Starting Again...Numbers

Just because I'm a numbers-kind-of-girl, I want to show why I'm not starting "over," but since I'm starting "AGAIN," it's still good to take a look at ALL the numbers, not just the number on the scale (which is an all-time bummer number usually).

90 Days ago:                               Day 1 of "Starting Again":

Weight: 194.4                             Weight:  187.6
% body fat: 42%                         % of body fat: 41.4
BMI: 33.4                                    BMI: 32.2 (next goal: 29. Gets me out of the "obese" classification)

Measurements:                              Measurements:
Neck: 13.5                                  Neck: 13.5
Chest: 41.5                                 Chest: 40.75
Waist: 38                                    Waist: 37
Hips: 46                                      Hips: 45.5
Thigh (L): 27                              Thigh (L): 26
Thigh (R): 27.5                           Thigh (R): 26.75
Calf (L): 16.5                              Calf (L): 16.25
Calf (R): 17                                Calf (R): 17
Arm (L): 14.5                             Arm (L): 14.5
Arm (R): 14.5                            Arm (R): 14

In the past 90-ish days, I've lost (more than) 6.8 lbs. (The reason why I've lost "more" is because at one point in time, I was up to 198 lbs.!)  And I've lost 4.75 inches.

My endurance (primarily jogging/running) is much better!  I've been able to make "the right choice" 80 % of the time, and my portion sizes are MUCH SMALLER.  I'm thinking about what I'm eating. 

I've also had soda only ONCE this calendar year (2012), and I stay away from artificial flavors, sweetners, etc.  I drink a TON of water, and pee a TON.  (What goes in, must come out after all!)

90 days ago (January 2012):                                                                                       Today - April 2012:

90 days ago (January 2012):                                                              Today - April 2012:

I don't see much in the way of changes here, but then again, I'm my worst critic.  Next 90 days, though...WATCH OUT!  I'm on fire! :)

Starting AGAIN - Day 1

Why "Starting AGAIN" vs. "Starting OVER?"  Because I'm NOT starting OVER.  I'm not where I was 86+ days ago.  I'm not where I wanted to be at day 86, but I'm not where I was at Day 1 either. 

...so I'm starting AGAIN....

And so far, it's a good start.  Why not start tomorrow?  Why not start on Monday? 

My question is.... Why NOT today?

Every time I start "tomorrow" or "Monday," that gives me time to binge, not work out, etc.  I oftentimes wonder what new contestants do once they find out they've been selected for the show: do they start on their journey that minute?  Or do they pig out and wait for that first weigh in to be a doozy?  Well, not only is this not the Biggest Loser (which I DO love), but this is real life and I'm constantly on this journey.  So I choose to "start again" daily, choice by choice, minute by minute.

However, today marks "Day 1" for a reason.  I am putting my priorities back into place.  I started today with my devotionals - as I should.  I worked out already this morning - as I should.  And later, I'm going to spend time with my children after work.  Granted, it's going to be while grocery shopping, but WHY NOT?  (And yes, hubby fits in there too, but he's working late tonight.)

Workout:
Treadmill - 48 minutes, 428 calories

I expected this workout to be "eh."  After all, it's been over a week since I've done anything resembling a "workout."  But for the first part, it was ok!  Not stellar, but not bad either.  Actually felt really good to get back into things again. 

I would have liked to gone OUT for a run, but I needed to fit in what I could - I still have a house to take care of and 6 hours at work today.  So my goal with "starting AGAIN" is to aim for at least 10 minutes a day.  More, if I can.  Why 10 minutes?  Because it sounds so SMALL (ie "reasonable") and it works with my Tony Horton 10-Minute Trainers.

Nutrition:
Goal: 1,200 - 1,550
Calories consumed: 1801

Ouch not a very good start to day one (calorie-wise).  And no excuses; I was craving Taco Bell.  I should have just eaten what I had packed. 

On a brighter note, I got to try the new Tropical Shakeology.  Oh my gosh!  My favorite yet!  I love it!

On another bright note, at work today I met another SparkPeople person, Sheree.  It's nice to meet a local that has similar health goals.  She's an RN in the area, and we have kids the same age (and a Christian)!  So maybe we can get together, encourage each other on and work towards our goals together.  I bet she'd LOVE shakeology... hmmm....

Starting over...looking back AND looking forward...

I'm frustrated with my current life situation, and something needs to change.

Right now I'm juggling 3 jobs which I promised myself I would never do again once I became a teacher, I'm barely being a mom and slightly more of a wife than a mom.  I'm never home, and even when I am HOME, I'm not "here."   I'm either on the computer doing work, or my mind is on work.  WHY?  Why did I volunteer for this?

JOB #1 - Teacher:  This position is a private school job.  I get paid about 1/3 of what I got as a public school teacher, which leads me to feel GUILTY that I'm not financially pulling my weight.  Also, this job ends June 8th (with the school year), as does my pay.  (Public school teachers have their salary stretched across all 12 months, mine does not.)

JOB #2 - Retail clerk at the local bible bookstore - Ok, I have to admit, I LOVE this job!  NOTHING to take home - when I clock out, I am DONE!  The pay is slightly above minimum wage, and I love working with people.  The hours currently are ok - I work when hubby is at work except a couple hours on Thurs. pm he beats me home (which he's not happy about).  But I got this job in preparation for summer when I needed a job.  Any hours I was getting right now was supposed to be padding our savings account for the summer, but a recent oversight in our checking account just whiped out the couple of hundred I had (so-far) saved up. Crap.

JOB #3 - Daycare Manager - Our private school was conjoined to a daycare, both owned by my boss (principal).  She was selling the daycare (too much stress), and the new owner hired me for 5 hrs a wk to do the schedule, menus and just check in since I was teaching on sight.  The "new owner" bowed out of the deal this past week, and now my boss-boss wants to keep me on...but I'm doing so much MORE than just 5 hours.  And this was also to be worked into the summer.  The stress is already killing me: will she keep the daycare, or close the doors?  What about the summer program?  Staffing concerns? etc., etc.  I honestly want OUT of this job: I don't get paid enough for the stress of managing.  But I need the income...

Why is all of this included in my HEALTH blog?  Because STRESS is a #1 killer among women.  All of us type-A, kick-ass and take name later women are killing ourselves.  Not only do I not have time for my family (my #1 priority), but I don't have time for myself, to eat healthy or workout.

NOT COOL. NOT ACCEPTABLE.

I need a change.

First, I have to remember to rely on my Lord, Jesus Christ to bring me through this: lean on Him.  He will give me His PEACE, and HE will provide.  I need to pray about what direction He wants me to go in.  I don't believe it's His will to have me be so stressed out and stretched from one end to another, and ignore the basic needs of my family.

What now?  Well, I'm going to get off this blasted computer and do what I need to do for me right now: go for a run....

...to be continued...

Day 86 - trying to find "normal" again...

Oh my gosh, can this week just start OVER?  Nevermind...I'd rather fast forward....

My life has NOT been focused on weight loss AT ALL.  On Monday I accepted Job #3.  Which at this time was simply to start taking over a management position at the day care that is next door to the school I teach at.  I was supposed to work about 5 hrs a week - mostly just going over to the center, checking on things, making staff schedules and lunch/snack menus.  No big deal, right?  Once again, it's in preparation for summer when my full time teaching job is done, and I'm in need of income.  By June the boss planned to have me on full time as manager.

Well, that all sounded fine...I was busy prepping for the staff meeting that was to be today (to announce the change), when the boss dropped the bomb on my principal:  she's no longer going to buy the daycare from her (the school owner).  My boss/boss (principal) is DEVISTATED.  She was so tired of all these "hats" she was wearing, and was looking forward to just having a normal teacher-like summer.  Now she has to deal with all this, and because I stepped into this role this week, I'm literally stepping in "IT."  This is no longer going to be 5-ish simple hours.  I've got to basically "sell" the idea back to my boss to continue this thing through. 

However, my first thought (when she considered closing the doors when the school year ended) was actually relief!  Managing a daycare is NOT what I really want to do - been there, done that!  The stress is super-crazy!  I frankly took the job because we need the income - I can't be without full time work in the summer, and I know my little retail position at the Christian bookstore won't be enough.

I just have to keep looking to God and pray that he gives me peace from the stress, and the strength to lean on Him.

Speaking of stress...it's killing me again.  And if I let it, it's going to continue to affect me not only at work, but follow me home.  I can't let it.  My husband just stared at me while I was on the phone most of the evening, and tried to be of comfort.  Exercise is non-existant because I'm so exhausted, and eating is sporatic at times, and not carefully planned.

Something needs to change....

Day 85 - back from our SHORT vacation!

Me, my hubby Dan and his son Matt
At Olive Garden.  Hubby and I shared a meal yay for both of us!

Oh my GOSH I am SOOOOO tired today!  And today is NOT the day to be tired!  It's a busy week - the week before spring break, and I have report cards to get out, my son has 2 track meets AND a band concert tomorrow, and I think I'm getting Job #3 today.... *sigh* 

Can I go back to bed?

Nutrition:
Goal: 1,200 - 1,550
Calories consumed: 1130

Hubby and I - at the site where we took our "first pictures" about a year ago.

Day 83 & 84 - going to TC to see Tim Hawkins!

Day 83

Well, per Stacey-usual, I can't sleep!  Hubby and I stayed up late to watch a movie together, and I thought FOR SURE that would make me tired enough to allow me to sleep a full night without a sleep aid.

NOPE

Not only did I have a hard time FALLING asleep, but at 4am, my eyes opened, and that was that.  When I have a lot on my mind, (which, frankly is most of the time), I have a hard time sleeping, it's nuts.  I just can't shut my brain off!  So since we're leaving for TC today, I thought I'd post yesterday's blog, check email, do a few household chores before we rolled out of town.  *sigh*  I guess it's good that I got up.

Today we're heading to my hometown.  I'm excited, but at the same time, I'm worried we're going to try to shove too much into 2 days worth.  So many family wants to see us - we were JUST THERE about 1.5 months ago!  But I guess that's a good problem to have.  It's going to feel odd to be in my hometown and not staying with family.  For the first time EVER - I'm staying in a HOTEL in my hometown.  Partly because it's not just me, hubby & my kids.  We were planning to take both of Dan's kids as well, but the Princess "opted out."  (We always give our kids the chance to "opt-out" of some family situations.  The Princess felt as if she couldn't behave herself for these two days.  So sad, really.  She's going to be missing out!  But frankly, we don't want to deal with her attitude, so - secretly - I'm a bit glad she did.)  So it's more people going, and we wanted to get a hotel with bfast and a pool (for children-entertainment purposes).  This crew can EAT, so getting a "free" bfast is a money saver for us!

Anyway, we're going for the purpose to see Tim Hawkins.  He's a Christian comedian, and frankly, even if you're NOT a Christian, he's HILLARIOUS!  Check him out on YouTube or http://www.timhawkins.com/  I can't wait to see him LIVE tonight!  I'm also hoping that he has a new DVD we'll be able to buy and bring home.

But my nervousness is about the food.  (ALWAYS, THE FOOD!)

My husband is PUMPED because TC has restaurants that we don't have here at home: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, etc.  We don't have the time (or money!) to try them all, but I know he's excited.  I'm SCARED!  At home I can control what is IN my food, AND the portions!  I want to be able to LIVE but not OVERDO.

Day 84

The concert was AWESOME!  I had a great time with family, and even got to bring a friend from our old youth group with us.  We had such a good time!

We got to visit a lot of family as well - my mom's sister, my dad's brother & his wife and my brother and his family.  The only person we really didn't get to see that we normally do is my dad.  Apparently, he's been really battling a lot with his diabetes, and I have a cold, so he was afraid of catching it and sending his blood sugar out of whack.  I guess he's been really having a hard time lately with that.  I'm not so sure that's the FULL story, but it kept us from meeting up.

Anyway, so we've been up late the last 2 nights, and I'm exhausted.  My hubby bought me the new nook tablet, and I'm so appreciative of it!  I'm already getting frustrated with it, so I'm not so sure how much I love it just yet....  I already had a first generation nook (e-reader), and I love my (original) nook, but I'm used to iTouch applications as far as a tablet/itouch goes, so we'll see.

That's it for now - more to come later, I'm sure.

Day 82

Workout:
Treadmill: 1 hr, 47 min., 980 calories (WOW! - That shocks even me!)


I hit my miles per week goal (goal: 12, I've done 13) as well as number of minutes.  But I'm 200 calories short of the amount I want to burn for the week.  I'm hoping that I get an opportunity tomorrow to do something, but I'm not going to beat myself up if I can't. 

Nutrition:
Goal: 1,200 - 1,550
Calories consumed:  1437

MY HUBBY IS THE BEST!
He knows that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Red Lobster's coconut shrimp.  LOVE it!  But however much shrimp is good for you, the way they make their all-too-famous dish is NOT.  It's fried.  Just leave it at that.  So anyway, he's been searching for a recipe makeover, and he FOUND ONE!  Oh my gosh, it was SO good!  I will admit, it wasn't quite the same, but frankly, it was good enough NOT to care!   And yes, I completely overdid it!  I ate 10 of those buggers!  But I stayed in range for calories and said "no thanks" to the coffeecake later that night.  How's THAT for livin'?

Recipe for Coconut Shrimp (baked) can be found here: Oven-Baked Coconut Shrimp

I don't know what's been going on with my body lately, but I've been weighing myself every day, and over the last 4 days I've been losing an average of a lb. every 2 days.  Granted, it's only been 4 days total, but that's more weight lost in the last 4 days than I've lost in WEEKS! 

I'm hoping that with trying to manage my stress, regular workouts and watching my intake (gee, aren't those the 3 keys to weight loss???) I'll continue to lose.  Probably not always at this pace, although that would be nice!

The only thing that I can think of that I've been doing "differently" is actually apple cider vinegar.  Ok, sounds a little hokey, but I've been told about all the "wonderful properties" of acv.  I know it really helps in the bath to sooth muscles (pulls out the lactic acid), and it was suggested to my hubby for his stomach problems.  Well, he tried it once, and never did it again!  (It does taste like vinegar - duh - and it "burnt" going down for him....)  I put it in my "morning drink" each day.  I have a 10 oz bottle that I put in a pack of vitamin C (Emergen-C, 1000mg), a tsp of metamuscil (I don't get enough fiber), and 1-2 TB of acv.  Maybe it's doing the trick?  I dunno, but I'm going to keep on doing it - I'm down another .3 lbs just from yesterday!  If it's not broken, don't fix it!