For those of you who don't watch the biggest loser, the last chance workout is the last workout the participants do right before their weigh in. Tonight is somewhat of my last chance workout. It's my last training session before my vacation.
Tomorrow I fly home for 11 days. I love being home, having a break from life, and spending time with my family. My family is so supportive of me. My mom took a shopping list from me and it stocking the fridge with things for me to eat. A lady at her church got us a 2 week family pass to one of the best gyms in the area. So I won't have my trainer, but I'll get to be the trainer and show my family some of the workouts I've been doing. I asked Matt to put a couple workouts together for me, so I have some idea of what to do. I'm familiar enough with what we have been doing so it shouldn't be too hard. Plus I can always do a few sets of the traditional weight machines.
My hesitancy in going home is that I won't have my schedule. I'm at the mercy of whoever is home and can take me, seeing how I only go to Maryland once or twice a year for maybe a week at a time. I know my family is supportive and will do anything they can to help me reach my goals. This will be the perfect test for my commitment and will power. I'm not going to use the holidays as an excuse to go completely off the grid, but I'm also not going to going to ground myself if I have a cookie. I know what I need to do.
I feel like a lot of my emotional eating habits have connections to my growing up days, whick is mostly rooted to my home. I had a very happy childhood, but I also think this time at home will help me cipher through my thoughts and feelings and maybe gain some more ground on my self control. Here's hoping! A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to ALL!!!!
December 20, 2011
December 16, 2011
Here We Go!
Matt (my trainer) suggested that I write a "success story" to go on the board at the gym. I thought I would share it with you.
Consider this the first installment of my success story. About 2 weeks before my 30th birthday I came to grips with reality. I was at the largest weight I had ever been. It was getting difficult for me to tie my shoes, I got winded going up one flight of stairs, and in general, things seemed to be spiraling out of control. I was surprised every time I went to the doctors to find out that I still didn't have diabetes.
I have always struggled with my weight, joining a gym here, or a gym there, using this diet or that. I was going to Weight Watcher meetings with my mom when I was seven years old. Three years ago I had Lap-Band surgery, but ended up gaining back everything and then some. I just had to make a change. I had to make a change now and I had to make that change for me.
I was on 24hourfitness.com and saw a few specials going on. I called in to see if I could set up an appointment. They had one open in 30 minutes; I took it. I met with Katie and she signed me up. I had shared with her my concern about being extremely overweight and out of shape. I wanted to sign up with a personal trainer who would be able to work with me, not make me hate working out, and someone who would be patient, but still push me. I took her recommendation and I started working out with Matt S. that afternoon.
Matt has been extremely encouraging, but even better, he keeps me accountable for what I do (and don't). I'm pretty sure we do a new exercise every session. He takes the time to explain the exercises we're, I mean I'm, doing and leaves time for any questions. If I doubt my ability to do something he is right there to push me, even just to try. I may not have any idea what we're going to do at the start of the session, but I can count on it being a workout for sure. It is great to see the progress that I have made since starting at 24 and working with Matt 3 months ago. I can officially say that I have lost 50 pounds during this time. Not only have I lost the weight, but I've increased in strength and endurance. Personal training isn’t just for the athlete or for the severely overweight; it can be for anyone, no matter where you are in your journey. The trainers here can work with you for new ideas, give you extra motivation, and help you along your way. Above all, whatever you do, you need to do it for yourself. I look forward to the next leg of journey here at 24 Hour Fitness.
Consider this the first installment of my success story. About 2 weeks before my 30th birthday I came to grips with reality. I was at the largest weight I had ever been. It was getting difficult for me to tie my shoes, I got winded going up one flight of stairs, and in general, things seemed to be spiraling out of control. I was surprised every time I went to the doctors to find out that I still didn't have diabetes.
I have always struggled with my weight, joining a gym here, or a gym there, using this diet or that. I was going to Weight Watcher meetings with my mom when I was seven years old. Three years ago I had Lap-Band surgery, but ended up gaining back everything and then some. I just had to make a change. I had to make a change now and I had to make that change for me.
I was on 24hourfitness.com and saw a few specials going on. I called in to see if I could set up an appointment. They had one open in 30 minutes; I took it. I met with Katie and she signed me up. I had shared with her my concern about being extremely overweight and out of shape. I wanted to sign up with a personal trainer who would be able to work with me, not make me hate working out, and someone who would be patient, but still push me. I took her recommendation and I started working out with Matt S. that afternoon.
Matt has been extremely encouraging, but even better, he keeps me accountable for what I do (and don't). I'm pretty sure we do a new exercise every session. He takes the time to explain the exercises we're, I mean I'm, doing and leaves time for any questions. If I doubt my ability to do something he is right there to push me, even just to try. I may not have any idea what we're going to do at the start of the session, but I can count on it being a workout for sure. It is great to see the progress that I have made since starting at 24 and working with Matt 3 months ago. I can officially say that I have lost 50 pounds during this time. Not only have I lost the weight, but I've increased in strength and endurance. Personal training isn’t just for the athlete or for the severely overweight; it can be for anyone, no matter where you are in your journey. The trainers here can work with you for new ideas, give you extra motivation, and help you along your way. Above all, whatever you do, you need to do it for yourself. I look forward to the next leg of journey here at 24 Hour Fitness.
December 13, 2011
The culprit
I was on the treadmill last week and my foot started to hurt. I had only been on the treadmill for 10 minutes so it caught me off guard. I took my shoe off to see if there was a rock or something, but I didn't see anything. I decided to switch to the elliptical (less friction) and finished my cardio. When I got home and took off my shoes I found this
and then I figured out what was the cause of all this pain (I took a picture, but can't find it). There was a hole about the size of a nickel that had worn through the inserts of my shoe. I concluded that it had been there for a while, but because I had been on the bike and elliptical, I hadn't noticed it.
So my guess is that a rock did get in there and I had been wearing it down until it got lose and made this nice little hole. The inserts were supposed to last through 2 pairs of shoes. Needless to say, I had to get these replaced. All is healed and feeling better!a
and then I figured out what was the cause of all this pain (I took a picture, but can't find it). There was a hole about the size of a nickel that had worn through the inserts of my shoe. I concluded that it had been there for a while, but because I had been on the bike and elliptical, I hadn't noticed it.
So my guess is that a rock did get in there and I had been wearing it down until it got lose and made this nice little hole. The inserts were supposed to last through 2 pairs of shoes. Needless to say, I had to get these replaced. All is healed and feeling better!a
December 11, 2011
This week
Just tell me when you guys get sick of hearing about my work outs and I'll change topics. After my session on Thursday, Matt told me that my new goal for my circuit training is to do three sets under 60 minutes. This is 2 reps of 15 and 1 rep of (single arm/leg) of 20 on 10 machines. It's a little intense, and people sitting on the machines can make it a little difficult, but I'm proud to say that I came in at 59:53. I was super proud of myself and then I texted Matt to let him know that I was able to do it. He was very encouraging. That was fun.
I find myself more sore than usual, it's a good thing because I know I'm pushing myself harder. We're doing more walking lunges and holding squats, increasing weights, and levels on the cardio machines. I still haven't been able to drop the 2 lbs to get to my goal. It's a bit aggravating, but I know the muscle is there. Just can't give up.
Yesterday I had my hair colored by my friend. She was supposed to cut it too, but she had another client coming in so I have to go back tomorrow night for the cut. I'll post pictures when that happens.
I also had my car inspected and found out I need 4 new tires. That brightens your day for sure!
Today at church I had 1 person ask me about my diet plan, 1 person get information on training sessions, a few people tell me how great I'm looking, and 1 random person recognized me from the gym and introduced himself to me. Now I have another friend at the gym! One of the girls in the ward signed up for a membership at the same gym. She is really worried to start because "the gym intimidates her". That was definitely me at the beginning, but now that I know most of the machines and how to actually work them I am able to pick the machines that I want to use and just do it. The free weights get me because all the big bulky guys are hanging around over there and it's awkward. But I'm sure I'll get comfortable with it sooner or later.
I find myself more sore than usual, it's a good thing because I know I'm pushing myself harder. We're doing more walking lunges and holding squats, increasing weights, and levels on the cardio machines. I still haven't been able to drop the 2 lbs to get to my goal. It's a bit aggravating, but I know the muscle is there. Just can't give up.
Yesterday I had my hair colored by my friend. She was supposed to cut it too, but she had another client coming in so I have to go back tomorrow night for the cut. I'll post pictures when that happens.
I also had my car inspected and found out I need 4 new tires. That brightens your day for sure!
Today at church I had 1 person ask me about my diet plan, 1 person get information on training sessions, a few people tell me how great I'm looking, and 1 random person recognized me from the gym and introduced himself to me. Now I have another friend at the gym! One of the girls in the ward signed up for a membership at the same gym. She is really worried to start because "the gym intimidates her". That was definitely me at the beginning, but now that I know most of the machines and how to actually work them I am able to pick the machines that I want to use and just do it. The free weights get me because all the big bulky guys are hanging around over there and it's awkward. But I'm sure I'll get comfortable with it sooner or later.
December 8, 2011
Houston, we have a problem...
I've come to the conclusion that I'm turning into a huge chocolate snob. I don't like "regular" chocolate anymore. So in the last few weeks I've had twix, reece's pieces, sixlets, and something else (I know, really good for my new eating habits) and I wasn't impressed with any of them. The knew mindset is "Why am I wasting my calories on something this gross?". I'm a little concerned. I know it's a good thing, but am I really ready to let go of chocolate? It's been my best friend for DECADES!
December 7, 2011
Quick shout outs
I just need to say thank you to everyone for your amazing support the last few months. I have been super discouraged and frustrated this week because I need to lose 3 pounds to get to 50 and it's just not budging. Stupid stubborn fat! I keep reminding myself.. along with everyone else.. that I am definitely gaining more muscle so it balances it out. I'm so caught up on the numbers though. I never lost 50 pounds when I had my lapband surgery. I was just about to break the 300 barrier when I started gaining all my weight back. I'm not at the 300 mark, but I am right at the 50 pounds. I'm sure it's a physical as well as mental block that I'm up against.
I really really wanted to break down tonight and feed my emotions. I'm such an emotional eater it's almost ridiculous. I was driving home from the gym and wanted to drown my sorrows in a pint of B&Js. I didn't want to have to go to the store so that was out. I then thought I would drive through Wendys and get a burger, fries, AND frosty, but my purse was in my trunk so that would just be awkward. I came home and made a freaking spinach and mushroom omlette. Special shout out to Emily, Amera, Kayla, and Jen for listening to all of my crazy, emotional rants and providing great support. Here's to tomorrow.
I really really wanted to break down tonight and feed my emotions. I'm such an emotional eater it's almost ridiculous. I was driving home from the gym and wanted to drown my sorrows in a pint of B&Js. I didn't want to have to go to the store so that was out. I then thought I would drive through Wendys and get a burger, fries, AND frosty, but my purse was in my trunk so that would just be awkward. I came home and made a freaking spinach and mushroom omlette. Special shout out to Emily, Amera, Kayla, and Jen for listening to all of my crazy, emotional rants and providing great support. Here's to tomorrow.
December 1, 2011
I'm on a roll... and not one from the bakery
If you ask most anyone and they'll say that your diet is essential to losing weight. I haven't been the best at keeping track of what I eat and then staying with the parameters that have been set. But I thought I would share with you my progress this week, because it made me really happy!
Tuesday
This is considered a perfect pie chart for me! I was so excited with it that I took a picture and sent it to my trainer. My actual calories were low because I skipped breakfast (I'm not a big breakfast in the morning eater).
Wednesday
I may have cheated a little because I didn't include the reeces pieces that I ate.. but it still made me feel good
Thursday
This is if I eat everything that I am planning to eat before my training session today. Matt will be extra happy to see that I actually have consumed calories and then maybe I won't almost pass out during our session.
Now if I can just keep it going through the weekend.
Oh and in case you were wondering.. this isn't the big post that I had alluded to earlier. That's still coming, but it may be on hold for a week, we'll see how I feel tonight.
Tuesday
This is considered a perfect pie chart for me! I was so excited with it that I took a picture and sent it to my trainer. My actual calories were low because I skipped breakfast (I'm not a big breakfast in the morning eater).
Wednesday
I may have cheated a little because I didn't include the reeces pieces that I ate.. but it still made me feel good
Thursday
This is if I eat everything that I am planning to eat before my training session today. Matt will be extra happy to see that I actually have consumed calories and then maybe I won't almost pass out during our session.
Now if I can just keep it going through the weekend.
Oh and in case you were wondering.. this isn't the big post that I had alluded to earlier. That's still coming, but it may be on hold for a week, we'll see how I feel tonight.
November 30, 2011
Why you should go..
My friend at work emailed me asking me to give her three reasons why she should go to the gym tonight. Here is my answer:
Better yet.. I’ll show you!
Because you’ll feel better after going
It will help with long term goals
And support the Save the Chairs initiative.
So if you're needing a little push to get off the tush (I know, I'm so clever), here ya go!
Better yet.. I’ll show you!
Because you’ll feel better after going
It will help with long term goals
And support the Save the Chairs initiative.
So if you're needing a little push to get off the tush (I know, I'm so clever), here ya go!
November 28, 2011
If you need some inspiration...
My friend sent me this link. It's a great story, very well written, and motivating. One of these days I'll have a similar story, but maybe without Italy and Leo.
http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2011/04/04/my-exercise-history-part-1/
It has 3 parts so make sure you read all of it!
Stay tuned for a big post on Thursday.
http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2011/04/04/my-exercise-history-part-1/
It has 3 parts so make sure you read all of it!
Stay tuned for a big post on Thursday.
November 22, 2011
soapbox
So in my attempt to fall asleep during the early hours of the morning I started thinking about a situation I am currently in and thought I would share it with the 3, maybe 4 of you that read this.
There's a guy in my ward who apparently thinks that I am amazing. Or at least verbalizes the thought About 3 months ago he said he was going to take me out on a date, but never did anything about it. Then it was like I was supposed to plan it and just give him the details so that he could pay for it (because money wasn't a problem). So I gave him some suggestions, but nothing came about. Then he posted on my facebook an invitation to go with him to a work shindig. I let him know that when he calls me I'll give him my response. Stepping on soapbox.
Dear single men,
I am a 30 yr old, single woman living in good ol Utah. I have been on 3 dates since graduating high school. I may not be proficient in the ways of dating, but I do think I have an idea of what women are looking for.
Please don't complain about not dating, or dating unsuccessfully, when you really don't put forth an effort. Even if it is just a "friend" date, the girl would really like to feel a little special. And when you do ask her out, try to do it nicely, you know, like how they did it before facebook and even text messaging. I would love to have a guy call me up and ask me out. It makes us feel a little important.
When you do ask us out, please don't list off all the other girls that you need to ask out, or take out. It kind of puts a damper on us feeling good.
I should stop.. i'm getting snarky in my head and it will only get worse. But that's how I feel for now.
There's a guy in my ward who apparently thinks that I am amazing. Or at least verbalizes the thought About 3 months ago he said he was going to take me out on a date, but never did anything about it. Then it was like I was supposed to plan it and just give him the details so that he could pay for it (because money wasn't a problem). So I gave him some suggestions, but nothing came about. Then he posted on my facebook an invitation to go with him to a work shindig. I let him know that when he calls me I'll give him my response. Stepping on soapbox.
Dear single men,
I am a 30 yr old, single woman living in good ol Utah. I have been on 3 dates since graduating high school. I may not be proficient in the ways of dating, but I do think I have an idea of what women are looking for.
Please don't complain about not dating, or dating unsuccessfully, when you really don't put forth an effort. Even if it is just a "friend" date, the girl would really like to feel a little special. And when you do ask her out, try to do it nicely, you know, like how they did it before facebook and even text messaging. I would love to have a guy call me up and ask me out. It makes us feel a little important.
When you do ask us out, please don't list off all the other girls that you need to ask out, or take out. It kind of puts a damper on us feeling good.
I should stop.. i'm getting snarky in my head and it will only get worse. But that's how I feel for now.
November 14, 2011
I'm considering...
posting those monthly body shots.. like reverse pregnancy pictures, but for a more extended time. Would you guys be interested? I may just do it for me too, to personally keep track of my progress.
Tonight was a good cardio night, a full 60 minutes on the elliptical. I kept it at a level 1, but increased my speed a full 5 rpms (65). Is it just me or do the first 20 minutes just suck rocks. Once I get to my half way mark I'm good to go the rest of the time. It's just pushing myself to get to that point. I did 15 leg lifts (lifting both legs to a 45 degree angle and back down) without having to stop. That's a milestone for me. I almost did the other core workouts without having to stop too. One day at a time. Matt told me I needed to start putting the lunges in my own workouts so we can build up to walking lunges. and by we I mean me. But I'm okay with that. It's all about progress, even if I don't particularly like how I'm getting there.
I bought a pair of pants at the beginning of this adventure and I couldn't button them. Now I can button them and sit in them too. I might even wear them to work one of these days.
I love getting random things in the mail! Feel free to send me presents :)
Both of the interns at work said they were going to be out of the office the day after thanksgiving, which I don't think they've actually had approved. So if the bosses decide someone needs to answer the phones, guess who that someone is going to be? Yup, I'm that cool.
My friends are getting married on Saturday and I'm in the wedding party. I'm super excited to have something to do at the wedding/reception besides just standing there.
Tonight was a good cardio night, a full 60 minutes on the elliptical. I kept it at a level 1, but increased my speed a full 5 rpms (65). Is it just me or do the first 20 minutes just suck rocks. Once I get to my half way mark I'm good to go the rest of the time. It's just pushing myself to get to that point. I did 15 leg lifts (lifting both legs to a 45 degree angle and back down) without having to stop. That's a milestone for me. I almost did the other core workouts without having to stop too. One day at a time. Matt told me I needed to start putting the lunges in my own workouts so we can build up to walking lunges. and by we I mean me. But I'm okay with that. It's all about progress, even if I don't particularly like how I'm getting there.
I bought a pair of pants at the beginning of this adventure and I couldn't button them. Now I can button them and sit in them too. I might even wear them to work one of these days.
I love getting random things in the mail! Feel free to send me presents :)
Both of the interns at work said they were going to be out of the office the day after thanksgiving, which I don't think they've actually had approved. So if the bosses decide someone needs to answer the phones, guess who that someone is going to be? Yup, I'm that cool.
My friends are getting married on Saturday and I'm in the wedding party. I'm super excited to have something to do at the wedding/reception besides just standing there.
November 12, 2011
Crazy girl rant
I decided to get this all out tonight before I go to the gym in the morning and accidentally tell this horror story to my trainer when he asks how my week went.. I really hope this works.
So I've been in one of those moods this week where I really just want to lay on my couch with a pint of ice cream and watch Pride and Prejudice. I've been listening to sappy love songs the last two days and it doesn't help that I'm 127% hormonal (that's for you Kayla). Anyway, instead of being the smart girl and staying home to watch said movie, I decided to go to a wedding reception of a guy that I had a huge crush on, for a very long time. Again, very smart choice. I even spent a good amount of money on a present for them. So we get there and it's quite nice. Kayla and I put our presents on the table, I forgo the sign in book and we stand in line. According to Kayla he looked really happy to see us. He gave us both super big hugs, thanked us for coming, chatted a bit about the good ol days. He introduced us to his wife, who I think has heard about the pathetic things that I did in hopes that he would notice me a little more. I swear she gave me the stink eye.. like THE stink eye. And that was it. Kayla and I grabbed some cider, stood around and people watched for a few minutes, discussed the decorations and left. It looked like it was mostly family sitting around, didn't notice any hot single guys wanting to mingle (like I would anyway) so we took off.
I decided to nurse my wounds with a chocolate shake, burger and fries from in and out. After going 2 months without something like that I think I'll be okay. I just have to work extra hard tomorrow at the gym. And you know, sometimes you do have to emotionally eat. Just as long as you don't do it ALL the time, like I used to. Kayla was very supportive the whole time, asking me how I was doing, letting me know we can go whenever. Why do we do this to ourselves? Did I really need to go? I feel like THAT girl who shows up to ruin the wedding reception. But seriously, nothing ever happened between us. He just made me feel pretty. But then I went all apes**t crazy because that's what I do. I swear. I can't like a guy without turning into a 13 yr old girl, stalking him (I mean.. you know..), writing his last name with mine, reading into things way too much.
So here I am.. writing about the crazy, hormonal, teenage girl that I am at 1:30am on a Saturday morning/Friday night while he's out.. ya know.. celebrating his marriage. Yay for being single!
So I've been in one of those moods this week where I really just want to lay on my couch with a pint of ice cream and watch Pride and Prejudice. I've been listening to sappy love songs the last two days and it doesn't help that I'm 127% hormonal (that's for you Kayla). Anyway, instead of being the smart girl and staying home to watch said movie, I decided to go to a wedding reception of a guy that I had a huge crush on, for a very long time. Again, very smart choice. I even spent a good amount of money on a present for them. So we get there and it's quite nice. Kayla and I put our presents on the table, I forgo the sign in book and we stand in line. According to Kayla he looked really happy to see us. He gave us both super big hugs, thanked us for coming, chatted a bit about the good ol days. He introduced us to his wife, who I think has heard about the pathetic things that I did in hopes that he would notice me a little more. I swear she gave me the stink eye.. like THE stink eye. And that was it. Kayla and I grabbed some cider, stood around and people watched for a few minutes, discussed the decorations and left. It looked like it was mostly family sitting around, didn't notice any hot single guys wanting to mingle (like I would anyway) so we took off.
I decided to nurse my wounds with a chocolate shake, burger and fries from in and out. After going 2 months without something like that I think I'll be okay. I just have to work extra hard tomorrow at the gym. And you know, sometimes you do have to emotionally eat. Just as long as you don't do it ALL the time, like I used to. Kayla was very supportive the whole time, asking me how I was doing, letting me know we can go whenever. Why do we do this to ourselves? Did I really need to go? I feel like THAT girl who shows up to ruin the wedding reception. But seriously, nothing ever happened between us. He just made me feel pretty. But then I went all apes**t crazy because that's what I do. I swear. I can't like a guy without turning into a 13 yr old girl, stalking him (I mean.. you know..), writing his last name with mine, reading into things way too much.
So here I am.. writing about the crazy, hormonal, teenage girl that I am at 1:30am on a Saturday morning/Friday night while he's out.. ya know.. celebrating his marriage. Yay for being single!
November 8, 2011
Things I've learned on my journey thus far
1. It takes a lot just get started. You need to use the momentum to get you through.
2. Don't sabotage all of your hard work for things (food) that you don't need.
3. If you do give in to temptation (food) don't let it ruin you. Get back on track that day; don't wait for "next week"
4. Everyone has bad days. Keep going! Even if it's not the best workout, at least you're working out.
5. Good habits build better habits.
6. People want you to succeed, but you need to do it for you, not for other people.
7. Don't be intimidated by new workouts. Your body needs a change every once in a while, be up for the challenge
8. Have a workout buddy that will get you to the gym and encourage you along the way.
9. Make time for other things
10. Find new ways to reward yourself.
bonus
11. Having a crush on your personal trainer is too cliche (you can thank my little sister for that one), just enjoy the time you have together, it's a business deal.
What are things you have learned on your journeys through life?
2. Don't sabotage all of your hard work for things (food) that you don't need.
3. If you do give in to temptation (food) don't let it ruin you. Get back on track that day; don't wait for "next week"
4. Everyone has bad days. Keep going! Even if it's not the best workout, at least you're working out.
5. Good habits build better habits.
6. People want you to succeed, but you need to do it for you, not for other people.
7. Don't be intimidated by new workouts. Your body needs a change every once in a while, be up for the challenge
8. Have a workout buddy that will get you to the gym and encourage you along the way.
9. Make time for other things
10. Find new ways to reward yourself.
bonus
11. Having a crush on your personal trainer is too cliche (you can thank my little sister for that one), just enjoy the time you have together, it's a business deal.
What are things you have learned on your journeys through life?
November 4, 2011
Picture Proof
These aren't the best pictures in the world.. but you know how people always say that you can see the weight loss in your face.. well here ya go
This is the beginning of August (I think). I just got my laptop and I was really happy
This is tonight. I'm all ready for bed (aka wet hair, no makeup, glasses) but it proves a point
one of these days I'll be brave enough to do a full body shot photo journal - like a reverse pregnancy.. we'll see
This is the beginning of August (I think). I just got my laptop and I was really happy
This is tonight. I'm all ready for bed (aka wet hair, no makeup, glasses) but it proves a point
one of these days I'll be brave enough to do a full body shot photo journal - like a reverse pregnancy.. we'll see
work out update
I know you're probably freaking out that I haven't posted something in almost a week, asking yourself if I'm still working out, still alive for that matter. Well dear loyal readers, every aching muscle in my body (meaning every single muscle in my body) can tell you that I have been true and faithful to my better half, known as 24 hour fitness.
This week has been a bit rough with work and all, but I've been able to get my workouts in. Saturday I went to the gym with my sister down in Provo. Wouldn't you know it, I forgot my shoes! Luckily I was just doing cardio so I borrowed a pair of flip flops from Katelyn. Yes, I was one of those people doing the ellipitcal in flip flops. But, I did a full hour! I was pretty proud of myself seeing how I had just made it to 30 minutes. I kept the incline at 1, but my heart rate got up to where I needed it to be. I did the same thing on Monday just to prove to myself that it wasn't a fluke. I think my cardio health has improved dramatically since I started this adventure.
Oh and in case you didn't think I was crazy, because I didn't make it to the gym on Friday and wasn't planning on going on Sunday, I went BACK to the gym in Salt Lake that night and did my weights. Yup. I'm that person.
On my way to the gym for my training session Tuesday I told myself that I wanted to do something I was good at, something that I could power through, feel good about myself and just have a great workout. I DID NOT want to do core. My core is super weak and it just exhausts me. Plus I feel really dumb doing the core work out. So, what did we do.. you guessed it.. straight core. I almost died. Matt commented a few times how much I looked like I wanted to kill him. I assured him that it wasn't him. I survived and realized that it's not that I hate core, it's just something I need to build up to do (like the elliptical).
Thursday was an even more difficult workout because I was still sore from Tuesday. We worked out everything. Crazy holding leg lifts, squatting back rows, stupid 1-2-3-1 bicep curls (my right bicep is equal to that of a 5-yr old), and tricep extensions. All of my FAVORITE workouts (read with sarcasm font). But Matt told me that it was a harder workout, more reps, more holding, plus they were different than what we have done in the past. So I feel good about it.
I'm still super sore, bloated, and exhausted so I don't feel like I'm seeing the results that I want, but hopefully with a weekend to rest (from work) I'll be all sorts of better for Monday.
This week has been a bit rough with work and all, but I've been able to get my workouts in. Saturday I went to the gym with my sister down in Provo. Wouldn't you know it, I forgot my shoes! Luckily I was just doing cardio so I borrowed a pair of flip flops from Katelyn. Yes, I was one of those people doing the ellipitcal in flip flops. But, I did a full hour! I was pretty proud of myself seeing how I had just made it to 30 minutes. I kept the incline at 1, but my heart rate got up to where I needed it to be. I did the same thing on Monday just to prove to myself that it wasn't a fluke. I think my cardio health has improved dramatically since I started this adventure.
Oh and in case you didn't think I was crazy, because I didn't make it to the gym on Friday and wasn't planning on going on Sunday, I went BACK to the gym in Salt Lake that night and did my weights. Yup. I'm that person.
On my way to the gym for my training session Tuesday I told myself that I wanted to do something I was good at, something that I could power through, feel good about myself and just have a great workout. I DID NOT want to do core. My core is super weak and it just exhausts me. Plus I feel really dumb doing the core work out. So, what did we do.. you guessed it.. straight core. I almost died. Matt commented a few times how much I looked like I wanted to kill him. I assured him that it wasn't him. I survived and realized that it's not that I hate core, it's just something I need to build up to do (like the elliptical).
Thursday was an even more difficult workout because I was still sore from Tuesday. We worked out everything. Crazy holding leg lifts, squatting back rows, stupid 1-2-3-1 bicep curls (my right bicep is equal to that of a 5-yr old), and tricep extensions. All of my FAVORITE workouts (read with sarcasm font). But Matt told me that it was a harder workout, more reps, more holding, plus they were different than what we have done in the past. So I feel good about it.
I'm still super sore, bloated, and exhausted so I don't feel like I'm seeing the results that I want, but hopefully with a weekend to rest (from work) I'll be all sorts of better for Monday.
October 26, 2011
Thank you NBC
It makes my Wednesday nights that much better.. When I watch it online..
Oh and Catherine.. I know you're married and all, but maybe this will make up for the fat picture. Haha!
October 25, 2011
If my scales are right..
You should be able to take this and times it by 5.. the yellow stuff that is.. I'm sure there's some extra muscle in there too, in fact, I can guarantee it.
October 24, 2011
Workout Playlist
Okay.. so I don't work out this long, but sometimes I need back up songs. My friend reminded me that I hadn't posted my workout playlist so here you go. I'm not going to add links to all the songs, so you'll have to look them up yourselves.
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Power - Kanye West
The Show Goes On - Lupe Fiasco
Yeah 3x - Chris Brown
The edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
99 Problems - Jay-Z (I sing along quietly, great breath catcher)
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
My Body - Young the Giant ( 4 stars, great song when you're ready to give up)
Gonna Fly Now - Bill Conti
You Make Me Feel - Cobra Starship
Outta Your Mind - Lil Jon and LMFAO
Untouched - The Veronicas (great pace song)
A Kiss with a fist - Florence + the machine
Otis - Jay-Z feat Kayne West
Public Service Announcement - Jay-Z
Sexy and I know it - LMFAO
Without You - David Guetta feat Usher
Show me what you got - Jay-Z
Drop it like it's hot - Snoop Dogg
Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
Lucifer - Jay-Z
It Takes Two - DJ EZ Rock and Rob Bass
Forever - Chris Brown
Lose Control - Missy Elliott feat Ciara
Black Betty - Ram Jam
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Disco Inferno - 50 Cent
Kiss Kiss - Chris Brown feat T-Pain
Dirt of your shoulder - Jay-Z
Crazy in Love - Beyonce
3 - Britney Spears
You're so damn hot - OkGo
Change Clothes - Jay-Z
Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen
Get it poppin' - Fat Joe
Get Over It - OkGo
Lean Back remix - Fat Joe
Lighters - Bad Meets Evil
Lose Yourself - Eminem
My Chick Bad - Ludacris feat Nicki Minaj
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Piece of Me - Britney Spears
Holding out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler
Heartbreaker - Pat Benetar
Black Sweat - Prince
Eenie Meenie - Justin Bieber feat Sean Kingston
Icky Thump - The White Stripes
So this is 3 hours long.. but you know, sometimes you can't listen to the same thing over and over again.. this gives you some options. Did I forget anything? Oh and I guess I like Jay-Z... hmm..
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Power - Kanye West
The Show Goes On - Lupe Fiasco
Yeah 3x - Chris Brown
The edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
99 Problems - Jay-Z (I sing along quietly, great breath catcher)
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
My Body - Young the Giant ( 4 stars, great song when you're ready to give up)
Gonna Fly Now - Bill Conti
You Make Me Feel - Cobra Starship
Outta Your Mind - Lil Jon and LMFAO
Untouched - The Veronicas (great pace song)
A Kiss with a fist - Florence + the machine
Otis - Jay-Z feat Kayne West
Public Service Announcement - Jay-Z
Sexy and I know it - LMFAO
Without You - David Guetta feat Usher
Show me what you got - Jay-Z
Drop it like it's hot - Snoop Dogg
Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
Lucifer - Jay-Z
It Takes Two - DJ EZ Rock and Rob Bass
Forever - Chris Brown
Lose Control - Missy Elliott feat Ciara
Black Betty - Ram Jam
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Disco Inferno - 50 Cent
Kiss Kiss - Chris Brown feat T-Pain
Dirt of your shoulder - Jay-Z
Crazy in Love - Beyonce
3 - Britney Spears
You're so damn hot - OkGo
Change Clothes - Jay-Z
Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen
Get it poppin' - Fat Joe
Get Over It - OkGo
Lean Back remix - Fat Joe
Lighters - Bad Meets Evil
Lose Yourself - Eminem
My Chick Bad - Ludacris feat Nicki Minaj
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Piece of Me - Britney Spears
Holding out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler
Heartbreaker - Pat Benetar
Black Sweat - Prince
Eenie Meenie - Justin Bieber feat Sean Kingston
Icky Thump - The White Stripes
So this is 3 hours long.. but you know, sometimes you can't listen to the same thing over and over again.. this gives you some options. Did I forget anything? Oh and I guess I like Jay-Z... hmm..
October 23, 2011
I may be a bit obsessed
Today is the first time I haven't gone to the gym in 13 days. I took a 4 hour nap instead. And ate 2 cookies and 1/3 of a dunford doughnut. I think I put my system into shock
I taught Relief Society today. I learned again that I personally have nothing to do with the way the lesson is given. I just stand there and the Spirit takes over. I prepared for maybe 2 hours, from midnight to 2am this morning which as everyone know is the optimal time to prepare a lesson. As soon as I started the discussion just took off, everyone participated, sharing thoughts, examples, stories. I had 5 or 6 topics to discuss and we really only covered one. It was great! I love those lesson. Maybe next time I should really try to prepare.
I made some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for this morning to bribe everyone to get to church on time. Funny thing is that I was late. And apparently so was everyone else. There were 5 sisters when I came in. I wish that we could get more sisters there. It is such a great group and we have a really good time. Anyway.. the muffins.. I found this low-fat recipe and they're actually quite tasty. It calls for 3 cups of sugar, but I only did 2 and it turned out just fine. I think next time I'll add some applesauce to increase the moistness and maybe help it from not sticking to the paper as much. I used the tall Ikea muffin tin and the recipe ended up making 36. So for me these muffins were great, 100 calories each, 2 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein. Excellent! Oh, and I used pumpkin pie seasoning (and doubled it) and extra dark chocolate chips. You should try them.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/barbs-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-muffins/detail.aspx
I have my performance evaluation at work on Tuesday. It has been in the back of my mind since it was scheduled last Tuesday. I'm kind of really nervous about it. I haven't done my best work, but it's not necessarily my fault.
Oh and ps. going to the gym everyday really increases your laundry. I went to my sister's house yesterday to watch the BYU game and ended up doing 4 loads of laundry. It was crazy! Now I need to put everything away.. boo!
Enough ramblings for now.
I taught Relief Society today. I learned again that I personally have nothing to do with the way the lesson is given. I just stand there and the Spirit takes over. I prepared for maybe 2 hours, from midnight to 2am this morning which as everyone know is the optimal time to prepare a lesson. As soon as I started the discussion just took off, everyone participated, sharing thoughts, examples, stories. I had 5 or 6 topics to discuss and we really only covered one. It was great! I love those lesson. Maybe next time I should really try to prepare.
I made some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for this morning to bribe everyone to get to church on time. Funny thing is that I was late. And apparently so was everyone else. There were 5 sisters when I came in. I wish that we could get more sisters there. It is such a great group and we have a really good time. Anyway.. the muffins.. I found this low-fat recipe and they're actually quite tasty. It calls for 3 cups of sugar, but I only did 2 and it turned out just fine. I think next time I'll add some applesauce to increase the moistness and maybe help it from not sticking to the paper as much. I used the tall Ikea muffin tin and the recipe ended up making 36. So for me these muffins were great, 100 calories each, 2 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein. Excellent! Oh, and I used pumpkin pie seasoning (and doubled it) and extra dark chocolate chips. You should try them.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/barbs-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-muffins/detail.aspx
I have my performance evaluation at work on Tuesday. It has been in the back of my mind since it was scheduled last Tuesday. I'm kind of really nervous about it. I haven't done my best work, but it's not necessarily my fault.
Oh and ps. going to the gym everyday really increases your laundry. I went to my sister's house yesterday to watch the BYU game and ended up doing 4 loads of laundry. It was crazy! Now I need to put everything away.. boo!
Enough ramblings for now.
October 20, 2011
Biggest Loser and then some
Best quote of the night, courtesy of Antone from Biggest loser. "I don't that I'm qualified to deal with Jennifer. I think Jennifer needs like a whole team of doctors. I think we need to call Dr. Phil, Dr. Laura, you know, Dr. Oz and maybe even call Dr. Dre and maybe we can deal with Jennifer at that point. But let me tell you, we're all adults and I'm not about to hold any body's hand and say please come on. Nobody's ignored. You know where the gym is, let's go to work."
I've actually watched every episode so far this season. It's crazy how much weight they lose, but they are spending 8ish hours in the gym every day and have their fridge stocked for them. It still gives me motivation to go to the gym and work my hardest.
Tonight I did the elliptical for a full 30 minutes. I probably didn't push myself as hard as I could have, but the fact that I was able to stay on for that long was nigh unto a miracle. The last time I was on the elliptical I died at 5 minutes. It also helped to have my friend Jen with me. She talked while I worked out. It was fantastic. We then went up and did yoga. I've only done yoga once and it was a pain. The instructor tonight did really simple movements so it was easy for me to follow along. At then end she had us just lay there and stretch. I completely zoned out and came back totally refreshed. Working out with someone is so much better!
Things aren't going great at work. I'm really worried because I feel like everything I'm doing is wrong. I have my annual performance evaluation on Tuesday. I'm glad I have a PT session that night to work out all of my frustrations. I guess if I think so negatively about the evaluation that anything better than what I fear will be a blessing.
I've actually watched every episode so far this season. It's crazy how much weight they lose, but they are spending 8ish hours in the gym every day and have their fridge stocked for them. It still gives me motivation to go to the gym and work my hardest.
Tonight I did the elliptical for a full 30 minutes. I probably didn't push myself as hard as I could have, but the fact that I was able to stay on for that long was nigh unto a miracle. The last time I was on the elliptical I died at 5 minutes. It also helped to have my friend Jen with me. She talked while I worked out. It was fantastic. We then went up and did yoga. I've only done yoga once and it was a pain. The instructor tonight did really simple movements so it was easy for me to follow along. At then end she had us just lay there and stretch. I completely zoned out and came back totally refreshed. Working out with someone is so much better!
Things aren't going great at work. I'm really worried because I feel like everything I'm doing is wrong. I have my annual performance evaluation on Tuesday. I'm glad I have a PT session that night to work out all of my frustrations. I guess if I think so negatively about the evaluation that anything better than what I fear will be a blessing.
October 18, 2011
A hodge podge of stuff
I know all of my 5 readers were worried that it had been 4 days without a post. I hope you've survived!
Friday was a pretty horrendous day and I was positive it would carry over to today. It was actually a very good day at work. I got a lot of emails out and some scheduling done. I realized tonight that my favorite parts of work is when I'm helping someone. So that is the key for next job. I need to find something that allows me to help people.
I was able to leave work early so that I could drive down to Orem to take a test that I had forgotten about (I'm not really on top of my school work this semester). Anyway, I got down there in good enough time, parked in employee parking in hopes that I would be out before any parking enforcers came, and headed in to take my first test of the semester (I know, go ahead and hate me). It's for an introductory nutrition class that is supposed to be geared towards culinary arts majors. It was the same stuff I've learned since I was in 6th grade and it showed. I did the review yesterday, reading the chapters for the first time, and came out with a 96%. So it was either really really easy, or I'm a genius. I'm gonna go with the latter. Oh and no parking enforcers either so total score!
I made my way back up from Orem after making a quick trip to wal-mart for some more gym clothes (having to do laundry weekly so I can go to the gym in non-stinky clothes was getting old) I picked up my chili and went to fhe. It was a chili cook off. I didn't expect to win, which I didn't, but it was nice to participate and show people what I made. I stuck around for a bit of the comedic act (it was really good, but people weren't really paying attention, I felt sorry for the guy). Actually I started to get a little panicky being in a smallish room with a bunch of people that I didn't know. I'm impressed that I didn't run from the building, screaming my head off. And then I headed to the gym.
I had the best cardio workout. I do my cardio on the recumbent / seated bike. It's easier on my joints and I feel like I can push myself harder than on the treadmill, and it doesn't kick my butt as hard as the elliptical, which I'm working towards. Anyway, I was able to kick it up another notch on the intensity and did a full 60 minutes without stopping and without praying to Kronos to speed up the clock. I was a sweaty mess, but it felt soo good. The stretching spots were all full afterwards so I made a quick getaway so I could make it home before my muscles froze up. Hopefully I was able to stretch in time so I'm not sore for my training session tomorrow.
GI was really concerned on Friday when I weighed myself because I was up a few pounds. I worked extra hard this weekend, even went to the gym on Sunday, trying to drop the weight. Little did I know my hormones had another plan for me. Stupid hormones. I'm pretty proud of myself that I didn't partake in the Banbury Cross doughnuts provided at the mingle at church on Sunday. That was a never before event.
I have to say that these last 6 weeks have been amazing. I feel so much better already. I just wish that I would have done this sooner. And my biggest hope right now is that I can keep it up, don't let the discouragement take seed, and just realize what the potential is. I can't give up. I can't quit. I have to succeed this time. I need this for me.
Thank you again to everyone for all your love and support. It means the world to me me.
I think the endorphins have worn off now, so I'm going to head to bed. Good night blog land :)
Friday was a pretty horrendous day and I was positive it would carry over to today. It was actually a very good day at work. I got a lot of emails out and some scheduling done. I realized tonight that my favorite parts of work is when I'm helping someone. So that is the key for next job. I need to find something that allows me to help people.
I was able to leave work early so that I could drive down to Orem to take a test that I had forgotten about (I'm not really on top of my school work this semester). Anyway, I got down there in good enough time, parked in employee parking in hopes that I would be out before any parking enforcers came, and headed in to take my first test of the semester (I know, go ahead and hate me). It's for an introductory nutrition class that is supposed to be geared towards culinary arts majors. It was the same stuff I've learned since I was in 6th grade and it showed. I did the review yesterday, reading the chapters for the first time, and came out with a 96%. So it was either really really easy, or I'm a genius. I'm gonna go with the latter. Oh and no parking enforcers either so total score!
I made my way back up from Orem after making a quick trip to wal-mart for some more gym clothes (having to do laundry weekly so I can go to the gym in non-stinky clothes was getting old) I picked up my chili and went to fhe. It was a chili cook off. I didn't expect to win, which I didn't, but it was nice to participate and show people what I made. I stuck around for a bit of the comedic act (it was really good, but people weren't really paying attention, I felt sorry for the guy). Actually I started to get a little panicky being in a smallish room with a bunch of people that I didn't know. I'm impressed that I didn't run from the building, screaming my head off. And then I headed to the gym.
I had the best cardio workout. I do my cardio on the recumbent / seated bike. It's easier on my joints and I feel like I can push myself harder than on the treadmill, and it doesn't kick my butt as hard as the elliptical, which I'm working towards. Anyway, I was able to kick it up another notch on the intensity and did a full 60 minutes without stopping and without praying to Kronos to speed up the clock. I was a sweaty mess, but it felt soo good. The stretching spots were all full afterwards so I made a quick getaway so I could make it home before my muscles froze up. Hopefully I was able to stretch in time so I'm not sore for my training session tomorrow.
GI was really concerned on Friday when I weighed myself because I was up a few pounds. I worked extra hard this weekend, even went to the gym on Sunday, trying to drop the weight. Little did I know my hormones had another plan for me. Stupid hormones. I'm pretty proud of myself that I didn't partake in the Banbury Cross doughnuts provided at the mingle at church on Sunday. That was a never before event.
I have to say that these last 6 weeks have been amazing. I feel so much better already. I just wish that I would have done this sooner. And my biggest hope right now is that I can keep it up, don't let the discouragement take seed, and just realize what the potential is. I can't give up. I can't quit. I have to succeed this time. I need this for me.
Thank you again to everyone for all your love and support. It means the world to me me.
I think the endorphins have worn off now, so I'm going to head to bed. Good night blog land :)
October 13, 2011
Results
It's been 3 weeks and 2 days since we did my first measurements. According to the scales at the gym, I have lost 10.4 lbs. I knew that I had lost weight, but for some reason I was still really nervous. Matt picked up on this and was nice enough to try to ease my nervousness. He kept on telling me to just relax. I don't know what my deal is. I told him I know that I have lost weight, I like what my scales have said, but that's at home, in the morning, with nothing in my system (I didn't continue with the details). He said something like, yeah, but unfortunately I can't be there with you in the morning when you weigh in (awkward silence). Which is true.. so we'll take this weight. He also did calipers and inch measurements. He was half way done when he was like, oh yeah, I guess I should ask you if it's okay if I touch you. I told him that if it wasn't okay I would have told him by now. Plus it kind of just goes with the territory. The inches were a different story. He said most of the measurements stayed the same. I actually gained an inch in my biceps, which is weird to me, but I have some nice muscle definition now when I flex.
Matt was super happy for me. And I'm happy for me too. He said that I'm ahead of schedule since technically you're only supposed to be losing 2 lbs/week. But it seems you always lose a bit more when you're starting out. It only took us 15 minutes to measurements so we were able to get a good workout in as well. He had me do the resistance band circuit which is my favorite (enter sarcasm tone here). The bands aren't that bad and apparently I made it look too easy. On the third round he made me use the red and the blue band TOGETHER to do the back row. I need to not psych myself out. I was able to do them just fine, but it's the initial, "there's no way I can do that" that always gets to me.
So like this, but it was wrapped around a weight machine.. and I was holding on to two!
The 3 minute bike intervals are the things kill me. He's using this time to test how well my cardiac output is doing by getting my heart rate up quickly and then how quickly I'm able to adjust my breathing and get it under control. The second round was a bit taxing, but I didn't hyperventilate like I did last time so I'm gonna have to say we did good. And for some reason he thinks that when I'm working my hardest this is the best time to start a conversation. I just had to nod. There was no way I was able to talk. Oh and we also did push ups on the BOSU ball, cause that's just pure fun.
We went over my food diary at the end. He said I was doing really well. I'm still having a hard time staying within my fat grams goal, but I'm getting better, making better choices and when there is fat involved it's the good kind (nuts, fish, etc). The program has me at 2200 but I've really been staying around the 1800s. He said to stick with that, especially if I'm not hungry. The 2200 is going to be my cap for emergencies and if for some reason, I'm uncontrollably starving. I said something about eating this amazing cookie (I only had 3/4 of one when I usually have 3 or 4, go me!). He reminded me that we're not cutting all sugars/desserts out. We're not doing a diet, it's a change of lifestyle. If we were to cut out everything that I love (cookies, ice cream etc) I would fail. Which is true. It all comes down to moderation in all things.
I really really love having someone to work out with, be accountable to, and someone who is present, encouraging me all the way. It means so much to me that you guys are right there with me, backing me up and encouraging me as well. It's just kind of extra that he's there working through this with me and we can both see the results, knowing that what we're doing is working. I hope that makes sense.
Anyway. That's my results post and a little more.
I'm kind of a nerd
So I had 3 options for breakfast this morning (we're in the middle of a program at work and have breakfast and lunch catered). This week I've been having granola and yogurt with a side of fruit each day. It's actually quite good and filling. I thought I would branch out and go for the bagel and cream cheese. I was surpised that the yogurt option had more calories and carbs, but less fat and sodium, and equal-ish in the protein/fiber area. I was heading towards the yogurt/granola option (because my main concern right now is lower fat and sodium intake). I actually set up an excel worksheet to figure this all out. I then thought that I should also look at the cereal option. I went for the Special K/soymilk combo which beat out all other options, so guess what I went with? I also concluded that I don't like this soymilk we have at work. I've been using Almond milk at home and like that a whole bunch more. My stomach doesn't like the real milk.
Oh and I saw this on a random blog and it made me laugh..and kind of reminded me of why a started on this new kick
Tonight is weigh-in and measurements. Wish me luck!
Oh and I saw this on a random blog and it made me laugh..and kind of reminded me of why a started on this new kick
Tonight is weigh-in and measurements. Wish me luck!
October 11, 2011
Today's update
I should probably think of something else to write about, but you're stuck with this for now.
Today was kind of an awesome day. I was able to talk to both of my parents on the way to work. They're on a road trip to Tennessee, all by themselves. It's actually kind of cute. I was super tired at work this morning, but was able to get things done. The meeting that I was all a flustered getting together on Thursday/Friday ran as smooth as silk, minus not a lot of on site participants (webinar available). I was able to help one of the ladies at work so I was able to ease her stress.
I got to the gym and barely found a parking spot. For some reason Tuesdays seem to be super busy at the gym. Anyway. I was there early enough to get a good 15 minutes cardio warm up in before my trainer session. Matt said we were going to focus on legs which I was all for, but then one of the cable machines opened up so we ended up using that the entire time. It was really fun and different. I know, I'm sick, I just used "fun" to describe a workout. I did this one exercise that he called a push/pull. It reminds me more of a karate chop move so I renamed it for him. He complimented me on the increase of my strength and said that he's now worried if I were to ever punch him. I informed him that there's a good possibility I will never punch him because I'm afraid I would hurt myself, which is a true story. I never learned to throw a good punch and I don't want to cause pain to myself. I'm selfish that way. Anyway, we had a really good workout and I was able to do some more cardio afterwards. I still want to do Zumba, but it's scheduled right after my training sessions and I just don't think I would survive. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm going to be sore tomorrow.
The best part of the night was when I finished my food diary. On the program that he has me on I'm supposed to stay under 36 grams of fat/day. It's been really hard. I don't consider my meals being super fatty, but I always seem to be 50+ grams/day. Tonight after all was said and done I was at 39! So close! I guess this just means A LOT of fruits and vegetables for this girl.
We're gonna do measurements on Thursday. Start making your guesses on lbs/ins dropped. I may even post them.
Oh and to top it all off I got to talk to my sister in Florida. I love you Jenny!
Today was kind of an awesome day. I was able to talk to both of my parents on the way to work. They're on a road trip to Tennessee, all by themselves. It's actually kind of cute. I was super tired at work this morning, but was able to get things done. The meeting that I was all a flustered getting together on Thursday/Friday ran as smooth as silk, minus not a lot of on site participants (webinar available). I was able to help one of the ladies at work so I was able to ease her stress.
I got to the gym and barely found a parking spot. For some reason Tuesdays seem to be super busy at the gym. Anyway. I was there early enough to get a good 15 minutes cardio warm up in before my trainer session. Matt said we were going to focus on legs which I was all for, but then one of the cable machines opened up so we ended up using that the entire time. It was really fun and different. I know, I'm sick, I just used "fun" to describe a workout. I did this one exercise that he called a push/pull. It reminds me more of a karate chop move so I renamed it for him. He complimented me on the increase of my strength and said that he's now worried if I were to ever punch him. I informed him that there's a good possibility I will never punch him because I'm afraid I would hurt myself, which is a true story. I never learned to throw a good punch and I don't want to cause pain to myself. I'm selfish that way. Anyway, we had a really good workout and I was able to do some more cardio afterwards. I still want to do Zumba, but it's scheduled right after my training sessions and I just don't think I would survive. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm going to be sore tomorrow.
The best part of the night was when I finished my food diary. On the program that he has me on I'm supposed to stay under 36 grams of fat/day. It's been really hard. I don't consider my meals being super fatty, but I always seem to be 50+ grams/day. Tonight after all was said and done I was at 39! So close! I guess this just means A LOT of fruits and vegetables for this girl.
We're gonna do measurements on Thursday. Start making your guesses on lbs/ins dropped. I may even post them.
Oh and to top it all off I got to talk to my sister in Florida. I love you Jenny!
October 10, 2011
I'm down a pant size!
YAY! I think we're doing measurements tomorrow during my training session. Hopefully that will show too :) Thanks everyone!
October 8, 2011
Disappointment strikes
So I had a really bad day at work yesterday. It seems that everything I do is wrong. We have a lecture series starting on Tuesday and it's my first time doing it. I was trained for about 20 minutes on what I was supposed to do.. about 6 weeks ago. And I'm apparently supposed to ask questions if I don't know what to do or how to do it. But if I don't know what I'm supposed to do then how am I going to ask questions. I may have cried a few times at my desk.
Yesterday I really wanted to lift weights so that I could get that pent up anger/energy. But I had a training session on Thursday and one this morning. I asked the trainer dude at the front desk if he had any ideas what I could do, saving my muscle strength for today. He didn't know what my trainer had in mind (which is a good excuse) so he really wasn't any help. He suggested the row machine, but that really wasn't what I was looking for. I started on the bike and did 35 minutes. I had to push myself so hard this time. It was depressing. I decided to walk on the treadmill. I put the incline and speed up and quickly lost my breath. So I put it back down. I almost tried jogging, but I didn't want to make a fool out of myself.. or kill the machine (there is a weight limit). I stuck it out for 15ish minutes and then thought I'd finish up on the row machine. It was actually harder then I thought it would be, but I didn't get that sense of satisfaction that I had a good workout. It kind of sucked all the way around. I didn't even stay around to stretch, I just got home as soon as I could.
I scheduled another session for me this morning. I usually just do Tuesdays and Thursdays, but for some reason I thought another session today would be good. We did an arm burnout. I'm surprised I can type. It was good. I pushed myself until my arms couldn't move. I did extra bench push ups and was able to do triceps dips. I still got frustrated that I wasn't able to complete all the sets at the starting weights. Matt was super patient with me and really motivating. After the workout he said I did a really good job and it's nice that I push myself. He has a couple clients who kind of just wuss out and give up I guess. He said he wished all his clients worked as hard as I did. Complements coming from a hot guy really help :)
Another part was the whole nutrition thing. I've been using myfitnesspal.com and he wanted me to start logging my food on their apexfitness, which is fine, except their database isn't as full of information as myfitness so I'm logging in a lot of nutritional information. And then it shows how much fat, protein and carbs I'm getting. I was doing so well on the calorie part, not really paying attention the others. It looks like I've been taking in way too much fat and carbs and not enough protein. So I have the working out part down.. now I need to focus on the diet. I've cut out a lot of sweets, like A LOT. I hadn't gone grocery shopping last week so I was eating out for lunch a lot but tried to keep it to salads and lean sandwiches. Now I have the groceries so I need to do some meal planning.
I spoke to my sister this morning and she really put this whole thing into perspective for me. She said that I've been doing so good for a whole month, I'm happier, I feel like this is really going to work this time and I'm just doing better all around. Satan is definitely working on me to get me back to my old self where I wasn't happy with who I was, didn't want to do anything and really struggling with depression. I know this to be true. Satan is great at making us feel terrible, because he knows what he can never have and we are still working towards that greatness that is in store. I really needed to hear this. So onward and upward. Tomorrow's a new day. I'm going to go spend the afternoon with my sisters and work on getting out of this funk. Breath!
Yesterday I really wanted to lift weights so that I could get that pent up anger/energy. But I had a training session on Thursday and one this morning. I asked the trainer dude at the front desk if he had any ideas what I could do, saving my muscle strength for today. He didn't know what my trainer had in mind (which is a good excuse) so he really wasn't any help. He suggested the row machine, but that really wasn't what I was looking for. I started on the bike and did 35 minutes. I had to push myself so hard this time. It was depressing. I decided to walk on the treadmill. I put the incline and speed up and quickly lost my breath. So I put it back down. I almost tried jogging, but I didn't want to make a fool out of myself.. or kill the machine (there is a weight limit). I stuck it out for 15ish minutes and then thought I'd finish up on the row machine. It was actually harder then I thought it would be, but I didn't get that sense of satisfaction that I had a good workout. It kind of sucked all the way around. I didn't even stay around to stretch, I just got home as soon as I could.
I scheduled another session for me this morning. I usually just do Tuesdays and Thursdays, but for some reason I thought another session today would be good. We did an arm burnout. I'm surprised I can type. It was good. I pushed myself until my arms couldn't move. I did extra bench push ups and was able to do triceps dips. I still got frustrated that I wasn't able to complete all the sets at the starting weights. Matt was super patient with me and really motivating. After the workout he said I did a really good job and it's nice that I push myself. He has a couple clients who kind of just wuss out and give up I guess. He said he wished all his clients worked as hard as I did. Complements coming from a hot guy really help :)
Another part was the whole nutrition thing. I've been using myfitnesspal.com and he wanted me to start logging my food on their apexfitness, which is fine, except their database isn't as full of information as myfitness so I'm logging in a lot of nutritional information. And then it shows how much fat, protein and carbs I'm getting. I was doing so well on the calorie part, not really paying attention the others. It looks like I've been taking in way too much fat and carbs and not enough protein. So I have the working out part down.. now I need to focus on the diet. I've cut out a lot of sweets, like A LOT. I hadn't gone grocery shopping last week so I was eating out for lunch a lot but tried to keep it to salads and lean sandwiches. Now I have the groceries so I need to do some meal planning.
I spoke to my sister this morning and she really put this whole thing into perspective for me. She said that I've been doing so good for a whole month, I'm happier, I feel like this is really going to work this time and I'm just doing better all around. Satan is definitely working on me to get me back to my old self where I wasn't happy with who I was, didn't want to do anything and really struggling with depression. I know this to be true. Satan is great at making us feel terrible, because he knows what he can never have and we are still working towards that greatness that is in store. I really needed to hear this. So onward and upward. Tomorrow's a new day. I'm going to go spend the afternoon with my sisters and work on getting out of this funk. Breath!
October 5, 2011
Attack of the sweat monster
That, my dear readers, is what is known as the sweat monster. It also contradicts
itself because it feels so great to know you're getting a workout, but you also feel absolutely disgusting afterwards. This is also another reason why I can't go anywhere after I workout. Even if I bring a change of clothes I still stink and you can't put enough deodorant on to recover from this kind of workout. And this is just after an hour of cardio. Imagine what I look like after my training session!
I've noticed that my self esteem is on the rise (starting from rock bottom it's slowly getting above sea level) along with my self consciousness. Yesterday during my training session we were doing all the exercises in the middle of an aisle. My old self would be worried about what everyone was thinking about me as they worked out. i.e. "man, she's hardly doing anything and practically dying", "why is she even trying to workout, she's too far gone" etc etc. I'm really good at making up conversations in my head.
My cardio session went wonderfully today. Right now I'm doing 60 minutes on the recumbent (?) bike.. the one with the back. Usually I'm just staring at the clock watching for this hell to be over. Today I was glad to see the time going and was able to kind of count by song.. okay 60 minutes.. the songs average 4 minutes, that would be 15 songs.. and then I count down that way. Also, it really helps to cover the monitor.
I want to thank everyone for their kind words. I really love this new experience. In fact, today is a full month of working out everyday (minus Sundays) I think this is the only time I have ever done this in my life. It's also the largest I have ever been. So, if I can do it anyone can. If there's any questions that you have I can answer them.
October 4, 2011
I'm sorry
I'm sorry that this is another gym posting. That's really all that's going on with my life right now. It's my main focus at least. Thank you for all of your support. I don't know what made me want to change and start doing this (I'm leaning towards the whole turning 3-0), but I definitely love it.
We did circuit training tonight. Not my favorite. We did 3 minutes on the bike at a high level to get my heartbeat up and then switched over and did 20 reps of bicep curls, triceps extensions and rowing, and then 15 push ups on the bose(?) ball, which is A LOT easier to do on as opposed to a full exercise ball, just saying. We ended up doing 3 rotations of this madness. The last time on the bike he wanted to get my heart rate up to 170 as fast as possible and then gradually come down. At about 160 I started hyperventilating so he started knocking it down sooner then he wanted. I didn't give up. I kept pushing myself. When the reps got easier I moved further out to increase the resistance. It really helps to have someone there, showing you want to do, keeping your mind off of what you're actually doing and motivating you through the whole ordeal.
To date I've lost 14 lbs. I still have a long way to go, but I think that's a great start. Matt started me on the apex fitness calorie tracker etc. I started a profile last week. I accidentally selected the increase sports training and gain weight option.. so it had me at 3300 calories, which I knew was a little crazy. We went through that today and fixed it, bringing me down to 2200. He said he would like me to stay as close to that as possible and we'll reevaluate at the end of the month. When all is said and done he wants to see me around 1700-2000 which I think will be fine to do. I still need to work on my eating. The good think about apex is that it has meal plans for you to follow if you want. I just need to set out a plan and then get the groceries for it and I should be good to go. Oh and the whole waking up early to prepare breakfast.. boo. We also calculated that I should be at my goal weight around July 23, 2013.. HAHAHAHA. He said we can made adjustments so they're monthly goals or whatever, but I thought it was funny to see that in a graph form, everything smooched together.
I guess in work news things seem to be going better. I'm a little busier right now. We have session 3 of our programs starting next week so that will be good. I need to do better at my "assistant" responsibilities since she's the one who really has a say in my employment.
I think that's all for now. I'll try to think of something different to post about for next time so I don't bore away all of my 4 readers :)
We did circuit training tonight. Not my favorite. We did 3 minutes on the bike at a high level to get my heartbeat up and then switched over and did 20 reps of bicep curls, triceps extensions and rowing, and then 15 push ups on the bose(?) ball, which is A LOT easier to do on as opposed to a full exercise ball, just saying. We ended up doing 3 rotations of this madness. The last time on the bike he wanted to get my heart rate up to 170 as fast as possible and then gradually come down. At about 160 I started hyperventilating so he started knocking it down sooner then he wanted. I didn't give up. I kept pushing myself. When the reps got easier I moved further out to increase the resistance. It really helps to have someone there, showing you want to do, keeping your mind off of what you're actually doing and motivating you through the whole ordeal.
To date I've lost 14 lbs. I still have a long way to go, but I think that's a great start. Matt started me on the apex fitness calorie tracker etc. I started a profile last week. I accidentally selected the increase sports training and gain weight option.. so it had me at 3300 calories, which I knew was a little crazy. We went through that today and fixed it, bringing me down to 2200. He said he would like me to stay as close to that as possible and we'll reevaluate at the end of the month. When all is said and done he wants to see me around 1700-2000 which I think will be fine to do. I still need to work on my eating. The good think about apex is that it has meal plans for you to follow if you want. I just need to set out a plan and then get the groceries for it and I should be good to go. Oh and the whole waking up early to prepare breakfast.. boo. We also calculated that I should be at my goal weight around July 23, 2013.. HAHAHAHA. He said we can made adjustments so they're monthly goals or whatever, but I thought it was funny to see that in a graph form, everything smooched together.
I guess in work news things seem to be going better. I'm a little busier right now. We have session 3 of our programs starting next week so that will be good. I need to do better at my "assistant" responsibilities since she's the one who really has a say in my employment.
I think that's all for now. I'll try to think of something different to post about for next time so I don't bore away all of my 4 readers :)
October 2, 2011
I might be a little crazy
I was watching the biggest loser this weekend. Those trainers kind of scare me, but man, that new trainer guy is HOT. For reals. I was thinking of my last few trainer sessions where I kind of took it easy. I didn't push myself as hard as I could. That's probably why I'm not getting the best results. I've renewed my desire and commitment. I'm even contemplating to text my trainer to let him know he can push me a little harder on Tuesday.. and I'm not going to wuss out. That kind of scares me, but I think my body needs it. I'm not really sore after my workouts and I catch my breath pretty quickly. I guess we'll see how it goes. I also need to work on my eating. Thursday and Friday I skipped breakfast all together. My calorie intake has been pretty low, but my calorie use has increased. I don't want my body to go into starvation mode and hold on to everything.
Overall I'm feeling so much better. I've lost 13 pounds and it feels great. I have more energy, my clothes fit better, and my mood has changed. I volunteered to take my nephew on a walk this afternoon. I had to go out and do something after sitting all weekend watching conference. I can't remember ever WANTING to go on a walk. I was also contemplating going to the gym tonight to burn off some more energy, but I thought it best to use that energy wisely and clean my room. And this is just the start. I can't wait to see where I end up! Stay tuned
Overall I'm feeling so much better. I've lost 13 pounds and it feels great. I have more energy, my clothes fit better, and my mood has changed. I volunteered to take my nephew on a walk this afternoon. I had to go out and do something after sitting all weekend watching conference. I can't remember ever WANTING to go on a walk. I was also contemplating going to the gym tonight to burn off some more energy, but I thought it best to use that energy wisely and clean my room. And this is just the start. I can't wait to see where I end up! Stay tuned
September 29, 2011
Happy Anniversary
Today is my 3 week anniversary with 24 Hour Fitness. Go me! I was kind of shocked when I walked into the locker room to see a lady completely naked walking down the aisle. I didn't know we were living in Europe. Also after my workout there was another lady using the mirror etc to dye her hair. I didn't know that was what the mirrors/sinks were for. Hmm..
September 27, 2011
Another small step
I had a friend give me a dozen gourmet cupcakes for my birthday.
There was no way I was going to be able to not eat all of them in one sitting. In fact, I'm pretty impressed I only had one. I decided to share the wealth. I cut them up and had people come and get whatever they wanted. Otherwise I was really going to eat them all. I was actually sick to my stomach on Monday thinking of them sitting at my house. I "accidentally" ate one of them, plus 3 of my leftover cupcakes on Sunday. Some people that I invited couldn't come so they're coming tonight. After that I'm putting them down the disposal because I don't trust myself with them sitting in my garbage.. I know that's sad (and gross), but I gotta do what I gotta do.
I went to the gym last night. Did an amazing 30 minutes of cardio and it felt wonderful. Then Denise and I did the water aerobics class. I could have pushed myself a little harder, but it was dang fun.
I felt so lazy not going to the gym on Sunday. It was so crazy to me. I thought last night that once I lose all my weight I think I would make a great personal trainer. Maybe that's something I can look into. Add that on top of my AMAZING cooking skills and I'd be set. Thursday makes it 3 weeks. Isn't there a saying along the lines of if you do it consecutively for 21 days it becomes a habit? This is a habit that I don't mind having. Seriously. It's amazing. I feel better now then I can ever remember.
There was no way I was going to be able to not eat all of them in one sitting. In fact, I'm pretty impressed I only had one. I decided to share the wealth. I cut them up and had people come and get whatever they wanted. Otherwise I was really going to eat them all. I was actually sick to my stomach on Monday thinking of them sitting at my house. I "accidentally" ate one of them, plus 3 of my leftover cupcakes on Sunday. Some people that I invited couldn't come so they're coming tonight. After that I'm putting them down the disposal because I don't trust myself with them sitting in my garbage.. I know that's sad (and gross), but I gotta do what I gotta do.
I went to the gym last night. Did an amazing 30 minutes of cardio and it felt wonderful. Then Denise and I did the water aerobics class. I could have pushed myself a little harder, but it was dang fun.
I felt so lazy not going to the gym on Sunday. It was so crazy to me. I thought last night that once I lose all my weight I think I would make a great personal trainer. Maybe that's something I can look into. Add that on top of my AMAZING cooking skills and I'd be set. Thursday makes it 3 weeks. Isn't there a saying along the lines of if you do it consecutively for 21 days it becomes a habit? This is a habit that I don't mind having. Seriously. It's amazing. I feel better now then I can ever remember.
September 25, 2011
Recipes from party
Pictures to come, but I'm throwing away this piece of paper with what I had so I wanted to share the recipes with you.
Margarita Chicken Skewers (serves 12)
1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 10-ounce can frozen margarita mix, thawed
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp chicken seasoning
(I used the Jose Cuervo already made margarita mix, added 1/2 can of frozen limeade. I also added some salt)
Place the chicken, margarita mix, cilantro and chicken seasoning in a large resealable plastic bag, squeeze out the air and seal. Massage the bag to combine the ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I skewered them and then baked them in the oven at 425 for 15-20 minutes. The recipes tells you to grill them on medium. If you do this then you'll want to soak the skewers while the chicken is marinating. Then you grill them 1 to 2 minutes per side or until the meat is cooked through.
Stuffed mushrooms
24 Medium mushrooms
3 Tbsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
3 oz. cream cheese
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 cup bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove stems from mushrooms. Chop enough stems to make 1 cup. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan. Brush mushroom cap tops with butter, place top side down in a shallow baking pan and brush undersides of caps. Heat remaining butter in same saucepan. dd chopped mushroom stems, onion and garlic and cook until tender. Stir in cream cheese, combining with fork if necessary. Add Parmesan cheese, parsley and bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly. Spoon about 1 tablespoon stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap. Bake until heated through (10-15 minutes).
Those were the main recipes. If you want more let me know. Like I said.. pictures to come.
Margarita Chicken Skewers (serves 12)
1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 10-ounce can frozen margarita mix, thawed
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp chicken seasoning
(I used the Jose Cuervo already made margarita mix, added 1/2 can of frozen limeade. I also added some salt)
Place the chicken, margarita mix, cilantro and chicken seasoning in a large resealable plastic bag, squeeze out the air and seal. Massage the bag to combine the ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I skewered them and then baked them in the oven at 425 for 15-20 minutes. The recipes tells you to grill them on medium. If you do this then you'll want to soak the skewers while the chicken is marinating. Then you grill them 1 to 2 minutes per side or until the meat is cooked through.
Stuffed mushrooms
24 Medium mushrooms
3 Tbsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
3 oz. cream cheese
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 cup bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove stems from mushrooms. Chop enough stems to make 1 cup. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan. Brush mushroom cap tops with butter, place top side down in a shallow baking pan and brush undersides of caps. Heat remaining butter in same saucepan. dd chopped mushroom stems, onion and garlic and cook until tender. Stir in cream cheese, combining with fork if necessary. Add Parmesan cheese, parsley and bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly. Spoon about 1 tablespoon stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap. Bake until heated through (10-15 minutes).
Those were the main recipes. If you want more let me know. Like I said.. pictures to come.
September 22, 2011
Gym Update
Today is my two week anniversary with 24-hour fitness and I love every minute. My trainer is fabulous. We'll be lifting weights and he'll ask me how it's going. I'm actually honest with him and if it's too light I tell him and he gives me more weights. The other day we were doing bicep curls and shoulder presses. The first time we did them I rotated from a 10lb to 12.5lb free weight. This time there weren't any 12.5lb weights so he gave me a 15lb. He said he bet that I could go higher if I didn't know what the weight was. I think that's true. I tend to psyche myself out the higher the weight because I'm so unfit. We did leg presses and I started out at a 5 (funky weight system). He told me I needed to go higher (mostly because I moved the weights with just one leg).
I need to work a lot on my cardio. Right now I'm sticking with the bike and treadmill. I spend most of my time on the bike and then finish up with the treadmill. I tried my luck on the elliptical and failed after 5 minutes. I need to work myself up on that one. Matt thinks it's funny to threaten me with the stairmaster. I work with Matt Tuesdays and Thursday. I'm supposed to do cardio MWF and then he'll give me a work out to do by myself on Saturdays. I thought the twice a week would work best because it would lengthen the time I have with him. It's been going really well. I WANT to go to the gym. The other day I got back from my session and I wanted to go back to the gym. It's crazy. I'm becoming a gym rat. Last night I played volleyball and then went to the gym and did my full cardio. I was going kind of easy at the beginning (what I thought was actually a good pace) and then Matt (my PT) told me I needed to have my heart rate around 140 for good cardio. That was just extra work for me to do last night, but I did it. I'm feeling so good. Last night, before I went to bed, I was actually excited to do triceps pressess/curls and lunges. I hope the madness doesn't stop.
I need to work a lot on my cardio. Right now I'm sticking with the bike and treadmill. I spend most of my time on the bike and then finish up with the treadmill. I tried my luck on the elliptical and failed after 5 minutes. I need to work myself up on that one. Matt thinks it's funny to threaten me with the stairmaster. I work with Matt Tuesdays and Thursday. I'm supposed to do cardio MWF and then he'll give me a work out to do by myself on Saturdays. I thought the twice a week would work best because it would lengthen the time I have with him. It's been going really well. I WANT to go to the gym. The other day I got back from my session and I wanted to go back to the gym. It's crazy. I'm becoming a gym rat. Last night I played volleyball and then went to the gym and did my full cardio. I was going kind of easy at the beginning (what I thought was actually a good pace) and then Matt (my PT) told me I needed to have my heart rate around 140 for good cardio. That was just extra work for me to do last night, but I did it. I'm feeling so good. Last night, before I went to bed, I was actually excited to do triceps pressess/curls and lunges. I hope the madness doesn't stop.
September 17, 2011
Investments
I've made a huge investment. Not on some up and coming new company. None of this trading cds for stock depending on the nasdq and s&p (I'm pretty impressed I know all those terms). I just bought a bunch of sessions with a personal trainer. He has practically killed me the last week working with him, but I really feel good, even in this short time. I definitely feel like this is a good decision for me. It cost more than my first car and I don't have any buyer's remorse. I'm going to be sore. I'm going to want to to quit, but I need to do it for me. I'm turning 30 next week. I don't want to be overweight and unhealthy the rest of my life. Nothing that I have done in the past has worked. I was never this committed. I'm going to have to keep reminding myself. I'm going to be working with him twice a week for the 4 months. I'm super excited. Here's to the next 30 healthy years.
September 3, 2011
cheese balls
Football season is upon us. My family happens to be serious BYU fans. This means we all gather at the grandparents to watch the games together. This first game against Ol' Miss was actually quite boring until the 2nd half. But the best thing about going to watch is that I get to make something to take along!
I saw this recipe on one of our favorite cooking blogs the-girl-who-ate-everything.com. It is delicious. I served it with apples and graham crackers.
Peanut Butter "Cheese Ball"
from my friend Jenni; adapted from Nestle
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup peanut butter chips
Graham cracker sticks, teddy grahams, and/or apple slices for dipping
Directions:
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until blended.
Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap; bring up all four corners and twist tightly forming into a ball shape.
Freeze for 1 hour 30 minutes or until firm enough to keep its shape. Place peanut butter and chocolate chips in flat dish. Remove plastic wrap from ball and roll ball into morsels to completely cover, pressing morsels into the ball if necessary.
Place ball on serving dish; cover and freeze for 2 hours or until almost firm. (Can be made ahead. If frozen overnight, thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.) Serve with graham cracker sticks, teddy grahams, or apple slices for
Another new cheese ball that I tried yesterday for a work party and made again for the football game is a Feta Cheese Ball. We paired it with crackers at work, but someone made a comment that it would go well as a veggie dip too, so I brought veggies tonight. My sister and I both think that it would be great on sandwiches, pitas especially (from Allrecipes.com)
Feta Cheese Ball (makes 2)
Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
4 tablespoons olive oil
5 green onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 teaspoons dried dill weed
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Directions
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, feta cheese, olive oil, green onions and garlic. Season with dill, oregano and pepper. Mix well, and form into 2 balls. Cover, and chill for 2 hours.
Can you believe it? I didn't take any pictures!
I saw this recipe on one of our favorite cooking blogs the-girl-who-ate-everything.com. It is delicious. I served it with apples and graham crackers.
Peanut Butter "Cheese Ball"
from my friend Jenni; adapted from Nestle
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup peanut butter chips
Graham cracker sticks, teddy grahams, and/or apple slices for dipping
Directions:
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until blended.
Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap; bring up all four corners and twist tightly forming into a ball shape.
Freeze for 1 hour 30 minutes or until firm enough to keep its shape. Place peanut butter and chocolate chips in flat dish. Remove plastic wrap from ball and roll ball into morsels to completely cover, pressing morsels into the ball if necessary.
Place ball on serving dish; cover and freeze for 2 hours or until almost firm. (Can be made ahead. If frozen overnight, thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.) Serve with graham cracker sticks, teddy grahams, or apple slices for
Another new cheese ball that I tried yesterday for a work party and made again for the football game is a Feta Cheese Ball. We paired it with crackers at work, but someone made a comment that it would go well as a veggie dip too, so I brought veggies tonight. My sister and I both think that it would be great on sandwiches, pitas especially (from Allrecipes.com)
Feta Cheese Ball (makes 2)
Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
4 tablespoons olive oil
5 green onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 teaspoons dried dill weed
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Directions
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, feta cheese, olive oil, green onions and garlic. Season with dill, oregano and pepper. Mix well, and form into 2 balls. Cover, and chill for 2 hours.
Can you believe it? I didn't take any pictures!
August 3, 2011
Final thoughts for today.. speaking of..
I'll make these short and sweet since I kind of went into blog overload today.
A dear dear friend of mine asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. I'm so super excited and honored to have been asked. I am turning 30 in a few weeks and have not once been a bridesmaid. I don't know if that's a record somewhere, but pretty random if you ask me. Can't wait to start planning!
Speaking of turning 30 I can't decide what I want to do. My first thought was going to vegas and seeing phantom, my second idea was this huge party with drinks (non-alc), a buffet of appetizers, and some good tunes. Unfortunately, I do not have a sugar daddy and I don't think either of these will fit my current budget. Maybe I'll have to scale back a bit. I was thinking of just getting myself a fancy hotel room and lounging around all day. I do know that it will involve dinner (I'm thinking Macaroni Grill this year) with the sisters and at least cake and ice cream somewhere with a large quantity of personages.
Speaking of sisters.. Janelle (my older, wiser, more beautiful sister) and Katelyn (my youngest, wiser, more beautiful sister) are on their way out RIGHT THIS MINUTE form Maryland to start school this fall (Janelle Grad school and Katelyn Sophmore year, both at BYU) This makes 4/6 of us Gordon Girls here in Utah.
Speaking of school.. I got accepted into UVU's Culinary Arts program. It's a two year program. I have mostly all of the prereqs covered, due to my 7 years of schooling there. I'm signed up to take two courses this fall and then it's on to the actual cooking courses in January. There's a slight hiccup with financial aid, again, due to my 7 years of previous schooling, but I'm hoping to get that sorted out this week.
Finally.. Speaking of this week.. I'm heading down to St. George tomorrow morning for our department planning meeting. I'm not sure how much planning we're going to be doing, or how much I'm looking forward to it. But I am looking forward to staying at a spa, in my own ultra-cushy king bed with a jet tub. all by myself. oh yeah and we're going to see grease.. and I'm getting reimbursed a large chunk of money for gas/travelling expenses and everything else is on the company's dime (minus spa treatments)
That's it. You should feel like you've known me forever. I'm a comment junkie. It makes me feel loved.
side note - I just hit publish post and it gave me an error. I may have had a slight panic attack thinking that this whole thing got lost. Thank you Blogger for saving it as I typed.
A dear dear friend of mine asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. I'm so super excited and honored to have been asked. I am turning 30 in a few weeks and have not once been a bridesmaid. I don't know if that's a record somewhere, but pretty random if you ask me. Can't wait to start planning!
Speaking of turning 30 I can't decide what I want to do. My first thought was going to vegas and seeing phantom, my second idea was this huge party with drinks (non-alc), a buffet of appetizers, and some good tunes. Unfortunately, I do not have a sugar daddy and I don't think either of these will fit my current budget. Maybe I'll have to scale back a bit. I was thinking of just getting myself a fancy hotel room and lounging around all day. I do know that it will involve dinner (I'm thinking Macaroni Grill this year) with the sisters and at least cake and ice cream somewhere with a large quantity of personages.
Speaking of sisters.. Janelle (my older, wiser, more beautiful sister) and Katelyn (my youngest, wiser, more beautiful sister) are on their way out RIGHT THIS MINUTE form Maryland to start school this fall (Janelle Grad school and Katelyn Sophmore year, both at BYU) This makes 4/6 of us Gordon Girls here in Utah.
Speaking of school.. I got accepted into UVU's Culinary Arts program. It's a two year program. I have mostly all of the prereqs covered, due to my 7 years of schooling there. I'm signed up to take two courses this fall and then it's on to the actual cooking courses in January. There's a slight hiccup with financial aid, again, due to my 7 years of previous schooling, but I'm hoping to get that sorted out this week.
Finally.. Speaking of this week.. I'm heading down to St. George tomorrow morning for our department planning meeting. I'm not sure how much planning we're going to be doing, or how much I'm looking forward to it. But I am looking forward to staying at a spa, in my own ultra-cushy king bed with a jet tub. all by myself. oh yeah and we're going to see grease.. and I'm getting reimbursed a large chunk of money for gas/travelling expenses and everything else is on the company's dime (minus spa treatments)
That's it. You should feel like you've known me forever. I'm a comment junkie. It makes me feel loved.
side note - I just hit publish post and it gave me an error. I may have had a slight panic attack thinking that this whole thing got lost. Thank you Blogger for saving it as I typed.
speaking of dessert
See's Chocolates has a recipe portion on their website. Of course each recipe calls for one of their products (not actual recipes for their divine chocolates). I make have drooled just a bit..
you should probably check it out..
http://www.sees.com/index.cfm/about_us/recipes/extra_dark_molten_mocha_dessert
and to give you an incentive to do just that:
Extra Dark Molten Mocha Dessert
•3 See's Extra Dark Chocolate Bars
•1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
•1/2 tsp Instant Coffee Crystals
•1 cup powdered sugar
•2 whole eggs
•2 egg yolks
•6 T flour
•Whipped Topping or Whipped Cream
1.Preheat oven to 425°. Grease 4 ramekins* (3/4 cup size). Reserve one square of chocolate for chocolate shavings.
2.In microwave proof dish combine butter and broken up candy bars. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in coffee crystals.
3.Stir in powdered sugar until well blended. With wire whisk whip in eggs and egg yolks. When well blended, stir in flour. Pour batter into greased ramekins.
4.Bake 12-14 minutes. Make sure sides are firm but centers are slightly soft. Let stand 1 minute. Unmold onto serving plate and top with whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Serves 4. Enjoy!
*May also be baked in paper lined muffin tin. Pour batter evenly among 10 paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 425° for 8-10 minutes until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 minute. Serve Immediately.
Heck I might even make these if anyone comments.
you should probably check it out..
http://www.sees.com/index.cfm/about_us/recipes/extra_dark_molten_mocha_dessert
and to give you an incentive to do just that:
Extra Dark Molten Mocha Dessert
•3 See's Extra Dark Chocolate Bars
•1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
•1/2 tsp Instant Coffee Crystals
•1 cup powdered sugar
•2 whole eggs
•2 egg yolks
•6 T flour
•Whipped Topping or Whipped Cream
1.Preheat oven to 425°. Grease 4 ramekins* (3/4 cup size). Reserve one square of chocolate for chocolate shavings.
2.In microwave proof dish combine butter and broken up candy bars. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in coffee crystals.
3.Stir in powdered sugar until well blended. With wire whisk whip in eggs and egg yolks. When well blended, stir in flour. Pour batter into greased ramekins.
4.Bake 12-14 minutes. Make sure sides are firm but centers are slightly soft. Let stand 1 minute. Unmold onto serving plate and top with whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Serves 4. Enjoy!
*May also be baked in paper lined muffin tin. Pour batter evenly among 10 paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 425° for 8-10 minutes until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 minute. Serve Immediately.
Heck I might even make these if anyone comments.
Random though part 2 - eating dessert first
I had cake (from the retirement party, see below) before I ate my lunch today. It was okay cake.. but I wanted/needed something sweet after I ate my luch. Such a dilemma. So I kind of waited a bit and then hit up the startbursts. I have decided that in the future I should only eat half of my dessert first and then finish it after I eat my meal.. or just have two desserts.
(definitely not the cake I had at lunch, but a possibility of cake that I could have in the future)
(definitely not the cake I had at lunch, but a possibility of cake that I could have in the future)
Random thoughts
I decided that it would be better to post here then to update my status on facebook every 30 minutes.. cause work is SO busy today (consider that sarcasm font)
We had a retirement party this afternoon for one of our secuity guards. That's two things that probably shouldn't be in the same sentence (security guard and retirement). Actually, if I saw any of our security guards in street clothes I would never guess that they're security guards. Now I'm not saying that I'm super athletic and could out run them, heaven knows that, but part of me thinks that security guards should be in good health/shape. Maybe they're "intelligence security guards" (I doubt it). Maybe I should start running stairs.
Current Security Guard (not exactly)
What would get me to work on time (and probably make me feel a little safer)
We had a retirement party this afternoon for one of our secuity guards. That's two things that probably shouldn't be in the same sentence (security guard and retirement). Actually, if I saw any of our security guards in street clothes I would never guess that they're security guards. Now I'm not saying that I'm super athletic and could out run them, heaven knows that, but part of me thinks that security guards should be in good health/shape. Maybe they're "intelligence security guards" (I doubt it). Maybe I should start running stairs.
Current Security Guard (not exactly)
What would get me to work on time (and probably make me feel a little safer)
July 18, 2011
rearrangement
So you probably don't care, but I thought I'd share anyway.
I moved my bed around and next to the wall to give me some more floor space (it's crucial)
The Bookshelf stayed in the same place. I wasn't about to take all the books off and rearrange those (although I will be doing that in the near future).
I made myself a little vanity. The desk comes from Ikea ($20) and I got the stool from DI ($10). I had the mirror and everything on my dresser, it just got cluttered so quickly. We'll see how this goes.
I moved the dresser over to make room for the vanity
My lovely new towel ($5.00 - Ikea) and shoe organizer. Unfortunately they don't make a shoe organizer that fits all the shoes I own, but it does make the pile at the bottom of the closet a little more manageable. I have found out that it only really works if you put the shoes back where you got them (imagine that).
Happy that the rearranging is done, and most of the cleaning.
I moved my bed around and next to the wall to give me some more floor space (it's crucial)
The Bookshelf stayed in the same place. I wasn't about to take all the books off and rearrange those (although I will be doing that in the near future).
I made myself a little vanity. The desk comes from Ikea ($20) and I got the stool from DI ($10). I had the mirror and everything on my dresser, it just got cluttered so quickly. We'll see how this goes.
I moved the dresser over to make room for the vanity
My lovely new towel ($5.00 - Ikea) and shoe organizer. Unfortunately they don't make a shoe organizer that fits all the shoes I own, but it does make the pile at the bottom of the closet a little more manageable. I have found out that it only really works if you put the shoes back where you got them (imagine that).
Happy that the rearranging is done, and most of the cleaning.
May 13, 2011
I love this kid
I swear he changes every time that I see him. He is so happy except for when he's tired or hungry (or you hold him the wrong way). It's so great to be close to my family!
new glasses
I haven't had new glasses in years. They're super fun. Who would think I would be excited about getting glasses. Craziness!
Themed Dinner parties
Two weeks ago we had a childhood throwback dinner to include - capri suns, kool aid squeezits, pudding cups, grilled cheese sandwiches, pb&j sandwiches (both cut in squares and triangles), macaroni & cheese and hot dogs. This was accompanied by a viewing of Goonies, except I forgot I didn't own Goonies so we watch HP7 instead.. which isn't really childhood, but kind of makes you feel like a kid right?
This last Sunday we had Pride and Prejudice and Tea and Crumpets night (minus the crumpets). We enjoyed cucumber sandwiches, a variety of teas with tea cups (i found a complete cup and saucer set at DI), Orange/Cranberry cookies, pastry cheese puffs, fruit, and an assortment of british goodies from the market.
In the upcoming weeks I think we'll do the Rocky II and spaghetti night. Any other suggestions?
This last Sunday we had Pride and Prejudice and Tea and Crumpets night (minus the crumpets). We enjoyed cucumber sandwiches, a variety of teas with tea cups (i found a complete cup and saucer set at DI), Orange/Cranberry cookies, pastry cheese puffs, fruit, and an assortment of british goodies from the market.
In the upcoming weeks I think we'll do the Rocky II and spaghetti night. Any other suggestions?
The opera
Thursday after work I went to the Opera with a couple friends. I had an hour to burn between work and meeting them on Temple Square. I went into distribution to get a conference ensign, but they hadn't received their shipment yet. I decided to walk over to Deseret Book to check there, same deal. So I ended up sitting "on" Temple Square for 1/2 hour waiting. I was going to get dinner at Nauvoo Cafe but I wasn't really hungry, and I would have bought their carrot cake (which is TO DIE FOR). I snapped a few pictures while I waited. It was a gorgeous day! Blue skies, sun was out and shining, Temple Square is gorgeous with all of the flowers.
We went and saw Verdi's Falstaff. The stage scenery (?) was beautiful, the costumes amazing, and the voices gave me good chills. I loved going to the opera again. Best part was it was a student/teacher deal night and tickets were only $3.00/person. It was their final dress rehearsal.
It was fun being out with a bunch a friends in the city during the week, walking back to our cars (at work a few blocks away) on a gorgeous spring night. Next time we're all going to get dressed up and go!
They are doing Rigoletto in January (again for $3.00) and Ballet West is doing Dracula in October (how awesome is that, except I'm pretty sure there won't be a $3.00 night).
We went and saw Verdi's Falstaff. The stage scenery (?) was beautiful, the costumes amazing, and the voices gave me good chills. I loved going to the opera again. Best part was it was a student/teacher deal night and tickets were only $3.00/person. It was their final dress rehearsal.
It was fun being out with a bunch a friends in the city during the week, walking back to our cars (at work a few blocks away) on a gorgeous spring night. Next time we're all going to get dressed up and go!
They are doing Rigoletto in January (again for $3.00) and Ballet West is doing Dracula in October (how awesome is that, except I'm pretty sure there won't be a $3.00 night).
Red Velvet Cheesecake
I made this for my friend's birthday. He liked red velvet AND cheesecake, so we decided to put the two together. You can do 4 layers (cheesecake, cake, cheesecake, cake) or 3 (cake, cheesecake, cake) depending on how "crazy" you are. The 4 layer seemed to be more manageable actually. I did both, another for a different occasion, and that one ended up sliding around during transport, but it may have been the consistency of the cream cheese frosting. I reserved the leftover cake (shaved off to make even) and crumbled it up on the sides (which also saves time in frosting).
February 28, 2011
Rocky Night
Friday we had a Rocky night. We made philly cheesesteaks, Kayla made a really good pasta salad, and then followed it up with cheesecake. Gotta love it.
We had about 10 people over for the viewing of Rocky. I'm surprised how many people have never seen it before. Oh well. You've gotta watch Rocky at least once in your life.
This is my favorite scene from the movie, but I can't find it with the actual script.
We had about 10 people over for the viewing of Rocky. I'm surprised how many people have never seen it before. Oh well. You've gotta watch Rocky at least once in your life.
This is my favorite scene from the movie, but I can't find it with the actual script.
Truffles
So I remember back in the day Jenny had found a great recipe for truffles. I thought of making them for Elyse's wedding, but never really got to them. We had a Valentines Day/Chocolate "potluck" if you will at church a few weeks ago so I thought I would give it a whirl. I've now made them 4 times since then
I crushed almonds and coconut (separately)
Added mint extract and then rolled in crushed candy canes
Added peanut butter to the truffle mix and then swirled on some pb as well
They were a big hit. Kayla loves being my roommate
I crushed almonds and coconut (separately)
Added mint extract and then rolled in crushed candy canes
Added peanut butter to the truffle mix and then swirled on some pb as well
They were a big hit. Kayla loves being my roommate
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