Love inspiration...

I found this at Thinkexist.com...

“Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,

who calls you back when you hang up on him,

who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat,

or will stay awake just to watch you sleep...

Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead,

who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats,

who holds your hand in front of his friends,

who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on.

One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you....

The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'”

Sometimes it helps to remember ALL the different ways our husbands love us...

...in their quiet ways...

... respectful ways...

...and when they make us feel we are the most important person in their world...  :-)

I love the smell of Urgent Care in the morning...



Cool... you can see the strap marks from my
brace in this photo... and yes, Dad, I have
your toes! :-)



... let's just say that my fall last night was not as simple as I thought.  After a night of pain and waking up with a grapefruit where my left ankle used to be, I decided to pass on the brick workout and head into Urgent Care for some X-rays...  THANK goodness, it is not broken, just badly sprained.  Looks like I will be spending this week training in the pool... no running (hopefully next week)... maybe some spinning by mid-week, but I am on crutches and we are on final countdown...

...35 days until the

Desert International Triathlon...AUGH!  I NEED TO GET MY BURN ON!!!  Good thing I have AWESOME friends and trainers at my Palomar YMCA... Paula, Laura, Roland... HELP!

Running... With... Dog... OUCH!

Soooo... tonight, I decided to take our 2 year old puppy on a mile run.  She has been having some skin issues, so we have to spray her belly with medicine and then make sure she doesn't lick it for about 10 minutes.  10 minutes... sounds like an easy mile run to me!  And... everything was going great until we were about 3/4 of the way to home... and we came upon a group of teenagers on their bikes... now, you need to know it was after dark... hard to see anything... and Abby was fine until we were on top of the kids... minding their own business on their bikes...

... and Abby wanted a new friend and flew to "kiss" one of the bikers...

... and I went FLYING...

... and landed FLAT on my right side (I had the leash on my left)...

... and shortly after I hit the ground... and was checking, before I moved, that everything was alright, I heard...

..."OH MY GOSH!  Ma'am, are you alright?"  (as I was still trying to make sure I was alright and would still be racing in 5 weeks, I looked up to this kid...)

And told him I was fine.  I picked myself up... started running... and then started sobbing as the blood started running down my leg...

AAAAAHHHHHHH... getting older REALLY SUCKS!  (I'm such a wimp!)  Three band aids and lots of peroxide later, I will be just fine... bruises aside, of course!  Tomorrow is my first of 5 full bike to run brick workouts before the race... band aids and all! :-)

Inspiration...

Things are changing in my life in a VERY RAPID fashion...

... and this quote summarizes it PERFECTLY!

Time to BREAK THROUGH THAT BUBBLE!!!

Photos... and trying something new with food...

Nutrition... calorie intake... exercise... there really is a lot to consider when trying to eat right and lose weight.  Although I have lost 50 pounds, I have also been on a pretty significant plateau for the past several months.  Three weeks ago, I went back to basics... making sure I was drinking a MINIMUM of 8 glasses of WATER a day... watching my caloric intake with the Weight Watchers Points program... and training a minimum of 5 times a week... and I only lost 2.8 pounds in the first 3 weeks.  SHOOT!  I was being very careful to eat my 1,200 calories a day and thought I should have lost more like 2 pounds a week. 

Then I repeated that last sentence out loud... "I was eating 1,200 calories a day..." AND training at a very intense level more than 5 times per week...

I spoke to friend and YMCA trainer, Paula, and she told me about the "BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) Calculator."  Your BMR takes several things into account such as your age, weight, height, gender... AND your exercise level.  You will NEVER believe what it said... I should be eating a MINIMUM of 2,870 calories A DAY to keep my system from shutting down!

HOLY COW!  Over the past 3 weeks, I had put my system into starvation mode.  So, in the past 3 days, I tried something new. I stopped counting my points, and started counting calories.  I couldn't get much above 2,000 calories a day (I am really struggling with eating MORE to LOSE weight), BUT I LOST 2.2 POUNDS... IN 3 DAYS... BY EATING MORE!  CRAZINESS... PURE CRAZINESS!

200.2 pounds

198.0 pounds


























You would think I would have caught something as significant as this with all of the different diets I have done over the years!  It just goes to show you that you have to keep an eye not just on your calories, or on your water, or your exercise or the scale, but the whole picture.  I'm going to try counting calories again all this week... and I can't wait to see what happens!

MUSIC DAY... "I Get Knocked Down"...

... ahhhhhhh... I LOVE older music... and Chumbawamba's "I Get Knocked Down" is a PERFECT song for this week.  My new TRX training TOTALLY knocked me down... but it WON'T KEEP ME DOWN! 

USE... THIS... SONG... to inspire you through your workout... to keep going... to NEVER give up!  It doesn't matter if you are just starting and walking or if you are pushing it HARD for 2 hours... GO... SWEAT... and make sure that YOU don't... get... knocked... down!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5uWRjFsGc

TRX... my new personal training hell...

I have been training and racing in sprint triathlons for 2 years now.  I'm getting faster and stronger.  But the one thing that I HATE to do is weights... any type of sculpting or free weights or machines... and don't get me started on my core, or COMPLETE LACK thereof! 

I took my first TRX training class (small group/personal training) at my YMCA (Palomar YMCA) on Tuesday.  It is an intense 45-minute workout that hits all of your body groups and keeps you at a high cardio workout at the same time.  Soooooo... I THOUGHT that I was in OK shape... I THOUGHT I would be able to make it through 45 minutes... and I was SADLY mistaken.  As trainer, Roland, told me, "TRX is a very humbling workout.  It will very bluntly show you where your strengths and weaknesses are."  Can I just say, I was already at failure and shaking after the first 4 minute set...

So, once I can walk again (which I am hoping will be tomorrow or Saturday), I will be taking my next TRX class.  Then the next.  And the next.  I know that TRX will help focus my training and take me to the next level for my racing...and weight loss... and fitness!  I think I may have finally found a type of weight training that I can stick to... Lord, help me! :-)

ONE YEAR...!!!

It has been ONE YEAR since I started, "Becoming My Husband's Girlfriend!"  WOOO HOOOO!  And for me, nothing is better proof or inspiration to keep moving than the weekly photos. 

Here is what I accomplished this year...


200.2 pounds



237 pounds

I have lost 37 pounds in the past 12 months...

(50 pounds since my heaviest, 15 months ago)

(... ha, ha, ha... look at those new, skinny ankles, smaller feet and much smaller "girls"...)

 

And my body CONTINUES TO CHANGE

... after 1 year, here are my measurements...

At the start... at 9 weeks... at 19 weeks... at 28 weeks...and today

Bust:  48.5"... 46"... 45"...44.75"...43.75"

Chest:  40.75"...39.75"...38.75"...38"... 37.25"

Waist:  45.25"... 42.5"... 40.5"...38.5"...40"

Hips:  48"...45"...45"...43.75"...43.50"

Thighs:  Left - 23.75"...25"...23"...22.25"...24.50"    Right - 24.75"...26"...23"...22.5"...24"

Calves:  Left - 16.5"...16"...15.75"...16"...16"     Right - 17"...16.5"...16.25"...16"...15.5"

Upper Arm:  Left - 13.25...12.5"...12.5"...13"...12.25"     Right - 14"...13"...13"...13.25"...12"

It is interesting to see that some body parts keep getting smaller, and some, as I gain muscle, are getting a bit bigger.  Let me tell you... the bigger thighs are ALL about THE BIKE!  And my upper arms... as Jeff was taking my measurements, I showed him that when I jiggle my arms, THEY DON'T WAVE BACK ANYMORE!!!  There is still a lot of work to do for me to say my arms look great, but with the addition of TRX to my training schedule, my muscular strength will improve A TON by my next race!

So, am I where I wanted to be after the first year.... Yes.

Did I think I would have made more progress... Yes.

Am I disappointed in the pace of this journey... NO!  And I'll tell you why.  I am making this a LIFESTYLE change, which means that I can still go out with friends, I can have plateaus and I can enjoy the holidays.  I DID NOT put this weight on overnight, and I WILL NOT take it off overnight, either.  I am enjoying myself, I am working hard at the gym, and I am still 50 POUNDS SEXIER than I was 15 months ago!!!

Soooo... my long term weight goal for 2012... to lose 30 more pounds and hit 170 by the end of the year.  This might be a much tougher goal because I am starting to put on muscle now, which weighs more than fat.  So, I should add a caveat that my main goal is to look good and feel comfortable in SIZE 9 AGAIN!  I don't know what the weight number will be when I reach size 9, so here we go for another 12 months of weight loss, exercise and training, increased self-confidence, and being my husband's girlfriend!!!

Tomato Soup and Shrimp...

One of the things I have changed up in order to bring my weight down has been to focus on new and low fat recipes FOR DINNER!  I can watch my calories/Weight Watcher Points very well for breakfast and lunch, but it is always dinner where I seem to take in too many calories. 

My current FAVORITE BOOK is "Eating Light 400 Calories or Less, Winter 2012," by Hearst Magazines.  Last night I made the "Tomato Soup with Shrimp" and it was SOOOO FANTASTIC and filling that I just HAD to share it with you!  AND... it was ONLY 255 calories (5 WW Points) PER SERVING!  A "bowl of soup" might not sound very filling, but both Jeff and I were full... it was FANTASTIC!  Here is all of the information... right from "Good Housekeeping"... http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/tomato-soup-shrimp-recipe-ghk0911 and a photo I took of my dinner last night! ENJOY!!!

Tomato Soup with Shrimp

When garnished with sauteed shrimp and homemade croutons, fresh tomato soup becomes a quick gourmet meal.

 Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories	255
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	107mg
Sodium	1035mg
Total Carbohydrate	31g
Dietary Fiber	7g
Sugars	--
Protein	19g
Calcium	--

Ingredients:

• 3 pound(s) ripe tomatoes, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup(s) roasted red peppers
• 1/2 cup(s) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 clove(s) garlic, crushed with press
• 5 ounce(s) (about 4 slices) multigrain bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 12 ounce(s) 16- to 20-count shrimp, shelled and deveined, sliced in half along back
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon(s) extra virgin olive oil

---

Directions: (4 servings)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In blender, puree tomatoes, in batches if necessary. Return puree to blender, then add red peppers, half of basil, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; puree until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
3. Prepare croutons: Arrange bread on jelly-roll pan. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once.
4. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine shrimp, oregano, remaining basil, remaining 2 cloves garlic, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, tossing.
5. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil on medium-high until hot, but not smoking. Add shrimp; cook 4 to 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn opaque throughout, stirring occasionally. Divide shrimp and soup among 4 serving bowls; garnish with croutons and additional basil leaves.

MUSIC DAY... Who is locked up inside you?

I saw this amazing photo on Facebook today...

... and it really made me think.

We all have "someone" locked up inside of us.  It might be a thinner us... or a healthier us... or a happier us... or a more confident us... or an athletic us.  WHOEVER is locked inside of you, LET... THEM... OUT!  Yes, it will take work, commitment and dedication... but when it is time to look back at your life, would you rather have put in the time and lived the life you wanted... or will you regret that you never let the inner you out to live?

Don't let the "real you" be "The One That Got Away."

Katy Perry, "The One That Got Away."

Photos (YEAH!) and a new challenge...

Ahhhh... I love when a plan comes together!  Getting back to the basics, drinking A TON of water and writing down my WW points is helping!  Even having a chest cold and missing two workouts this week, I still lost 2 pounds!  I must say, as AWESOME as the holidays were... eating and enjoying... I actually hit 207 pounds the week after Christmas but before New Years.  I lost 4 pounds before taking last week's photo and have lost 2 more this week.  My goal of hitting 190 by the Desert International Triathlon in 8 weeks is a reality... 11 pounds to go in 8 weeks... lots of training... several brick workouts... I CAN DO IT!


201.0 pounds



203.0 pounds





To help keep me even more accountable, I have joined "The Biggest Loser" Weight Challenge at work.  Today was weigh-in and I'm not sure how many people from our school are participating, but I'm in.  I figure the 7:30AM, Monday morning weigh-ins will help keep me on track with getting my photos and Monday posts, too.  The challenge last until March 30th and the top two people with highest percentage of weight loss, WIN!  I know I've already lost 50 pounds, but I still have a way to go, so this extra challenge will help keep me focused!  

To reach your goals, you need to find "the button" that will make you work to earn them.  I NEED a challenge!  I NEED to be accountable to someone/something other than myself.  This blog, the new work challenge, and training for races are the buttons I've found to keep me on track.  What is YOUR button...?

Make it a FANTASTIC day and I will see you tomorrow for MUSIC DAY!

Don't let the love get away...

I was searching the internet for a love quote to share with you today.  I was looking for just the right sentiment and I came across this story on "The Board of Wisdom."  Go ahead and read the story and I'll share my thoughts on the flip side...

"10th grade
As I sat there in English class, I stared at the girl next to me. She was my so called "best friend". I stared at her long, silky hair, and wished she was mine. But she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it. After class, she walked up to me and asked me for the notes she had missed the day before and handed them to her. She said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I wanted to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

11th grade
The phone rang. On the other end, it was her. She was in tears, mumbling on and on about how her love had broken her heart. She asked me to come over because she didn't want to be alone, so I did. As I sat next to her on the sofa, I stared at her soft eyes, wishing she was mine. After 2 hours, one Drew Barrymore movie, and three bags of chips, she decided to go to sleep. She looked at me, said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

Senior year
The day before prom she walked to my locker.  "My date is sick" she said.  "He's not going to go."  Well, I didn't have a date, and in 7th grade, we made a promise that if neither of us had dates, we would go together just as "best friends". So we did. Prom night, after everything was over, I was standing at her front door step. I stared at her as she smiled at me and stared at me with her crystal eyes. I want her to be mine, but she doesn't think of me like that, and I know it. Then she said "I had the best time, thanks!" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

Graduation Day
A day passed, then a week, then a month. Before I could blink, it was graduation day. I watched as her perfect body floated like an angel up on stage to get her diploma. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it. Before everyone went home, she came to me in her smock and hat, and cried as I hugged her. Then she lifted her head from my shoulder and said, "you're my best friend, thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

A Few Years Later
Now I sit in the pews of the church. That girl is getting married now. I watched her say "I do" and drive off to her new life, married to another man. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn't see me like that, and I knew it. But before she drove away, she came to me and said "you came!". She said "thanks" and kissed me on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.

Funeral
Years passed, I looked down at the coffin of a girl who used to be my "best friend". At the service, they read a diary entry she had written in her high school years. This is what it read: I stare at him wishing he was mine, but he doesn't notice me like that, and I know it. I want to tell him, I want him to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love him but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why. I wish he would tell me he loved me! `I wish I did too...` I thought to my self, and I cried. - Annomous"

We've all read touching stories about "the one that got away."  Many of us have even lived it.  But this story reminded me of one of the reasons I started this journey.  Wouldn't it be tragic to HAVE FOUND your perfect love, HAD your perfect love, and then just let it slowly slip away?  After years of marriage, sadly... it is easy to slide into being more like roommates than spouses.  How many times have your thoughts wandered to your husband... a smile coming across your face... and you start thinking about how much you love him... and you want to tell him... you want him to know... but you are just too busy... or too lazy to pick up the phone...

Don't wake up someday and realize that you're sleeping next to "the love that went away" simply because life was too busy or the kids had you stressed out or because you became "comfortable" and didn't take time to flirt and play and make time for each other.  Life is too short for the shoulda, woulda, coulda... and the power of love is too bright to just sit on a shelf... gathering dust...

MUSIC DAY... "Diet Song"...

I KNOW I am not the only person in the world struggling with some food cravings at the moment! 

Yes.. I enjoyed the holidays and all those wonderfully, satisfying, dreamy, "good for the soul" kinda foods and drinks. 

Yes... I put on 6.5 pounds in 2 months. 

And, yes... I have already lost half of that in the past 3 days by drinking my water and getting back to WW Points and writing everything down.

However, as I read Facebook post after Facebook post from friends who are starting a "diet" and are going through some pretty good "calorie withdrawls," I have to admit that I REALLY WANT SOME TORTILLA CHIPS!  I know it is short lived and I know I will feel better in just a few days, but today, I found a song that I want to share with EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN ON A "DIET," or started a new life of "eating healthy."  Either way, the first week or so are pretty tough and the song, "Diet Song," by Shel Silverstein (author of two of my favorite books, "The Giving Tree" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends") is HILARIOUS!  And there is a line in the middle of the song that made me choke on my ice water I was laughing so hard... you will know the line... :-)

"Diet Song" - Shel Silverstein

Enjoy!

Goals for 2012... and first photo of the year



First photo for 2012...
203.0 pounds

Most of us set goals at the start of each new year...
... and most of us don't make it past January following those oh, so wanted, but poorly planned goals.  For years, I have written New Year's Goals... and they quickly collect dust in a file and are fun (and somewhat sad) to read the next year when I don't accomplish any of them... and re-write them again for the next year.

Last year, I set a goal to Become My Husband's Girlfriend.  And almost a year later, I am well on my way!  I have accomplished several of my goals, but this journey is not about hitting a goal... and staying there.  Getting married, or hitting your weight loss goal are examples of a culmination of commitment and work... and some might think the final step in a journey.  Actually, they are the START of a much longer process.  Maintaining weight loss or keeping your spark alive doesn't just happen... they are part of the wonderful fluidity of life and I plan to sail on this tide for the rest of my life!

Soo... in a continuing effort for the "Full Monty," (I'm putting it all out there) here is my list of goals for 2012...

WEIGHT LOSS...
   *  I've once again pulled out my Weight Watcher books and will be documenting everything I consume with the Points Program. It is an "oldie" plan, but works for me.  FIND YOUR PLAN!  Notice, I did NOT say, "Diet Plan!"  Find an eating plan that works for you.  There are so many out there, but the biggest thing is this "plan" needs to be lifelong and workable for you!
   *  WRITE DOWN my weekly workout plan every Sunday. Once you have your workout schedule for the week IN WRITING, you are committed and will plan the rest of the week AROUND your workouts!
   *  WATER, WATER, WATER!  There is nothing easier than drinking a MINIMUM of 8 glasses of water EVERYDAY, and NOTHING more important!
   *  I plan to weigh 190 by the Desert International Triathlon.  After putting on 6.4 pounds in the past 2 months of holidays, I want to lose 13 pounds in the next 8 weeks.  I will set the next weight goal after the triathlon! :-)

DE-STRESS...
   *  This is going to be a hard one, but SOOOO VERY IMPORTANT!  Balancing the volunteer work we do, dealing with adult kids and a 7-year old... and trying to keep a peaceful balance in the household is... well... pretty impossible at the moment... but one of the BIGGEST goals of the year. 

WORK...
   *  I have been home, raising the family, for almost 8 years now.  I have been working at Anna's school (2 hours per day) for the past 1.5 years, but it is time that I go back to work full time. YEAH, the job search... no stress there...
   *  WRITE... MY... BOOK... Some of you know what this is about, and I now have the opportunity to finish my book and get it published.  This is another priority this year.  REALLY?...now you know why stress relief is a major thing this year...

RACES...
   *  My 2012 races are listed over to the right.  I have some pretty big goals, and I know I can make them happen.
   *  Run more... I REALLY dislike running, but need to find the love once again!
   *  NEW swim workouts... I have gotten into a rut and need to change things up to improve my speed
   *  Comfort on the ROAD BIKE... I am scared of the road bike, but it is SOOOO important to my race because I know I am STRONG on the bike, so I have to get used to riding "on the road!"

THE BLOG...
   *  Back to regular posts... Monday photos, Music Day, Weekly Goals, the new "Find Your Strength" work out inspiration, and the regular live life, love life and flirt posts.

You might notice that all of these goals have to do with me... I don't have anything up there specifically about Jeff or the kids.  If you are looking over your own goals and they mostly deal with other people, and not you... START OVER!  It is OK to put yourself first once in awhile (I know, as moms, we don't know how to do this), and remember, these are YOUR GOALS!  The goals listed above are to help me stay healthy, lose weight, gain confidence, express myself, and help bring money into the household... and EVERY ONE OF THOSE THINGS will help me be a better mom and a fun girlfriend! 

So, your goal for the week is to write YOUR goals for 2012, to help you find your inner strength and your smile... and watch as everyone around you smiles, too!