First: ever since I typed yesterday's post title, I've had The Final Countdown by Europe stuck in my head. Just had to get that off my chest.
Second: I pulled the Favorite Jeans out of the closet this morning. I tried them on. Then I put them back in the closet. They pretty much fit the same way they did 30 days ago. I believe the technical term is Muffin Top. In this case, I would say Extreme Muffin Top. So not exactly a triumphant post to cap off my 30 days of hard work.
I would like to say something deep and meaningful at this point, but the truth is I just got home from my birthday dinner and I've had a couple or 3 margaritas so I may not be thinking clearly. What can I say? I had a good time.
As for The Favorite Jeans - I'll just keep trying. They really are great jeans and I'm not ready to give up on them just yet. So that's that.
The End.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: The Final Countdown
The jeans come out of the closet tomorrow and I have no idea what to expect. I did manage to get my workout groove back in the past 30 days, so I do feel like I accomplished something. As for the jeans...Stay tuned!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-2 days
We had a beautiful, beautiful weekend. It was warm and sunny. Husband had the BBQ going non-stop, or almost - he said it was still too cold to BBQ breakfast.
I was hoping to take advantage of the weather and get out in the garden, but I didn't have time. So I had to content myself with appreciating what's growing so far.
Our cats went for their yearly vet visit on Saturday. The good news is they are healthy kitties. The bad news is our vet is retiring and we're going to have to find someone new. I've been worried about this happening, hoping we'd have a few more years, but she's retiring in October. I really like this vet, she's a no-nonsense kind of lady, very experienced, and I always felt like the Fabulous Felines were in good hands. What can you do though? She's ready to retire and we'll have to find someone else.
The Fabulous Felines were, of course, not happy about the trip. There are always lots of sad meows from the back seat of the car. But once it was all over and they were home again they were fine. They really enjoyed the beautiful weekend too - lots of sunning in the yard.
As for my Operation Favorite Jeans, I did have a few treats on the weekend, but did not go overboard I don't think. And I was pretty busy so hopefully the extra activity makes up for the extra treats.
Photos from the weekend - My spring flowers...
Seedlings at 3 weeks...
I was hoping to take advantage of the weather and get out in the garden, but I didn't have time. So I had to content myself with appreciating what's growing so far.
Our cats went for their yearly vet visit on Saturday. The good news is they are healthy kitties. The bad news is our vet is retiring and we're going to have to find someone new. I've been worried about this happening, hoping we'd have a few more years, but she's retiring in October. I really like this vet, she's a no-nonsense kind of lady, very experienced, and I always felt like the Fabulous Felines were in good hands. What can you do though? She's ready to retire and we'll have to find someone else.
The Fabulous Felines were, of course, not happy about the trip. There are always lots of sad meows from the back seat of the car. But once it was all over and they were home again they were fine. They really enjoyed the beautiful weekend too - lots of sunning in the yard.
As for my Operation Favorite Jeans, I did have a few treats on the weekend, but did not go overboard I don't think. And I was pretty busy so hopefully the extra activity makes up for the extra treats.
Photos from the weekend - My spring flowers...
Seedlings at 3 weeks...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-6 days
Today would probably be considered a "cheat day". Not that I went on a crazy binge or anything, but I did take a day off. One of the Big Bosses came to our office to give a presentation, and we knew lunch was going to be provided, so I decided to just go with it. I ate what I wanted and didn't count any calories. That was a conscious decision and tomorrow I will be back in diet mode.
The weather started off damp and dreary again. By afternoon the sun was out and I almost left the office to go for a little walk but it was a busy day so I decided to wait til I got home. Wouldn't you know, by the time we headed home it was starting to rain. Still, I managed to find a little brightness...
Last time I checked, the forecast for tomorrow was looking really good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
The weather started off damp and dreary again. By afternoon the sun was out and I almost left the office to go for a little walk but it was a busy day so I decided to wait til I got home. Wouldn't you know, by the time we headed home it was starting to rain. Still, I managed to find a little brightness...
Last time I checked, the forecast for tomorrow was looking really good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-7 days
Another day down. It has not been difficult, but that's normal I guess. When I have the time to make a plan and prepare for my plan, things go pretty smoothly...Until something happens to disrupt things again. But for now, I'm going with it.
We had White Chicken Chili leftovers last night, but there still ended up being a bit left. Only enough for one of us though. On the drive home from work, Husband asks what's for supper - this is pretty much routine. I said there was enough Chicken Chili left for one of us, so he could have that and I would make something else.
Of course he wanted to know what I would eat - any time I make a suggestion like this he always seems very concerned about what I will eat.
I say not to worry. There are soba noodles, bell peppers; I will be fine.
"So you're thinking that peanut butter soba noodle thing?" Husband asks.
Yes, that's what I was thinking.
"I could eat that too." Husband says.
Color me confused. "I didn't think you'd want that. There's no meat to go with it." Not to mention the fact that he's said in the past he's not crazy about Soba noodles. Yes, I am confused.
His response to the lack of meat is that he could eat some of the Chicken Chili if he's desperate.
Then a few minutes later he muses that a couple of fried eggs would go very nicely on top of the soba noodle dish.
This is the man who always makes such a big fuss to let me know that dinner is not dinner without meat.
The same thing happened a couple of weeks ago. There was something left over, only enough for one so I said he could have it and I would make something else. Same routine - what would I eat then? That time I said I was thinking scrambled eggs and toast. And Husband said he could have that too.
Not that I'm complaining - this actually makes life easier for me. Toast with scrambled eggs and a salad is a very easy thing to throw together and I'm quite happy eating it for dinner. The Soba Noodles with peanut sauce is also quick to throw together and is one of my favorite things to eat. Now I know he likes it, he'll be eating it more often. Yes, this is working out well for me. I'm just finding it amusing given that in the past he has been so dead set against the idea of a meatless dinner.
I did not grow up in a vegetarian family but we did sometimes eat meatless meals and I don't remember anyone thinking it to be strange. One of my Dad's favorite things is a plate of pasta with fresh tomato sauce and a little bit of cheese. My Mom would regularly make Minestrone Soup and Corn Chowder which we would eat with homemade bread and butter. One of the special meals that would be made about once a year was a pizza pie that contained eggs and cheese, but no meat. These were all very satisfying meals.
That is all I'm really asking. I don't expect Husband to give up meat. I'd just like to be able to have those kinds of meals once or twice a week. Seems like he's coming around.
We had White Chicken Chili leftovers last night, but there still ended up being a bit left. Only enough for one of us though. On the drive home from work, Husband asks what's for supper - this is pretty much routine. I said there was enough Chicken Chili left for one of us, so he could have that and I would make something else.
Of course he wanted to know what I would eat - any time I make a suggestion like this he always seems very concerned about what I will eat.
I say not to worry. There are soba noodles, bell peppers; I will be fine.
"So you're thinking that peanut butter soba noodle thing?" Husband asks.
Yes, that's what I was thinking.
"I could eat that too." Husband says.
Color me confused. "I didn't think you'd want that. There's no meat to go with it." Not to mention the fact that he's said in the past he's not crazy about Soba noodles. Yes, I am confused.
His response to the lack of meat is that he could eat some of the Chicken Chili if he's desperate.
Then a few minutes later he muses that a couple of fried eggs would go very nicely on top of the soba noodle dish.
This is the man who always makes such a big fuss to let me know that dinner is not dinner without meat.
The same thing happened a couple of weeks ago. There was something left over, only enough for one so I said he could have it and I would make something else. Same routine - what would I eat then? That time I said I was thinking scrambled eggs and toast. And Husband said he could have that too.
Not that I'm complaining - this actually makes life easier for me. Toast with scrambled eggs and a salad is a very easy thing to throw together and I'm quite happy eating it for dinner. The Soba Noodles with peanut sauce is also quick to throw together and is one of my favorite things to eat. Now I know he likes it, he'll be eating it more often. Yes, this is working out well for me. I'm just finding it amusing given that in the past he has been so dead set against the idea of a meatless dinner.
I did not grow up in a vegetarian family but we did sometimes eat meatless meals and I don't remember anyone thinking it to be strange. One of my Dad's favorite things is a plate of pasta with fresh tomato sauce and a little bit of cheese. My Mom would regularly make Minestrone Soup and Corn Chowder which we would eat with homemade bread and butter. One of the special meals that would be made about once a year was a pizza pie that contained eggs and cheese, but no meat. These were all very satisfying meals.
That is all I'm really asking. I don't expect Husband to give up meat. I'd just like to be able to have those kinds of meals once or twice a week. Seems like he's coming around.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-8 days
Another successful day. Food was more or less a repeat of yesterday, but that's ok. Another treadmill session after work, plus 20 minutes of Detox Yoga. The plan for tomorrow is something with weights.
Heard from Sister today - normally we have been emailing each other every day but she had been MIA since last Wednesday. Sounds like things got a bit crazy for her too - they've been doing some renovations on their house and of course have been tired/busy. However, they are done for now and Sister is back on the wagon with me - always nice to have company.
We had a pretty nice weekend here, and yesterday was beautiful. I was out in the yard with the cats for a bit after work yesterday, and of course I had my camera with me. Good thing I took advantage of the nice weather yesterday. This morning when we left for work it was still beautiful, but by midday it was pouring down rain and the winds were gusting. Supposed to stay like that for the next few days. Ah well; April showers, right?
You can already see there is more greenery poking up out of the ground, and the little blue flowers that I can't remember the name of. The tulips are also coming along (behind Fred, in the second to last photo). It's so much fun to watch things grow! Also I enjoy looking at my cats... :)
Edit: Thanks Bag Lady! The pictures here of Glory of the Snow do look like my blue flowers and the name sounds familiar.
Heard from Sister today - normally we have been emailing each other every day but she had been MIA since last Wednesday. Sounds like things got a bit crazy for her too - they've been doing some renovations on their house and of course have been tired/busy. However, they are done for now and Sister is back on the wagon with me - always nice to have company.
We had a pretty nice weekend here, and yesterday was beautiful. I was out in the yard with the cats for a bit after work yesterday, and of course I had my camera with me. Good thing I took advantage of the nice weather yesterday. This morning when we left for work it was still beautiful, but by midday it was pouring down rain and the winds were gusting. Supposed to stay like that for the next few days. Ah well; April showers, right?
You can already see there is more greenery poking up out of the ground, and the little blue flowers that I can't remember the name of. The tulips are also coming along (behind Fred, in the second to last photo). It's so much fun to watch things grow! Also I enjoy looking at my cats... :)
Edit: Thanks Bag Lady! The pictures here of Glory of the Snow do look like my blue flowers and the name sounds familiar.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-9 days
Operation Favorite Jeans is winding down and I think I'm failing my mission. I do seem to have got my workout mojo back, which is good, but the food thing is still hit and miss. I am going to try and give it my all for the next 9 nine days though.
Today was good - I stuffed myself full of vegetables all day, made a diet-friendly dinner (White Chicken Chili from Eat, Shrink and Be Merry) and while I did not do the workout I had planned on, I did hit the treadmill for a walking session.
I have veggies prepped to take to work with me tomorrow. I am good to go.
Today was good - I stuffed myself full of vegetables all day, made a diet-friendly dinner (White Chicken Chili from Eat, Shrink and Be Merry) and while I did not do the workout I had planned on, I did hit the treadmill for a walking session.
I have veggies prepped to take to work with me tomorrow. I am good to go.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A beautiful day in the neighborhood
My camera was in my jacket pocket, so I snapped a photo while I was out on my walking break this afternoon.
The snow on Sunday and Monday was a nasty surprise, but the rest of the week has been lovely.
The snow on Sunday and Monday was a nasty surprise, but the rest of the week has been lovely.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-14 days
Was beautiful sunny day and I was hoping to get home from work early enough to enjoy a bit of it, but here it is almost 6 o'clock and I'm sitting at the office waiting for Husband. Wants to go home! Now!
Decided to visit the scale this morning and it said something really nasty to me. Am trying to ignore it and pretend it was a bad dream.
Have new sneakers to try out tonight in hopes they will help with my running issues. If I ever get out of here. Did I mention I want to go home? Now-ish would be good.
Hopes momentarily raised as I see MSN message window flash!
Hopes dashed. Message is from Husband saying Not Quite Ready Yet.
Sigh.
Am going to fall asleep at desk soon...
Wait! He's ready! Finally! I'm outta here!
Decided to visit the scale this morning and it said something really nasty to me. Am trying to ignore it and pretend it was a bad dream.
Have new sneakers to try out tonight in hopes they will help with my running issues. If I ever get out of here. Did I mention I want to go home? Now-ish would be good.
Hopes momentarily raised as I see MSN message window flash!
Hopes dashed. Message is from Husband saying Not Quite Ready Yet.
Sigh.
Am going to fall asleep at desk soon...
Wait! He's ready! Finally! I'm outta here!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My running woes...
I started to write out my whole history with running, but then I decided y'all don't really want to hear/read that. Not like there is much to tell. In a nutshell: I never was a runner, then suddenly decided I wanted to be. Worked my way up to jogging 17 minutes straight on a treadmill, an accomplishment I was proud of, then I stopped. Not deliberately. Things happen. Life changes.
Now I keep trying to get back. It seems that if I did it once, I should be able to do it again, yes?
I tried Couch 2 5K twice last year and it just wasn't working for me. So I decided to just do my own thing, since that worked before. And I set some rules for myself - I would only run twice a week, I would stick to a slow pace, and I would not push myself; if I felt like I needed to take it easy, I would.
It was going swimmingly, and then it wasn't. The problem: my calf muscles get really tight - feel like they are turning into rocks. It's painful. The last couple of times my left foot went numb.
I guess maybe I have to back off and start all over again, but it's frustrating.
Thinking about what I might be doing differently...
- I have been doing longer sessions. The running intervals have been shorter though, with longer walking sessions in between (because I seem to need them)
- I have been doing less yoga
I guess maybe I should try shortening up the sessions and doing more yoga again, see if that makes a difference?
Now I keep trying to get back. It seems that if I did it once, I should be able to do it again, yes?
I tried Couch 2 5K twice last year and it just wasn't working for me. So I decided to just do my own thing, since that worked before. And I set some rules for myself - I would only run twice a week, I would stick to a slow pace, and I would not push myself; if I felt like I needed to take it easy, I would.
It was going swimmingly, and then it wasn't. The problem: my calf muscles get really tight - feel like they are turning into rocks. It's painful. The last couple of times my left foot went numb.
I guess maybe I have to back off and start all over again, but it's frustrating.
Thinking about what I might be doing differently...
- I have been doing longer sessions. The running intervals have been shorter though, with longer walking sessions in between (because I seem to need them)
- I have been doing less yoga
I guess maybe I should try shortening up the sessions and doing more yoga again, see if that makes a difference?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-23 days
Progress thus far:
- exercise good
- eating hit and miss
So, in other words, pretty much the usual around here. What can I say? I'm working on it.
Question for those of you out there who have gone from non-runner to runner...Running was going really well; I was being careful not to push it too hard, which I have been known to do in the past; It was feeling really good and I was able to increase my intervals every week and then suddenly it's all gone. For the past couple of weeks it's almost as if I have to start all over again. It's just really hard and I can't even do intervals I was doing a month ago. What gives?
- exercise good
- eating hit and miss
So, in other words, pretty much the usual around here. What can I say? I'm working on it.
Question for those of you out there who have gone from non-runner to runner...Running was going really well; I was being careful not to push it too hard, which I have been known to do in the past; It was feeling really good and I was able to increase my intervals every week and then suddenly it's all gone. For the past couple of weeks it's almost as if I have to start all over again. It's just really hard and I can't even do intervals I was doing a month ago. What gives?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
And so it begins...
Garden Season 2009!
Saturday I started my seeds. So exciting to watch things grow!
The snow has really been disappearing over the past week.
This morning there was a deer sitting up on the hill. I've never seen one do that before, out in plain view. It sat there for a couple of hours and then it was gone.
Saturday I started my seeds. So exciting to watch things grow!
The snow has really been disappearing over the past week.
This morning there was a deer sitting up on the hill. I've never seen one do that before, out in plain view. It sat there for a couple of hours and then it was gone.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-26 days
Thursday
Was a busy day. No workout, but other than that pretty good.
Friday
Potluck at work to christen our new office. I did not go way overboard, but some excess calories were definitely consumed. Then I came home and got in a good treadmill session and behaved myself for the rest of the evening. Mostly. Sorta. Almost. Ok. A few more cookies (leftover from potluck) and a couple handfuls of tortilla chips were consumed. But that's it. Tomorrow I am back on good behavior.
We will not speak of what the scale told me this morning. I'm blaming that conversation on the soy sauce in the homemade shrimp fried rice I made last night.
Y'all may be interested to know that Sister has been doing well so far as well. Our favorite jeans will be comfy again, oh yes they will.
Was a busy day. No workout, but other than that pretty good.
Friday
Potluck at work to christen our new office. I did not go way overboard, but some excess calories were definitely consumed. Then I came home and got in a good treadmill session and behaved myself for the rest of the evening. Mostly. Sorta. Almost. Ok. A few more cookies (leftover from potluck) and a couple handfuls of tortilla chips were consumed. But that's it. Tomorrow I am back on good behavior.
We will not speak of what the scale told me this morning. I'm blaming that conversation on the soy sauce in the homemade shrimp fried rice I made last night.
Y'all may be interested to know that Sister has been doing well so far as well. Our favorite jeans will be comfy again, oh yes they will.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Operation Favorite Jeans: T-28 days
Yesterday morning I woke up to snow - and was pretty disgusted, let me tell you. Today we had sunshine and a high temperature of +4 degrees Celsius! Woohoo! Sadly, the forecast for the rest of the week is dismal - cloudy, rainy, flurries, fog...Ugh.
Today was lovely though. I must have seen a dozen robins on the drive home from work. And we actually got home at a decent time so I was able to get my workout in before supper - always nice. Really hungry today though. Ah well, sometimes it happens right? I did feed myself a little extra, but then I capped it off with a nice cup of peppermint tea and left it at that. Another day on the plan (vague though the plan may be) accomplished.
Husband has come down with another cold. He'd better not give it to me; I don't have time for that nonsense.
Today was lovely though. I must have seen a dozen robins on the drive home from work. And we actually got home at a decent time so I was able to get my workout in before supper - always nice. Really hungry today though. Ah well, sometimes it happens right? I did feed myself a little extra, but then I capped it off with a nice cup of peppermint tea and left it at that. Another day on the plan (vague though the plan may be) accomplished.
Husband has come down with another cold. He'd better not give it to me; I don't have time for that nonsense.
March Summary
March disappeared on me - guess that's what comes of having company two weekends in a row.
This winter has been frustrating for me, I have had such trouble sticking to a workout routine. Normally exercise is the part that's easy for me. I am hoping, now spring is here - sorta - that the slump is over.
It occurred to me, all this complaining that I've actually gained a few pounds and my clothes aren't fitting, perhaps my irregular exercise schedule has something to do with that. In the past, as I have exercised my little heart out, I've often felt frustrated and disappointed that all that exercise did not translate into losing fat. I found myself thinking that I wouldn't dare stop exercising, because I was afraid I'd gain weight....Oh wait! [Slaps self on head] Perhaps that's what's going on here...Grr!
I don't know. I just know that I'm going to get back to it, amp the intensity back up, and hope that it gets me somewhere.
Mar 31: Treadmill walk + Squats/lunges/plies[55 mins]
Mar 30: Treadmill walk/jog + Biceps & Triceps[50 mins]
Mar 28: Treadmill walk + Yoga For Runners #1[70 mins]
Mar 27: Get Up and Dance DVD[45 mins]
Mar 25: Treadmill walk/jog[37 mins]
Mar 24: Warrior Workout + Treadmill walk[75 mins]
Mar 17: Treadmill walk/jog + 24 pushups + Yoga for Buns & Thighs[65 mins]
Mar 16: Treadmill walk + 25 squats & 26 walking lunges + Lunar Flow #1[75 mins]
Mar 06: Burn & Firm Pilates + Core Yoga #1[65 mins]
Mar 05: Treadmill walk/jog + Yoga for Runners[52 mins]
Mar 04: Power Vinyasa Flow #1[30 mins]
Mar 03: Gentle Hatha Flow #2[45mins]
Mar 02: Treadmill walk + Lunar Flow #1 [67 mins]
Mar 01: Fat Burning Pilates + 6 min Matrix Challenge[46 mins]
This winter has been frustrating for me, I have had such trouble sticking to a workout routine. Normally exercise is the part that's easy for me. I am hoping, now spring is here - sorta - that the slump is over.
It occurred to me, all this complaining that I've actually gained a few pounds and my clothes aren't fitting, perhaps my irregular exercise schedule has something to do with that. In the past, as I have exercised my little heart out, I've often felt frustrated and disappointed that all that exercise did not translate into losing fat. I found myself thinking that I wouldn't dare stop exercising, because I was afraid I'd gain weight....Oh wait! [Slaps self on head] Perhaps that's what's going on here...Grr!
I don't know. I just know that I'm going to get back to it, amp the intensity back up, and hope that it gets me somewhere.
Mar 31: Treadmill walk + Squats/lunges/plies[55 mins]
Mar 30: Treadmill walk/jog + Biceps & Triceps[50 mins]
Mar 28: Treadmill walk + Yoga For Runners #1[70 mins]
Mar 27: Get Up and Dance DVD[45 mins]
Mar 25: Treadmill walk/jog[37 mins]
Mar 24: Warrior Workout + Treadmill walk[75 mins]
Mar 17: Treadmill walk/jog + 24 pushups + Yoga for Buns & Thighs[65 mins]
Mar 16: Treadmill walk + 25 squats & 26 walking lunges + Lunar Flow #1[75 mins]
Mar 06: Burn & Firm Pilates + Core Yoga #1[65 mins]
Mar 05: Treadmill walk/jog + Yoga for Runners[52 mins]
Mar 04: Power Vinyasa Flow #1[30 mins]
Mar 03: Gentle Hatha Flow #2[45mins]
Mar 02: Treadmill walk + Lunar Flow #1 [67 mins]
Mar 01: Fat Burning Pilates + 6 min Matrix Challenge[46 mins]
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