I haven't mentioned this on the blog because I didn't want to Jinx anything.
But... if I am being authentic, and I am owning my journey.... then.... there are some risks involved.
Since I recommitted myself to my healthiness journey:
Weigh in after one week: 3.5 pounds lost!
Weigh in after two weeks: 1.5 pounds lost, for a total of FIVE POUNDS!!!
Yay!
And the part that I am hesitant to talk about?
I am not dieting.
I am tracking.
I am hardly ever hungry... I sometimes have to FIND things to eat.
My dear friend mentioned several times in my previous struggles that she didn't think that I was eating enough calories, but I was afraid to try eating more. What if it didn't work? It's a scary thing when you are trying to DIET, and it isn't working, to consider EATING MORE, because I was so afraid that rather than standing STILL, the scale would start moving the WRONG WAY.
But, this time around, when I was really ready to listen, she pointed me in the direction of the fat2fitradio.com website. So far, I have read some articles and used their calculators, but I am downloading some of the podcasts, because it is very interesting.
Well- there you have it.
Accountability.
:)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Weddings and Competitions
One of my favorite cousins got married yesterday. We loaded up the boys inthe car and headed out on the five hour drive. They were both awesome.
Random Tidbit: Stephen is really good at Angry Birds. He calls it Grumpy Birds. Isn't that cute?
We were able to check-in at our hotel, relax, hang with Mimi, Grampie and Auntie, and change into wedding finery.
The hotel was located at The Towers, in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The wedding ceremony was in the left tower, which looks right out to the ocean. The dining was in the middle section, which is over the busy Ocean Road.
Amy and Dan have been together since they were in 8th grade. Isn't that amazing? They went to college separately, and did internships separately, and through it all, remained completely devoted to one another. They were adorable. And she was radiant.
The boys were both fantastic at the wedding. We had a frightening moment when we realized that the caterers did not have ANY milk that I was hoping to use for Cuddle Bug's bottle. But that disaster was averted, when they offered to water down some half and half. Done. Crisis averted. A very thoughtful Mimi brought her grandboys toys to help keep them occupied. Soccer Boy got to build a Lego airplane, with the assistance of my cousin Mitch (who was the ring bearer at our wedding, 9 years ago!). Cuddle Bug got a new truck to play with. And by play, I of course mean throw it down to the ground so the Mommy can pick it up, over and over, and over again.
A fantastic day.
Now....
One of the ladies in my group of online Mommy friends (we met during our pregnancies with our Cuddle Bug age children) has thrown the gauntlet.
She started a Biggest Mommy Loser challenge.
I resisted.
I wrestled.
And then I thought about all of my friends getting skinny because they are working hard and motivating each other, and I realized.... Yes. I have to do this, even if the weight doesn't come off on the scale. I have to do this.
So I signed up, and I took the horrible before pictures (horrible not JUST because of the subject matter, but because of a lack of a full length mirror, I was taking them into the window out to our deck. If you look closely (which I will NOT be giving you the opportunity.... SORRY) you can see the hint of one our patio chairs. Ha! And because our scale is one of those dinosaur non digital ones), and actually admitted my weight to people. Even on myfitnesspal you are allowed to keep it to yourself!
UGH.
But it is done.
We will be weighing in monthly, and the challenge will end on New Years Day 2012.
So I guess it is time blow the dust off of the 30 Day Shred. :)
And.... just for the record? Pleurisy is no fun. No fun at all. I get it almost every time that I get a cold. Ugh.
Random Tidbit: Stephen is really good at Angry Birds. He calls it Grumpy Birds. Isn't that cute?
We were able to check-in at our hotel, relax, hang with Mimi, Grampie and Auntie, and change into wedding finery.
Image source: Wikipedia
Amy and Dan have been together since they were in 8th grade. Isn't that amazing? They went to college separately, and did internships separately, and through it all, remained completely devoted to one another. They were adorable. And she was radiant.
The boys were both fantastic at the wedding. We had a frightening moment when we realized that the caterers did not have ANY milk that I was hoping to use for Cuddle Bug's bottle. But that disaster was averted, when they offered to water down some half and half. Done. Crisis averted. A very thoughtful Mimi brought her grandboys toys to help keep them occupied. Soccer Boy got to build a Lego airplane, with the assistance of my cousin Mitch (who was the ring bearer at our wedding, 9 years ago!). Cuddle Bug got a new truck to play with. And by play, I of course mean throw it down to the ground so the Mommy can pick it up, over and over, and over again.
A fantastic day.
Now....
One of the ladies in my group of online Mommy friends (we met during our pregnancies with our Cuddle Bug age children) has thrown the gauntlet.
She started a Biggest Mommy Loser challenge.
I resisted.
I wrestled.
And then I thought about all of my friends getting skinny because they are working hard and motivating each other, and I realized.... Yes. I have to do this, even if the weight doesn't come off on the scale. I have to do this.
So I signed up, and I took the horrible before pictures (horrible not JUST because of the subject matter, but because of a lack of a full length mirror, I was taking them into the window out to our deck. If you look closely (which I will NOT be giving you the opportunity.... SORRY) you can see the hint of one our patio chairs. Ha! And because our scale is one of those dinosaur non digital ones), and actually admitted my weight to people. Even on myfitnesspal you are allowed to keep it to yourself!
UGH.
But it is done.
We will be weighing in monthly, and the challenge will end on New Years Day 2012.
So I guess it is time blow the dust off of the 30 Day Shred. :)
And.... just for the record? Pleurisy is no fun. No fun at all. I get it almost every time that I get a cold. Ugh.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Update. :)
I am happy to report that:
A) I have logged every single that I have eaten since Wednesday of last week.
B) Exercised every day but Sunday.
C) I went RUNNING again! I found a pretty good road that is very low traffic, and has plenty of flat places! I logged two miles with a 2 minute run/ 1.5 minute walk interval, and felt really strong. Physically and mentally! (That was on Saturday.)
D) I did 20 consecutive push-ups!
E) I made up my own mini circuit training routine, and did EVERY.single.part of it. I fought harder for myself than I ever have for Jillian. (That surprised me.)
F) I have been logging my activity pretty much anywhere that I can think of... trying to generate LOTS off accountability. :)
G) Lots of other things are falling into place. :)
Life is good.
We just got home from a sweaty 90 minute walk around town, up hills and down hills, sometimes pushing both of the boys in the double stroller. My arms are FEELING it. :) My friend and colleague contacted me about going for a walk so she could break in some new hiking boots, and was game to have the kids along! She held hands with the big boy, and at another time pushed the little boy in the stroller... even BOTH of them in the stroller at one time!
It is amazing what a difference ONE day can make.
:)
A) I have logged every single that I have eaten since Wednesday of last week.
B) Exercised every day but Sunday.
C) I went RUNNING again! I found a pretty good road that is very low traffic, and has plenty of flat places! I logged two miles with a 2 minute run/ 1.5 minute walk interval, and felt really strong. Physically and mentally! (That was on Saturday.)
D) I did 20 consecutive push-ups!
E) I made up my own mini circuit training routine, and did EVERY.single.part of it. I fought harder for myself than I ever have for Jillian. (That surprised me.)
F) I have been logging my activity pretty much anywhere that I can think of... trying to generate LOTS off accountability. :)
G) Lots of other things are falling into place. :)
Life is good.
We just got home from a sweaty 90 minute walk around town, up hills and down hills, sometimes pushing both of the boys in the double stroller. My arms are FEELING it. :) My friend and colleague contacted me about going for a walk so she could break in some new hiking boots, and was game to have the kids along! She held hands with the big boy, and at another time pushed the little boy in the stroller... even BOTH of them in the stroller at one time!
It is amazing what a difference ONE day can make.
:)
Friday, July 8, 2011
New Leaf, episode 1
I am extremely happy to report that:
I finished out the day on Wednesday like a rockstar.
I logged every bite, and was under my calorie goal.
Thursday was another fantastic day:
Leslie Sansone 2 mile walk for abs. (if anyone wants the youtube link, I can share the playlist I made with you.) It is no P90X, but it is a good workout. My legs and arms feel the burn toward the end.
I ate with intention, and thought of food as fuel.
I logged every bite.
Today?
Leslie Sansone video
20 pushups -- the days workout called for 5, 6, 4, 5 with breaks in between. I didn't take the breaks.
So, essentially, with the exception of the maybe 2 seconds in each interval to switch to the next screen, I did 20 consecutive pushups. (I can feel it in my shoulders. My left especially.)
And yet to do?
1. Squats/ Jumping Jacks/ Lunges/ Jumping Jacks -- my own circuit training!!
2. go for a walk/run later in a much quieter traffic area
And not related to the fitness front -- I am going to do some laundry today if it kills me!
:)
I finished out the day on Wednesday like a rockstar.
I logged every bite, and was under my calorie goal.
Thursday was another fantastic day:
Leslie Sansone 2 mile walk for abs. (if anyone wants the youtube link, I can share the playlist I made with you.) It is no P90X, but it is a good workout. My legs and arms feel the burn toward the end.
I ate with intention, and thought of food as fuel.
I logged every bite.
Today?
Leslie Sansone video
20 pushups -- the days workout called for 5, 6, 4, 5 with breaks in between. I didn't take the breaks.
So, essentially, with the exception of the maybe 2 seconds in each interval to switch to the next screen, I did 20 consecutive pushups. (I can feel it in my shoulders. My left especially.)
And yet to do?
1. Squats/ Jumping Jacks/ Lunges/ Jumping Jacks -- my own circuit training!!
2. go for a walk/run later in a much quieter traffic area
And not related to the fitness front -- I am going to do some laundry today if it kills me!
:)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Today is the day.
Last night was the turning point.
I reached out for help.
I emailed friends asking for support, and information.
And this morning?
Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds for Abs 2 mile walk (using 3 lb weights)
Finished before 7:30 AM.
29 Push-ups, using the Push-up app for my phone.
34 Squats, using the Squat app for my phone.
Finished before 9:30 AM.
And then I was challenged by a friend on one of my facebook groups to add lunges, so I upped the ante even further, and added jumping jacks.
4 sets of:
20 side lunges, 20 jumping jacks -- all weighted with 3 lb weights)
Finished before 11:30 AM.
AND --
I have tracked my food and exercise on MyFitnessPal.
-----
Then -- as if that wasn't enough...
I read this amazing post by TMB. (one of my all-time forever favorite bloggers. Just for the record.)
It's all about being comfortable in your own skin. With who you are, wherever you are, no matter what is going on around you.
Highlights from her post:
Confidence is beautiful.
Strength is beautiful.
Pride is beautiful.
Express yourself however you'd like. Then, own it.
Understand that it doesn't matter what's on the outside. Then, own it.
Be who you are, even if that's not what everyone wants you to be. Then, own it.
Thank you, TMB.... that was so much affirming the changes that were already in progress in my heart of hearts.
And then I read this post by Lindsay, another Prior Fat Girl.
And it's not so much that I related to where she is right now -- because y'all -- she is happy. And you know -- I love my life. I love my family, I love my job, I love my Savior. Things are amazing. We moved to an awesome home (that is having a new furnace installed at this very moment, thank you Mr. Landlord) in a quaint town that I love being in.
But I am miserable with myself.
I hate looking in the mirror.
I hate feeling out of breath when I do things that I could do easily a few months ago.
I hate that I am not fitting comfortably in my clothes (or my own skin).
I hate that I have lost all of my endurance and stamina on the running front.
I hate that I have lost all of my confidence.
And you know what?
I am finally to the point where I am doing something about it.
Again.
How many times in my life am I going to LET MYSELF get to that point?
My fervent prayer is that the answer will be NEVER AGAIN.
Last summer-- I was running. I was Shredding. I was eating healthy things.
I was losing inches, but not losing ANY weight -- according to the scale.
I got so fed UP WITH IT.
So now --- I am scared out of my mind to commit to eating 2000 calories a day, and exercise again, because if the scale doesn't move again, I will probably throw it off of my deck. (And unfortunately, be filled with self-loathing.)
But the alternative to not trying is no longer acceptable.
So here I go.
Half -way through the day of my turning point.
It's GO time.
-------------------------------------------------------
I desperately need community, and accountability, and friends along this journey.
Please... consider becoming my cheerleader/friend.... I'm really good at being that for people, too!
Email me, or comment on this post, or tweet me.
I reached out for help.
I emailed friends asking for support, and information.
And this morning?
Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds for Abs 2 mile walk (using 3 lb weights)
Finished before 7:30 AM.
29 Push-ups, using the Push-up app for my phone.
34 Squats, using the Squat app for my phone.
Finished before 9:30 AM.
And then I was challenged by a friend on one of my facebook groups to add lunges, so I upped the ante even further, and added jumping jacks.
4 sets of:
20 side lunges, 20 jumping jacks -- all weighted with 3 lb weights)
Finished before 11:30 AM.
AND --
I have tracked my food and exercise on MyFitnessPal.
-----
Then -- as if that wasn't enough...
I read this amazing post by TMB. (one of my all-time forever favorite bloggers. Just for the record.)
It's all about being comfortable in your own skin. With who you are, wherever you are, no matter what is going on around you.
Highlights from her post:
Confidence is beautiful.
Strength is beautiful.
Pride is beautiful.
Express yourself however you'd like. Then, own it.
Understand that it doesn't matter what's on the outside. Then, own it.
Be who you are, even if that's not what everyone wants you to be. Then, own it.
Thank you, TMB.... that was so much affirming the changes that were already in progress in my heart of hearts.
And then I read this post by Lindsay, another Prior Fat Girl.
And it's not so much that I related to where she is right now -- because y'all -- she is happy. And you know -- I love my life. I love my family, I love my job, I love my Savior. Things are amazing. We moved to an awesome home (that is having a new furnace installed at this very moment, thank you Mr. Landlord) in a quaint town that I love being in.
But I am miserable with myself.
I hate looking in the mirror.
I hate feeling out of breath when I do things that I could do easily a few months ago.
I hate that I am not fitting comfortably in my clothes (or my own skin).
I hate that I have lost all of my endurance and stamina on the running front.
I hate that I have lost all of my confidence.
And you know what?
I am finally to the point where I am doing something about it.
Again.
How many times in my life am I going to LET MYSELF get to that point?
My fervent prayer is that the answer will be NEVER AGAIN.
Last summer-- I was running. I was Shredding. I was eating healthy things.
I was losing inches, but not losing ANY weight -- according to the scale.
I got so fed UP WITH IT.
So now --- I am scared out of my mind to commit to eating 2000 calories a day, and exercise again, because if the scale doesn't move again, I will probably throw it off of my deck. (And unfortunately, be filled with self-loathing.)
But the alternative to not trying is no longer acceptable.
So here I go.
Half -way through the day of my turning point.
It's GO time.
-------------------------------------------------------
I desperately need community, and accountability, and friends along this journey.
Please... consider becoming my cheerleader/friend.... I'm really good at being that for people, too!
Email me, or comment on this post, or tweet me.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Open Letter to Google
Dear Google,
I have flirted with other web-based blogging platforms.
In my heart I have been completely unfaithful to Blogger.
But what it all boils down to is this:
Google Friend Connect, when it works is completely awesome.
When it is not working?
A colossal bummer.
But -- ease of publishing? Ease of editing the layout?
The best that I have tried.
So....
Google?
I love you. I love your browser. I love your extensions.
PLEASE FIX THIS.
Okay. Thanks!
-Meredith
I have flirted with other web-based blogging platforms.
In my heart I have been completely unfaithful to Blogger.
But what it all boils down to is this:
Google Friend Connect, when it works is completely awesome.
When it is not working?
A colossal bummer.
But -- ease of publishing? Ease of editing the layout?
The best that I have tried.
So....
Google?
I love you. I love your browser. I love your extensions.
PLEASE FIX THIS.
Okay. Thanks!
-Meredith
Friday, July 1, 2011
It's Time to Face the Music
I won an amazing giveaway.
Seriously.
Elisabeth, of A Jogger's Life, had a very cool giveaway. Up for grabs? A beautiful bracelet made by HardWear Designs.
The challenge was coming up with the perfect word.
It took a while, but I finally found it.
Authentic
It is perfect. It describes my journey -- both where I aim to be, and where I am beginning to be.
Authentic.
Owning my journey.
Every step. (Every sit on the couch.)
Every bite. (Hmm.)
Okay... so upon further reflection, I am doing really well on being authentic in ONE area of my life.
One little corner of my life.
I blog daily (multiple times, sometimes) at Crying Out to My God. Every morning (weekdays definitely, weekends sporadically) I am Blogging Through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox. It has changed my life, and deepened my faith.
When we were looking at our current home, and waiting to find out if we would get it or not, in the six days in between, the Lord gave me wisdom, assurance, peace, and patience. It was unbelievable.
But....
I feel safe talking about it there. The followers that I have for that blog are like - minded individuals, all on their own faith journey.
But....
This is my blog.
I don't have to censor myself.
When it comes down to it, I am doing this for myself. Goodness knows I am not a witty enough writer to have masses of followers....
Google Friend Connect is cool.
But...
I think that I have let it run my blog, and the content that I put out there for the world a little bit.
So.
If I am really going to be
Authentic
then it appears that I have some work to do.
I am going to own my journey,
and I am going to blog about it.
Will I keep the blogs separate?
I don't know.
I could see Crying Out to My God becoming my daily study, giving thanks blog, and using this blog for more reflective posts.
I don't know yet.
But, I am going to figure it out.
Seriously.
Elisabeth, of A Jogger's Life, had a very cool giveaway. Up for grabs? A beautiful bracelet made by HardWear Designs.
The challenge was coming up with the perfect word.
It took a while, but I finally found it.
Authentic
It is perfect. It describes my journey -- both where I aim to be, and where I am beginning to be.
Authentic.
Owning my journey.
Every step. (Every sit on the couch.)
Every bite. (Hmm.)
Okay... so upon further reflection, I am doing really well on being authentic in ONE area of my life.
One little corner of my life.
I blog daily (multiple times, sometimes) at Crying Out to My God. Every morning (weekdays definitely, weekends sporadically) I am Blogging Through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox. It has changed my life, and deepened my faith.
When we were looking at our current home, and waiting to find out if we would get it or not, in the six days in between, the Lord gave me wisdom, assurance, peace, and patience. It was unbelievable.
But....
I feel safe talking about it there. The followers that I have for that blog are like - minded individuals, all on their own faith journey.
But....
This is my blog.
I don't have to censor myself.
When it comes down to it, I am doing this for myself. Goodness knows I am not a witty enough writer to have masses of followers....
Google Friend Connect is cool.
But...
I think that I have let it run my blog, and the content that I put out there for the world a little bit.
So.
If I am really going to be
Authentic
then it appears that I have some work to do.
I am going to own my journey,
and I am going to blog about it.
Will I keep the blogs separate?
I don't know.
I could see Crying Out to My God becoming my daily study, giving thanks blog, and using this blog for more reflective posts.
I don't know yet.
But, I am going to figure it out.
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