no longer obese

Over Christmas, I finally made it to my next "interim" goal of 179.8 and no longer being obese.  At least according to the simple formula of calculating BMI using height and weight!  Woo Hoo!  Now, I am 30 pounds away from my goal, and it's so exciting.  I hope to be at goal this time next year.  I've already started developing new attitudes toward food, so that's exciting as well.  Daughter #2 got some cinnamon buns the other day, and I don't even want to taste them.  That's a first!  And I can eat my 1 or 2 pieces of chocolate a day (sometimes 3 or 4, but that's rarer than once a week) and be perfectly happy with that.  Another new attitude.  And exercising is almost a daily "must".  My knees are such that if I don't give them a workout on the treadmill or a brisk walk -- walking outside will be limited, since it's snowing right now -- then I really stiffen up.  So, yeah, I'm changing my attitude about eating, and it's a wonderful feeling!

181

In just 1.2 pounds, I will no longer be obese!  What a wonderful Christmas present.  While this journey has not been easy, it's been easier since Hubby decided to come along with me.  He's lost 79 pounds, and is 16 pounds away from goal.

I should be packing for our trip to Florida, but I'm doing the laundry, and most of my undergarments are in the dirty clothes.  So, I will say Merry Christmas, because, I probably won't get back until after the holiday.

182.6

Over the last 2 weeks, I've lost another 2.2 pounds.  Yay!  It's slowly coming off.  And I've actually changed my attitude about food.  WW introduced a new method (I guess that's the best way to put it) to their program.  They are now getting into how to live along with losing and/or maintaining weight.  I'm still a ways away, but creeping closer by the week, to actually maintaining.  But yeah, it's a long arduous journey.  I am so glad that Hubby is along for the ride this time!

I've gotten all 3 shots in both knees.  While they are better, I'm still not pain free.  I can do a lot more before the knees really start complaining, but walking down stairs would be nice, without having to walk one step and then one step.  So, I'm hoping that by the time we get back from Florida, I will be in a lot better place.

And on the homefront, the dryer broke.  It decided that heating up to actually dry the clothes was overrated, so decided to stop heating.  Instead of calling someone to charge me over $100 to look at it, and say "yeah, it doesn't heat" and then charge another couple of hundred dollars to fix it, we bought  a new dryer.  A very simple one, with no bells and whistles.  Unfortunately, it won't be delivered until the 14th.  So, it's off to the laundromat for us again this weekend.

That's about all from here.  The tree is up for Christmas (artificial this year, since we are visiting Mom).  It's white and doesn't even pretend to look like a real one.  Love it!  Outside is decorated, and all the extended family gifts are mailed.  Now to finish wrapping, and get the basement cleaned up for the dryer delivery.

184.8

It's official.  I haven't been this small since before I got pregnant with my second daughter.  And since she's going to be 20 next week, I can't blame it on her anymore.  Made it through Thanksgiving with a loss!  We are almost done with Christmas shopping and the girls are back in their respective dorms/apartments. Whew!  I now have my house back, and need to start kicking it in gear for the Christmas season.  Since we're going to visit Mom for Christmas, we aren't getting a real tree :( this year, but I got a "cute" artificial one.  It's white, b/c hubby wouldn't let me get the pink one!  AKA Lucy in Charlie Brown's Christmas!

I'm getting the second of three shots in my knee, so hopefully, I will be pain free for a little while.  Yeah, this getting old thing sucks.  OTOH you would think that losing 65+ pounds would help my knees.  Not.  So, I get to endure 3 shots over as many weeks to get an artificial joint lubricant shot into my knees.  Yeah, fun.  First one wasn't too bad, and #2 daughter came with me, in case I couldn't drive home.  Oh well.

I can't believe that Christmas is only 4 weeks away.  Where did this year get too?  It's been successful as far as my weight loss journey has gone.  And with Hubby along for the ride, it's really helping.  He's down 75+ pounds, so we both are doing well.  At this time next year, we both hope to be WW lifetime members, and celebrating staying at goal.  We shall see. . .

187.2

Yeah, it seems that I have been bragging a lot lately.  I'm on a role, and I haven't been this "low" since before I got pregnant with #2.  And considering that she's going to be 20 in a few weeks, it's about time, dontcha think?  This past weigh in was a 2.8 pound loss for the week.  The total is 62.8 lb.  Yeah, it's taken me about 15 months, but I'm not giving up.  Since Hubby is on this journey with me, it's been a lot easier than just about every time I've tried before.  He's not giving up, so I'm not giving up. Granted, when I see my doctor in February, I may ask to see if I can get my "goal" raised a little above the WW suggested goal weight.  Not much, but 10 or 15 pounds higher.  So, I'm getting there, but I think I've really changed a few really bad habits, and as long as I can keep the good habits, then I will be able to keep it off this time.  Yippee!!!

Hurricanes, ghosts, and blizzards, oh my!

For the second year in a row, we've had a major storm a few days before Halloween.  Last year, we had a Nor'easter dump about a foot of snow on us.  The one and only snow day that was used was on Halloween.  This year, a huge hurricane/nor'easter came roaring through yesterday.  We were on the eastern side of it, so we "just" got high winds and the Hudson flooded, worse than it's ever flooded, the low lying areas.  Since we are about 200 feet higher than the Hudson, we weren't affected, but NYC was swamped.  We did get a lot of very high winds and lost power for a few hours.  And schools have been closed for the past 2 days.  Our school board, in their infinite wisdom, only built 4 emergency days into the calendar.  Well, we only used one last year. . .   yeah, we live in New York.  Last winter was a freak winter.  Let's just say, it's only half way through fall, and we've already burned through 2 emergency days.  But that is one of the few advantages of being a sub, I don't have to be there if we don't have a spring break!

Okay, enough about the weather.  Last Friday, I weighed in at 190 - even.  That means that I've lost 60, yes SIXTY pounds, since last July.  Granted, I still have a long way to go, but in 10 pounds, I will no longer be obese! How exciting is that??  My knees are really giving me issues, and I can't imagine how bad they would be if I hadn't lost this weight.  It's also nice to be able to walk into a store and buy clothing in the REGULAR sizes.  Yes, I have to try everything on, but still, REGULAR sizes.

So, we survived the Frankenstorm of 2012.  I hope everyone else in it's path fared as well.  Oh yeah, Happy Halloween!

191.4

The scale keeps going in the right direction!  Even though my knees are really killing me right now.  The weather is changing, and I don't think it helps my arthritis at all!  I'm earning about 16 activity points a week, and I'm sure that is helping.  I can officially say that I haven't been this low since before my youngest was born.  Yep, over 20 years ago.

We decided to go to Florida to spend Christmas with Mom.  She's doing okay and trying to clean stuff out and decide if she wants to stay in Florida or move back north.  So, we'll go down to get out of the cold and spend some time with her.  The whole family is going, so it will be a much warmer Christmas than if we were home.  The problem is that I don't know what to tell anyone to get me for Christmas.  We draw names in Hubby's family.  On my side, only the kids get something, but still.  I don't know what to put on my list for whoever got my name, and I certainly don't know what to tell my family.  I don't really want anything, since clothing is out, who knows what size? And if I want something, I can just go get it.  I think I'm going to tell the in-laws to make a donation to one of my "causes" for my gift.  It's easy, and I will definitely appreciate it!

Oh well, it's not even Halloween yet, and I've already got the flight booked for Christmas.  Still have to get a car, but that's not too hard.  And I have to find out what and when the oldest will be making the trip south, since we told her that we'll pick her up at the airport.

Otherwise, it's cold out, but at least it was sunny today.  Went to the gym with Hubby, and had leftovers for dinner.  Good day.

Going in the right direction

193.2, which is the lowest I've been since I had my kids!  My "babies" are 23 and almost 20, so that is no excuse anymore.  It has really helped that Hubby decided to go on this journey with me, since I'm staying on course, because he's staying on course.  If you've ever had a buttload of weight to lose, you will understand! :)

Today is Columbus Day, which means no school.  So, I'm doing laundry and trying to get some more of the "fat clothes" bundled up to donate.  Hubby asked me to wait to go to the gym, so he can go with me.  While that's fine, I'm used to going in the morning (when I'm not working), so we'll see how this change in schedule effects me.  It rained most of last week, so my knees haven't wanted to work right, and they really hurt.  Now, it's sunny, but cold, so I'm going to have to get used to the change in weather.

On the bright side, I can now go into Old Navy and buy their clothes!  I am in "normal" sizes, for the first time in at least 5 years.  Yes, I am donating ALL of my "fat" clothes.  I don't ever want to go there again.  I've changed my eating habits, for real this time.  I know, I could get into bad habits again, quickly, but hopefully, Hubby will keep me honest, and we'll be fighting this battle together for the rest of our lives.

Now, I have to try to find airfare to Florida for Christmas that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!  It will probably still cost an arm, but that's better than both!  I don't want my mom to be alone for Christmas, and she doesn't want to spend a month at my sister's!  So, this will give her an excuse to come home.  It will be different for us, but not too bad.  Hopefully, we won't have to deal with a major snowstorm for either direction.

So, I'm actually starting to like myself.  I'm not all the way there, but it's coming, slowly.  Now to search the airfares!!

Oh man, it's October!

So, it's now October.  Where did this year go?  I have gotten down to 194.6.  I haven't been this "low" since  my oldest graduated from high school, 5 years ago.  I'm not eating everything that isn't nailed down.  I'm not drinking (alcohol) hardly at all. I can eat ONE piece of chocolate, and not have to eat the whole bag.  Gee, if  I would have known that having Hubby do WW with me would actually change habits, I would have done this a long time ago.  That being said, he also had to be ready to go on this journey.  He is about 25 lb. from goal, which means that he's 75% of the way there.  I still have almost 45 lb to go.  Oh well.

The girls were both home this past weekend.  It was good to see them both, but it was quite hectic.  We went to a craft's fair and then had gyros at the Greek festival.  Yes, I counted all the 16 points for the gyro!  Took #2 back to college yesterday, and today, I got to chill out and do laundry.  No job.  But, I have a job for tomorrow, so I'll be busy with that.

This year is going way too fast, but that seems to be the case anymore.  Oh well, here's to tomorrow and whatever it may bring.

July 15, 2010 We start again

Why I didn't publish this a year ago is beyond me.  I've done really well in the past year.  Lost 50 pounds and didn't gain a ton while dealing with my dad's illness and subsequent death.  I guess I could say that I've come a long way, but there's still a long way to go. . .  (9/19/2012)


I have been going to weight watchers off and on since January of 1988.  I started then with a couple of friends from work.  I was at my highest weight of 288 pounds that first weigh in.  Over 9 months, I lost 130 pounds.  I know, it's not good to lose that fast, but that wasn't common knowledge then.  Closing in on my "goal" weight, I got pregnant with my first daughter.  2 years after she was born, I was back to pre-pregnancy weight.  Got pregnant again, miscarried, and then had a successful pregnancy and my second daughter was born.  I can "blame" the weight on pregnancy, but my "baby" just graduated from high school.

Along the way, I've lost huge amounts of poundage.  Then "something" would happen, and I'd go off program and gain it all back.  Okay, I have not gone back to my biggest, the 288 I weighed at my very first WW weigh in, because I've managed to get back on track before I did, but still.

So, anyway, I restarted again last fall, and had managed to lose about 20 pounds when this spring hit.  This spring has been one of the more stressful couple month of my life.  The oldest daughter graduated from college, and was lucky enough to have a job waiting for her when she graduated.  Great, but we had to move her from her college apartment, home, and then to her new apartment in the city where she was going to work.  She has so much stuff, that it took several trips to bring her stuff home, then we rented a cargo van to move her to the new place.  Whew.

After daughter #1 was moved in, daughter #2 had her events start.  She graduated from high school, so there was senior prom, the drama club senior banquet, and graduation itself, which entailed a massive cleaning of the house, since the grandparents were coming.  Then there was a couple birthdays and college orientation for #2.  I think everything is done, for the time being.

So that leads me to tonight.  I went "back" to Weight Watchers, and weighed in for the first time since May.  I had gained 15 pounds.  I know, it was stress eating, and the "see-food" diet.  And I'm getting to the age, where I don't like the up and down, clothes fitting or not, and generally feeling miserable.  So, I'm doing what "everyone else" is doing, and starting a blog about my journey this time.  I'd really like to stop the yo-yo at the scale, and have one set of clothing that fits me, all the time.  I'm not sure what I'm going to write, but this is more cathartic for me and if anyone else wants to read it, great, maybe I can help.

Tonight is the last night before I get really conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth.  I should be planning menus and getting a grocery list together.  Since WW changed last December, most fruits and veggies have zero point (plus).  I need to get the food I can eat in the house and go from there.

I might post my menus or if I find a good recipe.  I don't know how I'm going to do this, but it's like a journal, only anyone who finds it can read it.  Maybe this way, I won't quit when "life happens".

Oh yeah, starting (over) weight is 250.  I get 34 points a day.  Maybe next week, I'll do the measurements.  This is a bit scary, but also by writing it down, here, I can be honest with myself and quit playing stupid head games.

Away we go. . . .

Harry Potter

So, we went to see Harry Potter 7.2 at the drive in last night.  It was interesting to watch a dark movie on the screen and try to make out what was happening at times.  Otherwise, I think it was a good ending to the series, although, JK did leave it open to write about Harry and gang's children.  And as tempting as it was, I "only" had a small popcorn.  The first few weeks of a restart seem to be the easiest.  I don't want the junk food.  I want to stay on program and don't have to fight myself about wanted "something".  I will cook dinners, which is a big part of my staying on program.  When we go out to dinner, I have a hard time staying focused and/or wanting to order something that will aid my weight loss journey, as opposed to sabotaging my efforts.  This week, fruit has been my "savior", as far as the go to food when I "want" something.  Fruit now has 0 points, so it's very helpful to have a lot of it on hand.

This process is a rediscovery of what I am, and how I want to live.  I'm feeling a bit more energetic, although, the heat of the last couple of days is really zapping what energy I'm finding from eating right.  My knees still hurt, a lot, but I know after 10+ pounds lost, they also will start to feel better.  I'm trying to get to the gym every other day.  Making a goal of going every day is a bit unrealistic, and likely to cause me to give up (again).  Giving up really isn't an option, because eating "correctly" helps to keep various health issues at bay.  It's just that sometimes, I really just want to throw in the towel.  I'm not at that point right now, but I know it's lurking around the corner.

I am meeting my friend at the gym this morning, so at least I will get some exercise in today.  It's supposed to get up to 95+ with a wicked heat index.  I do enjoy summer, but this heat is something that I do not enjoy at all.

Update

Dad passed away on Friday, September 14.  He was at the Hospice center for just under 3 weeks.  In a way, it was a relief, but it was still hard.  Now, life can continue.  Grieving can commence and get dealt with and things can return to normal, whatever that is.

Hubby was home from Austin, before I got that phone call.  That was a good thing.  And all the stress from the last 6 weeks or so contributed to a 2 pound gain last week.  So, I'm dead even with where I was before Dad came home from the rehab/nursing center, but before the sh*t really hit the fan.  Had I not made several "habit changes", I could have easily gained 10 or more pounds over the course of his illness.  I'm glad that I broke even, and don't have to deal with a lot of extra poundage on top of every thing else that is going on.

So, life returns to somewhat of a normal routine this week.  I'm cooking and planning again.  We will get through this, but right now, it still hurts like crazy.

Boredom and other non-issues

Hubby is in Austin this week.  I am BORED!  I've been able to snag a couple subbing jobs, so I've had something to do a couple days this week.  It's weird how much you depend on someone, and when they aren't here, it's really, really weird.  Oh yeah, we "celebrated" our 29th wedding anniversary on Monday, with him in Austin, and me here.  Yeah, that was special.

We were going to go to the Renegades playoff game, but it got postponed due to this nasty cold front that went through here on Saturday.  There were even a couple of tornadoes in NYC, so I guess, you would say that postponing the game really was the best thing to do.  Hubby left on Sunday afternoon, so I went to the game with a girlfriend.  Definitely not the same as a "date night"!  The Gades won 8-1.  Then, they won the second game, which we would have gone to, but Hubby was in Austin.  They progressed to the championship round, and lost last night at Tri-City.  They are playing tonight at home, and I'm not there! :(   I doubt if they will be as good next summer, but I can hope.

Dad is still hanging on.  He's been at hospice for about 2 1/2 weeks.  He hasn't really eaten anything since last Wednesday, and is getting weaker.  I'm still having trouble thinking about much of anything else, but if I'm working, I don't have to think about it for a few hours.  Mom is still in limbo, my sister is still there, my brother went back, but has to fly home on Sunday.  His wife is going down for next weekend.  I hope that it ends soon, it's exhausting for all of us.

Weight loss, I'm still below 200, but was up a little last Friday.  It could have something to do with the two bottles of water I drank at school that day, but it's still bothersome.  I think I'm back on track this week, and I will try to post again after weigh in.

Otherwise, I'm still not used used to getting up at 5 AM, so I'm a tad tired.  I will try to post more often, but we'll see if that happens.

♥B

It's now September, looks like I lost August

Well, the proverbial shit hit the fan on Friday, August 17th.  Dad's kidneys started to fail, and will all the antibiotics and liquid being pumped into him, that isn't a good thing.  I ended up flying down on August 20th, and just came home on August 30th.  After the kidneys really started to crash, I got a phone call that basically said Dad had about 3-4 days left.  That's why I ended up going down and staying for a while.  He was put on temporary dialysis, which seemed to start his kidneys functioning again, until, the perforated colon developed an abscess.  Which shot his white blood cell count back up, and knocked his kidneys for a loop.  He had one more dialysis session, and said he didn't want anymore, because it was looking like he would have to have permanent dialysis, which neither he nor my mom wanted.  On Saturday, August 25th, he was moved to hospice.  And the prognosis is any time to a few months.  So, before I forget, I'm going to list the infections and everything else that is going on:
MRSA
Cdif
blood staph infection
UTI
perforated bowl/which has abscessed/rectal bleeding
kidneys are failing
congestive heart failure
diabetes

I think that's it.  He is receiving no meds, except for pain medication at hospice.  He's sleeping all the time and has started to get agitated.  I love my dad, but I'm praying for this to end sooner rather than later.  Mom is exhausted.  I know I was wiped out being there almost 2 weeks.  She's been doing this for 5 months!  My brother and his wife have been there almost 2 weeks,  they are returning home tomorrow.  My sister bought a one way ticket to come in, so she isn't set on a particular flight home, but she has a son going to college in a few weeks and a daughter still in high school.  We all need to get on with our lives.

And while I was there, I managed to lose 3+ pounds, so old habits really are changing.

More Parental Drama

So, my dad is back in the hospital.  He developed a massive infection, that I think has gone to his blood.  Not good, I know.  And since it's in his blood, they determined that it had also gone to the bone, and the artificial joint and patella have been removed.  If all goes as it should (and so far, nothing has gone as it should), the leg bones will fuse, and he'll have a straight leg, but he should be able to walk.  Of course, his attitude about being back in the hospital sucks.  He's acting like a 2 year old, which is so lovely for a grown man of 78.  Anyway, my sister decided that Mom shouldn't be alone while Dad is in the hospital or rehab, and wanted me to go back to Florida this week.  Um, I have a kid that will be taken to college on Sunday, when am I supposed to have the time to drop everything and fly to Florida, again?  Add to the mix that we have tickets to several ball games.  Granted, if Mom actually needed me, I would be there in a heartbeat.  But as it is, Sis decided that we need to babysit her.  Yeah, right.

With all this crap going on, you'd think, based on past history, that I would be eating whatever wasn't nailed down.  Wrong!  I haven't been eating much of anything, besides fruit, and struggling to get all my points in everyday.  Yeah, the pounds are coming up in fractions right now, but I think I've finally been able to change a very old habit.  This BS is really making my stomach churn, so there really isn't any desire to sit and eat.

Last week's weigh in, I was at 199, which means that I've been below the 200 pound mark for several weeks.  And clothes that were tight at the beginning of summer, now fit well.

I have an appointment to get new tires for my car this morning.  Yeah, I know, how exciting, but that's another reason I really don't want to go to Florida this month!

Back from Florida and back to reality

The plane trips to and from Florida were non-eventful.  A little bumpy at times, but nothing to get excited about.  Dad is improving, but he's also getting cocky.  He thinks he can do stuff, and even lies to various therapists about it.  No, he still can't get in and out of bed w/o assistance.  No, he can't use the toilet w/o assistance.  No, he can't get dressed w/o assistance.  Luckily, Mom found an angel, L, who is a certified care giver, and sits with Dad 3 days a week and runs him through his exercises.  She also gives Mom a much needed break.  Dad is an ornery cuss, always has been, but now he's just plain obnoxious.  He really is running Mom ragged, even with L to give Mom some breathing room.  I didn't really help much with Dad, but I was able to give Mom some much needed support and TLC.

Back to real life.  #2 daughter has 2 more classes left at the local community college.  Then a week off, and then it's back to her real school.  Yes, it's time for her to go back.  Will I miss her, yes, but will I miss her crap all over the house?  NO!  So, basically we've got a week to get her packed and pick up whatever she might be missing, as far as art supplies go.

Onto to WW.  I came home in time to weigh in at my regular meeting.  And I was down 0.8!  Woo Hoo!  So, now my next short term goal is 179, which means that I will no longer be medically obese!  Hubby is almost at that goal.  He is looking fine!  His birthday is tomorrow, and with every thing else going on, I'm going to have to scramble to get him a card.  If it's not one thing, it's something else!

End of July, parents and reunions

I've made it to the end of July, and beat my goal of being under 200 by Labor Day.  Yes, that's right, I've lost 10 pounds in the last 3 weeks, and I'm not sure how I managed that.  I wasn't trying to lose that fast, but sometimes these things happen.  I'm hoping to maintain tonight, but we'll see.  So, I've been able to lose 50 pounds in about 10 months.  Not bad for a middle aged, post menopausal woman, eh?

I have to go to Florida next week.  My dad was sent home from the rehab center, and Mom is overwhelmed.  So, I hope to be able to make good food choices when I'm there.  I probably should take some easy recipes down to cook for them.  This was not the way I was expecting to spend the last week of July/first week of August.  I had to change a doctor's appointment, which I wasn't thrilled about.

And finally onto reunions.  I went to my 35th high school reunion.  While it was fun to catch up on people I haven't seen for like 35 years, it was weird watching how much everyone was drinking.  I don't drink very much at all anymore, so being one of the few people sober there, was, well, sobering.  The main group of kids I hung out with weren't there, so while I got to catch up with some classmates, it was a little bittersweet. Tomorrow, there is a camp staff reunion.  Our camp got shut down about 8 years ago.  The staff was a pretty close knit group, especially the older crowd.  Since then, our Girl Scout council has merged, and no one likes the new, bigger "better" council.  The good part is that for most of us, our daughters have graduated from high school and are no longer in "need" of a council.  Oh well.

We just lost power for about 10 minutes, so I'm going to wrap this up, in case it goes out again.  I won't be able to post next week, but we'll see what happens after that.

Saturday, the 14th

After having an "up" week last week, I lost a whopping 5.8 this week.  Granted, part of the problem the week before was that I was retaining water, to the effect that my ankles were pretty swollen, but still!  Woo Hoo!  I am down to 204.2, so I'm hoping to hit "Onederland" by Labor Day this summer.  So, this next week will be a challenge, since Hubby and I are going back to Ohio for my 35th high school reunion.  Yeah, it's been 35 years since I graduated from high school.  (How did that happen?) and several of my classmates were annoyed that we didn't have a 30th, so they got together and arranged a very informal get-together next  Saturday.  We are also going to visit Hubby's siblings, so the stress level will be high, but together we can conquer it!

weight loss update and more

So, I ended June at 207.4, which is a 46.6 pound loss.  I think I restarted sometime last July, so it's been a slow but steady journey.  It looks to be about a pound a week (average), which is right where WW wants you to be.  My next short term goal is to get under 200, which I can hopefully achieve by Labor Day.  Then, the goal will be 179.8, which will be no longer obese!  After that, I haven't thought about, since the last time I wasn't considered obese was before #2 daughter was born, and she's going to be 20 this fall.

My birthday was on Monday, so that's another milestone that has come and gone.  I'm now 53, and I've been eligible to join AARP for the past few years.  Although, I'm resisting it with every core of my being, I can "feel" that I'm not a young chicken anymore.  My 35th high school reunion is coming up in a few weeks.  Hubby and I are making the trek to Ohio to attend.  It's going to be a rather informal affair, and that's a good thing.  So, I have a skirt I need to fix (bought it w/o trying it on, and it's TOO BIG! and too long, but both those things can be remedied), so I don't need to get a new outfit.  I may indulge in a new pair of shoes, but then I've been told that I have too many shoes anyway.

So, other than trying to figure out how to meet up with my brother, things are moving right along.  Hubby and I have gone to several Renegades games (local minor league baseball team -- lots of fun to go to the games) and have tickets to several more.  Then we take the kid back to Oneonta for her second year of college.  Time keeps whizzing past faster and faster these days.  And while my knees aren't being kind to me these days, I'm happy to be here, and so thankful that hubby has agreed to go on this journey with me.  Granted, he's lost 60+ pounds, and started 3 months after I did, but he's keeping me honest and on track!

Where did June go?

One more day and June is over.  This year has flown by.  And my birthday is on Monday.  How do I feel about that?  Not sure, but parts of me (my knees in particular) really seem to know that I'm getting older.

I got my new stove today.  When we got home from Disney, the oven wouldn't turn on.  And after investigating, we found out that we had bought the stove in 1991.  So, instead of ordering a part that may or may not work, we ordered a new one.  It matches the microwave, which died last summer, and the refrigerator, which we replaced last December.  The fridge we replaced was purchased when we bought the house, in 1987, and it was making weird noises, so instead of waiting until we HAD to replace it, we bought a new one.  So, those appliances are a very modern stainless steel finish.  Unlike the lovely harvest gold that was here when we moved in.

It's hotter than heck today.  I'm sitting inside with the AC on.  #2 daughter went to the mall with her friends and she is exchanging a skirt I bought for a smaller size!  Weight loss is moving slowly, but more or less steady towards my next goal.  Which is "onederland".  For those of us with massive amounts of weight to lose, that is <200 lb.  Hubby hit that a few weeks ago, and I've got a little more than 10 lb to go.  I know this is a lifestyle change, and I have to take it slow to try to change all those bad habits, but it gets frustrating.

So, as I start the next year of my life, I am happy.  Yes, parts of me hurt more than they used to, but I have a loving family, and I really do enjoy the life that I have made.

Knees and hot weather

So, I've been doing some stretches and simple exercises to try to improve the flexibility and strength of my knees and surrounding muscles.  This morning, I got up and could hardly walk, they hurt so bad.  My prescription NSAID barely took the edge off.  I took some ibuprofen after lunch, and still nothing.  I decided to do the stretching exercises (I had been doing them in the evening), because I was just in so much pain.  Guess what?  Just simple stretching made my stupid knees feel better and now I can walk a lot easier.  WTF?  Who would have thought that  a couple stretches would help so much more than either presciption or over the counter NSAIDs?

So, from now on, I'm doing the stretches first thing in the morning!

School's out for Summer

This very long and very exhausting school year is finally over.  Yesterday and today, the temps are in the upper 90's, so it was a good thing that "only" regents (final exams) were being given at the high school.  Administration tried to make sure that all testing was done in the few air conditioned rooms, but it was still stifling walking out into the halls.  Another year bites the dust.

And so, we've had 2 weigh ins since Disney.  I'm down 2.2 lbs over those two weeks.  Slowly creeping towards my next goal of being under 200#.  WW issued an activity challenge this summer -- to try to get all the "recommended" activity points for 6 weeks.  Last week, we earned all 14.  This week, I'm up to 12, not sure what hubby has earned.  But my knees don't like this extremely hot and muggy weather, so we'll see what we do for the next two days.  Since walking outside wouldn't be recommended today, we're either going to have to mall walk or go to the gym.  That remains to be seen.  I also don't want to cook (although, I am getting a new range, but not until next week).  So, hopefully, I will get inspired to start cooking, at least dinners, again.

My birthday is in 11 days.  I had wanted to lose another 5 pounds after coming home from Disney.  That may or may not happen, but now, my next mini-goal is to lose 10 additional pounds by Labor Day.  Since, I was down last week, I'm 8.8 lb away from that goal.  This goal is not the same as the under 200, that's not on a time schedule.  The 10 pounds by Labor Day was a goal set in the meeting room, to motivate me through the summer "hazards".  And you know what?  It's so much easier to navigate the minefield of eating out and the summer "foods" with hubby along for the ride.  BTW he is looking very svelte and sexy!

Today, I have to brave the heat and take #2 daughter to the community college and get her books for the summer classes she's taking and another ID, since she lost it at her normal school.  After she eats breakfast, we'll be on our way, before it gets too hot.

Happy Summer!

Home from Disney

Well, we are back from DisneyWorld.  And we weighed in tonight.  Hubby actually lost 3.4 lb over the last 2 weeks.  I was up 0.2, so I'm calling it even.  We walked a LOT.  Although 6 days at WDW is more than enough for me.  Next time, 4 maybe 5 days, but I was more than ready to come home.  We walked a lot (oh, right, I said that already), which helped with the few "extras" we indulged in.  Do I regret eating anything, no, not really.  I didn't overdo it, except for one night.  We had dinner at Cat Cora's restaurant, Kouzzina, which is on Disney's Boardwalk.  Yummy.  And due to a "little" water issue in our room, we got comped for the meal.

I'll try to post more later, right now, I'm a tad tired and just want to veg out

Memorial Day weekend

First, let me take the time to thank all the service men and women who have fought for America's freedom, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  They should be honored every day, not just the last Monday in May.

Our Disney trip is finally upon us.  We're leaving this week to go to Walt Disney World.  Seems like we started planning this trip ages ago.  And now, it's almost here.  Hubby and I are going to try to make good choices there, and I've already decided that I'm having 2 desserts.  And yes, I will enjoy them!  I will wear my pedometer, so I'll know how much I've been walking, which helps and adds a few extra points for the week.  I will start my vacation with a small weight loss -- 0.2 last weigh in.  Hubby lost 2.4 last week.  So, we will have extra incentive to keep up the good work.  My next goal was to lose 5 more pounds by my birthday (which is in July), so that's another incentive to behave at WDW!

In a non-scale victory, I'm able to wear shorts that I haven't been able to get into for several years!  So, after we get back, I'm going to have to weed through my old clothes again.  Pick out what fits, throw out what is too big, etc. etc.

They are predicting scattered thunderstorms for the rest of the weekend.  It's been hot and muggy so far, so the t-storms aren't unexpected.  Although, it does put a damper on any outdoor activities.  I think we're just going to rest today, maybe hit the $3 movie theater later, but right now, it's time for laundry!

A day off on Monday!

So, this is the last of our district's "give back days".  In other words, if we don't have the 5 snow days planned into the school calendar, we get them off, usually by lengthening Easter vacation.  But, since we only used one day this year, taking them all off the week after Easter would lead to only having Friday as a school day, the school board in its infinitely wisdom, gave us 2 four day weekends in a row.  Go figure.

Anyway, I lost the 2.2 pounds that I had put on the previous two weeks, so I'm back down to -35 pounds.  Which is great, but I have 65 more to go.  I could ask myself why I let all that hard work go down the drain, and it's a difficult question to answer.  At first, you stop tracking little things, like the sample at Adams.  Then you stop tracking dinner.  Then you simply stop tracking.  And once you stop tracking your food intake, then you start eating a little more than you should (or eat beyond being sated).  Then you start having a cookie here, and an ice cream cone there.  And pretty soon, you've gained 5-10 pounds.  Yes, I should have realized what I was doing and taken measures to stop it.  However, I didn't.  And while I've never let myself get to the point I was at when I joined WW the very first time (24 years ago!), I've had to restart many, many, many times.  Why do I keep going back?  Because I know it works, and I really can't do it "alone".  What makes this time different?  Hubby is going on this journey with me.  He's lost just over 50 pounds, and is looking mighty fine these days.  He's still got a ways to go on his journey, but he is really helping me stay focused, and continue to track.  If he wasn't going to meetings and keeping me honest, I would have gotten discouraged several months ago.

Speaking of getting discouraged, Hubby needed to buy some new shorts, since his old ones kinda fall off him now.  We went to that big box store to get some inexpensive shorts for our upcoming Disney trip.  He found a couple pair and got the size he is wearing now.  Doesn't try them on.  When we got home, he tried on the first pair and was crestfallen, since they were very tight to the point of cutting off his breathing when he sat down.  Luckily, he also tried on the other pair.  They fit perfectly!  He then measured both pairs, and the first (the tight pair) measured about 3" smaller than the pair that fit!  Good thing he didn't just take both pairs back and get the next bigger size!  The incorrectly marked shorts are now back at the store, and he has 2 pair that fit him well.  Moral of the story, try on everything!  Even different colors of the same style!

We are going to miss our WW meeting while we are in Florida.  There isn't one close enough to WDW, and since we aren't renting a car --Disney's Magical Express will take us to and from the airport and we'll use Disney transportation once we're there.  So, we'll have to miss a week.  All the more reason to stay on program and track what I eat there!

ARGH!

I've gained for the last two weeks.  0.8 last week and 1.4 this week.  Okay, I twisted my knee on Monday, and couldn't really move much for 3 days.  But, seriously?  That makes 2.2 pounds I have to lose again.  What's up with that?  Needless to say, I'm a tad pissed off.  which can only translate into one thing:  I have to get serious and stick to the plan.  and move.  I really, really, really have to get back to exercising.  I'd like to shed the 2.2 I put on and then lose another pound or two before we go to Disney.  that's less than 3 weeks away.  I need to track, and post at least every other day.  If nothing else, it keeps me honest!

Back on track!

On to other things, my father fell and fractured the knee he just had the joint replacement on.  Which means he will need another surgery and more time in the rehab facility, which he hates.  I feel bad for Mom, because she's running back and forth and is pretty much exhausted.  Getting old sucks.

May flowers?

It's been raining for the past week or so.  So, the warm weather in March lead to a cold and dreary April, which is carrying over to a chilly and rainy May.  I can't believe it's also been almost a month since I posted last.

I'm down 35 pounds, and hubby is down almost 50!  Last week wasn't a normal week.  We had to go to the Thursday meeting, and while the same leader is there, the people are different.  Hubby is also undergoing a root canal, so he's not been eating as properly as he should.  Not going over points, but one night, it was pudding and jello for dinner.  This week, should be better, but I wretched my knee on Monday getting out of the car.  Today is the first day it didn't hurt every time I moved it.  So, hopefully, I'll get back to "normal" routine walking and such before too long.

Other than starting to bring #2 daughter home from college, not much has happened.  I'll try to post more, especially since we're going to Disney World at the end of the month.

Tax Day

Yep, it's April 15th, which is traditionally tax day, but for some reason, this year, it's April 17th.  Yeah, whatever.  It's trying to rain, but so far, it's only gotten a few sprinkles to the ground.

Anyway, after losing that whopping 4.8 pounds last week.  I was expecting to stay the same or maintain.  Much to my surprise, I lost another 2.2 pounds for a total of 34 pounds!  Way to go, Bev!  Which means, that the 10 pounds I wanted to lose before we go to Disney is going to be a reality.  Which also means that I need new bathing suits, new shorts and new just about everything.  This is so great, and I have to thank my wonderful husband for embarking on this journey with me this time.  I really hope this is the last time I have to make this journey, because it gets harder and harder every time I have to start over.  And my "year's goal" to get under 200 is becoming more and more of a reality.  This is so cool!!

Last day of spring break.

We made it to DC and home.  Walked about 10 miles a day (I wear a pedometer, so yeah, we really did walk about 10 miles a day!).  The only thing I didn't like, was the crowds at the National Zoo.  Otherwise, we had a wonderful trip.  We went to the National Cathedral, and it's still undergoing repairs from the earthquake last summer.  The place is gorgeous, though.  Also seen:  The National Gallery, the American Indian Museum (yes, that is what it's called), Georgetown and a walk around the Tidal Basin.  Yep, all in 3 1/2 days.  The hotel was nice, and it was right up a hill from a Metro stop.

Hubby found a WW center that wasn't too far from a Metro stop, so we went to weigh in.  I lost 4.8 pounds.  I don't believe it and hopefully won't gain it all back this week, b/c I'm drinking enough fluids.  But if it's real, and that means I don't gain it back this weigh in, then I have 5 pounds to lose before we go to Disney at the end of May.  Wow.  It was so exciting, but then I lost another point.  I wasn't used to the loss of a point the week before, and now to have another disappear?  Yeah, right.

Some of my smaller jeans fit, but some of them don't. Go figure.  I'm really going to have to go through all my clothes and see what fits, what is worth keeping and get rid of some the stuff that doesn't fit and is a "what was I thinking" purchase.  Not this week, b/c there isn't any room left in the garbage can!

Hopefully, it will be another "good" week at the scale.  Although, I'd take a stay even week right now!

DC tomorrow.

I should be packing, but I'm putzing around on the computer.  The weather is going to be a crap shoot for our trip.  The weather channel is saying in the 60's and sunny, which means jeans and a sweatshirt.  But do I bring something in case it gets warmer?  I'm bringing a skirt to weigh in, but should I bring that cute capri set I just got (in a smaller size, mind you)?  Oh the decisions.  And I may end up shopping today.  Yeah, I need to spend more money like I need a hole in the head, but I'm bored, and none of my clothes really fit anymore.  But on the other hand, I don't want to spend a lot on spring/summer clothes and then have to buy the next size down for our Disney trip, where I will need warm weather clothing.

So, I'll figure it out.  And maybe curl up with the latest Anita Blake novel, that I borrowed from the NYPL, via ebook lending.  So, it's still early.  Time to decide what to do today. . .

2 days until DC

So, it's the first "day" of spring break, and I'm doing laundry.  I'm also bored out of my mind, but that's to be expected.  I finally "borrowed" a book for my Nook from the NYPL, so I do have that to read, but I was going to read that on the train down to DC.  I need to get organized, make an appointment for my car and get packed, but that's also on the to do list for tomorrow.  When I was a kid, I never realized how much work it was for my Mom to go on vacation.  And we used to go for 2 weeks!  At least, this trip is just hubby and I.

We've found a WW center that isn't too far from a Metro stop.  And since hubby is doing WW with me, it will be a lot easier to stay on program.  Other than the iffy weather, this should be a nice break for the 2 of us, before all hell breaks loose with the after Easter stuff -- bringing #2 kid home from school!

10%

Woo Hoo!  I finally hit my 10% weight loss tonight, plus 2 more pounds.  I have lost a total of 27 pounds, this time around, which makes me so happy.  And hubby lost weight tonight as well.  Good week, even with the beer and ice cream!

Now, onto the NEXT 10%. . .

Spring Break

It's official.  The schools I sub at are on spring break.  Finally.  March is always a long month, unless Easter is early, and we get a week off at the end of it.  But Easter isn't until April 8th this year, so March was incredibly long and tedious.  Yes, daughter #2 had her spring break and we went to NYC and went to visit #1, but still.  It seemed to go on forever.  Next week, hubby and I will be taking the train to DC.  yeah, we've been taking the train a lot this year.  It's fun, it's not nearly as obnoxious as flying -- not as quick either, but you can bring liquids in bottles larger than 3 ounces!

And it's also a weigh in night.  I'm going to have to see what using all those extra WPAs last Saturday will do to my efforts.  Who knows, it may even "help".  We'll see.  And now, I have to figure out what I'm going to wear.  Such decisions.

Thursday, 2 days before spring break

So, it's Thursday, the second to last day before Spring Break.  It's been a long month.  We haven't had a snow day since October, and there aren't any holidays or days off in March.  The kids are feeling it, the teachers are feeling it as well.  The 3rd marking period ends tomorrow, so there aren't a lot of teachers out today, which means that I'm sitting here making a blog post instead of working.

I finally got approved and all the paperwork done to sub at another district, but it's smaller than my main subbing job, so there isn't anything there today either.  I don't feel like going to the gym, and since I'm still nursing my knees, I think that's a valid reason not to push it.  Besides, we're going to DC next week, and that's a lot of walking no matter which way you look at it.

Now, to get motivated to go to the post office, credit union and so forth to get ready for the trip.  I have to put money in my IRA for last year, and that deadline is fast approaching.

We get to go to our regular WW meeting this week.  Then, next week, all bets are off.  It's getting to be that time of year, again, when scheduling becomes "interesting".  Between getting #2 daughter home from college for the summer, and vacation, and whatnot, WW meetings get pushed to the back burner.  Well, maybe we can find one in DC.  At least hubby is keeping me honest!

Chilly Tuesday

Well, at least the sun is out.  I'm exhausted.  I guess running around for a week is finally catching up with me.  I finally got board approval to sub in another district.  It's only taken over a year.  So, I get to go get a picture ID tomorrow.  But, I digress.  I tired and sore, so guess what I don't feel like doing?  That's right exercising.  And I've got several more loads of laundry to do.

My left knee is feeling much better, but the right knee, not so much.  Looks like I'm going to have to try this synthetic joint fluid, which is the next step (to avoid surgery).  Yeah, I'm going to have to have a knee replacement in the future, but if I can stave it off for several more years, that suits me just fine.  It's been a long week, and it's going to feel even longer.  Spring break starts on Saturday, so it's going to feel like Friday will never get here, and once it does, it will never end.

Speaking of Friday, I get to go to my regular WW meeting.  Then next week, we're going to DC Wednesday until Saturday, so we don't know which meeting, if any, we'll be able to get to.  Oy, it's getting to be that time of year, when the schedule fills up -- with stuff I don't want to do, but have to do.  Pretty soon, the #2 daughter will be home for the summer.

All for now, I'm beat.

Empty nest, again

#2 daughter is back at school.  We visited #1 daughter before we took #2 back.  We went to a brewery, and both hubby and I had 2 glasses of beer (included with the price of the tour!).  So, I spent an extra 27 WPA on Saturday.  It was fun, but I doubt if I will do that again soon.

Today, I went to see the orthopedic surgeon.  2 more shots of cortisone, one in each knee.  I am not feeling it right now.  I hope I feel better in the next couple of days, b/c this doesn't cut it.  We took #2 daughter to NYC for an overnight.  Went to MoMA.  Hubby's employer is a corporate sponsor of the museum, so instead of costing us $75 to get in, it was "only" $10.  We used points to stay at the Comfort Inn, which was very nice, and then saw Anything Goes on Broadway.  We did a lot of walking, so I'm feeling the effects of too much walking and stiff knees.

Time for some more ibuprofen and then time for bed.

Yee Haw!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I can't believe that March is half over.  This year is flying by.  And it's been 2 weeks since I last posted.  Yikes!

Let's see, as far as my weight loss journey, it's been really, really, really slow.  In the right direction, but it's been -0.6 last week and -0.4 this week.  In all the years I've been going to WW, I have never lost this slowly.  I still haven't reached my 10% goal yet.  That being said, maybe this time, it will stick.

Exercising is still a big issue. Last week, hubby and I walked the Walkway, which is about 2.6 miles round trip.  You kinda have to go over and back, since the Walkway crosses the Hudson, unless you take 2 cars and leave one on the other side, which is really silly, since parking is interesting (to say the least) on the other side of the bridge.  And I went for a walk along this one road in Poughkeepsie, which has a sidewalk next to the golf course with my BFF.  And still, it was less than half a pound this week.  Oh well.  Next week is not going to be stellar, since #2 daughter is home from college and we'll probably eat out a lot more often since she's home.  We are also going to spend Wednesday night in NYC, so who knows whether we can find low points foods or not.  Granted, we will walk a lot, and I'm going to wear my pedometer, but still.  Then next weekend, we'll take #2 daughter back to college via #1 daughter's apartment.  We're going to have an early Easter celebration, since neither one will be able to get home for the actual holiday.

Over "my" spring break, hubby and I are going to DC for a few days.  So, while we miss the girls, we are finding that it's not so bad having an "empty nest".  We are getting to know each other again.  Since hubby is doing WW with me, it's a lot easier, since we don't want empty calories in the house.

So, while everything is going really slowly, it's going and in the right direction.  I need to stop getting discouraged and just keep on keeping on!

Argh! The scale's not moving

Weigh in tonight, and I'm the exact same weight as I was last Friday.  I guess, it's good that I didn't gain any weight, but still.  This time, it's been so hard, and the scale has been barely budging at times.  I have to make a plan and stick to it.  I've got the food part done, but I really, really, really need to get on a regular schedule for exercise.  This hit or miss method isn't doing anyone any good.

That being said, my exercise goal this week is getting to the gym 2x OR doing at least 30 minutes of one of my exercise tapes OR one of each.  If I can make it more than that, all the better, but right now, I can really only commit to twice. Yeah, eventually, I'd like to do something everyday, but right now, we'll start with 2 days.  And I would like to get at least 10 minutes of "laps" at school during a prep or lunch period.

There you have it.  I've put it out there for anyone to see.  Here's to a successful week!

It fits!

You know that commercial, where a woman "calls" Progresso soups and says "it fits!"  Well, I had one of those moments this week.  This pair of black cords were taking up space in my drawer.  I've lost enough weight, that I can wear some things in this size.  Not all, and it depends on how much stretch and a lot of other things are in the fabric.  Well, this pair of black cords fit!  And I can sit down and breathe in them.  So, it's exciting to be able to get back into some of the things that I outgrew a while back.  It's exciting, and I'm going to have to go "shopping" in my closet!

Another non scale victory!

Happy Leap Day

Since it's been a mild winter, leap day this year, a major storm is headed our way.  A bunch of schools are either closed or closing early.  So far, there isn't anything precipitating, and my district is open and hasn't announced that they are closing early.  And of course, I don't have a subbing job today.  I could have gone to the junior high (not my first, second or even last choice) or the "other" high school, which is about 20 minutes away.  If the skies weren't going to open up later this morning, I probably would have taken one of the jobs at the other high school.  But, if we really do get this mess of a snow/ice/sleet/rain storm that is predicted, I don't want to be that far away from home.  So, I'm sitting here, typing away.

I haven't done much exercising since I got back from Florida.  And my knees are complaining about it.  I'm going to have to step it up, since I just made reservations to go to Walt Disney World in May.  It's sort of a very belated graduation trip -- both girls graduated last spring, and since it was more than a bit crazy, we didn't do anything to really celebrate.  And what's even better, #1 daughter is paying most of her own way!  We are staying longer than I would like, but airfares being what they are, and the girls can go "play" on their own!  So, I'm going to have to get out the DVDs or get my fanny to the gym!

WW is moving along.,  I was down a "net" of almost 2 pounds after the trip to Florida.  What's even better is that this pair of cords, a size smaller, and NOT a plus sized variety, FITS!  Hubby is down almost 40 pounds and has gone down at least 2 pants sizes.  Yeah, we went shopping to get him some jeans that aren't falling off his hiney!  #1 daughter is also watching what she eats, and has lost about 25 pounds since before Thanksgiving and is down at least a size.  All that being said, #2 daughter says that it's not "fun" being home, since everyone is on a "diet"!  Oh well, I'm actually starting to like this "new and improved" lifestyle.  However, I can see where it's really easy to fall back into old habits.  So, I will be watching what I eat, and thinking about food this way for the rest of my life.  I think that's a major NSV!

Home again, Home again

Well, I survived the trip to Florida and home again on the train.  Other than the restrooms in our car on the way down stopped working, the trip was uneventful.  Spent some time with the parents.  Got to walk on the beach, although, it was a little hard, since there were tropical storm force wind gusts that day, and it felt like we were being sand blasted. :)  Now, it's back to "normal", whatever that means.

Hubby and I even went to a WW meeting to weigh in.  Didn't stay for the meeting, but wanted to see how we were doing this week. And I lost 3.6 pounds!  How did that happen?  Right now, I'm 1.2 pounds away from my 10% weight loss.  This has taken me longer than any other time I've tried WW.  Hopefully, that means that this time, it will stick.  And yes, it was really a lot easier staying on program with Hubby doing it as well.  We had bought some oranges from a grove my parents go to, and we ate a lot of oranges this week.  Now, to keep up the positive results.

Well, I have to finish up the laundry and get everything else put away.  It was a nice break in the routine, but now it's back to winter and wearing coats and jeans!

20 down, a lot more to go!

I finally hit the 20 pound loss mark.  It's taken, like forever this time around.  Although, since it's taking a lot longer, maybe this time, it will become second nature, and I won't start heading back up after a few more pounds lost.

We leave for Florida in 2 days.  I really can't wait.  The weather has turned cold, as in, more like real winter weather, so I'm not going to miss the cold.  We are just about packed.  We have snacks and food for the train.  Things are looking good!

One week away from Florida!!

Hubby and I decided to go to Florida to visit with my parents.  Mom will turn 80 this year, and we hadn't been down to see them for a while.  So, we started making plans.  Since we wanted to go over President's Day weekend (minimum number of lost work days for me), it was a lot cheaper to take the train down.  Yes, it takes 24 hours to get from our train station to Deland, but it's the same amount of time as driving, and we can sleep or do whatever for the trip down and back.

In other "news", I have been exercising more often, and all parts of me have been sore.  Various muscles that haven't been "used" recently.  And today, I just walked on the treadmill for 45 minutes (yeah, I went to the gym, I met a friend there, and we talked the whole time!)  and there are parts that are sore from that!  Oh man, I will be happy when things don't hurt everytime they are moved!

Ground Hog Day

It's Ground Hog Day, and I think, but I'm not sure that Phil (the groundhog) saw his shadow.  Oh well, if it's another 6 weeks of winter like we've been having, I won't complain.  We got the tickets yesterday for our trip to Florida, so we'll be taking the train down in a couple weeks.  We'll be spending 4 days with my parents, and that's enough for me.

Since it's been so nice, I've been walking around the block and not going to the gym.  I'm still getting exercise, and also get the chance to get out and enjoy the 60 degree weather yesterday.  Yep, the first day of February was 60 degrees here.  I'm loving this winter.  I changed my tickets for the local community theater from the Saturday we'll be gone to this Saturday.  I have a call into my hairdresser for a cut (and more) before leaving as well.  Now to figure out if my bathing suit still fits me.  I hate to try on bathing suits, and I'm hoping that one of my older "models" will fit at least for this trip, so I don't have to go out and try to find one that does.

So, I'm in a pretty good mood today.  I've even looked up where to find a WW meeting when we get to Mom's.  It's so much easier doing this with hubby on board!

Weight loss update

Okay, here goes.  I need to update my "journey".  I went to WW last night, and weighed in, as per normal and I was down 1.4 lb.  So, the total so far is -19.4.  Yeah, I'm 0.6 lb away from -20 lbs.  So, why does that make me crazy?  I don't know, but to hit that 20 lb mark has alluded me for a while.  Granted, my 10% is -25 lb, and that is really alluding me.  But I feel that if I can make it to the 20 lb mark, I can get to the 10%.  So, in case you are counting, I weighed in at 230.6 last night.  It's been incredibly slow this time, but hopefully that means that I'm actually changing my eating habits and I will continue to use them even after I reach my goal weight.

And it really helps that hubby is on this journey with me!

I guess rain is better than snow. . .

It's Friday, and it's raining.  It's been raining for several hours, and will continue to do so for several more, if the weather people are correct.  And since it's January, rain is definitely better than snow, at least for me.

Anyhow, I've gone to the gym for the last 2 days.  Yesterday, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, and then went and used the weight machines on the "30 minute express" circuit. Today, my arms feel like they are going to fall off.  I knew it had been a long time since I've done any weight working out, but I didn't expect this.  So, I guess I'm going to have to do the weight machines more often.  Like every other day, more often.  Today, I just walked on the treadmill for 45 minutes.  Now, I'm a little sore, but I mostly feel good.  I really have to get back into the habit of cardio and then cardio/weights every other day.  I'm sure that more exercise will enhance my weight loss efforts and help me to keep up with hubby's weight loss.

I'm meeting a friend for lunch.  I haven't really seen her for several years.  I'm pretty sure I know what I'm going to order (one of the nice things about the internet, restaurants put their menus online, this one didn't have nutritional information, but at least I know what's in it!)  And then weigh in is tonight.  It's been a long week, and I am looking forward to the weekend!

Exercise

So, I figured out that taking 9500 steps during the day earns me 5 points.  Really?  Just walking for (almost) the recommended number of steps earns 5 points?  Okay, so I can also take a 25 minute walk with moderate exertion will earn 3 points, so I guess that makes sense.

Why did I figure out how many points 9500 steps were?  I went shopping yesterday instead of going to the gym.  I wore my pedometer both at school (running around during regents week is par for the course) and then shopping.  Between the 2, I logged in about 9500 steps.  And since WW has an activity converter for steps with an "all day" setting, that's what I used.  5 activity points!  Today, I went for a walk, since it's still pretty nice out, and that's why I know that a 25 minute walk earns 3 points.  So, I've earned half of the "recommended" exercise points in just 2 days.  I'm going to have to log in those daily steps more often.

Doing well tracking, it's hubby's fault.  So, it's slow, but steady in the right direction.  He's doing much better than me, but then, he's male (duh) and he's never done a weight reduction program, so his metabolism isn't as screwed up as mine.  Oh yeah, he's also not a post menopausal woman, which I'm told also hinders quick weight loss.

Tomorrow, I'm not working, so I'll go to the gym in the morning.  I'll get back into this exercise thing, eventually.

End of first semester

I am a substitute teacher, and this year has been one of the toughest yet.  A few kids (although, it seems to be more than last year) are completely disrespectful and downright nasty.  So, while a few things about the end of the first semester are melancholy, I'm glad that this year is about half over.  In our state, we have what they call regents exams.  Not having grown up here, I never had to take these tests as a kid.  And with the passing of no child left behind, a lot of these tests have been dumbed down, so an overwhelming number of kids can pass them, provided they put in the effort needed to study and learn the material.  That being said, these tests are torture, both for the kids and for the teachers.  They are 3 hours long, and our district times them such that the kids have to sit for the entire 3 hours.  The state has a "last entry" time, and since we start about 3 hours before then, we get to sit for the 3 hours.  In my several years of proctoring these exams, I think I've seen about a dozen kids use the entire time.  Most are done with at least a half hour to spare.  It doesn't seem like long, but when you have to sit there, no other reading materials, no phones or iPods, it's torture.  Although, I've seen some interesting art work on the back of test booklets -- what else is there to do.

So, today marks the first day of January regents.  The tests are offered in January, mainly for those who failed them before, and the kids have to pass 5 of them to graduate.

OTOH my daughters thought that the regents were too easy.  And they were among those done in an hour, and then had to sit there for 2 hours doing pretty much nothing.  #2 would usually draw something on the booklet or scratch paper.  I'm not sure what #1 did, since it's been a while since she's taken a regents exam.

Time to make my lunch and see which test I get to proctor.  At least there are limited numbers of kids in the building, and while I generally have to run from point A to point B, it's an easy week.

Toodles

It's Friday!

It's Friday, and the snow we got last night, didn't even amount to a dusting.  That being said, we're supposed to get 3-7 inches tonight.  And we take #2 back to college on Sunday.  Oh well.  I hope that the predictions are correct, and it clears up and warms up on Sunday, so we shouldn't have any trouble.  yeah, right.

I'd like to report that I have exercised FOUR times this week.  #2 "forced" me to go for a walk this afternoon. So I bundled up and we walked to the coffee shop that's about a mile away.  Damn, it was cold, but we rested and had some coffee (she had hot chocolate) and then walked home.  Needless to say, my knee did not like the cold, and coming home, the cold air hurt my teeth.  But I did it.  So, I earned 11 activity points this week!  Weigh in tonight.

Thursday

There is another dinky snowstorm predicted for tonight.  We got about an inch Monday night, and there wasn't even a delay, but the roads were sloppy.  Today, there was a thin layer of frost on the car, that would not scrape off.  We're supposed to get about an inch tonight, and then there is a coastal storm brewing for tomorrow night.  I guess winter finally decided it was time to torture us.

That being said, I went to the gym on Monday, then again after school on Wednesday -- that 1/2 donut during school didn't help me, but did help my resolve.  Today, #2 didn't want to go to the gym "it's boring", could we go for a walk?  I told her to step outside.  It's a bit chilly (no, downright cold) today.  So, we went to the mall and did 2 laps, then went shopping.  She got a pair of sparkly shoes (for $6) and then we got some soda and stuff at Target.  Not exactly what I had in mind, but at least it got me moving.

My honey bells came today.  They are so sweet, and I've already eaten 2 of them.  Good thing fruit is zero points these days!  Tomorrow is weigh in, so we'll see if the exercise offset the donut and cookies (#2 made cookies, and they were pure evil.  I ate about 5 of them, she had left them on a rack, right in front of me, and they kept calling my name!  I put them away, so I wouldn't see them!)

Monday, Monday

MLK day.  No school.  It's beautiful outside, although the temperature isn't so nice.  No clouds in the sky, but it's really cold.  Guess winter couldn't stay away!  As long as we don't get snow when we have to take #2 back to school.

I went to the gym this morning and did a half hour on the treadmill.  My knee started to hurt towards the end, but otherwise, it felt really good. I know it feels good, and I know it's good for me, so why don't I want to go more often?  I dragged #2 with me, and it took her 3 machines to find one she was willing to use for the time I was on the treadmill.  Then she complained that her butt was numb, from sitting on the upright exercise bike.  Why did she use the upright?  Because there were only "old people" using the recumbent ones!

So, I'm starting the week out with a trip to the gym, and a post here.  Great start to the week.  I'm working on getting caught up with mundane household chores like the dishes and laundry today.  Yippee.  I've got dinner in the crock pot, so all is good.  Next load of wash awaits me.  Toodles.

It's Sunday, oops

I meant to write more, I really did.  But sometimes, life has a habit of getting in the way of best laid plans.  So, now, it's Sunday evening.  The Giants just won (Go Blue!) and I'm not keeping up with posts.

At weigh in on Friday, I was down 0.8.  That puts me up to a total of -18.4 (I think).  I'm not keeping track of the numbers as much as I used to, as long as they are going in the right direction.  I wore a skirt on Friday, that I haven't been able to button in over a year.  Yay Bev!  Hubby is still ahead, but he's keeping me on track.  Tomorrow is MLK day, so I'm going to drag #2 daughter to the gym with me.  She goes back to college in a week, so she can come keep me company while I do the treadmill.

Winter decided to make it's presence known today.  No snow, but the high today was about 26.  Where #1 daughter lives, the morning temperature was -14.  Yes, that's a negative number!  She supposedly got her heat fixed, but it's not where it should be.  I hope her pipes didn't freeze last night.

So, we've decided to go to Disney World this May after #2 gets done with the spring semester.  Still have to look at air fares and decide when and what we are going to do.  The most expensive part of the trip is the admission tickets.  Not the airfare, not the on site rooms, it's the admission.  There is something wrong with that picture.  But it's fun, and with hubby doing WW with me, it should be a "good" vacation.  Anyway, we haven't done much besides talk about it, so I'll let you know more when I have definite plans.

Exercise Ball

Hubby got me an exercise ball for Christmas.  Today was the first time I tried to do the video.  There are two on the DVD, a "regular", 40 minute workout and an "express", 20 minute workout.  Since I have to go to work at 10:30, I opted for the express one.  All I can say is "oh wow".  I knew I was out of shape, and my knees aren't what they used to be, but even the modified version was a bit much.  I'm not nearly as flexible as the instructor, so some of the moves/exercises are going to take some practice.  So, now that I've finally caught my breath, I can say that I now have a viable option to going to the gym.  It will be easier, once daughter #2 gets her stuff out of the living room, but I will be able to get through the entire express workout and not feel like I got hit by a mack truck!

So, now it's off to shower and get ready to go to work.  At least it's a beautiful sunny day today!  Storm coming tonight.  Will it be snow or rain?  We'll see tomorrow.

Gloomy Tuesday

So, I've already "fallen off the wagon" as far as posting more often.  No posts since last Friday.  Geez, I couldn't even make it 10 days.  Oh well, that's not the point of this anyway, so I should just keep trying to be more regular.

It's really gloomy out today.  It's been a mild winter, so far, but it's really been gray and yucky out.  I've been super tired this week, and not sleeping well, so I'm wondering if the 2 are related.  When I'm this tired, especially after school, I really don't feel like going to the gym.  I know that exercising will give me more energy, but right now, I don't even have the gumption to drive the 5 minutes to the gym.   I also, don't have much of an appetite, which is a good thing.

I've got subbing jobs for most of the rest of the month, so that's a good thing.  #2 daughter goes back to college in a little less than 2 weeks.  #1 daughter adopted two kitties, so I guess I could say I now have grand-kitties.

I'm lacking motivation to even make this post any longer.  So, I'll sign off for now, and maybe tomorrow. . .

Friday, Friday

Hubby hit his 10% tonight.  I lost 3.4, which is a pound more than I gained last week.  So, most, if not all of it was water gain.  My knee is feeling a lot better, and my mood has improved significantly.

I'm still 7+ pounds away from my 10%, but it's good.   I'm going in the right direction, and since hubby joined, I am tracking and staying on target more than I have in years.  I will make that goal this year.  I believe that I will get under 200 for the first time in about 5 years.  So, now it's time to plan the dinners for next week.

Motivation is rising

So, I went to the gym yesterday, in spite of lacking motivation.  I got on a treadmill next to a friend I haven't seen in years -- since our Girl Scout council merged with several others in the area, and it's just not the same.  We chatted about her girls and mine, brought each other up to date on what each of our kids are doing, and just talked about other acquaintances and mutual friends.  It made the half hour on the treadmill go much faster.  I went again today, and might have overdone it.  My knee is a bit shaky, so we'll see how it feels in an hour or so. Yes, I have more energy, but man, I'm hungrier than I've been in weeks!

I have a job for tomorrow, so I'm not sure if I'll make it after work.  I did get an exercise ball for Christmas, so I may try that video after school tomorrow.  I think it would be less stress on my knee.  So, I'm starting the year on the right track, as far as moving more is concerned.  I'm going to have to figure out how to tame this hungry beast, so the moving more doesn't backslide into out of control eating, again.

Otherwise, it's bitter cold out today.  I shouldn't complain too much, since we've had a mild winter so far.  But it's just the beginning of January, and anything is possible.  I don't have a kid in high school anymore, so snow days only effect my getting paid or not.   #2 daughter goes back to college in 2 1/2 weeks.  While I love having her home, I'm also missing having all my own space.  And the water bill will go back down!

Enough ramblings.  I should go shower and get to the store.  And maybe it will warm up enough to not freeze my yayas off!

A new year, but the same motivation

As I sit here, drinking coffee and typing, I realize that I really should get my butt off the chair and get dressed to go to the gym.  That being said, I'm still typing and drinking my coffee.  It's not that I don't want to go to the gym, I don't want to get ready, drive there and then do some sort of cardio workout.  Since my knee is still touchy, can I feel justified skipping the exercise this morning?  Of course not, but still, the thought has occurred to me.

I can eat well, and stay on program, but the thought of actually going to the gym and spending a half hour on either the treadmill or exercise bike doesn't do much for me right now.  I know, I'll feel a lot better if I go.  I know it will help me with my weight loss journey, but that still doesn't motivate me to get moving.  Granted, it's about 10 degrees outside this morning, the first really cold morning of the season, but that's not an excuse either.

So, I'll finish my coffee, and then go get some sweats on to make the trip to the gym and actually get some movement into my life, again.  It shouldn't be so hard.  I used to love going to to the gym everyday.  Granted, that was about 10 years ago.  Why has my mind set changed so radically?  Well, I'm older, and more "things" hurt.  I can easily find many other things to do instead of going to the gym.  And right now, I just don't want to.

I'm done with the cup of coffee.  So, I guess I should get dressed and get a move on it.  The longer I take getting there, the long it will take me to finish.  So, away we go.

Wind and sun, oh my!

Wow, two days in a row.  It rained yesterday, but today is "nice" and sunny.  Although, I can hear the wind whipping around outside.  It is January, you know, and that means winter weather.  We've been lucky this year.  The "only" snow we've had is that stupid storm Halloween weekend, which knocked power out for a week to some parts of this area.  So, I shouldn't complain. .  .  And maybe we will be able to take down the outside decorations today, and put Christmas away until next December.  Usually, I am sad to see the decorations come down.  This year, for some reason, I can't wait to get the house back to normal.  We took the tree down yesterday, and put away most of the inside decorations, so I'm getting my house back, but I'm still itching to get those lights down and start the "new year" fresh.

My knee feels better than it has in a week.  So, hopefully, that's on the mend.  If I don't get the phone call for a job tomorrow (yeah, substitute teachers work like that), then I'm going to try to see if I can use the treadmill or exercise bike at the gym.  I haven't been to the gym in several months, so this will be interesting, to say the least.

We have gotten most of the junkie food out of the house, either thrown it out, yes, I actually threw out some cookies that weren't "worth" the points. (First time for everything) or the kids have consumed it.  2012 is starting out in the right direction.  Now, let's see what else today may bring.

Happy New Year

No, I haven't been as "good" about posting on a regular basis, but I'm going to try to this year.  So, what are my "goals" for this year?  Resolutions always get broken, so I'm setting some goals.

1.  I'd like to get under 200 lb. this year.  It's less than losing a pound a week, so I feel it is an obtainable goal.  But that said, it also requires some effort on my part.  Which includes; planning menus, exercising (if my knee ever feels "normal" again), and being vigilant.  No excuses.

2.  Read more.  If this is possible, I'd like to read more, which means learn how to borrow e-books from the library, otherwise, I'm going to go broke.  I've had a Nook for a few years, and hubby got me a Kindle for Christmas, so there is another "no excuses" for this one.

3.  Stress less.  If something is beyond my control, then let it go.  Take care of things I can control, and let the rest find where it's supposed to be.  I'm not saying that I won't stress at all, but this is one thing I'm going to try and to not worry about everything and it's brother.

4.  Make 2012 a year for the "record books".  We'll see how this one plays out!

Have a wonderful New Year!  Everyone needs a new beginning!