Ok, so I realize that I discovered this blog a few weeks after I started my program. So, let me start at the beginning.
When I was a kid, I was always active. I was in just about every sport imaginable and was always playing outside with my brothers and sisters. As I got older, I participated in marching band and show choir which helped keep me trim due to the strenuous rehearsal schedules. When I got to college, I discovered a whole new world of endless buffets, midnight binges, and beer. There was no one to control how much I ate or drank and I embraced it! By the time I graduated in 2001, I had gained over 40 pounds. It wasn't until it was too late that I realized that my clothes hadn't shrunk like I was trying to tell myself....I had outgrown them from not taking care of myself like I should have.
Soon after, I decided I did not want to look like that anymore. I joined the gym and started eating healthier meals. I took step aerobics, weight training classes, kickboxing, pretty much anything I could find that would get me skinny. Sometimes I took back to back classes and spent anywhere from1-2 hours at the gym everyday. I then started skipping lunches or would have just a piece of fruit. Breakfasts sometimes consisted of just coffee. I was subsitute teaching so it easily distracted me from any hunger I was feeling. I ended up losing a ton of weight...I was skinny, buff, and finally felt good about myself. After this, I started eating pretty normal again, but I continued to work out almost daily.
Fast forward a few years. Full time jobs, part time jobs, and relationships kept me from working out and taking care of myself. After a tough break-up with a (pardon my language **** who told me I was fat at 130 pounds, I started to work out again, and lost about 10 pounds which helped build myself esteem again. I went out with my friends Beth and Laura and was feeling good. That started to get a little out of control due to many other things that were going on in my life, but I didn't realize it at the time. I was single, having fun with my girls, but there was still something missing.
In 2007 I met Brian. Funny that we both went to Hiram, but were 4 years apart so only knew each other in passing or at an occasional party. We reconnected at a pigroast and have been inseparable since. He is my rock and I don't know what I would do without him. He got me through the most difficult part of my life when I suffered a seizure at his house and is always there for me whenever I need him. All that being said, once you are in a committed relationship, you want to spend as much time with that person as you can. I traded in aerobic classes to spending time with Brian and eating out became typical for us most weekends. Depression set in after being diagnosed with seizure disorder, so I began eating badly again, and instead of working out when I got home from work, I would put my pajamas on, sit in front of the tv, and eat dinner. I loved it (and still do!) but deep down knew I shouldn't be doing this. I also got a new job which definitely isn't my dream job, but it pays the bill. In the past 6 months I have gained about 15 pounds in addition to the weight I have gained over the last few years due to my laziness. I finally stepped on the scale on January 2nd and could not believe the number I saw. I have not weighed this much since college. I joined Weight Watchers right away.
I am able to follow the program and really hope it works. I just started week 3 and have lost about 10 pounds, which seems like a lot to me in a small time period, but I think I put my body in a state of shock by cutting out pop, junk food, sugar, and food portions. I've been exercising a few times a week, but need to increase now that my body is getting used to it again. If I lose 1-2 a week now I ill be happy. Can I lose 30 more pounds by summer? I certainly hope so. I need to get back to my old self. Pray for me! :)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Jenny's 30th Birthday Party!
My lil' sis Jenny turned 30 on August 7th. She came home from Fort Wayne, Indiana for her themed 80's birthday party! Lots of good food, old friends, and of course, 80's karaoke! A good time was had by all!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Good Old Summertime
I remember when I was a kid and just couldn't wait for school to be over so I could start my summer break. I always remember sitting in my class as the principal "released" each grade. Afterwards, it was off to the local park for the usual shaving cream fight. There was just something about spraying shaving cream into that person's face who you didn't quite care for! Or I guess, even just spraying it in your friend's face was just as fun! Just, the feeling of FREEDOM! Knowing that you had your whole summer to do whatever you wanted to. Nothing to worry about. You didn't have to work. Didn't have to worry about money. Just what you were going to do the next day.
My summer days usually consisted of playing outside all day with Eric, Jenny, and some neighborhood pals. Jenny and I would spend many days at the park down the street, swimming and playing. I remember mom making us popsicles from various juices. We would lay outside on our towels, listen to music, and just relax. Some days we would go to Water Works and spend the entire day there swimming. On Friday nights, we would usually get pizza from "Fiesta" and go to Maridy video to get a scary movie. And on Saturdays our goal was always to stay up and watch "Headbangers Ball." Sometimes we made it, other times we didn't.
Life was much simpler when we were kids. No stresses or worries, just having fun. Although we all still look forward to the summers, it is easy to want to go back to the glory days....
My summer days usually consisted of playing outside all day with Eric, Jenny, and some neighborhood pals. Jenny and I would spend many days at the park down the street, swimming and playing. I remember mom making us popsicles from various juices. We would lay outside on our towels, listen to music, and just relax. Some days we would go to Water Works and spend the entire day there swimming. On Friday nights, we would usually get pizza from "Fiesta" and go to Maridy video to get a scary movie. And on Saturdays our goal was always to stay up and watch "Headbangers Ball." Sometimes we made it, other times we didn't.
Life was much simpler when we were kids. No stresses or worries, just having fun. Although we all still look forward to the summers, it is easy to want to go back to the glory days....
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Simple Things
Life can be very complicated. And stressful at times. In recent months, I have discovered how important it is to appreciate what life has to offer. We must find little things every day that just, make us happy! The simple things. Right now. Here is my list! (not in any order!)
1. Reading one of my health magazines.
2. That first cup of coffee in the morning.
3. Getting under the covers after a long day.
4. The smell of rain.
5. Putting my slippers on.
6. Lounge time.
7. LOST. Best show on tv.
8. Talking to Brian on my lunch break.
9. Special days at work--lunches, smoothies with Tywon, unexpected gifts.
10. My coconut shower gel and lotion. Yum.
11. Aerobics classes at the gym...especially when my mom is there.
12. My dad when he calls saying, "Just checkin in!"
13. Getting Chipotle with mom and Katy.
14. Sunshine!
15. Flip-flops and painted toenails.
16. More daylight.
17. Singing loudly in the car.
18. Margaritas! With salt please!
19. Movies with my man.
20. My new purse. It's so colorful!
21. Karaoke.
22. Driving with the windows down.
23. Cheesecake. Need I say more?
24. Leaving work every day!
25. My GPS. Gotta love "Claire!" She never leads me astray.
26. The fact that Brian's voice is the last thing I hear before falling asleep. Every night.
27. Salad with avocados.
28. An email from an old friend.
29. My blackberry, A.K.A. crackberry.
30. A good ole' breakfast.
31. Having people that truly listen.
32. Lazy Sundays.
33. Biking on the towpath.
34. Ice cream.
35. Lighting a candle.
36. Finally having a home of my own.
37. Dollar drafts.
38. Corn dogs.
39. Looking into your pet's eyes and seeing how much they love you.
40. Country music.
41. The beach.
42. Having absolutely no plans for the weekend.
43. Chicken Wings. Hot or Garlic.
44. Remembering old times with Beth.
45. Planning new times with Brian.
46. Full moons.
47. Baking desserts with you know who.
48. My new wine that I just discovered.
49. iTunes.
50. Living a full year seizure-free.
1. Reading one of my health magazines.
2. That first cup of coffee in the morning.
3. Getting under the covers after a long day.
4. The smell of rain.
5. Putting my slippers on.
6. Lounge time.
7. LOST. Best show on tv.
8. Talking to Brian on my lunch break.
9. Special days at work--lunches, smoothies with Tywon, unexpected gifts.
10. My coconut shower gel and lotion. Yum.
11. Aerobics classes at the gym...especially when my mom is there.
12. My dad when he calls saying, "Just checkin in!"
13. Getting Chipotle with mom and Katy.
14. Sunshine!
15. Flip-flops and painted toenails.
16. More daylight.
17. Singing loudly in the car.
18. Margaritas! With salt please!
19. Movies with my man.
20. My new purse. It's so colorful!
21. Karaoke.
22. Driving with the windows down.
23. Cheesecake. Need I say more?
24. Leaving work every day!
25. My GPS. Gotta love "Claire!" She never leads me astray.
26. The fact that Brian's voice is the last thing I hear before falling asleep. Every night.
27. Salad with avocados.
28. An email from an old friend.
29. My blackberry, A.K.A. crackberry.
30. A good ole' breakfast.
31. Having people that truly listen.
32. Lazy Sundays.
33. Biking on the towpath.
34. Ice cream.
35. Lighting a candle.
36. Finally having a home of my own.
37. Dollar drafts.
38. Corn dogs.
39. Looking into your pet's eyes and seeing how much they love you.
40. Country music.
41. The beach.
42. Having absolutely no plans for the weekend.
43. Chicken Wings. Hot or Garlic.
44. Remembering old times with Beth.
45. Planning new times with Brian.
46. Full moons.
47. Baking desserts with you know who.
48. My new wine that I just discovered.
49. iTunes.
50. Living a full year seizure-free.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My Not-So-Fun Week
After returning from an awesome weekend at Hiram with some good friends, I was extremely tired and hungover for most of the day. And, why wouldn't I be...I drank all night and didn't get enough sleep! (It was totally worth it, might I add!!) I also noticed that I had a bit of a scratchy throat. I sometimes get these, but usually they go away pretty quickly. On Monday morning, after a very sleepless night, I felt pretty awful. I couldn't quite shake off the feeling that I was "off" somehow. Of course I was still tired, but I felt like it was more than that. Then, all of a sudden, it hit me like a brick at work. Whoa---"I think I'm getting sick--maybe the flu!!" I told my co-workers. Of course I toughed it out the rest of the day (cause I'm awesome!) and as the day went on, my throat began to hurt worse, my neck became stiff, and I became woozy like I was drunkish. I went home and decided to make some soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. After barely touching my meal, I knew. There was no denying it anymore. I was sick.
That night was one of the worse nights I can remember in a long time. I kept waking up with chills and sweats all night. And I mean, extreme. I was soaked almost head to toe with sweat. I woke up to find that my shirt and my hair were drenched...like I had just gotten out of the pool. Ick. And of course, I got up, got dressed, and went to work. (as I said before, cause I'm awesome!!) As awesome as I thought I was, it was probably not a good idea. I was in misery most of the day and decided around lunch to show one of my bosses my throat. Yup..tonsils were ginormous and red. I had chills the rest of the day.. .so I cranked up the heat. There were many complaints about how "hot" it was in the room and while I wanted to tell everyone to "suck it", I smiled and said, "Sorry, I think I have the flu." Surprised that I didn't get asked to leave early, I ended up working 8 1/2 hours that day. So again, after work, I lay around (which I never do during the week!)and my mom ordered us pizza for dinner. Thinking that I wasn't that hungry even though I only had a bowl of cereal that day, I amazingly had a piece of it, some breadsticks, and pepsi. I thought Tuesday night would be a better sleeping night, but it was more of the same...sweats, chills, random dreams about stepping on rats and having to get rabies shots...ugh. Don't ask.
Wednesday I wasn't scheduled to go in to work till noon. I woke up around 9:00, went downstairs and decided to shine a flashlight down my throat to look at my ginormous tonsils. Drats---there they were..WHITE SPOTS. "Great", I thought. "Now I got the strep." So of course I called my mom...(you know, I'm a 31 year old woman and still call my mom when I'm sick!) so she told me she would get me into the doctor. So...I got into the doctor's office and doc says that he is going to order a strep test. So, here comes the nurse with the giant popsicle stick and foot long q-tip. After gagging several times, they got a good swab and left. Doc comes back and said that I tested negative for strep and that I have Viral Pharyngitis..basically same symptoms as strep, but it is caused by a virus so it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Wonderful...I would have been happier if was strep, then at least I could have been on antibiotics and felt better quicker!! After going to Panera with mom, I dropped my doctor's note off at work and told them I would be back tomorrow. My sweet boyfriend came over to keep me company that night.
So, today I was back to work. As I write this, I am still contagious...as long as my symptoms persist...which I'm guessing this is day 4, so I probably have a few more days. They say this usually lasts 7-10 days. I'm hoping to be normal again by the weekend. But really...my normal is really not normal. :)
That night was one of the worse nights I can remember in a long time. I kept waking up with chills and sweats all night. And I mean, extreme. I was soaked almost head to toe with sweat. I woke up to find that my shirt and my hair were drenched...like I had just gotten out of the pool. Ick. And of course, I got up, got dressed, and went to work. (as I said before, cause I'm awesome!!) As awesome as I thought I was, it was probably not a good idea. I was in misery most of the day and decided around lunch to show one of my bosses my throat. Yup..tonsils were ginormous and red. I had chills the rest of the day.. .so I cranked up the heat. There were many complaints about how "hot" it was in the room and while I wanted to tell everyone to "suck it", I smiled and said, "Sorry, I think I have the flu." Surprised that I didn't get asked to leave early, I ended up working 8 1/2 hours that day. So again, after work, I lay around (which I never do during the week!)and my mom ordered us pizza for dinner. Thinking that I wasn't that hungry even though I only had a bowl of cereal that day, I amazingly had a piece of it, some breadsticks, and pepsi. I thought Tuesday night would be a better sleeping night, but it was more of the same...sweats, chills, random dreams about stepping on rats and having to get rabies shots...ugh. Don't ask.
Wednesday I wasn't scheduled to go in to work till noon. I woke up around 9:00, went downstairs and decided to shine a flashlight down my throat to look at my ginormous tonsils. Drats---there they were..WHITE SPOTS. "Great", I thought. "Now I got the strep." So of course I called my mom...(you know, I'm a 31 year old woman and still call my mom when I'm sick!) so she told me she would get me into the doctor. So...I got into the doctor's office and doc says that he is going to order a strep test. So, here comes the nurse with the giant popsicle stick and foot long q-tip. After gagging several times, they got a good swab and left. Doc comes back and said that I tested negative for strep and that I have Viral Pharyngitis..basically same symptoms as strep, but it is caused by a virus so it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Wonderful...I would have been happier if was strep, then at least I could have been on antibiotics and felt better quicker!! After going to Panera with mom, I dropped my doctor's note off at work and told them I would be back tomorrow. My sweet boyfriend came over to keep me company that night.
So, today I was back to work. As I write this, I am still contagious...as long as my symptoms persist...which I'm guessing this is day 4, so I probably have a few more days. They say this usually lasts 7-10 days. I'm hoping to be normal again by the weekend. But really...my normal is really not normal. :)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
God is Great, Beer is Good, and Maybe I'm Crazy!
My BFF and I have been best friends since we were 11 years old. I was maid of honor in her wedding, and now am Godmother of her child. Now in order to be a Godmother, I have to be Catholic, (which I am) attend mass to show that I am faithful, and provide the church with a certificate. After calling my church to get this certificate (the church I attended my whole life, mind you) I found out that I wasn't registered and they had no record of me being there. I said, "Don't you have records of my First Communion and Confirmation?" "It doesn't matter!" said the secretary. "You need to prove that you are faithful by attending mass and donating each week." I thought that this was ridiculous...so in order to show I am faithful, I have to pay money? So I registered and began attending and paying each week. (I must add that there is nothing wrong with giving to the church. However, you should not be forced to do it or made to think that you are a bad person because you don't)I explained my aggravation to my BFF and after a month of attending mass at my church, she suggested that I switch to her church to see if it might be a better fit. She went with me to meet the new priest who I thought was wonderful. Not to mention, the church is beautful. I am very excited that I am a member now. And very excited to be a Godmother! And yes, I now am getting money deducted out of my count weekly at my new church. Because I want to. GOD IS GREAT!!
I love a good beer. However, I have learned that moderation is key. (these days!)Now, in my early 20's, I could party like a rock star. I could stay out late 4 times a week, drink however much I wanted, and be in pretty good shape the next day. I didn't care what I had to do the next day. I didn't even think about it. I was just living for the night. Now, of course I still have some brews on weekends. However, when I take that first sip, I think...."hmmmmm what am I doing tomorrow? This tastes so good, but will it be worth it in the morning? What if I drink too much..how long will it take me to recover? A hangover for me = laying around and eating bad food. Do I really want to waste a whole day (or even weekend) so that I can have fun and forget about things for a few hours? 5 beers or a head and stomachache tomorrow?" Of course I slip up every now and then and still inbibe too much But...I was VP of my sorority and BEER IS GOOD!
I have decided that I have some issues and may be...well, a little crazy. Ever since I was a kid, I have been afraid of doctors. This has carried on into my adulthood. In fact, when I go in and they check my blood pressure, it is often very high. It usually runs from 133/90 to 145/95, unless I am not nervous or it is a quick check-up. The nurses and doctors are often shocked by this. I am not old, or too much out of shape. I quickly explain to them that I get very nervous and it is always high but I do not normally have high blood pressure. I recently went to the dr. and the nurse was very concerned and made me sit in the conference room while she talked to the doctor. He knew that I was nervous and just told me to monitor it to make sure it was not normally high. He gave me a diagnosis. "White Coat Syndrome." Surely, I am not the only person who has this problem..am I? So, dad let me borrow his blood pressure monitor. And guess what I found out? My blood pressure is pretty good! I checked it this morning, after work, and before bed. And although it was a bit higher after work...it was about 115/78. Wow--what a difference from 145/95. Goes to show you what stress and anxiety does to your body. Unfortunately now, I am probably going to become obsessed with taking my blood pressure, as I have become obsessed with checking my skin for abnormalities, going to the doctor for every ache and pain and worrying about my stomach and seizure disorder. Honestly, I don't know how everyone puts up with all of my worries. Maybe I have good reason to worry. Or MAYBE I'M CRAZY! :)
I love a good beer. However, I have learned that moderation is key. (these days!)Now, in my early 20's, I could party like a rock star. I could stay out late 4 times a week, drink however much I wanted, and be in pretty good shape the next day. I didn't care what I had to do the next day. I didn't even think about it. I was just living for the night. Now, of course I still have some brews on weekends. However, when I take that first sip, I think...."hmmmmm what am I doing tomorrow? This tastes so good, but will it be worth it in the morning? What if I drink too much..how long will it take me to recover? A hangover for me = laying around and eating bad food. Do I really want to waste a whole day (or even weekend) so that I can have fun and forget about things for a few hours? 5 beers or a head and stomachache tomorrow?" Of course I slip up every now and then and still inbibe too much But...I was VP of my sorority and BEER IS GOOD!
I have decided that I have some issues and may be...well, a little crazy. Ever since I was a kid, I have been afraid of doctors. This has carried on into my adulthood. In fact, when I go in and they check my blood pressure, it is often very high. It usually runs from 133/90 to 145/95, unless I am not nervous or it is a quick check-up. The nurses and doctors are often shocked by this. I am not old, or too much out of shape. I quickly explain to them that I get very nervous and it is always high but I do not normally have high blood pressure. I recently went to the dr. and the nurse was very concerned and made me sit in the conference room while she talked to the doctor. He knew that I was nervous and just told me to monitor it to make sure it was not normally high. He gave me a diagnosis. "White Coat Syndrome." Surely, I am not the only person who has this problem..am I? So, dad let me borrow his blood pressure monitor. And guess what I found out? My blood pressure is pretty good! I checked it this morning, after work, and before bed. And although it was a bit higher after work...it was about 115/78. Wow--what a difference from 145/95. Goes to show you what stress and anxiety does to your body. Unfortunately now, I am probably going to become obsessed with taking my blood pressure, as I have become obsessed with checking my skin for abnormalities, going to the doctor for every ache and pain and worrying about my stomach and seizure disorder. Honestly, I don't know how everyone puts up with all of my worries. Maybe I have good reason to worry. Or MAYBE I'M CRAZY! :)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Lots of Choices, Nowhere to Go!
We live in a world full of choices. One of the most important choices we can make, is what we are putting into our bodies. These days, people are becoming more health conscience. Why? The statistics are frighting. Cancer is becoming an epidemic. Diabetes is on the rise. Over half of Americans are obese. With all of these facts before us, you would think there would be more healthy choices out there to prevent us from getting sick. but, really there isn't, which makes me think that they WANT us to get sick. (Hmmmm I sound like Kevin Tredeau here!)
The other day my dad came over to take me and Jenny out to dinner. We were trying to think of a place that had something light and healthy. As we stood there talking, we realized there was nothing on State Road that was healthy. Then, realized that there was nothing in Cuyahoga Falls that was healthy. Sure, you can go to Giant Eagle and buy lots of organic foods from Nature's Basket...which all of us Robinsons do, but when it comes to eating out..and we all have to do it at some point...it is next to impossible to still eat sensible. So, dad and I settled on...yup, Taco Bell. LOL. However, I did get beans on my tacos instead of beef. (I am trying to tell myself that it isn't fattening because of this!)
Many other cities and/or areas of the country are opening up healthy restaurants, or have already had them for some time....with lots of healthy options to choose from whether you want to eat organicly, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. These places also have the lowest cases of disease and the healthiest people in the country. Why isn't every city this way?
I know that around here, some places advertise that they are "healthy." One place has the "Fresco" diet plan. Come on!!! Even though it isn't as fattening, do you think you can really eat tacos every day? Not to mention, who knows what kind of junk they put in their stuff. We all know how some guy lost all of that weight eating from a popular chain. But...how healthy are the vegetables really? Where did they get them? Are they genetically modified? What about that bread? Sure it smells good..but I don't like to eat something that tastes stale. This list goes on and on...where can we go to get some real healthy food?? Fresh, wholesome, healthy, good for you food!!
I think that every city needs to start really evaluating what kinds of restaurants and food choices they have. Although it appears that way, we do not all like to eat burgers, fries, and pizza all day. I would love to drive down the street and say, "Hey, I'm going to stop in here and get my organic fruit smoothie today", or "Oh, the special today is an organic strawberry field salad with a whole wheat roll on the side and a sparkling water. Let's go!!" Oh, how I wish. We would all be much healthier, and I think, much happier. But then again, how many of us would make the wrong choice and go for the burger and fries??
Not me!
The other day my dad came over to take me and Jenny out to dinner. We were trying to think of a place that had something light and healthy. As we stood there talking, we realized there was nothing on State Road that was healthy. Then, realized that there was nothing in Cuyahoga Falls that was healthy. Sure, you can go to Giant Eagle and buy lots of organic foods from Nature's Basket...which all of us Robinsons do, but when it comes to eating out..and we all have to do it at some point...it is next to impossible to still eat sensible. So, dad and I settled on...yup, Taco Bell. LOL. However, I did get beans on my tacos instead of beef. (I am trying to tell myself that it isn't fattening because of this!)
Many other cities and/or areas of the country are opening up healthy restaurants, or have already had them for some time....with lots of healthy options to choose from whether you want to eat organicly, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. These places also have the lowest cases of disease and the healthiest people in the country. Why isn't every city this way?
I know that around here, some places advertise that they are "healthy." One place has the "Fresco" diet plan. Come on!!! Even though it isn't as fattening, do you think you can really eat tacos every day? Not to mention, who knows what kind of junk they put in their stuff. We all know how some guy lost all of that weight eating from a popular chain. But...how healthy are the vegetables really? Where did they get them? Are they genetically modified? What about that bread? Sure it smells good..but I don't like to eat something that tastes stale. This list goes on and on...where can we go to get some real healthy food?? Fresh, wholesome, healthy, good for you food!!
I think that every city needs to start really evaluating what kinds of restaurants and food choices they have. Although it appears that way, we do not all like to eat burgers, fries, and pizza all day. I would love to drive down the street and say, "Hey, I'm going to stop in here and get my organic fruit smoothie today", or "Oh, the special today is an organic strawberry field salad with a whole wheat roll on the side and a sparkling water. Let's go!!" Oh, how I wish. We would all be much healthier, and I think, much happier. But then again, how many of us would make the wrong choice and go for the burger and fries??
Not me!
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