It’s all up to me

Current weight: 219 (-1)

No energy for clever titles, my brain was used up today. A good chunk of the day was spent dealing w/a mom who refuses to accept the fact that her kid is lying even though any sane person would realize it. Can’t go into details but fortunately we will be able to have proof very soon (a video camera that they are not aware of) but somehow I know that she still will blame someone else b/c it just can’t be her son!

Spent another part of the day worrying about Kyle b/c he has his first illness of the year. We always know it’s coming but generally he can wait until about October before he gets sick and we’re not even into September and he’s sick. Nothing serious but it’s just a reminder of what’s to come. Thank God for our nurse; I can leave him with her and know that he’s in good hands. We went to the doctor after school and he’s on an antibiotic so in a day or 2 he should be good as new.

We got an offer on the house but another part of the day was spent sending offers back and forth. I think everything is decided (we’re waiting for the final call from our realtor) but it’s lower than we wanted to go. In the end my hubby wanted to argue over $1000 and I wasn’t willing to risk losing the sale. He’s not happy and who wouldn’t want more money but I’m not a risktaker when it comes to things like this.

B/c we got to bed late last night w/Kyle being sick I only did the weights portion of my workout. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to workout in the morning b/c in my hubby’s present mood it would probably be asking too much to have him get up at 4:00 to listen for Kyle. I think our after school is fairly open so I could do it then. I picked up a new cardio workout and I’m looking forward to trying it out.

Progress toward workout goal: 104/300

Current weight: 220 (-.5)

Remember how I thought I’d have a bunch of time this weekend to catch up on things. Yeah, right! I’m learning to accept that until we sell this house that I’m never going to feel like I’m caught up but I know this will end soon. Another open house tomorrow w/the reduced price and all appliances thrown in so keep your fingers crossed.

Yesterday one of my former students popped into my office to chat and she said that when someone pointed me out that she didn’t even recognize me b/c I had lost so much weight. I’m going to take it as a compliment b/c I know it is how she intended it, but I still wonder what I looked like through the eyes of others. I never felt humongous but I know that at almost 300 pounds that I was.

Can’t wait to start Barry’s Bootcamp in a week. I have one more week w/this round of Chalean Extreme so it looks like I’ll start Barry’s next Sunday. I watched all of the workouts today in fast-forward while I was feeding Kyle and they look challenging but since each exercise only lasts 60 seconds I think I can hang. It will be good to change things up a bit.

Progress toward workout goal: 103/300

Current weight: 220.5 (+.5)

Thanks for all of the cleaning tips. I’m not sure yet if I can handle avoiding dusting every day (I think it’s superstition more than anything) but I can at least do it before bed instead of rushing around in the morning. The towel trick sounds like a great idea, thanks a ton!

Loooooong day today. Got up early to workout and decided to only do weights. I just wasn’t into doing TJ so instead I folded a load of laundry and cleaned. I still barely made it to school on time so I can imagine how frantic it would have been if I had exercised for another 20 minutes. School was crazy and then after school I had to attend a prayer service for the granddaughter of the custodian at my old school. Then I had to order the appliances for our new house and pick Justin up from karate. The appliances went so quickly that I had a chance to pop into a store to grab toilet paper and I saw they had Billy’s Boot Camp on clearance for only $19.99!!! I have been wanting it but it’s generally $50 and I didn’t think it was worth $50. But $19.99!!!!!!!!!!!! Score I found it at a good time, too, b/c in 1 more week I’m finishing the 2nd phase of Chalean Extreme and I don’t like the 3rd phase. I might take a month away from CE and do this routine to give my muscles a rest and switch it up.

I promise, promise, promise that I’ll catch up w/all of you this weekend. Be ready for comments

Progress toward workout goal: 101/300

Current weight: 220.0 (-2.5)

First of all, I’m hoping I can figure out my schedule to find some more time to be online while I’m at home. I guess I never realized how much I cruised the internet while I was teaching (2 minutes here, 5 minutes there) b/c I was able to post more comments on your blogs. Now the days fly by b/c we’re so busy and I couldn’t even think about taking a minute to read how you all are doing. Please know that I’m thinking of you and as soon as I can I’ll be posting/commenting more regularly.

Here’s a question for all of the elementary teachers and experienced moms out there. Justin started 1st grade this week but it’s at a different elementary school than last year. In my head I know it’s going to take some time to make new friends but it breaks my heart to hear that he doesn’t have any real buddies yet. It’s not that they’re being mean, they just haven’t invited him to play. Now I know that most 6 year-old boys aren’t going to think to invite someone else to play but he doesn’t know that. Part of me wants to check w/his teacher (but I talked to her after school today and she said that he has had a really good start to the year so if he was having social problems I’m guessing she would have said something) but I don’t want to be THAT mom. Plus, I want him to learn to solve his own problems if there are problems instead of relying on his mom to take care of everything. I am sooooo glad that I’m not in an elementary school, I’m not very good at sitting back and letting kids work things out for themselves.

This morning got up early again and did a pilates DVD that I forgot I had. I’m glad I did something different, I’m getting kind of tired of the 2 pilates routines I have. I was planning to cut the grass after school today but it was raining. And, I pulled the crappy wife award today. It’s my hubby’s birthday and I have been so busy w/the beginning of the school year that I completely forgot. I didn’t remember until I was at school and typed in the date as I was documenting some information. Luckily his school day hadn’t started yet so I was able to call him but I feel like a horrible person. After school we popped into the store and picked up a cake and I’m happy to say I didn’t eat any.

We decided to lower the price on our house by $4K, our realtor really thinks it will make a difference. I can’t believe that someone wouldn’t just make an offer $4K lower than our original price but whatever. I just want it sold, I’m tired of dusting every day and having to wash towels after every use.

Progress toward workout goal: 100/300

Current weight: 222.5 (-2.5??)

If time keeps moving this quickly I’m going to be planning my retirement party before I know it. I like being busy, it makes the day go quickly. But since the days are actually longer (my new wake-up time is 4:00) you’d think I’d have a ton more time. I’m barely getting to school on time at 7:00 so I’m going to have to tweak things. I absolutely REFUSE to get up when the clock says “3″ in the first number so I’ll have to trim something from the morning.

Food is still good and exercise is back on track. I got up this morning and did CE weights as well as the 20 minute TJ. Tonight after school I made myself get on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I so wanted to sit on the couch and just veg but I know that if I get into that habit that it will continue all year.

Progress toward workout goal: 99/300

Current weight:  ?  I’m going to guess 225 b/c I was 223 yesterday and ate a ton of water-retaining carbs.

My absence didn’t start out w/me being off plan but it sure turned out that way.  I’m not going to beat myself up over it, it’s over and now I’m back.  But here’s what I learned b/c now it’s game on, baby!

1.  Do exercise first!  Yesterday we had an open house so I “moved” my workout from the morning until we got home that afternoon.  By then I was so tired and hungry that I didn’t have the desire or energy to workout.

2.  Eat!  And eat healthy foods.  This slippery slope started on Friday night when we had a birthday party at the in-laws.  The plan was to order pizza so I picked up a Lean Cuisine pizza to take along.  But I barely ate on Friday (too busy) so by the time I got home my resolve was weakened, plus the fact that a little Lean Cuisine pizza would not have even put a dent in my hunger.

3.  Come on here every day no matter what.  I’m going to have to be more creative in finding time (it’s 5 am right now and I just finished working out).  I’ll be back on later tonight.

So far, I got up at 4:00 and did the hour long TJ workout.  First day of school w/kids, gotta go :) 

6:45
School went well today although it was busy and only the 9th graders were there. Tomorrow all 1800 kids will be at school and I can bet that about 1799 of them will need schedule changes. If this pace keeps up I’ll lose about 20 pounds by Friday! But I love being busy, it makes the day go quickly. I stuck good to food, though, and ate the snacks I brought. If I can figure out a way to keep my workout routine I know that I’ll make a lot of progress.

Semi-long-term goal is to be under 200 by the New Year. I’d like to be 210 or lower by Halloween and 215 by my son’s benefit at the end of September. I will do it.

Also, is it bad that I’m agreeing to buying a 46″ tv (it’s a great deal and my hubby has been really patient) just so I can buy an elliptical? Since I have quit the gym I realized how much I liked a pure cardio workout and I still hate the treadmill. Plus, mine is so old and noisy that I don’t like to use it. I saw one on hsn that I’m considering. Do any of you have ellipticals that you like?

Progress toward workout goal:  98/300

Current weight: 220.5 (+.5)

I have been missing but it’s not b/c I have gone on a binge, I have just been BUSY! School has been crazy and we’re still cleaning like crazy people trying to sell the house. I haven’t eaten perfectly but for inservice week I’m very happy w/the choices I have made.

Exercise has been good, although not exactly what I had planned. Yesterday I got up early to lift and do TJ and Kyle woke up 10 minutes into my weight routine. Fortunately the rain cleared in the afternoon so when I got home from school I cut the grass so I still got in my workout. This morning I got up early and did the workout intended for Thursday. I think I’m realizing I’m going to have to be flexible w/my workout schedule. I’m definitely going to have to workout before school and hope there’s time to fit in something short after school. It’s probably a good thing that I have to pick up Justin b/c I have to leave every day at 3:15. We get out at 2:30 but a lot of the counselors stay until 4 or later. I can’t leave a 6-year old stranded at school so it’s a legit reason to leave “early”.

I’m really pleased w/Justin’s new school. We’re staying in the same district but switching elementary schools and although his school last year was good and we really liked his teacher, communication wasn’t her strength. There were several times that I emailed her about things and never received a reply. Last night I emailed his new teacher to explain why I won’t be at orientation on Monday (I have to be at orientation at my school) and to tell her a little bit about Kyle. I also contacted the counselor so she was aware. His teacher emailed me back right away this morning and the counselor called me to talk about it. I’m a person who likes a lot of communication so I think this will be a good fit.

No news yet on the house but we’re having another open house this weekend. Our builder told us this week that we’re only about 6-7 weeks away from being done. Yay!

I think I’m going to be more absent from this site than I would like but I’ll check in when I can. I hope to catch up w/all of you over the weekend.

Progress toward workout goal: 96/300

Current weight: 220.0 (-2.5)

Today was our first day of inservice and I’m overwhelmed. I thought I was fairly ready before I left this morning but as the day went on I realized that the amount that I don’t know is growing and growing. Take a deep breath and keep asking questions, that’s all I can do. I can say, though, that I’m so glad to have made the change to guidance and that once I get settled I’ll feel great. For the most part I have my office set up which will allow me to get to work on actual work tomorrow.

Food is going to be a challenge this week so I’m going to do the best I can. We had an all-district meeting this morning and then went out for lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant. There are no healthy options there but I haven’t allowed that to eat crap for the rest of the day. That’s how I’m going to have to handle this week. If I gain a bit I’ll live, my ultimate goal is to be below 200 by New Year’s. I’ll continue to workout all week, make healthy choices when I can and deal with the rest later.

Got up early this morning and did the TJ workout w/the weighted gloves. I’ll have to get up even earlier tomorrow b/c I have to take my older son to daycare and I barely made it on time as it was. I’m excited for this school year but I HATE getting up at 4:30.

Progress toward workout goal: 94/300

Current weight: 222.5 (no change)

Tomorrow is my first official day at my new school and I’m ready to get to work. As much as I love summer I’m realizing that I don’t relax very well. These last few days I have had time to do what I want and I had to pack it full of activities b/c I don’t do well w/nothing to do. Give me a week or 2 and I’ll be begging for the boredom of having nothing to do.

My biggest challenges will be establishing an eating routine and fitting in exercise. Anyone else out there struggle w/this? As a teacher I had a regular schedule and knew exactly when I would eat what. As a counselor my time is a bit more unscheduled and I can’t guarantee that I’ll eat lunch at a certain time or at all. I’ll have to stock my desk w/easy to eat, healthy snacks for emergencies but establish a schedule as soon as I can.

I have also established a workout schedule, at least until we move. The reason that’s an issue is b/c I have to figure my time around picking my son up from school. I’m done w/school an hour before he’s out, although I know I won’t be leaving right away. Once we’re in our new house, though, he’ll be able to ride the bus home and I’ll be able to get home about 45 minutes sooner and start my workout. For now my plan is to workout two times a day, about 30 minutes before school and about 45 minutes after school. It may sound like a lot but I like starting my day w/a workout and the extra metabolic boost is a bonus. I also need to workout after school b/c that keeps me focused on fitness and generally keeps me from pigging out at night. Once I get into a routine I’ll be fine. My goal is still to be under 200 by the end of this year. Slow and steady wins the race, that’s me.

Progress toward workout goal: 93/300

Current weight: 222.5 (+2)

My title reflects my feelings toward our house selling and my weight loss. Because our open house was so well attended and a guy stopped by on his own last night who was really interested, I was expecting a few people to contact our realtor today to at least go through it again with their realtors. So far, nothing. I realize that I’m being completely unrealistic, especially in this market, but I just want to have it sold. I know that it WILL sell, but when? But as I have acknowledged, I’m not a very patient person.

This issue is parallel to my weight loss. I know that I WILL reach my goal, but when? The pounds can’t come off fast enough but I realize that I need to be realistic. So for tonight I’m going to try to relax and not worry about what’s going to happen and when it will happen, I just need to trust that it will happen.
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I ended up ordering Applebee’s last night. My fear of losing control this week may be irrational but then I realized, “So what if it’s irrational.” A guy I went to college with was seriously afraid of confetti. Seriously. And the poor guy taught middle school so as soon as those kids figured it out he was dead meat. Anyway, if he can live his life being afraid of confetti, I can live my life being afraid of not indulging on Sunday nights. Granted, I would be thin much more quickly if I could conquer this issue but I will get there eventually. And maybe someday I’ll figure out how to not depend on this ritual but as long as I don’t consume 10,000 calories in the space of a few hours it should be ok.
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I took the day off from working out today and it feels ok. It’s my last day at home with my older son before we both go back to school and we had a picnic instead, then we had an appointment later in the afternoon. It’s officially my rest day anyway so it’s not a big deal. I’ll get back on the horse tomorrow.

Progress toward workout goal: 92/300 (no change)