Happy New Year!!

Well, almost anyway.

I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year. 2011 was amazing. 2012 is going to be even more fantastic.

Be safe tonight. Enjoy yourself, but be safe.

I'm looking forward to relaxing with the husband and having a nice quiet night at home. Boring, but fun for us.

Tomorrow is January 1st, 2012 and the new year begins. It's going to be the best one yet.

And, I am happy to say I gained 0.2 pounds over Christmas. I was 166.8 on Friday when I weighed in. That is pretty awesome. With my back bothering me I didn't work out too much and it's still annoying me, but I've gotten in 2 runs plus my Elliptical workout on Tuesday.

Happy New Year my friends!!

Looking forward

Just like most people, starting January 1st, 2012 I am getting back on track with EVERYTHING 100%.

What does that mean? Well, I will be working out 5-6 days week. That means running, using the Bowflex, etc. I haven't even tried out my new Kettlebells or medicine balls yet. Of course, with my Mom here it's been hard to do that. But I'm not using it as a an excuse. I have been working out. Just not as much as I want to.

I will be eating clean 90% of the time (hey, I have a few things I enjoy that aren't considered clean). And I will be tracking EVERYTHING I eat. Weight Watchers style. Of course, I started getting back on track a few weeks ago and lost 2.8 pounds. But I wasn't awesome on Christmas. And I have only worked out twice this week so far. So. Anyway.

My back is pretty much awesome again. I haven't trusted myself to run so I have been staying away until I felt the time was right. And tomorrow it will be.

I also plan to blog more. A lot more. I miss it. 2012 is going to be fantastic. I have few awesome things coming up. I have a fundraiser in February for Autism. I'm looking to raise $250 but of course I would love to raise more. And in June I have the Warrior Dash!! That should be a BLAST!!

The aftermath

Christmas is over. It was fabulous. I had a great holiday with my family and friends.

I tried not to eat too much yesterday. It wasn't too hard to be honest. I wasn't feeling all that great and so by the time we got too my sisters house, I just wanted a cold drink and to sit down and rest. It's rough when your up until midnight on Christmas Eve, up at 7am Christmas morning, at your inlaws by 10:30am and so on. I was hungry, but didn't really want to eat much. So I ate, but didn't stuff myself. And I was so very full after the small things I did eat.

It was a very workout Christmas for me present wise. I got kettlebells, medicine balls and a bosu ball. I asked for all of them and I got them!! I also got two DVD's. One is Jillian Micheals for Kettlebells and one is the Biggest Loser for Kinect. I also go shot bloks. I can always use plenty of those.

My husband got me two running decals. One that reads Run Like A Girl and the other says I'd Rather Be Running. Plus for my Pandora bracelet he got me two running charms. One that says 13.1 and the other says I heart Running. He knows me so well.

I got calenders, candy, Kashi bars, magnets, clothes, gift cards (hello Target!!), money, and so much more.

It was a great Christmas. Except for my back. Which I hurt on Friday night by falling asleep on my couch. It was a little sore when I woke up on Saturday but I ignored it and went for a 5 mile run anyway. That run was fantastic. I really loved it and was smiling from ear to ear when I was done. My back? Not so much. I was in some serious pain. When I was wrapping gifts later on, I was sitting on the floor and when I got up, I cried it hurt so bad. I haven't been in this much pain in almost a year. Not since I started seeing the Chiropractor.

I'm happy to say I feel better today. My back is not 100% but it is not wear it was on Saturday. I have to make sure I sit on something with a back and not fall asleep on that damn couch again. The last time I had issues it was because of the couch. I wouldn't want to try and run today (although I could use a good run) but tomorrow I should feel up to it. I may try out my new DVD's but we'll see. I don't want to rush it. I need to make sure I'm 100% before I get back to working out.

January 1st is looming. I am looking forward to it. I've been successful in keeping off 120 pounds this year, but I want to lose more. I've decided, after seeing photos of myself yesterday at Christmas, I want to get down to 140 pounds. I am going to go back to 100% clean eating (coffee creamer has gotten into my coffee again!!) and exercising 5-6 days a week. It's only 26.6 pounds. It can be done.

I have today and tomorrow off and go back to work for 3 days before having another 3 day weekend. Hared to believe my Mom goes home next week. She has been with my sister for a week but is coming back here today.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Or Hanukkah.

Merry Christmas

Or Happy Holidays. Whichever works for you.

I had a great day. Didn't eat too much because I messed up my back on Friday night by sleeping on the couch. I ran 5 miles yesterday (it was glorious) and felt it after.

I haven't felt right since.

Currently I am stuffing my face with peanut m&m's because? Well, why not? There are no calories on holidays. Tomorrow it's back on plan. I've lost 2.8 pounds since I recommitted myself to Weight Watchers and plan to get back on track tomorrow.

I got some amazing gifts. Kettlebells. Medicine balls. Yep. My home gym is coming along nice.

I will post more tomorrow.

Enjoy the rest of your day!!

My year in review.

I found this on another blog, so I thought I would copy it and post my own answers.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

I ran a half marathon. That is 13.1 miles for those that don't know. I did that on March 20th, 2011. I'm not sure if I will ever do it again, but I would like to. Right now I'm just enjoying my treadmill runs, but in the back of my mind I know I want to run a full marathon sometime.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions?
I really don't remember if I had any or not. If I did, it was to reach my goal weight. I didn't get to 150 pounds, but I didn't gain weight either. Sure, I saw 157.4 pounds and right now I'm 166.6 pounds, but I still managed to keep my weight loss at 120 pounds. Pretty awesome.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?

I didn't leave the USA this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I'd like to have a better attitude. I know, I know. But I'm kind of really bitchy lately and it's not cool.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 20th, 2011. That is when I ran my half marathon. And in February (not sure of the exact date) when the hubby got his job!!

8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
Running the half marathon and keeping off my weight.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Well, I could say not making my goal, but I'm not going to. I am very blessed to be where I am right now.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I injured my back (or should I say an old injury came back to haunt me) and starting seeing my Chiropractor in January. I adore her. Plus, I had bronchitis in October into November.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
The Bowflex!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband. He seriously deserves a medal for putting up with me.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I'd rather not say. You never know who might find this blog...

14. Where did most of your money go?
Everywhere. Food, running stuff, cat stuff, clothes, car work, concert tickets...but it was all worth it.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing my Mom for the first time in a year. And seeing my sister for the first time in over 3 years.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
There are so many. Probably any Blake Shelton song thanks to his awesome concert.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? About the same
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner by about 10 pounds. =]
c) richer or poorer? RICHER!! Hubby is working again!!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saved a little more money. But we can do that next year.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressed out.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With family and friends

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I'm already madly in love with my husband.

22. How many one-night stands?
Nope

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Breaking Bad. American Horror Story. True Blood.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a strong word. More like dislike.

25. What was the best book you read?
A Discovery of Witches was good. And the Hunger Games trilogy.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
All country music rocks my world. Seriously.

27. What did you want and get?
A Bowflex.

28. What did you want and not get?
To be back in my size 8 jeans, but it's okay.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
"Bridesmaids" was funny. So was "Puss in Boots". lol

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 36. I worked and hubby took me out to dinner. It was fun and awesome and I wouldn't have it any other way. Work threw me a big party so I enjoyed that.

31.What was one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A bigger raise at work. What? I can dream.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I am starting to dress more my age and not like a 20 something anymore. I am now an adult.

33. What kept you sane?
Running. And my husband. And my twitter friends. lol

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I have a few.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
There are so many...

36. Who did you miss?
I always miss my Dad.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
My new coworker. She is super cool and cute.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
I'll have to get back to you on this one.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"No one is stopping you from doing what you want to do". Guns N' Roses

Birthday Party Success!!

Lynnell, Andrea, Ellen and me

My mother's Birthday party was a success. Here is a picture of me and my sisters. I haven't seen my sister Andrea since Thanksgiving 2008. It was great to see her. Looking at this photo I don't even think I look like any of them.

Looking at this photo makes me realize I want to lose more weight. It's wrong, I know.

The big girl coat

Official weigh in?

166.8 pounds. I lost 2.6 pounds after following Weight Watchers for a week. Counting my points and exercising 3 times last week. Not too bad. I'll take that again next week thank you very much. Ha! I'll be happy with a pound next week.

I have Christmas party tomorrow night. And my Mom's 70th Birthday party on Sunday. So. Anyway.

Today I got a french manicure. And a "big girl" coat. By that I mean a coat that isn't 3 sizes too big and doesn't have Eeyore on it. I've been wearing this same coat since 1998. No joke. The other winter coat I have is missing buttons. This new coat is nice. I love it. A bit pricey, but worth it. I needed it.

I also had the best run I've had since I probably started running again today. I ran 10:47 mile. I've been having a hate/hate relationship with my running and I needed it today. I'm in love with running again.

Working my way to an ulcer

My Mom is here.

I survived being back on Weight Watchers and counting points for almost one week. I sneaked a little peak and the scale said 167.6 pounds yesterday so that was 1.8 pounds less from last week. Official weigh in is tomorrow. Weight Watchers, why do I doubt you?

I avoided big meltdowns at work this week even though I felt them coming on. I think I'm getting an ulcer. Laugh all you want, but Tums don't lie.

And I wonder why I'm breaking out like a 12 year old boy.

I don't have to go back to work until Monday.

I'm getting a manicure and a haircut tomorrow.

Saturday night is the Christmas party at my hubby's work. I'm looking forward to it.

Sunday is my Mom's 70th Birthday party.

Christmas is 10 days away and I have bought ONE gift. Er...that could be a problem, right?

Back on track

Day one back on track is complete. I ran 4 miles and did 25 minutes with the Bowflex. Let me tell you my legs are SORE from that workout. But it's good. Very good.

Tracked all my food. Drank all my water. And I feel great.

I'm a little stressed out because my Mom will be here on Wednesday and my apartment is not nearly ready. There is still so much to finish. I am so afraid I'm going to hurt my back that I don't lift heavy things and since the hubby was "busy" for most of the day (don't get me started) I was stuck doing the cleaning. As usual. But tomorrow he promised he will help. He'd better. There is still a lot of work to be done.

But the room for my Mom's 70th Birthday party is ready. It's booked for next Sunday. I can't believe she'll be 70!! Her actually Birthday is Saturday and I'm so glad she'll be here to celebrate.

Today went well. Tomorrow will go better. I have 3 days of work. Hopefully I won't have any conference calls (I had 3 this week and 2 of them were Friday). I have a lot to get done before I have Thursday and Friday off. We pick Mom up on Wednesday night. I can't wait to see her. It's been over a year!!

I'm going to bed soon. I'm beat. I have a lot to do tomorrow, too.

Oh and I bought my first Christmas present today. Yep. I'm that behind. Not okay.

Catching myself

This morning, I realized I was heading in the wrong direction.

I was 169.4 pounds.

Yep. 169.4 pounds. Not where I want to be. Not at all. I'm not sure what happened. My happy place is 160 or under that. I don't want to be here. I'm uncomfortable. My clothes are not fitting the way I want them to.

I started thinking about what I haven't been doing. I haven't been working out much. Only 3 days a week. I need at least 4-5 days. I haven't been eating right. That is a BIG issue. I need to be eating clean. I'm not doing that either.

So tonight after work I went grocery shopping and filled up the cart with healthy, clean, food. I am going to start working at least 4 days again. I need this for me. Because if I don't, I'm only going to end up at 250+ pounds again. And be miserable and unhappy.

Working out+eating clean=healthy me. And a healthy me. And I know that the way I lost the weight last time was not by counting calories. It was by counting points. So I am all set with that, too. I have gotten out my points calculator and my paper trackers and I'm ready to go.

One pound at a time. That is all that matters.

What was I doing a year ago??

I've been reading a lot of my older entries from a year ago.

A year ago I was 176 pounds. So I've lost about 10 pounds in a year. It would be 20 if I hadn't gained back 10. That really upsets me. I mean, sure, it could be worse. I could be back at 287 pounds, but seriously? I thought I would be 150 pounds by now.

So what has happened to slow my process and make me gain some weight? What was I doing so differently a year ago? I was eating so much cleaner. And not cheating nearly as much as I am now.

I admit it. I cheat. And I cheat a lot. At least once a week. Which I'm not proud of. I'm not sure why. It's not just because it's the holidays either. Oh, no. I was cheated back before Thanksgiving and my Birthday and all that. It's been going on for awhile. It needs to stop and I need to get a grip and I need to get everything under control. So I can lose the 10 I gained back and the rest of the weight.

I'll figure it out. Because I know I won't go BACK to where I was. That won't happen. I know Weight Watchers is probably the only thing that is going to EVER work for me. I try counting calories but I just don't think it's for me. So I always go back. Always.

The one where I go to Texas

My husband has been gone since Monday morning. If you didn't know it already, we're pretty close. We spend a lot of time together. We're best friends. We've been together for a very long time. So it's hard when we are apart.

This has probably been the easiest time for me, which is unusual. Maybe it's because I had to work and the last couple of times he has gone away, I had weekends in there. Tomorrow doesn't seem like a depressing and lonely day. I have plans to clean and run a few errands. Get out some Christmas decorations (the tree we will put up when he gets home).

But I miss him. There is only so much time I can spend with my cats. They look at me like "Hey, lady feed us and go away". So Sunday is going to be a great reunion for us when my husband does come home.

However, the next business trip for him will be at the end of March and I am invited! I know I mentioned before I wanted to go with him this time (he's in New Orleans) but I didn't have the vacation time for that and for when my Mom comes to visit. Since I haven't seen my Mother since October of 2010, and she's my Mom...

The next trip he's going on will be to Houston, Texas. I have never been to Texas. I don't count the time I had to go there for a layover flight. And I cannot wait. If you live in Texas and would like to meet up I would love to meet you. So far, everyone lives 5 hours away. Which sucks. I am looking forward to doing EVERYTHING. Whatever there is to do in Houston. I've heard it's beautiful there.

So what is my point? I really want to try and bust my ass and look as good as I can for this trip. Seriously. I've been such a slacker lately. I was going to wait until January 1st but why? Why wait? Why not start TOMORROW. Back to my 4-6 days a week of working out. Eating clean. That is what I miss the most. Eating healthy makes me feel GOOD! I really like counting my calories. I feel I get a lot more out of that. But without the exercise, I don't feel I get enough.

The slacking needs to stop. I need to get myself back in control and feel like a million bucks.

The one Iwhere I get a flat tire

I thought I was so important today. I dressed all pretty and business like in my pants and top. Made sure my hair looked good (which meant I actually blew it dry and straightened it instead of letting it air dry). I felt good and thought I looked good. I had 2 meetings today and I thought "Hey, look at me. Miss I'm Important Office Manager".

Until I got a flat tire leaving the office I had to drive 40 minutes to and had to get a man to change it for me. No, I do not change my own tires, why do you ask? And what's worse? Another woman changed it for me. It was her and my boss really, but UGH! I think it's time I learn how to change a tire, yes?

So until my husband comes back from vacation I have this damn spare tire on my car. He's in charge of the car stuff. I don't know squat about this crap. Really. Embarrassing.

Anyway. December is here and I'm bound and determined NOT to gain any weight. I started the month off right with a 5 mile run. I'm eating awesome and I feel good, too. The holidays are tough. We're getting a lot of cookies and candy at work. Monday is the holiday party at work. I'm going with the steak and passing on the dessert.

I can do this. We all can do this.