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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

WW Weigh In #1= 2.4 lb loss!!

Drum roll please........(insert funny tongue noise here).....

WW Weight In #1: -2.4 pounds!!!

I am really happy with my loss this week. I think I have fnally got my mind wrapped around this whole weightloss thing=)

I realize that I've been keeping myself from going for my dream of becoming a writer. I keep telling myself that noone will be my agent once they see how big I am. I also don't want to have my picture taken for the back cover with me looking so fat. But instead of doing something about it so I can go for my dream, I use it as an excuse. I am tired of being scared of the future. I do want to look good on the back cover, so let's do soemthing about it!!

Confession: I really, really, really want to eat a whole pint of icecream right now!! But I won't!!

Cheer: I loost 2.4 pounds this week!!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

What a great day!!

Things at school are really starting to add up and I am super tired. But on a high note, I had a really great day!! Eating wise and work wise. For teachers, we have to have an administrator come into our classroom and observe how we teach. I always get so nervous about this. I know I am a great teacher, but it still makes me crazy when someone is watching me. I had a great observation today and my kiddos were sooo good!!

Eating wise, I haven't been perfect this first week, but who ever is perfect? I am not going to beat myself up for anything I did this week. I know I will show a loss tomorrow at WW. I am really looking forward to it. Wish me luck!!

Confession: I totally hid a bag of peanut butter M&Ms in the car on the way home. And I totally hid it from my two kids!! LOL

Cheer: I am really happy with my eating today. I have been staying on my points too!!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Highs and Lows

WW Day 3

I wish I could tell you that yesterday I was just spot on. I was about halfway there....

I started off really well and ended up eating out of stress and frustration. Things at work aren't going too well. Teaching was not all I had hoped it to be. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching kids who need my help, but when the administration comes in and focuses more on test scores and nothing else, then it becomes depressing. It's like they don't see us making a difference and teaching quality things. All they care about is test scores. Almost makes me want to quit and start a whole new career. Still related to education, but something else maybe.

So, anyways....I found myself scarfing down snacks. Not too bad, but enough to make me feel guilty afterwards. Plus, my husband came home around 7:30 last night, so we just had some fast food for dinner. I am going to count my points on it though.

Confession: I did end up breaking down and had a coke yesterday=(

Cheer: For lunch I had gotten my son McDonalds for being so good at the doctors office, but I went home and made myself a sandwich instead!! That was really hard for me not to order too, but I knew we might be having fast food for dinner, and I didn't want it twice in one day.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Potty Dance

WW- Day 2

The one bad thing about getting all of your water in for the day is the many trips to the bathroom that you take.

Now, this wouldn't normally be a problem...but I am a teacher!! I also work outside in a portable unit....several feet from the nearest restroom!! Thank goodness I have a great set of kiddos who I can trust to leave for a short period of time (with the neighbor teacher watching of course!) to let me go and take care of business.

It has even become a joke in the classroom when they see me doing the "Potty Dance." After several minutes of this dance they finally just yell at me to go to the bathroom. LOL

I found this funny photo online that I had to share. This is what I look like standing in front of my classroom!! Enjoy!!


Confession: I had a few cookies today...just three...and they were small.....not too bad right?

Cheer: I counted my points today and even got in all of my water!! I even counted those cookies in=)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

WW- Day 1

So, I have some great news and some not so great news today...

The great news: I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting and I had a great time!! Everyone was so friendly and the leader even remembered my first name!!

The bad news: I have gained sooo much weight!! My first weigh in was 196.6. How depressing is that? I'm not going to let it bother me and bring me down. That just means I have to work a little harder!!

The bad news 2: I got a speeding ticket on my way to the WW meeting. I was going 10 miles over. This is my third ticket since I turned 16 about 10 years ago. Stupid cop!! LOL

Confession: I went over my points value today and have already had to dip in my extra weekly points.

Cheer: I tracked everything I ate today!! I was really happy with it being online and easy to access. I found myself enjoying counting points today!!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Storm before the Calm

Yah, yah, yah...I know the saying goes "The calm before the storm," but tomorrow night starts my official day of Weight Watchers.

Now I know what you are thinking...didn't you say a few posts ago that you were going to go ahead and start eating like you were already on WW?

Yah....I said that....but it hasn't really been that way. I am here to confess that I have eaten so horribly this week that tonight my stomach is on knots and is destroying me from inside. I guess I deserve it though for eating all of that crap.

Tonight my last hoorah before WW is cookies. I am also going to try and go all week without having a soda. So tonight I am having a Dr. Pepper. My favorite.

So, that is why this post is called the Storm before the Calm. Because I'm eating as if there is no tomorrow. I know that I can eat whatever I want to. That this is not a diet but a lifestlye change. But...this is hos it is going to be.

Go ahead and leave me horrible comments....I deserve them!! LOL

I will post about the WW meetng tomorrow night!!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Magazine week!!

If you had told me a last year that I would be excited to receive fitness magazines in the mail...I would have laughed at you. But it's true!!

The first week of each month is magazine week. I had signed up for two magazines over the summer and I just LOVE getting them in the mail!! I subscribed to Health and Self magazine. I read them cover to cover and I really have a great time sitting on the couch after the boys have gone to bed.

If you don't have a magazine subscription to a healthy magazine, I suggest you get one. It keeps me focused or helps me get through a tough spot.

Yeah for magazine week!!

Confession: I had a margarita at dinner tonight. I keep trying to prepare for WW next week, but boy was today tiring!!

Cheer: I started talking to some women about keeping healthy on WW. I am the one who opened up the convo!!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Looking Forward

I am looking forwad to going to WW next week. I am trying to not think of this week as an "eat everything in sight before I am put on a strict eating plan" week.

I'm happy to say that I have been cooking at home this week. Something that hasn't happened in awhile. I think my hubby has been happy with it too. I enjoy looking for deals and shopping at the store. My hubby has been watching the boys for me, so I see shopping for groceries as a time to relax and enjoy time for myself.

Last weeks bill was only $40 and that was including diapers. How did I get this so cheaply? I found the Kraft Food & Family website that has this feature called 5 meals in a bag. I got everything that they said to get and it as so cheap!! It even includes the nutritional info as well!! My hubby is happy about the price and I am starting to enjoy cooking at home again. The one thing that has kept me happy about cooking is that I have been cleaning up as soon as we are done eating. When the kitchen is clean, I want to cook!!

Confession: Still need to kick the coke habit before next week!! And the sugar one too!! LOL

Cheer: I am doing so well about not eating out!!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

WW Decision

The decision to close out my YMCA gym membership and change it to a Weight Watchers membership has been the topic of discussion around the house this week. I LOVE going to the gym, but my youngest son does not like it. He cries the whole time and they end up having to come and get me, thus cutting my workout short.

Because of this, I have decided to cancel my membership and wait until he is a little older to start it back up again. He is 15 months and I feel like I should wait until he is two or three years old before I go back. It was costing me 80 bucks a month and I was only going a few times a month.

I talked to my husband about maybe switching it over to WW and it would be cheaper. I told him I can't do this alone. He agreed and so starting the first week of November, I will be going to WW on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm. It is at a WW clinic, one I went to a few years ago, and I really like the leader that is there. She is sooo super nice.

So, I will update you throughout the week and let you know how I am doing. I'm not going to wait to start WW to start eating healthy. I want to get this party started!! LOL

Confession: I ate too much of my mommy's cake this afternoon.

Cheer: I didn't just quit the gym and do nothing about it. I made a second plan of action instead of giving up!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Slow and Steady

Thanks for the encouragment guys!! I really needed it and I knew my blogger family would be there to help me pick up the pieces.

I haven't gotten up early this week to workout. I have been really watching what I eat though. I have been bringing my lunch to work instead of eating snack bar or going out. We have also been eating in the house at night too. It feels so nice to sit at my own home and eat with no other distractions. It has been awhile.

I am really excited because tomorrow my friend Allison and her family (new baby!!) are coming over for dinner. I am going to serve something healthy and I am really happy to see her. I haven't seen her in a few months!! I hope that we could maybe make this a weekly ritual. I think it would both help us out. We used to go eat out every week with each other, but financialy and it not being so healthy, has taken a toll on us both. I hope that we can get healthy with each other. I hope to be friends with her for a long time and I want us both to be around for awhile.

Confession: I was too tired to cook dinner tonight.

Cheer: I only had one Diet Coke today!! Better than the three or four I was having a few days ago!!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Biggest Loser

So, I am sitting here watching The Biggest Loser (my fav show) and I am just in tears....

I am usually crying about the people on the show, but tonight I am crying for myself. I have fallen off the wagon and have not had any motivation to get up at 5am and workout. I havent been to the gym in a few weeks and I remember how much fun I had while there.

I need to get my butt up and do this!!!

What have you done today to make yourself proud??

I'm back guys for good!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Stress

Last Weeks Weight: 189
This Weeks Weight: 189.5

Stress is my number one trigger. I am the kind of person where when I go to bed at night it takes a good 30 minutes formy brain to shut off. I think about things from the day, usually the bad things, and then think about all ofthe crazy things I have to do in the week, and sometimes the month.

Some of my stresses include, but are not limited to: Husband drama, children drama, work drama, homework drama, bills drama, food drama, and the fear of failure. That's a lot going on in my head and it happens all day long.

So what do I do to cope with the stress? I eat sugar. I go to the store and buy a big bag of chocolate, not the individual size at the cashier, the enough for five people bag of chocolate. Then I lay in my bed and proceed to eat the whole bag. Of course my children are taking a nap so I don't have to share any of it with them. Or I hide it in my desk at work and eat it in between classes.

Last night my husband and I got into a class at argument when he tried to be intimate with me and I pushed him away. The stress I have had these past few months have just shut me down in that department. How can I be intimate with my partner if I don't feel good about myself? He gotupset with me andI just had to tell him everything that was bothering me. In the end, after about an hour or two of talking, we came to the conculsion that we both need to help each other out at home.

One thing I did realize, is that one way that I can positively get rid of stress is go to the gym. I plan on going every Mon, Wedn, and Fri. He said I needed to find something I like to do, and right now, running is it.

Confession: I am starting to realize some eating disorder habits of mine and I am trying to nip that in the bud fast.

Cheer: I bought a new cookbook today and I plan on doing a new recipe every day this week!! Better than eating out!!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Broken Foot

No, I'm not the one with a broke foot. My four year-old is the one with a fractured bone and needs a cast. He was running in Home Depot, like I told him not to do, and he rounded the corner too fast and slipped. He landed on his foot. At first he looked fine. He was limping a little bit, but it just looked like a sprain or he just twisted it. Well, then yesterday when I went to go pick him up after work, it was swollen and purple. I took him to an emergency clinic because all of the doctor's offices were closed. And after a few x-rays....we found out he has a fractured bone and needs a cast. =(

Things with me are okay. I'm still excited about running. My food is crazy because my stomach is still not over this flu thing. I just look at food and it makes me want to hurl. Not cool.

Well, I'll let you know what happens at the doctor!!

Confession: I had chicken nuggets from McD's last night because I needed something to eat and they were bland enough to eat.

Cheer: I have really been paying attention to my body and what it needs. I think I am more intune with my triggers.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

What a great workout!!

I wish that Houston had a huge mountain in it somewhere so I could climb it and declare from the top that I have had THE BEST WORKOUTS EVER!!!!

You know that feeling right after a good workout where you feel like you could conquer the world?? Well, I have had the feeling for the last two days. I feel FANTASTIC!!

Yesterday I went to the gym and walked for 3 minutes as a warm-up, then I jogged (4.5mph) for 12 minutes, and then walked for 5 and then jogged for 8 minutes, and then sprinted the last 2 minutes. Can you believe that? I have never ran for 12 minutes before. I wasn't even out of breath, my legs were just getting a little wobbly.

Today, I decided to take the day off. My two sons have a regular babysitter who takes them to Mother's Day Out program, well I took them and then went and saw a movie!! I did this all by myself!! I was so proud. But before the movie I went to the gym again and ran for 15 minutes straight!!! It took me 15 mintues to run 1 mile, but I did it. I wasn't even out of breath!! My legs got wobbly again. They will get stronger after doing this more and more.

Anyways, I am just super proud of myself.

Confession: I had popcorn at the movie today, but it made me sick with all of the butter and salt, so I didn't finish it. Actually, I wasn't even close.

Cheer: I had a great workout!! Woohoo!! I took time off for myself!!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Sorry Guys

Sorry I haven't been updating and leaving comments like I have been. The stress in my life is kinda starting to get to me. I had the stomach flu last week and I'm still not 100%. My appetite hasn't really come back yet. I am more just eating because I know it is lunch time or dinner time and that I need to eat so I don't faint.

This stomach flu has really made me think of food though. How food should be seen as something to fuel your body. All of that junk food is not fuel, or at least it's fuel to junk up your tank. My husband makes me keep the receipts when I fill up my car in case I get bad gas somewhere. Makes you almost want to keep your receipt for fast food places and bring yourself back when it messes up your body.

Other stresses are family life, my job, my Master's classes, and just not having anytime to myself. Right now I actually have my one year old crying in his crib wanting to get up. He shouldn't be up until 6:30 and it is 5:52 right now. I tried giving him a morning bottle, but it didn't work. It's just something to mess up the little time I have to myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my kiddos and want nothing but to be with them all the time, but sometimes, I would like a little me time. I think that no me time has added on to my stress levels.

I actually woke up on Saturday morning having a panic attack and I had to go throw up. I was having a really scary dream and I think it just triggered my stress level. You will see me update every morning because this has turned into my "me time." Thanks for sticking with me. I really need you guys.

Confession: I need to drop the soda. NOW.

Cheer: I haven't been eating my whole plate. I have been leaving some food because I am not hungry anymore. Why eat if you aren't hungry? Also, I just finished my first novel. I have some people looking it over right now, but it feels so nice to have that first one complete!!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Weigh In (1)

Last Week's Weight: 195
Current Weight: 189
Total Loss: 6 pounds

How many times can one person start over in weightloss? I have seen people who have had blogs for years and some on here a couple of months. The one thing we all have in common is the drive to finish this weightloss journey. The fact that I am writing this right now, shows that I still want to do this.

It took me about an entire week to get over my stomach flu. The result of it has made me really, really tired and six pounds lighter. Yuck.

I see this 189 as a challenge. I don't ever want to see 190 ever again. So, this is considered Weight In (1). This is the first weigh in of my new journey.

Confession: We had CiCi's pizza last night to celebrate my son passing an exam at his pre-k class.

Cheer: I had my husband order half a pizza of my favorite pizza so I wouldn't keep going back to the buffet, and then I didn't even eat my whole half a pizza!!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Monday, September 20, 2010

MIA

I am MIA right now due to a very severe tummy virus=(

I miss you guys!! I barely have enough energy to write this.

Give update soon=)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

When life gives you limes....

....find someone with a salt shaker and a bottle of tequila and have a party!!

I know the saying goes, "When life give you lemons..." but this past week has been super hard for me in my personal life and a margarita is in order. Dieting aside, this week has been super crazy at work. I was basically stabbed in the back by my principal and I feel like my heart has been ripped out and stomped on. It's kinda like you put your whole life into something and then it takes two minutes to totally destroy it. Sucks.

That's all I'm going to say about that. I'm pretty upset about it and it's affecting everything from my eating to my sleeping.

I just need to get to the gym tomorrow and blow off some steam.

Confession: I still haven't done much with my 30 Day Shred. I am determined to do it, but things aren't the best right now.

Cheer: I'm not totally going off the deepend with food. I just need to get my mindset fixed.

Monday, September 13, 2010

I'm no quitter

That's right...I am no quitter!!

Day One- 30 Day Shred Challenge.....again!!!

Why is it that when I start to get things in control....I get sick. I think I actually used it as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted and sit on my butt. I don't believe in taking medicine when you are sick because the body needs to heal itself (crazy that I wont put good things in, but crap junk food I will) so it takes me about a week or two to get over something small.

Anyways, I know this Challenge at Live, Smile, Run is well underway...but I still want to do it, so I will just end later than everyone else. Here is a picture of me from Day One again to showas proof. LOL


Confession: I have been eating crap!!!

Cheer: We are poor right now, so we have to eat in all this week!! LOL

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Still here

I'm still here. Just really overwhelmed with school work. I will post more tomorrow whn I'm done with my homework. I need to get back on the wagon!! Miss you guys!!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Quick Update

Let's just say....

Still feeling yucky...
Baby with a teething fever all weekend....
tons of homework to do for my Masters classes....
I gained a pound this week (surprised not more)....

I will get back on the challenge starting tomorrow...

I still feel like a truck hit me...backed up....and hit me again....

Friday, September 3, 2010

Day 2 and a random rant

Day 2 went really well for The Shred Challenge. I really like how at the end of the session Jillian talks about not quitting and going all the way. It really pumps me up. I haven't done Day 3 yet because when I woke up I could barely breathe through my nose and I think I have a sinus infection. I am not going to let it get the best of me and I will do the workout before I go to bed tonight.

Random Rant: So, like I have said before I am a 6th grade teacher to students who grew up with English as their second language, ESL. I love my job because I reall feel like I am making a difference. I want my students to remember me as a cool teacher who taught them life lessons. Well, today I found out that one of my precious boys are reading on a kindergarten level. He asked me how to spell CAT today. Do you know how hard and fast my heart broke today when I found this out?? You could literally see the anger fumes steaming off of my head when I thought about all of his elementary teachers who let this poor child pass through their classroom and did NOTHIING to help this poor child. Get off your ass from behind the desk and sit down with this child!! Stay during your lunch period and help him learn how to write CAT!! Don't ignore him because it is too hard and you don't get paid enough to deal with his behavior problems. He misbehaves because people have told him he was dumb his whole life!! Now that I know, how can I ignore this? I won't!!!

Okay, I am off of my rant. I will post pictures tomorrow of me after my Day 3 tonight.

Confession: I ate some of the chocolate bars that the kiddos were selling at school. I did count the calories!! LOL

Cheer: Tomorrow I am going to get my first ever massage!! Woohoo!!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Day 1- Shred Challenge

It is Day 1 of the 30 Day Shred Challenge from Live, Smile, Run. I went and bought the Jillian Michaels workout video last night so I would be ready for this morning. So how was it?? Well.....let's just say that I was so tired and so weak after the first day, when the cooldown came on I just fell to the floor and stayed there as I watched them do it. I had sweat dripping down my back and face. And it was only a 20 minute video!! LOL I almost didn't do it because I couldn't find the remote to the dvd player, and it doesn't go up or down on the menu without it. But, instead of just giving up on day one, I put it in my husbands PS2 and got to work!!

Syl wanted us to post before pictures, post 1/2 way there photos, and our after photo. She also wants us to give our measurements before, during, and after. So here we go!!

Before Photos:




Beginning Measurements:
Chest: 45"
Waist: 41"
Hips: 46"
Thigh: 25"
Arm: 12"

So, there it is. There I am in all of my fatty glory. I hate looking at these photos. I hate that my husband had to take these horrible photos. But, I hope to see some kind of a difference in 10 days. Wish me luck!!

Confession: Food was bad today. Not all bad. I had a good lunch and dinner. It was the cookies in between that wern't so great.

Cheer: I didn't giv eup this morning. I kept pushing through!!


Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Got Milk?

My body must be going through some kind of weirdo growth spurt or maybe it knows something I don't know. I have been craving milk so bad right now. The last time I drank milk like this was when I was prego with my two kids. For some reason my body felt like I just needed milk. It usually only last a few days, and then I am over it. My body is needing this milk right now. My hubby isn't too happy about it because between me and the baby, we are going through a gallon of milk in two days. I know this craving will pass. And don't worry, it's not whole milk.

I didn't count my calories yesterday because I was just so busy. I didn't eat anything horrible. Just the basic breakfast, lunch, and dinner.I bought some sunflower seeds the other day when I was stressing. I think I'm over that now. I ate a whole bunch last night abd bow I don't even want to look at them.

I went to the gym yesterday too after about a three week break. I realize that I had lost my most weight when I stopped going. But the number on the scale is not what I should be looking at. I should be looking at how my body feels and my clothes feel. Plus, I'm paying monthly for my membership. I think I'm going to try and go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for awhile and see how it goes.

Confession: I didn't push myself very hard at the gym. I forgot my ear plugs, so I was kinda just ready to go home. I did run for 6 minutes without slowing down, so I'm happy with that.

Cheer: I made it to the gym and still had enough energy to make pork chops last night!! I didn't give in and go out to dinner.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Weigh In (3)

Last Weeks Weight: 194.5
This Weeks Weight: 193
Loss: -1.5
Total Loss: -3

Why do I have it titled Weigh In (3)? I have been doing this for more than three weeks, but this is really the third week that I feel I have been trying my best. These past three weeks have really been an eye opener for me. I really think that this is now where I need to be to really tackle this weight issue. So, for now I have lost 3 pounds in three weeks. I am pretty happy with that.

Did I reach my goal of 2 pounds this week? No. But I was pretty darn close with 1.5. I am super happy with that number and can't wait until next Sunday to see what I do.

While at Walmart today with my family my hubby was trying to put some (parden my French) crap in our basket. I was putting in fruits and veggies and he was putting in brownies and sweet buns. It's a good thing that he got the brownies I don't like and I can't stand sweet buns. So we are okay.

I'm looking forward to going back to the gym tomorrow after work. The key is to bring a change of clothes and change before I leave work so I have no excuse.

Confession: I bought some Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper to bring to work with me. I need to kick this soda habit!!

Cheer: When my hubby suggested we have corn dogs for lunch today I put my foot down. We ended up having sandwiches. So much more healthier. I also didn't give in to eating the sweet buns for breakfast, so I made some toast instead!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A small set back

Well, I wouldn't call it a set back. Things like this happen all of the time. I went over my calories yesterday by 96. I say it is small because yes, I went over my calories, but 96 isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. It could have been worse.

Do you want to know what put me over? A King Sized candy bar. The bar said it was only 240 calories....but when I put it into my calorie counter it said a serving was only 1/2 a bar. So really the calories (because I at the whole thing) were 480 calories!! That is like the calories for my lunch all together!! I was weak and gave in t the sugar.

So, I am going to just bounce back after this mess up. I'm not the only one. It probably wont be the last time I do this, but at least I am aware and I didn't try and cheat by not counting it. I have really been honest with my calorie counting and it feels good to do that. I feel like I am actually trying, and I am seeing results because of it=)

Well, I am off to my Masters class. It is from 10-4 today. I am really excited, but also nervous. Wish me luck!!

Confession: Even though I had eaten a candy bar earlier that day, and I knew I would be close to m calories, I still ate a skinny cow icecream when Igot home. Sugar is the devil!!!

Cheer: I am being honest and not trying to hide anything. When I do hide stuff, I start overeating and that is bad. Honesty is the best policy!!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Calorie Counting

Okay, so yesterday in my confession I talked about going to Cici's pizza. One of my favorite places. Also, a very dangerous place. My hubby and I got into a little arguement about me eating the two brownies that I had eaten. I tried to explain to him that I was not on a set diet, that I was in a lifestyle change. I can allow myself a treat every now and again. If not, I will go home and eat everything in site!

So, I have been keeping track with my calories on Livestrong.com. I know you have read me talking about this in earlier posts. I have been doing it consistantly for about a week now. I am really happy with it too. I decided to put in my four small pieces of pizza, the two small brownies I ate, and the 8oz regular Dr. Pepper (no refills) into my calorie counter to see how bad I did. I was so worried. But....when the final total for the day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) totaled up, I still had 14 calories I could eat. Take that hubby!! I told him that I have been doing really well during the day so that in case this happens, I will still be in my calorie count for the day. He said he was sorry and that he was happy. Laura=1 Husband=0.

I know it isn't just about the calories. There are other factors in it as well such as fat, sugar, sodium and a long list of things. I was under my count for everything as well excpet for the sugar. Most of the sugar came from my fruit earlier for snacks.

Confession: I bought a candy bar from a kid today at school. I had a craving and he was there. I did put it in my calorie counter and I still was under my sugar count for the day.

Cheer: Even though I don't weigh in officially until Sunday...I have lost 1 pound so far this week. My goal is 2 pounds, so hopefully if I keep working at it I will reach that 2. If not, I will just be happy with a loss!!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

True Friends

I really have some awesome friends. Yesterday when I got home I received two packages in the mail. I felt so popular! One was my books for my Masters class, which starts on Saturday. The other was from a friends of mine that I have known since like 2nd grade. I knew she was sending me something, but I had no idea what. I had made her some stuff for her baby that she had about 3 months ago, so I just thought it was a thank you card.

It ended up being....a really pretty chunky necklace!! If you are new to the blog, I lost a ton of inches around February and March and so to reward myself, I bought a really cute Texas style chunky necklace. She knows that I like them because I posted my reward on Facebook. With the necklace, she left a note. It said:

Dear Laura,

I hope you have a wonderful school year! Good luck with your continued weight loss, I'm very proud of you. I hope you like your present and it makes you feel fabulous!!

Love yah!!

Amanda

How awesome is she?? It felt so good to hear that someone is proud of me for what I am doing. It really is a great self-esteem booster. I have some of the greatest friends!!

You guys are also awesome friends. I talk about you guys at work and now they know who I am talking about when I mention some of you. It's like they are buddies with you too. So, thanks for your kind comments yesterday. It's nice to hear that I am not the only wierdo out there. LOL

Confession: We went to CiCi's Pizza last night. I did good on the pizza part, but then I had two small brownies...my hubby and I had a fight ove rme eating them on the way home. I was a little upset with him for pointing it out that I ate it. I kinda felt like a little kid.

Cheer: I have been bringing my lunch and snacks to school. Everytime I start to feel hungry, I know that I have a healthy snack I can eat instead of going to a vending machine or chocolate. It also makes me happier too!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Man, I DON'T feel like a woman

For those of you who don't follow country music, there is a song called, "Man, I feel like a woman" from the beautiful singer Shania Twain. LOVE HER!!

Well, in this song she sings about the many great reasons why it is so wonderfrul to be a woman. It's all about feeling free, wearing short skirts, and mens shirts. And, I might add that she looks fantastic in this video. Actually, Shania has looked fantastic in her entire career. Here is a picture of her singing the song at a conce. Doesn't her body look fanastic??

So, where am I going with this? Well, ever since I started gaining weight, I haven't been in touch with my girly side. I maybe have shaved my legs once this whole summer. I just ended up wearing pants and it is super hot in 100 degree weather. I just didn't feel feminine and so I didn't do it. I have a pretty understanding husband. LOL.

I haven't gotten my nails done since Mothers Day. That was my present. I hardly get to go shopping alone because of the kids. I usually don't wear jewelry....well, you get it. The list could go on and on.

Well, last night I actually shaved my legs. Well, at least the bottom from the knee down. I want to start being more feminine and wearing skirts to work. It is just going to have to take some time. I know what you are thinking. Gross! She doesn't shave her legs? Well, I just didn't feel like a woman. My hormones are totally out of wack from gaining weight. I didn't really have the feminine curves. I looked like just one big mass.

From now on, I will treat myself better and do nice things for myself.

Confession: I slept in a little this morning. About 10 minutes or so. I am still on schedule though, so it's all good!

Cheer: I took up the challenge that Syl at Live, Smile, Run sent out to do the 30 day shred. It doesn't start until September 1, so there is still time. You should sign up too!! Also, we have had a chocolate cake in the house for a few days now (hubby bought it) and I have only had one small slice!! Usually I would have had it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Happy Tuesday!!

I am feeling very bright and cheerful today, which is surprising since it is the second day of me going back to work.

I think I am feeling happy because my body is happy with me. I have been watching what I have been eating and I feel so much better. My skin is clearing up, I haven't been so tired, and I actually look forward to eating. Before I was eating because that is just what you do and to hide feelings I didn't want to feel. Now I look at my food as a possibility. Every day is a day to make the choice to do good things for my body. It isn't the scale that makes the choices, it is me. I determine what that scale says.

So far I am down a half pound, but I can't count on anything until Sunday morning. Let's hope I can make it through Saturday without blowing it. I actually will be going to a class on Saturday for my Masters, so I think I will be okay since I'll be in a classroom setting all day.

My goal is 2 ponds this week. Can't wait till Sunday!!

Confession: I have been drinking waaaayyy too many diet sodas. Need more water!!

Cheer: I have been taking leftovers for lunch so I don't have to eat in the yucky snack bar at school. I feel better after eating a good lunch instead of a greasy one!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Great Morning!!

Rise and shine it's the morning time!!! My mom used to wake me up with that saying when I was little and now I use it on my kids. It was annoying when my mom did it I hope I call follow in her footsteps. LOL

It really has been a great morning so far. Today is the first day of school for the kids to go to school. I have been working for about a week now, but today I will get students. I love the first day of school. I teach 6th grade, so it's fun to see the gowth of my kiddos from the first day to the last. It's hard enough to be a preteen, but now add about 1,100 of them all in one school. It's crazy!!

Why has it been a great morning you ask? I woke up around 5am and so far I have: eaten breakfast, done a load of dishes, updated my facebook, and I just did a load of laundry!! That's a lot!! And I still have time to post before I go and take my shower. I hope this feeling stays with me all day and through the week.

Confession: I sneaked a butter biscuit in the car yesterday when I went show shopping. The guilt kinda messed up the pleasure...

Cheer: I have gotten so much done so far this morning!! I want to make this a morning routine again!!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

0.5 pound loss

So, this week I lost 0.5 pounds. I'm happy with it. I wish it would have been a little more. Last week I lost 1 pound, so I want to lose 2 pounds this week. I think it is a reasonable goal.

Anyways...I was worried about going to to school again and seeing some teachers that I knew who were also going through weightloss. One was my coach. She slimmed down a lot this past year for her wedding and she was looking pretty good. She really gave me some great workout tips last year. Well, I was a little nervous about her seeing me because even though I did pretty good this summer, I still hadn't lost as much as I had wanted. When I saw her, I told her about going to go workout and everything, but how my food wasn't so great. She admitted to me that she wasn't 100 percent on food either. That kinda made me feel a little better about my summer weightloss. She still looks great, but she said her hips and butt still have to go. LOL

Well, we are off to our farm house. We haven't been there in a few weeks and we need to mow the grass!!

Confession: We ate pizza last night from Pizza Hut and it was soooo good....but it gave me a tummy ache about an hour later=(

Cheer: I got up early and made myself breakfast before heading to church. Usually I skip breakfast or I eat a donut wen I get there. Yeah me!!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

MIA

Sorry I have been MIA for awhile. I started back to work on Monday after a long summer off. This week was just for the teachers to get ready to have kids this following Monday. I was super stressed out that I wasn't going to have my classroom ready, so Ididn't get up early enough to blog.

I actually had my second ever panic attack on Wednesday night. I think the stress of money and school kinda hit me hard while I was sleeping and around midnight I woke up in a panic and couldn't breathe. My hubby just rolled over and went bck to sleep (he clais he doesn't remember me waking him up) so I got up and called my mom. She was really nice about talking me through the attack. I'm much better now, but it really just hit me that money will be very limited for awhile and we wont have anything extra to spend. Pretty much bills and childcare. My hubby suggested we stop spendingthe 80 bucks on the gym, but I told him that going to the gym helps keep my stress levels lw, so we arent getting rid of that!

Well, food hasn't been too good. The teachers always want to go out. Mostly to gossip about stuff we can't talk about at school. I went a long and tried to eat right, but it didn't turn out too good. This week will be much better because I will be bringing my lunch every day and I wont have anywhere to go after school, so I can cook supper too.

Thanks to all of my loyal blog readers out there!! This week I will be on top of my game!!

Confession: When we ate out, I didn't stop myself from eating the dinner rolls and chips!! I also have shugged about 100 gallon of soda this wek to stay awake!!

Cheer: I have a game pan and I am so ready to lose this weight!! I am not giving up!!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Feeling pretty darn good

So, this is day two of getting up for work. I'm kinda glad that I am getting into a routine again. I wake up at 5 (this morning 5:10), shower, eat breakfast, update facebook, write on my blog, get dressed, wake up the bys, get them dressed, and we are out the door by 6:30. I like it.

Yesterday I tried the Kellogg's FiberPlus Antioxidants Cinnamon Oat Crunch for breakfast and it was really good! It's a lot like Cheerios, but the cinnamon adds a little extra something. Plus, with extra fiber in it, who could complain? This morning I am having two hard boiled eggs and a piece of peanut butter toast. Yummm...

I am very proud of myself yesterday. When I got to school I was still full from breakfast, so when I saw that they breakfast provided for us and it was just cakes and pasteries, I just grabbed a banana. Plus, my snack was an apple and peach! The only thing I messed up with was eating too many breadsticks at lunch. They catered in from Pizza Hut and I couldn't hold myself back. It was not pretty. So, I give myself 4 out of 5 stars for yesterday. I made meatloaf last night and it was pretty good. I don't know whereI got the energy when  got home to make it, but I did!!

Confession: I drank a regular soda after lunch yesterday. I could of grabbed the diet, but the Dr. Pepper looked so tasty!!

Cheer: I really did well yesterday and I am very proud of myself. They had a candy bowl at the table full of goodies and I only had two mini tootsie rolls.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Back to work I go!

Summer has officially ended in our house. Today I am going back to work....no students yet. Just the teachers going back to work on their rooms and listen to horrible speeches about how this will be our year to shine!! LOL. It's the same speech every year and I would rather be in my classroom getting set up.

Anyways, I had a 1 lb loss this past week. I weigh in on Sunday mornings. I'm happy with my 1 pound loss even though I knew it should be better. We went camping on Saturday withthe family and friends and I think I drank  little too much. Don't worry, I don't let the kids see me drink. I'm not some party animal. But I did have a little too much....and I think that hindered more weight loss. It's also that time of the month too.....yuck.

I'm pretty happy with that I accomplished this summer. I think I am feeling a little more dedicated to the weightloss than I was at the end of last year. I hope people can see a difference in me. I haven't really lost weight, but I have lost inches...so we shall see. The first day back is always a fashion show because the new teachers are there. Then we realize that we are just the same old teachers from years past and we don't have to get all dressed up fr each other, LOL.

Wish me luck!!

Confession: I am still not getting in my water!!!

Cheer: We went to the store and I bought so many fruits and veggies!! I tried to stay on the outside edges of the store and barely had to go in the middle!!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Much Better

Thanks guys for all of the encouraging comments. I was not in a really good place yesterday, and this helped me out of my funk. My husband was a little upset about it, but he was happy that I sucked up my pride and went and stood in line at Kroer to pay my bill quickly and the gas guy is coming today.

How can I make sure this isn't going to happen again? Well, I already have my mortgage and car payment automatically taken out of my account on the 15th of every month so I don't have to worry about late fees ever again. Well, I asked the really nice lady to send me some paper work to set that up with my gas bill too. I think by doing this it takes the stress out of my life because 1) I stop getting paper mail that clutters up my table and 2) It creates a more peaceful relationship between me nd my hubby because it's already paid and we rest easier. I am going to see if I can do this for all of my bills so I dont get a month behind or I forget all together.

I am almost finished with my book and I am really happy with it. I think tomorrow I will post a book review for it so you guys can et a good idea of how decluttering relates to weightloss.

Confession: I gave in last night and made a late night run for a Dr. Pepper and King Sized Chocolate Bar. I also ate out last night because my hubby had a meeting and they meet at a local mexican food place. After I ate I came home and had the worst stomach ache. After eating at home all week my stomach was not ready for all of that greese. It kinda ruined the dinner. That's a good thing though. Makes me think twice about eating out again!

Cheer: I really am doing good at cleaning out the clutter in my house. Yesterday I tackled my pantry (that was the chapter I was on) and now I can see my countertops!! It makes me want to cook at home and use the whole cooking surface (which means healthier meals). Yeah for me!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

The craziness that is my llife

I am sharing something deep about my life with you because this is a blog about my ups and downs, and this is one of my downs. It's embarassing to put this out there, but I just feel so down in the dumps right now.

To show you how cluttered and scatterbrained I am, I have to share with you that my gas was cut off this morning. I had no idea this was going ot happen. How do you not know? Don't you keep track of these things? How do you know that you didn't pay the bill? Didn't you get a notice?

Well, I did get a bill and I did get a notice that it would be cut off. Where were these notices? In a huge stack of paperwork on my desk. The envelopes were still sealed. I never even opened them. I put them in a too be read pile on my desk and then because my desk is so cluttered, I never opened them. I am so upset with myself right now. I am so worried about calling my hubby right now.

I feel like the world is against me. Or that I am against me. I have a gas stove. I have been really into cooking dinner for my family and because I was disoraganized and cluttered, I screwed myself up. I was really starting to enjoy something, and then I had to go and screw it up. I guess it was my reality check. Things aren't roses and puppy dogs. No matter how hard I try and change soemthing in my life, I am just reminded what a screw up I really am.

I am just in a really dark place right now. Instead of giving in and going to get something to eat to drown my sorrows, I am just going to go pay my bill and hope they can come tomorrow to turn it back on.

I will not let this happen again. It changes now.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Fast or slow dinners?

Does your road trip home from work look something like this?









Does your dinner table look something like this?











or like this?









Wouldn't it be nicer if your road home looked like this?










And your dinners looked like this?











or this?









I want to issue out a challenge to anyone reading this post. I challenge you to not eat fast food for one week. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner and see how your body feels, the relationship with your family gorws, and the waist of your pants getting looser.

Let's get back to the basics and crush that fast food lifestyle one meal at a time!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Kitchen Cleanup

So, I know you guys are tired of hearing about the new book I am reading. But t is really helping me out!!

Today I read about cleaning out your kitchen so that way you are more willing to stay home and cook a good meal. It's true! When I get home and walk into a cluttered kitchen, the last thing I want to do is cook a healthy meal. Well, since Saturday night, I have kept a clean kitchen and I have been cooking at home! I am so proud of myself! I even stayed home and made a sandwich today for lunch instead of going to Kroger and getting something premade!

I also have noticed that my energy level has gone up since eating at home and I feel more motherly and wifey lately. I look forward to eating at the dining room table with my family (now that I can see the table!) and I think my family enjoys eating there too.

I have had a great food week so far and I am looking forward to weighing in on Sunday morning. I just need to keep getting rid of the clutter and focusing on the goal.

Confession: I had a York pattie today when I went to buy milk at the store. I am so addicted to chocolate!!

Cheer: My hubby was craving icecream, so I went to the store. Instead of getting something fattening for myself (I hate his flavor of icecream) I bought the WW fudge bars instead...MMMmmmm...and only 1 point a bar!!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Weightloss Books

While cleaning out a tub in my garage to put all of the Christmas decorations that have taken over my hallways closets, I came across a South Beach Diet book that I got from my mom. I recall not even getting past the first page. I already knew it wasn't for me.

Later today I was reading my book that I just got called Does This Clutter Make my Butt Look Fat? by Peter Walsh. One part that I read talked about cleaning out my bookshelves of all the past weightloss books that I have collected and get rid of them. Obviously they didn't work, so why are you still holding on to them. It is just adding more to the clutter in your house which is making you fat!! I totally agree. So, I got rid of about three more books and I am taking them to Goodwill.

My hubby finally found out what was wrong with out vacuum. It was all clogged up with crap!! Nothing  could come in!! So, now I feel better than I can vacuum my floors again. Just one step to getting the house clean!! Yeah me!!!

Confession: We had a buffet style breakfast today. I tried to fill up on as much fruit as I could.

Cheer: I got rif of boxes, yes boxes, of junk out of my garage today!! Clean house here I come!!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Reformer Pilates

This morning I wanted to go to the gym to try out Zumba, but after I put the kiddos in the babysitting room, I realized that the time had been changed and I was an hour early. Instead if going to ge the kids out and going home (because I knew I wouldn't come back an hour later), I found another class to go to.

I decided to do an introduction class to Reformer Pilates. I included a picture of what the crazy machine looks like. It kinda looks like a torture machine and when I watched the end of the class before me it was. I was interested and so I stayed for the intro class. The lady set me up on a machine and went over what each part was and how it worked. I ended up being a natural at it! She said it will help me stretch more and work my tummy area. There was one point where she told me to pull my belly in and I couldn't help but tell her I was. LOL.

So, I really liked this reformer pilates, but if I want to take the real class, it is $100. But it is 10 sessions. I think that is a good price, but I dont have the money right now since we just paid $1000 for my Masters classes.

I thought I would leave you with some words of wisdom frm the book I am reading that I talked about this past post: "The only way for you to change and change for good, is for you to take interest in your own body and what you put into it, to be informed, and to take responsibility for the extra fat that weighs you down and impedes your ability to live the life you want. Weight control is not about diets, it's about decisions. Your decisions." -Peter Walsh

Confession: I am still trying to kick the sunflower seed habit. I did really good, but then stress happened and it took over again.

Cheer: Even though I was scared to death, I stayed for the Reformer Pilates class and ended up liking a new exercise!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Two Shoutouts and Two Cheers

Let's start out with the two shoutouts because they are so much fun!!

My first HUGE shoutout goes to Keelie at REAL FAT. She is so awesome!! If you haen't been to her blog, where have you been? Check out her before and now pictures. They are amazing!! I am giving her a shoutout because yesterday I was complaining how hot it was (today it was 105 and the heat index was 110) and how I didn't want to workout. Well, afte reading her post on her non existant workouts and how she needed to get moving, I was inspired to put on my gym clothes and head to the gym!! I was sooo happy that I went to the gym and I want to say thank you toKeelie for staying so rea!!

My second HUGE shoutout goes to Amberly at Amberly's Weightloss Journey. She is so super nice and I am glad I can call her a bloggie buddy!! The other day I wrote a post here about my dirty little secret about my house being disorderly. She suggested in the comments to get this book: Does this Clutter Make my Butt Look Fat? By: Peter Walsh. He is the guy from the hit show Clean Sweap and he was recently on Oprah helping a woman who is a hoarder. I bought the bok that day and I just got it in the mail today....and I can already see a difference!! I can see myself in his words and I think I am going to buy some more of his books. It is nice to see that others have the same feelings I do!! My clutter is affecting my weightloss. THank you Amberly!!

My two cheers are that I went to the gym yesterday and tonight my ubby wanted pizza and I didn't want it. So when I went to go pick up the pizza I saw that there was a Subway a few stores away. I walked to Subway and ordered me a sandwich and thn ordered his pizza!! I was so proud=)

Confession: I drank too many regualr sodas today. With the heat I should be drinking more water.

Cheer: I just keep on packing up the clutter and shipping it out!! I no longer stumble in the dark in my room over crap on the floor!! I just have to get used to it. I normally have to hold onto stuff on my way to the bathroom in the dark=)

Thursday, August 5, 2010

100 plus degree weather

It is so hard to stay motivated when it has been 100 plus degree weather for multiple days now. Just walking out to get the mail is a chore. I come back in with beads of sweat running down my face. Yuck!!

I am still in this, but it is starting to get on my nerves. I always do this to myself. I get really into it and when I don't see drasctic change I go back to the way I was. And then I get upset when I gain weight.

This lifestyle change is not going to be easy, but I am still trucking a long!!!

How is everyones week so far?

Confession: Food is out of control right now!!

Cheer: I took a tv, baby toys, and three more bags of clothes to Goodwill today. I am in the groove!! I know this will help me with my diet because I will feel better about myself mentally.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Busy, Busy, Busy

I have been so super busy lately. School is about to start back up and I am a teacher, so I have been running around trying to fix up my classroom. I am also about to start up tking my Masters classes again so that is also adding to the stress.

I a happy abut what I have done this summer, but I wish you could tell more when you look at me. My body seems slimmer to me, but some of my clothes fit a little snug around my belly and it doesn't look like I have done anything at all. I know this isn't all just going to magically fall off and it will take me awhile, but I wanted to go back finished with my weightloss. Two months to lose over 60 pounds?? Haha. Nice dream.

I have actually gained a little weight since I left in June, but I have managed to lose 2 cup sizes and maintain my loss in pant sizes. I think the gained weight is muscle from going to the gym a lot and running and when that evens out I will lose the weight number.

How can you be almost 200 pounds and wear a size 10 jean? That doesn't add up.

I hope everyones week has been going well. I need to up my water count and keep up with my calories. Those two things will have gotten me to my first reward. Funny how close you get to rewarding yourself the harder it is to accomplish your goals.

Confession: We went to Waterburger for dinner tonight because it was their 60th Anniversary and if you wore orange, you got a free hamburger. Pretty sad huh?

Cheer: I have really made headway in cleaning up my house. I took another 3 bags of clothes and shoes to Goodwill =) My goalis to get all of the clothes off of my bedroom floor (a huge, huge pile) and either give them away or find a home for them in my closet or dresser by the time school starts. That means I have to give up a lot of too lose or too tight clothes.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Bad Weekend

It was a good weekend because my husband was home from work (he has been working non-stop even on weekends for about two months now), but it was also bad because we ate out a lot too.

When it is just me and the kiddos I don't eat out because we just usually hang around the house. When my hubby is home we are doing things and just eat out while we are out and about. I had IHOP, Waterburger (twice), MExican food (because we had a $10 off coupon), Texas Roadhouse (dad paid of rsteak), and a ton of other crap I can't remember. It was BAD.

On a lighter note, haha, I did find a pair of dress pants I fit into and I didn't cringe at the size. I went to New York & Company and can fit into their size 12 dress pants. Better than the 14 and 16's I would have bought someplace else. They are also on sale for $24.95 right now instead of like $45 so thats a plus too!!

Confession: Bad food and no workouts since Thursday. I also was hurting on my self-esteem earlier. Anyone know of any acne products that work? I have little red bumps that just stay under the skin. It is annoying!!

Cheer: I am still in this and trying to go strong.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Feeling Good Today

So...I have a confession to make.....

I do not keep a clean house....

I am not one to pick up messes, do dishes, or laundry....it gets to the point where I don't want anyone to come over. When I hear the door knock I freak out and try and pretend I am not home.....crazy huh? I think I have a mini hoarding problem because I have stuff piled up in closets to where I haven't even used it in years, but I can't seem to get rid of anything.

So, why am I telling you all of this?

I want to move to a new home in a better location but I can't get rid of this house until I get it all cleaned up because we need to install new carpet in all of the rooms. Two lazy adults and two kids with a ton of toys and clothes have caused this problem. I feel like the more I clean up, the more there is to do. I had the whole living room clean one night when I couldn't sleep, and within a few days the toys were dumped all over the place. I wanted to scream!! Not at the kids because they are just kids, but just out of stress.

So...why does my title say Feeling Good Today and what does this have to do with weightloss?

First, I am feeling good today because I feel like I got a lot accomplished today. I bought a his and hers hamper and started placing only the things that we really needed and then washed the rest and donated it Goodwill. My husband doesn't need 30 t-shirts and I don't need 10 pairs of pants. I also cleaned up a lot in the boys rooms too. New house here I come!!

Second, what does this have to do with my weightloss? When my weight started to get worse my house started to get bad too. I didn't care about my body, so why care about my house? I felt like crap, so why not my house look like crap? Also, when I wanted to start losing weight I started to feel out of control because I didn't have anywhere to workout in my house. They both went hand in hand.

Well,I'm done with being this way!! I am done with living this way!! I deserve a better house and I deserve to feel good about myself!!

Thanks for letting me share this with you guys. It's hard to let people know about what is going on behind closed doors, but I really just need it to be said.

Confession: I am probably going to eat out tonight because I have a huge headache from cleanign with all of this dust.

Cheer: I had a berakthrough today!! I am ready to move on with my life and get to cleaning!!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Homemade Baked French Fries!!

I made Homemade Baked French Fries!! I decided to take pictures of my experience and maybe inspire you to make yours!!

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel the potatoes.









Step 2: Slice the potatoes into french fry looking strings and then soak them in water for 30 minutes. I added a little of salt in the water because that's what the internet told me to do=)









Step 3: Lay the french fries out to dry for a few minutes.









Step 4: Mix the fries up with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and pepper and place on a baking pan.










Step 5: Bake the fries for 45 minutes and stir them up after about 15 minutes.









Step 6: Enjoy!! I added a little bit of Tony seasoning because I LOVE it.

They were super easy and a ton of fun to make. My hubby ate almost the entire pan of fries!! They do taste a little bit different than fried ones, but they were tasty!!

Confession: I start off really well in the morning with my water and keeping track of my calories, but I start to get off track around dinner time. I think it might be that the hubby is now home and I have to get the kids ready for bed....but I still need to keep track.

Cheer: I worked out with the medicine balls yesterday at the gym and now my arms are killing me!!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Patience

I have no PATIENCE when it comes to this whole working out and eating right thing. I want to see a difference now!! It is driving me crazy!!

I know a difference is happening because I feel different about myself. My self-esteem is on a high right now...until I go shopping for pants...and then it all goes down the drain.

My mid-section needs some major work. After having two kids all of the weight went to my stomach and thighs. My thighs are a little better than before (during the school year I lost quite a bit there), but my stomach is just so gross looking and my pants aren't fitting right there.

I refuse to buy the same size pants that I did when I left school!!! I can wear a size 10 in blue jeans, but I wear a size 14 in dress pants!! GROWL...

Patience Laura, patience....

Confession: We are super tight on money right now because I am going back to school for my Masters. We have to pay the first part of my tuition by August 6th (a little over 1,000) and it is really putting a strain on me and my hubby. This stress is causing a lot of sleepless nights. I want to go back to school, but I feel sooo guilty....

Cheer: I went to the gym today and I burned over 300 calories in 30 minutes!!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Good Workout

I had a good workout today. I did 2 miles on the treadmill in 30 minutes. I was pretty happy with my time since I haven't been hardcore on the running in about a week. I was more focused on burning calories than going the distance.

So, I tried out the belt today and I thought it was great! The only problem was that I put it on under my clothes (they suggest over but I thought it would help more to be under) and I rubbed a part of my skin raw where the two sides overlap. I think I am going to get one of those skin tight underarmour shirts to wear underneath it and then put my regular shirt on under that. Other than that, I could really feel a difference in my workout while wearing it. I will let you know if it does anything to my inches on my waist. I have three weeks before school starts.

Confession: I ate at a chinese buffet today and I didn't hold back. At least I didn't go back for dessert!!

Cheer: I did clean up my living room pretty good and I did get all of my water in for today. The Crsytal Light drink mix tastes really good (I bought Strawberry Kiwi) but I will have to see how my tummy feels after about a week.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

New items

So, the hubby and I went to Walmart tonight and I purchased two things that are going to really help me out.

The first one is a Waist Trimmer Belt made by Gold's Gym for $5. It claims to make you really sweat while you work out, walk around, doing house work. I have a lot of belly fat after having two kids, so I thought I would wear this while I was at the gym and see if I can trim it up a little faster. The reviews on Walmart.com seem to be good and claim it made them sweat really bad. We shall see!! I will let you know in two weeks and see if I can tell a difference with my clothes.

Secondly, I bought the Crystal Light Pure Fitness Drink Powder. In another post I talked about how I was allergic to aspertame and I couldn't really drink diet drinks including Crystal Light. I am no much of a fan of water. Bottled water is okay, but our tap water doesn't taste very good. Well, since I am home my hubby doesn't feel like we should buy water since I can get it free from the tap. I had heard of this drink mix made by Crystal Light that is not made from artificial sweetener. I think I am going to try it out and see what it does to my tummy!!



I will let you know how they go!!!

Confession: I haven't counted my calories in a few days. I really haven't been eating that much either. I have just been so busy around the house I don't have time to stop and eat!! Also, at 10 o'clock last night we stopped by McDonalds and I got a 10 piece chicken nugget. We were on our way home from a party and we really didn't get to eat there. I didn't eat the fries though!!

Cheer: I have really been cleaning up my house lately and it makes my happy levels go up. I want to start the new school year with a clean house and a clear mind.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Fess Up Friday (1)

I have another Blog called Bookworm in Training. I say this because one of the things in book blogger world is to have a meme that people participate in to get to know each other and meet new people. I thought I would start one that I call Fess Up Friday. This is a place where you can fess up to something that you may have not done too well on this week or has been weighing on your mind.

How do I take part in this weekly meme? Well, let me tell you!!

First, you make a post on your blog fessing up to something. It could be anything!

Second, you add the Fess Up Friday logo to your post so others know you are participating. Add a link to my blog so they can participate too!

Third, add your link to the bottom in my link wizard thing so others can go and check out your blog!

Fourth, leave a comment so I know you are participating and if you like this meme!!

Do I have to participate every week? No!
You can if you want, or you can come and go as you please!

I hope that you do participate and you enjoy reading others blogs as well.

Fess Up Friday

I went to a party on Wednesday and ate two pieces of cake and didn't feel guilty about it!!

What about you??