Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tanning makes you Thin!
WEDNESDAY
So yesterday wasn't bad. I had a pretty good day food wise and got in two exercise sessions - one at boot camp and one at home on the Wii Fit - my new obsession. It was the first time I've gotten on it since the Michigan trip, and of course it was last night after dinner, so I wasn't surprised with the bouncy little scale was sad that I had gained 4 lbs since my last visit. I expect it to go down as the week progresses. I had fun though and did a good number of yoga, strength and cardio workouts along with the fun balance games it has. I've unlocked a new balance game that I cannot manage to beat yet. Which is good I guess, I'd get bored if I could beat them all immediately, but this one is just frustrating me! Oh well - makes it that more of a challenge I guess.
This morning's boot camp was killer. It's the last week of the month session, so they're really trying to kick our butts, knowing we're stronger than we were when we started. And boy did they. They had a guest trainer from the Atlanta boot camp, and he was crazy strong. Very motivating though, and a killer work out that I felt great about afterwards. After my shower and 90 minute power nap before work, I was actually sore already. Now that might be a combination of yesterday's long run for boot camp, last nights WiiFit strength training AND this morning's butt kicking, but either way, I'm glad. I like being this kind of sore - makes me know it's working.
So hopefully this scale will continue to creep back down this week. I knew I'd done a good bit of damage over the weekend with the Michigan trip. Good news is the only other travel plans this summer before wedding stuff starts is a short trip over 4th of July weekend to see my family. That gives me all of June with no travel, no big weekend party plans, and a good time to really see some progress on the scale/strength meters. I'm looking forward to it!
So my tanning contract expired last week and I decided to wait until after the MI trip to renew it. I did so this morning and after some difficulties with the new staff member who put me in the wrong bed, I got 15 minutes in and felt great. Had a co-worker comment on how "tan" I look. The one thing I've noticed, and I may have posted about this before, is that tanning is a great way to look thinner, even if you've not lost weight. I find that people often notice when I look tan and rather than saying "you look tan" they usually say "you look great - have you lost weight?". So - in lieu of a good weight loss month, I'll take a good tan.
That said - I'm not a fan of long term tanning. I'm doing this for the wedding, and I did it last year for a couple months for Holly's wedding. I probably won't tan again for a long while. I hate the way older women, who've obviously tanned their whole lives, look. Very leathery. I don't want that type of skin. So after the wedding photos, I'll be going back to my natural pasty whiteness I think. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy the benefits of a tan(ner) body!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Michigan here I come & Wii Fit
FRIDAY
Well it's been a good week other than the food thing. I've really lost my focus there. But I do have some good news, regardless. I've had at least 5 people, over the last 48 hours, tell me that I really look great, that they can see the difference. Which is wonderful. I think there's two things that have caused this. 1) I've been doing really good with this boot camp - and it's showing, particularly in my muscle tone. Although I haven't dropped massive amounts of weight, I know I've gotten a lot stronger, so that may be what people are noticing. 2) I've been tanning. I've noticed that even if you're not losing weight/toning up, a tan makes you look thinner. I don't know why, maybe it's that "healthy glow" it gives you, like you've been out in the sun recently, but it works. I've been doing the fake tanning, but the result is the same.
Either way, I like it. I'm going out of town this weekend, but once I get back, I'm going to be right at 3 months until the wedding. I hope to be able to do even better over the next few months and really tone up. That said - the work I've done so far, already has made a difference, and if for some reason I don't make any more progress, I know I'll fit into my wedding dress and look good - if not as good as I could, I'll still look good.
I'm not giving up - I'm still motivated to make a big difference, but I'm also staying positive so I don't beat myself up too much if I don't reach my goals.
Anyway, Erik & I leave today with Daniel to go to Michigan for a short vacation. We fly out at about 2:00 and get back on Monday afternoon. We usually go up there once a year for a week or so, but this time, with the wedding coming up and all, we could only work out a long weekend. So, off we go.
I'm going to try to keep things in check this weekend. I always eat really crazy in Michigan because his dad is a really good cook and they make massive meals once or twice a day. I'm going to try to reduce my portions, and get in a good run both Sat. & Sun. That's the plan - hopefully I can execute. The good news is I always get a lot of sleep in Michigan. Which is wonderful and something I've been a little short on recently.
In other news, Erik & I got our Wii Fit on Wednesday. It is SOOOOO cool. I absolutely love it. Even if it does make my character look really tubby after my weigh in (motivation I guess). The exercises and games are really fun and some of them are really challenging. I definitely think that Wii Fit will be a nice compliment to the work I'm already doing. I fun way to burn a few more calories in the day. We got it Wednesday night and Erik & I stayed up until 11:30 playing it, knowing we were both getting up at 5:00 am the next morning for boot camp (it was bring a friend day). But we're competitive, and we found that each of us have particular strengths. I'm good at the dancing/balance games, he's good at the technique/sport games. I'll probably post more about this after we get back from Michigan and as I figure it out more, but so far all signs point to LOVING the Wii Fit!
I think that's about it. I leave for the airport in about an hour, so need to get some work wrapped up.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Back on the Exercise Wagon
Last WI: 222.2/WW WI 223.2/At Home WI: 220.8
MONDAY
So I was very good this weekend until last night, but I'll get to that. Friday night I actually worked until 8:30. It wasn't planned, just something that happened. Another associate needed help getting a project out the door and I had no major plans (Erik had Daniel) so I agreed to help out. Not bad for the hours anyway. I did hit McDonalds on the way home, but hadn't eaten much all day so I call that an "ok" day. Saturday I kicked butt. It was a VERY productive day. Erik had a Toastmasters meeting so I agreed to watch Daniel for a few hours during the day. After a bit of Wii (he is addicted, that boy) we went out and ran all the errands I had on my list. When we came home we played a bit more Wii (I rented two games, so I encourage his addiction I guess). Then Erik came home and I ran out to meet Holly to look at invitations for the wedding. I ended up ordering very cute poker invitations. I'm very excited about them, I'm supposed to get the proof today. I'm not excited about the price, but everything about weddings seems expensive.
After invitations, I met with my realtor, and signed what I think will be the final contract on our house. They accepted our final offer that went out on Thursday. We are set to close on March 18, so the next month is going to be CRAZY. After meeting with the realtor, I came home and ran on the treadmill. Nothing fabulous, but I did make a whole mile before walking. Considering my significant lapse in exercise commitment, I'll take it. I ended up covering 2 1/2 miles I think. not bad.
Sunday I got up before church (the EARLY) service even, and lifted with my new weights I bought at Walmart on Saturday. Boy am I feeling it today. I did just upper body and I knew I'd be sore in my legs from the run. Then we went to church. Then Holly, Erik, me and Daniel went back to our wedding facility for thier "wedding extravaganza". Basically I got to try their food, make some final decisions on chair covers/centerpieces, and show Erik the whole place. I think he liked, but I also don't think he cares too much.
After that Erik & Daniel went home and Holly & I went to IKEA. I LOVE IKEA, but I just get very overwhelmed in there. We were there b/c Holly need to by a dresser, and I wanted to look at bookshelves for the new house. I didn't buy any because obviously we haven't closed, but I think I know what I want if things all go as planned.
After that Erik and I went home and played Wii baseball until 12:30 in the morning. I had rented a baseball game because I know he likes the Wii Sports baseball game. I don't love it and should have known it would frustrate the hell out of me. He beat me 3 games in a row and we did one more that I think he let me win. I was SO frustrated. I hate being a sore loser, but I'm so competitive, it's hard to stop sometimes. I appologized for being so frustrated and I know he forgives me and understands, but sheesh. Get over it cindy - it's just a GAME.
Ah - can't stop my competitive nature I guess.
But yesterday was full of bad food choices. I didn't do so bad for breakfast - had an egg on a english muffin, but lunch was burger king and dinner was the Varsity (a really greasy drive-in in Atlanta) with taste testing in between on the site. Oh and 4 beers while playing Wii w/Erik. So not necessary. I'm so mad at myself, especially for the beer, because it really is a waste. Yes, I like the taste of beer, but 4 beers over 4 hours isn't going to affect me at all, and it's just wasted calories. When will I learn....
Today I plan to have a very low point day. I saw as low as 219.2 yesterday on the scale, so today's number is understandable but a disappointment. I really want to see a good loss on Thursday so now's the time to get things in the right direction. I do have dinner plans with my "mentor" at work, but I've already vowed to order a salad. Hopefully I can stick to that....
Friday, December 14, 2007
2 1/2 Year Anniversary?
FRIDAY
So I couldn't do it. I couldn't get on the scale this morning and see it creep up again. I've had a horrible week WW-wise and have been letting the scale creep way to rapidly. I keep doing really well reigning it in during the day and then I get home and kill it. Last night it was 5 beers and sun chips while playing wii with erik after a very mediocre dinner at his Kiwanis club holiday party. Boo. So not necessary to drink 5 beers while playing wii on a Thursday night. The only good news is that I actually had to "move" to play the wii. With the exception of guitar hero which I played for about an hour sitting down (darn devil on medium - can't beat him!) I have to actually stand and move to play all the other games. Erik and I did a lot of bowling, which I totally stomped him at. Not exactly aerobic exercise, but at least it's movement.
On a relationship note, last Sunday was our "two and a half year" anniversary. Odd anniversary to consider, but it actually had significance. In June, at our "two year" anniversary, I expressed my desire to Erik to be engaged in the next six months. I felt like we'd been together a long while and it was time. He has repeatedly expressed to me his desire to marry me, but he has financial issues right now that have been holding him back. Namely - he owns two houses he cannot sell and cannot afford to keep anymore. The first one we live in, and the other was built as a "flip" but hasn't "flipped" So now he's stuck with two expensive houses in a down market. After many months of debate and discussion, he finally agreed with my recommendation to just file bankruptcy and be done with it. He, like most men, have a lot of pride, and really wanted to find a way out. But after 18 months of having the houses on the market a borrowing more to make the payments, he's in over the point where there's any likelihood of getting out. Plus he's got some significant other debt from a failed business he had with his last wife. Over all, bankruptcy is a great solution. He gets to wipe it all clean, start fresh, and build a good life. He makes good money, and between the two of us, we'd be able to really save a lot if he didn't have all these debt obligations.
So anyway, all talks of marriage have been along the lines of "when I sell these houses". Well, we've finally determined he is not going to sell them. There just isn't that strong a market for 300K+ houses right now. So he's going to give them back. He's hired a lawyer, and he's set to file this month (at least that's the plan...hopefully it will happen). So, understandably, he's not bought me a ring yet, and last Sunday was the informal deadline I'd given him. About 6 weeks ago, when we met with the lawyer and made out the plan, in my mind I'd given him something of a furlough. I knew he wouldn't be able to afford a ring during the pending bankruptcy so I basically decided to give him another 6 months. It's all for the best, and I certainly didn't want to marry into all those financial issues anyway. So, I kinda forgot about Dec. 9th and a significant day.
So when he surprised me Sunday night with flowers and jewelry, he made me very happy. Erik is SOOOOOO not a romantic, emotional type guy. Probably one of the only major issues I have with him. He has a REALLY hard time expressing himself. But he did really well and basically totally surprised me. We had been playing wii and hanging out and I had just gotten ready for bed when he went down to the car and got the flowers and jewelry box. He told me that he really wants to marry me and when he can get the money he hopes buy me a an engagement ring I deserve. He gave me a very cute bracelet with dolphins and a ring with dolphins. On a sad note - my finger was too fat for the ring - surprise surprise. It's sad how weight even effects these special moments. He promised to get it sized and I hope he does. (he's a bit forgetful at times).
So anyway, I'm not engaged. I hope to be soon, but don't really see it happening till February at the earliest, probably April or May. But that's ok. As long as I know he's committed to me, there's no rush to get married since I'm not ready for kids yet.
So today I'm trying, once again, to reign in the eating. I've already eaten the lunch I brought, which is never a good sign. But I have 11 points left for the day. I also plan to hit the treadmill tonight. I haven't been on it since Monday - very bad with no excuse. No real plans for tonight. I'm probably going to be tempted to go out, but I should stay home. We'll see. This weekend it looks like I'll be stuck at work, at least one day, so that kinda sucks, but I'll deal.
Today my car is at the dealer getting its 30,000 mile service. I bought my dream car in February 2006 - a Lexus IS 250. But man is service expensive. This one's going to be close to $500 since it's a "big" one, whatever that means.
That's about it.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Good weekend, considering.
Monday
Well, I 'almost' fulfilled my plan to be totally OP all weekend. I'm so far in the negative by 1 pt for flex points this week. It was 3, but I'm offsetting it by the 2 APs I earned and didn't eat yesterday.
Friday I went out to Y-knots (bar) with Erik for the first time in a long time. I offered to drive so I wouldn't drink as much. I had wings which sounds bad, but considering some of the options, 10 wings with veggies is better than a burger & fries, deep fried chicken fingers, or some of the other normal options there. I also drank some, but not to excess. Meaning I could count my points at the end of the night - not guess.
Saturday Erik and I planned an impromptu wii party. Last week I totally splurged and bought a Nintendo wii after trying one at my brother's house over thanksgiving. I love it and we had 6 friends over on Saturday to play some of the games. This actually turned out to be a good thing because for some of these games? Boy there's a work out. Particularly boxing, but even the bowling, baseball and tennis really work some muscles. I know because I am SOOOO sore today. Funny but I'm sore from playing video games. We played for about 6 hours, trading off so everyone could play. I decided to count it as 1 hour at moderate activity (we were definitely sweating at certain points) for 4 APs. Now that's a fun way to earn APs I tell you. :-)
Sunday I did finally get on the treadmill after putting in about 4 hours at work. I only did a mile, but it's a start. Tonight I plan to do another mile or maybe a little more. Problem is, I have a holiday party (one of like 6) tonight that I'm dragging Erik to. I'm going to try to just drink non-alcoholic drinks because I definitely won't feel like running after a couple glasses of wine. We'll see though.
All in all, I'm very pleased with my weekend WW-wise. I saw 219.4 yesterday so I'm not sure why I'm at 220 this morning. Maybe some of those sore muscles are retaining water. Who knows, but I like the feeling. I'm hoping to see a good 2+ lb loss this week!
Oh and on sweet news? Erik surprised me last night with roses and jewelry. It was our 2 1/2 year anniversary. It's not a proposal, but I know he's working up to that. It was actually very sweet. He's kinda shy on the romantic stuff and he totally had to drink like 3 beers to get out the sweet speech he planned. I didn't mind. :-)
