Kickin JennyV's Pig

Still At It

2010-03-10T06:47:00.002-05:00

I'm still running. It's taking me a while to develop a schedule that will work for me. My days and weeks are always so jumbled. I have no idea how to squeeze much more into it!

I'm running on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday. On Sunday I'm also to be deliberate in getting exercise, but it doesn't have to be running. I need to be flexible, yet still focused. As the spring season falls upon us, I'm itching to get out and ride. Eventually I think the riding might interfere with the running plan; however, it is still exercise... so I will find a way to work that out.

I lost 5 pounds as of this past Sunday! I am not dieting. I am aware of my choices. I bought some Nutella to have on toast when I need a snack. Some days I need a snack instead of a meal before I run. So that's working. I'm also onto yogurt... and some other little things.

That's it... Have to pull myself together and get to work!

One More Time

2010-03-04T07:39:00.002-05:00

I'm running again. I started 2/19/10. All on the treadmill so far. It's been too cold to run outside, but honestly it is warming up... I wonder if today might be a good day to run outside? Hmmm...

I'd really like to buy new running shoes and some workout clothes, but they are not yet in the budget. :(

post from BB

2009-04-11T09:23:00.000-04:00

I've never posted from my BB before but let's give it a try.

I've had a couple fantastic rides this spring. Penny gets prettier and prettier every day. She's still shedding some of her winter coat revealing a much darker coat underneath. Oh it is BEAUTIFUL! I so hope she is a dark palomino this year. If she is I will blame it on the fact that she finally home with me and is settled. I have no idea if that has anything to do with it but it sounds good.

Still Kickin...

2008-03-31T21:08:00.003-04:00

Kick Kick Kick the pig! I don't know why I don't do it enough... Getting started is the hard part. Once I'm into it... I roll!

Still looking for some sort of motivation. Maybe I'll order a fitness magazine. That would help me refocus at least once per month.

Small Streaks

2008-03-24T22:20:00.003-04:00

I've made a small streak of three days with exercise. I'm trying to focus on establishing the routine more than the intensity right now. Maybe if I think I HAVE to run on the treadmill it is a dreadful thought, but if I just need to walk on it for say 20 minutes... it's easier on my mind. PLUS I ran some too yesterday and today AND I extended an additional 5 minutes just because I was feeling good! See how easy that is!

Notably, it is time for my 6 month lab check to see how my cholesterol is doing. After my last visit with the doc, she prescribed some Omega-3's but they are ultry expensive! Like over $165!!!! My insurance doesn't cover them - yet. I'm hoping maybe sometime soon they will. So because it was not cost-effective, I got some over the counter Omega-3's at the drug store. They give me heartburn and make me burp fish- YUK!!!! I threw them out!

So if the little bit that I was taking actually DID make any difference, then maybe I'll spring for the expense and take just one per day or every other day instead of 2 or 3 per day. As long as that is okay with doc.... We shall see.

Remind me to call for a lab slip! And while I'm at it I'm going to ask her if there is anything I can do to effectively increase my ability to FOCUS! I'm telling you I am somewhere between ADD and OCD... maybe a little of both!

2008-03-22T18:42:00.001-04:00

I NEED to lose my double chin! Focus is my problem. I am really really good for a while and then I lose focus and have to start all over. Anyone know some good remedies for KEEPING focused? I've GOT to find some!

Sing it... Back In The Saddle Again!!!

2008-03-02T20:57:00.003-05:00

YES - I exercised today! I'm running and walking half and half for 20 minutes with a 5 minute warmup and 5 minute cool-down. This is accompanied by some pre and post stretching, 3 sets of crunches, and some simple weight training. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... It feels so good!

God meets me at the treadmill. He is my workout partner! I love it!!! Where do you go to meet God? Do you have a special place? A special time?

Kick Kick Kick

2008-02-27T21:45:00.003-05:00

I SO need to get a grip! I need to get back on track. I've been so overwhelmed with WORK and trying to keep up with normal everyday life while working lots of overtime and barely making my deadlines....

This morning I realized that I have fell into an exercise-depression of sorts. You know... can't seem to pick yourself up and make yourself GO! Just been lazy with little or no focus...

I've been praying on it again. I NEED that focus! I NEED to make this habitual! Why is it hard?

This morning I could hear the Holy Spirit trying to get me up and on the treadmill before 6AM. You know, I USED to be able to roll out of bed and hit the ground running at the drop of a hat. Ever since my hubby introduced me to "snooze" it's ruined me! (Thanks Honey) Anyway, I have been praying for focus and despite the Lords answer to my prayer, I neglected to respond. I felt guilty all morning... (and also for eating a piece of cake yesterday afternoon.)

So tonight I turned a new leaf. I made a lasagna for dinner, but I only had a small piece on top of a large pile of green peas. Water to drink. I got out my 10 pound dumbbells... did some squats, curls, and presses. I also re-started the Couch to 5K AGAIN! I did the first workout and am pleased to announce that I'm back in the saddle! God totally met me there - just like he used to. I finished the workout with a pile of crunches. I lost count after 30. That's pretty good for a first-new-workout.

Now... I must go take my vitamins!

Pray for me please... for focus, drive, devotion, dedication, and strength!

Checking In

2008-01-08T07:51:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I didn't do too bad. My log says I may have gone over on fats a little. (darn blue cheese) All else is in check. My next hurdle will be tracking my consumed stats DURING the day. I update it every night/morning. What's happening is that I am now more aware of my habits. I found myself contemplating over what to have for lunch yesterday that wouldn't send my stats sky-rocketing. So it's working... but will be more effective if I pay better attention to them throughout the day. This will help me to better plan each meal so as to stay within certain limits.

So... it's a work in progress. I also need to MOVE more. I need to find a way to make it a priority. I have so many of those right now. Sheesh!

Yesterday... I'm making progress!

2008-01-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

I'm patting myself on the back this morning as I review yesterday's nutritional goals... I came in under the wire on all of them!!! Total calories, carbs, protiens, and fat. YIPPIE!!! Patting myself on the back.

I made homemade beef vegetable soup... made with lean beef, low sodium broth, and lots of vegetables... that helped!

Now if I would just kick myself onto the treadmill!

Nobody's Perfect

2008-01-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

Today was not great. I did NOT do better than yesterday! My calories and fat grams were over budget, but carbs and protiens were in check. Today is an off day from exercise. The program is to run 3 times per week. I may do some weight training before I turn in though.

Enough for now.

The Pig Kicked Me...

2008-01-02T21:56:00.000-05:00

Wow... I never realized how entirely far I had fallen since summer/fall. I am kicking myself in the butt over not keeping up. In my own defense, I was sick for a long time. I had trouble breathing and was generally fatigued and over-stressed. UGH!

So today I climbed back onto the treadmill and completed Day #1 of the C25K program. It was not actually that difficult. It's just that with every step I felt the weight of my body. I want to feel light on my feet, and that I am not.

As far as my diet today. I confess... I had a donut in the morning and a very small brownie in the afternoon. I had sensible foods otherwise and only 2 cups of coffee all day. I am over-stressed at work... like more than EVER!!!!! And I cracked and had sweets. I have no idea what makes me think I need sweets to bust my stress. It's not like it works! It probably makes things worse overall anyway. I'll do better tomorrow.

I am tracking my consumption and surprisingly I have stayed within acceptable range for calories, carbs, protein, and fats... even with the mishaps. There is still much room for improvement! One of the first things I must tackle is consuming more water and more vegetables.

Here Comes Change

2007-12-31T15:13:00.000-05:00

I suppose that with the coming of the new year, change is inevitable. I love it! I love the change of the year because I love fresh starts... I love to get re-organized. Part of that is reorganizing my healthy habits. Most of my "resolutions" if you will... are to increase awareness and to become more deliberate and devoted... striking out the infamous "lazy" lifestyle and taking on the fresh, new, lifestyle that is God honoring on many fronts.

I shall endeavor to move more... perhaps re-visit the couch to 5K program! Even if I simply add a mile of exercise each day that will add up fast.

I shall endeavor to surround myself with wisdom... daily devotions, quiet time with God, and prayer... and reading health related articles. These help me stay focused.

I shall endeavor to consume healthy products... fresh and wholesome foods... more water... and consume less sugar and complex carbohydrates.

Overall goals:

To lose 5% of my weight

To run a 5K

Rewards:

Hmmm...

New clothes (desperately needed)

Maybe a short vacation-style trip this summer?

Some sort of spa-related activity... maybe a massage?

Better overall health that will attribute to increased energy and lifted spirits!!!!

Anyone want to kick the pig with me?! I'm weighing in tomorrow morning!

TODAY Is The Day

2007-12-09T09:38:00.001-05:00

The wagon has stopped and I am getting on! I'm not chasing it... it's waiting for me!

Today I will not only increase my awareness of movement and consumption, but I will increase my level of discipline as well.

The journey continues... C'mon baby... KICK THAT PIG!!!!

Running

2007-10-22T20:47:00.000-04:00

If you thought I was going to begin by saying that I can't remember the last time I ran... you would almost be right... except I can remember because I just stepped off the treadmill!

It was HARD. I feel so heavy. I want that 'light on your feet' feeling back. Ugh!

Long hard road... 2o steps back and a few steps forward. What else can I say except maybe... I'M BACK!!!

Where Have I Been?

2007-10-14T22:12:00.000-04:00

Isn't it just like life to throw in a few curve balls every now and then sending you sailing off the beaten path and swirling into a downward spiral away from the prize that we have worked so hard to achieve?

A couple weeks ago I was running 25 - 30 minutes in my quest to achieve the 5K run. Ya - a couple weeks ago was the last time I ran... the day after I bought myself brandy-new shoes!!!! Running shoes!!!! What better a reason to keep running?!

The roller coaster of life interfered. That's how it goes. What can I say? Today I find myself under the weather for about the 5th day in a row. If you don't want to hear the ugly details... turn back now! I have this head cold that makes my head feel like it weighs as much as the rest of my overweight body. My sinuses are clogged, but they won't drain. When I least expect it, my nose runs, but it's just clear... not what I'd expect given how crappy I feel. My throat is sore and my chest is slowly beginning to feel heavy. What's next??? Probably a cough??? UGH!!! To make matters a little more unpleasant, my left arm is sore. From what? I don't know. Maybe I layed on it wrong last night? That's possible. Although my nights have been rather sleepless lately. When I lay down, my nose stuffs up so I breath thru my mouth and then I get the dry-mouth syndrome. Coincidentally I get up, take another dose of cold medicine and in short order I am further dehydrated, yet able to drift off for a short nap. I am awakened feeling parched and reach for yet another glass of water. I cannot seem to get enough. FLUIDS is what I need! This too causes me to get up in the middle of the night. Usually I can hold it until morning, but when you drink several glasses of water before bed and thru-out the night... well... one can't help but visit the powder room. UGH!!!

I went to work each day, but took misery with me. A couple days I was able to slip out early to go home and rest. I needed it really bad. The first day I actually slept for a whole 15 hours... not without a few interruptions mind you... I went to market on Saturday and it was a trying day. Help was at a minimum... only 2 of us for the bulk of the work and customer lines out the doors. I have a good attitude when it comes to this scenario. We could only move as fast as we were already moving. We sold out... how about that! I pretty much had to put my crappiness behind me and press on for the day. I did well.

Whine Whine Whine... just let me vent. It makes me feel better. Not literally better, but somewhere in this crazy head of mine I must feel as if someone is listening and I get some sense of satisfaction in that. Am I looking for sympathy? Ah - probably not. My hubby has filled that void. The first night that I was sick, he tucked me into bed, brought me medicine, put an extra snuggly warm blanket on me, and insisted on taking my temperature. He brought me fluids and even a bowl of Ramen Noodles - the chicken broth kind and later some minty tea to soothe my sore throat and sneak in more fluid. He was so sweet! I love him so.

If I have it my way... Monday will be a day to refresh. If I could just put this nasty cold behind me I would feel so much better. I want to eat good food and get back to exercising. Believe me... I have had the craving for exercise, but then the achiness overcomes me and I opt for the option of resting instead. Today I made a menu for the week and did the grocery shopping for what items I didn't already have. While I was there I got myself some OJ and a box of frozen juice pops. I also got some mini-carrots and some apples to snack on this week. I'm feeling good about making a fresh start tomorrow.

Still At It

2007-09-22T23:10:00.001-04:00

Still running. Yesterday we had a date that interfered with my workout routine, but that was fine. I ran today instead, which is good because tomorrow I'm going to be out of town so I won't get my usual exercise.

So today I did stretches then a 5 minute brisk walk warm-up, then a 25 minute run and tried to increase my speed for the last 5 minutes. Then a 5 minute cool down walk followed by more stretching. THEN - I went to milk cows and did about 60+ squats I'd say. I feel pretty good.

So there you have it... I'm still running. Can you believe it?!!!

LAB CHECK

2007-09-19T21:45:00.001-04:00

This totally stinks!!!! Since March of this year my cholesterol has increase 10 points!!!! TEN!!!! What the heck!!!! I have switched to whole grain everything, little or no butter, No-Fat cream, trying to stick with lean meats, and increased veggies and fruit. I'm so annoyed. I know what it is... it's the salads that come with french fries and the bleu cheese dressing! DRAT!!! I think I may have to revise again.

I am to see my doctor next week and I HOPE I still have more time to redeem myself. She's been threatening to put me on cholesterol meds for a year now and I've been trying to avoid that. I thought that exercise might in some way give a little boost in my efforts, but I guess not. Double Drat!

On the flip side... my glucose was normal as was my triglycerides. It's just my cholesterol (and notably the bad kind) that is increasing my risk of heart disease.

I'm so annoyed!

Still At It

2007-09-19T21:37:00.000-04:00

So I may have been lost, but not forgotten. No worries... I've still been riding the roller coaster of running life. I was doing so well with consistency there for a while and then something sent me sailing in another direction. I was house-sitting for a friend, who (lucky for me) had a treadmill and weights that I could use. I seemed to be side-tracked by my work last week and so I fell off the wagon again. This is not new to me. I've chased the wagon many many times. You know - when you are chasing it, it is hard to find the energy to catch up and the umph to jump on... but alas I did it! I jumped on the wagon tonight. I hit the treadmill running. Well - seriously I did a warm-up walk tonight and then I ran for 25 minutes. I also did a 5 minute brisk walk cool-down followed by some stretches and a few reps with the dumb bells.

Let me say... it was somewhat hard. I prayed 90% of the time because God is my work-out partner and he loves to motivate me. It works people!!! I love it!

Have I told you how much I love my MP3 player? I do. It's just little and holds more than enough songs for my exercise routine. I do need to rearrange the music to be in a better order, but none the less... they are there! I want to find some more good tunes for exercise. Some of the ones I downloaded don't have the right beat so I skip over them until cool-down.

So there you have it - I'm still running. I'd like to be running for 35 minutes by now, but I will be there in no time. Had I kept up a little better, I would be there by now. I'm not in a race though. I'm just glad to be committed to running - PERIOD. I haven't decided on a 5K yet. I was hoping to do one next month. I'd like to try a dry run at the park first - but we shall see. I have some busy weekends ahead, so I best not make too many more plans. I don't want to set myself up for failure.

Couch to 5K Training Week 7 Day 3

2007-09-05T20:54:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer - today was NOT a good day physically speaking.

I stretched. I lifted some weights (squats and some upper body). I ran 25 minutes after a 5 minute warm-up and then had a 5 minute cool down with more stretches. Can I just say... today was hard.

Why was it easy 2 days ago and hard today? I'm thinking it has everything to do with humidity. Can that be right?

Do you eat or drink anything before a workout? How long before? I had some chick-peas and a serving of Triscuits for dinner about 2 hours before I ran. I had heartburn before my feet even hit the treadmill. Hmmmm.... I'm hoping this passes and that my next session is upbeat.

None the less... I have fulfilled the prescribed workout for my training.

Wait a sec... I'm getting lost

2007-09-03T15:32:00.000-04:00

I'm losing track of where I'm at on this journey. I THINK I'm on Week 7 Day 1. Is that right? Maybe. That's what I'm going with. How the heck have I made it this far???? I'm AMAZED!!! Even when I used to run years ago, I would only run a mile and call it a day.

So this week I'm supposed to run 25 minutes on days #1, #3, and #5. This is in addition to a 5 minute brisk warm-up walk and a 5 minute cool down. My sources tell me that running at a moderate pace for 25 minutes is about 2 1/2 miles. Can I really run that long/far????

I DID IT!!! I'm in awe!!! Plus lots of stretches and some weights. And the best part is... I felt like I could keep going! I'm so pumped! And I'm sweaty. Off to the shower! I know... TMI... But can I just say... Wahoo!!!

Couch to 5K Training Week #6 Day #5

2007-08-31T14:37:00.000-04:00

I kind of lost track of the prescribed workout, but wanted to get a good session in anyway. I walked a brisk 5-minute warmup, ran 20 minutes, and then walked for another 5 to cool down. I also did stretches, some weights, and crunches.

I'm thinking that 20 minutes should be about 2 miles. I can't tell because the digital display on my treadmill hasn't been working. I asked my Handy Hubby to look at it this week because now that I'm actually getting somewhere... I'm curious about the distance. I'm considering a run at a local park very soon. We'll see how things pan out with the weather this weekend.

YIPPIE - patting myself on the back. :)

Couch to 5K Training Week #6

2007-08-28T20:52:00.001-04:00

I'm a little off kilter. I was ill on Saturday and that threw my schedule off. I didn't finish the prescribed workout for Week #5. My third training day was supposed to be 20 minutes of running with no walking (besides warmup). Hmmm...

Today is week #6 Day #2. Having not exercised for a few days, I thought I'd take it easy. Surprisingly after about 3 minutes of my walking warmup I felt pretty energized. I decided to do the prescribed workout for Wk5 Workout 2. I was supposed to walk 5, run 8, walk 5 run 8. So instead I walked 5 ran 10, walked 5 ran 10. Looking at the instructions it seems that I have skipped over Wk #6 Workout #1 and gone straight to workout #2. Oh well. It felt good.

No weights or crunches for me today. Running was good. I'm so excited to be doing so well. I just wish there was someone who would like to run a race with me.

In other news I should be seeing my doctor in a couple of weeks and I'm anxious for her to assess my progress. Here's hoping that my labs show some positive changes!

My Darling Hubby got me an MP3 player for my birthday. Did I tell you that already? I REALLY needed some tunes for my runs. He's so very thoughtful! It really helps me to pick up the pace.

Couch to 5K Week #5

2007-08-22T19:59:00.000-04:00

Had to pull myself up out of the gutter of gloom and get my butt in gear! I exercized on Saturday, but not on Sunday, Monday, or even Tuesday. Today I'm in catch-up mode. It seems that I'm running steady behind on the prescribed running schedule. Not to worry... so long as I'm progressing it's no big deal. I have no magic date in mind to finish. I hope to keep up with it for long-term, but for now just trying to reach a goal. A real goal. To run a 5K. I don't care if I run it like a turtle. I just want to say I can do it!

Anyway - today is Week #5 Day #3. I ran the prescribed run plus a couple extra minutes of running. I also did stretches, some upper body weights, and some crunches. I'm whooped, but it feels good!

Patting myself on the back because I've been at this for over a month. (and I still need new shoes!!!)

Training Week #4 Day #2

2007-08-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

Since yesterday should have been a week #4 workout, but it wasn't... I did week #4's workout today. I admit, it was a little more difficult that I had imagined. I'm telling ya - I need those new shoes REALLY bad! I have some birthday money and a few other dollars stashed aside. I think I will use it for new shoes. Who am I kidding? Who has time for shopping?! It's been a crazy week and if things go as planned, it's not getting any easier.

Oh well... anyway... today's workout was very good. It ws difficult, but attainable. I like that. I'm so proud of myself for being at this for almost a whole month now! I'm kickin' the pig big time now!!!

Couch to 5K Training Week #4 Day #1

2007-08-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

This morning I did the prescribed workout for week #3, but with an extra 3 minute run. I will start week #4's prescribed workouts this week.

YIPPIE... I'm still running!!! I love it!!!

Training Week #3 Days #3 - #4 - #5

2007-08-10T17:36:00.000-04:00

So back on day #2 I was really dragging and digressed back to week #2's prescribed workout.

On day #3 I walked outside for 20 minutes, but didn't call it much of a workout. I just needed to do it to keep in the routine.

On day #4 I proudly dug into the week #3 prescribed workout. It was surprisingly simple. I think I can easily do it again today. I felt really good. Actually I was wondering if the air conditioning in the kitchen has made a difference in the basement??? My treadmill is in the basement. The garage is hot and humid, but the basement has actually cooled off since I started using the AC in the kitchen. So I think that has a lot to do with the ease of my workout. I'm realizing more and more how the weather affects me.

So today is day #5. I didn't get up as early as I'd planned. Actually I woke up really early and could have slipped right out of bed, but I chose to wait for the alarm. That was not a smart move. Oh well, so I waited for the alarm and then some. Then I decided that I didn't want to work late today, so I got ready and was on my way.

It is now almost 6pm on Friday. I'm sitting at my desk at work. I've just finished a day-full of stuff. I remembered that the computer connection isn't working at home, so maybe I'd do a quick post from here instead. So the plan is to head home, hit the treadmill, drink some more water, and relax. I have early early early plans for tomorrow, so I must get plenty of rest.

I Need Running Shoes

2007-08-07T21:21:00.000-04:00

My tennis shoes are rather worn. No pun intended. They were hand-me-downs from my MIL a couple years back. I have worn them just about out. I need to shop for a new pair of shoes and I'd like to be sure to get just the right pair.

Now I have custom made orthotics that I must consider when buying shoes. Does anyone have any suggestions re: finding the 'right' pair?

Couch to 5K Training Week #3 Day #2

2007-08-07T21:16:00.000-04:00

You know, vacations have a way of putting a dent in my best laid plans! I went away for a few days. Traveled in the car a lot. Was up in the wee hours of the AM and the late late hours of night. Oh it was fun, but my routine took a turn for the worst.

None the less, I shall press on. I should be on the training regimine for week number 3, but I've digressed back to week number 2's. I should have exercised yesterday, but it was actually a day of recovery more than anything else. On to today...

It is FREAKING humid!!! I noticed this the last really humid day we had, I really struggle through my exercise in this weather. Now I'm still unsure if its the weather, or if it's from the lapse in consistency, or both. I did it. I exercised. It was H-A-R-D and I did not like it.

So tomorrow I'm on to another day. (patting myself on the back for not succombing to complete laziness today.)

Training Week #2 Day #5

2007-08-02T07:25:00.000-04:00

Ok so the last few days have really been a struggle for me. I really am convinced that it is at least partially weather related and partially diet related. I'm feeling much better this morning! YIPPE!!!

So I completed day #5's training this morning with crunches and a few weight training exercises. I am sweaty, but feel really good.

Just as a side note: I noticed a new park near us a couple weeks ago. Last night we checked it out and it is SO nice! There is at least a couple miles of paved trails with lights. We walked the short loop last night and I'm sure it was at least a mile. I can't wait to go back!

OK - off to shower and then work. UGH!

Training Week #2 Day #4

2007-08-01T07:24:00.000-04:00

Lucky for me today is not a training day. I'm still dragging when it comes to steppin it up a notch. What the heck! I'm so annoyed by my achy body. I really think it's the weather's affect on me.

Anyway, this morning I went outside for a walk. It wasn't strenuous, but it was a good 20 minute walk. It was nice to listen to the birds, smell the flowers in bloom, and watch the sun rise up up up into the sky. It was lovely.

Somebody pinch me! I need regain my energy. Any ideas?

Training Week #2 Day #3

2007-07-31T06:50:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling blue this morning. My routine did not come so easy this morning. I snoozed a couple times before getting out of bed. My body was achy and my heart wasn't really in it today. I got it done though. I did the prescribed workout today. It was one of those where 25 minutes seems like an eternity and I really wanted to quit midway through. Let me re-phrase... I wanted to quit. Period. But I pressed on. I did decrease the intensity during the last 5 minutes. Maybe I was trying to run too fast? The instructions say to take it slow and easy. Working on better time can come later.

Anyway, I did not do the strength training today or crunches. I'm whooped and I've only exercised for a half hour... and that's including warm-up and cool down. That doesn't mean that I can't squeeze those in this evening. I'm hoping that I will generally bounce back throughout the day.

I'm trying to determine exactly what has contributed to the difficulty of this mornings workout. I was up until midnight. My sleep was not fully restful. First I was freezing so my HandyHubby put a blanket on and turned down the air conditioning and then I was HOT and miserable. No happy medium. Maybe my dinner last night wasn't a good choice? I drank lemonade before bed. Maybe it should have been water? Maybe its just the weather? My body aches even after my workout. Is it going to rain? It seems like the humidity is up pretty high. Maybe that's it? When it's humid I sweat more and my clothes stick to me and... well... YUCK.

Ok - now that ya'll know how I really feel this morning. I suppose I can pat myself on the back for at least DOING the workout this morning. Even if it wasn't pleasant.

All that aside... Have a lovely day. I'm off to the shower and to see if my HandyHubby will get up and have coffee with me this morning.

Couch to 5K Training Week #2 Day #2

2007-07-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

Today was not a training day. I admit that I have not even done any simple exercising today. I had things to do after work that kept me busy until well after 9PM.

One good thing is that I'm back home again tonight. This means that I can return to my usual routine in the morning. Besides, tomorrow is a training day.

I hope it cools off well tonight. I don't like working out when it's so hot and muggy.

Training Week #2 - Day #1

2007-07-29T15:17:00.000-04:00

I was SO under the weather the past 2-3 days that my routine suffered. I took some medicine yesterday and feel a whole lot better today! YIPPIE! I was really worried that beginning week #2 of my training would be too hard after skipping a couple of days of exercise. On the contrary... It was not so bad.

Week #2's training includes:

Stretches
5 Minute brisk walk warm-up
1.5 Minute jog/2 Minute walk for 20 minutes
5 Minute cool-down
Stretches

*I'm still doing my crunches and light strength training, but they are not part of the prescribed plan.

So today I completed day #1 without a hitch. It was actually refreshing. It makes me feel really good to be working on this. My body needs it and in time it will show.

Couch to 5K Training Day #8

2007-07-28T10:08:00.000-04:00

Day #8 was also a flop. I'm sick... sore throat... post-nasal drip... general malaise. This stinks! I can hardly function normally. UGH!!!!

I took a couple doses of Airborne and some cold medicine. We'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Couch to 5K Training Day #7

2007-07-27T16:27:00.000-04:00

It's official... I feel like crap. Maybe it's a cold or maybe it's allergies. Whatever it is... it's pulling me down down down!!! I may be extending my first training week for a few days until I'm over this hump. I'm eating good food... and drinking lots of water... and taking my vitamins...

Ugh - that's just how it is.

Couch to 5K Training Day #6

2007-07-26T17:17:00.001-04:00

Woo Hoo almost a whole week!!!! YEAH!!!!

Today is not actually a training day. I usually work-out in the morning, but this morning I slept in because Keith was by my side. (he hasn't been all week) So tonight I shall get my butt in gear and do something! I will either go for a walk OR perhaps hit the farm and clean some stalls.

I can feel a downward pull today. I woke up with a sore throat. It's bothered me off and on all day long. P L E A S E tell me that I'm NOT getting sick!!! That would totally be like jumping ship and that would not be a good thing!!! So I've taken some cold medicine and hopefully that will kick it.

So that's where I am... still on track but not as pumped as I was a week ago. I HAVE to keep my focus!!!

Couch to 5K Training Days 4 & 5

2007-07-25T08:49:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it's been almost one whole week already! I am slightly challenged as I'm not at home again until Monday. I'm making the most of it though.

Day 4 -
Stretches
Warmup
20 Minutes of power walking
Cool down
Crunches
Stretches

Day 5 -
Stretches
Warmup walk
20 minutes alternating 60 sec run & 90 sec walk
Cool down
Crunches
Stretches

I weighed myself this morning and I appear to have lost 7 pounds. WOW! I wasn't even trying that hard! LOVE IT! (or was I just dreaming that?)

Training Day #3

2007-07-23T07:25:00.000-04:00

Yeah! I am still training! I haven't given up and I am really excited to press on.

This morning was a true training day:

Stretches
5 minute warm-up
jog/walk alternating (as prescribed)
60 second jog
90 second walk
5 minute cool down
Crunches
Weights
15 wall style push-ups (new addition to my workout)
Stretches

Drinking lots of water and eating healthy! I feel really good!

Training Day #2

2007-07-22T19:23:00.000-04:00

Today is an "off" day for training. That just means that I'm going to exercise, but not as intense. I decided to hit the treadmill for a modified session.

Stretches
5 Minute warm up
Jog/walk alternating for 10 minutes
5 minute cool down
Crunches
Weights
Stretches

5K Training - Day #1

2007-07-21T17:38:00.000-04:00

Today I completed my first training. It was surprisingly easier than expected. I added my usual strength training and crunches at the end. The instructions say to only train 3-days per week. This allows your body its much needed rest. At the same time, I'm trying to develop consistent habits with exercise. I will resolve to exercise daily, but only train 3 days per week. So I will still do my morning walks, just maybe a little less intensity.

5K Training Week #1

2007-07-21T17:35:00.000-04:00

Week One's Training goes like this:

3 Training Days = S/5/60/90/5

Stretch
5 Minute Brisk Walk Warm-up
Alternating for 20 Minutes

* Jog for 60 seconds

* Walk for 90 seconds

5 Minute Cool Down

I Want To Run A 5K

2007-07-21T15:55:00.000-04:00

This would truly Kick The Pig! I wish I had a buddy to train with. Something tells me that my hubby will not be enthused about doing it. He had his share of runs in the Army. I will talk to him about it tonight.

I used to run when I was in my late teens and 20's. After I married I ran for a few weeks with my new hubby. He was the drill-sargent type. We quit because he was frustrated with me. You see, I'm already an over-achiever. When I exercise, I will push myself to the limits and then some if I can. So as I was doing that then he was trying to push me more and that was not going over well. These days I think he realizes this and won't be over-demanding. As a matter of fact, when we go walking these days, I am the pushy one.

Here are some handy resources I've been tapping into:

Spark People: They have all sorts of health related articles, message boards, even trackers for keeping a food and exercise diary, etc.

Cool Runnings: They have all sorts of running resources and tips, even instructions for going from Couch to 5K.

My training to run starts TODAY. New shoes are a must, but they are not in the budget this week. Maybe next week? We will see. None-the-less... I'm getting started with what I've got.

Anyone want to join me?

Lunchtime Surprise

2007-05-31T12:05:00.000-04:00

I invented something yummy today:

Slice a small zuccini longways in half.
Grill it or steam it.
Salt, Pepper, and a smidge of garlic powder.
Wrap it in a whole-wheat tortilla with some low-fat shredded cheddar.

YUM-O

Still Here

2007-05-30T10:06:00.000-04:00

I'm not lost and not forgotten and not being entirely bad either. I just have had limited blogging time. I feel rushed every time I sit at the computer late in the day for this is precious time that I could be spending with my darling husband. I am logging my consumption, just in a different journal.

My diet yesterday was a little off. My coworkers wanted deli for lunch and so I fed my month-long craving for an italian hoagie. It was huge so I only ate half - more than enough. This wasn't the wisest choice of the week for sure! Then I had dinner at the Olive Garden with my former boss who is now retired. Soup salad and breadsticks sounds like lite-fare, but having TWO bowls of soup and THREE breadsticks was not a wise move either.

Today is a better day. This morning I awakened... did some basic stretches... and hit the treadmill. HC (Health Coach) says I should walk a mere 15 minutes first thing in the morning and that's what I've been doing. Now yesterday was supposed to be a workout day, but with other plans it got shoved aside... Never fear -- today is here and I shall endeavor to work-out tonight, which is usually a non-workout night.

I'm doing strength training as well and can already feel the changes. I did some pushups against the stairs and can do at least 12 with moderate ease. I know it's not a real push up, but I can tell that improvements are coming... and this makes me very happy.

So I'm still on the 2 week Blitz... just a little shy on the blogging and a little bit off yesterday.

2007-05-28T10:26:00.000-04:00

I realized these things after dinner last night:

1) I eat TOO FAST

2) I clean my plate - Why?

3) My eyes are bigger than my stomach

Today I shall endeavor to:

1) Eat slower. Put down my fork between bites.

2) Taste the food and enjoy it.

3) Take smaller portions

4) Allow myself to have more IF I desire

5) Recognize when I'm full

6) Not worry about cleaning my plate

Snippets of Sunday

2007-05-27T14:42:00.001-04:00

What a beautiful day it is. Praise the Lord for that!

Breakfast = bowl of raisin bran with 1% milk
Snack = 4 crackers with sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups of coffee with no-fat cream
2 bottles of water
Lunch = Salad surprise... lettuce, cottage cheese, grape tomatoes, fresh pickle slices (not dill), carrot chunks, radish, raisins, and sunflower seeds with a splash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Working on another bottle of water
Sipping a Jolt Ultra (shame shame I know)

Doing some flower planting today.

Long Weekend Here I Come

2007-05-26T17:36:00.001-04:00

Breakfast at Eat n' Park with hubby. Had a variety of goodies - eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, cottage cheese, and a biscuit.

Late lunch with Re-Re - Giant plate of watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. This was enough fruit for a week I think. Loved it though. I don't buy much fruit. A lot of it doesn't agree with me and Keith is not a big fan either.

Dinner at home alone - cottage cheese with salt and fresh ground pepper topped with grape tomatoes, mini carrots, pickle, and radish (all chopped) Crunchy and healthy!

Exercise has to be either tonight or tomorrow. It's raining outside now. Keith is off tomorrow and wants to work-out at the gym after church. That would give me time to just relax at home this evening. Oh how nice... (he's working) Maybe I'll do some crunches and maybe some weights later.

TWO WEEK BLITZ

2007-05-25T07:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I prayed for motivation and last night I found it. I'm joining my pals (Kim and Chrissa) on a "2-Week Blitz" in preparation for Chrissa's upcoming vacation. Awesome!

What exactly is a "blitz?" I looked it up in the dictionary:

Blitz = an overwhelming all-out attack

Conquered the 15 minute praise/prayer walk on the treadmill this morning. It really is a great way to get moving in the morning.

Breakfast - 1/2 cup of lowfat cottage cheese with pepper and a handful of sunflower seeds. (Did you know that sunflower seeds have 5 grams of protien per ounce?! Too bad they are also high in sodium.)
1 cup of coffee with cream (to go please) - also had 2 more cups w/ cream at work
Lunch - half of a turkey & swiss on a light bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mustard
side of fresh fruit
large glass of water
working on a small bottle of water now
Dinner = turkey, cheese, (whole wheat) ranch wrap with lettuce & tomato (spicy ranch) Yummy and figure friendly.

Will not be taking that afternoon break/walk today unless you count the walk to the car. I'm planning to get out of work just a little early. It's dreadfully quiet and feels holidayish around here. I guess it should. Planning to go to the gym tonight though and it's not a workout night, so that shall make up for it.

Update -- skipped the gym. Both of us were whipped anyway.

Why Am I So Tired?

2007-05-24T09:46:00.000-04:00

I was tired last night. I was tired this morning. Now 2 cups of coffee later, I feel like getting this day on the road. This is crazy. I don't like that I rely so heavily on coffee to get my day started.

This mornings praise/prayer walk was good. I had no trouble waking up. I did some basic stretches and then hit the treadmill after putting a load of laundry in. I think that laundry is going to become a habit too. Why not?! It's right there near the treadmill. So this morning I'm in need of focus and revival. I've just been tired and struggling to get excited about exercising. I know it makes me feel good eventually, so why is it so hard to keep up with it? Why am I so lazy? I hate that. I must conquer!

cornflakes with 2%

small golden delicious apple

2 cups of coffee with cream

3/4 of a small regular hoagie
handful of french fries (my weakness!)
small water
another small water
Dinner = pickle & cheese sandwhich on whole wheat with light miracle whip
one whole orange
bottle of water
another bottle of water
(will probably end the day with a popsicle)

Went for my 10 minute afternoon walk. I zig-zagged through the building taking one flight of steps down, walk to the other end, another flight down, walk to the other end, etc. Then around the parking lot and zig-zagged my way back up. It feels good to stick with the program.

Tonight is a workout night. I didn't feel much like going to the gym, but believe me... I worked out plenty. I did some serious stretches, followed by 20 minutes on the treadmill, more stretches, some upper body weight training with the 10 lb. dumbells we bought last night. I'm taking a break and will finish up with crunches.

Over The Hump Day

2007-05-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

Morning. Keith had my alarm set for 9:15am instead of my usual 5:30am and thus I slept in. Luckily I awakened at 7:10am and frantically got ready for work. Good thing I showered last night. So I missed my morning walk. I'm rather disappointed about that. Maybe I will make up for it with an evening walk tonight?

Quick breakfast = corn flakes with 2% milk

Coffee = 2 cups with cream
Lunch = Chicken sandwich with slaw and about 10 french fries
Large water
2 small waters
Dinner = Whole wheat spaghetti with sauce, side salad, cup of potato soup
Splurge = grilled stickies ala mode (oh the shame)

We went to the gym last night. It was not a work-out night, but we are trying to create good habits of going there. Any time we have the opportunity to share the experience, it's that much better. We were both exhausted and just wanted to do something to move our achy bodies a little. Basketball. We shot some hoops and then played a little one on one. I have to tell ya... I suck at basketball. I always liked it a little bit, but I'm not good at it. I suppose if I practiced, I might get good at it. Heck, if I was just a little more agile, I would be better at it. Keith disagrees, but I say he has all the moves. He's quick and when I press him he turns on a dime and slips away from me. I told him to give me a break. He said he already was. UGH! Needless to say, we got a little bit of exercise and some together time. It was well worth it.

Then we splurged. He was starving. I know it's crazy - we had spaghetti for dinner! So he wanted to hit Eat n' Park. I was struggling with a sweet temptation, which is very unusual for me. So we went and I ordered a dessert, which is totally unlike me and I enjoyed every last bite of it!!!! I'm a little disappointed in that, but at the same time... I have been a little stressed and that felt like a release for me. There were better choices for dessert, but I opted for the one that fulfilled my craving 100%.

What Day Is It?

2007-05-22T07:16:00.000-04:00

As prescribed, I began my day with a 15 minute prayer walk. Today I opted to stay inside and use my treadmill. With sleepy eyes I tied my shoes and plodded down the steps to the old machine. It wasn't long before my thankful heart was praising God for yet another day. I always pray for my wonderful husband with thankfullness for his job and how he loves it so. I prayed for motivation, devotion, and determination as I'm on this quest, for God made me to be a certain way and I confess that I have botched it with laziness. So with a grateful heart I set out on yet another day of Pig Kickin'. Let's Kick It!!!!

Breakfast - corn flakes with 2% milk
Morning snack - Bran muffin
Coffee - 2 cups with cream in the morning
Mid-morning - 16 oz. glass of water
Lunch - 1/2 turkey, cheddar, bacon on wheat with tomato, pickle, and mayo. Handful of fries. Side salad with bleu cheese - dipped.
Large glass of water
Afternoon snack - mini carrots
Dinner - pork chop, smashed red potatoes, and a side salad
1 1/2 cups of grape juice with a little water added
Bottle of water after work-out

Ok, having the usual after lunch blah feeling. I've got to keep pressing on. My afternoon walk isn't until 230pm. Skipped the afternoon walk. Shame on me! I just got overwhelmed with a project and time flew right by.

Now home, cooking dinner. Going to eat a real sit-down dinner with hubby, rest a spell, and then go to the gym for a cardio workout and weight training. YIPPIE! I'll be feeling much better in no time!

Went to the gym. Was supposed to do 15 minutes of moderately hard on the elliptical, but I think I picked either the wrong setting (fat-burning) or the wrong level of intensity because it was more than moderately hard. It was just plain hard. This was followed by a couple laps around the track and some simple weight training for my upper body. Not enough mind you. Keith was exhausted and sleep deprived. It was all he could do to just join me there. (although he did do a light workout) I can't get the hang of the ab-machine they have there. Either I can't adjust it right or it's just not for me. I think I'd rather just do crunches and sit-ups. I'd like to have some 5-10 pound dumbells at home. Hmm... now I need new shoes, a music source, and dumbells. G-wiz.

Kickin' The Pig On Monday

2007-05-21T07:08:00.000-04:00

I woke up a little stiff, but did some stretches, donned some swishy pants, and headed outside for my first 15 minute early morning walk. That doesn't actually take me very far, but I suppose it isn't supposed to. I put my little digital timer in my pocket set out for my stroll. Many of our neighbors have gorgeous landscaping. One place has a large group of azaleas blooming, all lavender colored and so pretty. It's so eye catching. I love it. It's interesting to take in all the gardening ideas of those around us. Now... if we only had a yard condusive to such that would be so nice. I can dream can't I?

The birds sing so vibrantly in the morning. It's like they awaken and sing their praises to God for the newness of each day. They flutter about from bird feeders here and there. These must be lazy birds, but if someone was catering to you... wouldn't you take them up on it? I like to feed black oil sunflower seed. That draws a wide range of birdies for the kitties to feast their eyes upon. I may soon feed some thistle, to attract the tinier ones.

There is a crispness in the morning and I find myself thanking the Lord for my lovely surroundings. Sometimes I digress... pondering the surroundings of our home at the farm-house from years ago or what it would be like to live where there is more privacy than this. I must be thankful for what we have here - an affordable home with our needs being met. I am also thankful for my loving husband. He sat and talked with me for over and hour last evening... right after he said that he really had 'nothing to talk about.' Strangly enough - he did most of the talking.

I'm asking God for a good deal of strength today. Aside from the morning aches, I have a pretty large load of responsibility on my plate this week. I must do my best to take care of it without over-stressing myself.

I've had a 1/2 cup of coffee this morning with cream.
bowl of honey nut cherrios with 2% milk
Had another full cup of coffee with cream at work
Drank one full bottle of water
Snacked on a handful of mini-carrots
Lunch = fresh fruit salad
turkey burger with mushrooms and swiss, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mayo
Another large water
Working on a small water now - done, and another one. :)
Cup of tea with cream and sugar for an afternoon pick-me-up
2 spoonfuls of peanut butter to curb the munchies (ran out of carrots)
Dinner - leftover beef stroganoff with a spoonful of cottage cheese
Glass of grape juice
Late snack - juice popsicle

In the afternoon, I took a 10 minute walk as planned... over to the main building, outside, down the hill, around the front, and up the side next to my building, then up the steps to the 3rd floor. The hill was moderately hard, but I was trying to walk quickly. I used good discipline in choosing the steps over the elevator. I feel pretty good, but could really use an afternoon pick-me-up. Coffee? Hmmm... I've already had 2 waters and they don't seem to be helping. Oh my sleepy eyes... and I have so much to do!!! I must get past this!

Worked until 6pm. Long day, but after I got past the tired spell in the afternoon... time flew. Awesome. So the evening was quiet and uneventful. I was beat! Checked my e-mail, read some blogs, and then vegged out watching tv. (tomorrow is workout day) I watched some of "The Biggest Loser" hoping to gain some inspiration/motivation. All in all, not a bad day.

ReFocusing On The Battle

2007-05-20T09:19:00.000-04:00

Having met with the Health Coach this past Friday, I have a new plan for exercise. I'm a little bit bothered with the fact that I am less than psyched about it. At first I thought his plan was a little overwhelming, but truly it is not. I just need a mental-make-over and all should be smooth sailing after that. I recognize this as the hardest part of Kickin' The Pig... the mental strategy. I must keep my focus. How does one do that?

I'm putting together some points to work on:

Make exercise "my own" time. While it is nice to share with hubby or a friend, I shall commit to not waiting for someone to share it with. I shall endeavor to enjoy some alone time while exercising and stop being co-dependant. I recognize that while an exercise partner can be a good accountability partner, they can also serve as a stumbling block when he/she lacks the umph to do it. Thus, I shall strive to be solely devoted to it and self-accountable. This does not mean that I will not welcome company or that I will stop encouraging hubby to join me. It simply means that I will be happy to go it alone if he's not willing or available to tag along.

I shall surround myself with motivational things. I have access to some fitness and other health related magazines. I shall endeavor to glance at them from time to time as well as online research and reading. Work also has health-related opportunities to participate in, everything from cooking, to exercise, to relaxation. These things all help keep the focus.

Part of my new fitness plan includes a 15 minute morning walk before work at least 5 days per week. This may be an opportunity for some awesome time-management... While also desiring time for personal devotions and such, I see this as a fantastic opportunity to begin each day enjoying the Lord's creation and praising him for it. Who says that prayer is always on ones knees? I shall endeavor to experience the Lord early in the morning with praise and thanksgiving. What a way to start the day!!!! And furthermore I should not feel so pressed to complete a scriptural lesson each morning as that is usually an evening thing with me, but I may work on some short scripture memorization while off on my walks.

Just typing this list has been somewhat of an inspiration to me. The mental-make-over is beginning. I have already scheduled my fitness routine on this weeks calendar. Besides the morning walk, my exercise prescription includes a 10 minute afternoon walk 5 days/week and 3 nights/week of cardio and strength training.

Health Update

2007-05-18T10:15:00.001-04:00

I met with the Health Coach this morning. We went over my overall health assessment including the results of my health screening from a couple weeks back. He has given me some pointers for diet AND a prescription of exercise for building my upper body strength.

I'm excited to be embarking upon this next big step in improving my health status. Stay tuned for updates as they occur.

I'm back Kickin The Pig. Yeah Baby!!!

Tuesday and still dragging

2007-05-01T07:08:00.000-04:00

I awakened numerous times throughout the night with a headache. It's quite annoying and slowing me down substantially this morning!

Breakfast - Healthnut toast with LOL spread and grape jelly.

Liquids - glass of milk.

Pills - Aspirin and Ibuprofen (please make the headache go away!)

Snack - cheese stick.

Lunch - cheeseburger, some fries, and a little bit of coleslaw

Dinner -

Exercise - steps x3

Monday's Chasing The Wagon

2007-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Slow down... I'm jumping on!

Breakfast - Health Nut toast with LOL spread and grape jelly.

Liquids - Tall glass of grapefruit juice. 2 cups of coffee. 1 large glass of water w/ lemon. 1 bottle of water. 1 half bottle of water. 1 large glass of water w/ lemon.

Snack - 4 twizzlers

Lunch - chicken quesadilla salad with ranch dipped, not drenched, at Garfields - bosses treat! Catching up on Administrative Professionals Day since I was away last week.

Dinner - side salad with bleu cheese dipped not drenched, bread stick, laredo steak (YUMMY) and baked potato with butter and sour cream. Had dinner with Amanda and John to thank them for taking care of our kitties in our absence last week.

Exercise - Steps - oh those dreaded steps! They are so steep! I've made 2 trips already.

Vacation Expectation

2007-04-30T06:56:00.000-04:00

I expected to gain on vacation. I didn't completely BLOW IT, but I did splurge a smidge more than usual and thus... as expected... I gained a little. Not a lot - but some. UGH! I did get some exercise - LOTS of walking and a little weight lifting too.

So this morning the wagon stops here so I can get on. Now, my plans for later this week may take me away from the computer, but I am set on riding this wagon enough to take off a few pounds.

Monday's Re-cap

2007-04-16T19:22:00.000-04:00

I don't much like when I re-cap at the end of the day. While it's better than skipping completely, it does not serve the purpose of reminding me in motion to make wise choices.

Breakfast - Raisin Bran with skim milk

Lunch - veggie burger on a light bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and mayo. (why the mayo? I thought I was giving that up? Oops, I forgot.) Side of fruit salad - melon. 1 cup of Marburger's buttermilk - TO DIE FOR - but an indulgance... and not to be made into a habit. (which would be SO easy to fall into!)

Snack - 2 bite size pieces of chocolate. (again - WHY?!) and a scoop of some kind of marshmellow orange coconut dessert type stuff.

Water - 1/2 bottle on the way to work. Working on a glass now.

Dinner - homemade chicken in the slow cooker - very yummy! With mini carrots and mashed potatoes.

Now - Exercise... Hmmm... I've got to get motivated, but I just ate... maybe in an hour or so... Gym or Treadmill... gym or treadmill... gym or treadmill... decisions decisions.

Work Place Wellness

2007-04-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

I went for my wellness fitness test this week. I am proud of myself for taking advantage of this opportunity that my employer provides. The gentleman in charge actually worked as a personal trainer for some time. I'm going to make an appointment with him to go over my exercise regimen to see what would be best for me. We will soon be on vacation, so I'm going to get that out of the way first and then re-focus.

So for the fitness test they checked my blood pressure, flexibility, weight, body fat analysis, heart rate resting and stepping, sit ups and push ups. I think I did very well on the sit ups. In one minute, I did them continually... excellent! Push ups... I suck! You'd think that I would have better upper arm strength given my background working at the farm and such, but nope - I am weak! This is definitely an area of focus for me.

This program is supposed to help me keep my focus. I NEED that so badly!

Sunday's Freshness

2007-04-15T09:01:00.000-04:00

MOVE IT MORE

CHALLENGE IN PROGRESS

Breakfast - Honey Nut Cheerios with 2% milk

Coffee - 1 cup with no fat cream

Liquids - 1 bottle of water. 1 glass of milk. 1 glass of juice. 1 glass of wine.

Pills - Yes (first time in about a week)

Lunch - bowl of Cheerios with 2% milk

Snack -

Dinner - whole wheat spaghetti with sauce and 4 1/2 inches of garlic bread.

Exercize - YES!!!! 25 minutes on the elliptical. A couple laps around the indoor track. 5 sets on the bench press. 3 sets with free weights.

NEW WEEK = NEW CHALLENGE

2007-04-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

This weeks challenge will be to EXERCISE and loose those 3 pounds I was trying to loose last week. I'm confident that exercise is the answer.

Looking ahead I see that my Monday will be jammed packed full of work as I have my quarterly meetings that day... BUT today I shall exercise and will do more of the same in the days following Monday. (Vacation is so close!!)

Catching Up Again

2007-04-15T08:50:00.000-04:00

It's Sunday - a week from my last challenge goal and guess what... I ate more fruits and veggies every day and this morning I'm at my same weight as I was last Sunday. DRAT!!!! This is what happens when I don't get the exercise that I need so desperately. This week I shall exercise!!!!

Saturday was a whirl of a day. It was partly busy and partly lazy. I needed to work, but I just couldn't get into it. Mom gave me some hard-boiled eggs and I made egg salad. I had an egg salad sandwich on whole wheat bread for lunch AND dinner with a side of strawberries. I must not have been thinking when I accepted those eggs. I have high cholesterol - remember?! Oh no!!! I guess once in a while isn't so bad. I've been so good lately with picking them off my salads if we eat out. I like them, they just aren't so good for me. Oh well.

So on to today.

Friday Friday Friday YIPPIE!!!!

2007-04-13T07:24:00.000-04:00

I'm well rested this morning. Ready to get this day on the road.

Breakfast -

Coffee -

Water -

Lunch -

Snack -

Dinner - Planning dinner out with my parents.

Exercise -

Backlog

2007-04-13T07:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's...

Breakfast - poppyseed muffin

Coffee - 2 decaf and 2 regular with no fat creamer

Lunch - salad with cottage cheese and 2 sides of hot steamed veggies

Dinner - chicken stir-fry with brown rice

Water - 2 small bottles plus one large glass with lunch

Exercise - the usual steps. Now K & I had aspired to hit the gym, but thought we'd take a one hour nap first. Guess what - we never got up from our nap! How crazy is that!?! I think I must have slept like 10 or 11 hours or something. I'm guessing that we both needed it.

Mid-week Madness

2007-04-11T08:23:00.000-04:00

FRUIT AND VEGGIE CHALLENGE IN PROCESS

Breakfast - Raisin Bran with skim milk

Coffee - not yet - need to brew some

Water - thinking about it - What happened to drinking some on the way to work?

Lunch - baked sweet potato

Snack - Glass of juice.

Dinner - shrimp

Exercise - Up the steps to the 3rd floor x2

Notes - I really need to get some fruits and veggies in the house!

Kick The Pig!!!!

2007-04-10T09:19:00.000-04:00

WARNING!!! ATTENTION!!!

FRUIT & VEGGIE CHALLENGE

IN PROCESS

Morning.

Breakfast - Raisin Bran with skim milk.

Coffee - 2 cups with no-fat cream.

Snack - 10 M&Ms. I like this snack because it fills a void and is rationable. (They were on sale at the grocery store and it was such a good deal that I could not pass it up! But I'm sharing with everyone at work, so this will not be only my downfall.)

Pills - not lately. What's wrong with me?!

Lunch - going out today. Office outing with my old boss. (Lucky lady - now retired.) Taco salad and chips shared with my friends.

Dinner -

Exercise - Up the steps to the 3rd floor x2

FRESH

2007-04-09T07:22:00.000-04:00

This weeks challenge: Eat more fruits & veggies and loose 3 pounds! Here we go!

I'm happy to report that my weight gain only appears to be a half a pound. Hmmm... that can't be right!!! I weighed myself 3 times and YES - only a half pound heavier. I also took my measurements. I lost just shy of an inch in my bust, waist, and hips. WOW I also didn't think that was so! Yippie!! My spirits are lifted... but still sticking to the challenge at hand.

OK - off to work... I shall have breakfast there.

It's going to be one of those rush rush rush weeks here at work! Deadlines abound!!!

Breakfast - Raisin Bran with skim milk

Coffee - 1 cup

Water - Large glass with lunch. Working on a bottle of it now. Another bottle in the afternoon. An extra large glass with dinner.

Lunch - roasted veggies, chick pea salad, and a half of a turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayo. (I think my next exclusion will be the mayo. Why do I put it on the sandwich anyway? As if I need it or something????)

Snack - none so far

Dinner - half of a turkey & cheese on tomato basil bread and a cup of broccoli cheese soup at Panera Bread. I shouldn't have... too much and too expensive. Saving grace -- well, Keith forgot something at home that he needed at work. So when I got home I ran it out for him, just in time to catch him for his dinner break. I was delighted because he was sleeping when I left for work and I was sleeping by the time he got home from work. So... a little dinner shared is good for the heart.

Exercise - Up the steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step x3. My coworker has commented that I'm a speed-walker today. Hmm... I think that's a good thing! My desire to go to the gym was thwarted by the need to deliver goods to Keith in the evening. By the time I was home I was completely beat.

A Pep-talk - For the Millionth Time

2007-04-08T18:06:00.000-04:00

Ok Gals, I'm on the hot-seat. I'm putting myself on the spot. How's it going? To be brutally honest, I suck at this dieting thing. I think I have convinced myself that it's not really a "diet" but a quest to become healthier. That helps. I'm like a yo-yo when it comes to this stuff. I will go from "faithful to a T" to "dragging behind the wagon" in a moments notice. I've got to get a grip and hit a happy medium.

One of the things that really affecting my success at the moment is the lack of "good" choices in our house. The refrigerator has had a mind of its own lately and thus I have not been shopping for any fresh stuff for a while. I have to create a solution - even if it means resurecting the old refrigerator from the basement!

Another thing, Keith and I like to hit the gym together. Well, work schedules are not condusive to this, so that hasn't been happening. We went together a week ago. I went again alone on Monday. Tuesday I was BEAT. Wednesday we had class etc. in the evening, and Thursday was another catch-up day... It was closed on Friday. Saturday we were busy with other things... which brings me to today and it is closed for the holiday. Drat! I must just accustom myself to going without him and schedule ahead to go with him as his schedule allows. Ugh!!!

So today I found myself sampling coffee with cherry cordials... hardly on the plan. Then snacking on pepperoni rolls I made for him last night while we lazily watched a movie before he had to go to work. (Thank goodness they are finished already) I ate some canned peaches for lunch. Dinner alone was leftover pizza from last night and some juice. The peaches and juice was probably my only descent choices I've made all day! No water drinking... just coffee and juice. What is wrong with me?

I so wish the gym was open today. I actually have the energy to go. Instead, I popped in some laundry and walked on my treadmill while it washed. I didn't time it but I'm thinking maybe that was a good 20 minutes or so. I feel good, but should drink some water already.

Just to add to my shame, I have neglected to weigh or measure in the last couple of weeks because frankly I'm sure I will gain more disappointment from that. Goals? I have to make them short-term because if I make long term goals I end up changing them because they become unattainable. I suppose since I realize this, I should go with a short week-to-week goal, much like I have done in the past with my weekly challenge. Hmmm... maybe I'm on to something here??!!

So... maybe this weeks goal & challenge will be:

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Loose 3 pounds (I suppose this means I have to weigh myself today to see where I stand? UGH!)

How's that sound? I suppose I have until next Sunday to achieve this. Stay tuned! Encouragement welcomed and very much appreciated! C'mon... Let's Kick This Nasty Pig!!!!!

Good Friday

2007-04-06T07:06:00.000-04:00

I'm off work today and need the rest so badly!

Breakfast

Coffee (its still brewing)

Water

Pills

Lunch

Snack

Dinner

Exercise

Thursday is Like Friday to me... I'm Off Tomorrow!

2007-04-05T08:46:00.000-04:00

Breakfast - Raisin Bran with Skim Milk

Coffee - 1 1/2 cups with no-fat cream. 1 1/2 cups with cream at lunch. Odd - I usually go for water. Brrr... it's the chill's fault.

Lunch - buffalo chicken salad with bleu cheese and garlic toast. I actually only ate about half the salad - all the meat, but half the rest, even half the dressing. I pealed off the crust of the garlic bread -- not to be childish, but just figured I didn't need it.

Snack - None

Dinner - chicken with artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes, side of steamed vegetables, a few bites of warm pumpernickle bread with butter, and a few bites of the bloomin onion that Keith insisted on having. We had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse.

Exercise - Up the steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step x2. Hope to hit the gym tonight. Haven't been there since Monday. Gotta keep up with it. Ok - so we didn't do the gym last night. We haven't seen each other all week so we opted for a nice dinner out. We came home, crawled in bed, and had a lengthy theological discussion before turning the lights out and crashing.

Mid-week... Can't wait for Friday!

2007-04-04T09:58:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with skim milk.

Coffee: 1 cup with cream - thinking about another as we are out of water and I forgot to bring some with me this morning. + 2 cups with cream at GG Bible Study and a Medium diet coke.

Lunch: 1/2 bowl of chili with sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Small grilled cheese with tomato on sour dough bread. Side of fresh fruit salad - melon & pinapple.

Snack: none

Dinner: Bowl of broccoli cheese soup and a cheese burger

Exercise: 2 trips up the steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step. I'm feeling the pull from my workout 2 nights ago so it's not easy.

Tuesday's Gone With The Wind... isn't that a song?

2007-04-03T08:26:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: 6 Ritz crackers with peanut butter

Coffee: 2 cups with cream

Water: 1/2 bottle on my way to work. Oh darn... we are out of water in the office. This is not good.

Lunch: half of a turkey & swiss on a light bun with pesto mayo, but I pealed most of the bun in half. Just thinking I could do without the extra bread. Also had a side of fresh fruit - melon.

Snack:

Vitamins: not yet

Dinner:

Exercise: Up the steps with a spring in my step x2!

How I'm Feeling

Morning - Didn't want to get out of bed this morning. Chilly on the outside but cozy under the covies! None the less, got myself up and out the door for work.

Afternoon - Pretty good. Not as tired as I am when I have too much lunch. I ate rather light today, which I should do more often. Ready to tackle more work.

Evening -

Monday... Fresh New Week

2007-04-02T13:03:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: 6 peanut butter crackers

Coffee: 1 cup w/ no-fat cream. I also had a few sips of diet caffiene free Pepsi at work and a glass of iced tea at home.

Water: 1 bottle + 1 1/2 large glasses with lunch + 1 bottle after the gym and a few drinks at the fountain at the gym

Lunch: BBQ Chicken Salad with bleu cheese dressing (dipped)

Snack: mandarin oranges (after work)

Dinner: 3 small pieces of roasted vegetable pizza

Exercise: Up the steps to the 3rd floor twice with a spring in my step. I love it! Stretched at home. Then went to the gym (yes by myself) and did 20 solid minutes on the elliptical. That's the first time I used that piece of equipment. It's a way better workout than the bike. I've been using the bike and treadmill lately mainly to boost my stamina. Thank goodness. If I had tried the elliptical on the first day, I probably would have quit.

How I'm Feeling

Morning - did not log. Wanted to get out the door to get the day started so I could come home earlier.

Afternoon - full from lunch. I always eat too much. I need to pay more attention in that regard.

Evening - pumped after a great workout. Beat now!

Notes:

Tomorrow I aspire to begin a new challenge, either daily or weekly. I'm trying to think of what it should be? Any suggestions?

Palm Sunday

2007-04-01T10:21:00.000-04:00

Morning Pig-Kickers. It is Palm Sunday. I'm looking forward to a beautiful church service this morning.

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole wheat toast with peanut butter.

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream. 2 cups in the afternoon with no-fat cream.

Water: Hmm... this was not my strong-point today.

Pills: Yes. Vitamin and Aspirin this morning.

Lunch: 2 small bar-b-que chicken fingers (no breading) and 1 cup of broccoli cheese rice.

Snack: Banana. I hate them, but my eye was twitching so I thought it best to get ahead of it.

Dinner: Chicken tortilla soup.

Exercise: Not today. Resting.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Good. Slept like a rock. Achy, but likely because of the rainy weather.

Afternoon: There is never enough time to accomplish everything I'd like to. It is only 1pm on Sunday and there are dishes to do, laundry to do, and hubby will be heading to work shortly. I had hoped to do a little bit of work-related work today and some work-related reading while also having time to exercise AND most importantly do my devotions with preparation for Girls Group this week and Disciple class. Why do I fret? This is a day of rest and I shall re-group and prioritize. Laundry & dishes can wait so long as we have what is needed for today and tomorrow. I shall spend a few quiet minutes with hubby now followed by devotions and maybe later I'll think about work-related stuff... maybe not.

Evening: What was I fretting about earlier? I feel so good now and I've only accomplished a small array of things on the list. I spent a couple of hours in devotion, study, and prayer. Boy that felt good. I'm so refreshed by it. I did two loads of laundry, and will probably put in a third. I washed all the dishes. I packed up my Easter packages for the Valentines along with my late late late Christmas gifts for Mom and Jim, and my care package for friends in Texas who have a new baby boy. Whew! It seems the Lord has blessed me with plenty of left-over energy and it's after 8PM now! (not enthused about looking at work stuff anyway). I thinking I should be tired by now, but on the contrary... uh... maybe I had too much coffee??? Hmmm...

Looking Back On Saturday

2007-04-01T10:15:00.000-04:00

Well, it seems that I almost always miss and entire day on the weekend. Things get nuts and sitting at the computer is often the last thing on my agenda.

Morning: 1/2 glass of iced tea

Late morning: 1 sugar cookie

Afternoon: 2 pieces of Vinto's pizza (The Best!!!)

Evening: 2 bowls of salad, 2 1/2 breadsticks with alfredo dip, and a bowl of soup at Olive Garden. YUM O, but way too much!!!

Late Evening: a taste of peanut brittle and a handful of peanut butter filled pretzels.

Exercise: YES - believe it or not! Played one on one basketball with hubby. It was an open gym night at the community center. We were the ONLY people in the gymnasium. Niether of us is a basketball pro by any measure. But we enjoyed shooting some hoops and pretending like we were playing. None the less, it was good cardiovascular exercise for about a half hour.

Water: Large lemonade with lunch. Bottle of water in the evening and a half bottle in the afternoon. Had some more iced tea too, but that doesn't count as water. (NO COFFEE today!) I should have a headache!

I love Fridays!!!

2007-03-30T08:50:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: veggie, bacon, cheese omlet.

Water: 1 bottle, working on another. Another bottle with lunch.

Pills: thinking about it.

Coffee: not yet.

Lunch: chicken and vegetables w/fettucini cooked in garlic olive oil. Alfredo on the side. 3 bites of chocolate cake.

Snack:

Dinner:

Exercise: 2 trips to the 3rd floor... up the steps with a spring in my step!

How I'm feeling

Morning - still proud of myself for having a good workout last night. Got to work early today and hope to finish up early too!

Afternoon - FULL from lunch. Good food, but heavy. That was what was being served as the celebration special for the docs.

Evening -

Happy Doctor's Day

2007-03-29T09:21:00.000-04:00

Today we are celebrating National Doctor's Day. It's actually on March 31st, but we are celebrating today and tomorrow at work. So if you see your doctor, take a moment and thank him or her for the work they do.

Breakfast: veggie omlet with a little bit of cheese. (with the docs)

Coffee: 1/2 cup so far with cream and another 1/2 cup with cream. Plus 1/2 cup with no fat cream in the evening.

Water: One large glass almost finished. One bottle. Another bottle. 1/2 bottle with dinner. Another bottle at the gym.

Lunch: Turkey & Veggie wrap sandwich. A few chips and a handful of mini carrots

Snack: 6 peanut butter crackers. I also had a piece of plain chocolate. Shame Shame!

Dinner: turkey and provolone on whole wheat with Miracle Whip.

Exercise: Planning to hit the gym later tonight. Did it! Tonight's work-out was one of our best work-outs since we've started going. Stretches + 4 laps around the indoor track + 25 minutes on the recumbant bike + 30 minutes on the treadmill. I'm so pumped!!!! But I didn't do any weights tonight, but cardio is probably what I should be focusing on anyway... at least for now! I'm so proud of myself!

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Rush Rush Rush... got to get out the door in a jiffy! Need to get to work early today. 1) doctors day breakfast and 2) need to get home early to tidy and sweep before our company arrives.

Afternoon: Tired. I want to be done with work already.

Evening: Awesome after a good workout.

Over The Hump Day -- Woo Hoo!!!

2007-03-28T07:22:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: Cheerios with skim milk.

Water: couple bottles during the day. Large glass with lunch. Gatorade in the evening.

Pills: Just vitamin.

Coffee: 1 cup with cream

Snack: A couple bites of Keith's peanut crunch bar.

Lunch: two plates of salad and a cup of creamy potato soup.

Dinner: On the run - Wendy's turkey and swiss and a few french fries shared with Keith. Diet coke.

Exercise: Steps at work and a lot of misc house work - steps... doing laundry.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: I'm obsessing over the fact that we are to have company tomorrow evening, yet the house is a wreck. I need cleaning time, and should have taken that into consideration last night when I decided to hang-out with Re-Re. Hmmm... Tonight we have Disciple II class and Keith wants to work-out after that. Thursday I'll likely get home just in time. So... what to do what to do what to do. Hmmm... Well, I suppose I should get this day on the road and figure it out as I go!

Afternoon: Rushed. Leaving work early to go home to do some more house work.

Evening: Rushed. Class... need dinner... TIRED.

Off To A Rushing Start On Tuesday

2007-03-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: Honey Bunches of Oats with no-fat creamer. I know - this is crazy! I just want to buy milk already, but it won't keep unless I freeze it and that's no good. Ugh.

Pills: Forgot. Oops.

Water: Hmm... Large glass with lunch. Working on a bottle now. Finished and a peach green tea with dinner.

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream.

Lunch: Salad w/ Caesar dressing and a half order of fries

Snack: green tea frap at Starbucks

Dinner: roast beef, mashed potatoes, and salad with bleu cheese dressing. THANKS Re-Re!!!

Exercise: Steps at work... not much else.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Tired. Slept ok. Tried to get to work earlier so I can get out earlier.

Afternoon: Full from lunch, but salad isn't as heavy as the usual sandwich, so that is good. I have much to tackle and am right on it already.

Evening: Lazy. Board. A little tired. Ready for bed.

No Time For Dilly Dally

2007-03-26T07:48:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: Raisin Bran w/ non-dairy, no-fat creamer.

Pills: Yes, but on the run.

Water: Yes, but also on the run. Large glass with lunch. One bottle in the afternoon. Another in the evening.

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream.

Lunch: salad, 3 half-slices of pizza hut pizza, and one breadstick. (probably not the greatest choice.)

Snack: None yet, but if I decide that I need one, I have mandarin oranges.

Dinner: 1 small cube steak, mashed potatoes, and a healthy helping of sliced beets.

Exercise: Steps at work. I had forgotten that my employer has a gym subsidy program. If you sign up for the wellness program at work and go to your gym of choice at least 3x per week, you get a reimbursement subsidy. There are multiple levels of reimbursement depending on the level of improvement that is achieved. Given our recent commitment to use the fitness center at our community center, I think this would be a nice additional benefit. Thus, I shall schedule the initial fitness test to establish my baseline fitness level. Went to the gym -- stretches, 25 minutes on the recumbant bike level 3 (moderately hard), and 5 laps around the indoor track. I skipped the weights because it was really busy tonight.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Rushed so far.

Afternoon: Too full from lunch. Have to get back to work. Break is over.

Evening: Too warm in here. Feeling pretty good having just been at the gym. Going to work on my devotions a while and then settle in for the night.

Sunday's Re-cap

2007-03-26T07:43:00.000-04:00

Sunday was rather a blur for us.

Morning began with raisin bran with a little bit of non-dairy no-fat creamer. It was better than water, but probably not the best idea; however... refrig is still on the fritz.

Went to our niece's baptism and had a lovely pot-luck type lunch afterwards. Had all sorts of yummy goodies... potatoes, sandwich, carrots, sausage, and even a tiny piece of cake. With so much variety it was easy to have a plate full fast. Punch and coffee to drink.

He watched the race in the afternoon and I took a little nap. Hmm... that's odd. My last couple of weeks must have caught up to me?

Evening rolled around and Keith was leaving for work. He noticed someone had been into his car and stole the garage door opener; thus we now have a new one, which we needed to get anyway. Dinner was a cheese sandwich on healthnut bread and a bowl of boiled veggies - broccoli, carrots, and water chestnuts. YUM-O

Somewhere in between I drank a couple bottles of water.

What's New Pig Kickers?!

2007-03-24T08:51:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: The milk is sour this morning. I think we seriously need to check the refridgerator temperature because Keith's milk spoiled quickly too. So, what to have for breakfast... Hmmm... I have been known to eat cereal with water. I'm thinking about it. The winner is - Honey Bunches of Oats with water. I know - it doesn't sound so good. Don't knock it until you've tried it. You'd be amazed how much you don't need the milk. It just needs to be wet, not drowned in liquid.

Coffee: Going to a coffee seminar this morning. Holding out for that. A few tastes of Espresso. (not my bag) Tall (aka small) white chocolate mocha with no fat milk and light whip. YUM-O!

Water: 1 1/2 large glasses at lunch.

Pills: Yes.

Lunch: half of a buffalo chicken flat bread sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and bleu cheese dressing, a few french fries, and a handful of zuccini fries. (new favorite -- zuccini fries!)

Snack: None.

Dinner: Chicken & Rice with vegetables.

Exercise: Stretches, few warm-up & cool down laps, 20 minutes on stationary bike "rolling hills" level 2, some weight training too.

How I'm Feeling

1. Morning: Annoyed about the milk situation. Proud because Keith looks so professional and will be presenting the coffee seminar. This one is focused on equipment.

2. Afternoon: blah blah blah.

3. Evening: A little sore and a little tired after a good workout. Ready to hit the sack.

It's Friday... Let's Dance!

2007-03-23T07:15:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm T-I-R-E-D this week. It's been chalked full of stuff. I need to get moving early so I can skip out early.

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with Ultra Skim Milk

Water: Half bottle in the morning. 1 large glass with lunch. 1 medium glass with dinner and 1/2 a gatorade in the evening. (I still don't know if those count)

Coffee: 1 1/2 cups with no fat cream.

Pills: Ooops totally forgot as I was in a rush to get going this morning.

Lunch: Half turkey and swiss on a light bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and 1 spoonful of dilled potato salad.

Dinner: Satisfied a craving. Funny - I don't eat fish - YUK, but... Long John Silver fish I will eat a little. Is it weird that I craved this food that I really despise? 1 piece of fish and 2 planks of chicken, 2 hushpuppies, a few bites of coleslaw and a few french fries. I didn't finish the meal, but it satisfied the odd craving I had.

Exercise: Steps at work. Steps in the evening in Pittsburgh.

How I'm Feeling

1. Morning: A little bit sore from working out last night. Slept pretty good though. As much as I'd like to linger on the computer this morning, I must get to work early so I can get out early.

2. Afternoon: Can't remember. I should have blogged it when I got back from lunch.

3. Evening: I love date night. Feeling lazy, but still put some make-up on and perfume and set out for a nice evening with Keith.

Feeling Like I Blew It

2007-03-22T07:47:00.000-04:00

I think the sandwich and fries were a NO-NO last night. I immediately felt guilty, and as if I would have been satisfied with HALF of that scenario, or just with a salad. Oh well... today is another day! It might be a "VEGGIE DAY."

Breakfast: LaCreme Vanilla Yogurt

Water: 1/2 bottle on the way to work. Large glass with lunch. Another bottle this evening and working on another.

Coffee: one cup with NO FAT cream.

Pills: Yes.

Snack: 1/2 of a peanut crunch granola bar - split with my coworker.

Lunch: mashed potatoes with chives and a little bit of herbed gravy, roasted vegetables, scoop of cottage cheese with peas, tomatoes, and 5 green olives.

Dinner: 2 eggs with american cheese, bacon, and wheat toast -- What is wrong with me???

Exercise: Steps Steps Steps!!! Ya'll would be so proud... We finally joined the Community Center!!!! We worked out for an hour tonight. I did some stretching, walking, some biking, and some weight training while Keith did mostly weight training with a little bit of stretching and walking. I took the "Fitness Test" on the recumbant bike. It asked for my age and weight etc. Upon completion it flashed in large print on the screen "SUPERIOR." How cool is that?! I knew all those stairs were a blessing. Now - I wonder what my target heart rate should be? Hmmm...

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Well rested but must get going! A little rushed. Why?

Afternoon: Just ran up those steps! Out of breath, but feeling good. I've got to tackle more things here.

Evening: Pumped!!! But tired. Ready to hit the sack.

Wild Wednesdays

2007-03-21T07:48:00.000-04:00

YEAH!!!

SPRING HAS SPRUG!!!

Morning. Looking forward to a day full of crazy! Work work work and then study study study!!!

Breakfast: A banana - YUCK! But I made myself eat it because my eye has been twitching. I think I must need the potassium. And a bowl of Honey Bunches Of Oats with Cinnamon.

Water:...

Pills: Just the vitamin.

Coffee: One cup with cream.

Lunch: half of a turkey and cheddar with tomato and mayo on wheatberry toast, a few french fries, and a side salad with bleu cheese (dipped).

Snack: None.

Dinner: Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwhich, Fries (shared) and a diet coke.

Exercise: Steps at work. Otherwise none other than mind exercise... had Girls Group and Disciple II last night.

How I'm Feeling

MORNING: Feeling good. Lot's on my mind. Refreshed. Got to get this day on the road!

AFTERNOON: FULL from lunch. Should have had less. Dragging.

EVENING: Like a scholar... study study study... and connected well with hubby - great theological discussion over dinner! Awesome!!

Mid-March and Still Kickin'

2007-03-20T07:28:00.000-04:00

Computer's up and running again. YIPPIE! Back to the norm at our house and into the present age. Many thanks to my Mom for some new piggy artwork.

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with Ultra Skim. I bought hubby his very own half gallon of whole milk this week. He has some protien drinks he's making with them and whole milk is much better for him than skim. On account of his circumstances, I have bought myself ULTRA Skim, which actually is just fine despite my long time love for whole milk and sometimes even raw milk. Ahhh... I must resign myself to the latter.

Pills: Yes (Good girl)

Water: Does Gatorade count? I'm not sure because it has sugars in it. I bought a case of water, but it is still in the car. Is my laziness shining through? I had this nice bottle of Gatorade in the fridge and thought I'd substitute this morning. Hmmm... Large glass with lunch.

Coffee: 2 cups with cream at work.

Lunch: Side salad with caesar dressing and a small bowl of cream of mushroom soup. Two packs of crackers.

Snack: 2 Hershey's mini chocolates. I HAVE TO STOP WITH THE CHOCOLATE!!! On another note - Today was "Free Fruit Day" at work. I chose a navel orange, but I haven't eaten it yet.

Dinner: A cuup of whole wheat penne pasta with a 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese and 1/4 cup of salsa. (I make it up as I go)

Exercise: Stairs as usual. I'm still trying to climb them a little faster than usual. When I get behind someone slow I can definitely feel the drag in the climb. I don't like that. On another note, I can feel the muscles in my legs reminding me that I have been doing a lot of squats every night. They are not fully accustomed to it yet, but that will come in time. 15 Minutes on the treadmill. Not much - but just trying to create a habit, even if it's short.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Up at the usual time despite the idea of sleeping in. Feeling like a huge pressure has been lifted at work, yet more to come in very short order. Fumbling along this morning and will be on my way to work shortly. I miss my hubby. I did not get to see him yesterday. I don't like it when our work schedules pan out that way.

Afternoon: Actually I am feeling rather tired and worn out. Am I coming down off a high after my two cups of coffee? Or maybe it's just my lunch slowing me down? I don't know. I need to snap out of it! There is much to accomplish before this day comes to a close.

Evening: TIRED!!!! When will the energy come? I so wish that Keith was home tonight because it would be a great evening for tennis. :(

Another Mad Monday!!!

2007-03-19T08:37:00.000-04:00

I'll try to do my best keeping up with blogging from the workplace - at least for Kicking the Pig - until we get the home ISP on the mend. I hope that's today, but hubby was sleeping so soundly when I left. I suspect he will awaken just in time to rush out for work... and so maybe he won't have time to follow-up on our internet woes.

Anyway...

Breakfast: Vanilla LaCreme Yogurt with sunflower seeds

Water: 1/2 bottle thus far. Large glass with lunch. Working on another bottle now.

Pills: Oops - completely forgot this morning!

Coffee: Working on a cup. Make that 2 cups with cream.

Lunch: half of a turkey & swiss on a light bun with lettuce, pickle, tomato, and mayo and a side of fruit and Sun Chips.

Dinner: Chicken Marsala (only a little bit of gravy), brown rice, and roasted vegetables.

Snack: 1/4 cup of chocolate ice cream with 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. (Why?????)

Exercise: Steps Steps Steps -- still trying to keep a spring in my step! In the late evening I did some squats, stretches, simple weight training for my upper arms/torso, and some sit-ups.

How I'm Feeling -

Morning: Blah - have tons to do today in very little time. Not feeling the rush yet, but will be very soon I'm sure. Stiff neck on the left side. I must have slept wrong or something.

Afternoon: Achy - Sore. A little bit tired, but staying busy. It's the weather I'm sure. Can I sleep in tomorrow?

Evening: Relieved that it's over... (meeting at work) yet completely beat and ready to rest.

Can You Believe This Week Is Almost Over?

2007-03-15T07:34:00.000-04:00

Morning folks. Ahhhh... the pay offs of exercise!!! I've tipped the scale a little further south this morning. YIPPIE!!! Ok, so it wasn't THAT much, but I didn't log my slight gain last week, but I am glad to report that I have compensated for that plus a smidge more. What a way to start the day!!! Do you suppose there is a way to brain-wash myself into obsessing about exercise? I suppose in this time of year, I may not need it as much as other times. Keith and I have agreed that the membership to the community center is a good investment. We are both motivated this time of year. Even if we use it for a few months it will have been worth it. So we decided that Friday would be the day we sign-up!!!!

Breakfast: Raisin Bran

Water: 1/2 bottle thus far. Will finish it on the way to work.

Pills: Yes (Oh I am so good this week)

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream at home.

Snack:...

Lunch:...

Dinner:...

Exercise:...

How I'm Feeling

Morning: PUMPED over the minimal progress on the scales this morning! Somewhat of an energetic mind-set this morning, likely due to the exercise two nights ago!

Afternoon:...

Evening:...

Morning Pig Kickers

2007-03-14T10:11:00.000-04:00

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with 1% milk

Water: 1 bottle and working on a glass

Pills: yes (good girl)

Coffee: 1 cup with non-dairy cream (Ahhh!!! I'm so convicted when I drink non-dairy!)
2 cups of hot tea with cream and sugar at lunch.

Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with bleu cheese dressing (dipped)

Snack: 1 little cookie and 1 piece of candy

Dinner: left over chicken rice casserole with extra veggies

Exercise: Three flights of steps x3

How I'm Feeling -

Morning: SORE all over. Hmm... could be the weather and could be the exercise. I'm figuring it's a little of both. Feeling okay though and ready to get the day on the road.

Afternoon: Need motivation. I'm going to drink some water in hopes of finding that. Headache arrived on the way to work. Still lingering despite Tylenol.

Evening: Rushed. Just squeezed in a quick dinner and now on our way to a new class at church.

Challenge for today... Undecided thus far. How about - try not to get stressed out?

Pay Off For Good Behavior

2007-03-13T10:45:00.000-04:00

The results are in...

August 06 March 07 Progress

Chol: 240 --> 228 --> -12

HDL: 63 --> 59 --> -4

LDL: 155H --> 141H --> -14

While overall my cholesterol is still considered "High," I am happy to report these slight improvements. It pays to watch what you eat. Having this labwork done certainly helps me to re-focus. Although I am watching, I have not been overly strict. I'm not really sure how much to expect for 6 months of efforts.

I always thought that HDL + LDL = Total Cholesterol, but I must have been mistaken.

I almost forgot that I had a doctor appointment. Overall she tells me that I am doing very well. My cholesterol is not considered critical as I'm not having any other major health issues that effect that, but it must continue to decline. She said that ANY reduction is good. I was so glad to hear that. We're going to have another check in 6 months. YIPPIE!!! I love my doctor. She is so caring and provides a great deal of encouragement. I think as far as doctors go in this busy world, that is a characteristic that is often hard to find. Kudos to my PCP!!!

Temptation Tuesday

2007-03-13T07:38:00.000-04:00

Morning. Today's challenge will be resisting temptations, especially after yesterday having succombed to consuming two pieces of candy.

Challenge Tally:

My coworker brought in some leftover cookies from her daughter's wedding reception this weekend. They smell SO GOOD!!! It is all I can do to turn my head and keep my fingers from wandering in that direction!!!! I'm happy to report that I am meeting this challenge head-on and it is HARD. Thank God for helping me with discipline in this area.
When I got home from work I so wanted to chow down on some sort of carbs - like bread or cereal or whatever. I settled on a spoonful of peanut butter.

Breakfast: 1/2 cup of vanilla low-fat (99% fat free) yogurt with walnuts.

Coffee: 1 1/2 cups with non-dairy cream (I know I know - not holding up my end of the dairy-princess bargain).

Water: Working on a bottle. Will finish it on the way to work. Done. 1 bottle at work. 1 large glass with lunch. 1 large glass after lunch. 2 bottles this evening.

Pills: Baby Aspirin and Vitamin.

Snack: Spoonful of peanut butter. Popsicle.

Lunch: BLT and a side salad with ranch to dip. 2 potato chips and 3 potato chip crumbs.

Dinner: chicken, veggie, rice casserole.

Exercise: We played tennis tonight!!!! I'm so delighted to have such fabulous weather!!!! AND we walked up the hill to check out the new equipment in the Community Center. Wow, they have treadmills, bikes, elipticals, a stepper, and a lot of weight lifting equipment. The "couples" membership is only -- get this -- $100 per year (12 months). That's amazing!!! And they are open 6AM - 11PM every weekday. (other hrs on the weekend) Additionally there is an indoor track, open gym, a lounge with a pool table and more. We are thinking if we used it together at least once per month that it would certainly pay for itself. Hmmm... $100 Hmmm... We did not have our wallets with us so we haven't done it yet, but it's definitely being considered. Well, should we or shouldn't we????? There was a time when I paid almost $40/mth just for my own membership. I cancelled it when I got married because we couldn't afford the fees for both of us while he was a student. I must say that this is a deal that I hate to pass up!

How I'm Feeling:

MORNING: Still a little tired. A cup of coffee should take care of that. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I wanted to rest more. Why is that? Regardless, I need to get this day on the road.

AFTERNOON: Panic! Forgot that I had a doctor appointment this afternoon!!!

EVENING: Hmm... a little tired after some good exercise. A little tired after a long day. A lot on my mind - it races. Hmm... need to relax already!

Drum Roll Please....

2007-03-12T09:58:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday Fellow Pig Kickers and others hanging out with us trying to live a healthier life! Green is for SPRING!!! Which seems to be poking its head into our lives.

I had my labs drawn this morning to check my cholesterol. I am hoping that all my efforts will show at least a little in the results of this testing. We shall see...

Breakfast --> Raisin Bran with Skim Milk

Coffee --> One cup with non-dairy cream

Water --> None yet - and there is a bottle sitting right here. I better get started! Large glass with lunch. Working on another bottle.

Pills --> Not today. Fasting for labs so skipped those.

Lunch --> Half of a turkey with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and pesto mayo. Side of pasta salad. I like the serving size for sides here at work because it's less than a half cup - more like a quarter cup and I don't need any more than that.

Snack --> 2 pieces of candy. Shame shame - but not killing me.

Dinner --> Whole wheat spaghetti with sauce. 1/2 cup of yogurt with a sprinkle of walnuts.

Exercise -->

Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step. Got tired 3 steps from the top. Will make it the whole way next time!
Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step the whole way WITH an armload of things ta-boot!

How I'm Feeling -->

Morning: Rested. The weekend wore me out. I could have stayed in bed longer, but opted to get my butt moving. Lots to do at work. No time to waste.
Afternoon: Busyness consumes me. It has been a quiet day so it has been productive, but not in the areas in which I had aspired to focus. Ugh!
Evening: TIRED. WHIPPED. BEAT. READY FOR BED!!!

Hmmm... challenge for this week... Hmmm...

TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF I needed it!

2007-03-09T07:21:00.000-05:00

This week has been entirely stressful. The next couple of days will be no exception despite the fact that the weekend is upon us.

Breakfast... half of a peach muffin.

Coffee... 2 cups with non-dairy creamer.

Pills... oops... forgot.

Water... one bottle on the way to work. one large glass with lunch. working on another now.

Lunch... half a turkey with muenster cheese on a light bun, roasted red pepper mayo, lettuce, tomato and pickles. Mmmm... with a side of potato salad.

Snack... nah... not yet anyway.

Dinner... Hmmm... going out with my friend tonight. We are going to a concert in Pittsburgh. I wonder what we'll do for dinner? Hard to say... I'll report back later.

Exercise: See Challenge Tally

How I'm Feeling

MORNING... Tired, but making it. Should I eat breakfast or shouldn't I? I need to have those labs done but I just don't really feel like doing that today. I'm not hungry, but I know I have to eat.... blah blah blah

AFTERNOON... WOW, this day is rockin and rollin. I mean it has been a constant rush. Everyone needs something and I'm the one they are asking. My two co-workers are off today so it's just me and the Big Cheese and our offices are across campus so we hardly bother eachother. Still... busy busy busy. I am thankful to be able to take a short break and log my lunch consumption.

EVENING...

MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY

Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step
Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step - whew!!! This is not easy!!!
15 squats while waiting for the printer (no coworkers here today so nobody is weirded out over it) LOL

I'm a little frustrated. I'm feeling like I have had the energy to meet this challenge this week, but not the time. I mean really... every work day has been a late one. I come home exhausted to a messy house and a hungry husband who has also been having a stressful week. I am moving, but I'm not so convinced that it is "more." I did put a spring in my step when I take the stairs at work. Believe me -- it's not easy. I know it's not enough though. Maybe I should start doing squats and stretches at the copier? I think my coworkers would be a little weirded out by that tho. Oh well... I shall press on.

One Day At A Time

2007-03-07T12:40:00.000-05:00

FYI - I'm completely annoyed because the home computer is malfunctioning somewhat. I am now posting from the workplace.

Breakfast - simple bowl of Honey Bunches Of Oats with cinnamon and 1% milk.

Coffee - one cup with no-fat cream at home. 1/2 cup of tea with nothing in it. 2 cups of coffee with cream at Panera for GG. (I know - shouldn't have)

Water - one bottle on the way to work. one large glass with lunch. Having another bottle now.

Lunch - baked chicken with a smidge of gravy for moistness and roasted vegetables.

Snack - celery sticks

Dinner - fish sandwich, green beans, and potato salad

Exercise - See Challenge tally

How I'm feeling:

Morning - Annoyed about the computer. Annoyed because hubby said he would get up and have coffee with me but then slept in until it was time for me to leave. Had I known he would do that, I would have skipped the coffee and left early to have my labs drawn. Oh well, maybe tomorrow?

Afternoon - Overwhelmed with duties, backlog, deadlines, and interruptions. It will get better. I MUST keep a positive attitude!

Evening - Tired. Exhausted. Spent. I was on the phone with the internet guy for over an hour tonight and he was in INDIA!!! Hard to hear and hard to understand.

MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY

Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step.
Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step.
Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step.

Turning Stress Into Energy

2007-03-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

Is that possible? Can I really turn stress into energy?

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with 1% milk.

Pills: Yes - Baby Aspirin and Vitamin

Water: 1/2 bottle so far. Taking it on the road with me. I'm still trying to trick myself into the habit of drinking water while driving. Finished that one. 2 small bottles at work so far. I should go get a nice big glass full.

Coffee: Not yet. 1 cup with cream at work.

Lunch: 1 piece of pizza and a salad w/ bleu cheese dressing (dipped not drenched)

Snack: 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt with fresh strawberries

Dinner: 2 mini quich'e, a spoonful of fresh fruit, 1/2 of a round of fried mozarella cheese, and a few fresh veggies with ranch dip.

Exercise: At least three trips hoofin' it up the steps today with a bounce in my step. Why aren't they getting easier? I'm beat by the time I get close to the top.

How I'm feeling

MORNING: Pretty good. Rested again. Prayerful for Keith who is also anticipating a stressful day. He's supposed to be observed by the Regional Manager again today. They have him on the fast-track for becoming a manager. He needs to meet his challenges head-on with an opportunistic attitude. As for me... well... I best get into work where my own stressful situation awaits me.

AFTERNOON: Oh ya... the stress rolls on. I'm sinking, but deliberately taking a break at the moment. I'm feeling a little bit of tired creeping up on me. Perhaps I might grab another cup of coffee? Or maybe I'll just catch up on water and then re-assess in about an hour or so. Maybe I just need to hydrate?

EVENING: Completely beat! Had meetings until 730 PM. These long days are killing me.

MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY: ...

Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step
Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step
Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step
What's next??? More steps?!.

New Day New Week

2007-03-05T07:19:00.000-05:00

Yes folks today we can celebrate the freshness of a new day a new week and pretty much... a new month! YIPPIE!

Just so you know, the weekend was good. I made homemade potato soup and pretty much that is all I ate besides a slice of olive oil bread with it and some wheat toast for breakfast. I did get some exercise, which is refreshing. So much so that I cannot decide what it is about exercise that deters me from it. It always makes me feel good, but yet I'm so lazy. I suppose maybe it's more important for me to find a variety of exercise that fits my need for constant change. I've been thinking about picking up an exercise ball. I'm not sure if I will truly use it regularly or not... hmmm... Well, spring is on its way and that will get me out and about. I relish the idea of walking at the park, jogging a little too, and riding the horses with Rene'e. This is generally the time of year that I find myself running in my sleep. I used to run at the track daily. I can't believe how long ago that was. When I walk at the park and see people running, I think to myself... I could be doing that! Why don't I? I always have an excuse, usually it's that I need better shoes. I wonder if I will get the motivation to try it again? Hmmmm.... Something to ponder. My problem is that I can't stick to just one type of exercise. I want to walk, run, play tennis, ride the horses, dance, take up aerobics, work out at the gym, try kick boxing or tae bo. The list is endless! See what Spring brings out in me??? This is wonderful!!! Perhaps this weeks new challenge should be another "MOVE IT MORE" week?

Breakfast: Honey Bunches of Oats w/ Cinnamon Clusters. 1% Milk. (yes, fooled him again!)

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream. Another 1/2 cup at work with cream. I wish my co-workers would go for non-fat creamer. I mean - I support dairy in every way, but I have to make some sacrifices. This seems like a really easy area to cut back on.

Pills: Yes - vitamin and baby aspirin

Water: Taking a bottle on the road this morning. Large glass with lunch. So far not doing so hot with this one. I best get on it! Thank God for blogging to remind me of such things!

Lunch: half of a turkey and swiss sandwich with sundried tomato mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. Side of fruit salad - melon, grape, and pinapple. YUM.

Snack: Cheerios - no milk, just a crunchy snack.

Dinner: 2 pieces of 4 cheese pizza and a strawberry yogurt smoothie.

Exercise: Still on the steps at work. Today I've tried to put a little spring in my step as I conquer the steps. The first time I ran up the steps my coworker said "You look washed out." Uh, I just ran up 3 flights of steps for no apparent reason. Of course I look washed out!!! Ha ha!

How I'm feeling:

MORNING: Rested - finally. I'm surprised because in my early morning sleep I was wrestling with dreams about this little house that we saw for sale down the road that we really liked, but I'm trying to strike it from my mind and focus on contentment. Feeling delighted that I have been afforded a few minutes with my hubby enjoying our coffee this morning.

AFTERNOON: The race is on with my work. I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed. One good thing is that I have not experienced the stress headache that often accompanies the busy busy time. Seriously, last month I had like 7 files to work on. This month I have upwards of FORTY yes "40"!!! It's crazy I tell ya. I have an extra 10 new files I'm working on too. I need to go through and see if any of them are ready and if they are I need to schedule their interviews. Ugh... this is crazy!!!! Meanwhile I experience consistent interruptions all day long and then there are requests for applications to be addressed and new privileges to establish and monitoring to be done. The list is endless. Thank God for my break during the day when I can take a deep breath and spew this all out on my blog. :)

EVENING: Actually feeling pretty good. I worked until 7:15 PM and when I arrived home, Hubby already had pizza ready for dinner. What a gem he is. So as the day goes... it's almost over. I shall grab another bottle of water and head upstairs to get ready for bed. Tonight's the night we like to watch Two And A Half Men. It's due to be on in just a bit.

MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY:

Steps with a spring in my step - x2 so far.
Brisk walk to the car too.

I'm a little disappointed that I'm not squeezing in more exercise. I shall resolve to do some squats and stretches before snuggling into bed to watch the tube.

Thursday's Thing

2007-03-01T07:42:00.000-05:00

Thursday's Thing is to eat lots of vegetables. I have to do it!!! It's so good for me.

Breakfast - not yet. Don't want it. I guess I have to tho! I will think on it.
Coffee - not yet.
Water - not yet. Need to get some at the store.
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Exercise

Wonderful Wednesdays!

2007-02-28T07:54:00.000-05:00

Morning fellow Pig-Kickers. I've been a little side-tracked with all the goings-ons lately that I haven't had time to blog. Just to let you know, I have continued to keep my consciousness when selecting meal and snack choices and have even squeezed in a little bit of exercise -- My back, shoulders, and legs are screaming... I did lots of squats while milking and then decided to keep that up at home. WOW - it's crazy how it can affect your whole body. Well.... I did some arm curls and other stretches as well.

So today begins along side a cup of coffee with no-fat cream. (Casi Cielo by Starbucks)

I must scoot out the door now and get to work. Perhaps I'll find some suitable cereal there?

The day continued... lunch was a turkey & swiss on a lite bun with mayo, pickles, and tomato. Snack was raisin bran (no milk). Dinner was left over chicken broccoli croissant bake with mashed potatoes, beets, and a half a glass of milk.

Water - yes... off and on all day long plus 1 1/2 cups of coffee.

Happy Monday

2007-02-26T07:19:00.000-05:00

Morning. Not much time to write. No breakfast this morning so far. Thinking about having those labs drawn, but I really don't feel like it. Hmmm... Well, I should get this day on the road. Stay tuned... I'll update later.