weight loss wednesday (week 14)

Today’s Weight: 216 lbs.

Total Loss: 49 lbs.

(Somehow I lost a total of THREE POUNDS over the last week! I'm honestly shocked given the amount of stress in my life right now. It's all good stress, but still it is stress. I'm just hoping the loss isn't a fluke and that I don't gain the weight back over the next week.)

What I craved this week: I don't know if there have been all that many cravings, but I do know that I have not made the best decisions when it comes to food. My life is very unsettled right now. I have no idea where any of our silverware is. I also don't know where my Crock Pot is. Needless to say, we've eaten out a lot. Pizza one night, Taco Bueno another night.. My choices have not always been the best, but they have been better than in the past. I'm off work Thursday afternoon and all day Friday, so I am hopeful about getting the rest of the house unpacked and put away.

What I noticed was different about my body: I can tell my love handles are ever so slowly disappearing. My thighs are also getting smaller. In the morning, my stomach is flatter, but then, depending on food choices, my stomach is more bloated. I think my face is also getting smaller. It is almost like I have a neck and a chin now.

I finally bought orthotics for my feet. And as much as I hate to admit it, they are helping. My plantar fascitis is still killing me, but I am doing what I can to make it better. Rolling my feet on an ice cold can helps a lot after a hard day.

What do you think? Where can you tell the most that I've lost weight? Or can you tell? Sometimes (okay.. MOST of the time) it is so hard to see the progress in yourself when you look in the mirror.

Workouts planned for this week: Work outs.. What are those?

Between closing and moving and trying to unpack, as well as dealing with little hiccups in the house [like no hot water], I have not been to the gym. I'm hoping to get into a routine next week that will allow me to work out regularly.  I know how important exercise is, but until I am settled in my house, it's hard to focus on anything else.

But I do have a designated work out room. So I need to start using it to work out. I am considering joining Jena, Meghan, and Sar on the 30-Day Shred. But I am terrified. I've done the 30-Day Shred before (though I never finished) and it is super hard. I might need some inspiration and motivation to get it done! And support.

Personal Goal(s) for this week: I want to get unpacked. I honestly think unpacking and settling into my house will help so much. It will clear my mind and allow me to see myself as truly living in our house. Right now it feels like a dream.

I also want to start drinking more water again. I do well for a few weeks, and then coffee comes calling. After coffee, diet coke starts knocking on ym door. And I am just too polite to say no to either.
Favorite Quote(s) for this week:

What I'm looking forward to: I am so excited for the next few weeks. My parents are coming to visit soon. I'm taking more time off work than I have in a very long time. All of these things are wonderful, but I also know they could help to deter me off the weight loss path. I want to prove to myself that I can enjoy the holidays without compromising on my health.

I don't think I will be in one-derland by Christmas. Though it would be amazing if I were. So I am focusing on being in one-derland by the beginning of 2013.

How are you doing this week? Tell me about it in the comments. I would love to know!

a little update

We received the keys to our new house on Friday afternoon. With closing done and our check cleared, we spent Friday night shopping for furniture and celebrating by eating dinner out with friends. Saturday brought more shopping for furniture and assisting the movers with boxes and directing them with where to put all the big furniture.

Internet will be installed on Thursday, and we are slowly getting our boxes unpacked. There are little things I've noticed that need to be fixed.. things that the builder is responsible for. As stressful as moving is, I'm less stressed knowing I don't have to worry about many of the things I worried about with our first house.

I'll be back soon - once I have Internet and my MacBook. Thanks for hanging in there with me during this time of transition, and thanks for celebrating our new house. We can not even believe that this house actually belongs to us.

high five for friday (link up)

1. Our fence went up on Wednesday. I can not wait to sit in the backyard, drink wine, and look at the stars. And yes that is a Christmas Tree Farm behind our house.

2. I went to look at Christmas lights with some of the staff and residents at the group home on Monday night. I loved listening to Christmas music and attempting to take pictures of the creations.

3. Furniture shopping, while fun and exciting, is stressful. Why must my taste be so expensive? I really try to like cheap furniture, but it is just so cheap.

4. We're supposed to close on our house today. Ready to have keys in hand and get everything moved on Saturday. It's all a tad bit surreal, and I keep telling people I can't believe it is all really happening.

5. I successfully completed the National Blog Posting Month. One post for every day of November. What an accomplishment. Feel free to check out some of my favorite posts this month (1 / 2 / 3 / 4).

weight loss wednesday (week 13)

Today’s Weight: 219 lbs.

Total Loss: 46 lbs.

I lost the weight I had gained back plus another pound. Guess this means I am back on track!

What I craved this week: Lots of things. Some healthy; some not so healthy.

My healthy cravings: sushi, salad, soup.

My not so healthy cravings: Chik-Fil-A, queso and chips (which I did not eat).

What I noticed was different about my body: Nothing too different at this point in time. I'm less bloated than I have been in recent weeks which is always a good thing. I think some of my pants re getting to be a little big in the thighs.

Workouts planned for this week: I have become best friends with the elliptical again - since Monday of this week. I want to be an actual runner, but I'm not too ready to jump back onto a treadmill out of fear of hurting my knee. So I will be continuing my friendship with the elliptical. I have done two days of strength training so far this one - one day of upper body and one day of lower body. I plan to fit in some ab work and do another day of upper body strength training and another day of lower body strength training.

We are also supposed to move on Saturday if all goes well, so that will be a work out in and of itself.

Personal Goal(s) for this week: I joined a Weight Loss Challenge this week. It's 12 weeks long. Whoever loses the most gets the money. To help me along, and to keep me more accountable to myself, I've revamped my plan and have lowered the number of calories I consume every day to 1500. So far I have done well staying at that consumption and burning more calories. My goal is to keep that up.

Favorite Quote(s) for this week:

What I'm looking forward to: Closing on our new house is scheduled for later this week. If all goes as planned, we will be moved into our house on Saturday and then spend Saturday evening and Sunday unpacking. I'm so ready to be able to settle into the house and make it into our home.

In weight loss/health news, I have done a lot of soul searching this week. I wrote about why I started this journey and about my relationship with food. Those were difficult posts to write, but I feel so much lighter and so much more equipped to handle the next months of this journey. Opening up about things keeps me even more accountable, and accountability is key with weight loss.

I am also really excited about the Weight Loss Challenge. It provides me with more accountability and reminds me that I am not the only person on this journey. Finding people who understand where I am coming from weight wise is hard as most my friends don't have 100 pounds to lose, so I love knowing I can connect with others who have been there or are there.


How are you doing this week? Tell me about it in the comments. I would love to know!

thankful thursday (link up)

1. The Holidays. I have not always been the biggest fan of the holiday season, but this year, I am (finally!). Maybe it is because we will soon be in our own house and hosting Christmas. Or maybe I've just finally grown up and re-recognized the wonder that is the holiday season. I can not wait to hang the stockings I bought or decorate a Christmas tree or hang the wreath I made (and make a few more!).

2. My very own kitchen. It's not done in these pictures, but it should be close to done in real life now. Imagine black appliances and granite countertops with a travertine backsplash. I'm so ready to be able to cook in my own kitchen. I'm scouring pinterest for wonderful holiday recipes. I have Christmas and New Years to plan for! Last night I even dreamed about what I would cook in the oven and what I would make in the Crock Pot.
3. My family. My parents live in Texas, so I don't see them nearly as often as I would like. But they are always just a phone call away. Yesterday, my mom gave me tips about what red wine to pair with Thanksgiving Day dinner. My Nana also lives in Texas, but she is forever a source of inspiration for me. I know that if I ever need anything I can and will call her.  I am also thankful for my aunt, my uncle, and my cousins who are sprinkled across the west side of the country. And my grandparents who live in Florida during the winter months and then Michigan during the summer months. I have learned so much from every member of my family, and I wish more than anything that I could see them more often.
4. Our almost finished house. I have listed this before but have to mention it again. It is mind blowing that the house being built is where we will soon call home. It isn't our ultimate dream house... I mean - we can't afford the mansion I want just yet (maybe ever). But it is going to have space to grow, room to entertain, and will provide a place for others to come and stay and be entertained. And it is in a safe area. While I was there visiting Tuesday night, I saw families walking dogs and riding bikes. I met neighbors. And I fell even more in love with where we will call home.

5. Our two dogs. They drive me crazy with how they wake up every morning at 6am. And how they jump off and on and off and on the bed to make sure I am up too. They are stubborn, spoiled and do not like to listen. They sit on the couch and sleep in bed with us and think our house is really their house that they rent out to us. But they are ours and they make our family complete. They cuddle with me when I am sick and lick my face because they are so happy to see me. And they love me on my worst days and make me want to be a better person.
6. New clothes. There is just something about wearing a new outfit that brightens my day. And there is something about shopping that reminds me of how far I have come and how excited I am to continue my journey. I don't think material possessions are the ultimate. I know they aren't. But little presents for myself are so nice.
7. Casual date nights with my husband. I love getting dressed up and going out, but sometimes a quick dinner out (last night for pho) and then a movie at home are even better. Especially since we can then go to bed early.. like the old married couple we are.
8. Four day weekends. I know some of this weekend will be busy. We have a family dinner this afternoon and then visiting friends afterwards. But it's still four days away from the daily grind. I am planning on crafting, watching lots of Rules of Engagement on Netflix and not worrying about anything work related (determined not to check my work email at all this weekend). It's going to be glorious.

hello monday (week 5)

Hello, Monday.  It's a pretty well known fact that I am not your biggest fan. This week, however, I am happy to see you arrive. Your presence means I am only days away from a four-day weekend. I hope you are the start to a wonderful, short week. Please be good to me.

Hi, weekend. You were oh so much fun. I am hoping for more weekends like you in the near future. As much as I would like to move into The Skirvin Hotel, I think I will prefer celebrating you inside my very own home. Looking forward to (hopefully) moving and unpacking for an entire one of you soon.

Hello, left knee. I am pretty sure you hate me, and the feeling is quite mutual. I'm really sick of straining your muscles and falling after you give out on me. What can I do to get you to behave better? I really am willing to do anything. Here's to hoping the ice and muscle relaxers of Sunday help you to feel like a whole new knee (which is honestly probably what I need) over the next week.

Hi, new house. Thanks for letting me walk through you on Saturday. It's been so exciting, along with nerve wracking and overwhelming, to watch you come together. I loved getting to see your walls up and see all of our spaces defined. I'm pretty sure we have picked out your washer and dry now. Next we will be picking out a television and furniture. Can't wait to officially call you home and slowly (too slowly) furnish you!

Hello, husband. I loved getting away with you over the weekend. I think we should definitely do it again some time soon... after we settle into our new house of course. I'm always looking forward to our next adventures.

Hi, Weight Loss Wednesday. I haven't done a great job of meeting my goals this week. It's been partially due to injuries and partially due to laziness. I know the next few weeks will be hard with Thanksgiving and moving. But I know I can do this. I will be honest with my weigh-ins. There's no use in lying.

Hello, size 14 pants. I've wondered for a while when we would meet. And now we have. I am pretty sure I will only be wearing you for the next several daysweeks. Please don't shrink too much when I wash you.

Hi, Thanksgiving. Please don't tempt me too much with mashed potatoes, loaded sweet potatoes, turkey legs, or cheesecake. I really want to be good, so be as nice as possible. Please.

this weekend, i...

    

This weekend, I tripped and fell on Friday night thus hurting my knee. I iced it for a long time, took some motrin, and then half a muscle relaxer on Sunday. I appreciated the thoughtful text from my trainer. We didn't get to meet up, so I rested my knee as much as I could.

This weekend, I walked through our almost completed house. We have kitchen cabinets, tile floors, trim, and doors now. The house looks much bigger now with walls, and I'm excited (as well as a tad bit overwhelmed) that we'll soon be living here.

This weekend, I went shopping. I bought two new pairs of pants in a SIZE 14 (!!) and several shirts along with some comfortable Dr. Scholl's boots. Buying pants in a smaller size was a huge moment for me. I could hardly believe the 16s were too big for me.

This weekend, we stayed in a swanky hotel Saturday night. The getaway was much needed. A king size bed with no dogs to share? Always a welcome treat! We so needed the break and really loved acting like tourists in downtown OKC. I think more staycations may need to be in our future.

This weekend, we also met friends for dinner and drinks at Bricktown Brewery. There were beers and a mixed drink for the girls along with delicious hamburgers. After dinner and drinks, we watched the OKC Barons win and loved just how many fights happened on the ice. That's what hockey is all about!

This weekend, we finished our stay at the hotel with a delicious breakfast buffet. A made-to-order omelette, smoked salmon, fresh berries and pineapple, and some fresh cucumber and tomatoes (and some unpictured raspberry yogurt) was delicious.

This weekend, we also looked at furniture and appliances. We may have found a washer and dryer, a couch, and some other accent pieces. Nothing was purchased yet, but we are both excited to get everything moved into our house

The rest of our weekend will be filled with relaxing. We are both looking forward to a short work week and hopefully being fully moved into our new house in two short weeks!

thankful thursday (link up)

1. Manicures and pedicures. There's just something about looking down at my hands and seeing pretty polish that makes me happy. Same goes for my toes - even if they are covered up by socks and running shoes. At least I know there's pretty polish on my toenails.


after mary poppins!

2. Weekly (more like daily) text messages from our new home sales consultant. On Tuesday, she told me they would start texturing the walls, and on Wednesday, she told me that the tile, doors, and paint were delivered. Tiling of the house begins Thursday and all the doors to our house are officially locked. We are in the home stretch! (I also appreciate our realtor who is doing everything she can to move things along as well. We are blessed with all the help we have.)

3. Fancy date nights. We enjoyed an amazing dinner out last weekend followed by a live production of Mary Poppins. My feet were killing me after wearing cute shoes, but it was so worth it.

4. Name Your Own Price on Priceline.com. We got an amazing deal on a swanky hotel in downtown Oklahoma City for Saturday night, and we plan on enjoying the night away! I'm so excited for a mini-getaway. It will be our last one before closing on our house. We'll go out to dinner, watch the OKC Barons, and maybe have a few drinks. And also sleep in a bed without two dogs. Sunday morning we can enjoy a delicious breakfast out and then return to real life.

5. Emails, comments, facebook messages, etc. It means so much to me to get comments on posts I've written and emails from readers. Over the past week, I have been blown away by the number of people who have contacted me. It's reminded me of why I currently blog and why I continue to want to blog. It's also helped to inspire me to keep moving forward with weight loss and writing. I needed that extra inspiration and push.


my first homemad mesh ribbon wreath

6. Christmas decorations. I bought four stockings last weekend (one for me, one for my husband and two for our dogs) and a stocking holder. I have plans to make a stop by Hobby Lobby this weekend and look for more decorations and to get more materials to make wreaths. I'm ready for Thanksgiving to be over and for us to be moved into the house so I can decorate (almost) every square foot of it!

7. My in-laws. They have been incredibly gracious and loving with allowing us to live in their house. My father-in-law scraped ice off my car earlier this week, and it melts my heart to hear them talk to our dogs. It is obvious just how much they love them.. almost as much as we do though I think our dogs are becoming more partial to them. It might have to do with all the extra treats they get! I'm also excited that my sister-in-law shares me love of country music, Taylor Swift, and Twilight.

8. The weather. It's been chilly and sometimes freezing in the mornings, but this week, the sky has been clear at the end of the day and the temperatures have been sticking around in the 60s which is wonderful for fall. It also is great weather to build a house - which is exactly what we need and want!

9. And finally... I didn't gain any weight last week. Very thankful for that and very determined to lose weight over the next week!

high five for friday (link up)

1. Saturday night, we watched the Oklahoma City Barons play the Houston Aeros from amazing seats. The night was spent with friends, and I might just have a brand new favorite sport. Can't wait to watch the Barons again on the 17th!

2. Tuesday night we voted and spent time with our Community Group and answered 35 questions of the US Citizenship test. There was lots of laughter. I am so thankful for the friendships we have developed over the past several years.

3. Thursday night, I spent time at home following a day trip to Tulsa for work. We sat on the couch together, ate homemade turkey chili, and took pictures with one of our dogs. I'm currently enjoying Grey's Anatomy - with commercials (something I haven't done in months).

4. I'm starting a new book tomorrow with a girl friend of mine. I've spent so much time praying for deep, meaningful relationships with other girls. And I feel like right now is the time when those relationships are growing. I am beyond grateful to have friends who love me, listen to me, pray for me, and challenge me.

5. They began putting insulation into our house this week! This means we're moving forward with the process of our house and that closing may actually happen this month. I am so happy to finally live in a house that will keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer - especially after living in an old house that had next to no insulation.

weight loss wednesday (week 10)

Today’s Weight: 220 (This will be my LAST weigh-in with two 2s at the front!)

Total Loss: 45 pounds (I lost another TWO POUNDS this week!)...But I know I could have lost more. It's time to really start bringing in the calories consumed, I think.


What I craved this week: I didn't have any real cravings until Monday night. I limited the chocolate covered pretzels to 6 on Saturday night and ignored the tortilla chips and salsa on my plate that night for dinner. I also got a small ice cream from Marble Slab Saturday night instead of a medium (or a large...)

On Monday night, all I wanted was Chik-Fil-A for dinner. I had the calories left to eat, so I went ahead and splurged on chicken strips and waffle fries. I may have also splurged on ice cream from McDonald's as well.

And I DID NOT crave a diet coke! I drank water with my Chik-Fil-A, and it was delicious.

hello almost skinny face.

What I noticed was different about my body: I'm almost athletic now. I mentioned earlier how I was able to push myself more, but that became even more obvious when I went to the hardest spin class of my life on Saturday morning...and did everything the teacher instructed/asked of us. Also, I think (though I am a little pessimistic to fully believe it) my arms are more toned and slimmer. I think I am also shrinking in areas I don't really want to shrink in.

And finally, over the weekend, I bought new sports bras and new work-out capris in a size large. I've been a size XL (and also a size XXL) for so long that I never really saw myself as needing only a large. But after lots of loose sports bras and pants that almost fall down wile I run, I decided it was probably a good idea to get clothes that fit.

I'm not ready to wear a size large in regular clothes just yet. But I am getting there!

Workouts planned for this week: I made a work-out schedule over the weekend, and so far I have stuck to it - except for on Tuesday night. After a long, busy clinic and then voting, I decided to take my tired self and sore heel home for relaxing. I'm hoping to make it to the gym on Thursday morning instead.

Personal Goal(s) for this week: No eating lunch out for the work week! I have more calories left over for dinner (when I am the hungriest) when I take my own lunch. Plus it helps save money. I also want to continue to track everything - even when I go over my calorie goals. It's important for me to see and remember what I am putting into my body.

I need to work on limiting sweets. I love ice cream and frozen yogurt more than almost anything. And I will eat it every chance I get. The calories in frozen yogurt aren't awful, but I know it would be better if I limited my consumption of sweets (especially the frozen kind) even more. So I am hoping and planning to only have frozen sweetness a total of three times this week or less.

last week's calorie deficits

I'd also like to hit 20 minutes of vigorous activity twice over the next week. That really ups my calorie burn. I would also like to have three days next week with at least a 1200 calorie deficit.

Favorite Quote(s) for this week: "Fitness to me, isn't about a crunch or a push-up: It's about taking your power back. " - Jillian Michaels

"It's all about lifestyle change." - Bob Harper 

"Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan

What I'm looking forward to: Running. I want to be back in the game of running and training for another 5K. But I know I need to get this plantar fasciitis under control first...More spinning. Nothing pushes me quite like spin class, and I need that push...It reminds me how far I have really come.

And.. on a note unrelated to weight loss, I am looking forward to the outside of our new house being DONE. Rock gets hung Thursday! It will finally look like a real house then, and they can get to work on insulation, drywall, flooring, and all the other fun stuff.