Saturday, January 30, 2010

You can text your order in to Subway now. Pretty cool!

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Jack Skellington isn't feeling so great. I tucked him in while we go to gym.

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Polly sporting her Boston T-shirt.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Art of Amour... literally.

There is a last minute call to artists for an upcoming show.  By last minute, I mean it's suppose to be hung next Friday and the drop is next Wednesday.  I've been missing art so this will be a good kick start to some stuff I've been wanting to do anyway.

Yesterday I was in the middle of typing reports and all of the sudden I stopped and reached for a piece of blank paper and started doodling a few rough sketches of some stuff I wanted to do.  I'm pretty excited and what ever I finish this weekend is what I get done.  I'm not going to stress about not finishing every idea I have.  I haven't had anything displayed anywhere in awhile so YAY!

I'm not limiting myself to just canvas or photo paper either. I'm thinking some mixed media is necessary for this "LOVE" show.  Hearts? Paper? Beads? Gems?  A montage of all these things?  Who knows... we'll just have to wait and see :)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Facebook Posts

I know I'm on FB a lot.  I leave it running in the background and it alerts me when things are updated and what not.  I enjoy seeing what people are doing and all the happening of fan pages and groups I'm in.  Lately though, the negative status updates pretty much bum me out.  It's not everyone but it does seem to be the same 2 people who always post negative comments.  One second they are 'on the upward optimistic' side and then the world is ending with no good outlook in site.  I know things in life constantly change but why not REALLY try fixing things for yourself.  I'm as positive as they come and I know I have my bummdee out days but if I look at my last 15 posts on any given day, if I have 2 negative ones in there well that's too many and I need to reflect on what's causing this and seriously try to fix it.  My biggest complaint is people who bitch, bitch, bitch but don't really, truly put in an effort to fix it.  And even when you're down and then get kicked in the crotch and then hit by a brick... so what!  It happens and you know what, be thankful you have a roof over your head and if you don't, be thankful for the people who love you, and if you're all alone, feel blessed for your health and if you don't have your health enjoy the colors of the world around you and don't waste them being so negative.  I think you see my point... you can always find something to be thankful for because this is always true, no matter how badly you think you have it, someone is always worse off.

My cousin died a few months back. My mom went to visit him right before he left us.  She was sitting by his side and even being days away from dying of cancer (maybe hours, it's a little fuzzy) he was still smiling.  Learn a lesson.  Make an effort to be a better person, it's hard but nothing worth doing and doing well, is easy.

This country suffers from people expecting things, we have a will for a reason.  Make your way.  The sense of entitlement among people these day, especially in spoiled children is disgusting and needs to change.

This was a little ranty but this is how I release.  I feel better now :)

*1/28/09 4:05pm - this is not in regards to someone who I regularly speak with, more of a general post about people who are friends via Facebook only.  We all have our rough weeks and those are understandable.  This is different, trust me.*

Monday, January 25, 2010

Weigh In Results & the Beach

So we had a 2 week break in between weigh ins.  I wanted a double digit but didn't get it.  I'm learning those shorter workouts do effect the results.  Not that my loss was small but it was a little off what I wanted.  I had a 7.2lb loss, pretty proud of that but I need to step it up this week.

After weigh in, we headed to the beach with the Mortimer.  We picked her up, grabbed Subway (thank goodness for Subways everywhere) and were down the road.  It was a beautiful drive, the sun was out and it was nice to be on the road.  We were packed with lots of snacks and water.  I have to admit I was a little nervous about the trip.  Lex and I have been strictly work, gym, sleep, rinse & repeat.  We go to my parents twice a week (my mom preps us healthy meals).  That's about the extent of what we do.  So going away from all of our 'safe' food did make me a little anxious.  Since we were going to the beach I figured some fresh, not fried, seafood would be great... just no 'chips.'  I love steamed veggies and salads anyway.  I was going to splurge on a Diet Coke (which did bite me in the ass later, explanation to follow). 

We drove around that corner and headed to the outlets and decided to work our way back.  We happened to pick a good weekend, most of the outlets were having 50% off there already clearance items (which was more than you would think).  So Morti ended up getting a nice Volcom shirt for $1.63.  She won the frugal prize for sure :)  We walked around and shopped for about 3 hours and then decided to head down toward the beach shops.  Once we got there, we were hungry and went to Pier Side to eat outside on the deck and look at the ocean.  It was great.  I ended up with a Hula Chicken grilled sandwich that was AWESOME.  I had most everything put on the side and got a salad, it was great.  We did really well and learned a lot about being very specific when ordering.  Bonus: At the end of the day after adding everything up, I was still 350 calories short for the day :)   Yay for good planning.

We went to our favorite game store, I found Blue Crush for $5 which is awesome and we looked around for awhile.  Went to Urban Outfitters and I found a camera that I really wanted but just didn't want to spend the money for it.  Good thing, when I came home and looked it up on Ebay, I got it for $25 cheaper :)

All n all, it was an awesome day.  We had a lot of fun walking around and just enjoying the gorgegous day.  It's always nice to spend time with friends... The Great Steak & Cheese day of 2010 will live on.  <-- Explanation: Morti ended up basically having steak & cheese for every meal that day, lunch was a little different but it was just wrapped up a little different.

I had 2 Diet Cokes at 4:pm.  At 1:30am, I still couldn't fall a sleep.  I do not drink sodas at all so I paid for that dearly, around 3:30am I finally fell a sleep and I was awake by 8:30am :p

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Ratings are DONE!  Working out needs to be stepped up a notch.

So it's been 2 weeks since our last weigh in.  I want to put up a double digit number but I just don't know if that's going to happen.  I'm going to stay positive though.  My clothes are all looser and today I have dove into that drawer of clothes that everyone keeps "for when they get back into shape."  I can't believe it but I'm already there.  I have to focus on that and let that drive keep me going.  I want so bad to see 235 on the scale on Saturday but I just don't think that's going to happen.  I just have to keep moving.

Ratings finished last night and disgustingly enough there were 100's of girls that showed up.  They all freakin' waited till the last day to come!  It rained and that canceled the hitting portion so we had all the raters helping us out because we got bogged down with girls all at once.  We were done by 8:30pm but I was wiped out.  I'm just glad it's over.  Now we can just focus on workouts.

Tonight: Legs & Cardio Cardio CARDIO!

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Weekend

So ready to be done with ratings.  I wish yesterday had been the last day like usual.  The last set is this Wednesday but with the doom of all the rain this week that is quite unlikely.  As we speak, I'm sure the fields are already under water.  It would be nice to actually have a Wednesday off.

Saturday started off with getting my smog done on my car since it was due on Saturday :)  Then we ran to subway to get the Western Omelet English Muffin sandwich and I have to say that was 180 of the best breakfast/protein calories I've had 'to go.'  Then off to ratings till 1:pm.  Headed home to shower and relax.  Lexi and I took a little nap, it was awesome.  Packed up the Wii, some ingredients for dinner and then headed to mom & dads.  I made a cream cheese/salsa stuffed chicken, some rinsed black beans and fresh green beans... mmm yummy!  Lex made an 'ice box' cake with layers of sugar free vanilla and chocolate pudding, low fat graham crackers and bananas.  That was 200 calories well spent at 4 layers of pure goodness.  My parents & cousin decided to splurge a little so we had to smell mozzarella sticks cooking and orange chicken.  It took a lot of 'mind over matter' to keep my hand from reaching in that pan and even grabbing one little piece but I never gave in and I'm really proud of myself. 

We played some Wii Play games, Mario cart and boom blox... my dad won!  On round 4 he knocked over the towers for a 22,000 pt shot and basically killed us.  It was awesome.  We left around 11:pm to head to the grocery store, got home a little after midnight and flopped into bed.

Ratings again (oops we overslept) but got there just as the 1st group was finishing up so I made it with about 5 minutes to spare!  Not quite as busy but we finished up right around 1:00pm.  Ran to Target and Costco to get some stuff for the house and then headed home to pack up and head to the gym.  We only got a 45 minute workout in because I forgot the gym closed at 5:pm.  Headed to mom & dad's again for tacos and then we basically laid on the couch and dozed in and out of sleep all evening.

I can tell that week 2 wasn't as successful as week 1 but I know that is expected.  Looking forward to having a very productive week at the gym.  I'm hoping the rain will detour others from going out.  I'll take any advantage I can get :)

Friday, January 15, 2010

Better and Better

So last night I was trying to push heavier weights but still going for 3 sets of 15.  I thought I was going to hurt more today, not so much :(  We may need to do more free weights so we're forced to use more of our body to control what is going on.  My arms are a little 'jelly' feeling, so that is better than it has been.

I walked 20 minutes on incline 3.5 on lvl 3.  Now that got me sweatin' pretty good.  Then did about 45 minutes of weights & core and then finished off with 15 minutes on the elliptical.  I did a speed ranging from 4.5 to 5.0 and THAT made me feel the burn.  I didn't die and all that happened is I felt REALLY refreshed after my shower.  My foot seems to be doing better, so I'm going to keep progressing and pushing it.  I'm hoping it's getting stretched out more and stronger.  I keep envisioning seeing 230 on the scale.  I want to see it SOON.  If I could put that number up next week that would mean a few things.  1) 7% loss, 2) Definitely hanging around for another week in the weigh ins 3) I lost more than a pound a day.

I'm sitting here in Week 2 and I don't feel like I've lost much and I know that's normal but I want more.  I was on that elliptical last night and all I could see was 3 numbers... 2-3-0 and I pushed my legs as hard as I could.  My heart rate was at 164... I usually see about 136.  I've got to keep that number in my sights.

See it.  Be it.  <-- Mantra for the next 8 days.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Help

Lucky enough we have some very good supporters of our efforts in losing weight: My parents.  Now don't get me wrong, Alix's parents are also very supportive.  After all, her mom is the one who sent us the check to pay for this contest and buy our new shoes for gym :)  My parents just happen to be on the side of providing healthy meals too.  Sunday nights have been somewhat altered but are still in tact and the house is loaded with healthy food and snacks.  It's awesome!  We have also added Tuesday night dinners and then we go work out afterward while watching the biggest loser from 8 to around 9:30pm.

My mom wants to lose about 15lbs and my dad wants to get back in shape so they don't mind doing this at all.  It's all food they are going to eat anyway and they know how expensive healthy food is so they are happy to help us out.

I'm grateful for all the support we are getting.  It's only making this easier and keeping me more determined.  I just need to push myself harder at gym.  My muscles don't feel as tired as I know they should.  After last weeks mini session with the trainer, I know I'm capable of much more.  I just have to put things in perspective while I'm at the gym.

Last night was a good start.  We walked for 45 minutes, always with a minimum incline of 3 and at least 2.7 speed.  I'm trying to make it faster but that bone spur in my heal makes that a little tricky.  Then did 15 minutes on the elliptical which is FINALLY getting easier.  I was bummed that we had already worked out an hour and it was time to go.  Tuesdays are definitely my favorite nights to workout, they go REALLY fast. :)

Saturday, January 09, 2010

1st Weigh In

I knew this would be tough.  This thing is no joke.  There are 315 of us and I had a good weigh in but it wasn't great.  Unfortunately, I chose to get sick this past week and that hindered a lot of my plans for gym but I was lucky enough to work through it.  I need to put up some big numbers to stay in.  1st prize--- $15,000.00 And just like most people, I could REALLY use that money.  There are some other great gifts too but money... well money is money.

So I'm 2.6% down, let's see what I can pull off since we get a bye on next week's weigh in.  I hear the 2nd week is the toughest and I'm not doubting it at all.  I have 13 days to go and I really need to step it up.  The trainer almost killed us last week, we need more nights like that.  I could barely walk for 2 days.  I'm still feeling it alittle today but it is definitely better.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Making decisions

So as previous January's, I am doing ratings for a local softball group.  They have added, yet another, day to the rating schedule.  We're up to 7 days total now.  When I first started doing this, it was 4.  I am in charge of rating every pitcher and catcher that goes through there.  From 8 to 15 years old.  It's a process.  A quick one now that I perfected it and know the levels expected at each age group.  They get a little more competitive the younger they are... it's almost crazy.

Last nights festivities involved me rating a few girls in the cold, cold air.  Being sick, probably not my best idea but I did it anyway, then went to the gym afterward.  I feel like I want to die today.  I just need sleep and a lot of it.  Weigh in is in 2 days and I need to lose a good amount.  I'll be devastated if I get booted in the first weekend.  I'll be glad when these ratings are over, my weekends will be so much better.

Eating is tricky on a schedule like the one we have right now.  Thankfully, subway is a savior and it really is about what you choose to put in your mouth.  Food is Fuel and nothing else.  We don't need french fries or double bacon cheeseburgers.  We need fuel to help our bodies move effectivly.  The one thing you have to watch when eating out, healthy or not is sodium  Processed foods, the more I read, are gnarly full of sodium and sugars.  Think about what goes in your mouth and what its actually doing to your body.  You may not enjoy it as much as you think you do.  Time for rest :)

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Hello 2010

So 2009 was good.  Hopefully, Alix and I can make 2010 great.  Happenings in 2009 should lead to the greatness that will be 2010.  Alix has gotten a big kid job and is succeeding at it quite well as she is on to her 2nd promotion and is now full time.  I couldn't be any prouder of her than I already am.  Catching up from all the bills of when we were struggling will take some time but that's okay.  We'll work it out, we always do.

Cake decorating & baking is awesome.  It was all consuming and as with most things I start it was my complete passion and there wasn't much else.  I'm still looking for things I want to try and any reason to bake but it's slightly on hold for now.  We have our biggest commitment yet.  We are in a contest to be the biggest loser in Bakersfield.

In December I started cutting things out to make January 2nd not seem too bad.  I can't imagine going through caffeine withdrawals, eating healthy, no fast food, very little sugar and no sodas from one day to the next.  It made the transition really easy and for once, I planned ahead and it did pay off like I hoped.  So most of my posts will be about this journey/adventure and the trials to get from my current weight to 199 as soon as I can.  I really have no idea the last time I was under 200 but my best guesstimate is 1997, give or take a year.

All those weird feelings and the tiredness, that was all the crap I was eating.  I know better.  I really do.  I'm sad I let this happen but I'm not dwelling on it, I'm just fixing it and moving onward and upward.  Wish me luck :)