OH! Say it now! I'm back! I'm back! I'm back! I'm back!

Get up offa that thing, and dance 'till you feel better. Get up offa that thing, and dance 'till you sing it now!

Hollee, Bill, & I worked out at Old's Gym last night. It felt good and I sweat like a stuck pig since I haven't worked out in, oh, a month!

I went back for my regular Wednesday weigh-in & BP check this morning. The good news: I haven't gained any weight back, just been holding steady. The bad news: My BP was a tad bit high 138/80.

(BTW - those are lyrics to one of my favorite James Brown songs in the title & beginning.)

Totally Unprepared

See -- this is what happens when you don't make an Excel Spreadsheet with your packing list -- you forget to pack your tennis shoes, socks, & sports bra. So . . . I went to TJ Maxx last night and bought some cheapies.

I'm at mom's, so I'm not supposed to leave the house, so I'm about to experiment with her walking video. That's right -- an exercise video for walking. I'm going to . . . walk in place??? I have no idea, but it's what I got. If it's completely lame, I'm just going to take Harley (her gimpy three-legged German Shepard) to the high school track after dinner tonight.

Oh yes, since I'm on vacation, I missed my technical weigh-in Wednesday. But according to my mom's scale, I've lost 21 lbs! (Don't get excited.) I like to tell myself that it's an accurate scale and that while at the lake drinking more beer than breweries can keep up with and not exercising or eating actual meals (just junk food on the boat, and drunk food at midnight) that I lost an additional 12.5 lbs. I'd like to tell myself that, but really, it's just a bummer not knowing how much actual damage was caused over the weekend.

I did swim a lot and walk those bitchin' straight vertical stairs from the lake to the house about 4 times daily. (I lost count of the stairs, but the last set was the worst, and there were 21 of them!) And Drew, Dana, and I had a Dance Party USA on Monday night. But, even all that, couldn't offset the mass quantities of Michelob Ultra over 4 days. Well, I guess 2 days (I abstained on Sunday & Tuesday).

I'll let you know how the Walking Diet DVD turns out in the new sneaks with a busted toe . . .

Weigh-In Wednesday

Weighed in today - lost another pound; for 8.5 lbs total

Walked the bitchin' trail behind Hollee & Bill's last night w/HO & BO. We "went left." It's a loop. We usually go right. Going left means you start out going up this crazy steep and long hill, and then you turn a corner and think it's leveling out, but no -- it gets steeper. I couldn't even look up. I just had to stare at the ground and get it done! Jogged a little at the end when the trail levels out.

Prolly won't do anything tonight b/c we're going to the Comedy Club at Attitudes. Maybe just some 8-Minute Abs since that won't make me sweaty.

I didn't check my BP today b/c Hollee was in a meeting when I went, so Brandy just let me weigh myself. Didn't get to take new measurements, either, b/c the tape thingy is at Hol's office. I think I'm gonna stop by Walgreens on the way home & buy one for myself.

I Report that I Have Nothing to Report

I don't work-out on the weekends. Although, I should consider my massive house cleaning on Sunday a work-out, b/c I was sweating like a stuck pig and I was doing it from 10:30am - 3:30pm.

I did that Body Sculpting show again yesterday, but like I said before, I don't think it's enough. I mean, the moves are hard, but it's only 30 minutes. But, it's better than nothin' which is what I was doin' a lot of before!

My meals are still good -- I've converted Chris to eating whole-wheat pasta & ground turkey instead of ground beef. He doesn't even realize he's eating reduced-fat meals. :o)

I'm a little worried about the lake this weekend - eating & drinking. I already told Dana that I was steering clear of the beer. But, I know at some point, I'll have a few.

Going to Hollee's today for dinner -- her dad is in town visiting. I have to update my calendar there and I might get her to measure me to see if any measurements have changed in the last month.

I weigh-in & BP check tomorrow.

Also, an update on my brother, Shaun, who is losing weight, too. He lost 2 lbs. last week (he weighs on Mondays), which I think brings him to 11lbs total!

My Headache Lead to a Good Thing

Yesterday, I went home from work with a headache.

I was waiting to hear from Hollee about working out, but still determined to do so by myself if necessary. I took an 800mg Ibuprofen, got in my gym clothes, & plopped down on the bed to wait out my headache.

I was flipping through the channels and came across FitTV. Namaste Yoga was on, but Body Sculpting with some Italian guy was coming on next. So I set it to Autotune back to that channel when it came on. Luckily, when it did, my headache was gone.

So I did 30 minutes of body sculpting. The moves were hard, but I feel like I needed more. I'm gonna check to see what comes on after Body Sculpting today to see if I can just do they next program as well.

Weigh-in & BP today:

• Dropped 3.5 lbs this week, but after factoring in the 2 I gained back over vaca, I'm really only down 1.5 lbs for a total of 7.5 lbs
• BP was 118/79 "Ah-mazing" in the words of Hollee
  

I'm Back!

I worked out on my row machine last night, and did a few "reps" on the stairs.

I drove the loop around my block to see how long it was, but it was only 4/10ths of a mile -- I'd have to walk/jog the same loop so many times, I said forget it!

I'm working out with Hollee tonight. Not sure what we're doing yet, though.

Beer is the ENEMY!!!

During my vacation, I had some cheese fries. But, I've had similar during my dieting.

During my vacation, I had a steak. But, I've had steak during my diet.

During my vacation, I had 30 Michelob Ultras. DEVIL! I have not been drinking beer on my diet, and I've been dropping weight. I drink beer over the weekend and I gain back 2 lbs. WTF? I hate you beer!

In beers defense, I haven't really worked out in, oh, about a week!

So, after this week, I was supposed to be just 4 lbs away from my end of month goal, but now, (thanks a lot beer) I'm 8 lbs. I guess I'm going to be eating very little and working out quite a lot between now and next Friday!

I'm on a mission! I REALLY want to reach that goal!!

Vacation - All I Ever Wanted!

Vacation - Had to get away!

Well, I spent a long weekend at Myrtle Beach with Chris. The extent of my exercising was walking to and from the beach, walking HeyNow on the beach, and walking to and from the parking garage. And they were all pretty leisurely walks, indeed.

I think I'm going to boycott the weigh-in/BP check tomorrow.

I pretty much ate & drank like crap this weekend. Doritos/Fritos/Cheetos (lots of chips ending in 'os'), sandwiches with white bread, 9 oz. filet, cheese fries from Liberty (which, BTW, tasted just as good as my cherished Outback cheese fries), and my beer fast ended. I pretty much drank 33 Mich Ultras in 4 days. That's a whole lotta calories going in and non getting burned!!

Therefore, I boycott!

I haven't heard from Hol today, so I think I'm on the row machine tonight.

I am the blood pressure Queen!!!

112/70

You read that right -- 112/70 blood pressure today, and I lost 1.1 lbs this week! Score!

Ended up ditching Hollee last night for the jog/walk, but we're def. going tonight when she gets off work. She doesn't get off until later, which I think is a plus, because it will be cooler when we go. We're doing the hilly trail behind her house around 7:30-45ish. And we're def. doing abs tonight.

She's going to a fancy wedding this weekend (black tie) and has to be in a super-cute dress. And I'm going to the beach this weekend and gotta be in a bathing suit. (I've already been in a bathing suit this year a bunch, but this time, I'll be 6.6lbs lighter!)

Since I know my mom will be reading this blog, she'll be happy to know that I've virtually quit drinking beer. I say virtually, because I did have 2/3 on the 3rd of July. And I had one on Friday after work. Michelob Ultra, though.

I JOGGED!!!

That's right -- I jogged, and it didn't make me laugh!

Hollee & I walked on the trail behind her house in Blacksburg last night, and I jogged for a good while. It was awesome!

We're going again tonight, but heading in the opposite direction because we think we'll be able to jog more of it that way. Definitely going to take some water with me today, though. We're gonna do some abs in her basement before we head out, too.

Last night, I walked/jogged the trail. Drank some wine while Hollee cooked dinner. Ate a delicious meal. Drove home. And passed out! I was exhausted and full!

BP & weigh-in tomorrow morning.

Been Slackin'

On the blog & the work-outs!

Hollee & I walked on a trail in Blacksburg behind her house on Wednesday -- last Wednesday evening. And that was the last time I walked that week!

I know! I know! But I was busy -- I think. Or just being lazy? And, although I wasn't working out, I was at least eating well! So . . . there's that?

I did get a little bit of encouragement yesterday -- I saw Chris' mom for the first time since Memorial Day and she said, "Have you lost some weight?" I have only lost 5.5lbs, but it's pretty cool that it's already noticeable.

Sarah at work said one day she thought I was losing, too. I think maybe my body is just shifting around some! :)

Anyway, I did like Hollee's trail, so I'm gonna see if she wants to do it again today or Wednesday. I'm also plan on using the row machine again some time this week.

"Strong work, dude." - Hollee Old

I've lost 5.5 lbs so far! And my BP was back down to 130/84 this week. Not ideal, but better than last week for sure!

By July 29, my goal is to have lost 12 lbs! BIG GOAL!!

Wheel Of Fortune

I used my row machine during Wheel Of Fortune tonight, changing up the pace during the commercials breaks. It was a nice change to the Huckleberry Trail.

Hollee was still struggling from her wknd at the lake, so she was unable to join me. Hopefully at least 2 nights this week we'll be able to do some circuits in her basement -- Old's Gym.

Justina had a good suggestion: She said that I should post healthy recipes on her when I find them. Well . . . I don't have one tonight (sorry), but it reminded me of my Sonoma Diet book that I have with all my recipes. I'm gonna have to dust that thing off!

I texted Shaun tonight & he said that he'll weigh himself tomorrow & give me an update.

Lazy Days of Summer

Well, I didn't do anything this weekend but relax at the lake in the sun! The most physical activity I performed was tubing & swimming around the dock with a drink in my hand!

On that note, I steered clear of beer (for the most part) this weekend. And, in fact, I had nothing to drink on the Fourth of July!

I did eat a lot of red meat b/c we grilled out both nights. But I kept the munching to a minimum & I didn't eat the eggs & bacon breakfast on Saturday. Just a good ol' meal substitute drink. Yummy!

Tonight, I'm dusting off the row machine!

Who Is the Bigger Idiot?

Me, for thinking that both dogs could walk together? (HeyNow & Jeta)

Or the dogs, for being too stupid to not get tangled up in each other every 5 seconds?

Small Accomplishment

I was 100% dreading the weigh-in/BP check today due to yesterday's glutony (see previous post). I was certain that I'd gained weight! However, I dropped about 1.5 lbs. since last week.

BUT, my BP was incredibly high! 152/98! I attribute it to: 1) the fact that I was relatively stressed about work (only 2 of us sales support there for 6 account execs) and 2) the artery clogging, yet completely delicious Triple Prime Cheddar cheese burger last night!

I truly have no doubt that it'll be back down next week.

Looking forward to working out in Old's Gym tonight. Hollee said she was gonna work me hard!

I Feel Like a Fuh-tass

Well, today sucked.

Started okay -- ate some oatmeal for breakfast. Downhill from there . . . . Custer's Last Stand (chicken salad on croissant) & chips! for lunch. Then a Triple Prime Cheddar cheese burger from Ruby Tuesday for dinner. Fuh-tass (Fat Ass)! See, I knew that parental advisory was necessary!

And no workout.

The best part?! Tomorrow is weigh-in & BP day! YAY!

One good thing did happen today -- my brother, Shaun, said that he'd join me on my adventure. He's going for 50 lbs by the end of the year! He said he wouldn't start a blog, but that he would Facebook me about it! So be on the lookout for that!

Jeta on the Huckleberry

I took Jeta with me on my walk on the Huckleberry Trail (3.5 miles). She did sooooooo much better than I expected. She only barked at the people that spoke to her -- and even then only a bark or two.

She did not attack any pugs.

She did not poop on the trail once, let alone twice.

And, unfortunately, she did not get worn out. At all. Not even a little. That little doggie has a LOT of energy. Ol' 9-yr-old HeyNow was wiped out after our walk! Jeta felt nothing!

She's invited back. (Don't tell HeyNow.)

Week Two!

I finally remembered to post my cholesterol results & goals:
Mine/Normal = Goal
HDL Cholesterol (good): 31 />39
LDL Cholesterol (bad): 138 /0-99
VLDL Cholesterol (bad): 59 /5-40

I went to Rustburg over the weekend to see visiting family. I didn't "work out" but I went swimming Saturday & Sunday and we played some backyard baseball. Plus, I cleaned house so vigorously on Friday night that I worked up quite a sweat! (Yes, the apartment was the dirty!)

Back at it today: Walking the Huckleberry solo tonight with Jeta -- we'll see if Jeta Girl does any better than HeyNow! I'll probably see Sarah running by me!

Side Note: Other than 1 Mich Ultra on Friday night while cleaning & a Coors Light on Mom's porch on Saturday, I've only had water to drink since last Monday.

My Right Shin Hates Me

I worked out at Old's Gym again last night (Hol's basement). We worked our upper body mostly, dappled with other areas by super-sets. Followed by a short walk around the neighborhood. A little over an hour.

Wall Push-Ups
21's (bicep curls)
Bench Press
Hand Slide Sit-ups
Tricep curls
Jack Knifes
Leg Lifts
Something similar to Tricep Kickbacks
Shoulder Lifts
Retarded Tarydactal

After the walk on the Huckleberry with Amanda & Carson on Tuesday, my right shin was really hurting. It was fine during the light impact in the basement, but really started to hurt again when we walked around the neighborhood. I know that it isn't hurt -- its just that those muscles haven't been used lately for much more than walking to the fridge to get a beer. And, there is an awful lot of weight getting pushed down on them now! Anyway, I iced it last night before bed, and it seems okay today. Just slightly sore. I know the best medicine for it is to keep at it!

Chris is camping tonight. Hollee is in South Carolina. Amanda is working. So I'm going to walk the Huckleberry solo tonight after work. Well, slightly solo. I'll take Chris' dog, Jeta, with me.

Heading to Rustburg for the weekend. I plan to do some cardio on Sunday morning while everyone else is at church.

Oh yea -- Hollee & I took our "BEFORE" photos last night. Scary stuff.

Scheduling!

My job deals with scheduling & deadlines! Now my personal life does, too!

I was discussing (via e-mail) with a co-worker, Julie Ann, that I refuse to wake up early in the morning to exercise before work. I value sleep. I mean, it's WAY up there -- God, Family, Friends, Pets, Chipotle Mexican Grille, & Sleep.

So that means I'm having a little difficulty sorting out my schedule to include my new workouts. BUT, workouts are first, and its the other important stuff that has been sent to the back-burner.

For Example:

1. My new Blackberry. It rings. It sends texts. The alarm woke me up this morning. But I haven't had time to play with it, so that's it!
2. My boyfriend. He's around here somewhere -- I know it!
3. I smell an orange! This has nothing to do with this list, but it seems worth mentioning.
4. My laundry. Unless I get around to it tonight, I'll be coming to work naked tomorrow.
5. Cooking. Aha! That's where my boyfriend is! He's in the kitchen cooking!
6. Cleaning. Again. That's where Chris is -- he's been cleaning up after my messes for days and I haven't done a thing! (Except make more messes for him to clean.)

However, I'm sure I'll figure it out -- the whole time-management/scheduling thing. This is just my first week!

Day Two - Three

I walked/jogged (okay - mostly walked, but there was some jogging involved) the Huckleberry Trail yesterday with Amanda & Carson. We went 3.52 miles in about an hour.

What I Learned:

1. My legs at some point simply forgot how to run/jog! I was laughing because I felt like such an idiot! I don't know if it was b/c of the pain in my shins from walking (which is incredibly sad, btw), or if I literally forgot how to run!
2. Wear longer shorts next time. Because otherwise, my fat thighs will rub together and create a pleasing thigh burn. Good times! Besides which, I'm sure fellow trail-goers will appreciate me covering said thighs!
3. HeyNow needs to learn trail manners -- he pooped on the trail (literally on it! ON the asphalt) TWICE! And he tried to eat a little black pug dog. He's fired. And uninivited. Jeta gets to tag along next time. Which that being said, alone, should be a testament to how much HeyNow is fired!

So, I went to my first weigh-in/BP check today. I only lost about a half a pound, which is okay, I just really started two days ago. And, in all honesty, I'm just glad I didn't GAIN any weight! BUT, my blood pressure was down!! 130/72 (Down from 144/98.)

Okay, Chris is calling me to dinner & I'm being rude! So . . . . more tomorrow!!

Official Day One

THE PLAN: Eat less & smarter. Exercise 3-5 times a week. Weigh-in & BP check every Wednesday. Re-test Cholesterol, etc. in 3-6 mos. Weight goals are monthly (based on 2 lbs. a week average), with an aggressive end-of-year goal of close to 60 lbs!!!


Monday, June 22, 2009, was the official Day One of my Diet & Exercise plan! I still haven't gone to the grocery store (even though I've been planning to go for the past 3 days!), so my meals yesterday & today were not stellar.

Breakfast: Lean Cuisine panini
Lunch: Salad plate-sized shrimp/alredo pasta (Ruby Tuesday leftovers)
Snack: 16 Reduced-Fat Wheat Thins
Dinner: Half a baked potato w/salsa & about 1 Tbls. of Reduced-Fat Breakstone Sour Cream*
Snack: Small Salad after workout (fat free ranch)
Fluids: Water, water, & more water!

I worked out with Hollee (my Best Friend/FREE "personal trainer") for just under an hour. I consider the work-out a success b/c I didn't pass out! We did 4 "circuits" of cardio and 3 "circuits" of abs. I would have done 4 circuits of abs if I could've stopped laughing and balanced myself while attempting ball/wall crunches. I could consider the fits of giggling an ab workout, but I won't.

Although my groin muscles hurt from the lunges, I still consider the Line Jumps the devil of the workout. Who would've thought that jumping a tiny, little piece of tape could be so hard?!

*Note: 1 tablespoon of sour cream is a HUGE success for me, since usually, I would use, oh, I don't know, 1/3 cup!!! And, I will also note, that I liked the salsa so much, I probably won't use the sour cream in the future! :)

TODAY (Tuesday, June 23, 2009) is Day Two.

I woke up feeling good -- only my groin muscles are a slightly sore.

I was supposed to go to the grocery store last night after our workout, but I ended up visiting with my aunt & it got late. So, I'm SUPPOSED to go today after work . . .

Breakfast: 2 cups milk mixed with Carnation Instant breakfast (not great, but it's all I got!)
Lunch: Big ol' salad with about 4 oz. of broiled salmon (fat free ranch)
Snack: I'm hungry, so I'm about to eat 16 Reduced-Fat Wheat Thins
Dinner (Plans): 4 oz broiled salmon & the other half of that baked potato w/salsa (or a veggie from the grocery store trip)
Fluids: Water (& the milk from breakfast).

Workout: At least 35 minutes on the Huckleberry Trail (walking/jogging). Amanda & her son, Carson, are supposed to come with me. Carson will be on his bike -- so that should keep the pace up! And "8-Minute Abs" when I get home!

I would like to mention, that although the past two days have been very starch heavy, they are MUCH smaller portions than normal. So, at least there's that!