Thirteen quirky questions floating around in my head~

1. Why have I not started the Rosetta stone French 1 that is sitting on my office floor. (I took French in HS and thought I would see what I remember from those few classes I made it to.)

2. Why is it when you go for a haircut and tell them not to do this or that, they do it anyway? I always leave with shorter hair than I intended. Good thing it grows fast.

3. Why are people in their late twenties and early thirties getting Botox and that other junk? I know people that have these parties at their homes and find it disturbing. The fountain of youth until your face falls off from all that poison! These same people also never looked shocked or surprised.

4. Why do our favorite musical artist always take so long to release new music?

5. I actually ate a hamburger after over a year of not touching beef. I am still so not interested in the pork. I am disappointed I ate the beef, but it seemed to have helped the strange bruising I was having, or it's all in my head.

6. My puppy has severe ball addiction, enough that she sleeps by one or has one in her line of vision at all times. I wonder...do they have rehab for puppies? It is like a sick addiction she even gets all glassy eyed.

7. Why do they years go by so much faster as we get older, but can't wait for them to come when we are younger? I am glad this year is almost over, but am wondering just where it went.

8. Why is it all my good healthy magazines have all these cake recipes in them? How is that good for my new way of life? Now I have to make the apple cake, the apple upside down cake and the apple and cranberry pie. Look what they have started and I don't normally bake.

9. This morning I sat in my silly sock monkey pajama's and watched my new workout DVD, some how I convinced myself that I was burning calories just from anticipation of when I will actually do this workout. I wonder how many other people just watch their workout DVDs?

10. Why is it when I see something I may want to own at the store, go home, think about it, go back, and it is always gone? Sometimes just a few hours later? This is the story of the maroon hoodie. Two hours later, they had four.

11. Why is Wal-mart so insistent on dominating the market? We will have 4 in about a five mile radius in a couple months. Over saturation and I hate that store, why couldn't it be Target?

12. Why is it my to do list keeps getting longer and my time shorter?

13. Why are success and failure so often used together? I find that daunting.

Things I am into right now

Things I am into right now~

1. Whole Foods custom made California rolls (no avocado) with brown rice. 250 calories for 8 pieces, maybe less since that is with avocado and 14 grams or protein.

2. Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater, I won this off A Passion for books blog. Thanks, Maria. I have got nothing done today. :)


3. Justin's Organic Almond/peanut butter squeeze packs in honey. 7 grams of protein and enough to ward of hunger and hypoglycemia. They are fifty nine cents at Whole Foods.

4. My puppy, Ruby. She is leaving hard parts of puppy hood and finding her personality. For instance, she loves Ellen Degeneres and cocks her head left to right though the whole show. She also took to her leash quickly, which has been great. Now if she would just lean to love the car. She is now over 50 pounds and I often still have to lift her in. Baby steps.


5. Working on my products for walkers, runner's and everyone in between. I never knew finding the right containers could be so hard and rewarding.

6. The fall weather and the smells that it brings. All my fall candles are out, my wreath is up and I am loving the cool evenings.

7. Fall cleaning my house-it has to be done. I even shampooed my vehicle and it looks great. It is the little things that make me happy.

8. Core Fusion-thighs & glutes DVD

9. Amazon.com-this is my new late night addiction. This is why it's hard to lose weight, we never ever have to leave the house again. Everything we could possible need can be purchased on the net. I bet you could even buy fresh air.

10. Ginger peach black tea.

11. The new Leona Lewis song Happy

12. Stories my niece has to share about the trials and work of a Kindergartner. At five years old I sometimes think she has the drama and comedic timing of a teenager.

13. Recreating some of my favorite recipes to be healthier and looking forward to busting out the crock pot for the winters months.

13 things that have nothing to do with anything

I am sick of the gloomy weather, I am not a fan of summer, but would like to experience some of it this year. Clouds and rain don’t make for great hikes. Neither does extreme heat but some sunshine would be nice, just not a lot of heat.

I am in a rut and can’t get out…I’m stuck in all things life.

My petunias are growing fast and large, thanks to the rain. I bought the one that fall over the planter and can’t wait for them to get bigger. They are vibrant and pretty.

Puppies are like toddlers, always going. They make good walking companions until they get tired and just rollover and rest in the grass. Very Entertaining!

I keep reminding myself-21 days makes a habit, I will start tomorrow. It has been over 21 days of me saying that, so, I guess that is the new habit.

Even if I stay up until 2:00 am, I always wake at 5:15, what gives? Could be the new puppy…


I hate cottonwood trees; they are trying to kill me, Really! Allergies galore.

I discovered on my walks hoards of these big mud huts that looked like huge bee hives, it turns out they are Swallows and should one disturb their homes under the bridge it is like and Alfred Hitchcock scene. This is the first year I have ever encountered them and there are thousands per bridge. I know nothing about them other than they fly low and feed their young at about 7:30 pm.


I have a stack of book as high as my hip that I have not read, yet, I keep buying more books to add to the pile.

I have been planning on this great arm workout program for months and have yet to start it.

I had to cancel my summer getaway but plan on going canoeing in Frisco as soon as we have some decent weather in the mountains. It is so pretty and peaceful up there.

I still want to try rollerblading and learn to golf. I think I will sign up for the free lesson at my course today!

I am still blaming the Ghrelin for my weight gain and set backs…bad hormone.

13 Rewards I have given myself

Pedicure and new OPI polish

New walking outfit and socks

Cool new flip flops

A hair color and some B &B shampoo/Conditioner

Skinny vanilla latte (we have not seen summer yet in these parts)

Workout DVD

A facial

A movie

Cooling foot spray for after my long walks

Coconut shower gel

Half fat butterscotch malt ( it was worth that extra walk)

A few new books

A chemical free sunscreen

13 thirteens

Motivation is something you create yourself not something you wait to get. It is a reason for doing. This is mighty wisdom from my fitness people~

Body Imagine-There are some people in this world that are rather large yet have great self esteem and are happy with their bodies, or so they say. I think I have had a bad body imagine since I was a kid. I think, in my case and that of my friends it stems from childhood, before all the magazines we read to make it worse~

Ghrelin- a hormone in our gut that they now claim could be the reason why some of us can’t fight temptation when it is right in front of us. It apparently sends signals to our brains saying EAT IT NOW! I’ll buy that for now, until they have another theory. Anything is possible~

Crunches- They work and they work well, when all else fails and all the gadgets on TV get boring or don’t look so thrilling, remember all the “old school” gym exercises when gym class, they will never go out of style. Same goes for push ups~

DVD’s, Fitness bands and a good pair of walking shoes can be as good as any gym…and it’s free.~

Set a time- I have a hard time following this rule. No food after 6 or 7 pm. Close the kitchen down. People I know that follow this rule have greater success than I have had, sometimes it is just mindless eating at 10 pm and that is no good ~

Freebies- With the economy in a slump and wanting to save money there are a lot of perks. Like: Two week-one month free trail memberships to some good gyms, trainers who offer one free session, this is a great way to learn proper form so you can do it on your own. I had a free consult from a nutritionist and dietician that was recommended to be from the natural living department of what is now Whole Foods. It is nice to get a collective opinion on all the good options and ideas out there. Local rec center sometimes have freebies as well ~

Rewards- I use to reward myself for levels of pounds lost and then stopped, well I have started again and must say getting to that five pound loss was a pedicure waiting. Bringing back rewards, be it, a book or a spa treatment is like a mini trophy of success in motion ~

Living- Women in Japan live the longest; the claims are because they eat so much soy and drink green tea daily. Women in France have the least hart attacks of any country because they drink wine. Who knew? It was in a magazine I read. I don’t like soy, green tea or red wine; I think I’m in trouble ~

Routine-A routine is great to have when changing your lifestyle, but that also includes being good to ourselves on every level, not just diet and exercise. Setting aside time just to breath and read, or 5 minutes every morning and evening to lotion up your body are great ways of just appreciating yourself. I once saw a woman on Oprah who moisturized every morning and night without fail and she was in her 70’s and look late 40’s and swore it was from taking good care of her skin, it is our largest organ, so why not? ~

Vitamin D- It is stated that 77% of all Americans are Vitamin D deficient. When I was at a doctor’s appointment with my husband recently they suggested he start taking 800-1200 IU’s a day in addition to what ever sun he gets and what is in his multi. My friend the GP also recommends a supplement since being low in D can cause all kinds of heath problems. So this household is now on D. Back in the day they use to worry about toxicity but I read it would take 10,000 IU everyday for at least 6 months before you would be toxic. Think about D! ~

Why is it- Whenever a person is losing weight, changing their lifestyle there is always someone or two there to bring you down, find the negatives and just not be supportive? I recently had company that complained I was acting to “healthy”. I think people fear change in their friend’s and get jealous and that is why. That is my take anyway. I guess I would rather act too healthy than too lazy~

The Battle- I think even when I get to my ideal weight or the weight I am comfortable with I will still feel fluffy. I think when gaining a good amount of weight and being a dieter most of your life, even when there was no need (if I could go back for a day) it all lies in the whole self esteem issue. I think this will be a battle the rest of my life, the thing about not being 16 anymore is I can handle the battle and look at it as a challenge and lifestyle and not the DIE-T. I don’t care what others think of me, but I do care what I think of me…and one day I hope to change my perception of me, and think of my self as a conqueror of many things.

Mistakes I have been making

I never drink enough water no matter how hard I try

I under estimate calories sometimes

When I hit an unhealthy patch I justify it in some way

I have an all or nothing attitude towards exercise and that can be a big problem

I don’t give myself credit for what I have done

I don’t get enough protein

I forget to eat and then eat bad things to stop the hypoglycemia feeling (sugar)

I have a long list of things I want to try but never get around to it

I get obsessive about weighing in, hence the reason for hiding the scale

I stopped rewarding myself

Calories in calories out, it is as simple as that…now if I would just get back to burning off the extra calories like I use to.

Negative self talk is forever swirling in my head

Forgetting I only have this one body and one chance to treat it right and give it the respect it deserves, for myself and the people that care about me.

13 good diet tips to try and follow

Drink plenty of calorie free liquid- (water is best as it cleans our systems). Liquid is important. Sometimes being dehydrated makes us eat more.

Think about what you can add to your diet, not just take away- Great in season fresh fruit and vegetables or a handful of walnuts instead of that snickers bar. Even a protein shake smoothie with your favorite fruit and not a Frap from Strarbucks. Try something new every week, something you have read about or is out of your comfort zone, you just may be suprised. I know I have been.

Consider whether you’re really hungry-Being bored, sad or just mindless eating can pack on those extra calories we forget we had. Sometimes I am just thirsty or bored.

Add spices and mustards- I save a lot of calories and fat by spicing things up or using mustard and not mayo or butter. Bad Byron’s Butt rub is good on veggies, meat, potatoes and has just enough kick to be pleasing and not overbearing. I use it in place of the bad stuff.

Eat a protein at every meal- I find if I do this I stay full longer and crave less of the bad carbs. My goal is 75 grams a day, I don’t normally make it, but I shoot for it daily. I notice a really big difference in how I feel and weigh loss when I get enough protein. Again, I am chucking the bad carbs and think that has something to do with it too.


Eat several mini meals - If I do this then my “furnace” as Al called it is always running and burning and I don’t get hungry and tend not to eat a lot of junk. It has been a hard thing for me to get use to but is very useful when I can do it. Sometimes packing the meals and snacks ahead of time works the best for me.


Don’t make dinner your “big” meal- When I don’t do mini meals, I make sure my breakfast or lunch is my biggest meal of the day. Then for dinner I will have a cup of soup and piece of cheese or some fruit and cottage cheese and tea. I have been told you need the bulk of your calories to keep you going in the morning and throughout the afternoon. I found this made sense and started using this practice on my husband on the weekends.

Use a smaller plate- I use a really cute brunch type salad plate for my meals and that way I am not overloading on a huge dinner plate. It seems to hold the right portion sizes and works out great. I also like having my own special pretty plate.

Eat slowly- I have yet to master this. For some reason I eat at warp speed and then my brain doesn’t have enough time to register if it is full. I have been trying to really taste what I am eating and enjoy it. Set it aside for a couple minutes and then continue. When I actually do this I eat much less. Sadly, all this great advice can be hard to follow and sometimes I forget to eat and am so famished I just inhale. I am making it a mental practice to eat slowly especially when I eat out.

Eating out- If something comes with fries or a potato, I swap it for steamed veggies, a side salad or skip the unhealthy side all together. Sometimes I just order off the children’s menu since it has smaller portions. I also get a to go container and set aside half of what I have to go right away. Many places are more than happy to accommodate and now have much healthier choices.

Never Banish- There are many foods I try not to eat anymore, mostly processed ones and really sugary desserts and things like that. Never say never! Once you mark it banished it is like you have to have it. So, it is always good to treat yourself to something you enjoy on occasion. When I do this, I try to not do it at home. Having pie or anything like that in the house is setting myself up for temptation. It’s a nice treat to just go share a piece of pie and coffee with someone, so why bother with temptation. I do think it is important to have some of the things I know I shouldn’t. After all life should be enjoyable.

Lifestyle change not a diet- A diet is temporary and never has long lasting results. So, I am thinking of this as a lifestyle change, it is something I plan to do for life, not just to get to a certain size. I think the word Diet should be banished. Die-t, like to die from starvation and lack of control with a T on the end.

Be active- It is so important to be physically active, even if it is just a walk to the end of the street and back. The benefits are far greater than losing some unwanted weight. The mental clarity alone is worth it. I slack sometimes on the grand workouts, but never miss a walk and that is the one thing that has helped my sanity, and given me time just for myself, and the one thing I am proud that I kept doing no matter how many set backs I have put on myself. Even running up and down my stairs gives me a boost. Being active is rewarding and your body and mind deserve it, you deserve it.

13 Favorite cheat meals or treats

Fettuccini Alfredo

Eggplant Parmesan

Jimmy John’s turkey Tom with extra sprouts on whole grain

Brunch-The wonderful waffles or french toast, blintzes....ahhh!

Peking chicken and cream cheese wantons

Any kind of good bread

Strawberry Rhubarb pie

Cranberry walnut oatmeal cookies

Two pieces of Original New York Pizza

Red Robin BBQ chicken wrap with fries

Chik Fil A #1

Butterscotch malt

Twix

13 Ramblings

It is a fact the eating to fast will make you gain more weight, your body doesn’t have enough time to register with your brain that it’s full, and some of us will just keep going.

Mindless eating happens more than it should in my world, I eat things with out evening thinking about how much or why I just ate them.

Just because it says Vitamin water doesn’t mean it’s good for you, that is 100 + calories out of my diet I just drank. Not good. They have, however, come out with a tasty 10 calorie version that I am loving- without that icky aspartame or Splenda.

Drinking just double what I normally do (not what they wish I would) has made me eat less, but oddly enough has made me thirstier.


I am an all or nothing kind of girl, so if I feel like I have fallen off my routine or healthful ways-I sometimes just keep going until the next day. What I need to do is stop viewing it as a “Health Crime” and get back to the Rehab plan on my next meal or snack. One slip up doesn’t justify a Food Crime spree.

Normally very driven by stress or fear I have found the exact opposite to be true lately and have been slacking on all things in my life. I have no idea why that has changed but it is adding more stress just thinking about all the things I have let go. Including- my previous great exercise routine.

My five year old niece can do Yoga better than I can and has shared with me that it makes her healthy and she knows this because she can feel her heart beating. If I only had the wisdom of her five year old self and the discipline!

After giving up caffeine in large doses in 2003, I have found myself drinking coffee and overindulging in caffeine lately. Normally it is just one black iced tea. I find if I drink to much caffeine I eat like crap. I have no idea why, but know this to be true. I always thought it suppressed the appetite, not so in my case.

I won my first ever contest from another blog. I am still overly excited. It is Dr. Kracker products. http://www.drkracker.com/
I won five boxes of original and one of a new flavor, I believe. I am excited as this will make a healthy snack and I love to try something new. The best part is….I won!!!

I had stopped taking pretty much all my supplements for the sake of being lazy and there were so many. I have started again and it has only been three days, but I think I feel the difference. Maybe the nutritionist and trainer really do know something.

I think standing naked in front of a full length mirror or any mirror for that matter is one scary wake up call. It can also lead to depression and a world of “How did I let this happen”? What if, , why, and I should of…

Since I mentally beat myself up on a regular basis (It is now just habitual) it is nice to have a husband that see’s things from a different prospective, and still after all these years and this awful weight gain he thinks he is a lucky man. He is my biggest cheerleader, and yes, he is a keeper!


This week I made pesto chicken breast with South Beach potatoes (pureed cauliflower with butter and parmesan cheese) it was one of the best dinner’s we have had in a long time, it was healthy and a hit. Why didn’t I think of it before? And who knew my husband would eat green looking chicken. I am excited that spring is sort of here and summer is on its way. Some of the best healthy foods come off my grill.

13 things I am finding frustrating this week

I am frustrated I can’t find the motivation I need/or had (must have left it somewhere!)

I am frustrated pastries are EVERYWHERE and I love them

I am frustrated the weather keeps going from nice to cold/windy and snowy

I am frustrated I can’t seem to stick with my program this week

I am frustrated that I fear the Easter buffet

I am frustrated I can visualize myself doing my 100 crunches, but just don’t do them

I am frustrated that I need to lose more than the ten pounds my friend is battling

I am frustrated that I can gain a pound quicker than losing one

I am frustrated that I am always so self conscious

I am frustrated that monthly hormones give me crazy cravings

I am frustrated that I just can’t seem to drink the amount of water my body needs daily

I am frustrated that quick fixes don’t exist

I am frustrated that I put myself in this unhealthy state

13 Words I associate with my weight-loss journey

Frustration

Perseverance

Movement

Determination

Failure

Exhausting

Stressful

Doubt

Potential

Drive

Sweat

Change

Success

13 goals I am working on fitness/general

Tank Top arm by June (or at least feel comfortable enough to wear one)

Lose twenty pounds or more by June

Actually read the book I have on golfing for women, and using my free golf course

Give rollerblading a try

Really finding a routine that works and not going back and fourth

Stop judging myself so harshly all the time

Really take the private yoga sessions with my friend

Experiment with some of the other great trails by my house

Pop in my Rosetta Stone Italian and get to learning something new

Try not to see the negative and find a positive in it when I do

Be grateful for what I have accomplished and just having the capabilities to keep going

Go sledding this week if we really get a lot of snow (a good workout climbing those hills)

Actually finish my basement gym and then use it

13 songs on my walking play list this week

Back in Black-AC/DC

Fergalicious- Fergie

Suddenly I see – KT Tunstall

I can’t get no (satisfaction)- The Rolling Stones

Sexyback- Justin Timberlake

Seven Nation Army- The White Stripes

Bittersweet- Big head Todd & monsters

The way you move- Big Boi

Woodstock- Alice Smith

Imagine- John Lennon

As- Stevie Wonder

Golden- Jill Scott

Beautiful day- U2

13 Things I have done this week

Injured myself
Walked 3+ miles everyday
Drank more liquids
Worked out with a DVD
Forgotten to eat all day (never a good idea)
Ignored my eat within 30 minutes of waking rule/routine
Ate a lot of veggies and watermelon
Lost another pants size (whooohoo)
Broke a good sweat at least three times this week
Remembered to stretch in the morning
Discovered pumpkin granola is really good with yogurt
Had a massage last night (not the relaxing kind, the I need it kind)
Am on my way for a pedicure right after this post

13 Things I have or am learning about myself

I am stronger than I thought

I have more will power than I imagined

When ever you make changes not every one is on board or happy for you, and I don’t care

Regret and bad self talk will not shrink my butt or tone my abs, but could talk me into garlic bread

Eating one dessert will not kill me or make me gain 5 pounds, but 3 might!

That much like a child- I work well with a reward system

I am more competitive than I thought

Lack of exercise and bad food days are going to happen, but that is no reason to EVER quit

Taking the stairs, parking at the end of a large parking lot really is a good thing, even in the cold (I move quicker in the cold)

I do better with a planned out routine

I have learned to appreciate all that my body can do (still a work in progress)

I am learning that weaknesses are not failures, just room for improvements and little notes to self

I have a lot left to learn as it is a never ending process, so I may as well enjoy the ride

13 reasons I am starting love exercise

The rush and energy I have when it’s over
A slightly tighter rear
The inches I lost with out knowing it
The muscle definition coming back, especially in my stomach
Lowering my risk of heart disease and other diseases
Because I do it for me and no one else- it is my time
Pushing myself to go farther and longer every so often and being amazed I did it
Compliments from my neighbors, friends and my everyday fellow trail people
I feel Stronger
Sometimes the scale reads the same, but my jeans tell a different story
It lowers my anxiety and stress levels
The biggest reason I am learning to love it is; I can’t and won’t live with the alternative

13 things I can't wait to wear

A swimsuit (I just won’t wear one now)
Matching bra and panty set (that actually looks good)
A summer dress
Shorts
A tank top (in public)
Fitted Tee’s
My favorite clothes that are hidden away
My skinnier jeans
My black suit
My favorite Adidas workout track suit
Something off the rack the says size 6, 9 anything with one number
Sexy pajama’s (that really look sexy, not just in my head)
I really can’t wait to wear some more confidence and self esteem

13 Healthly snacks I like to eat

1. Multigrain oatmeal with cranberries
2. A wedge of light laughing cow cheese
3. A handful of walnuts
4. A handful of sea salted almonds (my favorite)
5. Apple slices with almond butter
6. A slice of Ezekiel toast with natural peanut butter
7. A cup of chicken broth seasoned with garlic and pepper and spinach leaves
8. Two sesame Wasa crackers with humus
9. Two Dalmas
10. One cup mixes fruit (blueberries and strawberries)
12. English cucumber slices with no cal spritz sesame dressing
13. Chocolate protein shake with frozen cherries
14. String cheese