Milestones!

We have several milestones to celebrate!


First, today marks 6 months since Pinky had surgery to amputate her left rear leg after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.  She continues to do very well and is a happy girl all the time.


Tomorrow, my Carrie girl turns 13 years old!  I saw her race owner on Saturday morning and he remembered her - remembered her race name, what she looks like, and remembers her parents.  He hasn't seen her in almost 11 years - that just tells you how special she is!


I am feeling good - and a pair of shorts I haven't been able to wear for two summers now FIT ME!!!  The scale hasn't moved a lot - I'm packing on muscle though.  I don't pay much attention to the scale, rather I'm paying attention to how I'm feeling and how clothes are fitting.  I haven't re-measured myself since I started this in January, but I am sure I've lost some inches in a few places :)  I just have to keep going!  


The weather has not been very cooperative - it has been raining like crazy.  I'm hoping for some sunny weather soon so I can go rollerblading!

I have plans!

Fritz and I did a 2.1 mile walk for a fundraiser last Saturday.  One of my student workers is an avid runner - she ran it with her sister in the time it took Fritz and I to do 1 mile.  I'm so very inspired by her, I've decided that I'm taking this week to just get some really good brisk walks in, and then next week I'm starting the Couch to 5k program.  I am going to have to be VERY careful not to reinjure my knee (I do NOT want another steroid shot!).

I have been doing pretty well with food choices (though admittedly at the moment there's not much food in my house, which needs to be remedied before I start ordering takeout!), and have been doing a good amount of weight training.  So far my knee is doing well - no pain at all.  

I love that slight achiness you get after you've worked a muscle group really well - it just hurts so good!  

My house is messy and that's been messing with my mood, so I'm hoping to take baby steps to accomplish lots of small goals to get this place in tip top shape!  I just have lots of laundry and lots of dishes, and the usual dusting that needs to happen when you have 6 dogs and 2 cats.  Made a dent in Mt. Laundry today, so I'm good with that - if I accomplish lots of small things over a period of time, it's a lot easier than spending an entire day cleaning...at least it is for me :P

Feeling pretty good

I've had some really bad reactions to sugary and carby things....a blessing in disguise, really. Apparently the stomach upset I would get from those things just wasn't enough of a deterrent, but now those things give me an instant headache. I absolutely cannot deal with headaches!

So, no more sugary or carby things, and guess what? I've lost almost 4 pounds this week! That's enough to motivate me to do more, for sure!

I started back with light exercise today...mainly did arms and abs, but, I did throw in some light squats. I'm hoping that my knee won't be angry with me tomorrow for that. I'd really like to get back to rollerblading and maybe start a couch to 5k program, if my knee will cooperate. I'm just trying to take it slow so that I don't re-injure myself. On the other hand, I hate taking it slow because I feel like I'm not getting the most out of workouts if I'm not pushing it.

Finding that delicate balance is my next challenge!

Wow! WAYYYYY off the wagon!

Well, I have fallen SO far off of the wagon that it's not even funny!  Between potlucks and trivia nights and a bunch of other things, there is snacky stuff EVERYWHERE, and I have had very little willpower to resist it.

I've also been feeling the effects of my indiscretions, though - my stomach is getting upset almost all the time and I just generally feel sick.  Eating anything sugary automatically gives me a headache, which will turn into a migraine.

As of today I am re-committing myself to eating better.  My knee is feeling a lot better - I still have to take it easy with squats and things like that, but, at least I can WALK comfortably now.  

My financial fitness has improved - I got a promotion at work, which means more money.  That also means it's easier to pay the bills every month, so I'm finally making some headway!

Stay tuned - I'm hoping to be able to post some progress here soon.  I'm also going to try to post more, as that kept me a bit more honest ;)

Tough times

I've run into a bit of a snag...my right knee is acting up, and I've had to tone down my exercise. I'll see an orthopedist soon to make sure it's not anything serious.

I have always had issues with this knee...since middle school, really. I've been to physical therapy too.

It just irks me that I have to tone things down when I was finally making exercise part of my normal routine. I can still do other things, but lots of cardio-focused things are pretty much off the table right now. They've been replaced with lots of additional stretching exercises and very light leg exercises.

Hoping to get some answers soon!

Things are looking up!

I could sit here and title each of my posts with a day count, but, I think that might be getting a little bit mundane when I'm not posting every single day...so I'm going to try to mix it up a little bit (plus, I've lost count, lol...I could figure it out of course, but, eh).

I got a promotion at work that nets me some more money every month...that's always an exciting thing!  Money has been a tough thing as of late, what with the various medical expenses for the animals.  I have always enjoyed Dave Ramsey's methods, so that's what I'm working on right now.  Some extra money every month will help me reach my goals faster!

Every time I'd get to a point where I felt like I was finally on track and getting somewhere, something would happen (I'd lose my job, someone would get really sick, something would break at the house, etc.)...sending me into a tailspin and then I'd have to start all over.  I love my job, and this promotion makes me love my job even more - I'm hoping that this time around, once I start to get somewhere, I'll be able to keep on going!

I won't lie - the past couple of days I've been on a binge trip with junk food.  I feel like crap...not only from guilt either...the things I've eaten literally make my body ache.  I just can't do that anymore.  I went to the store today and picked up some good food.  No Super Bowl junk food for me!

Another goal is to drink more water.  I know that I really don't drink enough of ANY liquid in a day.  Some days go by and I hardly have anything to drink...I need to be more mindful of that and do my best to get that water into my body.

Workouts have been few and far between, unfortunately.  I need to start forcing myself to at least do a few things every morning before work.  At the very least, that will get me up and moving around in the morning, which can be tough for me during the winter with my lupus.

Day 22 - back from hiatus

We've been dealing with some health issues with Ace and it's just been difficult to sit down and post.  Of course I got stressed out and turned to food for comfort.  Never a good idea, and it's a TOUGH habit to break.  


I did take my lunch to work with me today - a grain free lunch!  I just need to keep at it.  I went through my cookbooks and picked out recipes and made a meal plan...I just need to make a grocery list and do some cooking!  I don't go into work until 10:30 tomorrow morning, so I'm going to try to make some progress with that in the morning.


I found some exercises on Pinterest that look like they might actually be fun, while still working some of my problem areas.  A good way to mix it up and get away from the daily situps and pushups every now and then.  I usually get a pretty decent workout hauling heavy stuff around at work, but, because we've been pretty busy, I've been at the helpdesk a lot helping to answer the phones.


They say it only takes 21 days to create a new habit...I had hoped that by this time I'd have created some healthier eating habits, but, unfortunately life got in the way and I have not been as steadfast as I could have been.  I'm hoping these next 21 days will net me a better result!

Day 12

This cold weather is kicking my butt...I just feel like I have ZERO energy right now. I also ate a panini for lunch...I'm sure it's the gluten dragging me down. At the very least it's not helping the situation.

Since I have a long weekend, I'm hoping to do some cooking so I'll have plenty of good things around with lots of choices.

I still can't decide what to do about a gym, so I'm tabling that decision for right now. I certainly don't need more stress.

Day 11

I took a day off from posting-yesterday was a busy day just making sure everything was in order before the snow arrived. I also rearranged some things around the house.

Today was very busy as well-I got some exercise shoveling snow. I left so early today that I didn't pack a lunch and ended up eating grilled cheese for lunch *sigh*. Tomorrow is a new day and my lunch is packed and ready to go for tomorrow.

Day 9

Had an awesome lunch at Johnny's...chicken deburgo.  Oh man, that stuff is great.  And, primal too!  I wish I could buy a gallon of the deburgo sauce - I'd put it on chicken and on steak and eat it all the time.  I do have a recipe, but I have been too chicken to try to make it yet.

Work has been pretty stressful but I'm trying to keep my stress level to a minimum.  Sometimes you just have to let things go.

The University decided to offer these "great deals" on gym memberships.  Basically all they're offering is a reduced signup fee.  And of course NOT at the place I was hoping for.  The offer will stand for a while, so I may cave and join one of the places, which happens to be really close to my house.  We'll see.  For now I will just do things at home as I originally intended.  I should play with the Wii Fit too - haven't done that in a while and it's a fun thing to add in to a "real" workout.

I didn't do any grocery shopping this weekend due to feeling like crud.  One of these days I'll find the time.  I really need to make a meal plan first.  Maybe I'll work on that tonight or tomorrow.  I've been working here in my office since about 6 and my dogs are mad at me, so it'll probably be tomorrow night.

Day 8

Jimmy Johns' Unwich saved the day today! I woke up late this morning between being on cold medicine and not hearing my alarm due to the noise from my humidifier, and I didn't have time to pack my lunch. So I ordered an Unwich. It was great!

I have been pretty tired these last few days. I hope to get my energy back soon! I will say that I've been enjoying watching Apollo 13 and all of the special features about the space program...cool stuff. So, I'm exercising my mind this week instead of my body.

Day 7

I woke up feeling like crud...had a headache and I've had several nosebleeds today. The air has been really dry, so, I got my humidifier out about an hour and a half ago and it's already much more pleasant.

I spent the day relaxing in case I had something brewing. I had some tomato soup a little while ago and that has perked me up a little bit.

Pinky continues to do well after her chemo treatment, and thankfully my little guys have taken it easy on me today :)

Feeling like week 2 is going to be better, for sure.

Day 6

Feeling good about today-I did sneak a few small pieces of pumpernickel bread at dinner, but, meh. They were small. Had the Alice Springs Chicken at Outback-it was good!

Pinky is doing well after her chemo treatment this morning, and she's snoozing away in her bed :)

Day 5

Holy crap, I am beat! It's been a very busy and long week for me...definitely time to relax!

I'll be going through my cookbooks tomorrow and hitting the store, then Sunday I'll do some cooking.

Pinky will hopefully have her second chemo treatment tomorrow. We had to postpone for a week because her neutrophil count was too low. Cross your fingers for us!

Day 4

Tough day today-a ton of things happening at work. I had a Mountain Dew today-my throat was dry and I needed a drink fast. There was a can in my desk drawer so I drank it.

I know it's not the end of the world, but so far it seems like most days include some sort of indiscretion, and I really don't want to simply dismiss those things. I know they are little things, but caffeine and sugar are my drugs of choice. A cocaine addict can't have "just a little bit" and have it be okay. I feel like I should have the same attitude.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Day 3

I'm hanging in there - it's very encouraging to not feel like I'm going to explode after I eat a meal.  That alone is great motivation.  I don't like feeling sick after EVERY meal!  So far so good.  I really need to do some cooking this weekend and freeze some things though.  I just don't have much around the house except for vegetables and the frozen lime chicken picante (which is still delicious, but, a little bit of variety would be nice).

I'm looking to try a lot of new things, but, because I have so many food allergies, it can be tough.  So, I just have to be careful, that's all.  My allergies are not so severe that tasting something will put me in any danger - I'll just be a bit uncomfortable for a while.

I also need to do some online learning about "fancier" cooking...some of the actions and ingredients in recipes have me stumped.  I'll just have to look some things up.  The Internet is a great place to get answers, that's for sure!  So, not only will I be healthier, I'll be learning things too!  It's a win/win!

Day 2

Well, I caved this evening and had a Caramel Brulee Latte from Starbucks while I was waiting for some prescriptions to be filled at the Target pharmacy.  Not the best thing for me, but, not the worst thing either - at least it's grain-free!  It is really carby though - 92grams!  I'm also not feeling awesome about it because while it was DELICIOUS, I kind of have a caffeine/sugar headache now.  

I did alright with lunch - could have had a delicious sandwich at Buffalo Wild Wings, but instead I just had chicken.  And I'm ok with that.

I do think I'll be taking my lunch tomorrow though.  Then I don't have to make a choice on the fly, PLUS it's MUCH cheaper!

Day 1

So far, so good on Day #1.  I made sure to pack my lunch last night so that it was ready for me to grab this morning on my way out the door.  I had some lime chicken picante that I had made in the crockpot and had frozen in individual servings, and some cottage cheese.  

I've had ZERO pop today, which is darn near miraculous.  I know the day isn't over yet, but, I don't have any pop at home to tempt me either.  I have a feeling I'll be having caffeine withdrawal headaches, but, I guess that's part of the deal.  Oddly, I don't really have a craving for it, even though I'm talking about it.  That's good!

I know it's a bit easier to stick to something when you're first starting out...the true test will be this weekend.  We'll see...

Bedtime update: I am resisting the urge to eat something sweet. It's bedtime, not food time!

I am closing the day victorious in my quest to avoid pop. I had sparkling water with lime. No sugar, no sodium, and no fake sugar either!

New Year, New Deal

I know that this is very cliché, but, one of my goals for 2012 is to lose weight.  I know, I know, EVERYONE's goal is to lose weight.  I have decided that I just really need to do it.  Let's face it, I'm not getting any younger, and with some of the health issues that run in my family, I need to be taking A+ care of myself...and for the last couple of years I've been taking C- care of myself.  It's time to change all of that.

Seeing as how I'm poor at the moment, I won't be joining a gym (that would be idiotic right now anyway because the gyms are going to be FULL of people like me, trying to make good on a New Year's Resolution).  I do know that at the moment my main concern is what I eat.  I will be following a Primal diet (see http://www.marksdailyapple.com for more information).  I need to change my eating habits.  Once I am a little bit more stable on that end, I will take up the exercise.  I've done exercise before...it's not a "new" thing, but, I suppose I WILL have to be a little bit less lazy about it, lol.

I have recorded my weight and my measurements...in order to make this less humiliating than it already is, I'll be keeping that information to myself for the time being.  Maybe I'll share once I make some progress.

I'm hoping that keeping this blog will keep me honest.  I'd imagine it won't be terribly exciting most of the time, so this is mostly for my benefit, but, I will share so that you can read along if you so choose.  I'll likely talk a lot about my dogs and my other goals for this year, which include improving my FINANCIAL fitness as well.

Welcome, and thanks for visiting :)