Eve to Easter Challenge - Week 1

All right, it starts here!!

I really need a challenge. So I’ve made this commitment and I have hope! That’s a change from the depressed state I’ve been in for way too long.

These are the rules!

·         Two blog posts weekly, one the official update for linkage, one a midweek update

·         Multiple weekly measures: your actual weigh-in number, your waist size (may add hips/bust/others of your choosing)

·         Concrete, measurable goals regarding exercise, calories, fluids, issues-resolving activity, etc. Measurable so you can track!

·         An item of clothing that doesn't fit yet

·         Before and After Photos of/with Item of Clothing

·         Must link up weekly by deadline, which will always be on Sundays at midnight, EASTERN TIME!

·         Weekly support of at least 3 fellow challengers and one challenge buddy for consistent support and accountability

·         Goals, books, quote may be changed mid-challenge, as long as it is HELPFUL to you and you let us know why you changed it.

·         A book or books to work on issues

·         A guiding quote of your choice--or create one!

·         No Quitting!

·         And, yes...If you don't follow the rules, you will be out of the challenge.

Today’s weight: 122 kg - 268.9 lbs (yikes!!!)

Today’s Waist measurements: 124cm - 48.8 inches (another yikes!!!)

Track Calories staying under 1800 calories/day.

Track exercise (exercise 5 days/week)

Picture of my much too snug white capri’s and red blouse.

The book I’m going to not only read but work through is by Lysa TerKeurst.

I also signed up to get her 21 daily emails. Sounds interesting!

A quote I find motivating is:

Accept what you cannot change,

Change what you cannot accept!

There is also this passage from the Bible that I'm still trying to wrap my head and heart around. I've come to see that this getting fit is not just a change in diet and exercise, but it has alot to do with my thoughts as well. I need to transform my thinking.

Romans 12:1-2 (New Living Translation)

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

I also really like it in The Message


So, I think that wraps up my list of requirements for the initial post.
Looking forward to reading all your posts, and excited to see who my partner will be!!

Casey

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Getting some help!

I’ve been chosen!!!

Thanks to Mir (and the recommendation of Betty, thanks!),  I’ll be participating in the Eve to Easter Challenge.

I am so excited!!!

I really wanted/needed something to motivate me to lose weight again!

I was off to such a good start last year, then I stayed at my 20 lbs loss for a while and slowly the weight came back on again. I regained 11 of those 20 lbs. And yes, I’m ashamed, and yes I want to do better.

I’ve thought for a long time, that if I can’t do it alone, I’m not good enough. Well, since that’s not working for me…. It’s time to get at it with some like-minded ladies!

Casey

Getting up!

T'was the week before Christmas... dinner parties, family gatherings, cookie baking frenzies... you'd think all this leads me to overeat and throw in the towel once and for all.
Well, all this is showing me that I can't go on like this anymore.
These last few months have been such a struggle for me, even to just get up in the morning, let alone plan a healthy menu for our family.
I really want to change, I have been so miserable.
SO....

I signed up for a challenge today.
Accountability is something challenging all on it's own, but being accountable to others who depend on me to participate... wow!
I really hope Mir picks me to join!
That's all for now!
Casey

My Birthday Gift!

This morning for my 41st Birthday, I stepped on the scale after avoiding it for quite a few weeks.

My gift to myself is awareness and a plan for better health.

Stay tuned...
Casey

Same old, same old

Well, the numbers aren't moving much, but then neither am I.
I hate posting the negative so this will be short.
The last 2 weeks have been busy and stressfull.
- Husband was hospitalized with a nasty stomache virus.
- Had a VERY stressful situation with my mother-in-law. It ended ok, though. With her apologizing for the first time since I've known her!
- Had a routine dr. appointment, which ended up not so routine. She put me on BP meds, which I frown upon!! Also, she wants me to have a mammogram, my first, and I will probably dislike doing that too! But my appointment is for tomorrow morning, so I'll just do it and be done! Then she wants me to see a plastic surgeon to remove a sore in my nose - I've had it for months and she says it needs checking. She said another surgeon could remove it, but since it's my nose... she wanted a specialist doing it!
- And it's cold here. Since we are in the southern hemisphere, it's winter now and I'm cold. Hardly anyone has central heating in their houses down here. We just make sure we have A/C for the summer. So we've got fireplaces, portable electric heaters and the A/C turned on warm to stay toasty. I usually like the cold, but the last few years I just don't like it very much.

And last but not least, my weigh in
Beginning weight:  279 lbs
Last week's weight: 253.7 lbs
Todays weigh in: 254.4 lbs

Floating around the 250's! Blah!

But even still, have a great week!
Casey

Weigh-In!

Weigh-In!

Yesterdays post that wasn't!

Monday weigh-in!
It was awful, people!!
My bad habits have finally caught up with me on the scale.
I guess I figured since I wasn't gaining with all my slip-ups, I could just cruise on the way I was up until now.
Well last Monday already showed me a gain, which then went back down the next day. But I haven't been on the scale since then and yesterday was in for a shock... 259.2lbs. Today could be better, but I decided not to get on the scale this morning. You know why? Well, I needed that almost 6lbs gain from my lowest weight to remind me that I can't keep doing this the easy was,... because it doesn't work!
If I really want to lose weight, I need to work harder at it.
The renovation work in my kitchen was a reason/excuse to not eat as healthy as I could have, and it was hard getting exercise in with all the people working in my house.
No more! My kitchen is done and I am so excited about all the healthy cooking and baking I'll be doing in there.
Some things I struggle with and want to work on this coming week are...

1. tracking my food - started that again yesterday and want to keep it going.
2. plan my menu - not only for my benefit, but I know it'd be good for my whole family
3. make time for a daily work-out - mornings are best for me, and I want to really try to make this happen

These might be a little too general, but I really am looking for ways to implement the plan.
Hoping to report great progress throughout the week!

Casey

New Kitchen!!! Before and After Pictures

I would be really embarrassed to post these before pictures if I didn't have an after.
We have been living in this house for 10 years and never had the money to have a kitchen installed. We borrowed a countertop and cabinet from my parents, bought a cheap sink (still had to put bowls in to wash the dishes because they leaked), and had a bunch of wicker shelves to help me put stuff in.
Even looking at these before pictures today, only a week after clearing the kitchen for the new stuff, makes me wonder how I could have lived this way for so long!
Since we don't have alot of building codes to follow here it's not unusual for new homeowners (at least when you build your own home) to cook in makeshift conditions like this.
So, after 17 years of marriage and 10 living in our own home, I now have my dream kitchen. I am so overwhelmed, and I even feel a little guilty enjoying all these new appliances. But like everyone tells me, I deserve it!! :)

This is all the same portion of the wall. The before, the during and the after!

It was so hard to keep the kitchen neat and tidy the way it was. I grumbled about it at least 3 times a day! Now I have to remember to be grateful for it at least as often. Somehow I don't think that will be difficult!

So, there it is! Finally finished. This dream of mine has come true, and it more lovely than I even imagined!
Hoping to cook real healthy meals here, and not too many brownies and potato casseroles!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!
Casey

Relieved!

Just got on the scale again this morning and am so happy to say it WAS the constipation, TOM, salty food etc!
I weighed in at 2.4 lbs less than yesterday morning.
So I was at 257 lbs yesterday, but today back at 254.6 lbs.
Don't get me wrong now, I am still not happy with that number, but I'm glad that gain was not long-lasting!
Happy Tuesday!
Casey

My Kitchen has closed!

Today I cleared out the last of my kitchen. All that's left to do before the cabinet guys come is tear down a few sheets of blue contact paper that I used instead of a backsplash.
They told me the kitchen would be installed within 4 days, so hopefully I'll be cooking and baking  by Saturday.
So that said, I know the eating and exercise will be hard to squeeze in this week. This past week was bad enough. Constipation, TOM, too many unwise choices and a salty meal the night before weigh in was enough to push the scale upward 2 lbs. Hate that!
I'm hoping to at least maintain and not gain this coming week. Good thing is we have alot of yummy grapefruit around right now for snacks!
Hopefully I can post my Kitchen before and after pictures next Monday!
Casey

Finally a Monday weigh-in!

Weigh-in
254.8 lbs
Boy, I have seen that number way too many mornings!
Trying to change this! :)
I've done alot of blog-related things today... except to write on mine!
So, short and sweet, a few things that are going on in my life, and most of them not related to weight loss.

• My sister, D, and her family are coming for a visit from Canada in August. And my baby sister, A, is coming back after having spent years teaching English in Japan and more years studying in BC, Canada  I am SO EXCITED!!! I LOVE MY SISTERS!!!! We have LOTS of catching up to do! AND, since my sister, B, who lives here in Paraguay, and I have been doing the C25K, we decided to do a sisters 5k wog, run, jog, walk, whoever can do whatever, as long as we do it together! FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• The cabinet makers called this morning and they will be ready to install my new kitchen next week. I am SO EXCITED!!!!!!! I've been busy sorting things in my kitchen to throw away or sell at our garage sale. Can hardley wait.
• My tailbone has been hurting real bad again. Am really considering getting another one of those amazing cortisone shots again. Last one was a year ago, and the Dr. said it would probably help for about 3 months, so I'm really grateful that it really did work for the 9 months that it did.
• We went away for a night and day to a hotel with our family. It's pretty remote and rusic. All expences paid - great deal and really relaxing (cell phones don't work there!)

Question: Do you plan your meals? Do you measure and weigh? Is WW online just as good or are the meetings key? Am thinking of trying it, but the cost is a little steep for our currency.

Sleep well!
Casey

Not a failure - Not a quitter

I’ve been struggling!

 I really want to achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle, but it’s not been easy.There is a huge difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

I consider myself an average woman, with a problem that affects many. There’s has been so much written about this topic, much research done. Many blogs written. The bottom line on weight loss, dieting, becoming healthy?
Eat less.

Move more.

For me right now though, and I’m sure most of us have experienced this,  is how do I pull this knowledge together to make it work for me?

Some reasons it’s kinda fallen apart lately…

·         My cronic back and tailbone pain has once again made an appearance.

·         We’re having our kitchen renovated and I’m a little frustrated in the cooking department right now.

Ok, I tried to find more reasons, and they all just became excuses! J

As of yesterday morning (forgot to weigh this morning) I weigh 254.8 lbs. My BMI tells me I am right on the line between obesity and morbid obesity. This is not where I want to be. It seems like I enjoy it here though, bcause I’m spending so much time here!!

The first 25 lbs lost were between October and February. It went easy and pretty fast, I thought. But I've been between 251 and 254 for 4 months now and though I had been exercising pretty regulary, my eating habits have pretty much gone back to pre-october. Pretty ugly!

Allowing myself treats, half-hearted exercising, even not allowing myself to be held accountable through my blog are just paving my road to failure.

BUT… I haven’t failed, right? Because I haven’t quit.

I went back to October to see how I started out, what did I do then and I’m not doing now? The most obvious answer was TRACKING my food. Regardless of what I ate, I wrote it down. Simple!

So, I guess, since I know what the problem is, I know what the solution is, the rest should be easy, right? Well, even solving the most simple math problems takes a process, and so does subtracting the pounds from my body. J

So, today, I’m back to tracking, and I will fit in some exercise, I’ll just have to make it happen.

Stay tuned!

Casey

Chirimoya and Cactus Berries

Today, I'd like to share one of my favorite seasonal, exotic fruits with you!!
Chirimoya
I checked it out on wikipedia and they're called sugar apples. And they are delicious!
My parents have a few trees in their back yard and they've had a bumper crop this season. Even here they are a very coveted fruit and most people love them. I wish I could share them with you all.

The fruit is usually round, slightly pine cone-like, 6–10 cm (2.4–3.9 in) diameter and weighing 100–230 g (3.5–8.1 oz), with a scaly or lumpy skin. There are variations in shape and size. The fruit flesh is sweet, white to light yellow, and resembles and tastes like custard. The edible portion coats the seeds generously; a bit like the gooey portion of a tomato seed. Sugar-apple has a very distinct, sweet-smelling fragrance. The texture of the flesh that coats the seeds is a bit like the center of a very ripe guava (excluding the seeds). It is slightly grainy, a bit slippery, very sweet and very soft. The seeds are scattered through the fruit flesh; the seed coats are blackish-brown, 12–18 mm (0.47–0.71 in) long, and hard and shiny. (source: wikipedia)

Now my next even more exotic fruit is nameless right now. We call them Cactus berries, but I can't find them on Wikipedia so I don't know what anyone not from here would call them.
I love to find them in the "bush" (our woods!) and eat them as they are.

They have a grainy texture and are just barely sweet, but I love them. It's worth getting stuck with thorns to have one!

Have a great weekend!
Casey

What can I say...

Well, I've been going back and forth on what to write on my blog after being MIA for 2 weeks. Shall I give you all the reasons? All the excuses? Do you want to hear about guilt, frustration, my lack of self-discipline?
What can I say?
So, I decided since I'm not writing so much to entertain you, but rather to journal my journey. And the only way I can do that is to give you honesty.
But I am not going to recap every guilty thought, every frustrating moment or all the times I have lacked self-control. But believe me, I've had plenty of all of that.
I know I need to get past that to move ahead, and admittedly, it's not that easy. It would be easier if I would stop sabotaging my efforts with my bad choices. If I were to make only good choices from now on, it'd be easier to forgive the past.
I needed to get this off my chest tonight, I will be back to post more soon. And although I've not been posting for the last few weeks, nor commenting on any blogs I follow, I do still read my favorites every day. And I'm encouraged by your journeys. Never give up, right?!
Back soon!
Hugs, Casey

Day 7 of 7! And a Weigh-in, too!

First, we'll go to the weigh-in!

Last week saw me at 255.9 lbs - almost embarrasing, really!
This week I'm down to 253 lbs, and though I'm still not at my lowest, I'm glad it's going down again.

I think I'll go back to posting my weigh-in on Mondays. And even if, for whatever reason, I can't post on Monday, I will still post the Monday weight.

Just a little easier to keep track that way.

Well, my first 7 days of intentional tracking are done and this is how I did:

1. Track all food consumed and  I did all my tracking at myfitnesspal.com. I may have underestimated on the calories with some foods, but since I make everything from scratch and didn't use a scale, it was a more guesswork than an exact science.

2. Stay within my calorie range (myfitness suggests 2080 calories/day) I didn't go over my 2080 calories on any day, but I did get close on 2 days - would have gone over if I hadn't done my work out. Not good!

3. Exercise at least 30 minutes/day for all 7 days. This can be a walk or a shred! As long as I sweat! Ok, here I actually missed one day, but I did make up for it on another... I did a 60 minute workout on  Friday. But my goal was everyday, so I guess I fell short.So although I didn't do things just like I would have liked, it was a start!!

4. Deep clean for at least an hour/day on 5 days. (My spare room and master bedroom really need it!)I thought I'd miss this one! But... I did the spare room. It needs maybe another hour or so, but I spent about 3 hours in there over the weekend! I even got caught up on all the ironing!!!


I was going to do another weekly challenge, but I think I'll take the jump and do a May challenge. I know there's alot of challenges going around right now, but I need to do my own right now.
I'll try to post daily, evaluate weekly and keep going down with the weight.
And I'll try to stay away from the Doritos for another 18 years!!

May Challenge
1. Track all food consumed at 2myfitnesspal.com
2. Stay within or under my calorie range (myfitness suggests 2080 calories/day)
3. Exercise at least 30 minutes/day for 6 of 7 days. Shred, or C25K or Leslie Sansone DVD or even just a walk. Again, as long as I sweat!
4. Spend at least 30 minutes doing my Bible Study (Stepping up, with Beth Moore) or just in the Word and in prayer. This needs to become more of a habit and not just a sporadic thing I do.

Thank you all for reading, and challenging and encouraging me in this journey. I love reading all your blogs and am learning so much from you all!

 Hugs, Casey.

Day 4 of 7

Yeah! I did it!

Calories were under goal, and even though I had some doritos (haven't had them in about 18 years!) I tracked them and I'm ok.

This afternoon after reading Kimberlynn's post, I did an hour of Leslie Sansone Workout (4 miles). Felt SO good afterwards! Thank you for the encouragement, Kimberlynn!

My clean up project was so/so. I keep getting interrupted! And that is so frustrating! I did put in maybe 30 minutes, though, so maybe my goal was a little lofty for this week. Not giving up though!!

Love this little guy!

The carpenter doing my kitchen was here Wednesday.  He did some more measuring, because... they started building my new cabinets! Yeah!!!! I went to pick out a new stovetop and oven. They are so beautiful! I can't wait! Should be done in 6 weeks I think.

I'm so exciting about this second wind I've gotten! I feel really good about having just a 7 day goal for now, after that... I'll have such momentum! :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Casey

Day 3 of 7

Yup! It's in the books!!!

Did Leslie Sansone - The Big Burn Workout! I had started another Leslie Sansone, but my dvd kept getting stuck. So finally at 8 minutes I decided to do my other dvd. So that was about a 40 minute workout.

Tracked all my food. Under my calorie goal! Yeah!

Made good food choices, had squash instead of potatoes - which is a miracle in itself. I LOVE potatoes!!! But I had put some spaghetti squash in with the potatoes, carrots, onion and pork tenderloin, and I had sqash instead of the potatoes, and it was GOOD!

I didn't do so much on my house cleaning project, just about 10 minutes worth. But I know tomorrow will be a cleaning morning as my help comes then, so I'm doing ok.

Have a wonderful night!
Casey

Day 2 of 7

Today, I did it!
I did it!

I logged my food.
I logged less than 2080 calories.
I went for another 30 minute brisk walk.
And my kitchen looks a whole lot cleaner than it did this morning.

I'm beginning to think that my housecleaning goals will be a little lofty, but even if it's not 1 hour or even one room, I will do my best to get some order to the mess in my house.

It's so much easier staying focused on one day or even the 7 days I've set myself, instead of thinking, I need to lose 100 pounds!

Glad I got myself going again! And I'm hoping planning on staying on track!

Hugs,
Casey

Weigh-in and Tea winners

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! We had some typical Paraguayan Easter  weather down here. Cold and drizzly! But I liked it!
Some things have gone through my head during these last few days.
I am tired of my own whining, the kind that goes on inside my head! I usually don't whine too much aloud, but in my head I'm always feeling sorry for myself, coming up with all sorts of excuses to why I can't exercise or why I just ate this or that.
For some reason the swich went on again! This morning I just felt more determined to get at it again and quit lying to myself.
So today, I have tracked everything I ate at myfitnesspal.com, and though I wasted some time at the computer this afternoon and didn't get a workout in, I got to head out for a 35 minute walk when my husband got in!
I often read about a 7daychip at Brad Gansbergs Thoughts and since I don't Twitter, was thinking that I couldn't do this... well, I can if I want to, right. So unofficially I'm giving myself a 7 day challenge.
1. Track all food consumed and
2. Stay within my calorie range (myfitness suggests 2080 calories/day)
3. Exercise at least 30 minutes/day for all 7 days. This can be a walk or a shred! As long as I sweat!
4. Deep clean for at least an hour/day on 5 days. (My spare room and master bedroom really need it!)

Now that last one has nothing to do with my weight loss and fitness goals, but I feel so much better when things are tidier around here so I'm including it!
OK - so today was day 1 and it's in the books! Stayed on track and I feel real good about it!

Now my weigh in was not so great today :(
Blaming the TOM again  as well as easter chocolate and lack of "want to".
beginning weight: 279 lbs

last week's weight: 253.6 lbs

todays weight: 255.5 lbs

Now for my Tea Winners!!!
Kimberlynn at Minding my Weigh
and
Joy at Nuggets of Truth
are the winners!!!

Email me your mailing address to caduklassen at yahoo dot com
and let me know if you'd like a certain color of  Ñandutí, here are a few that I really like!

Off to bed for me now.

See you tomorrow!

Hugs, Casey

Tea give-away! And weigh-in!

Hello there! I'm back, did you miss me?
I was getting really frustrated with myself, my lack of self-control and the scale.
I know there are those of you who do not like the scale and have to make an effort to NOT get on. I, on the other hand, see the scale as a tool and know I am in trouble when I avoid getting on.
Well, that has been me for the last two weeks.
I did get on once or twice, but pretty much pretended it didn't exist. My mistake! Because as soon as I ignore the scale, I ignore my weight loss efforts. So when I place the scale into hiding, my self control and disciple go for a hike. And I don't join them!
Well, all that to say, I'd really like to get back on track.
How?
Well, for starters I'm back to reading other friends blogs, and...

Look what I got!!!
Yup, I finally got new shoes, and I can't wait to go for a test drive!
I think I'm gonna start loving work-out time again! Thanks Julie for encouraging me to get them now instead of waiting till I hit a goal. I think I will be able to meet my next goal using these!
Now for my giveaway!
I know we have some tea drinkers out there and if Paraguay is known for anything, it's known for it's Yerba Mate.
I like to drink it as described in this article from wikipedia

       Tereré in Paraguay

      Tereré is a typical drink from Paraguay. It is very popular among young and old people. It is common to see students going to school with a guampa and their thermos underneath their arms filled with plenty of ice and water, for summer temperatures can reach 40° to 45°C (104° to 113°F).

Workers used to have a "tereré break" instead of a coffee break. In most workplaces, tereré is allowed among other things because the yerba mate has stimulant effects that can be likened to the role of coffee in an American workplace.

As a popular remedy, the people of Paraguay heal various ailments such as headache, stomachache, and diarrhea by adding medicinal herbs into the water.

The act of drinking Tereré is more than just that, however. It is often used as a reason to share and chat with a partner, meet new people, or just for meditation when drinking alone at the end of the day.

 This leaves are also really good as a regular tea! I like it hot with a bit of sweetener.
So today I'd like to host a give-away. I will send two lucky commenters a box of tea as pictured below. (Tea cup not included!) AND a piece of  Ñandutí (pronounced nyan-doo-TI)

 

Now this won't be the piece I'm sending, but if you specify color, I'll try to send it!

Any comments I recieve from now until next Monday will be entered into the drawing and I'll anounce the winners on Tuesday! The 26th!

Now for my weigh-in! I really almost forgot!

beginning weight: 279 lbs

last week's weight: 254.6 lbs

todays weight: 253.5 lbs

Someday I will get out of the 250's!

Hugs, Casey

Tuesday's Weigh-In

Well, so much for Tuesdays being a less busy day to post!
My sons play-group was cancelled so instead nof having 2 1/2 hours to myself to write and blog and post and stuff, I just did regular everyday things, which could have included reading blogs and finding some new recipes on allrecipies.com and stuff. :)

And my weigh-in is in fact incredible!
How many weeks am I going to weigh the same???

Beginning weight: 279 lbs
Last week's weight: 253.3 lbs
This week's weight: 253.3 lbs

Oh, fun!
I tried to buy new shoes yesterday! I wish we had stores here that sell any and all shoes in every size, color and price range! Do yourealize how fortunate you are if you have that?
Well, the store I went to had nothing in my price range that was also my size and the style I wanted.
I really liked my New Balance shoes, but as you can see from my previous post, they are well past their prime, and I was looking for the same brand, but in the end I would have been happy with anything they had!
So, tomorrow, I will try at another shoe store and hope for the best.


Casey

Do I need new shoes?

So, I've decided that my shoes need replacing!

What do you think?

My next goal is changing from getting a new CD to getting new shoes.
And that is at 242 lbs.
I really need those shoes, so I'm going to get back to it and work towards this goal!

I've been losing track of my goals. Not these little thing that I'm rewarding myself with, but the goal to be fit and healthy.

I've been getting back to reading about, listening to and watching all things weight loss related.

So here I go, again!

Have a great weekend!

Casey

Weekly Weigh-in #21

Once again - brought to you on Tuesday, because that's when I have more time to myself. So, I might just change my weekly weigh-in to Tuesdays! Stay tuned!

Beginning weight: 279 lbs
Last weigh in: 253.7 lbs
This week: 253.3 lbs

That's a 0.4 loss, and again, I'm ok with that, because I didn't put out the effort for anything else.
I am totally in a rut with my eating and exercise!
I've been out for brisk walks a few times this past week, but other than my exercise class, I haven't gotten any more in.

About my exercise class... In October we had our last class with Christel. She was wonderful and always had something new for us. Some days were intense cardio, other days were stability balls, weights or bands. Lots of different muscles to be used (or abused!)
Now that she's moved, Sybille has taken over the class since  the end of February. These last two Mondays (which are the only days I can go) she has done Pilates with us.
Pilates people, please forgive me, but I just don't like this type of exercise. I don't mind doing them once in a while, but I didn't sign up for Pilates. I signed up for a cardio work-out.
And it's not that I find them boring (though I do), but there are certain exercises I can't do because of knee and tailbone issues I have. Since she does so many reps,  I do maybe 8 and then wait or I find some alternative exercise I can do. But I just don't feel very good about the whole thing and I just about walked out halfway through  yesterday. I NEVER do that - and I didn't! But I did talk to her afterwards and asked if Mondays was going to be Pilates night. Well, yes it is, so I told her I was going to have to quit. I explained my back and knee issues to her and she asked me to try to come on Wednesdays, because she doesn't want to go back and forth on her plan. I totally understand, and told her not to change on my account, but I was dissappointed.
So, I either make it possible to go on Wednesdays or I quit. I'm really not dependant on this class. I have gained weight going to a weekly gym class, and I have lost weight while not going. And I think sometimes I go because as long as I make an effort once a week, the rest of the week it's not so tragic if I don't do my exercises, because I will get them in on Monday. So if I quit, I still have no excuses!
So that was my little rant, and I still don't know what to do...

Otherwise I've had a great weekend. My BFF came in from the city on Friday (7 hour bus ride), and then Saturday we headed out to our mutual friends ranch (3 hour drive) and spent the weekend there. It was fun! We had some good visits!
BFF is single and our friends at the ranch have 11 children! The oldest is out of the nest though and will be getting married this June. And since everyone will be going to the States (BFF on furlough - she is a missionary and the others for the wedding and other commitments there), I will not see them for quite some time. Last chance visit!

So, today is my "sacred at-home day!" I've taken my youngest to a playgroup and get to spend 2 1/2 hours all by myself! It's wonderful and I'm off to enjoy it!

Hugs to all,
Casey

weekly weigh in

I don't even feel like writing anything this evening.
I feel pretty discouraged and dissappointed in myself.
I had been tracking my food again... and then I didn't.
I was exercising regularly (still am) but when I went for a run on Sunday, I felt like I needed to start the C25K from the beginning (I decided to do week 3 instead and made it)
So I don't feel like writing this post, especially because it's a weigh in, but I will!
It's the ones who quit that fail, right?
I'm not quitting, though it feels like a battle inside of me.
I will not give up. Someday I'll find my groove, and it'll work for me again.

Beginning weight: 279 lbs
Last weigh in: 253.7 lbs
This week: 253.7 lbs

Staying at this weight is MUCH better than a gain. And it's probably more than I deserve.

Casey

A Monday Post on Tuesday!

Good Morning!
Well, it's not Monday anymore!!! My Internet connection was so incredably slow yesterday...
But, I weighed yesterday AND this morning and the numbers were the same, and slightly different than last week!
Wish it were more, though...

Beginning weight:      279 lbs
Last week's weight:  253.9 lbs
Today's weight:        253.7 lbs

Yup, 0.2 lbs lost - quite unremarkable!
This past week I did see a 251.5 and I also saw a 256.3! The only thing I can think happened is the barbeque we had the night before the 256. I was so shocked and even a little scared!
For one day I had jumped back into morbid obesity and I hated it!

This past week I've been quite active though and was excited to see the "activity marks" on my calendar.
Monday - 45 minute workout with a fitness instructor (group setting)
Tuesday - I ached!!! But I went for a brisk 20 minute walk
Wednesday - Leslie Sansone "The  Big Burn" Workout, 30 minutes
Thursday - Level 1 Day 1 of ... Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred
Friday - rest
Saturday - Level 1 Day 2 of the 30 Day Shred
Sunday- a few walks... about 50 minutes total

There's an 8k being held at the end of April. It's in a town a few km from where I live. My sister and I were thinking of entering, but since there is no option for just doing the 5k, we've pretty much decided not to.
BUT... I think we are going to have a Sisters 5k in August! What do you think girls??? All get together, not just for movie nights and taquitos, but to do something we never imagined doing together. And maybe we could even see if there are more that would like to do this unofficial fun run! It's worth thinking about (and planning and training for).

Losing weight is hard, being obese is hard.
Gonna choose my hard!

Casey

Weekly weigh in

Weekly weigh in

A Little Bit About Myself and Monday Weigh In

First for the weigh in...
I could blame TOM again, but I'm gonna take the blame this time... I just haven't been eating well lately, the other night I tried to think back to remember if I'd had any fruit or veggies that day. None!
This afternoon I went shopping and my cart was brimming with good food to eat!
I will do better!
Beginning weight:      279 lbs
Last week's weight:  251.9 lbs
Today's weight:        253.9 lbs

Aaaaggggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! 2 lbs gain!
Hate it, but I think that gave me the wake up call I needed this morning!
I went to gym class tonight and my thighs are killing me! Tomorrow will be a rest day, but Wednesday, I will do one of my exercise dvd's or go for a run.

I had prepared this next part of my post last week but didn't finish it, so I decided to save it and publish it today.

Here goes...

Four years ago our youngest son was born. By the time he turned 2, I knew he’d be more challenging to discipline than our other three kids! And I was right!

But lately he has been such a fun little guy! He told my mom at the dinner table that she  should have a beer…  “so that you won’t die”  I wondered if he had ever heard anyone say…”One beer won’t kill you.”

But that’s not what I wanted to talk about!

When my husband and I first got married, he was in University, studying to be a Vet. I was 24 and he was 25. We were far from home, and I couldn’t get a regular job (political stuff here in my country). I taught English as a Second Language, I sold baked goods, I watched a lot of TV, I volunteered in church and I longed for a child.

I weighed about 190lbs at the time.

After about 4 years (and 2 of those trying to get pregnant) we saw a specialist, and to make a long story short, I got pregnant after 2 months on fertility medication. I was so happy! And I could hardly believe it!  Well, after being on cloud nine for 6 weeks, my bubble burst. I miscarried. Again, I could hardly believe it.

My husband and I always wanted a big family. At least 4 – 6 children! At least! But I felt as though God was punishing me. Why would he get my hopes up so high only to dash them down again? I really couldn’t understand.

One day as my husband and I were talking, I finally came to the point where I could say to him. “God has blessed me with you. If that is as big as our family will ever get, it is enough.”

Please don‘t think I was never bitter or hopeful again, but I had to tell myself this every day. I had to walk through this struggle to find a certain peace about what God was doing in our lives.

Well, my husband finished Vet school by now and we moved back home only days after my miscarriage.

I went back on some meds and eventually got pregnant again. This time there was not so much excitement on my part but rather fear. I was so scared that I would lose my baby again.

Nine months later (and 10 days overdue) our first daughter, Nicole,  was born via C-section. Light of my life! Still is – 10 and a half years later.

When Nicole turned 1, I was 4 weeks pregnant with our second daughter. Tonight,  I went to a parent teacher meeting at her school. The picture Raquel drew for me to take home after the meeting said it all! She drew a little girl and the little girls T-shirt said “Drama Queen!”

Almost 3 years later Esteban (Stevie) joined us. He is such a charmer. He won’t give me a kiss good-bye in front of his friends at school, but he’ll cuddle in my lap when I wake him in the morning. And he does not mind giving or getting a kiss when no one is looking!

Yesterday we celebrated Josephs 4^th birthday! He was born 2 years after Stevie.

Our first three were born via scheduled C-section. Joseph was scheduled for a C-section but I was showing signs of pre-eclampsia so they did an emergency C-section 4 days earlier.

I weighed 262lbs at the peak of my pregnancy with him! And then steadily gained more til I hit 279lbs.

Between our first and last child I kept telling myself, I’ll lose weight after we have our last baby. At least then I won’t gain anymore  due to pregnancies.

I did not realize that I was making my pregnancies, and my life,  much harder for myself, being as heavy as I was. Denial? Yeah, probably that too.  I did not know that I even put my son’s life in danger when I developed high blood pressure a few days before he was born, probably also as a result of my obesity.

Today I weigh 252 lbs.

I do not want to be this weight any longer. My excuses have expired! My kids have all been born. Now I need to be healthy for them – for me.

No more excuses!

Casey

Weigh In, Picture Update, Measurement update

Well, it's been longer than I've wanted.

Now that I have a new computer, I've been "cleaning" my old one, and that's taken slightly more time and headache than I'd like to admit. Have been technically challenged these last few days.

I have not been tracking my food.

There, it's out. I have the same thing happening to me with journals throughout the years. I start strong, and then let it slide, and then I quit altogether.

I have actually been thinking, "I should just quit!" I'll do better next time! What a lie!

There won't be a next time, because I'm not quitting and restarting. I'm continuing!

I'll get my motivation back somehow, and I'll get used to the work that's involved in weight loss.

I will not give up!

And yes, I'm trying to convince myself!

Now for my Weigh In!
Beginning weight:      279 lbs
Last week's weight:  252.6 lbs
Today's weight:        251.9 lbs

This weeks loss: 0.7 lbs

I just watched The Biggest Loser for the first time the other day. Wow, is it always that emotional? I couldn't believe some of the weigh-in's. They were huge! Of course, that's the only thing they do all day, right?
Well, I thought it was quite interesting!

My measurements didn't look so great this month. :(

Either I had a different measuring tape this time or I really did increase slightly on every single measurement.
So not very motivating, because that's where we want to see it, right?

Here's my update pictures:

And something to compare that with:

Yikes! That is kinda scarey!

Have a great week!

Casey

Progress Photos - Oops

These are Joseph's Progress photos! Just a week shy of 4 years old!

Mine are coming tomorrow!

Hugs, Casey

Weigh In! Week 17

Well, it's been a busy week!

I have put my 3 kids in school.

I've had a birthday party for my now 6 year old.

I've gone back and forth over whom to hire to do our kitchen. We finaly made a choice this afternoon and they will come over within the next week or so to take all the measurements. I pray we made the right decision! We've only got a certain amount we want to spend, so we will try to build according to our budget!
I'm looking forward to it being done.

Instead of reading alot of random blogs this week, I decided to take one, go back to the beginning and just read the whole thing. So I chose Alissa's blog, and it has really put some things in perspective for me. She has been so patient and perseverant in her weight loss journey! I am inspired! I find that I can relate to alot of the struggles she had at the beginning of her journey, and it gives me hope that she didn't give up, but is still at it and losing weight, even in the third year of tracking.

I so admire you, Alissa! I love the way you write, I love that your husband encourages you and that you SO love your family. You encourage in more ways that weight loss, you know! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and comment too. It means alot to me!

And thanks to all the others who take an interest in my weight loss journey. I love reading your blogs, but am a little shy when it comes to commenting. I'll do better, I promise.

Now for my WI!
Beginning weight:      279 lbs
Last week's weight:  253.7 lbs
Today's weight:        252.6 lbs

So, I'm down 1.1 lbs! Happy about that, but I know that I have not been doing good with the eating!
I'm hoping for some time tomorrow morning where I can just sit down and get a menu planned. I am so open to ideas! What works for you???

Exercise has been good! I continue to run the C25K, week 9, even though I'm officially graduated. I really can't take more time than those 40 minutes to exercise, so I'll just keep doing that and alternate with cardio on other days.

This afternoon, I started my Gym Class - (do you still call it Aerobics? That sounds so 80´s) and we have a new instructor. I liked the exercise part. It wasn't easy, so that means good workout, right? Hope she finds out how to do a playlist though, because she kept having to go back and forth to her MP3 player and press "next" or something. But like I said - good workout - lots of sweat!

One thing I didn't like though, was that the ladies from the next class she had, came up to watch us finish our class. They are the "advanced" group, and I felt so uncomfortable having them watch us. That's why we don't go to the second class... we don't want these skinny ladies watching us. I'm sure they are not laughing at us, but could they just politly stay downstairs until our class is done? Please?! (Yeah, none of them are reading this either!)

We have been having some really wonderful rains here lately and are always thankful for the water. There are two minor inconveniences as far as I'm concerned though! Muddy roads and Mosquitos! That's a challenge when I'm out walking/running!

Have a great week everyone, and if you have any ideas on the menu planning, I'd be really grateful!

Casey

It's Monday! Weigh In Time!

Not so excited about WI this week! Yes TOM influences even my weigh in's, but to be perfectly honest, this week has been... well, difficult in the eating department!

Beginning weight:      279 lbs
Last week's weight:  251.7 lbs
Today's weight:        253.7 lbs

YIKES! thats a 2 lbs gain and I don't like it!

On a positive note... I need one more run to finish the C25K program! Tomorrow I'll do day three of week 9 and then I've officially graduated! Yeah!

 Also a friend lent me her Taebo DVD and I did that one morning instead of running.

It was quite different than what I'm used to, but it was fun, and my kids thought it was hilarious. My almost 6 year old "helped" me finish, because he wanted to finish watching the "boxing man".

After my run yesterday.

The next 5 weeks bring us 3 of our kids birthdays! Lots of cake will be around, among other yummy birthday food. Lots of opportunies to plan my eating, which I haven't been doing for  a while, lots of opportunities to practice self-control and dicipline.

Tomorrow is Stevie's 6th birthday! We´ll have a party for him on Friday afternoon, since tomorrow is also the first day of school!!!

I am REALLY looking forward to school! Not the helping with homework part or nagging about music practice part, but the part where I have the mornings all to myself. I still have our youngest home with me, so I won't be lonely. Our kids leave the house at about 6:40 in order to start class at 7 sharp. They have school till 11:30 and then come home for lunch and they are done for the day. Stevie will need to be picked up from his Kindergarten every day at 10:45, haven't found anyone to carpool with yet.

Looking forward to having some time alone to be planning my menu's and deep-cleaning my house.

And... if all goes well, planning my new kitchen!

Have a great week!
Casey