Sunday, January 30, 2011

Winter in Black and White

Yesterday Bill and I went on a short hike at my favorite spot. i took a few pictures but this is my favorite.
I am learning that i do not have to go on a day hike everyday, or even a two hour hike...... i can make it 40 minutes and make it intense for a great workout. I love hiking in the winter, the air is so fresh, the silence is so loud, it wakens every cell in my body and i feel so good.
I have been so busy lately, and i do not get many days off. babysitting two days isn't difficult but it does take my time. and working at S'eclairer has absolutely no stress, but i do spend many hours there. and even the one day i clean, isn't hard and once i go and do it, i think that it really is an easy job too. it's just know that it is something i have to do, and making up my mind to go and do it is the issue.
Health wise, i am doing really well, and hoping that the combination Lapband and Weight Watchers will help me break this very long and healthy plateau. for instance this is how my Lapband helped on Thursday. A drug rep from work on Thursday brought in Chinese food for Us, she called ahead and new about the healthy options, so i measured out the chicken and broccoli and a 1/4 th serving of Veg Lo mien and i accounted for the points. i ate it slowly and it was wonderful........ BUT then i got a little piggish and went out and "picked at " a few more bites. my lapband would not allow that, and i was reminded to stop eating........ sadly it did get stuck and i did have to make a trip to the restroom, to "lose" the food that i tried to over eat.
This journey is still so much fun for me, and it's going on 4 years, and i am still not bored yet, i am forever trying to find ways to stay motivated, supported and accountable.
Kids have been here all weekend, along with their friends, i am loving that. and i love that they want to be here..... so much peace!!! and the kids feel it too.
I was able to talk to my Dear Friend Patti from AZ. this weekend, that was a bonus. actually i was speaking with her just before i went and during the first part of the hike. it was funny because i noticed i was able to talk with her quite well during my first hill, and then i looked over at my husband who came with me, he was out of breath....... i had spring to my step, this has been the first time in our marriage that i am stronger and in better shape than him, i teased him. he laughed... he's a great guy, he said he'll start walking with me when Chris can't. it was icy, and coming down the very steep what is known as "bitch hill", i slipped and fell, or i should say i slipped, did a split and fell, i bounced right back up. Bill was worried, but i must say i was proud. here i am, almost 44 years old, still have 75 more pounds to lose .. and i was able to get up off that ice like i was a teenager. no bruising, no pain, nothing... :0). well it is time for me to get my butt moving and figure out what i am going to make for dinner tonight.
Have a wonderful week.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

7.5 lbs in two weeks :0)

As i've mentioned before, I am almost done with the 3 year study in Pittsburgh. I will still have two more visits annually to check things. So i decided to join WW with Christina, because we all know the buddy system is a great support. And i miss the weekly and bi weekly support i was getting when i was in the Lapband study. Another good thing is Wednesday meetings are about 3 miles away from my work, so i leave work and go there. so it isn't like i am home and need to build up to leave for the meetings. Finally WW isn't just about calories, they realize that the body metabolizes different foods in different ways. 2 oz of Chicken breast causes a change reaction in the body far different than a 2 oz piece of chocolate cake. Some faithful weight watchers are upset because now the "junk" food uses more value points, and healthier foods have less points. I really like the concept. I also enjoy the WW etools, i was used to CK, and my WW is easier. however in CK defense, haven't been on it in 1/2 of a decade, so things can change.
Regardless, i've lost 7.5 lbs in 2 weeks, and knowing that i go back next Weds, it keeps me on program. Still in the honeymoon phase of WW, so we shall see. I am loving how the lapband works with me, and how it also is helping me control portion sizes.
I am busy, but not in a stressful way. monday and tuesdays i watch a little girl. weds, thurs, fri i work the office sometimes 10 hr days. and sat or sun i clean the office. Sam is back in school Katie and Drew are back in college. NOW To get Bill back to work after his surgery. he is doing great though, i just miss having some mornings to myself :0). next week it should be light enough that when i take Sammy to school (mon, wed, fri) i will go directly to the track or the trail and do a brisk 30 minute walk at the very least. I am reminded i don't need to do the two hour hikes everyday to seek physical benifit.
Well i am going to get going, i'll try to keep up with the blogging.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

And what Has been going on in my life???

and first and for most i've had a wonderful holiday season. One of my favorite times of a year. i can truly say this had to be one of my favorite Christmas' ever. and unless you don't know from my facebook already, this is my bestest present, Katie was able to get her brothers to cooperate in giving me this gift. funny Bill was feeling a little bummed that we didn't have alot of cash flow like we "used" to. but it didn't matter. the kids were more excited to see us open the gifts they bought for each other. of course Albert came out early. i made brunch........ and there was just so much peace. lets see what else.... Sammy is doing great from his shoulder surgery. Bill got surgery and too is doing so well. New Year was quiet, which i am more than happy with. Other than that yucky 24 hour stomach virus i was "blessed" with. i have been feeling really good.
I didn't make any New Years resolutions, but i would like to continue on the same journey. In 2010, i had three goals hike 10 miles, bike to work, and kayak. well I biked to work, i was able to kayak again. and i was able to do several 6-8 mile walks. my foot issue kept me from doing the 1o mile hike in October. so hopefully this year i can give Melody that 10 mile hike :0). She is in no hurry. there were times that I biked more than 20 miles, .... I am sure I can get the weight moving again....... seemed to lose a little and then plateau for a long time, lose a little, then plateau for a long time. In the past year i have learned to not focus on the number. and that has been a huge "weight" lifted off my shoulder *pun intended. I am happy with who i am, but MOST importantly i am feeling so damn good. this coming year Bill is supposed to get a bike so i hope to do more biking in 2011, i'd like to hike different trails in 2011, I'd like to be more understanding of people in 2011, and less judgmental.
Oh and one last thing, I am buddying up with my Bestest friend Christina and joined Weight Watchers with her again. as my support down in Pittsburgh is decreasing and will be completed this year. i am missing the one on one counseling. I have been so used to Calorie King website i was so surprised at the WW online tool sight.... it is amazing, fast and easy. Since WW has changed this year to follow more the plan that my dietitian from Pittsburgh put me on. I find this a good choice. somebody asked me that why would i do that since i have the "lapband"? and I am not sure how to answer this. as i've always thought of the lapband being a tool and not a fix (cure) I've had the free support from the Pittsburgh Study for 3 going on 4 years. I still have to watch what i eat, how much i eat, when i eat...... the Lapband isn't magic. The Lapband is the greatest thing i've done and i can't imagine not having the support it gives me. I will never be able to binge on a meal like i used to..... it just won't allow me.
I am still incredibly content with my job. speaking of which i must get my butt in gear because i do have to work today. well here is a brief update......... have a blessed day