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!!

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!!

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!!

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.

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.

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??

I got an award!!

Thanks Lauren at From Hot To Not for this awesome blogger award!! I love your blog back!!

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award....thanks Lauren you are awesome!!

2. Share seven things about you...will post that at the end.

3. Nominate 15 blogs I have newly discovered...will post at end

4. Let them know they got the award...sure!!

Seven Things about Me

1. I have another blog that I write called Bookworm in Training. Go check it out!!

2. My brother broke my growthplate in my left arm when I was 12 and he was 9. If I didn't get it fixed, my left arm would have been shorter than my right.

3. I am very proud to live in Texas. I think that anyone who doesn't live here needs to pack there things up and get here as fast as possible. If I was offered millions of dollars to move to another state I would have to tell them no.

4. I teach students from Mexico who do not know a lot of English and I know no Spanish.

5. I want to be a writer when I grow up. LOL. I am actually writing a book right now called "Dust". I hope to be able to one day quit my job and become a full time writer.

6. I love the smell of a fresh box of crayons. The best gift I even got for my birthdays when I was little was a bunch of art supplies. My mom felt bad just buying me paper and morkers for my birthday, but that is all I wanted!

7. I was on a bowling league from when I was 12 to 18 and even traveled around Texas to compete in tournaments. I even bowled on my college's team for a little while!!

My Fifteen Blogs

Some of them are new, but not all of them!!

1. Erica at Fashion Meets Food

2. Lindsay at Healthy Stride

3. Melissa at Try, Try Again

4. Ann at She Woke Up Fat

5. JAMS at Running My Mouth

6. Ms. Chick at This Chunky Chick

7. Seth at Fit with a Purpose (Happy Birthday!!)

8. Keelie at Real Fat

9. Debbie at Weigh to Go

10. Tania at The Road Back To Being Me

11. Julie at The Going To Be New Me

12. Tiff at Project 365

13. Laura at Mama's (Soon to be) Fit Life

14. Mrs Fatass at Did I Just Eat That Outloud?

15. Amberly at Amberly's Weight Loss Journey

I nominated you guys because I love reading your blogs!!

Thanks again Lauren!!

Calorie Counting

How many of you out there are calorie counters?

I was a calorie counter from February until May and I haven't had a chance to get back in the groove. I did really well when I counted my calories and I think I am going to go back to doing it. I am a member of Livestrong.com and it has a section called My Plate. You can type in anything that you have eaten during the day and it will keep track of it for you. It is so awesome because I ate mac and cheese today for lunch but it was an off brand label. It had it in there already!! An off brand label of food was in there. It was super easy. It also keeps track of your fitness too, which I love!

Another thing I like about Livestrong is that it also has groups that you can join and talk to others about your joys and failures. They also can help you when you want some food and fitness advice. They are people just like you trying to fight the bulge.

There are several websites out there that ocunt the calories for you. This is the one that best fits me and my lifestyle.

Confession: I am not getting in my water. I just really don't like it!! Crystal Light has come out with a sweetner that doesn't contain aspertame (allergic to it). Maybe I can give that a try!

Cheer: I went to the gym and did 15 minutes on "The Devil" and then 15 minutes on the treadmill!! I have also been counting my calories!!!

Feeling good

So far so good on this wonderful Monday. I slept in big time this morning. Like 9am. It felt really good, but it took me awhile to get up and moving.

When I did get up and moving, me and the kiddos headed to the YMCA. When I got there I asked th enice trainer lady what the best machine was fo rme to lose my extra post baby flab and she pointed me to this machine:

I call it the Devil. She said that this machine is better for burning off fat than a regular eliptical. Boy was she right!! I had sweat dripping down my nose and my t-shirt looked like I had just jumped in a swimming pool. After about 4 minutes on this baby I wanted to quit, but I went for 20 minutes. It was horrible, but satisfying. Click here if you want to find out more information on this devil machine!

Anyways, my food has been great today too! I ate cereal for breakfast, a grilled cheese with Baked Lays chips for lunch, and I just had some of my sons animal crackers for lunch. You can get like 17 crackers for only 120 calories. It hit my sweet spot pretty good. So far so good today!! Let's hope I can keep it up! Dinner tonight is chicken, rice, and corn, MMmmmm...

Confession: Since I knew I was going to get back on this diet thing hardcore today...last night I ate sunflower seeds like there was no tomorrow!!

Cheer: I havent' had any regular soda today, I went to the gym, and I haven't midlessly snacked today!!

Food shopping

Today me and the hubby went grocery shopping so that this week we have no excuses to eat out. I am going to get up earlier and make a real breakfast (Ive just been eating cereal lately) and then I'm going to go work out before lunch.

I am still cleaning up my house. I think I let it get out of control and I have been working every day to get it spotless. Well, so that I at least can have it nice enough to have people pver for dinner. I have noticed this summer than I am becoming a hoarder. Have any of you guys seen that show on tv? Well, I am not that bad, but if not stopped now, I could become that crazy lady on tv. I remember back when I was in high school I kept everything. Magazines, old school papers, and I had a ton of just plain junk. Not sure where I get this from because my moms house is so clean.

Anyways, this summer I have learned a lot and I am looking forward to going back to school a happier and healthier person. Now all I need to do is get my butt in gear and work overtime!!

Confession: I haven't really eaten anything horrible today, but I haven't eaten enough today to keep my body happy with me.

Cheer: I bought fresh fruit, veggies, and planned out our whole week of food!!

Pants Shopping

I decided to go and try on clothes today since my oldest son is out camping with my in-laws and I only had one kid to cart around. I start back to work after a not long rnough summer in August and I really want to be stylish this year. In the past I have just thrown on whatever was clean, combed my hair, and ran out the door in 30 minutes. That includes getting the boys dressed too.

At the end of last year I had gotten into the routine of getting up with my husband around 5 and doing a workout video and eating breakfast. I actually really enjoyed the mornings. Of course since summer has started, I haven't gotten up earlier than 7:30. It has been so nice sleeping in. I think I am going to get back into my routine starting the beginning of August.

So, back to the shopping. I put on some size 12 pants at one of my favorite stores, Ann Taylor Loft, and found that they were a little snug. The blue jeans I am wearing are a size 10, but they are also stretch. If you wear dress pants or at least tried them on, you know that they can vary in fit and size. I was going crazy!!

I refuse to buy pants in the same size that I wore last year. I need to ge to work!!

Confession: I can't kick the sunflower seeds and soda!! Help!!

Cheer: I did try to go to the gym today....but was turned away because they had already closed the kid area. Boo!!

Kick it into Gear!!

What has happened? Why did I get off track? Should I blame it on the summer heat? The television? The two crazy kiddos? The laundry? Dishes?

How about I blame myself. I made the choices that I did. No one held a gun up to my face and forced me to eat all of the junk. I was doing so well, and then BAM, I was hit with the lazy bug.

Yesterday I went to the gym and it felt sooo good to being something good for my body. Even though I was sweating like a pig, I still had a great time.

I have one more month before school starts again and I told one of my fellow teachers that she wouldn't even be able to recognize me when I get back to school. Well, I have lost a lopt of inches, but I still have a lot to go. I need to KICK IT INTO GEAR!! NO MORE EXCUSES!!

I hope everyone is having a great summer so far!!

Confession: I haven't been gettting my water in and I have been eating out a lot.

Cheer: I did make dinner last night and I have really done a great job of cleaning up my house!

5k race on July 4th!!

So...sorry it has been so long since I have last posted.....Summer days have hit me and I have become so lazy lately...

So, anyways I had a great 5k race on the 4th of July!! I was really worried about it because I was all by myself and I wanted to do really well. I haven't been training as much as I had wanted because life happened and I realized I had two really needy kiddos. LOL.

This is the time I got to the race:

Yep, 5:53 on a Sunday morning....but I was really pumped up about it. The race started at 7, so I used that time to stretch and have one of these:

Yep, that's an Imodium...my stomach was in knots!!

So, how did I do?

I did my 5k race in around 43 minutes and some seconds I can't remember. I wanted to be in the thirties, even if it was like 39 minutes, but I was really proud of myself. I kept thinking that if I had just kicked  it up a little bit at one point, I could have made it under 40. But I am super proud of myself because when I saw that finish line, I didn't stop or slow down. I finished strong and with a big smile on my face! People even clapped at me because some other women were walking across and I didn't!!

After the race I met these really nice ladies who have been running buddies for about a year and they both placed first in their division. They gave me some pointers and of course their times were half what mine were. They said I should be proud of my time and just proud that I am out here doing this. I agreed. They post the top 25 in each age group and I wasn't expecting to see my nae up there, but I did!! I was number 20!! I wasn't last!! I'm not sure how many more were not posted, but I was pretty happy to see my name up there. See how happy I was:

I wanted to thank everyone who encouraged me!!

Confession: Food has sucked!!

Cheer: I have been super active around the house!! Burning those calories!!

I'm back in action!!

After a trip to San Antonio to see my sister and a wonderful visit to the local pool, I have decided it was time to get back to action. I felt like a giant beached whale, except that I was wearing a bright pink and purple suit and I haven't really seen any pink and purple whales out there.

Over the stay in San Antonio we went to my favorite place, Seaworld!! It was so much fun to see my kiddos get so excited! I ended up pushing my 5 year old niece, my 4 year old son, and my one year old son in a stroller all day in the heat. I think that was a pretty good workout. I will post pictures later.

So, I also ran in a 5k on Sunday for the Fourth of July. I was pretty happy with myself. I will post more on that later when I have time. Pretty much when the boys go to bed.

Tomorrow is my little ones First Birthday party. I can't believe it has already been a year!! Time flies so fast when they are so small!!

Confession: I have been eating crap, alot of crap

Cheer: I have been burning calories running around the house cleaning up!!

My Boys!!

SO, I know this isn't weightloss related...but my boys are sooo cute!! We went and got their pictures taken together today.

Food and exercise hasn't been that great lately...as she eats another piece of pizza...but I will get back on track after the holidays!! I promise!!