I fully intended to catch up, complete with personals, but man you ladies talk a lot! haha Congrats to new babies and weight losses and the good stuff, and hugs to those in need.

I'm back from my lovely long weekend in South Carolina, and although it was quiet, it was a nice time away. I also somehow got on hunter schedule: in bed relatively early, and up even earlier. I'm trying to stay on that schedule now, but it is hard when I have about a zillion things to do at night.

I didn't weigh when I got back Monday afternoon because I hate weighing in the afternoon. Yesterday morning I was up 4 (!) pounds, but down 3 of those this morning, so I'm guessing it was water weight. I was really kinda disappointed; we did A LOT of walking.. but there weren't many healthy food options, so I guess it evened out.

School is in full swing (which includes doing my husbands homework for one of his classes :p It is a bs class, or I wouldn't be so kind. I'm also taking it next half semester, so it benefits me in the long run) and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with so many things going on, but I'm plugging along. I've prettymuch concluded I'm gonna have to turn down a lot of stuff (like skipping beer club at our friend's bar last night :( No free pumpkin beer for me) to remain even remotely sane, but that's ok too because most things include food and/or alcohol so that's just calories saved, amIright?

On a positive note: My birthday is October 5th and I'd been trying so, so hard to think of something super awesome to do that wouldn't break the bank. I *was* really wanting a mini-Vegas trip ;) (High maintenance much? lol) But we have other trips and things coming up, so I wasn't really gunning for it. Instead, it hit me: We'll rent a boat for a day. We have friends with boats (those are the best boats to have!), but they are all kinda small so we're going with a pontoon. I love water, I love to fish, and I love having friends and family along, so it will be awesome, and only like $250. Wayyy cheaper than Vegas ;)

Rainbow- I like this recent pic the most. Love the curls.

Amanda- Happy early birthday. Your plans sound fun!

As for me I am kind of up and down today. I have been doing terrible lately. I completely fell off the workout wagon and wasn't doing all that great meal wise either. I jumped on the scale last night and I was up 4 lbs! I know some of it is water gain since TOM is here and my rings are tight but even still... I am not going backwards! So I went for a run last night. It has been weeks since I last ran. I was pretty worried I would be back at square one and barely able to run for 30 seconds but I made it through C25K W5D1! Now if I can just stick to it!

Thanks!

Yeah, I've been realllly discouraged, too. I try not to dwell on it.. I'm really not as positive as I sound at times, but I can't outwardly become what I feel inside or I'd never dig my way out of my holes. I feel things gradually shifting.. It isn't easy, but if I keep working, I'll be on the right track consistently.

I have come to realize that the weather REALLY effects my moods. It is rainy and gloomy today and I seriously just want to curl up in bed and sleep all day. Come back sun!
It's also TOM.. i :tantrum: < That's how I feel. haha.. Miss Negativity today I guess!

Ok, on a positive note. I'm on plan.. I'm no longer sick.. and I can work out without feeling like I'm going to die :) Yay for positivity!

I'm hoping it's not raining this afternoon so I can go for a run. I never ever ever thought I would enjoy running... but I do now :D

I was talking to my dad last night. I think I've mentioned before he is doing nutrisystem for diabetics. He said he was mad because he lost 10 lbs the first week and now he is just losing 2 lbs a week. He said he wanted to lose all the weight quickly so he can go back to eating normal again. I wanted to come through the computer screen (we were chatting) and strangle him. I lectured him. And it ended with him saying "Well I guess I got told" lol. I just worry about him. I know he wants to lose the weight and he has done really well. He is not taking near as much insulin as he used to. But with the attitude he has, I'm afraid he is just going to gain it all back when he finishes the program. And just by talking to him I know where I get my eating habits and my attitude towards food and I DO NOT want to pass that on to my (unborn) children. He did make me laugh at one point. He was talking about how he just loves good (unhealthy) food, and I told him we both just need to learn how to eat in moderation. He went on to say "Tell that to my stomach" to which I said "If your stomach hurts or is growling you are not eating enough or your missing out on some nutrients." and he said "It doesn't really hurt... It's just lonely." hahaha Oooh Pops.

Anyway, on to my girls..

Cata- Congrats on hitting the 50 lb mark! I can tell you are dealing with a lot of deep issues related to your weight gain. It seems that you have a healthy outlook on everything. We are all here for you girl. I hope you get up the courage to post a picture soon.. I'm sure you're smokin' ;)

Rainbow- I don't have as much of an issue with overeating at family dinners (not saying it never happens) but mine is when I go out to eat. I try to get a to go box even when everyone else is still eating because if the plate is sitting in front of me I will pick at it even if I'm completely miserable. I will just keep eating and eating. I do not understand why I do that to myself. But I am getting better. And I always feel triumphant when I walk out of a restaurant and do not feel like I'm about to die. That's kind of depressing. But I'm learning. I don't always succeed, but I try and I get better. I sometimes wonder if there will ever be a day when I can go out to eat without any anxiety..no worries about how many calories are in everything I eat. And just enjoy a nice reasonable dinner.... eat until I'm satisfied, and the thought of "Oh God, I'm going to regret eating this." never crosses my mind. I hope I can get there someday. I just want to be a normal size person going out to eat a normal meal without an ounce of guilt in sight.

Amanda: Welcome back! I'm glad you had a great time! It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I'm rooting for ya!

Kay: Yay for picking back up where you left off on C25K! I didn't run at all last week because I was sick, and I was afraid I would pay for it when I started again on Monday. But nope, picked right back up where I left off. Whew!

Casey- thanks! I will be hitting the streets for the first time (in a LONG time) today. I have been doing all my training on a treadmill so it will be interesting making the switch to the streets.


OK I am doing it! I have found myself a 5K buddy and I will be registering for the Oktobrewfest and Turkey Trot 5ks!!! It's going to be crazy but I needed to set a real running goal or I was going to keep fizzling out on the running.

wow gone for a few weeks and this place is completely different...weird

I have no time... I'm a skinny girl at law school so its pretty weird...

technically I'm a normal weight now though which is also pretty weird

Amanda Glad that your trip was fun! My birthday is around the same time as yours, and I'm trying to think of something fun to do as well - especially as it will be the first birthday I've had without my parents around! They're actually probably going to be in Las Vegas hah! They've been planning a trip to the USA for a while now, so I'm glad they get to do something together, but still, I like having family around on my birthday and it's seeming like I won't have that this year - my best friend/cousin is away as well. I can't think of anything yet...but I'm sure I'll come up with something.

casey Same, I want to go to a restaurant and be "normal" sized and just eat until I'm full. I've only been out twice since changing my lifestyle, the first I separated the portion into two as soon as it arrived in front of me, the second was last weekend where you can kind of order to your hunger, but I ordered a little more than I should have probably. Family things are definitely my main problem as there is always SO MUCH food.

KayNicole Thanks! The curls are fun but they are a mess this morning! My hair is naturally pretty wavy/curly but pretty frizzy if I leave it that way due to my obsession with the blowdryer/straightener :( I need to learn how to use the roller things that my hairdresser used. I know my boyfriend would have loved the style haha, too bad yesterday/last night was one of my rare day/nights without him!

Haley I hope law school is treating you well!

Oh and I kind of forgot to say anything about me, but then again, I update daily (almost) so not much to say.

Last night I cooked (adapted a bit) a recipe out of one of my dad's diabetic cookbooks - it was herbed chicken and apple burgers. Not a huge fan I have to say, probably wouldn't make it again - it calls for red onion, which is fine, but I think that because it's uncooked before you combine it with the patties, the flavour just permeates too much and that was almost all I tasted in the pattie. Maybe I could try again but with cooked chopped onion first!

Gave myself a little manicure as a treat last night. I am terrible at painting my nails so I chose a pale pink, but I have decided I REALLY want this lilac/lavender colour so I think I might have to splash out next time I get to some sort of milestone/goal type thing. I know OPI has a really nice colour.

My depression is definitely hovering in the background at the moment, which I'm not impressed about, would like it to go away. I wake up feeling very strange every morning. I can't really explain it.

I was thinking of going and getting a massage today at the mall but right now I'm still in my pjs and don't really feel like doing much at all. I have the stupidest excuse to not exercise today - I can't wash my hair because of the fresh dye - it comes out way too fast if I don't leave it to set for at least a day. I had planned to not exercise today all week, but it's also the only day where I have NOTHING else planned, so I feel kind of bad not doing anything.

Just had a smoothie with banana and blueberry and I'm going to eat some cold canned peaches now. Trying to get more fruit in, doing pretty well with the veges already!

Cata – I don’t go very often, and if it were not for my work’s wellness allowance I doubt I would be going right now. It is motivating though and nice to have someone else to kick your ***. Have you tired regular affirmations? Saying positive things about yourself (what you are happy and grateful for) on a regular basis. Be nice to yourself. And in regards to heart rate monitors, if it is a cardio day, my runs are usually between 155-175. I cannot have a good run when my heart rate is 185+ - my breathing is out of control. I used to be “obsessed” about keeping my heart rate as high as possible, but not anymore. Have an idea of what it should be and try to get it there. Don’t be too obsessive – just go with the flow.

Rain – pick one scale. Just one. That is all I have to say on that subject lady. And congrats on your fruit intake!

The “fat burning zone” is BS!!! It is outdated mentality. Losing weight is total calories burned. The higher the intensity (higher heart rate) the more total calories burned.

Amanda – boat for your bday! Sounds like fun.

Kay – take it one day at a time. Congrats on the run but what does “C25K W5D1” mean? I am doing race soon too! Mine is the weekend of Thanksgiving (October) so I have about a month left to get there. Its nice using races as goals!

Hayley – congrats skinny girl at law school! I object ;)

Its my bed time ladies. I have to get up earlier than usually for a toastmasters meeting after the gym.

Rissa- I agree w/the whole fat burning zone being bs, so its good to hear that you agree. I know there are no studies out saying how weight training will keep your hr elevated longer, etc-but to me all i try to focus on is getting and keeping my hr up to a level i can maintain and thus burning as many calories as possible. I mean i also want to eventually weight train and such but focusing on the basics seems to get the job done.
I've tried affirmations and such before, though i have trouble sticking to it. It seems that i immediately follow anything positive i say even to myself w/an insult. Oh well, eventually i'll hopefully improve on that.

rainbow- Oh I *love* that picture of you!! I also adore that hair color, i'm partial to anything w/red in it-i've had my hair about every color and i loved mine the most when it was a deep kinda eggplant shade.
I can understand the odd ways depression can seem to infiltrate into your life. Some days i just wake up w/this general unsettling feeling and i've tried to work through it and pinpoint more but i tend to have a lot of trouble doing so.
You do have a reason to not work out, and hey you did plan it to be an off day! I'd probably just tell myself the goal would be to just eat on plan, that's success.

Casey- Really glad your feeling better! My mom is diabetic-she's not on a diet but she did lose some weight and is somewhat maintaining it. She's still pretty overweight though, and at times i try to mention us taking walks and such-but its not going to happen. I had to laugh at some of the things your dad said, its really sweet your so concerned and such. Perhaps mention to him that he might be able to make some of the foods he misses the most into healthier options, since it really does need to be a lifestyle change for the long haul and things like that? I also am very very worried about how my mom has serious issues w/food, mine are pretty whacked out to say the least, i don't want to pass that down to my kids either. (smokin i am not, but maybe someday i'll get over my fear. unsure if it will actually happen though!)

Kaynicole- OH exciting! Congrats, i miss running in races-the last i did was one on thanksgiving. You've inspired me to look into something around here.

Amanda- That sounds like a great time for a birthday! Also glad you had a good time in SC. I really need to get on myself more and study- i am not spending the time i need to totally on my schoolwork. I mean for the first 2 weeks it was ok, but i have tests in every subject coming up!

And on that note, off to class i go!

Happy Thursday girls!

I finally got to go to Jazzercise last night (the center was closed last week) but I can't go again until Monday night. It was a good workout though. No real updates for me.

Haley - hey chick! We've missed you! Hope law school is going great for you!

Amanda - I think your bday will be blast! I love boating. Happy early Birthday!

Rainbow - Love the new pic too. I think this is my fave so far. Love the deep red!

KayNicole - Thats awesome!! Good luck!

Casey - your dad cracks me up! I can see how it can be frustrating for you that he wants to lose weight but doesn't want to change his lifestyle :(

Hello ladies!

It is very dark and pouring rain here. It makes me want to curl up under the covers and go back to bed. I can only wish though. It doesn't help that I woke up at 3 am last night and didn't go back to sleep until 4:30. It was weird.. I used to have that problem a lot, but it has not happened in awhile. I hate it too because you start to obsess over going back to sleep and that certainly doesn't help. Anyway, I'm feeling pretty groggy today. But at least it's Thursday.. which means tomorrow is FRIDAY!

My entire family is coming in this weekend. It should be interesting. My bf and I live in a small 2 bedroom apartment. My mom, dad, sister, brother in law, baby nephew, and even the pug are coming! It will be crowded, but I don't care, I'm really excited that they are coming to visit. AND, there is a big show tomorrow night. I've talked about Randall Shreve on here before... he has a band called Randall Shreve and the Side Show and it's become one of my favorite bands. Check them out randallshreve.com They are going to be putting on a **** of a show tomorrow night and my sister and brother in law will be seeing them for the first time, and I can not WAIT!

Today was weigh in. I stayed the same... which is great because its TOM. I was just very happy not to see a gain. Usually, I go up a few pounds, so I'm hoping to see a big drop next week. We will see. I would loove to be in the 150's soon!

Rainbow: I'm sorry your depression is creeping up on you. It's something I struggle with as well. Are you involved in any sort of treatment? If not it might be a good idea before it comes on full force. Hope you start feeling better soon :hug:

Cata: That's a good idea. Since he will be here this weekend I may look into finding something yummy AND healthy to cook for him.

Jenn: My dad is a hoot. I'm hoping once he loses the weight (I believe he will at the rate he is going) he will find the motivation to maintain it.

rainbow- I recommend the hot rollers! My hair is very similar to yours and the hot rollers are awesome.

Risssa- C25K is the couch to 5K program. W5 D1= Week 5 Day 1. Sorry! :)

Cata- I hope you find a race in your area!

Jenn- Thanks! I am pretty excited and very nervous! :D

Cata – have you tried meditating? My September goal is to medidate for 1 min a day every day. I am remembering more, but I figured it would take me a month to make it a habit. Once I have that down, than increase by 1 min every month. There are so many benefits to meditation. The main one I am going for is to eliminate the negative self-talk. I am approaching it the same way I approach a fitness regime – focus on making it a habit and part of your lifestyle, and then increase it. And you might want to try weights sooner. I like using weights not just because the calorie burn is the same or greater for the same period of time that I cardio (which it is) but because it really helps me to connect. The landscape changing that occurs is wonderful! The confidence I get from a) feeling strong b) the non-scale victory of increasing the weight I used and c) seeing the muscle sculpting underneath the “insulation” are all powerful things. And I don’t get the same positive benefits as cardio. And you if you do weights in a circuit training fashion, you get the cardio and strength AT THE SAME TIME!!!! Have I sold you yet? ;) Honestly, just do it at your own pace. When you do start strength training (I am psychic - I know you will) you will see my dear.

Casey – that is a whole lot of people. I am not envious of you at all!!!!

Rain – the depression thing. Mine is like a rollercoaster. I was in such a lugubrious mood (I chose that word for toastmasters this morning) the past few days. I knew it was a matter of time before my mood lifted and sure enough it did!!!! I am like a sunshine energizing bunny!!!!!! Now, how do I keep this mood for ever and ever. Did you know that the more intense the workout the greater the effect it has on your mood in the st and lt? (I have read studies that show this).

Question: for your cardio, do any of you throw in high intensity intervals in your sessions? (aka short bursts at a higher speed and/or incline)

Hot rollers scare me. I only know how to style my hair in 3 ways 1) ponytail 2) naturally curly 3) poker straight (thanks to a flat iron). I cannot do the bouncy wavy hair like how you have Kay :( And when I blowdry it, it always looks frizzy….:( But magically the hairstylist can do it. Oh, I digress.

I had a super duper good workout this morning, had a good Toastmasters meeting, and I am meeting the b/f for lunch. He is working downtown. Saturday is our 5 month anniversary!!!! Exciting eh?!? This is my first “real” relationship. Its kinda exciting. Its my TOM so I won’t be “getting any” for the anniversary :( Ah shucks. I cannot wait until is been 6 months that my IUD has been implanted and my period goes back to its normal cycle of lasting for 3-4 days and not this heavy 6-7 day ordeal. But since I’ve started to use the Diva Cup, dealing with my period is not so bad!!! Should have got one years ago!!!!!!!!!

Its 12pm and its time for breaky! (I eat late).

Rissa- do they say things go back to normal after 6 months? I had one for a couple years and finally gave up on it. I couldn't take the extreme cramps and week long periods, they never went away for me. :( I have been wanting to try a diva cup. I need to do that! Happy Anniversary!