A Merry-Thon Challenge!!!

So Jess has challenged us (yes that means you and me) to a Merry-thon Challenge!!!

We have to run 26.1 miles in December. It begins December 1. So go over to her blog and let her know you want to participate. This is just what I was looking for!!! I wanted to set a mileage goal. This is my first one! I need your support, and I need you to hold me accountable!!!! I know this will help me lose weight faster. Let's run people!

Go check out Jess's blog too! She's great! I love this idea! Although it makes me really nervous...

Fa la la la la la....
J

Who Knew?

Who knew that my motto of "It's Just Food" would actually work for me? Well, it did. I did really well over Thanksgiving!!! I splurged a bit on some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies (oh, my! they are SOOOO good) but I basically had the samplers platter over dinner on Thursday. I chanted to myself: It's just food. I tasted everything...even all the carbs. I was really full, but not overstuffed like years past. I held myself to that one meal. At all of the other meals,  I really watched it.

I was so proud of myself (and so was my husband). He didn't say anything about it until later (he said it with just the right words too), but he was shocked--I could tell. He knows how much I love my mom's cooking. He even tried to get me eat pound cake with him late one night. Nope. Not going there again.

I couldn't believe I lost weight this week!!! Of course, I forgot to weigh in last week, so my loss could be a combo from 2 weeks but who cares, right? It is a loss!

Okay, so the Throw Down is coming to an end. Here's how I did.

Goal 1 .Lose 5-10 pounds in November... I started at 184 and got to 181. I did not reach this goal. Yikes. I really thought I would. I am still glad that I lost 3 pounds. I am so close to being in the 170s. I will push hard! I am disappointed that I did not make 5 pounds. I see that 10 pounds was a very lofty goal! Live and learn! I need to up water and exercise!!!!

2. Exercise 4 times a week for 45 minutes or more. I did not meet this goal last week. Being out of town at my parents did not help. Excuses, I know!!!! I am going to set a mileage goal for December. I know this will help my weight fall faster.

3. Be able to run 2 miles without stopping to walk for a rest. I never did this. But I am running more than ever. I will definitely run 2 miles soon. This was just an oversight on my part. November ended too soon for me!!! It snuck up on me!!!

BONUS GOAL: Drink more water. I was definitely successful at this goal this week. I am doing so much better at this but I still drink too much diet coke when I don't feel well or need a treat. I wish I would just stop. UGH.
 
I hope you have a wonderful last day of November tomorrow.
J

Do You Respect Your Body?

I think I've told you before that my sister-in-law gives me a subscription to Fitness Magazine every year. The November/December issue has a little box on  page 130 that says...

"Do You Respect Your Body?
You may not have an eating disorder, but if you answer yes to any of the questions below, your body image could use an upgrade.

• Do you feel guilty after eating foods that are high in fat?
• Do you panic if you gain a few pounds?
• Do you have trouble accepting compliments on your body?
• Do you weigh yourself more than once a week?
• Do you talk negatively about your body?"

Ummm...okay. My answers...

• Yes
• Yes
• Yes
• Yes
• Yes

I think I could use an upgrade. I'm trying to upgrade the body. But, how hard am I working on the image??? I'm not sure. I stand in the mirror on some mornings (okay...every morning) and try to see change. I think to myself that 20 pounds will be my magic number. That BIG change will take place. I know, I know. It is hard to *see* weight loss on yourself, a little bit like watching paint dry.

I think my waist is smaller, maybe my "chest" is smaller. I could sorta see a slight difference in my cheeks...not too sure. But that's it.  BUT, trust me...I can give you a list as long as my leg of the things that are still WRONG with my body. So, could I use a body image upgrade? Sure, yes!!!!

I've read and reread parts of the book So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore (it's fabulous) and I know what I should do. Doing it is the hard part.

I want to love me as I am. But I just don't love my body. I love me as a wife, mother, teacher, friend, daughter, sister, but I really don't like my body.

Any tips for me in that department? Or is it just a work in progress? I really thought at 35 I'd be better at this!

Don't get wrong. I am thankful that I am healthy. My body works. I just don't like the jiggly parts. I know I can make this "shell" better. I want to do that.

Does anyone understand this?

Talk to you later,

J

Oh, and I forgot to weigh in yesterday. I remembered last night while I was in the shower. I just care about my mental healthy too much to weigh in at night. Then, I forgot this morning. I have already eaten breakfast. So, I will try to remember tomorrow!!! Sorry Jess!

I'm IT again!

I've been tagged again! Joy at Nuggets of Truth tagged me to answer these questions:


1. What has been the most difficult thing for you to overcome in losing weight?

The most difficult thing for me is being patient with my results, not comparing myself to others, and being too critical of myself. (That's 3 things, I know...but I really struggle with them all equally.) If I have been "good", I want the scale to move down quickly!!! I mean, who doesn't???? I just have this feeling of "I deserve to lose pounds...look how good I've been." But we all know, sometimes it just doesn't work that way...for some odd reason. I am REALLY critical of myself and I'm trying not to be...I am also trying to stop comparing myself to other women. It is pointless, right?

2. What's your favorite form of exercise, how often do you workout, and how long do your workouts take?

I really like to run/walk on the treadmill and watch my favorite movies or shows that I have recorded. I don't usually have the time to watch TV that I like so this is my ME time. I also like to do workout routines that are kinda like the old Jazzercise...you know...dance/bounce/sweat hard stuff. I usually workout for a total of an hour 3-4 times per week.

3. Do you take time to pamper yourself, and if so, how?
I try to go have a pedicure every 2 weeks b/c I stand all day long in dress shoes, but it usually turns out to be once a month due to time!!! I also have my gray hair colored every 6-8 weeks...I think this counts as pampering! :) The cost of it ....that qualifies as a pamper, I'm sure.

4. If you could change only one bad habit, what would it be and why?
If we are talking dieting...I wish I would just give up Diet Coke totally. I really don't know why I don't. I struggle with this. I know they aren't healthy...I know I should drink more water...I know I would feel better...I KNOW....what the heck is wrong with me??? I'm addicted!

In life, I wish I would stop worrying about what others think all the time...it is exhausting.

I'm going to tag:
River
Julie
Karen
Sarah


Here are your questions....

1. What are the top 5 things you are thankful for this year?

2. What is your favorite healthy meal that you cook?

3. Are you a last minute Christmas shopper or did you start 6 months ago? Does Christmas shopping overwhelm you?

4. How are you going to reward yourself when you hit your goal weight?

Have a good Monday!
J

Date Night

My hubby and I are having a "Date Weekend"...the kids went to the grandparents' house yesterday and we are picking them up at church tomorrow. Last night, we just enjoyed a quiet evening at home after a long day.

I really struggled with my eating yesterday. I worked from 7am to about 7:30pm. I ate fast food 3 times. It has been a long time since I did that...and I felt gross. It started with a chicken biscuit. I didn't eat the whole thing, but I did eat most of it. Lunch was a Chick-fil-A sandwich and waffle fries all eaten while decorating our hallway for Christmas. I was literally eating on the go...but the "go" was while working not driving. Then, as we were leaving...we stopped at Taco Bell...two crunchy tacos. UGH! I wasn't a happy camper. I know it could have been worse. I didn't snack at all.

Tonight, me and hubs are going to our favorite place. It is a Japanese restaurant. High in sodium. I have had a good week and I hate to blow it....I have found myself not eating today so that I won't suffer from too much guilt tonight.

Do any of you do this????

I have exercised to try to counter balance everything....

We'll see!!!

Hope you are all doing well.
J

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Jess...she asked me these questions.

1.What is your favorite Christmas memory?



I have 2 younger sisters. Every year on Christmas Eve, my parents would give us a present to open. They always acted like it was a BIG surprise, but we knew it was matching pajamas. This continued until I got married at the age of 25. We would then put on the pajamas, and crawl into ONE bed together (again until I got married). On Christmas morning, the middle sister would wake up so early. She would then proceed to get us all up to go see what Santa brought (again until I got married). But first, my mom would make us brush our hair so we would look cute in pictures. (My mom can't believe I let my girls roll out of bed on Christmas morning.) Then, we would stop on the stairs for our pre-Santa picture and then rush into see our loot.  The first Christmas that I was married, I called "home" and we all boo-hooed together on the phone b/c we didn't get to do the tradition. But...sweet thing...my husband got me pajamas on Christmas Eve...awww.


2. What is your go-to meal?

 I have a few:

 For really short nights--Grill Cheese and Potato Soup
             
For week nights that the family just loves:

• Roast in the crock pot
• Dorito Chicken (I need to post the recipe
• Chicken Broccoli Casserole
• My famous home-made spaghetti :-) hub's favorite

3. How would you spend a day if you could do anything...from morning to night.

I would stay at home!!!!!!!!!!!! And read a book! (I just finished Against All Odds...so good!) With my family...snuggling, playing games, just hanging out with nowhere to go, being together!!!!

4. How do you plan to motivate yourself to keep up diet and exercise during the holidays?
 
I love good quotes--they motivate me, I love having an accountability partner--thanks Jess, and I like having an old "thin" picture of myself around to remind me where I'm headed. I also have been keeping a food journal, that has been helping! I am also thinking about starting a MILES goal...you know run/walk a certain number of miles by a certain date. AND, continue with blogging--it helps me!
 
I am tagging Hannah, Jennifer, Rae, and Whitney.
 
Here are your questions:
 
1. What is the dish you always to take to the Thanksgiving dinner family gatherings? Or, what is favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
 
2. What is your husband's favorite dinner you cook?
 
3. What is your favorite workout?
 
4. What is the weirdest diet you have ever tried?
 
Have a great day!
J

Sneaky, Sneaky...

Here's another little secret of mine that I've chosen to reveal on here. (I have no idea why I do this to myself.)

I used to sneak food. I guess I've always done it. I'm not even sure why to be honest. When I began working at 16, I would stop and pick up food on my way home. I would eat it and throw away the garbage in the "big" trash can outside before I went in. I'm sure my parents had to notice at some point. I wasn't really overdoing it at that point, just not eating in front of others. Maybe I didn't want to hurt my mom's feelings b/c she saved a home-cooked me for me. Maybe I felt as if I'd deprived myself all day so I deserved a treat. Really, I am not sure how it all began.

This sneaky habit carried into my adult years. My family members nor my husband have ever made an issue of my weight or eating. (Now, my mother-in-law is a different story, but I'm not talking about her here.) I come from a family of eaters. WE LOVE TO EAT. My dad and I are the only ones who truly struggle with weight---curse the others. Just kidding. But, there is always a plethora of food around. Every occassion is celebrated with delicious treats...maybe a little insight into the *why* I'm overweight????

Anyway, I was sneaky with food in college, too. My roommates and I took up running. I was in great shape and a pretty normal size. Of course, back then I thought I was fat. Oh, if I could talk to my young self back then. We cooked healthy meals at home. Three of us were "normal" sized girls, one was really skinny (too skinny). We would eat very small portions. Probably out of peer pressure to be honest, but on the sly I would run by the fast-food places and eat it up in the car, dispose of the evidence before I got home...

Continued after marriage...I was in grad school. I would be out late 2 nights a week in school. On my way home from class, same thing. Drive-thru, eat, trash it...etc, etc, etc. My husband probably wondered, but never said anything (because he values his life), but I ran like 5 or 6 miles a day back then. I rarely ate in front of him...why wasn't I wasting away???? Because I was scarfing down food behind his back!

I settled down with this nasty habit as a stay-at-home mom. I wasn't out and about as much. But when I returned to work, I kinda did it again. I would swing by the fast food places for a snack. A fry. A milkshake. Nuggets. Just something small for the 3 of us to share before dinnertime. I know...don't lecture me on teaching my kids bad habits. I know. I feel guilty. Have I damaged them??? Will they struggle with food issues like me???

The good news is...I have stopped. I haven't done this one time at all this school year. On Fridays, we occassionally stop and get THE GIRLS a milkshake...not me. But that is it. We have a new rule. We NEVER eat in the car.

I thought this would be a big temptation for me, but it's been a pretty easy change. Really. One night, we had to go meet my sister. I knew we would be on the road for awhile and out late. Instead of running through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru. We stopped, went in, and ate. 2 kid meals and a salad for mommy. Then, we went on with our night. I felt good about it. The kids have adjusted to no snacks in the car, too. They've never even asked too many questions. Maybe I didn't warp their brains too bad.

I'm relieved of this burden. Why did I do it? I really can't begin to tell you. Maybe I need a therapist, but I do know one thing...it is OVER. Thank goodness!

Did you ever keep a secret related to your weight (besides the actual number---hee hee hee)?

Hope you are having a great day!
Make a new healthy habit,

J

Friend Makin' Mondays

So...Kenz at All The Weigh hosts Friend Makin' Mondays. Go check out her awesome blog. I'm all about making new bloggy friends so I thought I'd give this a try.

This is what she said:
"This week, I feel like talking about TV. What's on your DVR? Even if you don't have DVR, tell us about your favorite TV shows."


What's On Your DVR?

Well, I only use the DVR if I really want to see something and I can't watch it. I learned that I will just fill up the DVR and never watch shows. I don't have the time. With 2 kids, church, work, a husband, etc. etc. etc...I just can't go back and watch shows. I know back in my younger days I would have though. Oh, if I would have had DVR in college... Melrose Place, 90210, Seinfeld, and Friends would have filled that thing up. Anybody (in their 30's) with me????


 
Okay, so for the present...
Now, I watch a lot of Disney Channel. No, that's my kids. I don't really watch too much TV. I really enjoy reading. We get up REALLY early (4:45ish am). So...my eyelids get heavy early in the evenings. When I can stay awake, I watch:

1. Grey's Anatomy--I can't stop watching this show. Even when it went through a slump last season (and the season before), I've stayed loyal. I can't help it. I may not be quite as loyal as I used to be, but I still watch when I can hold my eyes open.

2. Rookie Blue- This was only on briefly over the summer. Maybe you caught it. I think it returns in January for a 2nd season. I really liked it.

3. Survivor- My husband and I watch this together. It's one show we "agree" on at night. We usually have to compromise the other nights.

4. America's Funniest Videos- don't laugh. I love this show. So do my girls. It's fun(ny) for the whole family!!! We love to watch this on Sunday nights before bedtime.

5. Lifetime movies....especially True Movie Thursdays...corny I know. My husband laughs and laughs at me. I record these and watch them while on the treadmill. It's like my chick-flick time. Sometimes I am crying while running, but not b/c my muscles hurt...because of the movie! :-)

6. I like some news programs and entertainment news occasionally. I just don't get to see much of it. Those of you with young kids get this, I'm sure. I have to filter everything, b/c they are like little sponges.

7. I also like TLC. I love What Not to Wear (there's a thin fashionista inside of me somewhere) and  DIY/decorating shows!!!! I also like homes where they take an old home/room and fix it up. I learn a lot from those shows.

When I am home alone, I turn on the TV sometimes to make noise. Other times, I love the silence. But, when hubs is out of town overnight, I have to fall asleep with the TV on to keep the strange noises away!

Remember to go visit Kenz's blog and join her linky!

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Now for my goals....Here's how I did this week in the Throwdown!

1. Lose 5-10 pounds in November... Results for the second week---

I was only down a few ounces...not even worth recording....I'll keep trying. I also want to start counting my calories this week. UGH. I am not excited about this.

2. Exercise 4 times a week for 45 minutes or more. I was able to get in 5 days this week!!!!  Yay!!!

3. Be able to run 2 miles without stopping to walk for a rest. I began running for half-mile periods of time this week. This is a victory for me. Next week, I hoping to run a whole mile w/o stopping....

BONUS GOAL: Drink more water. I was definitely successful at this goal this week. Most days, I only had one diet coke and drank water for the remainder of the day. :) But....I want to start counting my ounces of water per day.

Have a great Monday night!
J

Obsessed

I had a feeling this was going to happen. I become a little *obsessed* with the scale. I tell myself all the right things. "It is how you FEEL. Eat healthy. Exercise. Don't be ruled by the scale. The scale will take of itself in its in own time...." etc. etc. etc.

Yeah, well, that's not working so well for me today.

I have a little secret I have been keeping from you. I have been weighing daily. I do have enough self-control left to limit it to that...okay...well, sometimes I weigh 2 or 3 times in the morning just to make sure the number was accurate, but ONLY in the mornings. I care enough about my sanity not to weigh at night.

I'm a bit worried about Monday's weigh-in. The scale is broken, I guess. No really, it is stuck. It isn't moving. It is only changing by mere ounces daily. Sometimes up, sometimes down. I'm floating around. I've been SO, SO, SO good on eating. I've been exercising. What's going on here?

After reading Jennifer's blog, I'm wondering...am I eating enough? But, I am terrified of eating too much. I am terrible at counting calories...lazy, maybe. I just don't want to take time to do it. I feel like I prepare 2 breakfast meals and 2 dinner meals as it is. Well, that's not entirely true. I do fix a separate meal for my girls for breakfast. Now dinner, I prepare the same meal, I just don't eat everything that is there. Counting up the calories feels like one more thing to add to my to do list. I guess I might have to do it.

Am I pushing myself hard enough during workouts? I am still battling my cough. If I get too hot...the coughing starts and really won't stop for awhile. I haven't pushed as hard as I probably could.

Don't worry...I'm not giving up. Just a little frustrated. Wanted results quickly...don't we all!

Going to keep at it!
J

______________________________
Yesterday's eats:

• banana w/ peanut butter for breakfast (I know this is lame, but I made homemade waffles for the girls...didn't have the energy to make 2 breakfasts)
• green beans, chicken, small side of pasta (leftovers) for lunch
• hamburger on bun for dinner (no sides) hubby cooked...only fries with that! :)
• 2 diet cokes---oops
• water (I know I need to start measuring my ounces)

Prince Charming

I married the best man in the world. I don't want to argue with any of you about it, because I sincerely hope that YOU think you married the best man in the world, too. In reality, that's really the way it should be.

I know this blog is supposed to be all about my weight loss....but I do get tired of talking about that all of the time. I am feeling so blessed. I really do every day. Like I've told you before, I rarely talk about weight issues in my "life"...that's what I have this here for. I vent here so I don't bore others to death with it all. But, I was thinking today about how blessed I am to have my man.

We have been together for 13 years. Married almost 10. We've been through graduate school (mine-2 degrees), cancer (his-clean for 2 years), in law stuff, church stuff, 2 kids, and my weight. We are so very happy...now don't get me wrong. We have days where we are angry and don't like each other, but don't we all? But overall, we tell each other we love each other several times a day. We look each other in the eye, hug and kiss good-bye in the mornings, kiss and snuggle at night, eat dinner together as a family, pray together as a family, go to church together as a family, play as a family, we have date nights, etc.

My husband leaves me love notes. Sends me "love texts." And he tells me I am beautiful and sexy. We make love often. He laughs with me. He always holds my hand. He kisses my hand as we drive down the road. He opens doors for me, gets my coat for me, and he's protective of me. He is always respectful of me. I still can't wait to see him at the end of my day.

He's never told me to lose weight. He's never ignored me or pushed me away when I've been at my heaviest. (Now, ...I do think he noticed when I lost down to 140....but he never said I love you more this way. So, he scored points in my book.)

We are a very traditional family. When we first got married, I was finishing my Masters and Specialists degrees...but I still took care of the house. When we had kids, I quit work and stayed home. This was the way we both grew up and it came naturally to us both. A lot has changed since then. It had to when he was diagnosed with cancer. We both had to do "what we had to do." Know what I mean? Now, our roles are still traditional but he sees that I need help with the home since I work full-time. He helps me with my girls (this has gotten better as they've gotten older :)), stops at the grocery store for me, helps me with dinner (prep and clean up), and never ever complains if I don't feel like cooking. He looks for ways to make my life easier. I think he feels a tad guilty that I had to return to work when he got sick. But, it was really for the best. I am able to finance our girls' education, and that is important to me. In the long run, it has also given us more security if his cancer ever returns (but of course, we pray that doesn't happen).

I'm not trying to be boastful. I've just been thinking about this because my sister's divorce was final on Monday. That man she was married to was a TOTAL LOSER. He cheated  on her and put her down every chance her got. The other women were too many to count. She was an outstanding wife...and if you could see her, you'd be shocked. My point here is...I hear my friends complain every day about their men. I never say too much. I don't want to say I have it good and make them feel bad or sound braggy.I think they know we are happily married just by stories I tell from our weekends or by watching us interact. But, I figure I'll give my guy his glory here for a day.

God brought me a blessing. I am so, so thankful. I hope I never take him for granted. I hope we keep "liking" each other. I pray it stays this good because I'm a lucky girl.

I hope you are too. Go hug your man!
J
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Eats and exercise are going great!
~only one diet coke a day, water rest of day :)
~grapefruit and protein bar for breakfast
~chicken salad with apple and side salad with lettuce/tomato light ranch for lunch
~dinner- rotisserie chicken, green beans, small portion of pasta

Boot Muffin Top, Really???

I have always thought that I had decent legs from the knees down ...(stop laughing). I know I am hippy. I call my upper legs the Bu-thighs. Where my butt has run into my thigh. You know the pudgy part right under the hiney. Anyway, I got back, as they say. That's where I carry my weight. I have a smaller waist. I always lose there first, too. I swear every pound I have lost has come from my waist. I digress. I have decent ankles. But... What about my calves??? I thought they were okay----until I boot shopping today!!!

I could not find a pair that fit well. Am I alone here??? Someone please help me. The boots were snug on the top of my calf...ugh. I had a little pudge of skin (fat??) at the top of the boot....oh, no! Muffin top on a boot? Heck, no!

My black boots from 3 years ago will have to hold on. I will have to continue my search. Any suggestions out there? I tried on several pair!!! Are boots like jeans now? You know...back in the day, there were no size 0's. Or at least I did not know they existed, maybe because I wasn't in that club. There was the 5,7,9 store---those were the small sizes. Now, we have 00. Those are for the REALLY skinny girls (like the teacher across the hall from me---love her).  I am a bit depressed. I have to be even more determined in my diet. It is no longer only about smaller pants...now my quest involves boots!!! Who knew!

As for my diet, I mean healthy lifestyle...

I exercised 45 minutes on the treadmill (ran sometimes on there not sure about the total--I will have to do better about keeping track of that.)

one coffee and one diet coke, water rest of the day maybe 6 glasses???

grapefruit for breakfast, one bite of banana nut muffin (no time for rest , it was almost lunch so I figured forget it)
grilled chicken on salad with lowfat ranch for lunch
shrimp stirfry for dinner (NO BREAD....yay me!)
2 TBSP of Nyquil :) (not sure if it has calories)

wanted chocolate...resisted...yay me again

Bigger Boots Wanted,
J

PS--- Daughter is getting better every day. I so appreciate all of your prayers and well wishes. The oral steroids and breathing treatments have her acting nuts but breathing better!!! :) Ah, modern medicine!

Stressed Out!

On my last post,  I told you that my daughter and I were sick, remember? Well, I got better--she got waaaaay worse--FAST. She is severely asthmatic. We had to take her to the hospital for the weekend. She is home now, and doing much better. Thank, God. I am truly, truly thankful.

It is so scary to see your child sick and unable to take a good breath. I don't know how people do it that have children who are sick every day of their little lives. I pray for them. I thank God for the Children's Hospital in Atlanta that has the "miracle" drugs for my child and the awesome care she received.

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*** Click here for a  Moving Comfort Sports Bra Giveaway.***

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I feel a little silly even reporting on my weight in light of how worried I was about my child, but it's Monday. I am participating in the Throwdown with Jess. Here's how I did:

1. Lose 5-10 pounds in November...for the first week. I was down 1.3 pounds. I'd say that's a good start.

2. Exercise 4 times a week for 45 minutes or more. I was only able to get in 3 days this week due to sickness and a hospital visit.

3. Be able to run 2 miles without stopping to walk for a rest. I began running for brief periods of time this week. I can run 1/4 mile and walk 1/4 repeatedly. Next week, I will run longer.

BONUS GOAL: Drink more water. I was definitely successful at this goal this week. Most days, I only had one diet coke and drank water for the remainder of the day. :)

I was a bit of a big talker about not being tempted about my eats....but on the way home from the hospital yesterday. I kinda slipped. If you've ever driven through Atlanta, maybe you've heard of The Varsity???? Diet wrecker. Well, I had a Glorified Burger and onion rings with a diet coke. The places oozes history and grease!!! Even though I fell to temptation, I planned for it for the rest of the day. I only had a grapefruit for breakfast and 110 calorie soup with an apple for dinner. Not so bad, I don't think. The burgers are small, too. Anyway, I feel okay about it. It's not a salad kind of place and sometimes you just have to go with the flow.

I hope you have a good Monday...
J

Not again...

I am sick again!!! So is my oldest daughter. We both woke up SICK...ugh. I knew yesterday that I was coming down with it. Really, two nights ago, I began with the sniffles, but I was hoping that would be all. Today, it is full-blown sickness. We are two pitiful little people (well, she's little anyway).

At least, I don't feel like eating. But, I think this may hurt my workouts today. I didn't have time to workout yesterday so I was counting on getting my 4th workout in today. Since we started the challenge on Monday, maybe our weeks run Monday to Monday??? Maybe I still have tomorrow to complete my goal? I'll have to ask Jess.

Otherwise, I am feeling really strong. I was a little tempted to have a "bad" snack yesterday. I was feeling stressed. I was going to eat for the wrong reasons, but I stopped myself...who is this new person??? Me? not eating out of emotional reasons??? I barely recognize myself! :)

I know that I am feeling confident. I know that tough days are ahead (yeah...the holidays!) but I am feeling so good at the moment. I have only had ONE diet Coke per day. Can you believe that???

I am praying I can keep this up.

Hold on,
J

Throwdown Goals!!!

I am very excited about having a partner for the November Throwdown. Jess and I have already been emailing each other and I feel like I have a friend cheering me on and supporting me...and a friend to report to!!! That's important to me. I want her to call me on my mistakes. I need to be held accountable (ya hear that Jess???). Don't forget to check out Jess's blog to check out her goals!

Here are my goals for November:


1. Lose 5-10 pounds...I was going to say 10 pounds, but I know that is lofty for one month. So I am going to say 5 to 10. I will be happy with anything in between there. My dad is having our family portrait taken after Thanksgiving so I am going to work VERY hard to drop a pants size by then. We'll see!

2. Exercise 4 times a week for 45 minutes or more. This will be my most challenging goal...I know, harder than the weight, right??? But, I feel like I make so many excuses for exercise. I seem to always run out of time. My blog reading may suffer, but maybe my thighs will benefit...you guys will understand, I hope!

3. Be able to run 2 miles without stopping to walk for a rest. I may die trying to reach this goal...start the prayers now--please!

BONUS GOAL: Drink more water. I am a Diet Coke-aholic. I admit it. I am doing so much better, but I really need to up the H2O. I like water....why don't I drink it??? Because the DC tastes so good with all my diety food!

I hope you are all doing well...I am so inspired. My friend returned home from Germany today with a prize for me ---a BIG German chocolate bar. I said thank you, and did not eat ONE BITE! Can you believe it??? Me, turning down chocolate? Yep, I did it.

Let's lose the pounds!
J

Throwdown!

So...I'm doing the Throwdown Challenge with my partner Jess! Check out our badge!

We are still talking about our goals for November, but I'll let you know about them once it is all settled. The throwdown is about making individual goals for yourself for the month and having a partner to help hold you accountable. Loving that! Need that!!!! I feel kinda like a dork on the badge with my lady on the scale pic, but I'm not ready to put my real picture up (sorry, Jess).
Today was another good eating day! My "It's Just Food" slogan is getting me through some struggles...unbelievable! Now...if I could convince my boss to give me an hour off in the middle of the day to go exercise! :)

I am finally excited about changing again...
J

Hanging on ...for dear life

I have been so good for a little more than a week! Proud I know! I act like it is years, but this is when it gets hard for me. I have been SO hungry today. Starving. Tempted. But...I'm hanging on for dear life! I haven't slipped. NOT ONCE. (you guys, is that clapping I hear? you are too sweet!)

Today is my weigh in. I am two days into TOM. Maybe TMI, but I feel the need to explain (don't we always). I was hoping for a low 180 number. I got 184. Not too bad I guess for doing horrible two weeks out of the month of October. I think I may start weighing weekly. We'll see...you know I can become obsessive with the number.

I am doing the Throwdown Challenge.  See Rae's blog for information. I have a partner, Jessica. We are still getting together to finalize our goals. I will keep you posted on that. I am thrilled to have a partner to help hold me accountable. It definitely with help me.

I am eating really well. I just need to fit in my exercise more consistently. My life seems to get in the way. I find a lot of excuses. If it gets too late, I skip it. I have a treadmill here at home, so it really shouldn't be an issue. But, when the kids are asleep, I really enjoy my alone time with my husband. It is so nice to actually be able to talk and finish an entire conversation and snuggle up. You know! I could start getting up early again...boy, I do love my sleep though. 4:45 is so early!!!! Maybe. I'll think about it.

Hope you had a great Monday. I can't believe it is November. Oh, I almost forgot. I have more motivation. My extended family is having a family photograph session at Thanksgiving. I've got to lose!!!!! Keep me going!

Holding on,
J