I guess you could say I'm goal-oriented. I love having a target, something to fight for; something that makes me feel great to either complete or achieve. I truly believe it's why I've held on for so long with my weightloss journey, setting a new goal each time I reach another. I've kept pushing through, whether the good, bad, or ugly. I'm a fighter when it's something I'm passionate for.
If you happen to follow me on Twitter, you may notice that I'm a huge sports fan, notably any form of racing (as long as it has an engine, wheels, and it's raced). I'm also a fan of baseball, football, and some basketball, but my second love is hockey. Living in Indiana though, it's not exactly popular. We are the racing/basketball state, after all.
Hockey is something that is sort of new to me. I watched a bit of it back in high school of the Nashville Predators, but never really got heavily into it until a few years ago. I tended to focus more on what was going on on a track, rather than on ice while in high school and college. In my re-discovered love for the sport, I've taken to the Washington Capitals. I'm a fan of a certain player (that you'll notice my love for on Twitter too...), I love the team, I think it's a great organization. I'm definitely a fan! I even hope some day to travel to D.C. or Pittsburgh to see them play. But when it comes to the sport, I don't exactly know enough to hold my own in a conversation. Well, enough to get me in trouble. I try. Usually I just sound stupid, but I try, however I enjoy sitting back and listening to others talk about it. Kind of absorb in the background, if you will.
Since being in Indiana, and hockey not exactly being a favorite among Hoosiers, I've sought out local-ish teams to get my fill of live games. Where I live, however, it's The Sticks. BFE. Podunk. Naturally, I have to travel at least an hour to get to the nearest rink, if it's not cold enough for a frozen pond in the Winter. It's kind of fun though, weather dependent, because I can support local-ish teams or organizations. This past season, my husband and I have gone to Dayton, Oxford (for Miami!), and Indianapolis for games, all being super fun! Live hockey is the best hockey, in my opinion.
In traveling to these games, and getting my fill of live hockey (though it's never enough), I've kind of felt like I want to learn how to skate, how to play the game, whenever I leave an arena. It'd give me a MUCH better understanding than where I am now, and with dropping weight that I have, I can move about easier, while toning and eventually becoming somewhat "athletic." (In theory.) Skating and playing hockey can be an amazing workout! (I smelled the boys on the bench in Indy, my seats were that close. They. Sweat.)
In researching where I can take lessons, the usuals crop up: Indy, Oxford, maybe Fort Wayne. All have fantastic programs from what I can tell, however summer isn't exactly hockey season, not in Indiana anyway. They do have leagues for those who do skate or play, but usually beginner lessons are offered in the winter (duh), however with my school schedule, I'm searching for something during my break and/or on Saturdays, due to work and having to travel so far.
So that's my goal this summer: I want to learn to skate! I've skated before, however not gracefully, but with practice and determination, anything can be achieved.
I'll keep you posted!
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
This is me: random, raw, & true. I chose to write about my journey through weight loss as a way to reflect & help keep me accountable. As of July 24, 2013, I hit my goal of losing 100 lbs, putting me in my Healthy Weight Range after 3 years & 3 months of important lifestyle changes, while maintaining my loss for two years. My goal is to healthy (not skinny) so that I can live my life to the fullest with those I love. I hope this can encourage others, as this ride truly is worth it.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
I won that battle!
Pop (or soda for some), is my weakness. Now I can honestly say I haven't had a drink of "full-octane" pop for over a few years, but diet is my favorite.
I've done pretty well over brief period for a few weeks before, but it usually didn't last with that first sip after a rough day at work, school, or whatever. Recently though, I cut cold turkey. Not one drop. For 3 weeks! (Usually after one or two, I'll have a pop and it's back on, full-force. Lookout.)
I must admit after these past 3 weeks, I had my first diet soda at my hubby's bowling league night, and guess what?! It was NASTY! I literally could not stand the once desired sweet and syrupy taste. I immediately switched back over to water!
Now, if you're thinking what I was thinking, she must be sick right?! Who is this girl, and what have you done with her?!
WRONG!
Saturday I had the pleasure of taking my 5-year old nephew to get some ice cream at a favorite local hangout once frequented almost weekly in high school. Being the good girl that I was, I just opted for a diet cherry pop, one of my former favorites. And guess what?! I couldn't stand it.
It was actually gross!
That being said, I'm actually very happy I've given up my once can't-live-without weakness. It's all water and tea from here!
I can definitely say I won that battle! :)
I've done pretty well over brief period for a few weeks before, but it usually didn't last with that first sip after a rough day at work, school, or whatever. Recently though, I cut cold turkey. Not one drop. For 3 weeks! (Usually after one or two, I'll have a pop and it's back on, full-force. Lookout.)
I must admit after these past 3 weeks, I had my first diet soda at my hubby's bowling league night, and guess what?! It was NASTY! I literally could not stand the once desired sweet and syrupy taste. I immediately switched back over to water!
Now, if you're thinking what I was thinking, she must be sick right?! Who is this girl, and what have you done with her?!
WRONG!
Saturday I had the pleasure of taking my 5-year old nephew to get some ice cream at a favorite local hangout once frequented almost weekly in high school. Being the good girl that I was, I just opted for a diet cherry pop, one of my former favorites. And guess what?! I couldn't stand it.
It was actually gross!
That being said, I'm actually very happy I've given up my once can't-live-without weakness. It's all water and tea from here!
I can definitely say I won that battle! :)
Running Numbers
I can officially happy dance: I'm 89 pounds down!
I never thought I'd make it this far, especially with my plateau at around 175, but this past week, I'm officially 161, which means 11 POUNDS TO GO! That's where I will hit my (max) healthy weight range, and also the three-digit mark: 100 lbs lost!
When I started my Weight Loss Journey, I made the mistake of not taking measurements, as I thought after 2 weeks I'd be back to where I started. It wouldn't take off, nor would my journey last. Well, 3 years later, I've made a few changes in addition to losing weight, including losing 9 to 10 pants sizes (started in 21, now in 10 to 12), as well as almost 2 whole ring sizes. I'm also now smaller size-wise than when I graduated high school. This, to me, is a big deal as I was always bigger in high school, enough to not be comfortable in my own skin. I wasn't BIG-bigger, but I wasn't the skinniest, & certainly not my healthiest.
Looking back, it's been since September since I've blogged. I hate that I haven't, but things have been crazy. I'm currently working on my Bachelors degree, something I've wanted to do for a while, which a recent career switch has allowed. (Bucket list!) With that, I've still tracked for the most part what I eat daily, which has aided in losing almost 15 lbs since September! I've also walked the halls of work during winter on my breaks, making most of being stuck inside. Add in stairs, and it's really starting to show, especially on my legs. :) Looking in the mirror has me so excited to wear short(er)-shorts this Spring & Summer, something I haven't done for quite a few years now.
I'm hoping to get back into blogging again, as I do miss it! I must set time aside, just like I meal-plan. Warmer weather will definitely allow this; I'm taking Summer off from classes, training for my first 5k in July, & of course continuing to ride, hoping to train for a local 22-mile charity ride, also usually in July. Add in some possible ice time (blog later), and I'll still be busy!
I will have much to blog about soon!
For now:
"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts."
-Unknown
I never thought I'd make it this far, especially with my plateau at around 175, but this past week, I'm officially 161, which means 11 POUNDS TO GO! That's where I will hit my (max) healthy weight range, and also the three-digit mark: 100 lbs lost!
When I started my Weight Loss Journey, I made the mistake of not taking measurements, as I thought after 2 weeks I'd be back to where I started. It wouldn't take off, nor would my journey last. Well, 3 years later, I've made a few changes in addition to losing weight, including losing 9 to 10 pants sizes (started in 21, now in 10 to 12), as well as almost 2 whole ring sizes. I'm also now smaller size-wise than when I graduated high school. This, to me, is a big deal as I was always bigger in high school, enough to not be comfortable in my own skin. I wasn't BIG-bigger, but I wasn't the skinniest, & certainly not my healthiest.
Looking back, it's been since September since I've blogged. I hate that I haven't, but things have been crazy. I'm currently working on my Bachelors degree, something I've wanted to do for a while, which a recent career switch has allowed. (Bucket list!) With that, I've still tracked for the most part what I eat daily, which has aided in losing almost 15 lbs since September! I've also walked the halls of work during winter on my breaks, making most of being stuck inside. Add in stairs, and it's really starting to show, especially on my legs. :) Looking in the mirror has me so excited to wear short(er)-shorts this Spring & Summer, something I haven't done for quite a few years now.
I'm hoping to get back into blogging again, as I do miss it! I must set time aside, just like I meal-plan. Warmer weather will definitely allow this; I'm taking Summer off from classes, training for my first 5k in July, & of course continuing to ride, hoping to train for a local 22-mile charity ride, also usually in July. Add in some possible ice time (blog later), and I'll still be busy!
I will have much to blog about soon!
For now:
"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts."
-Unknown
Monday, September 10, 2012
The Bucket List
Ever have that one thing you want to do before you die? If you had one day left on Earth, how would you spend it? What would you do?
I've been reflecting a bit on my weight loss journey, and why I decide to start in the first place. If you read my very first blog post on December 23, 2011, you'll see that I've had a few people close to me pass away, and most of the time it had to due with heart-related/health issues. Some were young, some were old, but all were taken too soon.
Because of my health and where I was or wasn't going, I've done some reflecting along this journey. I've grown, and my thinking and knowledge of items such as nutrition labels, high fructose corn syrup, cardio workouts, etc., all related to my health, have grown leaps and bounds.
Just as a very close uncle, who passed away at the ever-young age of 46, I saw myself headed down a dark and lonely road, littered with health stumbling blocks and speed bumps. I had my nephew to live for, my partner in crime as I like to call him, and now a beautiful and vibrant niece, all who I want to see graduate from college, marry their sweetheart, and be productive members of society. I knew, though, that if I continued the way I did, eventually it would be that after I surpassed 200 pounds and eventually 250, it could have been 300, then who knows! I wouldn't be in the position I wanted to be.
Recently, I got on the topic of bucket lists with a friend; a list of things someone wants to do before they die. Lets face it, our days are numbered, and as I've witnessed in the past, you never know which one will be your last.
I have a running joke that I want to "check that of my list." Several items include (or have included) zip lining (check!), get debt free (in progress!), meet Brooks Laich (someday...), hit my healthy weight range (!), and have kids (someday, don't rush it). The list however, is ever-growing.
To even think at my age (I am young, just not THAT young) I'd have a bucket list, not something I'd normally consider, but again, life can be too short.
I believe that one day, the list may be completed, but to do that, life changes had to be made, on my part, regarding my health and the choices I made.
I can honestly say I've come a long way, and even have checked a few things off my "list."
To date, I've lost 79.4 pounds.
To go? 20!
The 100 pound mark is, after all, on the list...
I've been reflecting a bit on my weight loss journey, and why I decide to start in the first place. If you read my very first blog post on December 23, 2011, you'll see that I've had a few people close to me pass away, and most of the time it had to due with heart-related/health issues. Some were young, some were old, but all were taken too soon.
Because of my health and where I was or wasn't going, I've done some reflecting along this journey. I've grown, and my thinking and knowledge of items such as nutrition labels, high fructose corn syrup, cardio workouts, etc., all related to my health, have grown leaps and bounds.
Just as a very close uncle, who passed away at the ever-young age of 46, I saw myself headed down a dark and lonely road, littered with health stumbling blocks and speed bumps. I had my nephew to live for, my partner in crime as I like to call him, and now a beautiful and vibrant niece, all who I want to see graduate from college, marry their sweetheart, and be productive members of society. I knew, though, that if I continued the way I did, eventually it would be that after I surpassed 200 pounds and eventually 250, it could have been 300, then who knows! I wouldn't be in the position I wanted to be.
Recently, I got on the topic of bucket lists with a friend; a list of things someone wants to do before they die. Lets face it, our days are numbered, and as I've witnessed in the past, you never know which one will be your last.
I have a running joke that I want to "check that of my list." Several items include (or have included) zip lining (check!), get debt free (in progress!), meet Brooks Laich (someday...), hit my healthy weight range (!), and have kids (someday, don't rush it). The list however, is ever-growing.
To even think at my age (I am young, just not THAT young) I'd have a bucket list, not something I'd normally consider, but again, life can be too short.
I believe that one day, the list may be completed, but to do that, life changes had to be made, on my part, regarding my health and the choices I made.
I can honestly say I've come a long way, and even have checked a few things off my "list."
To date, I've lost 79.4 pounds.
To go? 20!
The 100 pound mark is, after all, on the list...
A Mini-Milestone
I've been sick for the past few days, keep that in mind, but I can honestly say my appetite hasn't suffered. Unless it's the flu, it usually doesn't. Ever. (#omnomnomnom) ;)
I've been in a baking mood lately, thank you Fall, which normally proves dangerous. (Future Blog to come!) Between Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Muffins (The 2 point Weight Watcher recipe), Oreo Truffles, or Mini Peanut Butter Brownies, it's been a little rocky... I'm not ashamed when it comes to baked goods.
Normally Weigh In days aren't until Wednesday morning, but I try to monitor through the week whether I'm up or down, to see if I need to kick it up a notch or not. Cut to the chase, this morning I weighed in at 174.8, down from 175.4 last week!
Give me a sec to take it in.
WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO! Happy dance! :)
This is the first time in my weight loss journey I've been below 175!!! Sick or not, I'm so excited!
I firmly believe that mini goals are the way to go. It was the first thing I leaned during this big life change. Of course in the beginning, I knew what I had to lose. 105 lbs total to get to my healthy weight range. ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE.
My first thought? "There's no way. Absolutely none. You're nuts if you think I'll reach it."
I started out with the goal to lose 5%. I lost that in the first two weeks!
Next up? 10%, or 25 lbs. At that time I was ecstatic to lose 25, a I just didn't think I could ever do it. I would be thrilled to have 25 gone! That initial 25 lbs, turned into 35, 40, 50, and so on until I hit 75!
In order to seek results, you must have goals. If you don't obtain a goal, don't mope and pout. Ask yourself why it didn't work; give yourself feedback! That is some advice I can give that I only learned through this process, and it hasn't slowed or stopped! I've exceeded my "dream" of losing 50 pounds, and I've just adjusted. Now I want to hit that 100 lb century mark!
But I'll be honest: After getting back from vacation, my goals have lacked, and so has my weight loss. Before vacation, I had set off to lose 10 pounds, and it didn't happen. I was at 180, and wanted to be at 170 before I left, but I was able to shave off 5. Better than nothing, right? Since I've been home, I haven't had much goals in mind, and I've struggled. Currently I work full-time, have a part-time direct selling business, and oh yeah, I started school again in pursuit of my degree. It hasn't left me much time to think about my weight loss, but I am still counting calories, and definitely watching what I eat.
I've thrown the idea around of getting a gym membership, or possibly a trainer, as I'm nervous as heck around gym machines. I need help. I've never used them, always have taken classes, but it's a goal to be toned. I wish I could waive a magic wand and lose the jiggle, but wouldn't we all?! And let's be honest, just running, or just doing Zumba, or just walking isn't necessarily enough to stave off that jiggle. My behind needs a boost, and that goes along with my arms, tummy, thighs, and so on...
Bottom line: No matter where you are in your journey, set a goal. That goes for life too. You never know what you'll be able to achieve if you don't have a dream or goal in mind!
I've been in a baking mood lately, thank you Fall, which normally proves dangerous. (Future Blog to come!) Between Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Muffins (The 2 point Weight Watcher recipe), Oreo Truffles, or Mini Peanut Butter Brownies, it's been a little rocky... I'm not ashamed when it comes to baked goods.
Normally Weigh In days aren't until Wednesday morning, but I try to monitor through the week whether I'm up or down, to see if I need to kick it up a notch or not. Cut to the chase, this morning I weighed in at 174.8, down from 175.4 last week!
Give me a sec to take it in.
WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO! Happy dance! :)
This is the first time in my weight loss journey I've been below 175!!! Sick or not, I'm so excited!
I firmly believe that mini goals are the way to go. It was the first thing I leaned during this big life change. Of course in the beginning, I knew what I had to lose. 105 lbs total to get to my healthy weight range. ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE.
My first thought? "There's no way. Absolutely none. You're nuts if you think I'll reach it."
I started out with the goal to lose 5%. I lost that in the first two weeks!
Next up? 10%, or 25 lbs. At that time I was ecstatic to lose 25, a I just didn't think I could ever do it. I would be thrilled to have 25 gone! That initial 25 lbs, turned into 35, 40, 50, and so on until I hit 75!
In order to seek results, you must have goals. If you don't obtain a goal, don't mope and pout. Ask yourself why it didn't work; give yourself feedback! That is some advice I can give that I only learned through this process, and it hasn't slowed or stopped! I've exceeded my "dream" of losing 50 pounds, and I've just adjusted. Now I want to hit that 100 lb century mark!
But I'll be honest: After getting back from vacation, my goals have lacked, and so has my weight loss. Before vacation, I had set off to lose 10 pounds, and it didn't happen. I was at 180, and wanted to be at 170 before I left, but I was able to shave off 5. Better than nothing, right? Since I've been home, I haven't had much goals in mind, and I've struggled. Currently I work full-time, have a part-time direct selling business, and oh yeah, I started school again in pursuit of my degree. It hasn't left me much time to think about my weight loss, but I am still counting calories, and definitely watching what I eat.
I've thrown the idea around of getting a gym membership, or possibly a trainer, as I'm nervous as heck around gym machines. I need help. I've never used them, always have taken classes, but it's a goal to be toned. I wish I could waive a magic wand and lose the jiggle, but wouldn't we all?! And let's be honest, just running, or just doing Zumba, or just walking isn't necessarily enough to stave off that jiggle. My behind needs a boost, and that goes along with my arms, tummy, thighs, and so on...
Bottom line: No matter where you are in your journey, set a goal. That goes for life too. You never know what you'll be able to achieve if you don't have a dream or goal in mind!
“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
-Jimmy Dean
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Crash and Burn
I'll admit it. I actually lost weight on vacation. I'm shocked!
The only way I think it was remotely possible, with a lack of tracking, is all of the walking that occurred. To get downtown and back was about a 45 minute walk, if not more. And I thoroughly enjoyed it! I may be a country girl at heart, but there's something about a city I just can't pin down.
What happened after coming home and having a few days off before work, well, please refer to the title of this post.
It's been awful. While in Canada, I got back on the soda train, a horrible way to be. I hardly drank water, as it was just easier and cheaper to choose otherwise. While back at work, I've been chugging Diet Coke down, 32 ounces at a time. I know it's not healthy. I know the caffeine is causing me jitters and headaches again, while causing me to retain water, in turn packing the pounds back on. I know the Aspartame in the Diet Coke is NOT good, but like I've said before, if I don't avoid pop, it's all or nothing. Not the good all-or-nothing.
The thing I've learned about 2 years into my journey, is that you can't let a crash and burn week get you down. It only makes your weight loss journey derail, and potentially end up in a big ball of flames. Or a much bigger pair of pants. You're choice.
Bottom line: You have to pick yourself back up!
I may be imagining things, as my husband says I am, but I feel heavier, see pounds creeping their way back on as I look in the mirror. But again, I have to pick myself back up. That's how I fell off the wagon before.
So starting tomorrow:
1.) NO MORE POP! Diet or otherwise. I purchased extra bottles of water, as well as Crystal Light drop-in packets to help when water gets "boring."
2.) Count and track everything. THIS MEANS EVERYTHING! None of this, oh those fries won't hurt if I don't track them, crap. It's total BS. They do have calories, ya know.
3.) Move more. A friend once told me, "To lose weight, eat less, move more. It's that simple." Or as my Opa would say, "Seine so einfach." (It's that simple!)
No more crap. I'm turning into Drill Sgt. Ashley. This is my plan, and I have to do this. I've got 30-ish more pounds to lose! If I'm going to lose it, I can't BS around. I'm unhappy with the way things have been. It's been said that if you're unhappy, only you can change it. I'm hoping to do just that.
No excuses, no regrets!
The only way I think it was remotely possible, with a lack of tracking, is all of the walking that occurred. To get downtown and back was about a 45 minute walk, if not more. And I thoroughly enjoyed it! I may be a country girl at heart, but there's something about a city I just can't pin down.
What happened after coming home and having a few days off before work, well, please refer to the title of this post.
It's been awful. While in Canada, I got back on the soda train, a horrible way to be. I hardly drank water, as it was just easier and cheaper to choose otherwise. While back at work, I've been chugging Diet Coke down, 32 ounces at a time. I know it's not healthy. I know the caffeine is causing me jitters and headaches again, while causing me to retain water, in turn packing the pounds back on. I know the Aspartame in the Diet Coke is NOT good, but like I've said before, if I don't avoid pop, it's all or nothing. Not the good all-or-nothing.
The thing I've learned about 2 years into my journey, is that you can't let a crash and burn week get you down. It only makes your weight loss journey derail, and potentially end up in a big ball of flames. Or a much bigger pair of pants. You're choice.
Bottom line: You have to pick yourself back up!
I may be imagining things, as my husband says I am, but I feel heavier, see pounds creeping their way back on as I look in the mirror. But again, I have to pick myself back up. That's how I fell off the wagon before.
So starting tomorrow:
1.) NO MORE POP! Diet or otherwise. I purchased extra bottles of water, as well as Crystal Light drop-in packets to help when water gets "boring."
2.) Count and track everything. THIS MEANS EVERYTHING! None of this, oh those fries won't hurt if I don't track them, crap. It's total BS. They do have calories, ya know.
3.) Move more. A friend once told me, "To lose weight, eat less, move more. It's that simple." Or as my Opa would say, "Seine so einfach." (It's that simple!)
No more crap. I'm turning into Drill Sgt. Ashley. This is my plan, and I have to do this. I've got 30-ish more pounds to lose! If I'm going to lose it, I can't BS around. I'm unhappy with the way things have been. It's been said that if you're unhappy, only you can change it. I'm hoping to do just that.
No excuses, no regrets!
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