br />
<br />
<i>had </i>one phone interview.<br />
<br />
<i>received </i>countless rejection emails. <br />
<br />
<i>started</i> religiously reading blogs.<br />
<br />
<i>spent</i> way too much time reading blogs. <br />
<br />
<i>watched</i> countless episodes of How I Met Your Mother (best. show. ever.)<br />
<br />
<i>wore</i> yoga pants more often than i should. <br />
<br />
<i>bought</i> a new pair of jeans because i need to wear "real" pants more often and most of my clothes are packed away in a storage unit. <br />
<br />
<i>dreamed </i>up ideas of a new business. <br />
<br />
<i>realized</i> i do not want to sell insurance. <br />
<br />
<i>got </i>addicted to Survivor for the first time ever. <br />
<br />
<i>traveled</i> to the pacific northwest. <br />
<br />
<i>spent</i> some quality time in durango. <br />
<br />
<i>decided</i> that one day i might live in durango.<br />
<br />
<i>also thought</i> about going to live in naples, fl with my brother. <br />
<br />
<i>realized</i> that my future job should allow me to move around and work from wherever i want to be. <br />
<br />
<i>got </i>my parents hooked on ikea. <br />
<br />
<i>remodeled </i>my parents downstairs bathroom. <br />
<br />
<i>painted</i> my parents basement. <br />
<br />
<i>tried</i> to have a garage sale but only made $3. <br />
<br />
<i>donated</i> a ton of stuff to goodwill.<br />
<br />
<i>tried</i> to sell all my books on half.com and while i didn't sell all of them i made almost $200. <br />
<br />
<i>paid</i> way too much for health insurance. <br />
<br />
<i>fell</i> in love with red wine.<br />
<br />
<i>also fell</i> in love with dark chocolate peppermint bark and can't wait for next christmas so i can have some more. <br />
<br />
<i>started</i> using face lotion at night (burt's bees) and it made a huge difference. <br />
<br />
<i>readjusted</i> to altitude. <br />
<br />
<i>rode </i>my bike to downtown fort collins with my mom and enjoyed margaritas and talked about life. <br />
<br />
<i>had</i> the craziest dreams of my life. <br />
<br />
<i>started</i> listening to audiobooks. <br />
<br />
<i>became addicted</i> to coffee and can't start my day without it. <br />
<br />
<i>spent</i> time working on me. attempted to stop being so hard on myself. decided that instead of dwelling on poor choices from the past i should own them, learn from them and move on. <br />
<br />
<i>truly believed </i>in the power of loving myself before someone else can really love me. <br />
<br />
<i>stopped </i>obsessing over stupid boys who never deserved all that space in my head or my heart in the first place. <br />
<br />
<i>made </i>bbq chicken pizza at home from scratch. it was super yummy!<br />
<br />
<i>wore</i> a hot dress and high heels to a weeding. danced the night away.<br />
<br />
<i>became</i> obsessed with pinterest. <br />
<br />
<i>complained </i>about how i can't get instagram on my android phone. decided i would survive and that when tmobile hopefully gets the iPhone next spring i am totally jumping on board. <br />
<br />
<i>attempted</i> to take more photos of myself. didn't exceed much beyond taking photos in fitting rooms. i blame it one my poor self-portrait skills and the lack of full length mirrors at my disposal. but still working on it. <br />
<br />
<i>had </i>a great christmas at home with my family. <br />
<br />
<i>spent</i> time talking with my brother. <br />
<br />
<i>realized</i> i do have great friends who don't forget about me. <br />
<br />
<i>cried </i>a little, but tried to stay positive most of the time. <br />
<br />
<i>learned </i>to be grateful for the process and started setting goals and next steps. <br />
<br />
<i>started </i>to figure out what i really want out of life and what i should be doing to get there.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I got this idea from <a href="http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/" target="_blank">Elise Blaha</a> after reading a similar post on her blog. At a time when I feel like I'm not accomplishing much, it felt good to spend some time thinking about all that I have done since October. But I also feel like I'm at a big transition time. I spent a lot of time applying for jobs I wasn't really in love with and getting nowhere with it and then spent a lot of time thinking about doing something different. Working for myself, being creative and excited about my work. I finally figured out what I want, now I just have to go to work to achieving that. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0