Day 5 Bike Ride

A bike ride with fellow Chick Connects Member and friend Kaethe this morning.  It felt really good and I actually worked up a bit of a sweat. 

I guess you could say I was "glistening."  lol

I've decided that I may need an odometer for Blade since I have no clue how far we rode.  Gone for over an hour and feeling good and I think dear hubs was a little impressed!

I'm gonna RIDE!

David Dear put new tires on my bike today.

Weather permitting, I'm going for a ride in the morning.

Another ride with a Chick friend in the evening. Can't wait!

 

 

The Bike

My special bike came to me from my bff.  We traveled

3000+ miles last summer  in her vintage trailer Sweet Pea

with her '52 Schwinn and my early 80's Spalding Blade

hooked on the back.  So fun to hop on the bikes and ride. 

Yes, you don't forget how to ride, but I've got to say...

it's a bit scary after all these years. 

Look out!

 

I'm so ready to RIDE but a flat tire and possibly tire replacement has to happen first. At least Blade doesn't have to go back to the bike hospital...dear hubs will take care of it and I'm ever so

hopeful that it's this weekend. 

Pictures coming soon.

 

 

 

 

A Walk Does the Heart Good

Headed out the door with Lincoln and Hendrix.  We must have walked at least a mile and ended up at the neighborhood school.  New play equipment kept us busy for quite a while.   

 Such beauty in the neighborhood today.
A yard brimming with Zinnias right around the corner.

Good thing we raised 3 sons already, so I'm used to how "active" they are.



Hendrix is a climber too.

Peek a Boo!



Inquiring minds want to know...
what's that noise behind the arborvitaes?

Boys loved the climbing equipment.   


 

Monday Madness!

Who else weighs in on Monday's?  I've tried many different days but I'm thinking Sunday works better for me. This Monday was super busy and I almost forgot to weigh.  By the time I did, I had my shake and a my first round of H2O.  Did that add to my staying the same this week?  hmmm...or was it the 3 pieces of Lemon Meringue Pie the day before?  I thought with my 3 vigorous days of exercise I was golden.  Not so....let's see what happens with a Sunday weigh in. 

3 Days and Counting

3 days of movement!  Two days of walking with friends and one day of dance.  Harder to get my bum out the door for Line Dancing Class, but I do have fun once I'm there. Spending time with friends is a bonus!  Dancing is just way out there for me, but maybe with a little more practice, I'll actually look forward to it. And since I may be the youngest one in the class...just maybe the old timers can teach me a thing or two. :-)  If you are 50+ check out the Senior Center in your area. 
You may be dancing before you know it too!
 



My morning just got better.

I struggle with eating.  I get that.  While I overeat, I don't eat often enough and am more likely to go through the day without eating until mid afternoon.  That starts the spiral of overeating late in the day.  Not good.  I know that.  So I'm back to drinking a breakfast shake first thing in the morning.  It's a better fit for me and then I eat

every 3 hours or so...

 

The weekend is a little harder.  I may try doing 2 shakes

over the weekend.

I'm back to Week 1 and down 4 lbs. 

I SAY NO

I seem to do better when I make a few things completely off limits.  How about you?  Do you have trigger foods or treats that get the better of you?  I'm going to create my "I SAY NO" list and post it in my kitchen. 

A reminder to do my best to stay away....

or at least limit myself to a true serving.

1. Potato Chips
2. Cheez It
3. Tri-mix Popcorn from Target
4. Ben and Jerry's
5. FAST FOOD!  I don't get it often but I need to make better choices when I do.

The list may change now and then. 

But keeping it top of mind will be helpful. 

 

 

Another Goal Set - a REAL stretch for me!

Last weekend I attend the first ever Chicks Connect Inspiration Celebration in Lake Oswego, OR.  We're all about supporting women with love and friendship through  personal and professional growth.

There I met Rachelle's friend, Wendi McDonald, from Vancouver, BC. 

Wendi is  passionate about helping women initiate a healthy

lifestyle through diet and exercise. 

 

Wendi has quite the story of overcoming/living with Diabetes by making a lifestyle change which included learning to cook healthy, losing over a 100 lbs, battling a cancer diagnosis  and getting back on a bicycle for exercise.  She went from riding around the block to 19 miles every day!

Can you imagine?

 

With Rachelle and Wendi's encouragement, I'm now in the early stages of training for the Tour de Cure Bike Ride for Diabetes. (super early - like just blogging about it)  The Ride is in the summer of 2014.  We have a Cycle Chicks Connect group on Facebook and developing details

will be posted there.  

 

So Excited and Inspired to ride with my fellow Chicks and to learn

from such a caring person like Wendi and her bff "apprentice" Rachelle. 

 

Check out this AWESOME article about Wendi at http://momentummag.com/

I know you will be inspired too!

Wendi McDonald

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef Salad

A prefect choice for Weaving Friendships.  All the fresh

and locally grown veggies came from my favorite 

little market down the road EZ Orchard.

I'm Back!

I simply must get a handle on this.  I've decided to share my thoughts, celebrate my successes and put the crummy part behind me. 

The Good Thing

1. I gave up my addiction to CANDY last November.  It was Election Day to be exact.  A great sense of accomplishment.  One day I hope to enjoy those hard little Cadbury Eggs and Candy Corn again.
2. It's been 7+ weeks since I stopped drinking Diet Coke.  Realized I was drinking more POP than water.  And since I have a drink in my hand at all times during waking hours, I decided it was time for a break.  So YES, I am taking a break from Diet Coke and all soda.
3. Tonight as I write late at night, I have decided that I MUST stop all SUGAR!  When I leave it alone, I stop craving it and over eating. 
4. Tonight I realized that I MUST get back to eating more often.  Every 3-4 hours.

The Bad Thing

1. I have not exercised since going to Sun River the first part of June. ugh  Enjoyed bike riding and swimming and would like to get back to that.
2. I stopped using MyFitness Pal.
3. Which means I stopped tracking my calories and journaling.
4. I have been snacking late at night after Dear Hubs goes to bed.
5. I have avoided my blog because of my disappointment in myself.

The UGLY

1. Reality. I am now borderline/pre-diabetic.  Blood sugar is not too high yet, but I seriously need to get a grip on my health.
2. My summer clothes don't fit and I had to get a few new things for vacation.
3. I still have 50 lbs to lose to reach my goal. 
4. I am discouraged and mad at myself.
5. I have totally avoided the scale.

I CAN DO THIS - YES I CAN!  One day at a time.  My commitment is still there, I'm just going to have to work EXTRA hard to DO IT!  I AM HEALTHY! I AM FIT!  I AM BACK and on my way!

battling the buldge

I have been struggling.  Good one day, then not so good the next.   And repeat. Today, I begin again.  My year long journey is still attainable but I  need to work extra hard.  I have a goal in mind for the next 6 weeks. (a couple really) TODAY I AM stopping the negative thoughts coming into my head and picturing myself fitting into my summer clothes.  :-)  A new swimsuit is on my list before vacation.

WEEK 10

This week I'm almost back to my 15 lbs.  I'm back on track drinking my water.  Have cut back on popcorn snacking in the evenings.  While it's my favorite snack, I do tend to over due it.  haha.  Story of my life.  I AM eating healthy and I AM on this journey of reversing bad habits.  Weather has been beyond great this week.  A little more sun and it would have been perfect!

WEEK 9

A bit behind and my scales are reflecting it.  Wish I was one that ate less when I'm am on overload and stressed instead of the other way around.  Up 2 lbs this week.  ugh.  Recommitted and staying focused on better choices.  Breakfast today - 1 egg (70 cal) made in the microwave, added 2 slices of ham (25 cal) on top to warm while waiting for Orowheat Sandwich Thin (100 cal) to toast in the toaster.  yumo!  It's a new week and a new day!  I AM ready!

WEEK 8

Hmmm. Scale is going backwards this week. Reality is...I need to drink more water. Reality is...I will stick to portion control. Reality is...I have to start my day with a healthy breakfast. Reality is...my kitchen is free of any junk food. Reality is...I WILL do better

I'M THIRSTY

WATER!  Need more of it and I don't know why it's not happening.  I started out so well and I like water but just not on top of it these last few days.. Needs to be at the top of my list for this week.
Where is that list anyway?

WEEK 7

Okay, okay.  I just couldn't help myself.  Got on the scales this morning for my weekly weigh in.  ugh.  I knew it was not going to be pretty.  Up 4.4 lbs!  A long weekend with no self control.  But I just have to say, those Lave Cakes were well worth it!  Now to fuel my body with healthy foods and get back on the treadmill.  I CAN DO THIS!

WHILE AWAY...

Wow! What a weekend! Celebrating Mother Ethel's 91st Birthday at the Oregon Coast. A picture perfect time enjoyed by all. I know the scales will not be forgiving, so I'm just going to stay away from them this week and get right back on track. It is a new day! And the weekend was worth every single "ounce" of fun that we had.

 

Mother Ethel on her 91st Birthday!  Love her.

WEEK 6

Today I celebrate 15 lbs at 6 weeks. (officially 14.8) Yippee!  Now to schedule my pampering appointment with Alison at Salon554  - a special gift from my bff's for my birthday. 
I AM healthier with each pound and mile on the treadmill.  Proud that I AM making better choices.
Bring on week 7!  Thanks for your support!

TREADMILL DAY 2

Hit the treadmill after dinner tonight. Will stay with 20 minutes until the end of February and see how I feel. So far so good. This needs to be another part of my routine and healthy habits. I can so do this!

TREADMILL DONE

I did it.  Slow but steady. I feel warm and fuzzy.  20+ minutes and 100 calories burned.  I WILL work up to 30 minutes and then on to my goal of 45 minutes - 5 days a week.  Yahoo!

SAYING IT OUTLOUD!

I have to say it OUTLOUD and then I WILL make it happen. Tomorrow I WILL get on the treadmill. I WILL post my results on Monday. I know I WILL be more successful if I do. I will. I will.

I LOVE MY JEANS

My Levi's are feeling better every day. No more muffin top. No more taking them off just to get comfy. Looking forward to the next size down waiting for me in my closet.

5 WEEKS

Today is number 5.  Down .8 so total of 13.8.  I'm good with that, especially since it was a challenging week.  Superbowl, lunch out a couple of times, a Gigi Hill party and Bunco.  Stayed in control the best I could...but that Ben and Jerry's was calling my name for a few days and I enjoyed every bit of it.  Then the guilt sets in...I look forward to the day, I can eat and not think about it.  Will that ever happen in my lifetime? Good for me, not so good.  That is always the question.

I'm a CANDY-AHOLIC

Those who really know me, know my love of CANDY!  I knew I had a problem when my love reached a bag a day. Yikes!  Yes, a bag a day.  I have battled the candy demon over the years and once again have said good-bye.  Gave up candy on Election Day and I'm still going strong.  Much easier as the time goes by and my cravings have stopped.  Last time I recognized my "problem", I gave it up for 14 months.  Candy Corn brought me back.  It's been 3 full months now and with Easter coming up, it's a good thing I don't like PEEPS!

A Day at a Time

This sounds good right? Not always easy. I've decided the weekends are my biggest challenge. Better planning would help. I will be better. Bring on Monday!

Making Better Choices

Enjoyed lunch out with some friends this week. In addition to chick chat, it was a wonderful lunch.  Keizer Station has gotten a new restaurant called Panera Bread.  Tried to get over there sooner but with it opening just before Christmas, you couldn't even get in the parking lot.  Well, it was worth the wait!  I ordered the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad (loved that the calorie count was posted on their menu boards) and YES, I ate the whole salad. So yummy. I also had a 1/2 French Baguette. The cool thing on the Panera Bread website is the Nutrional Calculator. Total of 470 + 150 for bread. Stayed within my calorie count with a homemade omlette for dinner.  I'll be back....



4 WEEKS

TODAY...I celebrate 4 weeks.  Feels good.  Down 13 lbs.  Diet Coke still in check.  Getting a good start with my breakfast shake each morning.  Struggling with lunch...seems to get missed more than it should.  Love Cliff Bars and Luna Bars. Peanut Honey Pretzel is my favorite. Working on not snacking at night, but if I have the calories, my preferred snack is Popcorn.  Now I just need a microwave that will actually pop it.  haha.  Next up is to add some exercise.  There I said it, so now I HAVE to do it!

No Question About It•••

I'm getting plenty of greens. Salad anyway. My favorite dressing is Picante or Salsa. Very few calories and a perfect pairing for just about any of my salad choices.

Threw this together with leftovers

from fajitas the night before.

 Now this is a REAL taco salad! 

In a pinch...2 McDonald's Side Salads w/added

deli turkey*1/2 apple*salsa

I CAN'T HELP IT...I LOVE DIET COKE!

I'm not going to say this has been easy.  But I think I'm getting the hang of it.  Changing habits is what it's all about and I am finding that I have several.  :-)  Diet coke for one.  I have been pretty true to one a day, but find myself wanting more once I drink one.  Especially if I am eating out.  My new rule is drinking water when I'm at a restaurant.  Better for me and cheaper too. 

I'm excited today.  Creating a new blog just for this life long journey.  I'm not sure how it's going together. but know that the blog, like myself is a work in progress.  Celebrating each and every day with new beginnings, changing habits and being accountable to myself.  Down 9+ pounds in 17 days.  Now that's a good reason to kick up my heals and dance! 

DAY ONE REVISITED

I started my blog of this journey on my Weaving Friendships Blog, but I have since decided to begin a NEW blog so that I can focus entirely on my lifestyle change here. 


Day One - January 2nd, 2013


TODAY * is the day I began my journey to 60 x 60. I wasn't sure I wanted to post my weight but I decided that I HAVE to say it out loud and face it head on. First weigh in 194.8. ugh...I can't believe I let it get to this point. It's just a number right? A number NEVER to be seen by this girl again!

TODAY * I started with my usual shower; then I sat and read for 30 minutes! Wow! The Four Year Career by Richard Bliss Brooke. You see, it was a dare from Julie Muller, with Chicks Connect. Visit Chicks Connect on facebook and join the DARE.
This is the DARE in Julie's words - I have a Dare for you for 2013. Who's up for the Dare? I dare you to spend the first 20 minutes of your work time on a daily basis working on a current project or goal. No opening up email or facebook until the 20 minute timer rings. You will be AMAZED at what you will accomplish with just 20 minutes a day. :) In order for your new years resolutions to come true, you need to change your behavior. Here is one easy tip! Happy New Year my friends! Happy Holiday Hugs! Go get those timers.

TODAY * I drank lots of water, vi-shake for breakfast, had just 1 McDonald's diet coke mid afternoon, had a healthy snack and a delicious dinner. Even have calories left to have some popcorn tonight.

TODAY * I revisited the treadmill. Starting slow this time so as not to injure myself. 15 minutes felt just right. Did 24 squats...wow! Linda P and I are doing this monthly challenge. Squats every day. I'm starting small since I probably haven't done a SQUAT since high school. haha. The first day was 35 so I'm a bit behind but I WILL DO THIS! Check out the fan page @ the fit girl inside.

Excited. Committed. Grateful. Scared. TODAY * I am strong and I AM fabulous!!