It’s all up to me

We turned on the AC last week and there was a squeak. We have a plan through our gas company that takes care of our appliances and my hubby figured it was a worn belt so I called them to have it changed. Turns out it’s something more major, not exactly sure what it’s called. We can either fix the one part for $250 or replace the entire furnace. With all of the tax credits/rebates out there we could have a brand new furnace w/a 5 year warranty for about $1100 out of pocket. I would love to go w/the cheaper option but since we’re selling our house soon and the furnace is 18 years old I think it would be wise to replace the whole thing. We’re lucky, though, b/c the thing that is cracked could leak carbon monoxide so if it had cracked during the winter we could be dead. I know a guy who lost his entire family that way so I’m not going to complain about $1100.

I’m excited for my new challenge. All this week I’m going to figure out how to stay on track on Sundays. I still need to allow myself a treat but I need to remind myself that 1 treat is enough, it doesn’t have to be the entire day. For a while I’ll have to script out what I eat but I know I can do it. Imagine the progress I’ll make when I don’t gain back everything I lose throughout the week.

I officially decided to let the Spanish position slip away from me and gamble that I’ll get the guidance job. I talked w/my boss about what I’ll be doing next year if I stay in our building and it will be ok. It feels good to have finally made a decision. I’m hoping that this weeks something will happen w/the guidance job, I’ll keep you posted. Until then I’m going to quit talking about it, I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about it

Food has been good and I was able to get an hour on the treadclimber. I’m so glad the 2nd one is fixed, now I don’t have to get off after 30 minutes. I burned over 1100 calories in that hour and I feel so empowered to reach my new goal.

Progress toward on-plan eating goal: 0/285
Progress toward workout goal: 2/300

My plan of choosing a fairly healthy option at the restaurant yesterday flew out the window and it all went downhill from there. Not only did I feel bloated and tired, today I had to force myself to workout. That is so not like me and if it wasn’t for the fact that I’m in a scheduled workout program I probably wouldn’t have worked out at all. I did the weights portion but skipped the extra TJ that I normally do on Sundays. Lesson learned, I need to keep this crap out of my body.

Knowing that, I’m going to take the bull by the horns and set a food goal for the next year. I messed around with a lot of numbers last night and decided that in the next year I’m going to be on-plan w/food 285 days. It’s essentially 5 1/2 days per week. I always take Sundays off from dieting and it gives me another day or 2 for a treat if I need it, but doesn’t allow me to be off-plan 2 days each week b/c that would spell disaster. It also gives me a little wiggle room if Kyle is hospitalized and over the holidays. It’s a tough challenge but I will do it.

I’m also going to continue my workout goal just b/c I like seeing the numbers go up. For next year, I will workout at least 300 days.

Progress toward food goal: 0/285
Progress toward workout goal: 1/300

This morning I reached my workout goal that I set July 4th. At first it seemed like I wasn’t going to be able to workout today b/c my hubby is graduating and we have a busy morning. But then I realized that all I had to do was get up 30 minutes earlier, do my regular pilates DVD and goal is done. Plus, getting up at 5:30 seems like sleeping in to me now so I decided to go for it.

I still haven’t decided exactly what my next goal is going to be. I’m going to think about it all weekend and have it figured out by Monday when I will begin.

This weekend is going to be a bad one for food. As I said, my hubby graduates today (yay) and we’re going out to lunch afterward. I will make the best choices possible but I know it will be higher calorie than I usually eat. Tomorrow we’ll be at my MILs for Mother’s Day and that’s going to be a food fest but it’s Sunday which is my usual day for indulgences.

After that, though, I need to get serious about food. I only lost .5 pounds this week (228) and I was expecting more. I workout about 2 hours a day and have been on plan for food. The only thing I can think of was that I veered away from the safety of frozen meals for supper and ate real food. We grilled out on Sunday and I substituted a piece of grilled meat for the frozen entree I generally eat. I must have eaten portions that were too big. On Monday I’ll go back to the safety of frozen, portion controlled meals and see if that helps.

Got to go get ready for graduation! I’m so proud of him, I can’t imagine having to finish college w/2 little kids, one of whom is sick and in the hospital a lot. Just this week he asked me how hard grad school was. I’m happy that he’s motivated but I hope that he takes a break for at least a couple of years.

Days on plan this month: 7
Progress toward workout goal: 250/250!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where did this week go? We were so busy during the 1st part of the week w/the land and then the end of the week went quickly b/c we had fun games at school so the days flew by. I just hope that the next 4 weeks pass just as quickly. Only 20 more days until summer!!!!

I still haven’t heard anything about the guidance job but I think I have decided that I’m not going to apply for the Spanish job. It’s only a 1 year position and although I have been told that I would remain even if the other person wanted to come back I check w/the union today and the guy there wasn’t so sure. Plus, I would have to accept that position on Monday and I know that the guidance issue won’t be resolved. I’m going to gamble that the guidance situation will work out. Unless there’s someone out there who has the degree that I don’t know about I should have a good shot. And even if I don’t get it I will just stay at my current school although I would be teaching a different class. If I stay put I know that I like the people I work with, my boss is great w/me having to be gone w/Kyle and the current 7th graders that I would have next year are an awesome bunch. Once I told my hubby that this is what I wanted to do I instantly felt a huge burden lift. I’m still hoping that I’ll get the guidance job but if not I know it’s not the end of the world.

Got up at 4:00 and did my last day of week 3 for Chalean Extreme. I can’t believe I’m almost 1/3 of the way through the program. I’m going to have to preview the next 30 days of workouts to see if I need to buy heavier weights. I also need to see how long the workouts are so I know what time to get up in the morning. I am going to tweak the program a tiny bit to keep to my current workout schedule. It’s supposed to be a program w/3 segments of 30 days but instead I’m going to do 28 days so the days of the week stay the same. Of the 2 extra days one is a rest day and the other is cardio, but w/all of the extra cardio that I do it won’t be a problem.

After school I hit the gym and the 2nd treadclimber if fixed. HOORAY!!! I was able to put in 45 minutes w/o anyone wanting me to get off. Then I came home and cut the grass. So far I’m at 2 hrs. and 15 minutes of exercise for today, I would love to get an extra 15 minutes for an extra 1/2 star.

Days on plan this month: 6
Progress toward workout goal: 249/250

Today we played a game in class that the kids just love. It’s way too hard to explain here but it’s always a favorite. One kid didn’t have anyone to play against so I told him that I’d be his partner. A bit of trash talk ensued and somehow I ended up enrolled in a badminton challenge against 2 of my kids. We generally have a teacher vs. student badminton tourney but for some reason we didn’t this year so I know that I generally can beat the kids. But the 2 boys (8th graders) that I’m taking on are about 5′11″ and 6′2″. I’m 5′6″, 35 and 230 pounds. I still plan to win and in all honesty it will probably be easier to play both of them at the same time b/c they’ll fumble around and not use good strategy. I figure, though, that I don’t have anything to lose b/c WHEN I win I can gloat the rest of the year, but if I lose it’s no big deal b/c there will be 2 of them against me, they’re kids and they’re taller. My hubby just laughs b/c he knows how competitive I am. I figure, why play if you’re not going to try to win???

Still no movement on the job front. My principal was in a meeting today w/the other principal so he said he’d see if he could find anything out. I do realize that I’m fortunate to have a job at all, many people aren’t in that position. But I just wish that I knew what was going to happen next year.

Got up before school and did 40 minutes of pilates/yoga. After school came home and did the weights for Chalean Extreme. I’m finishing the 3rd week of the program, I can’t believe how quickly it’s going by. I can really tell a difference! The boys had haircuts after my workout and it was warm enough to just wear my workout clothes. I would almost say that my legs are skinny. Well, maybe not skinny but they’re very muscular. There’s a definite shape to my calves, an indentation at my knees and then a line of muscle along my thighs. It’s about time!

Days on plan this month: 5
Progress toward workout goal: 248/250

Good news and bad/neutral news today. The good news is that we now own the lot we wanted. Some haggling back and forth but our realtor and builder both think we got a great deal. We did too, but it’s always nice to have your feelings confirmed by experts.

The neutral/bad news is about my job situation. There was a HS Spanish position that I was saving as a backup. Initially you had to apply for it by yesterday but it was extended to this coming Monday. I was going to wait to see if I got the guidance job before I applied for it b/c I didn’t want to give them the option of moving me to HS Spanish instead of the guidance position. Turns out the original deadline was correct. I know that if I pushed it that I could get the Spanish job b/c I have the seniority but I don’t want to. If for some reason, though, I don’t get the guidance job I might reserve that option. None of my friends at the HS, even the ones in the guidance dept, have any idea as to what the decision will be or when they’ll make it. To say that I’m frustrated is an understatement. I bet I call our home voicemail ten times a day and I’m constantly refreshing my email at school in case he contacts me that way. I’m reminding myself to stay positive and use the positive energy to bring the job to me. If anyone else wants to send positive vibes my way I would greatly appreciate it.

This morning I got up at 4:00 for my usual Wednesday workout. I had a bit of trouble getting started and awake but before I knew it an hour had flown by. I’m so glad that I started adding morning workouts to my regimen. Nobody likes to sleep more than I do but I like the feeling of strength I have in my muscles and compliments that I get much, much, more. There are only 22 days of school left and then I can quit getting up at 4:00 to workout. It will definitely be worth it!

I need to think of a new goal to track since my workout goal will be completed on Saturday. Originally I declared on July 4th that in 1 year I would exercise 250 days, at least 30 minutes each day. I am going to reach my goal nearly 2 months early and that includes going on vacation and Kyle being hospitalized 2 times. I knew that I would reach my goal but I never thought that I would reach it so quickly. I have either toyed w/making it 300 days this year w/a 45 minute minimum, but finding the motivation to workout isn’t generally a struggle. It’s a reward for me b/c I actually get time to myself when I’m working out, plus I feel and look better later.

If I was truly brave I would set a goal of eating on plan for 300 days in the next year, from Mother’s Day to Mother’s Day 2010. I worry, though, about setting a goal like that. Knowing myself as I do, if for some reason I get to the point where I can’t achieve my goal that I will throw in the towel. I know that I normally banish the words “if, try, hope, etc.” from my vocabulary but I truly don’t know if I have it in me to be that focused w/food. Granted, I should realize that if I’m this fearful of a goal like this then it should tell me that this is where I need to direct my efforts, but I don’t want to set myself up for failure. Likewise, I don’t want to set it at 250 days on plan b/c that’s only 5 days a week and that’s not enough accountability. What I might do is set a montly goal and my reward will depend on how many months I reach my goal in the next year. This allows me a chance to redeem myself if I indulge for a few days in a row, if Kyle goes into the hospital, holidays, vacations, etc. Any suggestions/ideas? Please feel free to kick my butt and call me a chicken if you think I’m copping out, I value your opinions!
Days on plan this month: 4
Progress toward workout goal: 247/250

…I’m not very virtuous. I still haven’t heard anything about my potential job change. I know the job posting just came down last Friday but you’d think the principal would want to have things taken care of ASAP. We’re also still waiting to see if we’re going to buy the lot I talked about last night. Our builder is supposed to take a look at it tonight and give us his opinion. The other realtor is driving us crazy b/c he gave us the wrong covenant and now he didn’t deliver the plat. Kind of hard for our builder to know exactly where the property lines are. I don’t think he’s trying to pull the wool over our eyes, I just don’t think he’s very organized. Oh well, at least I can assume someone else isn’t going to come along and buy it b/c he doesn’t move very quickly.

Today has gone well. I got up and did the Chalene workout and added 10 minutes of Ab Jam for a total of 50 minutes. Then after school I went to the gym and was able to do 70 minutes of cardio, most of it on the treadclimber to I burned over 1100 calories just this afternoon. I really hope working out twice a day, often for a total of 2 hours, has an impact. Let me rephrase that; I know it will have an impact, I just hope that it has a FAST impact.

Days on plan this month: 3
Progress toward workout goal: 246/250

I think we have finally decided upon a lot and it’s not any of the lots we had considered previously. We met w/a realtor who has a lot in a subdivision on a golf course. He showed us the lot that we have driven by a few times and once we got out and walked around we realized it wasn’t exactly what we wanted. It would do but I could tell there would be problems. He also had another lot in the development but it’s on a corner entrance and we had always disqualified it b/c we thought there would be too much traffic. Turns out it is beautiful. We were there at 5 pm, a busy time, and the traffic was tolerable. If we buy it our backyard will overlook the course but it’s where people tee off so we won’t have to worry about golf balls hitting our house. And the front yard has a nice view, too. The realtor didn’t bring the paperwork on that lot but we think it’s about 3/4 of an acre and has mature trees. Our builder is going to meet us out there tomorrow night and if he says it’s a good lot we’re going to put in an offer. Finally!

Otherwise today was fairly typical. School went pretty well and I was able to hit the gym for an hour after school. Kyle slept well last night so I was able to “sleep in” until 5:10. This is great b/c for the rest of the week I’ll be up at 4:00 to fit in my weight workouts.

I’m going to start brushing my teeth after my nightly treat of sugar free pudding. Lately I have been having a 2nd pudding or taking a nibble of something or another. Everything still fit w/i my calorie range but I know if I keep this up that there will be trouble.

Days on plan this month: 2
Progress toward workout goal: 245/250

Sunday is the day that I allow myself to eat what I want. It’s the highest calorie day in my calorie cycle but I know that I go well beyond the limit. I’m still not limiting myself on Sundays, it’s what keeps me on track the rest of the week. But as time goes by I’m finding that I’m not doing as much damage as I used to. Today I had a regular breakfast, pb and Jelly for lunch and then for supper we grilled out. Along w/the steaks we had green beans, corn, salad, tomatoes and french fries. Like I said, not completely healthy but not as bad as it used to be.

Today I weighed in at 228.5, same as last week. But it’s TOM so I’m considering it a loss. I know that when next week comes along that I’ll show a good loss. That knowledge is going to get me through this week. I would love it if I’m at 225 next week.

Workout was also good. It’s day 1 of the 3rd week of Chalene Extreme so it was heavy weights for 40 minutes. Then I did the 20 minute TJ and 10 minute Ab Jam. Later, there was an open house in our neighborhood and since we’ll be putting our house on the market soon I was curious to see what the competition was going to be. I’m sure I’m biased but I think our house is way nicer than theirs and we still have some work to do. Since the house was in our area we decided to walk. It’s a beautiful day here and I enjoyed the sunshine. My son rode his bike and when we were coming home I chose the longest route possible so that he got extra exercise. We have a big hill in front of our house and he had so much fun riding down it that we walked back up the hill and rode down it again. We were riding up a different hill and he had to stop and walk his bike for a while so I told him that we should set a goal that by the time school started in the fall that he’d be able to ride the hill w/o stopping. He agreed and then said that he’d ride it 4 times w/o stopping. Is he my kid or what?

Hopefully I’ll find out more about my job situation tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.

Days on plan this month: 2
Progress toward workout goal: 244/250

I’m starting to feel like I have what it takes to get rid of this fat once and for all. Even though my life is definitely hectic I’m in a good routine w/working out and for the most part my eating is healthy. It’s an exciting feeling yet kind of overwhelming b/c if I admit that I have the tools to do this then failing to meet my goal is a choice. Empowering, but scary.

This morning I woke up w/a pounding headache. I thought it was Friday so it was a good realization that it was actually Saturday. I did not feel like working out AT ALL but I knew that if I skipped this part of my routine (there’s that damn knowledge getting in the way) that I was setting myself up for problems all weekend long. I popped a few Tylenol and got to my pilates. Did 20 minutes and went on w/the rest of my day. Later I had time to do TJ Cardio Party and I just added 30 minutes of yoga/pilates. The weather is gorgeous here and I’m hoping that when my older son gets home from his grandma’s that we’re going to ride bikes.

I also used my new knowledge to keep myself from making bad purchases at the store. I ate a good snack before I left and listened to a motivational CD that comes w/the Chalene Extreme package. I finished up my purchases at WalMart and headed to the grocery store. I realized I was hungry so I popped a piece of gum, just like they tell you to on TBL. I was halfway expecting Bob or Jillian to pop out from the back of the mini-van and tell me that chewing Extra Sugar-Free gum will help me to achieve my weight loss goals.

So right now it’s about 6 hours until bed time but these are some of the hardest hours of the week. I will get through them making healthy choices and then I’m in for a well-deserved sleep. My hubby gets up w/the kids on Sundays and I’m going to sleep, sleep, sleep.

Days on plan this month: 1
Progress toward workout goal: 243/250

6:00
We had a chance to get out and ride bikes and it felt great. A bit colder than I thought it was going to be but still fun. Once again I was able to tell that I’m much stronger than I was a year ago, the hills weren’t nearly as hard. Several times my son wanted to stop and take a break so he stopped and I kept riding.

My son is going to be my project this summer. He’s overweight, although not majorly. He’s built like a linebacker and he’s always going to be a big guy. My hubby is the runt of the family and he’s 6′1″. Justin just turned 6 and he’s in a size 4 shoe, wears an adult size hat and his fingers are only about 3/4″ shorter than mine. I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m making excuses, he’s just a big kid. Anyway, my goal for the summer is to increase his stamina. We’re going to ride bikes a lot, take walks, play baseball, etc. I want him to be healthy and never have to deal w/the problems I have had to face all of my life.