Monday, September 30, 2013

There's A Positive Side To Everything

It feels good to be back to my blog. Sometimes I have writers block and have no idea where to start. I begin to type something and then delete it several times. I am committed to this entry. I won't delete. I promise.

Yesterday was the National Kidney Foundation of Louisville's Kidney Walk. I am happy to say I raised over $400 for the cause! I owe a big THANK YOU to my family and friends who donated. Your support means the world to me! I am sad to say, I didn't actually get to walk. A tractor-trailer carrying a load of cows overturned on I64 westbound and it was shut down for over 6 hours. Me and the family attempted our trip anyway, despite the detours. We had a nice drive through some small towns of Kentucky. It's amazing what you see when you are taken off of your normal path. We saw rabbits for sale, log cabins, family cemeteries, a beagle sniffing out something on the road, beautiful lakes and creeks, cows that weren't running for their lives, horses, a lot of silos, people standing on their porch wondering "where in the heck is all of this traffic coming from?", tractors, a Porsche and a long line of traffic weaving through small communities. It was interesting to say the least. I try to see the positive in everything, but I'm going to be honest, once I arrived at the walk, I wasn't in a positive mood. I had been texting (not while driving - my hubby was my transcriptionist) with our team captain, who was stuck in the same traffic, and she gave up and turned around and went home. With our team tshirts. I, however, did not give up. I arrived at Waterfront Park in Louisville and it was easy to tell everyone was leaving. The walk was over. It had been raining and I was told turnout was low to begin with. I swiftly ran to the registration desk, because if there was one thing I was in need of, it was a tshirt! I only wore a spaghetti strap tank top in anticipation of getting my team tshirt when I arrived and I was freezing! I shared my traffic nightmare with some of the people at the tent and they didn't seem to be very sympathetic. One of them got me my shirt I earned for my donations. Then she had the gaul to say to me, "at least you weren't in the wreck". I wish you could've seen the look on my face. She's lucky she didnt' get a smack. I politely replied, "yes, that's nice, but I have been working for this for months and it was very important to me to walk". Then she said, "well, we can take your picture by the NKF arch?" - smack #2 almost ensued. I politely said, "well, thanks for that". Of course, it's not her fault the semi crashed and there were cows running for their lives and everyone coming to the walk on I64 westbound couldn't make it. But her sunny disposition is not something I was interested in witnessing. I put on my tshirt and walked to the staging area for a picture. I tried to smile, but let's face it, I was over it. I was truly having a great hair day when we left and I got out of the car in rain. I've lost almost 15lbs but you sure can't tell in the picture. My daughter had a friend who lives in the area meet us and we all went to a late lunch at my favorite pizza place in Louisville, Wick's. A nice pie and a Smithwick's made everything all better. The nap when I got home was fabulous as well.

I'm trying not to be bitter, but I am seriously disappointed I didn't get to walk. The positivity is welling up inside of me though and the best part is that our team was #3 in fundraising for Corporate teams and the NKF of Louisville exceeded their goal this year! Isn't that all that counts? Yes, it is! :)

P.S. Good news on the weight loss front - I am down 14lbs as of this morning's weigh-in! I've increased my walk to 4 miles when I can and last week's bowling was MUCH improved! (see, there's some more positivity for ya!)



Monday, September 23, 2013

Sometimes Life Is Hard

I'd love to start this entry describing how I've lost 5 or 6 lbs since my last entry, but that ain't gonna happen. Last week was rough for me. The good news is I walked 4 miles last Monday! I felt so good after that walk that I could've kept on going! I bowled on Tuesday and had a pretty good night; even bowling above my average for two games! But the rest of the week? Nothing. I haven't exercised one bit and my eating habits have left much to be desired. I don't have any excuses but I sure made a lot of them last  week. I usually step on the scale today, but I am not going anywhere near it! Probably not tomorrow either.

But today starts a new week! I am going to walk right after work and I am going to try and do 4 miles again. It will be harder on me since I haven't walked in so long, but so what. It's my own fault. Tomorrow night is bowling and I promise not to let my momentum stop there. I am going to exercise every day this week and enjoy the weekend off. Wait, I am walking in the National Kidney Foundation Walk this Sunday in Louisville! It's not a competitive walk. Just a leisurely 2-3 mile stroll with our team to help raise funds for kidney disease patients. I'll be walking with the "Wildcat Walkers" from the University of Kentucky Transplant Center in honor of my kidney recipient, Matthew. So, I guess I'll take Friday and Saturday off. If you want to make a donation for the walk, please click here.I appreciate any and all donations!  http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1983148&pg=personal&fr_id=6060

So, sometimes life is hard and life gets in the way of our motivation. But I know this weight-loss journey is not easy. Especially for someone like me who is a food addict. It may be next year before I see the major change I am looking for, but I know it will happen. One thing is for sure - I will NOT be obese. I refuse!!! My life means too much to me and I want to be here for my family for a long time! To all of you that are fighting the same demons, I'll be praying for you! We can do this! :)

Friday, September 13, 2013

The Weather Is Changing

Happy Friday the 13th! Some people dread this day. I usually don't but today has lived up to its scary name. I will be happy when it's over! I don't really believe in all superstitions. I own a black cat, Jynks, and he walks in front of my path every day. His picture is below. He's a regal kitty. Very independent, as most cats are, and he is quite vocal. He is the opposite of our other cat, Leo, who can barely make a sound when he meows and is quite playful. Leo thinks he's a dog and likes to play fetch. Jynks is content to sit outside on the deck and torture the birds nearby. I love them both! 

I haven't exercised in the last couple of days because of bowling (which was HORRIBLE by the way) and weather issues. But the weather is a changing. Today the high is 68 and sunny. Perfect walking weather! I'm so excited that I can head straight to the park after work and not walk in 95 degree weather. I tried that on Monday and almost passed out. I was only able to make it 2 miles, but a little was better than none at all. I love the weather change. The feel of fall in the air, football games, leaves changing, a nice breeze. The thing I do not like is the allergies that come with it! Both kids are sick and blowing noses and missing school. With all the rain we had this summer, I am wondering if this weather change isn't going to bring some serious winter weather. This part worries me. I need to find something I can do indoors to exercise without joining a gym. I am not keen on exercise videos because the area I have to work with at home is VERY small. I guess I'll have to get creative! I do enjoy the Wii and I'll still be bowling until April. Winter months are hard when it comes to losing weight and I am trying to lose as much as I can before it gets here. I am anxious to hear what you do when it comes to the winter months! Share your thoughts in the comments. 

Well, I'm off to walk. Thanks for reading and if you're in KY, enjoy this gorgeous weather we're having! And GO BIG BLUE!!! 


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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

There's Good News & Bad News

Well, some good news is here! Yesterday I weighed in and lost a pound! Today I weighed in (completely out of curiosity) and I lost another pound! Truth be told, it's because I had a bathroom trip that I shall not describe to you. But they are normal for me and if you know me and my IBS struggles (which is one of the reasons I even doing this weight loss/eating better thing), then you will understand what I am talking about! Total weight loss so far is 13lbs! One of my favorite numbers! They say the first 10 are easy and the next 10 are hard. I had hit a plateau, so let's hope I am moving past it. 

Bad news, my clothes are big and I have absolutely NO money to get some that fit. I guess it's time to dig into my closet and see what is completely out of style but yet still fits! I honestly don't even know what size I am. But I did buy a killer dress at Macy's a month ago that I have been waiting to get into. It was so cheap and a size smaller than I was at the time. I am going to put that puppy on and see what happens! :)

In other news, I walked 2 miles in extreme heat yesterday and about passed out (as marathon runners kept on going past me) and tonight I bowl. Last week's performance was sad at best. Let's hope I can break 150 tonight. My team could use it. We were tied for 2nd place. I see a big slip this week. 

Anyway! Just wanted to share the good news! Sometimes consistently walking and eating better does work! (and good Lord, I miss a good McDonald's Coke!) 

Monday, September 9, 2013

Here is a cut and paste from my weight loss blog! Sorry it's one big mass entry, but they aren't that long. For now, I'll write about weight loss. There may be times when other things are more important, but nothing is more important than my health! Since I am a living kidney donor (1/9/12), I need to keep the one kidney I have in good shape! :) 

Entry 1: (5/29/13)

Well, here goes nothing!

I hate the word fitness. I hate the word exercise. I am not sure why this is since I was a dancer from the ages of 12-25. Before I became a wife and mother I used to spend all of my time at the gym working out. I'm 45 y/o now and have two teenage children and I could care less about working out. I loathe the thought of it. But, that is not going to get me any skinnier. Let's face it, I am overweight and I don't want to live like this. I can't sit on my fat ass forever. So, it's time. I always said there would be a time when I was ready for change. It's now. I downloaded this app on the recommendation of my friends and niece and we'll see how it goes. My digestive system has been in revolt for over 20 years. Maybe this will help in that area as well? Who knows. But this will be a slow process for me. I am not disciplined, but I will try. Walking is about all you'll get out of me. I enjoy walking so at least I have that going for me. I can use any and all support I can get! I only have one kidney now that I donated my other one last year. I have to keep this body in tip top shape!
Entry 2: (7/23/13)
Boo hoo hoo
Well, last week was not a good one for me. A lot of emotional eating and no exercise because of the oppressive heat. Excuses, excuses - I know. And this morning when I weighed in, I was at least 2lbs heavier. Damn scale. I seriously think it's because of water and the fact that I need a good BM. I walked hard last night and even jogged a little. I think the real runners in the park were thinking "what in the hell is she doing?" :)  But I'm going to keep doing it whether they're watching or not. 
This week I am going to try to shop at our local good foods co-op and see if I can find something I actually like. I see a lot of chicken, ham and turkey in my future. Oh, and pork chops. I have discovered my grill and I like it! I am going to start using it more as well. It keeps me from sauteeing everything in oil and fattening juices.
Next week the scale should be scared. I am going to make it scream with delight at the loss!! :) 
Entry 3: (7/30/13)
YAY!!! 3lbs lost this week!
I'm pumped! I seriously think last week was a fluke. I had a few bad moments, but not 2lbs worth. So I lost the two I gained PLUS one! And I am seeing a nutritionist on Thursday as well. She has my diary from MFP. Let's hope she doesn't kill me. LOL :) 
Entry 4: (8/19/13)
10lbs down, so many more to go!
Well, last week I hit the 10lb mark! Yippeeee! I think walking in the local 5k probably helped out! :)  I was happy I didn't finish last and almost cried as I crossed the finish line. My friends who ran finished in 28-30 minutes and I walked it in 47 min. Not too shabby for someone who walks almost 5mph! (and I ran a little here and there too!)
Not sure if I mentioned it before, but I met with a nutritionist and we have set goals for myself. Like, going to the grocery on Sunday and planning meals for the week, bringing my lunch more often, selecting foods that are better for me at each meal, percentages of carbs, protein, fat for each day, etc. I've been doing pretty well sticking to the plan. Except this week...I didn't shop yesterday. I'm going to try and catch up this week and get meals planned. I'm going to look throug the MFP recipe section and see what ideas I can find. I'm getting bored with my same food routine. Need to change it up a little bit.
Tomorrow I weigh in. I honestly don't think anything will change from last week, but we'll see. My next short term goal is just to get to the 160s! Baby steps is how I am doing this thang! LOL :)
Entry 5: (8/20/13)

Weigh in you say? Not today.


Today is not the day for a weigh in. I can tell I will be disappointed so why do it. I walked vigorously almost every day last week and took off Fri & Sat, walked Sun and didn't walk last night. My belly hurts a little today and my women friends will understand when I say I'm bloated. I've had this feeling before and I had gained 2lbs and the next week lost three. Why set myself up for depression? I know I feel good and my clothes are still big (as well as my bra!) and I know I'll be back to exercising every night the rest of this week. I just keep telling myself everything will be fine and I can do this!! I'm also going to try and start bowling and that has to be good for the body, right?? :) So, I'll try again next week or in a few days when I'm feeling better. To the rest of you, keep up the good work!! You rock!!
Entry 6: (8/27/13)

Maybe I weighed in today, maybe I didn't...

This could be a trend!! LOL and it's actually not true because I stepped on a scale yesterday and I was 171.0. Today I was 171.3 and I know I am less than that. I just know it. Maybe not by much, but at least 170 or 169. (maybe I'm wishful thinking??) I'm not adding either of those weights to MFP. Maybe next week's? I need it to show a loss and not the same thing. 
Anyhoo.....no one ever reads these blogs so I guess I am just making up stuff for myself! :)  But I refuse to get down. I am eating right and exercising and doing what I can. I think I can increase my exercise to add a little strength training in my arms. I would also like to tone my abs a little. Baby steps for me when it comes to exercise. And I still hate running! I tried it again last night. Well, I try it every time I walk. My knees hurt, my back hurts and I hate it. A runner I am not and never will be. A fast walker I shall remain! If I can get three miles in each time then I am doing well! My goal is to speed that walk up so I can really compete in some races. :)
Tonight I bowl, which is great exercise! I was exhausted last week on my first time in years. And I burned like 600+ calories! It's good stuff!
That's all for now! Catch ya on the flip side!  
Entry 7: (9/5/13)
Well, Imagine that!!
I finally lost another pound! I weighed in this morning on a whim and just knew it would say I was heavier or the same. I'm dressed in heavier clothes today as well, so it may be more than a pound, but I'll take whatever I can get! I had hit a plateau and had spoken to my nutritionist about how to overcome it. She gave me some suggestions and some web sites to read. I also needed help increasing my protein and she gave me info on that as well. Here are the links: 
I've increased my walking and I began bowling again this week. So, maybe I'll see a decline in the weeks to come. I still have my chocolate weaknesses but I'm doing better about giving into them. I'm still intersted in getting a bicycle and uninterested in running. :)
Anyway.....so happy to see that I am almost under the 170 mark! I can't wait to be in the 160s!! :)
Have a great day!  




Today, I blog.

I decided to start this blog today because I've been blogging about my weight loss journey on My Fitness Pal and realized that if you aren't a member there, you can't see my entries! I will be copying/pasting my previous entries there and adding them here. This is my first official blog and I am not very good at this, so please bear with me! Sometimes it will be like reading "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy". :) 
Have a great day!
Karen