me? oh stop, I'm blushing...

I'm a little excited about this. (umm, really I'm a lot excited) Bethany from B getting hot! bestowed the 'Stylish Blogger Award' on little (big, haha) ol' me! Being in this community of bloggers who are going through a lot of the same things as me has been incredibly inspiring. Bethany's blog is really great, she has such a positive attitude and is running full force in making healthier choices in her life. (Read this post, all of the stairs made me tired just reading it. This girl is hard core, she's not doing anything halfway, that's for sure.) You must go check her out.
Okay, so for the blog award we are supposed to:

1. Link back to the person who gave the award to you
2. Share seven things about yourself
3. Pass the award on to 15 recently discovered great bloggers (or as many as you can).
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them they’ve won.

Seven things about myself, let's see...

1. I grew up in Forks, WA. Yes, that Forks. No, I don't know any vampires. (I did, however, work at the Miller Tree Inn for years, which is now the 'Cullen house' on the Twilight tour.)
2. I'm 4'10" and my husband is 6'4". That's a foot and a half difference. Comes in handy when I need things from the top shelf or the bottom of the washing machine.
3. I used to be able to quote the movie Maverick from beginning to end.
4. My favorite magazines, in no particular order are: Martha Stewart Weddings, Glamour, National Geographic, Self and Real Simple.
5. If I could go to any consert in the world, it would be Alabama. I'm hoping against hope for a reunion tour. (pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease)
6. I love reading about Siberia, Antarctica, Iceland and Alaska. And also clicking around on google maps. I'll always be a small town girl at heart, (hence the blog name) and have never really loved living in the city, after being in the city for 3 years, I'm swinging way over to the other end of the spectrum and craving some isolation. (Although, it is nice to have mall 10 minutes away. Growing up the closest mall was 3 hours away, so that's still a little exciting for this small town girl.)
7. If it comes in pink, that's the one I'm buying.

I know it says 15 blogs, but I need to get off the computer and get ready for work, so I'm going to leave you with the first person who came to mind when I was thinking of who I'd list here: Nicole at The Woman in Training. Her blog is about her 'adventures on the bumpy road to womanhood'.  Her posts are so fun and she's a really great photographer. When I see a new post from her in my reader it's always one of the first I click on.

Well, I hope you guys enjoyed learning a little about me. I think I could stand to be a tad more interesting, because it was really hard coming up with stuff, haha. Have a good rest of your weekend!

week two overview

See that, the blue star? I've officially hit 5 lbs lost!



For my weigh-in this week I lost 1.6 lbs, bringing my total to 5.8. That's only 4.2 lbs away from my 5% goal. The day of I was a little discouraged because I had been weighing myself incessantly at home (I know, it's a no-no) so I was a little confused as to what I would read at the meeting. Actually, I kind of figured I'd maintain or gain, so I was pretty worried. As I was telling my mom about this I realized that even if I did gain, I wasn't ready to give up. I would not be ordering a pizza out of sheer frustration or drop it altogether because it just wasn't working fast enoungh. Although I'm very anxious to see results (thank you captain obvious, like I'm the only one) I felt like I was also just enjoying the changes I was making. I love that I'm eating healthier than I was, and that I'm moving more. And even if I never lose a pound, those choices can still make me healthier. I guess it goes with what I said before about being ready. This time it's not just about looking good or clothes shopping, (still on the goal list, don't get me wrong) I'm actually becoming more open to a whole lifestyle change. As one who has always been pretty resistant to change it's feeling progress! :)

And sweet B from B getting hot! gave me the Stylish Blogger Award. Ahh, I'm so excited and honored!! B's is one of the first blogs I found when I started WW and was looking for some inspirational blogs. I am in love with her blog! So check back tomorrow for my Stylish Blogger Award post!

the answer

So I just discovered Lifehacker.  Great, yet another way to mindlessly wile away the hours on the internet, just what I needed, haha. On the front page the other day was an article called Guilt, Shame and Weight Loss, so I thought, alright, sure, I'll take the bait. Lately I'm loving reading a bunch of different health, fitness, weight loss stuff, just to see if I pick up any little tidbits, you know? The article was pretty cool, the author Tim Grahl talked about how he lost about 50 lbs in 5 months. Before this weight loss he said he'd tried many different diets (WW included) to no avail. His method was to pick a diet (his was basically whole foods, no meat except fish and some other stipulations), a time frame (as opposed to a lbs goal) and then proceed to tell the whole world about it. His theory was, if everyone knows I'm doing this, then it's going to be pretty embarrassing if I screw up, so maybe that will keep me in line. Obviously it worked. He ends with:

I had tried all the diets and none of them worked for me. I used to think it was because I was lazy and lacked willpower. What I realized is that everyone is lazy and lacks willpower. The trick is to leverage things like guilt and shame to keep you focused on the end goal and lose that weight.

While I totally agree with him (obviously- hello weight loss blog.) the article got me thinking. I've read many magazine articles, blog posts and so on and so forth before finding weight watchers and since, and  the point a lot of them are trying to make is that they've found THE ANSWER. And not even in a self-righteous kind of way. Heck, I'm kind of proclaiming that myself with my undying love for Weight Watchers, right? It's because I'm so excited something is working and I want to share it with whoever will listen. But I'm kind of thinking that Weight Watchers isn't 'the answer', just like Atkins isn't, or nutrisystem, or any other diets that have worked for so many people. I'm discovering that the answer is finally being ready. Ready to change, commit, work hard. Weight Watchers is definitely making the process a lot easier for me than say, counting calories on my own would be. But for most people, myself included, it's not so much the type of vehicle that gets us there, but the fact that we finally got in, ready for a long ride.

What about you, are you ready?

review: Billy Blanks Jr: Dance With Me Cardio Fit

I never thought I'd say this: I had fun doing a workout video.

I've been walking on my lunch at work, but wasn't really feeling it because I hate coming back into the building all flushed and sweaty. gross. So I was thinking maybe some days I'd just workout with a video at home. I have one workout video at home, 30 Day Shred, and it's a good one, but let's be honest- it's really hard. I wanted something that would break up the monotony and thought a dance video would be just the ticket. Enter Billy Blanks Jr.: Dance With Me Cardio Fit. There were a few dancing workout videos at Target, but I chose this one because of the reviews on Amazon and because he's Billy Blank's kid, you know, the Tae Bo guy? He's got to know his stuff if he's Billy Blank's son. (I tried Tae Bo once. Once being the operative word, it's intense.)
I'm so glad I picked this one! There are 3 different workouts, Hip-Hop, Country and Bollywood, all 12 minutes long, and then a warm-up and cool-down. The basic premise (at least for Hip-Hop and Country, I haven't done Bollywood yet) is that he shows you the moves individually, slowly if needed, then puts a few moves together, and then by the end strings them all together. Even when he's showing you the moves though, you're still trucking along at a pretty good pace. I was able to do all of the moves okay and keep up fine, though my complete lack of rhythm meant it wasn't very pretty at times. :) I most certainly wouldn't do this workout in front of anyone, because I looked like a fool, but Billy said to get into it, so I did. I was kind of grinning like an idiot because I knew I looked ridiculous, but it was really fun just letting loose like that, trying moves I never would have before. (and probably couldn't pull off in public.) It kind of felt like I was standing around with a bunch of friends goofing off, but getting a killer work out at the same time. I definitely felt it in my legs, and next time I'll use my arms more when I'm 'getting my groove on' so I feel it there as well.
I'm obviously not an exercise expert, like I said, this is only the second workout video I've really done. (Unless you count Sweatin' to the Oldies when I was a kid. haha, I love Richard Simmons.) Is this the same level as 30 Day Shred? Probably not. But I worked up a good sweat, and I'm excited to do it again. Anything that gets me excited about working out gets an A+ in my book, because it's a rare occasion. I'm not sure what more physically advanced people will think of this, but if you're anywhere near starting out, I say get it.

week one overview

This week has been so up and down. My first few days on Weight Watchers were practically euphoric, but the past few days have been a little less than spectacular. Not horrible, but I was a little blue, and it was reflected in some not-so-stellar food choices. Still in my points, but pizza rolls? Not exactly a power food...
But let's talk good news!

• My first weigh-in was Thursday night. I'm down 4.2 lbs!
• Tracked my points every day
• I stayed within my points every day while still feeling satisfied.
• Incorporated a lot more fruits and vegetables in my menus than I used to. Go me!
• Bumped up my activity level
• Drank my six 8 oz glasses of water (tea, milk) every day but one.

I'm pretty excited about last week now that I'm coming out of my 'funk'. I didn't do perfectly, but I made some major changes from my normal lifestyle.  There were a few difficult points last week though:

• I set myself up for disappointment with the weight loss. I really wanted to hit 5 lbs and kind of thought I was there, so when I saw the 4.2 my first reaction wasn't excitement or accomplishment, it was disappointment. I hate that because I know 4.2 is something to be proud of, which I am. This week I'm working on my expectations, and trying to focus more on my actions than the end result.
• My activity level was not where it should be. I started out pretty good, but then it was downhill from there. Yesterday? I did nothing. (That's all changing though with my new workout video, I lovelove it. Love it.)
• I'm still having trouble fitting all of my fruit/vegetable/healthy oils/dairy servings in all in one day. I also find it kind of hard to eat all 29 points some days. I think shift work may be to blame for that though. A big lunch isn't always appealing at 8am.
• I was a little more moody than usual. (i.e. spent half of Wednesday crying, without being able to figure out why.) I don't know if that is normal, I'm-a-girl-and-I-can-cry-if-I-want-to, or if it has something to do with working out/eating better/hormone levels stabilizing? Who knows. I can only hope next week is better. (My honey hopes too.)

All in all, it was not a bad beginning to my Weight Watchers journey. I'm proud of what I accomplished, but ready to do even better next week. (read: get off my butt a little more.)
I'll leave you with my goals for the week:

1. 30 minutes of activity every day
2. better food planning to get all my veggies, water, etc and to hit my daily points.
3. Focus on the positive! I'm making healthy choices, darnit! I deserve a gold star.

(oh, and try to blog better so I'm not fitting a weeks worth of blabbing in one post, eh?)

Even my shopping sprees are healthier...

Went on a little shopping trip on my lunch today because I really wanted a new workout video, preferably a dance one. (love that target is open at 8am!) I found this Billy Blanks Jr. one that looked good, and when I checked amazon there weren't a lot of reviews, but they were all 4 or 5 stars, so I was sold. I'm excited to go home and try it!
And I had to get a Self magazine, because I lovelove Self. I'm thinking I need to get a subscription again, it's one of those magazines you just want to read cover to cover.
Speaking of subscriptions, did you see the little note in the lower left hand corner of the DVD? Free subscription to Fitness magazine, score! While Self is and always will be my number one healthish magazine, I won't say no to free!
I'm hoping to get my week one update (and first weigh-in results!) up later today, so come back soon, ya hear?

It's me vs. The stairs

We're supposed to work out/be active every day, per WW suggestion. They define it in 'points' but it basically works out to about 30 minutes of moderate activity or 20 minutes of intense. (I think later they want us to build up to more.) So, my plan is to work out on my lunch on work days, that way if I'm too tired when I get home at least I've done the minimum. On day one I walked 20 minutes and yesterday I walked 30. (woo-hoo!)
Today on my way to work it was a little icky and rainy, and seeing as my mascara is not waterproof, I decided to walk the stairs inside. They hardly ever get used and have a door on both ends, so they're in their own little room. Easy-peasy-lemon-sqeezy. I had heard that stairstepping/climbing is supposed to be super good for the heart (that's never bad), plus, it would be considered 'intense' so only 20 minutes required. Heart healthy, time saver and no racoon eyes? Sign me up!

I almost passed out after TWO MINUTES. I'm not even kidding a little bit, those stairs are so freakin' HARD! Is there a level above intense? Because I got there- and I OWNED it. My heart was pounding so hard I almost couldn't get an in focus picture with my phone. I didn't make my original goal of 20 minutes, but I went 10. That's 8 minutes past seeing the stars and birdies circling my head. I'd call that a small victory. I might have went longer, but dizziness + cement stairs do not equal good times. So I finished out the last 10 minutes with a walk around the building. (never fear, the rain had slowed a bit, so there was no mascara runnage) Added bonus of the walk is it was sooo nice to get out in the breeze after all my huffing and puffing.
Although they kicked my butt, I think the stairs are here to stay.

on my way to a new me!

 

Does that post sound too optimistic? I'm feeling pretty optimistic, I'm not gonna lie. Today is my second day on Weight Watchers.  Although I know it's not going to be a walk in the park, I can't help but feel excited about the changes I'm making. I've half-heartedly tried to be healthy and lose weight before, only to give up after a few days because I was overwhelmeld, confused or, let's face it, just plain lazy. This time it feels different though. (cliche after cliche, please bear with me.) I was telling my mom the other night, I think the reason it feels different this time is because it's not just that I want to lose weight or that I'm super motivated, because I've been there before. It's that I actually feel like I can lose weight. Even after 2 days I already feel like I have the tools and knowledge I need to do this. I feel like I'm in control of the results, instead of wondering if what I'm doing will even work.

 

My Stats:
height: 4'10" (If you have a short joke, I've heard it before.)
starting weight: 205lbs
(as of 1/13, my first meeting)
immediate goal: 195lbs
end goal: 105lbs

 

the end goal I'm not set in stone on, but 100lbs to lose seemed like a nice round number. For my height the ideal weight is between 96-120lbs, so 105 is middle-ish. I don't think I want to set it at 120 and be teetering on the edge of an 'unhealthy' BMI. If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this. But I can reevaluate when I get closer, maybe check and see what the doctor says I should be.

 

I've always been heavy, not very active and an unhealthy eater to boot. I wish I could say that it was genetics, or a health condition, or a super busy lifestyle that got (and kept) me where I am, but it's not. Here's the truth: I am one of the laziest people I know. Honestly. And not just couch potato lazy, but lazy about dreams and goals. I didn't make a lot because I was afraid of bailing out or failing. Another problem was when I did make goals, or want to change, I would always be of the all-or-nothing, go-big-or-go-home mentality. I get easily overwhelmed anyway, so I'd take on too many changes only to drop them after a short while because I couldn't process it.
Weight Watchers has everyone start out with a small goal, 5-10%. So the all-or-nothing, go-big-or-go-home part of me sort of balked at that. 5%? come on! But the other part of me, the part that's dying to hike with her husband, shop in normal stores, not worry about health issues? She's a little excited about it. 5% of my weight is 10 lbs, which, although I have a lot more to lose, is no small feat. I know that small goals (which equals victories more often) will be super helpful. I'm already looking forward to hitting that 10 pound mark. and after that is the 10% (20lbs) mark, and when you hit that Weight Watchers gives you a key chain. Can I just tell you I love keychains? When I was a kid I had handfuls of them before I even had any keys to put on them. I've slimmed down my keychain collection considerably, so I'm definitely open to adding some bling. And from the pictures I saw online, it's pretty cute. The really cool thing is anytime you hit big milestones, they give you a charm to put on it. LOVE IT! Who wouldn't love it?

I'll leave you with some reasons I want to lose weight:

• reduce risk of certain diseases
• prepare my body for when we decide to have kids
• have more energy
• fight depression
• be able to participate in sports and outdoor activities
• shop in normal stores for CUTE clothes
• confidence
• better mood
• the keychain, obviously