My Journey...

Stay Tuned...

2012-01-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

...after this weekend I'm coming back!

I have picked one word to focus on this year, and the word is

HAPPYNESS!!!

(no, it's not misspelled, that is exactly the way it is!)

And just to make you smile...

2011-06-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

I want a Dr. Pepper...

I haven't had one since May 26th...

It's been 2 weeks and 2 days...

I thought it had been 3 weeks...

I know I only want one to fill my sadness...

But I will be strong and NOT have one!!!

I will leave my situation and not come back til I'm ok...

---

btw... my tooth hurts,

I need a root canal...

But it doesn't hurt enought to warrant weekend rates...

Chuck doesn't agree...

He just wants me to get it fixed...

That way he doesn't have to take care of me

Or give me any sympathy...

So I will leave the house...

Then he doesn't have to worry!!!

I will get it fixed Monday morning...

Only a day and a half away...

I can make it!

Well...

2010-11-05T23:47:00.001-07:00

So... this is how I feel lately.

My journey is taking a detour!

I have so much on my small plate that I am just going to have to put weight loss on hold for now. My new journey is going to be all about survival! If I survive I will be victorious! And if the people around me survive... well that will mean super victorious!!!

So, as for what is on my plate...

I'm taking a sewing class at school... and while it is not really a hard class, it is just a class where I have to get projects done. But, I love the shirt I made. I learned how to make it to fit my body (which is super not fun to buy a nice button up blouse for!). The shirt is really nice, it is white short-sleeved. And then there is the skirt... well, not so nice. I hated the fabric I picked and the skirt just didn't turn out how I envisioned it. You will probably never see it on me. It doesn't go with my body type. But if there is someone out there who wants it when I get it back, just let me know. It is a red satin skirt... fitted at the waist and flow-y at the bottom and it comes mid-calf-ish. So... I may be willing to give it a good home. As for my next project... I get to make something of my own choosing. So I'm making a dress for Macee... and a dress for Maddy. I couldn't make only one daughter a dress. I think I can turn in the other one for extra credit! Woohoo! And then my final project is another blouse. I'm making the same one I did earlier this semester, but this time it will be black and long-sleeved!

My next class is Medical Terminology. It is an 8-week course. We cover 18 chapters in this course... tells you how many chapters we cover a week. Super busy with that!!! But I have set-up a pacing schedule to keep up with all that classes work!

I'm working 2 four-hour shifts at Scrapbook.com warehouse. I'm loving it there. While I don't always enjoy going, once I'm there I really enjoy it. I have made some good friends there and I'm on my feet the whole time. Chuck bought me some Sketchers Shape-Ups. I noticed some of the women at work wearing them and I thought it would be a great idea. Why not "work-out" as I work! They are really nice shoes and I can tell they do their job of working out the legs more than regular tenny-runners!

I have kiddos in programs this year. We have never really done any extra things, but now we sure are. Maddy is doing Jog Club on T/Th and Tyler has "Einstein Eagles" on T/Th as well. Tyler and Maddy use to go to jog club together until Tyler started his "EE" last week, so now I go meet Maddy and Macee after school for Jog Club and do some laps with them.

Tyler is doing flag football... so practices are T/W and games on Saturday.

And then there is Scouts, Activity Days, Mutual...

And a house to keep clean...

And whatever else gets thrown in on top of all of it.

I know to some of you this doesn't sound like a whole lot, but to me it is... I like the life of not too much going on. I hate running around all the time like a crazy woman.

I miss hanging with the girls...

I hate that I get frustrated easily...

I wish that when people tell me they are going to do something that they would just do it...

Yes, you probably know who u are...

Will this be a good enough reminder when you are veg-ing in front of the TV and don't notice the housework (that you said you would help with) that needs to be done. No, you aren't grounded from the TV anymore, but I just need that little extra love and support you promised me!

Good reminder, eh??? So... now that I just rambled on and on about nothing really and probably just wasted some precious homework time, I think I better sign off... b/c Chuck has us getting up early for a 3k walk tomorrow morning (or should I say this morning b/c it is technically Saturday)... then we have a football game, a birthday party, irrigation, homework, lessons to plan (we both teach Sunday) and then a "hot" date with our BFF's (the Morty's)... Olive Garden and Bowling... so... off to bed I go!

Goodnight... sleep tight...

dream of bedbugs tonight!

Food Journal 9-16 (thurs)

2010-09-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
2 slices toast w/ light margarine and strawberry jam
1 small banana

Snack
6 pk Keebler crackers
pear

Lunch
Lean pocket

Snack
another donut
44 oz wild cherry pepsi
3/4 sleeve saltines

Dinner
fro yo
3/4 heath topping

Wow... crazy old me. But WI was today. Down 1 lb. Doing ok I guess! My goal is slow and steady. I'm down 6 lbs in 4 weeks. Looks good to me! Maybe I'll keep going! No stress here! And I have had my soda. Yeah, I know it isn't all good for me, but I like it. I'll decide when I really want it to go, but it isn't time yet! Probably will not be stressing about a food journal for the next 2 days. Lunch w/ Nic and scrapnite tomorrow... scrapping all day Saturday... just don't plan on hearing from me! And maybe I will eat some french fries tomorrow night! Oh it's been so long... hummmmmm.... maybe I shouldn't take the risk. Maybe Pandas will do! That works well on my tummy!

My goals
4 water bottles- almost... promise to get my last one in b4 bed!
food journal- here it is!
3 meals, 2 snacks- yup (i might need to work a bit on the healthy factor next week)
WATP- nada
Abs/Arms- probably not (unless I get motivated tonight... which I might! I will tell you later!)
8 pm cut-off- yup, that's the plan!
No bad fast food- yup, but tomorrow and Saturday will be a different story!

Looks good I think! I'm happy and that is all that matters!

Food Journal 9-15 (wed)

2010-09-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
2 slices toast w/ light margarine and strawberry jam
1 small banana

Lunch (this is so healthy)
1 serving pretzels
1 Boston Creme donut (my FAVORITE!!!)
1 44 oz Liquid Sanity

Dinner
1 sloppy joe
1 serving cheddar/sour cream chips

Dessert
1 cookies and cream ice cream cone
a few skittles and sour patch kids

Wow... what a healthy day!!! haha...

Now for my goals...
4 bottles of water- yup
food journal- yup
3 meals, 2 snacks- not really. on school days my schedule is messed up!
WATP- no...
Abs/Arms- nada
8pm cut-off- totally
no bad fast food- not really, does a donut count??? Not in my book and it's my goal, so I get to check this one off!!!

Food Journal 9-14 (tues)

2010-09-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
cheerios w/ skim milk

Snack
1 pkg Keebler Cheese Sandwich Crackers

Lunch
WW meal (5pt-er)

Snack- i was kinda snacky today... actually i was hungry!!!
44 oz Wild Cherry Pepsi
1- 7 layer bar (the last one)
10-ish saltines
small bowl cookies 'n cream icecream

Dinner
Rotisserie Chicken
Rice
light margarine
shredded cheese

6 hours work... YEA!!! no work tomorrow!!!

Goals
4 bottles of water- check
Journal food- check
3 meals, 2 snacks- check
WATP- nada
Abs/Arms- nada
8pm cut-off- check
No bad fast food- check

I feel good today. Although I was snacky today, I did keep in under control better than the past! When I'm on my feet all day, sometimes it makes me hungry! Tomorrow is school, sewing here I come!

Goals

2010-09-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

My goals are as follows...

-4 water bottles

- journal food intake

- 3 meals, 2 snacks

- WATP (Walk Away the Pounds)... more info in a bit

- Abs/Arms (3 days a week)

- 8 pm cut-off

- no bad fast food

I work 3 days a week here and get about 15,000 steps in during work, so I get some good movement in during those days. But my goal for WATP is to complete a "marathon" (26.2 miles) by the time I go to Disneyland in 25 days. Seeing I will not be doing WATP every day (due to work, Sundays...) I hope to complete this goal! I thought it would be a fun one to work towards and my prize??? Probably something fun at Disneyland, like a charm or 2 for my watch bracelet! I think that would be FABULOUS!!! So, I will post my journals and progress here.

My goal isn't necessarily fast weight loss.

My goal is just working towards healthy habits

that will help in the weight loss department!

I'm fine with slow and steady!

They say "slow and steady wins the race"

and this is a race I am determined to WIN!

I'm looking for a LIVE-et, not a DIE-et!!!

I just was looking at my start weight in Aug and I have lost 5 lbs in 4 weeks. I say that is mighty fine! So I will "stay the course" and just keep trucking along. Looking back I remember months where I would gain 5 lbs and be frustrated! Since being off my meds, I have been doing better in the weight category. The emotional category is a different story. That is something I have to work on everyday! I'm working 3 days a week (while kids are in school) and going to school 1 day a week, that leaves me with only 1 day a week to myself. I thought for sure I would have more time to myself once school started and all kids were in school. But the opportunity came up for me to work. And it is a place I like to work at... mostly b/c of the discount... hello scrapbook supplies! But working sure makes me tired (I re-stock the inventory, lots of walking, squating and lifting) and coming straight home to kids out of school and getting homework done, chores completed, piano practiced (and taught on Wed), dinner fixed, scouts/activity days, dance (something new to our family), kids settled for bed, showers... wow, I'm tired just thinking about it all! There is probably more, but that is where I end. So, I go to bed early now. My body just stops at 9 and I can go no more! It's nice, but not really nice! I wish that I could stay up later, like on the weekends... crop-nights... dp will have to be my friend!

So, now that I just bored you all with my crazy life, I will end with this. I am learning to budget my time wisely (like grocery shopping during dance time), and then my 1 day off a week can be for me. I can get rejuvenated and feel much better and have that happy medium. I am grateful for the opportunity to work. I feel like the Lord has blessed my family with this opportunity. Sometimes we hope that if we pay our tithing and fast offerings and do the things we are suppose to do that money will just pop up, sometimes it does happen that way, but right now I know I have to work for it. I asked for some extra financial comfort and this was my answer. I know it will bless my family. OK... I'm such a rambler! But I don't keep a journal, so this is it, out for the whole world to see! Crazy!

Now if I could just get my hubby to text me an "i love you" randomly I would be the happiest person alive! ;)

Food Journal 9-13 (Mon)

2010-09-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
Cheerios w/ skim milk

Snack
1 pkg. Keebler Cheese Sandwich Crackers

Lunch
WW meal (a 6 pt meal)

Snack
32oz Wild Cherry Pepsi
1.5 yummy 7 layer bars

Dinner
2 md fry bread
w/ beans, meat and cheese

4 water bottles
6 hours of work

A new challenge

2010-08-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

Chuck and I are starting a 6-week challenge this Thurs

Like in 2 days!!! {well, one full day and 2 nights...}

Here are the details...

There are 100 points possible a day,

600 total for the week

I'll explain later why only 600 not 700.

Here is how you earn points

30 meal points

-6 pts per meal (5 meals)

-must journal food eaten

- focus on 1 protein, 1 carb and 1 f/v

- have at least 2 veggies a day

{{{btw... I'm not a veggie eater}}}

***penalty: minus 10 pts for snacking b/w meals

(besides cucumbers/celery)***

20 exercise points

-exercise 30+ min a day

-BONUS: add 5 pts for working out for an hour

10 water points

- 3 liters of water (100 oz)

-32 oz pure water...

-the rest can be flavored (sf) or not

15 sleep points

-7 hrs a night

-lights out by 7 hrs before wake time

20 transformation points

-10 pts: kick out old bad habit

-10 pts: bring in new good habit

***must be same habits the whole challenge.

changing habit choice will result in a 35 pt penalty***

5 communication points

-communicate with at least 1 team member a day

-communicate with at least 1 opponent a day

-well... we have no opponents,

so we will just communicate w/ each other!

you get 1 day off for each category

doesn't have to be the same day!!!

That's why there is only 600 pts possible

ex: no exercise Sunday...

but if you miss another day, you miss the points!

but you cannot exercise all 7 days

and get points for all 7 days,

only 6 days count point-wise!

WI day... if you lose 1% of your weight...

{ex: 200 lbs = 2 lb loss for 1%)

you get a bonus of 20% of total points earned!!!

So... Chuck and I are not competing with this.

We are working together...

our reward is VEGAS!!!

But we have to get an "A"...

that is we have to be 90% or above on points earned.

So, check back and see how we are doing.

I just needed something that would not feel like a diet!

So I think this is the answer.

It's all about making good choices!

Day 3...

2010-08-15T21:03:00.001-07:00

Not doing so well on my challenge for myself. I'm having a hard time getting going. I'm confused as to what I should do. Should I count POINTS? Should I just focus on controlling my portions? Controlling my portions sounds less "diet-y", which is what I'm looking for. I just don't know. I don't feel so good right now. Food looks gross, so when I eat, I just eat whatever, trying not to think about it. Usually it is something not good for me. Hummmmm.... Ok, I will figure it out. I want a lifestyle I can live w/out feeling deprived. I really just need to start exercising. I'm just staying the same weight-wise, so if I add in exercise, I will more than likely drop some poundage. Talking with Chuck made me decide I may just keep a food journal of what I eat and how I feel when I eat it. So I will write if I'm hungry, bored, famished, sad, happy, hanging with friends (that's when food flies in my mouth). So maybe that will be the plan of the week.

I changed a couple things on my goals...

1. drink 72 oz. water (I need to ease into this one and 96 oz just wasn't working and I was feeling like a failure! No good!!!)

2. Some sort of exercise 5/7 days... (Working on this one... should work count? I'm on my feet walking, lifting, squatting and such for the 4-5 hours I'm there???)

3. Accurate food journal (no counting POINTS, just focusing on portions and moods)

4. 8pm cut-off for eating (I thought this was more important for weight-loss as compared to a vitamin)

5. No bad fast food (Still keeping this one. I like it! I have done good for 3 days! Woohoo! My girlies even asked for Taco Bell last night and I told them no, we didn't need to eat that junk!)

So... on to a new day tomorrow! Wish me luck! And good luck to everybody who has their own goals! I know you can do it! Maybe we should post again on "Goal-den Girls" again for everyone who wants support. Does that work for you guys or is something else better for you? Let me know!

Have a FABULOUS night people!

8 Week Challenge

2010-08-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow starts "Day 1" of my 8 week challenge I set-up for myself.

Here are the details...

1) Drink 96 oz water daily (flavored H2O is OK!)

2) Exercise in some manner 5/7 days a week

3) Keep accurate food journals daily (counting POINTS or not)

4) Take a vitamin

5) No bad fast food (greasy = gross!!!)

My goal... lose 15 lbs in the 8 weeks!

Totally do-able!!!

Anyone care to join me???

My biggest mistake...

2010-07-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

As I'm sitting here feeling completely down and depressed, I realize my biggest mistake was taking those stupid "happy pills". They didn't make me "happy" in the end. I have gained back every single pound I worked so hard at losing. I'm totally depressed right now and can't seem to get out of it. I think I should probably go back on those meds, but for what??? To gain another 50 lbs? It's terrible... I worked for 3 years to get to a healthy weight, now I have to work hard for it all over again. And the road seems long! VERY hard... I don't know if I can do it. It's too hot here to even want to think about working out... and to get in a swimsuit right now... WHATVER!!! I just want my "thinny" body back. I will take the impatience with children again... b/c they all head out the door for school again... yes, all of them. My baby goes to Kindergarten this year. So I think having that break from being a mom for a short time every day will be a help. Please "perfect moms" out there, don't judge me for the joy I feel of sending my kids back to school, my kids love school so it isn't hard on me, plus I like the break... they will be back everyday soon enough.

I just have to get back into the swing of things again. Maybe when school starts. But for now I will just not eat too much... yes, that is my goal... when school starts, I will figure other things out.

Food Journal 7-21-10

2010-07-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Target POINTS 28... hit 27

Breakfast @ 930am
1/2 packet of blueberry instant oatmeal... gagged down (1)
nectarine (1)

Lunch @ noon
1/2 roast beef sandwich (3)
1 oz. baked chips (2)
grapes (1)
1/2 c. cottage cheese (2)

Snack @ 230pm
strawberries (1)
banana (1)

Snack @ 430pm
rice krispie treat (2)

Dinner @ 6pm
3/4 c. rice (3)
spray butter (0)
romaine & spinach salad (0)
2 T. caesar dressing (3)
3 oz. chicken (2)

Snack @ 930pm
lg fro yo... pb, pb cup, graham cracker flavors... YUM!!! (5)

Not bad for the first day back on track!
Will post again tomorrow.

Making myself happy...

2010-07-21T22:37:00.001-07:00

That's what I said I was going to do this week. We just got back from another trip to DISNEYLAND* late Monday evening. I ate too much junk while I was there and I could totally feel it (and the scale totally felt it as well, poor thing). But that's ok... it's a journey! So yesterday, even though I didn't "count POINTS" I did focus on not eating too much and just drinking water. No "LiQuiD SaNitY" for me! And then today I counted POINTS and just water again! YEA ME!!! Although I have a killer "caffeine withdrawl" headache, but that's ok... it will be gone in the next few days.

So, if you couldn't guess, the thing I'm doing to make me happy is to take care of myself mentally and physically. I have been neglecting the physical for the past year and the mental... well I've been using a crutch. But now it is time to go head on and work everything out w/out the use of meds that make it hard to lose weight and without the stress of hard school classes. I signed up for a sewing class and in October I'm taking a medical terminology class online. I also just started working more regularly at scrapbook.com warehouse again. I love it there. The people are nice that I work with and the scheduling is fairly flexible. So when school starts I plan on working whenever they need me. It would be nice to have some extra cash flowing in! So... I'm super tired and want to go to bed, so that is what I'm doing. Just wanted to post about my life a bit. I'm going to post here more often now with my ups and downs and anything I feel that is important to share! I'm hoping this will help me stay on track!

No one has died...

2010-07-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

...and that is a good thing

b/c i went off my "happy pills"

about a month and a half ago!

physically I feel better...

i haven't gained any weight

which is awesome...

b/c i was steadily gaining since starting them

& i haven't changed anything w/ diet-exercise.

NICE!!!

i poop better...

no more [constipation] for these intestines!

emotionally... i'm ok-ish

it is something i have to be conscious of.

not extremely cool,

but i was tired...

of what my meds were doing to me...

that is physically.

it was hard to be happy

in an overweight body!

I still am patient w/ my kiddos

but, i have to be more aware.

i'm heading to the

soon...

and when i return...

i will do something

that will make me happy!

you just wait and see!

so until then...

when i post about what is going on...

here's a quote to think about!

"the successful person has the habit

of doing the things failures don't like to do.

they don't like doing them either necessarily.

but their disliking is subordinated to

the strength of their purpose."

hope it gives you something to think about...

caz i'm thinking too much!

A little support...

2010-04-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

People always seem to need a little support every now and then and this is the time I need it most. So I have decided to start a support group. I'm aiming to have it every Wed at 1030am. I just wanted to put this out there for anyone who wants to join in and who wants the support.

So... please comment if you would like to join in! Tell your friends about it. At the first gathering, we will discuss what topics we would like to talk about and go from there.

I do Weight Watchers for anyone who wants to know.

I just don't have the money to go to actual meetings,

so this is the best alternative!

I better go to bed...

2010-03-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

... I'm super hungry!!!

Good morning!

2010-03-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

And yes it is!

I feel like I did good yesterday.

Although I didn't count POINTS yesterday,

I did write down everything I ate

AND I even passed up

birthday cake and icecream!

Wow... a first for me!

So all in all it was all good!

I even had an emotional night

and I didn't fix it with food.

I know I have a long way to go...

but this is a good start.

I'm fed up...

2010-03-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm starting fresh with everything I have done in the past to lose weight!!! I've done it before, I can do it again! There is no reason why I should have gained weight back!!! Well... I know the reason I gained it back, but what I'm trying to say is I know better. But now that I realized it is my meds that made me do this... but not in the sense of I had no control over it, but in the sense that I was finally enjoying life and being happy with me... and it wasn't dependent upon my weight. So I ate lots of yummy, not good for me food and have been slowly adding the pounds back on. They just snuck up on me... I didn't realize it until just recently. I mean, I knew my jeans didn't fit anymore, I knew my tummy wasn't so flat-ish anymore... but it wasn't until I saw some pictures of me taken by someone I realized my face wasn't thin anymore!!! So then I took some pictures of me exactly like the ones on my sidebar at goal weight... and I'm fat again. But I'm in control again. The first step is to realize the problem and now I can move forward. So starting today (11 yrs since becoming a mom) I'm taking control once again and I'm off on my journey. This is for me... and for my family (but mainly for me). So join me on my journey. I will be posting here often. Yummy menu ideas, my exercise routine, my ups and downs (b/c we know there will be plenty of those), and anything else I feel like sharing!!! So... not b/c I want to, but here are my updated pics of me right now. I won't be like this forever... I will lose it again, and then keep it off forever!!!

PS- no... I'm not pregnant... I'm just fluffy!

PSS- and as for my liquid sanity... not giving it up, just having it in moderation! I enjoy it too much!

Starting Over...

2010-03-17T22:14:00.001-07:00

My weight loss journey...

I have been slowly gaining weight

and I'm not happy about it right now!!!

So tomorrow is a new day...

my new life (once again)!!!

I'll keep you posted...

My ultimate goal...

get back to my goal weight...

My first goal...

get back into my jeans in 8 weeks!

Weekly goals...

2010-03-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

So last week my goal was to give up my "LiQuiD SaNiTy!!!" And I have been successfully off it for 9 whole days (once i shut my eyes tonight it will be 10!!!). I'm so proud of myself. I almost caved on Saturday, my my BFFF talked me out of it... she told me I didn't really need it... and she was right! I'm still here and ALIVE!!! (And so are others around me, so I must be OK!)

I decided I hate dieting, right? So I have a plan... one that started last week with giving up my DP. I'm choosing one new "healthy habit" every week to incorporate in my life. So this week it's exercise. For the past 2 days I have gotten up, got the kids to school and then I pop in my DVD and workout. I got a "Walk Away the Pounds" DVD for Christmas and I have never opened it... until Monday. And I LOVE IT!!! It is super fun! I look forward to working out now. So here's to my goal of the week.

How about any of you?

What do you do to "live a healthy lifestyle" without dieting?

Confessions...

2010-02-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

- it's been forever since i posted
- things are not going well in the weight loss area
- i have put back on 30 lbs
- i have been completely addicted to "liquid sanity" (aka dr pepper) for too long
- but i have not had a "liquid sanity" in 4 days now (what a record!)
- i have been on "happy pills" for 6 months now and cannot give them up
- i guess "happy pills" are one of my addictions
- i'm stuggling losing weight and wonder if it has anything to do with my meds...
- i want to get back in my clothes... seriously 10-15 lbs would do it for me!
- i want to be happy and thin... but it feels like i'm going to have to choose b/w fluffy and happy or thin and miserable!
- i can put on a great face in front of others
- i love to have my hair and make-up done when going out... i feel so much prettier!
- i hate cleaning... but love a clean house
- i hate homework... but love good grades
- i hate dieting... but love being thin
- i love yummy foods... but hate being fluffy
- i love to bake... especially cakes and cookies
- i love to eat what i bake... and cakes and cookies are not good for my figure!!!
- i love food...
- i love to play...
- i love card games...
- i love catan...
- i hate repeating myself...
- i don't like plain water...
- i flavor water with sugar free flavors...
- i love microbiology... germs are interesting
- i don't enjoy a lot of the things i use to enjoy... blogging, scrapbooking... so sad
- i wish there were more hours in the day, just so i could get more sleep
- i hate the mornings
- i'm a night owl
- i love disneyland... and am going there soon
- i wish that certain things would come easy to me
- i love gno!!!
- i love pedicures... cute toes are always fun!
- i hate online school
- i love to go to class and learn... makes my brain function, in a different way
- i love hospitals
- i hate the gym/working out... but i feel so much better when i do exercise!
- i wish i was naturally skinny... but then i would have another flaw i would hate...
- i really am happy with who i am... but then i start thinking about what the world thinks
- i should really stop thinking about the stupid world and just be happy!
- i think i am a fun person to be around
- i'm finding this very healing!
- i think i need to do this more often when i get down on myself
- i'm karalyn melser... and i love me!!!

Wow... It's been 2 months!!!

2009-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

OK... so I haven't blogged on here for awhile... and that means I have done nothing for weight loss in that time as well. I have been struggling with my journey. I think the meds I'm on play a role in that. But I'm happy and patient finally. And I'm OK with who I am! I am KaraLyn Melser... a fun-loving girl! (And I have a pretty good brain too!) No I'm not trying to brag, I'm learning we all have strengths in our lives and I'm learning what my strengths are. I may not be able to be super thin, but I have other strengths that make me who I am.

So I started another blog! But this one is private and only open to actively participating members. It's called "GOALden Girls". It's set up specifically for the support we need to achieve the goals we set forth for ourselves. We are there as a support group for each other... without having to find the right day and time to meet up. This way wherever you are, you can join in. When you join you will become an author and you can post your weekly goal and give support to other girls who are in need of support. This group is not just about weight loss though. It is about everything in life that makes us feel good about ourselves. It's about setting goals to become a better person... whether it be weight loss, spiritual, household, organizing life... you get the idea. If this is a group you were looking at joining, leave me a comment with your e-mail address and I will invite you to be an author.

Oh- and one last thought... this is a girls only blog... sorry boys!!!

Our Own Biggest Loser!!!

2009-09-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

Fawn and I want to start a Biggest Loser competition, and since The Biggest Loser starts next Tuesday, Sept 15, we thought we would use that day as our first weigh in. Every Tuesday evening, we will get together at Fawns house, and watch Biggest Loser (minus commercials. thank you DVR!) and have our own weigh in. If anyone is interested, let me know. We are talking about some sort of incentive, but haven't settled on anything yet. Also, if you are just a fan of the show and want to come and watch with us, but not participate, you are more than invited! Anyway, it should be fun!!

I shouldn't have drank DP...

2009-08-26T01:36:00.000-07:00

So I'm still awake (yes it's almost 2am and I have to be up at 630 to get kids ready for school)... but I was thinking a DP sounded good tonight, so I had one (or 3 or 4) and now I'm paying the price!

Oh well... it gives me the opportunity to tell you all what I've been thinking over in my head.

I have been thinking about starting up a group that is not just about weight loss, but about learning to love ourselves in spite of ourselves and focusing on things that can make us beautiful inside and outside and things that will help us become stronger, happier, more confident women.

If you want to join in on the fun (it won't all be weight loss related, but it will be a focus), let me know. I'm thinking about Wednesday mornings (around say 10am-ish) at my house (for now). We can meet for about an hour and let the kiddos play and talk about a different subject each week.

I think it could be lots of fun to just get together and motivate one another. If you want to join in, leave me your e-mail address (or e-mail me at melserfam@gmail.com). This is open to whoever... so if you have a friend/sister/acquaintance who wants to be a part, feel free to invite whoever. So tell me what you think and hopefully we'll get this going next week (Sept 2nd).

OK... I oughta head to bed and see if my mind will go to sleep...

Sweet dreams everybody!!!

In my own black hole...

2009-08-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

I have had a very hard time lately doing the things I know I need to do to lose the rest of my weight (and a few more pounds I've put back on this past year). Let me tell you all something about me. I suffer from depression (quite severely if you ask me) and I have been battling it for the past year or so as it has gotten worse. I have had no ambition to do things I need to do, no desire to hang out with friends/family, not even sure that I wanted to be a wife/mom anymore. I have been struggling A LOT with this whole issue. But just as I was at the end of my rope, I was talking with Chuck and I told him I was thinking about going back on "happy pills" (as I call them). I didn't feel like I was functioning... as a wife, as a mom, as a Young Women's leader, as a friend, as a student, as a human... I was struggling (to say the least). Well, I set up my yearly physical in July and told myself I would ask about getting back on meds. My doctor didn't even question me... he just wrote the script and handed it to me. I was put on meds back after Miss Maddy was born (well... she was 9 months old) and they worked well for me, so he put me back on the same ones and I was out the door heading to the pharmacy. I started taking them that day and within a week I was a more patient mom and I was actually enjoying my kids (something I haven't done in a VERY long time). When they were being wild and crazy, I could handle it. WOW... why didn't I do this earlier? Who knows, but let me tell you I'm glad I did get back on my meds. As I thought about the fact that I felt like I admitted defeat, I realized that if I would've given up on everything around me, that is when I would've admitted defeat. With the meds, I was getting my life back, admitting to succeeding with this "trial/challenge" in my life.

Now I have patience with my cute kiddos, but that's about all I have noticed with taking these meds. I'm grateful for that, because my kids deserve a mom who is patient with them. But I'm still having a hard time getting over the wanting to be around people (OK... choosing to be around people, once I'm there I'm good, but it's the anticipation that I don't like) and having the desire to do the things I know I should (like clean my house, go work out, eat right, get my fingerprints ;)...). I hope that my desire will come soon to want to do those things. I feel trapped, I know what I should do, but I have no desire to do them. I start school again tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that. I'm hoping that getting out the house and putting my brain to work again will be good. And I know that it gives me more structure in my everyday life, so hopefully with going to school again I can get myself into a routine.

As I'm sitting here typing I can't help but think about how weight plays such a role in how we feel about ourselves. If I'm thinner I feel so much better about who I am. I'm more confident and I feel like I portray that. But as I have gained back 10 lbs, I feel frumpy, ugly and not worth anything. I hate to feel that way, but it's how my brain is programmed. When I was a child I was called a "tub" by someone close to me and I remember that to this day. When I was a teen-ager I experimented with the whole "starving myself to get skinny" thing. It worked to lose some weight, but of course when you start eating again, the weight just comes back on. Then as I got older, it was a control issue. When I was in college, I didn't feel like I had control over anything, so back to starving myself it was. I would weigh myself everyday and be mad if I didn't lose any weight that day. I got down to my lowest weight ever. But then a very dear friend of mine came into town from school and saw me... knew exactly what I was doing and got me out of the "trouble" I was in. Now as I look at my life, I'm the exact opposite as I was back when I was younger. I LOVE FOOD!!! I LOVE DR PEPPER!!! I eat when I'm happy, I eat when I'm bored, I eat when I'm sad, I eat when I'm depressed, I eat because someone else is eating... you get the idea. I have lost weight and fairly successfully kept it off, but I find myself getting into the old habits that made me fat (or is it fluffy... that sounds sweeter). I don't want that.

So with a new resolve and hopefully a network of support around me, I'm going to try and lose my last 20 lbs that I would like to lose and work on being a better maintainer.

My goals:

Journal my food daily

Workout at the gym M-W-F

Do my abs daily

Do my arms M-W-F

Drink 100 oz of hydrating fluids a day

And drink Dr Pepper sparingly (once a week TOPS)

Anybody care to join me?

Anybody want to be my support?

Can I help support any of you?

Please feel free to comment and if you would like support/start a group/a blog/whatever let's do it! I know these kinds of things work better with that network of friends/people focused on the same thing.

I know I just spilled my guts out all over the place, but I have been meaning to post for awhile, but never got the desire to do it!

So now you all know...

My name is KaraLyn

and I struggle with depression!

OK... Let's try this again!

2009-07-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

So... I've been back on program for 4 days straight... YEA ME!!! I always have a hard time getting going, but I think I'm officially back. I even went to Red Robin last night and wasn't even tempted by the fries (I'm thinking that's a sin to not eat fries at RR!!!) I was only there for the end, but I was offered some... and turned them down! Then they had fondue going on at the house we went to and I didn't eat a bite! YIKES!!! I must really want this!
-----

The reason I want this??? Chuck and I were called to be a "Ma & Pa" for our stake trek this October and I want to finish losing my weight and get into better shape so they don't have to bury their Ma on the way! So... I have journaled these past 4 days, staying w/in my POINTS for the day and drank 80-100 ozs of water each day. And today we had "Trek Bootcamp" and I got my butt kicked! I know I'm gonna feel it in my legs tomorrow! They feel like lead/jello-y weights right now (IYKWIM). My arms and abs I work out off and on, so they won't be as sore, but we did lunges and stadium stairs... the things I'm not use to doing! I can handle walking laps and stuff, but those stairs were a killer (especially after doing the circuits of strength training and fast-paced walking). But I'm good.

-----

I'm really determined to do this because I want to feel good... oh- and look HOT! So here's to this adventure. School resumes in 7 1/2 weeks (for me) and I want to be down at least 10 lbs by then... so with faith, trust and a little bit of pixie dust... I'M OFF!!!

-----

And I can't believe I'm posting this... but I NEVER WANT TO BE FAT AGAIN!!!

EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW!!! GROSS!!!

But my kids are sure cute!

This was taken Christmas of 2005... just before I started losing weight!

A few recipes!

2009-05-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

Cream of Broccoli Soup
1 lb frozen broccoli
1 lb frozen mixed veggies
64 oz fat free chicken broth
1 small onion, chopped
garlic cloves, minced
1 pkg instant flavored mashed potatoes

Saute onion and garlic in large pot sprayed w/ non-stick spray. Add the veggies and chicken broth. Simmer until veggies tender. Puree w/ hand blender and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle mashed potatoes into soup.
8 (2 cup) servings at 1 POINT
----------
Saucy Chicken and Vegetables
1 can corn- drained
14 1/2 oz stewed tomatoes
6 oz chopped cooked chicken
1/2 c. chopped green/red bell pepper
3/4 t dried thyme, crushed
1/2 t instant chicken bullion granules
1/8 t crushed red pepper
2 c. hot cooked rice

Combine corn, tomatoes, chicken, peppers, thyme, boullion, red peppers in md. sauce pan. Heat thoroughly. Serve over rice.
Serves 4 at 4 POINTS

Just went through some stuff...

2009-05-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out some boxes and came across past "journals" I kept for WW meetings and I thought I'm gonna start posting the things I have written in them so I have a record of them, but don't have to keep the notebooks. So here are a few entries.
--------------------
Friday May 19, 2006
223.5-210= lost 13.5 before the start of program

Memorial Day Weekend
- Don't focus on food- focus on...
...family/friends
...fun atmosphere
...simple food prep
...easy clean-up
...outdoors in the pm

Lighten up a recipe or two.

"In the moment that you carry this conviction... in that moment your dreams will become reality." -Robert Collier
--------------------
Friday, May 26, 2006
down 2.2
total 2.2

Don't turn a lapse into a collapse!!!
- Do you ever expect yourself to follow the program perfect?
Perfectionist thinking --> lapse or collapse

Lapse: a slight slip or error in following the program (a valuable learning experience)
Collapse: a period of uncontrolled... leads to depression... QUIT!!!

Prevent a lapse...
Find the causes...
...maybe you are overly stringent
...tyring to lose too much weight or losing it too quickly
...banning certain foods
...having one's self-esteem dependent on one's weight
...too much downtime in the late afternoon or evening (esp if evenings are spent alone).
Get Past...
...take responsibility
...get back on program
...reframe the set-back (What did you learn?)
...get support

Try one preventative strategy.

"A setback is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." -Henry Ford
--------------------
Monday, June 5, 2006
down .6
total 2.8

- 3 servings of milk a day
- LOTS of water! (at least 64oz a day)
- eat at the same time everyday!
- finish eating at 8pm!

Got MILK??? Get it in! :)
--------------------
June 12, 2006
down 3.0
total 5.8

The voices of a busy summer
- friends at BBQ's
- hectic summer schedule
- children on summer vacation
- family reunions/vacations

What can happen to your weight loss attempts when you feel overwhelmed?

Getting support- usually doesn't just "happen", we have to actively seek it!

How do you do this?
-acknowledge the need
-decide what support is needed
-decide whom to ask
-be realistic
-decide how to ask
-compromise- if necessary
-say "thank-you" (in other words, be really nice, not demanding)
-check your response to support (did it help?)

Tools that help- Asserting
1. Expect to get what you wanted (confident- not cocky!)
2. Ask someone who can give you what you want.
3. Be as specific as possible.
4. Show respect for the other person you ask.
Example: I need you to __________ because (so that) __________.

"Find your voice- change your life." -Steven Covey
--------------------
June 19, 2006
down .2
total 6

My 2 goals...
Physical: Abs/Arms/Legs 4 x this week
Food: 96oz H2O (everyday!) 7 days!
--------------------
June 26, 2006
down 4
total 10 YEA!!!

Avoiding vacation amnesia and others too!
(like holidays, b-days, company, celebrating, boredom)

Negative results can be avoided!
#1 Choose your option
- what do you want your outcome to be? (continue losing, maintain, be OK w/ a small gain)
#2 Determine strategies
- how will you follow the program in order to achieve that outcome?
- will the 35 weekly points allowance help?
- exercise plan
- plan for eating out/snacks
- attend a WW meeting
#3 Gather the necessary tools
- what things can you pack, take along or have on hand that could help?
#4 Make a post-vacation or post-event commitment
- a very important step! Why?
- when should you come back to your ww meeting?

Challenges aren't so bad if you look at them as stepping stones and not stumbling blocks.
--------------------
More to come later!

From Denise... Apr 14, 2009

2009-04-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Fitness Flash
Take It Step by Step!

One of my favorite ways to stay in shape is also one of the easiest ones out there — walking! It's a healthful habit to adopt, and because you can do it anywhere, it's also one of the cheapest ways to get in shape. No need for a gym membership or a trainer; we all know how to walk! The challenge is to find ways to take more steps each day.

Why is walking so great for your body? Well, you're burning calories, but you're also improving your cardiovascular health. The simple act of moving is great for your heart and legs and for relieving stress. Focus on breathing deeply and walking with good posture and you'll also be working your core muscles.

It's easy to sneak in more walking during the day! Get off the train a few stops earlier, park farther from the mall, and walk instead of drive to the coffee shop in the morning. Make yourself tiny promises: You'll circle the block twice before you buy your lunch; you'll take the elevator instead of the stairs whenever possible (EDIT: I think she means you'll take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible). If you want, purchase an inexpensive pedometer — it hooks onto your clothing and counts your steps for you. You should aim for 10,000 steps a day, but do the best you can! You'll be amazed at how quickly the steps add up. Just push yourself to increase your number each day you'll get there, one step at a time!

----------------------------------------------------------

I have been working on getting 10,000 steps a day now for a few weeks and I have been doing quite well. It pushes me to not just sit around all day. Take the other evening for instance... somehow I had only 1500 steps by dinnertime, so after dinner, Chuck and I jogged in circles around the kitchen/dining room and worked on studying muscles for my exam I just had. I went from 1500 to 7000 by the time I went to bed. So I know that anyone can do this if I can. I feel better when I move more. So give it a try people! I got a cheap pedometer at Walmart ($5) and it works great! So join me in 10,000 steps a day!

Color is GOOD!!!

2009-04-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high,
I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.
My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated
and it would solve my physical problems.
He said just think in colors.
Fill your plate with bright colors, greens, yellows, reds, etc.
I went right home and ate an entire bowl of:

And sure enough, I felt better immediately.
I never knew eating right could be so easy!

--------------------

(Thanks Nic for the fun e-mail!)

From Denise... Mar 9, 2009

2009-03-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

Celebrate the Small Victories!

When was the last time you watched a movie with your kids after dinner? When was the last time you and your spouse had an adults-only night out? When was the last time you ran yourself an old-fashioned bubble bath — just because you felt like it?

Life is too short not to celebrate the many wonderful reasons we have to be happy! We're all too ready to get down on ourselves for cheating on our diets or skipping a night at the gym, but we forget about celebrating the many positives in our lives, as well as the small victories we achieve all the time. Congratulating yourself along your weight-loss journey — every time you complete a difficult workout, lose a pound, or stay strong and stick to your diet during a tempting situation — will help keep you motivated, and it's a great habit to share with your family and friends. If your son gets an A on his social studies test, why don't you celebrate? If your spouse has an especially good day at work, celebrate!

Promise yourself that you'll congratulate yourself on some of the smaller achievements you make on the way to reaching your goals, as well as some of the smaller but just as important day-to-day reasons to be happy. Celebrations don't have to be big and elaborate. They can be small surprises that say, "Job well done!" or "Good for you!" (or "Good for me!"). Try to take time from your busy life to be happy and to share your happiness with others. Do something fun and unexpected, and the day will be twice as memorable!

It's just easier to be fat...

2009-02-11T07:56:00.001-08:00

Don't you ever feel that way?

I just came to this conclusion the other night...

and with that said...

I better get ready for the gym...

Appropriate...

2009-01-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

So I decided that this comic is appropriate right now because I have been in a cookie making mood and I have eaten so many cookies lately... YUM... but not "good" (If you know what I mean)!

From Denise... Jan 26, 2009

2009-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

Seize the Moment!

So many of you share the desire to make a change in your life. Maybe you wanted to lose weight for a while but kept putting off getting started. Maybe you wanted to become active for ages but couldn't seem to find the time.

Taking the steps you need to take to live well and feel your best, and that's all that matters! Rather than dwelling on the past or stressing about the future, you're seizing the moment and taking action in the present! That's great!

Have you heard of being mindful? Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment. Being aware of the actions you take and the choices you have control over — that's what will help you meet your goals and improve your life! For example, when you eat, don't just put food in your mouth or snack blindly because you're stressed or preoccupied. Pay attention to your portion sizes and think about whether you're already feeling full. Being mindful helps you enjoy your meals and keeps you on the path toward a healthy body weight!

Are there any times in your daily routine when you find yourself snacking without thinking — in front of the TV, at the office, in the car? Make a point to pause, take a few deep breaths, and try to refocus on the here and now! You can do it!

Why Stay Active? Here are 10 great reasons!

2009-01-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

There are so many benefits to daily activity, and they affect much more than your physical appearance. Here 10 great reasons to stay active.

1. People who exercise live longer, on average, than people who don't.

2. Active people have a lower risk of dying from heart disease and stroke, and they're less likely to get high blood pressure.

3. The more active you are, the lower your risk of colon cancer.

4. The less active you are, the higher your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, exercise can lower your blood sugar levels.

5. In people with arthritis, moderate exercise helps reduce joint swelling and pain and improves mobility.

6. Strength-building exercise helps counter bone loss.

7. Exercise makes you functionally fit, meaning that it's easier for you to carry groceries, do chores and independently perform many other activities of daily life.

8. Because of the calming effect of exercise, active people are less depressed, and depressed people often feel better after they start exercising.

9. Exercise can save you money. If you can prevent serious and costly medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis, you will have more money for your other needs.

10. Exercise can be fun! Many of the activities you did for play as a child count as exercise. Dancing fast, walking your dog, bicycling and gardening, all strengthen your heart and lungs.

Hummmmm... I think she has it right!

2009-01-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

Maybe I should weigh-in like this tomorrow... I didn't stick to plan this week like I wanted to (was not so good for the past couple days)... we'll see if I'm down from 2 weeks ago. Let's cross our fingers!

From Denise... Jan 8, 2008

2009-01-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

Fitness Flash
Get Your Family Moving, Too!

One of the most wonderful benefits of your commitment to my program is that your family gets to share in all that you are learning and the changes you are making in your own life! When you invite your partner, your parents, or your kids to share a delicious, healthy meal with you or engage in a fun activity together, everybody benefits!

Being active with your family is a great way to bond and boost your health at the same time. I've always made sure to involve my family members in my healthy lifestyle, and as I watch my daughters get older, I'm proud that a lot of what I've taught over the years seems to have stuck with them!

Here are some ideas for getting your whole family moving:

-Shoot for 60. Remember that, for good health, kids should ideally get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. All kinds of activities count, so encourage kids to get moving by walking fast, running, dancing, jumping rope, riding bikes, skating, snowboarding, swimming, playing basketball and soccer, even climbing stairs!

-Plan active family outings. Go for a hike or bike ride together on the weekends if you can, and take your next vacation to a place with lots of outdoor activities.

-Take a walk. Start a tradition of taking a walk together after meals. And if you normally drive your kids to school or to a friend's house, try walking with them instead (assuming your destination isn't too far away!).

-Create a space for activity. Set aside one room in the house that is a comfortable, safe place where your kids can rock out and be active! Fill it with balls, hula hoops, and other active games and puzzles, and don't be embarrassed to join in the fun!

-Set limits. Encourage your kids to take part in activities that involve moving, not sitting. Set limits on how much time they spend watching TV, playing video games, and surfing the Internet. (And make sure you observe these limits, too!)

From Denise... Jan 5, 2009

2009-01-05T07:15:00.001-08:00

I will have some posts here with the title above... I get "Denise Austin's Morning Stretch" (daily motivational e-mail) and sometimes I may want to remember what it says, so I will post it and keep it for me to look back on and also to share with the rest of you seeking motivation. Here's today's...

Motivational Monday
Rethink Your Habits One Step at a Time!

I am a big believer in the power of small victories! The best way to get healthier and more fit is to take baby steps, and open the door to good habits a few at a time.
When you try to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight, it's easy to burn out. But when you start with one small change and put your energy into making it a habit, the chances are a lot better that it will stick! Did you know that it takes about three weeks to change a habit? If you can take a small, achievable step and make it a regular part of your life for three weeks, you should be able to stick to it permanently.
If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of changes you want to make in your life, or if you're not sure how to get started, try this: Make a list of the changes you'd like to make, big and small. Include anything you can think of. Now go over the list and pick out one change to start with. Make it something that you feel is achievable at this stage of your life. For example, you may not be able to make over your entire diet, but maybe you can fit in one more vegetable each day in place of a less healthy food. Or you may not have time to join an aerobics class, but maybe you can start taking a walk most nights after dinner. Pick something you think you can accomplish, and put your energy into making it happen! You'll be so happy when you can check this item off of your list.
Once you feel confident that you've accomplished this small change, add another item from your list to your efforts. And don't forget to keep track of the changes you've already made! Nothing is more inspiring than knowing that you can and have accomplished changes in your life. Be proud along this journey!

I'm feeling much better right now!

2008-10-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

I posted earlier how I was struggling pretty bad with my depression and I wanted to update you all on how I'm doing. The past almost 2 weeks I have been working out daily (except Sunday) and journaling my food and I have noticed and increase in my happiness. Not that it "makes me happy", but I feel better. I know we have all been told that exercise gives us a "natural high" and I'm here to say I know it does. Am I so bubbly that I'm annoying even myself? No. But I can get through the day without wanting to give up. I'm enjoying being a mom again. I just feel better. So that's where I am right now. I just needed to post and keep record of my feelings, that way if I have a depression slump again I can look and see if there is a trend. I'm hoping if I keep up my exercise habit I will be able to better cope with things as they come at me.

The exercise program I started is POWER 90 (thanks Travis and Katie!). It is workable into any schedule. It's 40 min or 30 min a day (depending on what you are doing that particular day). I told myself last week (my first week on) that if I could just work out 5 days I didn't have to do the 6th day, but I woke up on Saturday and WANTED to exercise! CRAZY!!! Do I jump out of bed and say, "YEA!!! I get to exercise right now!!!" HECK NO! But I do feel good once I've done it! I've also been counting my POINTS again. I'm not going to post my journals because that is a lot of extra work for me in my BUSY life right now, but I am working on keeping them. I have my first measurment day on Nov 7th and I will post how much (if any) inches lost and how many pounds I have lost. Hopefully I will lose through this! I already feel much stronger than I have in awhile, so if anything I will just feel better. But I'm hoping to "be a perfect 10" by the time we go to Disneyland in Dec. That's 8 weeks of doing this. I don't know if I'll get there, but it is something to work towards! So I will post here off and on about what I'm doing. So thanks for all you who check it out and if you are on your own weight loss journey, I wish you the BEST of luck!

So Funny...

2008-10-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

I love comics that pertain to weight. My mom-in-law just sent me this one today.

My Battle...

2008-09-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

My biggest battle I've been fighting lately is my battle with depression. I've been a bit overwhelmed with all I have chosen to take on and have been struggling to find my "me time". I used to hang out with my friends a bit more, scrapbook, and just hang... but with my new schedule I don't have time for any of that anymore and it's really starting to wear on me. I just needed to put this in writing so I can see if I see a pattern of when my depression surfaces and see if I can find a way to battle it without meds. I had it under control awhile back. Maybe it's just all I have taken on lately... I'm not sure. I also have AF visiting, so maybe it's linked to that. I'll see... but for now I think I need to just take some time to do something I enjoy without being stressed the whole time. I think tomorrow I'm going to bake. It's "Good Neighbor Day" this weekend, so maybe I'll do something nice for my neighbors and maybe my spirits will be lifted with service.

OK... so I'm caught up now!

2008-09-18T09:44:00.003-07:00

I have been so ultra-super-busy lately... but not so busy I couldn't count points. I just haven't had time to post my food journals every night. I'm just too tired once I get to stop for the night, so I haven't posted. But as you can tell from the posts below I've been chugging right along. I actually feel really good right now. I haven't stepped on the scale yet this week (yea me... I usually have to check my weight everyday!!! OCD...) But I have just been conscious about what I put into my mouth. If you notice I eat the same thing all the time (one thing... leftovers from dinner...). But I notice I do better when I eat the same things and with my schedule so crazy with piano lessons/school/mutual, if I can make something I can eat on the way I'm doing good. Next week I'm going to try for some diversity in my menu. Maybe I'll make a menu up and post it here. That might help me feel just a little bit motivated to try something different. I'm really glad that I am doing this again. I feel better already and I know I can get to the place where I can be the happiest with my body. Not that I'm unhappy right now. I know I look a whole lot better than 3 years ago from now, but I know where I want to be and I know I can get there if I just try. I don't want maintenance to be hard, so I'll see what I can do. I enjoy just maintaining without stress (it helps me a lot). I look over this past year and know I've done a great job. Now if I can just get to my personal goal by Christmas, that would be the best Christmas present I could give myself. Maybe then I will buy myself some new jeans! OK... enough rambling from me... off to post on my MainBlog and Get ready to go sign-up for the next semester of school! Wish me luck!

Wednesday's Food Journal...

2008-09-18T09:44:00.002-07:00

Aiming for 25 POINTS
Breakfast-
nada...

Lunch- 7
Roast beef wrap (3)
Cheetos (4)

Snack- 5
2 plain cupcakes (3)
few licks of frosting (2)

Dinner- 8
Tortilla (3)
1/2 c. lean hamburger (3)
1/4 c. shredded cheese (2)

Snack- 8
Fro yo (3)
Topping (5)

Exercise-
treadmill (burned 600 calories)

Activity POINTS earned: 6
Total POINTS Eaten: 28 (used 3 AP's)

Tuesday's Food Journal

2008-09-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

Aiming for 25 POINTS
Breakfast-
nada...

Lunch- 7
Roast beef wrap (3)
Cheetos (4)

Snack- 8
Fro yo (3)
Topping (5)

Dinner- 10
Tortilla (3)
1/2 c. lean hamburger (3)
1/3 c. shredded cheese (3)
FF refried beans (1)

Snack- 5
Fro yo (3)
Waffle Cone (2)

Exercise-
treadmill (burned 600 cal)

Activity POINTS earned: 6
Total POINTS Eaten: 28 (used 5 AP's)

Monday's Food Journal...

2008-09-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Aiming for 25 POINTS
Breakfast
nada...

Lunch- 6
Roast beef wrap (3)
Doritos (3)

Snack- 4
Shredded Wheat (3)
Skim Milk (1)

Dinner- 10
Tortilla (3)
1/2 c. lean hamburger (3)
1/3 c. shredded cheese (3)
fat-free refried beans (1)

Snack- 8
Fro Yo w/ topping (8)

Exercise
walking & callanetics

Activity POINTS earned: 4
Total POINTS Eaten: 28 (ate 3 AP's)

Sunday's Food Journal...

2008-09-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Day 2 Back on Track...

B: nada... I didn't wake-up until almost 1030!!! YEA!!! I needed sleep!

L: Broccoli and Cheese Soup (4)
9 Saltines (2)

D: Shredded Wheat (3)
Skim Milk (1)
Cheetos (4)

S: More Saltines (3)
Frozen Yogurt w/ Topping (8)

Ate a total of 25 points (right on target)

My goals
Journal: Oh- yeah!!!
Exercise: nope- it's Sunday
Callanetics: nope
Water: YES!
8pm: Nope... 9pm, but I had to eat 8 more points to finish off my day...
And I posted! YEA!!!

I'm feeling better all ready! I keep telling myself if I keep to my points this week (through Friday) I get to not stress on Saturday (SCRAPFEST!!!) So I'm going to keep going!

Saturday's Journal...

2008-09-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: nada

Lunch: Roast Beef Wrap (3)
Wheat Thins (3)
Cottage Cheese (2)

Snack: Reg Fro Yo w/ topping (8)

Dinner: 6 in Roast Beef Sub (6)
Bite of soup and 2 Sun Chips (1)

My Goals
Journal: yes
Exercise: nope...
Callanetics: nope...
Water: YES!!!
8PM cut-off: yes
Send journal: yes (I posted)

OK... so I haven't journaled in awhile, but I'm back now! YEA me. I have set myself some goals and I really want to reach my goal by Christmas, so wish me luck and here I go! Biggest Loser starts again Tuesday (you can watch the first hour of the premiere here). I think this is what is giving me the motivation to do this and get back on track. It will be 3 years since I started losing weight and wouldn't it be great to be at my final goal (65 lbs gone) in that time. I feel great that I've maintained for the past year... but there is a part of me that wonders where I would be if I would've just followed program a little better this past year... but I can't think about that. I need to focus on the here and now and be grateful that I have maintained for this past year. OK- so you can see my goals and one of them is posting my journal here, so I will hopefully do it everyday! OH- my first goal is to lose 10 lbs... my WI (weigh-in) is on Friday. So I will let you all know how I did come Friday. And I'm a scale obsessed person, so I will not step on the scale until Friday. Wish me luck with that one! OK... I'll post again tomorrow!

OK...

2008-09-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

So my birthday weekend is turning into my birthday week... maybe I'll journal after this weekend. I always do this to myself, but that's OK... this is life and I have to live it and make my decisions. And right now I decide to enjoy my week... even if the scale is up a lb or 2. Gotta say though, I did get up and mow the lawn and sweep & mop my house yesterday, so I am moving during all of this. But tonight a few friends are taking me out for Applebee's appetizers after school and tomorrow (my ACTUAL b-day) is pedicures and lunch and then this weekend... well I will tell you all about that after it's over! So anyways... Monday morning I'm going to start a new plan and really get this going again. "Life" shouldn't get in the way too bad after my birthday week is over (well... life ALWAYS is getting in the way, but I really want this and I think (OK, I KNOW) I will make better decisions after my b-day)... wish me luck and until then... HAVE FUN!!!

Wed/Thurs Food Journals

2008-08-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday's Food Journal...
Breakfast- 4
Chex Mix Turtle Bar (2)
couple bites of a pastry (2)

Lunch- 8
roast beef wrap (3)
1/2 c. cottage cheese (2)
wheat thins (3)

Snack-
nada... doing homework all afternoon

Dinner- 8
Taco Bell bean burrito (8)

Snack- 8
fro yo w/ cookie dough (8)

Water: enough!!!
Exercise: I walked the zoo this morning with two 3-yr-olds. I pulled them in a wagon (off & on) for 2.5 hours
That's 6 AP's

Total Points Eaten: 28 (25+3 AP's)

Thursday's Food Journal...
B: nada...

Lunch- 12
shredded wheat w/ skim milk (4)
fro yo w/ heath bar (8)

Dinner- 7
roast beef wrap (3)
applesauce (1)
wheat thins (3)

After-school Snack- 6
Pretzels (2)
rice krispie treat (2)
chex mix bar (2)

Water: enough...
Exercise: I went to work for 3 hours (walking around a warehouse scanning and gathering orders... lots of walking and squatting!) I gave myself 7 AP's

Total Points Eaten: 25

I'm taking today (Friday) off counting. AF visiting, so I want french fries and a Dr. Pepper! So I'm getting it for lunch! I will probably not post much this weekend (my birthday weekend... notice that it's not just a day for me... no... I celebrate all weekend. I would celebrate all month, but maybe that's going too far! heehee) so hopefully all will go well this weekend and I'll be back on Tuesday!

Food Journals...

2008-08-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

OK, I didn't post yesterday's food journal, so here are the past 2...

Monday's Food Journal
Breakfast- 1
Slice of bread (1)

Lunch- 3
1/2 roast beef sandwich (3)

Snack- 9
fro yo w/ cookie dough (8)
applesauce cup (1)

Dinner- 9
2 torillas (3)
1/4 c. lean hamburger (2)
1/3 c. shredded cheese (3)
Fat free refried beans (1)

Snack- 8
fro yo w/ cookie dough (8)
(thanks my friend Fawn.... I really needed that "comfort food")

Water: enough!!!
Exercise: I actually hit the gym- burned 562 cal!!! That's 5 AP's (and I used them all!!!)

Total Points Eaten: 30 (25+5 AP's)

Tuesday's Food Journal...
B: nada...

Lunch- 3
1/2 roast beef sandwich

Snack- 8
fro yo w/ cookie dough (8)
(I'm seriously addicted!!!)

Dinner- 7
Lean Pocket Sub- mozz & meatball (5)
Salad w/ dressing (1)
Applesauce cup (1)
Peaches cup (0)

After-school Snack- 5
Pretzels (2)
fro yo- no topping (3)
(yea, I save a ton of points if I don't eat the topping, but seriously, the cookie dough... YUM!!!)

Water: enough...
Exercise: nada... just walking kids to/home from school

Total Points Eaten: 23 (didn't hit my target... that's OK)

OK... now I gotta go read a Biology book! What FUN!!!

Sunday's Food Journal...

2008-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Breakfast- 4
19 pc. shredded wheat (2)
3/4 c. skim milk (1)
Small banana (1)

Lunch- 6
Roast beef wrap (3)
Doritos (3)

Dinner- 9
Lasagna (5)
Garlic bread (3)
Salad w/ Italian dressing (1)

Snack- 6
Reg frozen Yogurt (3)
Some Heath bar topping (3)

Water: about 90 oz.
Exercise: nada... It's Sunday!!!

Total Points Eaten: 25

Day one back on track... I did it! So this next weekend is my "birthday" weekend, so I'm going to work hard all week to stay on so that I can enjoy myself this weekend. D-backs on Friday night, Sunday dinner & yummy dessert on Sunday night and you can't forget Labor Day... we are going swimming and I'm hoping to have the YUMMY (not so good POINTS) Oriental Chicken Salad... hummmmmm... so YUMMY!!! OK, so I'm going to journal all day this week... go me. It will be good, the day I struggle the most is Thursday, and I have school that night, so that should help some! Wish me luck for tomorrow!

Hips don't lie...

2008-08-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

10 Food Fibs That Make You Fat
By Sophie Pachella

When Pinocchio lied, his nose grew. When you lie to yourself about your diet, it won't be your nose growing.

1) I deserve it
This is a classic example of self-sabotage. Exactly what do you deserve? Blown progress? Thicker thighs? Self-medicating with food is a learned behavior, which invariably leaves us feeling miserable. Instead, establish a food-free reward system such as indulging in a good workout, or new pair of running socks. Work on progressively altering the feeling that food soothes. The numbing effect is fleeting at best but the consequences sadly linger.

2) I've saved calories from skipping breakfast.
Not so. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Skipping breakfast lowers your metabolism meaning that the next meal you eat (famished) is far more likely to be stored as saddle bags. Skipping a healthy breakfast doesn't give you free license to gorge on chips and dip before lunch. Some appetizers run 1500+ calories. Eat regularly and consistently to keep your blood sugar level and temper temptation.

3) It's free!
Hardly. The 500+ calorie free bagel at the office costs you $80 with your trainer just to get back to square one. Furthermore when food is free we settle for sub-par standards. Stale? Picked over? Bring it on! Ask yourself if you'd shell out the money to eat the item. While you're at it - pop $1 in a jar each time you skip free food. At the end of the month treat yourself to a healthy reward.

4) It would be rude to refuse
Never have two issues been as frequently confused as food and love. When a co-worker, mother or friend offers us food, we feel compelled to accept even when we're not hungry. If this situation occurs frequently make your case clear: rather than repeatedly turning down food state your intention once, firmly and politely and ask for your efforts to be supported. In circumstances which require a little more finesse, graciously accept while insisting you're already full and are only having a bite because "it looks divine". If you announce your intention, you're less likely to then polish off of the entire slice of pie.

5) It's not the same without [popcorn, hotdog..]
If an event requires food to distract you, go home. It can't be that entertaining. Our behavior at the movies is quasi-Pavlovian. So use this to your advantage: create a new habit, and work on making it stick. Bring your own air popped popcorn to the movies or better yet, take pride in proving yourself you can survive two hours (gasp!) without food. Once you've established a new habit, you can draw upon that behavior the next time and repeat it until it becomes the new you.
6) Supersize and save!
$1 extra for a vat of coke and side of chips... why not? Because your goal isn't to load up on as much food as possible, that's why. Food isn't scarce. If you pay full price for half the portion, enjoy the fact that you're treating yourself right. Pay more for less you. Now that's a bargain.

7) It would be wasteful not to.
Call me cheap, but this is my downfall. Throwing food away doesn't come easily; apparently I'd rather use my tummy as a trash can. How many times have you finished what's on your plate in a restaurant because you paid for it, even though it didn't taste particularly good or ate a tasteless protein bar because it cost $3.50? The "children are starving" mantra haunts us, but we fail to recognize that shoveling in the last few bites won't help anyone. Note to moms: stop this manipulative tactic immediately. It's a terrible precedent to set. Overeating is just as wasteful (in a far more damaging manner) than throwing leftover food.

8) But it's a party, we've got to celebrate.
Is every get -together an excuse to eat? Food is fuel, not a party trick. Focus on the conversation and company, rather than the caterer. You might meet someone nice, which beats a pig in a blanket.

9) Just this once won't hurt...
Actually, yes it will. The devil is in the details. 100 calories a day translates into an additional 10.2lbs a year. Your body is the most accurate computer ever made: while you might choose to pretend the sneaked bite never occurred, your metabolism won't let a single calorie slip by. Rather than working on excuses, channel your energy into testing whether "just this once" you can pass the temptation by. The pride you gain is immeasurable.

10) It's too complicated/expensive to eat right
When we're feeling particularly lazy, this little fib sounds plausible until we weigh the cost of an apple and yogurt ($1.50) against a bag of chips ($1.50). Echoing Fib #3, think how much you'll save by eliminating the need for another training session to melt away a pound of fat grown as a result of "cheap decisions". Inexpensive healthy snacks are abundant. Make a list of your 20 favorites, and refer to it when feeling thrifty.

Another Blog...

2008-08-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

I decided to start a blog just for the reason of keeping me motivated in losing weight. I have pretty much maintained my weight (within a few pounds of my WW goal) now for 1 yr (YEA ME!!!), but I would really like to finish losing the last 20ish pounds on my body.

So I'm going to post my...

Weekly weigh-in's

My food journals (hopefully daily)

My stuggles

My successes

My favorite recipes I use

...And anything else I think I need to post!

So come join me on my journey. If you need some motivation, I hope you can find it here! And if you enjoy motivating others, I will take all the motivation I can get!!!

You see the site name of my blog (beaperfect10), well, Chuck came up with that name for me because that is my ultimate goal! And for all you who are thinking- she's already a perfect 10 (heehee)... I mean pants size! That is my ultimate goal. To me it seems reasonable for who I am and for what I want to maintain for the rest of my life. Right now I'm a 12, so I don't have much left, but it's still something!

So please wish me luck and hopefully this blog will give me the motivation to get going again and get to where I want to be... FOR ME!!!