Meditation Monday: My body

This is my first Meditation Monday which will basically involve a thought or thoughts I have been thinking about throughout the week or even throughout this whole weight loss.  So this week I have been thinking about my body.

The body is an amazing thing...Like the creepy guy in Saw V said: "The human body, for instance, is an astoundingly durable creation. It contains approximately ten pints of blood. Yet it is still able to operate with just half of that."

Well I hope to not be operating on minimal pints of blood, but my body has amazed me over these  last few months. 

First of all, it can keep going.  I started training for a 5K race back in January and have now ran six since then plus two obstacle-type runs.   The most challenging was definitely the Warrior Dash. It showed me that I am strong and be even stronger when I lose some more weight and build muscle.

After I got back from my vacations this summer, I began training for a 10K.  I can honestly say that never in my life, even at my fittest back in high school, would I imagine running 6.2 miles. We shall see how it goes at the Turkey Trot in 42 days.

The second thing about my body is that even though it changes it stays the same.  I have lost 36 pounds and on most people's body it would be two or maybe three sizes down, but not me.  I have always had big legs and a big butt (Thanks mom's side) because of soccer, skating and gymnastics.  So despite losing weight, I still have curves and I still have big legs.

My final thought about my body is how much I like it.  I have had my fair share of body image issues, not liking how I looked, but surprising I always liked it. It may bother me that I have big legs, but they keep me upright.  Plus it runs well, if that makes sense.  I don't ever have that many issues with it except for the occasional ache and pain, and possibly a cold here and there.  My stomach is extremely strong and not easily upset, I am flexible and besides my vision, everything is in working order.  Funny how when we think about our bodies we always look to the outside.

In my mind, I am beautiful.  Even when I was heavier I thought I was beautiful and made others believe it.  My body is now even better and I hope it keeps getting better because its the only one I have (cliche I know).

Until Trouble Tuesday,
-A

Weekend Warrior

Proof of my support of the Spartants...gross.

I would say that I was definitely a weekend warrior after the last two days.

On Friday I went to visit my cousin at Michigan State for the football game on Saturday.  Now I have done this once before, but last time it was for the Michigan/Michigan State game for which I am a fan of the Wolverines.  This time it was just to go to State and watch a dismal game of the Spartans against Iowa.

Let's start with Friday. After work I went home, got my stuff together for a VERY cold and rainy Saturday.  Stopped at this beer place to put together a six-pack for my uncle because who doesn't like beer as a present, but ended up getting 10 beers.  Then went next door to get Speedway coffee.  Ended up getting the 16 oz. and BOY was that a bad idea.

After talking to a good friend for pretty much the whole drive to East Lansing, I realize that I am now WIRED.  Normally coffee doesn't really effect me too much -- just gives me a little zing.  For some reason this coffee would not let me relax despite watching a movie and chilling on the couch.  After "heading" to bed around midnight, I tried to sleep but could not because there was a little bit of extra noise as well (see: excessive snoring) which made it difficult...so I dragged my old bones into my cousin's room where her and the BF were at.

Apparently the heat in their apartment is broken so it was like 80 degrees in there so obviously the BF opened the window to let some air in.  What I didn't know was that he opened the window ALL the way.  Being on the floor with short sleeves and no blanket was not a good combo.  Needless to say I believe I finally fell asleep around 4 a.m. and then was woken up by my alarm at 6:03 a.m. (Yes I set my alarm to weird times).

Any way, off to tailgate by 7 a.m., game at 12 p.m. and some drinking and freezing rain in between.  The game was "good" and I say that lightly because of course live sporting events are always good, but the game on the field was awful.  I stayed through the third quarter with the cousin despite the other five people we were with leaving.  Then they decided to take it into overtime and lose there.

I will say that in college I cannot remember going to too many noon games.  In South Carolina it was normally 90 degrees at that time and unpleasant to sit through a not-so-great football game in a dress so to say I did it NOW is a big accomplishment in my mind.

My aunt and uncle along with 15 other people went out to dinner which was nice, but then it was time to head home.  I thought about staying and just chilling there, but I would have had to sleep on the couch again and my wonderful pillow-top mattress was calling my name.

When I got home, I watched the end of the USC/LSU game (heartbreaker) and as well as the Tigers game.  Apparently, the Tigers were not informed as to how tired I was because they took it to 12 innings to get the win (Thanks Valverde). I made it though and went to bed where I didn't move except when my alarm went off at 11 a.m.  Pretty sure if I didn't set one I would have not gotten up until probably 2 p.m.

Sunday was a not so warrior day.  I had every intention of heading to hot yoga, but the weather was gross and my couch was much more inviting.  Got the apartment clean, prepped food for the week and even enjoyed some movies.  Oh and I used my foam roller to work on some trigger points and of course almost puked because it makes me a little nauseous when I do it.

I would say it was a great weekend and the one coming up will be even more exciting. Three home games and a 5K, WHOO!


Until next time,
-A

Next up: Meditation Monday.

Fun, Flirty Friday: Always a Good Day

When coming up with Friday's theme...I originally had Fitness Friday, but you know what I am gonna throw in fitness throughout the week so I figured why limit it to just one day.  Fun and flirty though is sometimes reserved for just one day of the week...at least when they are together.

Fridays are my favorite day of the week as I am sure they are many others as well.  It is the final day of the work week, the beginning of the weekend, and a day much deserved by many.  Well for me Fridays are sometimes just the fifth day of a seven-day workweek.  Aside from not having to be in the office from 9 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday, I often have to work odd hours because of my profession.  For some reason though I always look forward to Friday.

E-cards...gotta love 'em

Looking at my calendar, I can see that I consistently work out on Fridays more than ANY other day!  And yes I keep track with smiley faces, :) ,  in sharpie on my calendar when I work out.

Anyways, because Friday are for most people, a laid-back day at work, and the same applies here, I come in my sweats with gym clothes under (for those who don't know I work at a University so my gym is in the building I work in.  Lucky, I know) and sit at my computer while my breakfast digests for about a half hour.  Then I am up-and-at-it going hard with a workout.  Normally its a longer run because Friday's are relaxed and not pressed for a lot of time.

Post work out I shower and actually style my hair for the first time all week and sometimes (GASP!) even put make up on.  I did this last Friday and my boss was SHOCKED at the notion, or maybe it was Saturday? But either way it doesn't happen too often unless I'm going out.  Then Friday's in our office is Mancino's day...which means hawaiian calzone.  Yeah, I know what you are thinking -- how the HELL is that Weight Watcher friendly?  Not too sure that it is, takes up a VERY large portion of my daily points, but its worth every one.  Luckily, after eating said-calzone, I don't really eat much of a dinner.

Fridays to me will always be looked forward to because I get to enjoy them.  I actually like waking up kind of early on Fridays, knowing that I have a great workout to get to.

This Friday is a get-out-of-work-early day :)  Every one is gone in the office except me, but luckily I will take my handy lap top and work from home. before heading to State to hang out with my cousin which leads into Saturday tailgate and the MSU/Iowa game.

Here's hoping for a Fun, Flirty Friday!
-A

Next up: Weekend Warrior (to be posted Sat. or Sun.)

Thankful Thursday: My Parents

When I knew I was going to do Thankful Thursday posts, there was nothing else I could think of to be thankful for first except my parents.

I know I was not the easiest child, teenager, or young adult, to be around for a very long time (hell, sometimes I'm still not pleasant).  From 10-14, I was confused and uncomfortable and all together strange, though I do not remember a lot about that time.  Middle school was God awful and I was thankful to get into high school.  Before that though I was spoiled and never went without (and I still don't) because of them.  Family trips, skating, soccer, cheerleading, softball, shopping - I got to do and have it all.  For those things I obviously am very thankful for, but it is the other type of support that I am eternally thankful for.

High school, specifically sophomore and senior years, were tough.  I dealt with my first bout of depression in 10th grade.  Luckily I had my parents, despite our relationship being strained sometimes, and their support in getting better.  When tragedy rocked my world in July 2003, they were there once again.

My reaction to that incident though rocked THEIR world later that year.  Never once were they mad at me, but genuinely worried and wanted me to get better. Through the next few years as I graduated and went to college they continued to support me in ways I will never forget.

We have been fortunate that my parents have good jobs and are what I would consider successful.  It has never been a cake walk in my opinion, but as the saying goes: Work Hard, Play Hard.  I believe my parents have nailed this philosophy.  Looking at them makes me hopeful that my future will at one time be filled with nights at ball games, trips to Vegas and weekend getaways, most of the time spent together.

Currently at an age where I am considered a "real" adult, the things they continue to do are priceless.  I unfortunately still have to depend on them for a lot because they have let me fulfill my dream of being a sports information director (and that has taken a while), but they have let me grow and change and become the person I have always wanted to be.

The biggest thing they do is believe in me.  They believed I could succeed at anything I put my mind to.  I won a national championship with my skating team, graduated Summa Cum Laude out of high school, moved to South Carolina, joined a sorority, got good grades, moved to Chicago for an internship (which they took a loan out for), graduated with honors and secured a "job" out of college. Plus they have helped me move like six times now, so that has to count for a lot.

Now I am still doing what I love and getting a master's degree, all because they were willing to help me out and believe I can do it.

As of late though, the biggest gift they have given me is Weight Watchers.  I say it like that because my parents offered to pay for this program. They could see I was still not happy with my body and it took a toll on me.  In the past they paid for Jenny Craig, but I wasn't in the stage of my life to follow that like I should have.  Weight Watchers though was a program that was going to work.  Obviously it has.  I am 36 pounds lighter.  I am happier than I have been in several years and looking forward to seeing my progression through the next year when I graduate with a master's and FINALLY get my first full time position.

Without their financial and emotional support, there is no way I could have gotten this far.  WW actually came relatively easy for me once I stopped giving into every temptation that came my way, plus getting my butt in gear more often than not.  There is nothing better than calling after a meeting and knowing how proud they are of me.

After finishing the Warrior Dash

I am thankful, grateful and elated to have two of the best people in the world looking out for me.  I know my parents always have my best interest and hoping the best for me. I really think that my parents are the reason I am still here today and I am very happy for that.

Today (and everyday) there is nothing I am more thankful for than Shawn and Kathie.

-A

P.S. My 50-year old father did the Warrior Dash with me because I wanted to prove I could do it and there was no one else to go with me.  One more reason I love him that much more!

Tomorrow: Fun, Flirty Friday

And I'm BACK!

My last wonderful post on this blog was back when I was in a technology class. I have decided to revamp it and get back to my life.

For those who may not know, I have been on a weight loss journey since January 9, 2012 and have now lost 36.2 lbs

August 2011 to August 2012...I can tell a difference for sure

So let's update you on what has happened throughout that loss...March I hit the 20 pound mark and June was 30.  These last few weeks have been a yo-yo and my body trying to figure out what the hell its doing.  This summer definitely didn't help, but it also didn't hinder too much.  I lost 3 lbs in 3 months and I will tell you that is an accomplishment from everything I did.

I went  on several vacations (I know how did I get so lucky).  Well it was a lot of hard work and a lot of saving.  Starting in June, I hit up Florida to visit the place where I used to live and people I worked with.  Worked out everyday I was there, despite a massive hangover from a long delay at the airport and a late night, ate pretty well and got some sun.  Weigh in on Wednesday was kind and I was down 0.8.

At the end of June I was on my way to St. Louis.  Poor planning on my part = eating crappy food in my car.  I also drank every night and didn't really “think” too hard about my meals, but you know what I ended up losing 1.2 lbs that week (one workout and lots of walking I guess).

Finally I closed out my list of “real” vacations with a trek to Vegas.  This one was a doozie (sp?).  I say that because in Vegas, you eat, drink, walk, “swim” and gamble…and that is exactly what I did.

I did have one more “get-out-of-town” event and I went to Toronto to go to a baseball game as well as see some of the city.   More eating and more drinking ensued.  Throughout the summer I also went to Tigers games, went out with friends and enjoyed my life.

All in all though, I lost 3.4 pounds in those months and I am happy to say that.

So here I am 36.2 pounds gone; an entire size down (possibly more, but I am not ready for that yet) and a happier, healthier me.

I have decided to resume blogging in hopes that it keeps me committed and focused to my end goal.  To stay with that I have created themes for each day:
Meditation Monday
Tuesday Troubles
Weight Watcher Wednesday
Thankful Thursday
Fun, Flirty Friday
And
Weekend Warrior

Maybe I will gather some followers on this thing.  Until tomorrow.
-A