E2E Midweek blah's

Feeling blue today.
Oh, now I know why, I went clothes shopping today! One of my least favorite things to do!
I spent money on clothes I don't really like, just because they fit, and I hate doing that. Of course since I went thrift store shopping, it wasn't alot of money, but still.
Since I'm going to Asunción in 2 weeks, I'm just going to wait and see if I can get something there, but I'm not optimistic. Paraguayan overweight women tend to squeeze into anything and look like a sausage. I like to wear things loose.
My husband suggested online shopping once. But that scares me too. What if it doesn't fit... I'd hate to have to return something.
Right now I'm wearing clothes that range from size 22 (jeans) all the way up to 5x (a top that is admittedly too big, but is loose and nice!)
So, would you american friends of mine let me know where I can browse online for clothes, maybe I will shop that way and see how it goes.
Now I'm off to figure out how to remove that annoying captcha thing...

E2E weekend update

Well, here we go again!
Weight:

12/31/11 - 122 kg         268,9 lbs
01/07/12 - 121,1 kg      266,9 lbs (-2 lbs)
01/14/12 - 120,5 kg      265,6 lbs (-1,3 lbs)
01/21/12 - 119 kg         262,3 lbs (-3,3 lbs)

01/28/12 - 118,7 kg      261,6 lbs (-0,7 lbs)

02/04/12 - 118,6 kg      261,4 lbs (-0,2 lbs)
02/11/12 - 118,2 kg      260,5 lbs (-0,9 lbs)

02/18/12 – 118,3 kg      260,8 lbs (+0,3 lbs)

02/25/12 - 117,2 kg       258,3 lbs (-2,5 lbs)

Yeah!! This is 10 lbs lost since the challenge began and 21 since my highest weight!

And my measurements stayed the same!
Waist beginning: 48 inches
Waist 02/25/12:  44.4 inches

I finally got to commenting this week, and I got to read everyones blog! Want proof? Read my midweek update here.

Buddy Julie and I finally had a chance to email a bit more back and forth! She is an amazing woman and it's an honor for me to have her as my challenge buddy!

I saw someone, I think it was Deb, had this same quote on her blog this week, I love it and it is so true!

I've not been reading my book for a week or so. I do want to start up again, soon. I'm hoping I'll have time to do so this weekend!

AND, my personal goal this week was to do 5/7 days of exercise! And I did it! In my head I was going for 6, but life happened.

We are off to a wedding this afternoon, I don't really know the people well, but my husband and the brides husband work together occasionally and that put us on the guest list!

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!

Casey

E2E Midweek Update

Today I've sat down a few times to update, but I have no words... I don't know what to say. Now, if we'd sit down for some coffee or tereré, that's a different story, we'd probably never stop talking. ( read about tereré here)
So, this week, my main goal was to work out more. As of today, it's been 4/5! And I'm happy about that.
My baby started Kindergarten on Wednesday. I missed him, but really enjoyed my quiet day at home.
I've finally gotten around to commenting on everyones post. At first it felt like a burden, but once I started reading and commenting, I was really glad I had taken the time. What did I learn there? Well, some are struggling with health issues, especially Mir, Karen and Bethany. Some of you don't have very much to lose or are maintaining or are finding that those last few 20ish pounds seem the most stubborn.
Others are rocking this challenge, one fit into her challenge dress allready. Some are well on their way to Onederland. One special blogger had a lot to lose but continually is looking on the bright side, she knows what to do and does it!! We've got a very busy lady going through a tough patch, but we all know she's going to get up stronger! She is a fighter!
One seems to have found a fantastic guy who accepts her just the way she is!
Some ladies are working out hard and running! You are amazing!
Some are truely going through rough times and need our support more than ever.
So, I did get to visit with each of you, I guess!
Have a great rest of the week everyone.
And make good choices!
Casey

Weekly E2E update - challenge pictures!

This week has been filled to the brim! I haven't done much commenting at all! Sorry! But I have been reading all the blogs:) And I'll take more time to comment more next week!

Our three oldest kids started school this week. And Joseph starts next Wednesday, so I am planning on having some more time for blogging.

This is the first time I've had a gain since starting this challenge. My weight was lower 2 days ago, wish it'd have been today! :)

Here are the numbers:

12/31/11 - 122 kg         268,9 lbs
01/07/12 - 121,1 kg      266,9 lbs (-2 lbs)
01/14/12 - 120,5 kg      265,6 lbs (-1,3 lbs)
01/21/12 - 119 kg         262,3 lbs (-3,3 lbs)

01/28/12 - 118,7 kg      261,6 lbs (-0,7 lbs)

02/04/12 - 118,6 kg      261,4 lbs (-0,2 lbs)
02/11/12 - 118,2 kg      260,5 lbs (-0,9 lbs)

02/18/12 – 118,3 kg      260,8 lbs (+0,3 lbs)   

And my measurements stayed the same!
Waist beginning: 48 inches
Waist 02/18/12:  45.6 inches

I’ve been letting the tracking slide. I usually get to midmorning and then it all gets a little blurry. I haven’t been binging or anything, I guess I was just not taking this whole thing very seriously anymore. This will change!

About my outfit…

The arrows are showing the bulges I so dislike!! I could wear the pants, I can close them, but I'd have to wear a larger top with them. I hate how my belly bulges. Yuck!

I thought I'd show you what I did a bit over a year ago!! And compare it to now!

Today! Well, you can tell I'm about between those top 2 photos. October 2010 I weighed 279 lbs and January 2011 I weighed 254 lbs.
Today's weight is 260,8 lbs. (challenge beginning weight was 269 lbs)

I’ve been listening to Fat 2 Fit Radio off and on for about a year.

The show I listened to a week or so ago was their annual “Goals Show”. It’s been quite motivating to listen to, but now that I’m actually putting to paper my own goals, it’s becoming more real and hopefully attainable.

What I’m writing here are some things I learnt from the show. I found it quite motivating actually! And I finally did write down some of my goals, and I do think I’m more likely to reach them this way.

So here are some things I learnt from the show…

What are some reasons that your resolutions or goals fail?

1.       You don’t really care. Maybe it’s not a high priority? Or you have no emotional commitment to reaching these goals. Why do you want to reach these/this goal? Why do you want to stop eating cake and ice cream? Why do you want to drink more water? You need to have personal reasons to overcome your thousands of moments of temptations. What personal reason will keep me from eating that doughnut when I’m tempted and hungry, when I’ve had a long day and am tired? What personal reason will get me to go to the gym? You need emotional, powerful reasons that are specific to you.  If you really don’t care, you won’t be motivated to do something.

2.       You set bad goals. (Too high or unrealistic?) Are you setting an unrealistic goal? Are you trying to lose too much weight in too short a time? Are your goals indefinite?  A goal like “live healthier” or “lose weight”  or “get in shape”  is too vague.  You need specific deadlines and ways to show progress.

3.       You have no plan to follow in order to reach the goal. What are you going to do each day to melt off a bit of fat? What’s the plan? Eat less? Eat better? Exercise? How often and how long? What am I doing to achieve my goals? Knowledge and motivation are critical to achieving your goals, but don’t get stuck there, plan for the days you don’t feel motivated. You will not succeed without action and consistency. You need to get off your butt to make things happen.

The definition of  insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If you have failed year after year, why not try something different this time.

If you set powerful goals that are achievable, everything will fall into place.

Why do you want to succeed at your goals?

I must complete my weight loss and fitness goals, because if I don’t…

·         I’m going to continue to be embarrassed about my size.

·         I’m going to hate shopping for clothes. (I already do!)

·         My blood pressure issues won’t let up.

·         My cholesterol levels will continue to be high and I will have to be on meds for that as well

·         I can’t be active with my kids.

·         I can’t bend over.

·         I’ll be heavier than my husband..

·         I feel people judge me because of my size.

·         I can’t give myself pedicures.

5 important guidelines for goal setting

1.       If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You can’t hope to aimlessly stumble through life and achieve  great things. What are the specific things you need to do in order to succeed in whatever your  goals are?

2.       Goals must be measurable. If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. How would you know if you’re on track if you can’t measure it? Don’t just say you’re going to eat less, be specific about what you will eat. Don’t just say you are going to exercise more, how often, how long?

3.       Set small goal that are easily attainable

4.       You must have a deadline. If you don’t, it’s just whenever before you die. With a lot of short term deadlines, you’ll always be feeling a little bit of pressure to get things done.

5.       Goals must be reviewed daily.  A lot of people stop “doing” their New Year’s resolution, simply because they forget about them.

Specific Goals

Every goal needs to have a what, when and how.

The more “how’s” that you have, the more likely you’ll be to accomplish your goal.

WHAT:  I will lose 15 pounds.

WHEN:  In 15 weeks. Beginning today, the 18^th of February to the 2^nd of June.

HOW:    Eating  1700 calories a day.

                Exercising 5 times a week minimum of 30 minutes.

                Learning about weight loss and fitness (by reading blogs or books or podcasts)

                Learning about food. What do I need to eat? What do certain foods do for my body?

                Drinking at least 2,5 liters of water a day.

Yearly (Long term) Goal

-          Lose 50 pounds

-          Fit into a size 18/20

-          Bending over easily

-          Running a 5K

Midterm Goal (90 day goal)

-          Lose a pound a week – ca. 13 pounds

-          Walk a 5K

-          Sit ups – 100

Weekly and Daily Goals

-          Planning and Scheduling!!!

-          Tracking food

-          Exercise 5/7

-          Be focused

-          Study nutrition!

Worry is negative thinking, and it’s the opposite of constructive goal setting.

 Don’t visualize the worst case scenario.

Be positive, it’ll keep you motivated.

 Focus on the feeling of making it!

Willpower won’t work. Willpower is for short-term success. Long-term success requires planning, discipline and finding ways to motivate yourself every single day.

What motivates you can change from day to day and will not magically happen. You may have to recommit to your goals each day. Tweak them to fit changes to your lifestyle and attitude. Find new ways to motivate yourself.

Focus on what you want on a daily basis. Not on what you don’t want. Live the life of an active person. Don’t say “I hope I lose weight” or “I don’t want to be fat” or “I hate the way that my clothes fit.” Flip it around to the positive, like

 “I’m getting leaner (stronger, faster, thinner) every day.” 

“I’m 100% responsible for my results.”

So let me just tell you I am going to take this more seriously!

Midweek Update Edition #7

Time sure flies, doesn't it?!

Yesterday was Esteban's 7th Birthday!! We had a small party in the morning (6 kids) and today was his first day in first grade!
He was so ready!! Most of the moms go with their kids on the first day, and the kids get their "Schultüte" (a German tradition) filled with some school supplies and a few treats.

He was so serious and confident in all he did, I was so proud of him. Some boys were just being silly, others were being sassy. He was just quiet and sitting straight up paying attention. I'm sure he was nervous, but it was nice to watch him on his first day! Tomorrow he gets to go for the whole day! He is so ready!

These are my new shoes! I finally gave in and bought them and I don't regret it! They are so much more comfortable than my last pair!
On the exercise front... The regular instructor got back from her vacation last week and
sent me a text saying that she'd be doing the beginners class again at 5:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays!
So Monday I got there, and since no one else showed up I got a personal training session! Then yesterday, same thing!! I love that! She showed me how to pay attention to my breathing, kept reminding me to tighten my abdominal muscles and was watching to see where I needed to improve some moves. I hope for some more of these private training sessions, they're great for me. I'm sure that now that school started more ladies will be finding time in their schedules for a workout, but until then, I'm alone!
Betty, feel free to join us! :)

“Life has no remote control.  You have to get up and change it yourself!” – Anonymous


Have  a great rest of the week and make good changes!!

Casey

Drumroll please, Give-away winner!!

Almost forgot to post the winner of my tea and earring give-away....
So, random.org gave me ....
Eaba
You are the winner of the tea and earrings! Congratulations!

Please send me your mailing address and I'll send the package asap!
Oh, and let me know if you have a favorite color for the earrings!!
Have a great week!
Casey

E2E update - February 12th

Good morning!
Hope you're all having a restful Sunday!
We had our yearly Sunday School program at church today. Since our school year starts in February, the kids had a short program with songs and skits and a few kids recited Bible verses and as of next Sunday will all be in their new classes. I've taught first and second graders for 3 years running now and have asked to take a break, so for me this was my last official duty as Sunday school teacher. I'm glad for a break, I wasn't preparing as I should have/could have been, and I'd rather make sure I get a break from it before I decide to never teach again! :)
My kids were all participating, Nicole recited the verse to a song and Raquel had a part in a short play. And the boys were singing! :)
We've pretty much recovered from out trip to the city. We had a talk about behaviour and obedience. I think once school starts and we have a routine in place, things will go better.
Last night I went for a long walk with my sister. I think she said it was 3,8 km (2.3 miles) and since I hadn't done any exercising since last Monday and I had my new shoes on, it was painful, but I felt so ... accomplished afterwards. Felt good! And we had an uninterrupted talk!
We are planning a ladies trip into Asunción for March. My sister, my mom and one of my best friends, Hope, will go. Looking forward to that!
So, now to my weigh in!!

12/31/11 - 122 kg         268,9 lbs
01/07/12 - 121,1 kg      266,9 lbs (-2 lbs)
01/14/12 - 120,5 kg      265,6 lbs (-1,3 lbs)
01/21/12 - 119 kg         262,3 lbs (-3,3 lbs)

01/28/12 - 118,7 kg      261,6 lbs (-0,7 lbs)

02/04/12 - 118,6 kg      261,4 lbs (-0,2 lbs)
02/11/12 - 118,2 kg      260,5 lbs (-0,9 lbs)

And my measurements
Waist beginning: 48 inches
Waist 02/11/12:  45.6 inches

I still haven't taken a picture of myself in my challenge clothes. I'll try to get to that this week.
Esteban turns 7 this week and that means Birthday Party!!! Party food! Ice Cream cake! Think of me Wednesday as I serve the cake, ok! I'll probably have a small piece in the late afternoon, but am hoping for an empty platter before I get to serve myself! :)

I didn't read my book this week, haven't been doing much reading at all lately, buti I did listen to a podcast that I think some of you would enjoy, and even benefit from. Maybe you've all heard about it, but for me it was something I really needed to hear... and do!
It's at fat2fitradio and the sow I listened to was their 5th Annual Goals Show.
They have lots of information that is really easy to understand. I hadn't listened for a while, but I'm going to get back into it.
So expect a post with some updated goals soon!:)

My buddy, Julie hasn't felt great lately, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers!

Hope you're all doing well, and are making good choices!
Casey

Midweek Update, from Asunción

Well, we're here in our country's capital city, Asunción.
We did some shopping, some eating, some bowling and lots of driving in traffic jams! There always seem to be more cars on the road than last time we were here.
I've probably gone over my calories on both days. It is really hard to track when I'm not home! But I think the only time I overate was tonight, when we had Pizza Hut deliver. I had 2 and a half pieces! Yumm!
I haven't read my book for the last few days, so I have nothing to update on that.
I did want to share a small success while shopping though!
I found a stability ball for about $7 less than I would have paid for it back home. I also found a resistance band. I could never find one back home, and I like using one. (I used a rubber band that they use to make sling shots!). I saw some more inexpensive exercise tools (weights, etc) so I know where to look next time I'm in the big city.
Since we live so far away from the city, the prices are alot higher in town than here, in Asunción.
Our three youngest made this trip really hard this time. They were just not listening to us and at times being plain ole' disobedient. We have never had them behave this badly on a trip before. I just can't wait to get home. It's been a lot more stressful than a mini-vacation should be.

Ok another reminder about my tea give away!
Check it out here.

Leaving you with my verse (quote) of the week:

Teach me your way, LORD,
   that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
   that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
   I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
   you have delivered me from the depths,
   from the realm of the dead.

Psalm 86:11-13

 

Make good choices, people!

 

Casey

E2E weekend update... and since this is my hundredth post... read on, my friends!

Yeah!!!

And in honor of my hundredth post.... I will blog about... my weigh in!

Nothing more exciting than that happening here, and that's not so exciting either really! :) (Ok just keep reading, it may get more exciting!)

So, here we go!

12/31/11 - 122 kg         268,9 lbs
01/07/12 - 121,1 kg      266,9 lbs (-2 lbs)
01/14/12 - 120,5 kg      265,6 lbs (-1,3 lbs)
01/21/12 - 119 kg         262,3 lbs (-3,3 lbs)

01/28/12 - 118,7 kg      261,6 lbs (-0,7 lbs)

02/04/12 - 118,6 kg      261,4 lbs (-0,2 lbs)

And my waist measurements: 45,8 inches that's down 1 inch from I think 3 weeks running! I actually felt that this week. I always sleep on my tummy and I actually felt that my tummy was less... round! :)

I did fairly weel with my meals and tracking.  I did not once go over the 2080 recommended by MFP and actually was closer to 1600 for most of the week.

I'm enjoying reading everyones posts. Keep it up, gals!

Julie has sprung back from a setback! So proud of you, Julie! She's got some great pictures on her second last post.

Ok so now about the hundredth post thing!

Time for a Giveaway!!!

So, I've already done one giveaway on this blog and I'm going to do the same one again!!

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 pair of earrings made of  Ñandutí (pronounced nyan-doo-TI)

 AND... Since Julie is my buddy, you will get a package as well!!!

So, send in your comments and I will do a draw from all the comments from this post and from my midweek post. (So if you comment both times, you get two chances to win!) Then next weekend post, I will announce the winner and ask you to send me your mailing address. Julie, since you get a package regardless, you can go ahead and send me your mailing address in an email!

My quote this week is a passage from the in Psalms.

As I was reading my book this week, Lysa TerKeurst quoted these verses and they sounded so familiar! That's because I wrote them out in the front of my Daily Planner. This was so encouraging to me, I have to share these verses with you as my weekly quote!

  Teach me your way, LORD,
   that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
   that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
   I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
   you have delivered me from the depths,
   from the realm of the dead.

Psalm 86:11-13

I'll be heading to Asunción with the family on Tuesday early. Since I'm taking my laptop, it shouldn't prevent me from posting on Wednesday. The temptations there are about a thousand times more intense than just being home, but I will be aware!! Last year when we went on a summer vacation, I just quit shortly afterward. I couldn't get back into the weight loss mode! But since I'm participating in this challenge, you all get to hold me accountable! Yeah for you guys!

Have a great week!

And make good choices!

Casey

Midweek Update #5



image via Pinterest

 Well, this has been a slow week for me!
I spent Monday in the Hospital and have been taking it slowly these past few days. Thanks again for all the well-wishes and prayers!
When I stepped on the scale this morning, the numbers were up, but I do feel kinda puffy, maybe that's normal. We'll see what happens on Saturday!
I've been tracking my food and have been doing good in that area, but I haven't been exercising yet. I think I'll try a 30 minute Leslie Sansone workout tomorrow morning. I'll stop or slow down if it's too much, but I think it should be ok.
I did go and try on my challenge outfit, but since the batteries in my camera are dead (thanks girls, for taking all those lovely little videos!), I can't show you how tight it still is! I'll try taking some for the week end update!

“The body God has given me is good. It is not perfect, nor will it ever be. But it is a gift for which I am thankful.”

Make good choices!

Casey