I can't believe this is the last day of 2011! This year has once again gone faster than any before it. I think the fact that we moved to Colorado this year and I had a new job and then a promotion was a big part of it.
I'm a little sad to say goodbye to another year as I am a year older and not really any wiser. There are a lot of things that I didn't accomplish this year that I wanted to. I guess that gives me some bigger goals for the new year.
Anyway, this will be word vomit about things we did this year, things I wished we had done and things I really want to do in the new year. I will number this post for my own sake to keep it organized.
1. Thinking back to the beginning of 2011, instead of choosing resolutions, I did that new thing people talk about and instead of resolutions, had 'one word' for 2011. My word was 'blame'. I wanted to stop blaming everyone else for my own problems or for things I was mad about. Particularly, it is easy to blame your spouse when things go wrong. I think that was my main challenge - not blaming Todd for things that I am upset about. And it's tough to look back and realize that you didn't really do what you wanted with your goal. That is to say that I don't feel I did that good of a job at not blaming other people. As I was thinking about my new word for 2012, it did make me think more about my 2011 word and then it made me think about how I didn't change as much as I wanted to in this respect.
- Specifically, I think there are many things that I am unhappy about that make me take out my current frustration on others. Not having enough money is easy to take out on your spouse. Being overweight and having no confidence makes it easy to feel insecure and generally in a bad mood and take it out on your spouse. It's easy to be stressed at your job when you are working a ton and once again, to take it out on your spouse or to blame them when something goes wrong.
2. My new word for 2012 is 'commit'. If I am going to start something, I need to complete it and commit to getting it done. I feel like there are so many things I have started that I have never finished. I need to look at all situations and decide if I want to do it bad enough to commit to it.
- A few examples of things I want to do this coming year, but have to commit to:
- I've got to lose weight once and for all. I don't want to do it for vanity (though feeling good about yourself is great). I need to do it for my health. And on that note....
- I need to take permanent control of my diabetes. This is so much bigger of a deal than I have made it. I only have one life and one body and I have to take care of myself and my body so I hopefully live a long time. I keep thinking about my son and how I want him to have a mom well into his adulthood and the only way that will happen is if I take care of myself now and for the rest of my life. I have made some steps in the right direction, but need to work even harder next year.
- I need to commit to my education and my job to make it as far as I can in my field. I think I will have to just suck it up and take another exam for work and once that is over, I want to look into going back to school. I feel like I have done amazingly well in my field without a college degree, but feel like it is time to at least get an associates degree. I could have that within 2 years and then if I want to keep going, I could have a bachelor's degree in another 2 years. This is something I have been putting off for a long time but my company has such a good tuition reimbursement program, that it is hard to pass up.
- I need to commit to organizing my house and keeping it clean. I know that so much of my stress comes from our house always being a mess and not being able to find things because things get lost due to the mess that is always everywhere in our house. I don't think there is one room in our house that is fully organized right now and it drives me crazy. I want to feel like most of our house is organized most of the time. Right now I feel like most of our house is in chaos most of the time and if a room is clean or organized, it is not the norm.
- This one may seem cheesy, but I need to commit to preserving our memories, no matter what they are. I have pictures that are everywhere, with no organization. I have scrapbooks that I have started and never finished and need to get those done and catch up on photos and albums. Even if I don't do scrapbooks for all of our pictures, if I at least put them in regular albums, I will feel a lot more organized. I would like to do some scrapbooking on a regular basis, but at least need to get caught up on what I have.
3. Looking back on this last year, there were some great times and some not so great times.
The great times include:
- Buying a house we love in Aurora, Colorado after we moved here late last year and lived in a corporate apartment. We didn't get to look at many houses and we were rushed to pick one and we feel very lucky that we really like our house. We feel like we learned some lessons from our first house and did apply them to what we wanted for a second house.
- Xander continues to be a healthy, growing toddler. That is not really just one great thing, but in general we are so blessed to have him and he turned 3 in November. He has changed so much this year and is such a joy to us, even when he is challenging us.
- After being in my position less than one year, I was promoted to the manager of my department when my old boss left. In less than a year I almost doubled my salary (including what I was paid when I was back in Omaha). I don't say this to brag but to remind myself how lucky I really am. I may even be overpaid. :)
- Easter at our house with several of Todd's relatives. We met some of his relatives this year that I had never met before and he hadn't seen since he was a child.
- Several visits from Todd's parents and my parents. These are definitely highlights of our year since we moved away from all of our family and don't get to seem that all that often. We also made a few trips back to Nebraska to see family and that was great too, even if the trips were rushed.
- We did several fun things since moving to Denver. We wanted to enjoy the things that Denver had to offer as soon as we could in case for some reason we end up moving again. We went to the Christmas lights at the zoo last year right when we moved here, went to see the railroad museum and to a railroad theme park called Tiny Town, both for Xander since he loves trains, we've both been to a few Rockies games and went to our first pro football game seeing the Broncos play the Lions (who we were rooting for), we got a family membership to the Denver Children's Museum for Xander, we went on a hike early in the spring, drove to Breckenridge this summer to sight see, drove to Estes Park this fall also to sight see and have experienced a few new restaurants and have enjoyed shopping at Ikea - which we didn't have back in Nebraska.
Some of the not as great of times:
- Moving away from family. Even though we were excited for a new adventure, it is hard to move away from your family and friends. It was also very stressful with both of us already living in a new state and trying to sell our house back home as well as get it all packed up and moved.
- My new job. Yeah I know it is positive too, but along with the promotion has come a ton of stress. I spent a lot of time working and not as much time with my son. For a while, I could tell that Xander was missing me with how much I was working. The bad part is, we are still behind at work and January will hopefully slow down a little bit, but will still be busy and I will still have to work more than I want to.
- Todd's job being stressful too. We both had a tough year at our jobs, but we are both thankful that we are employed.
- Our money situation never seems to go as we hope. I guess that is just life but it seems like we just can't catch a break sometimes and something expensive always seems to come up. We plan on working hard on our finances next year, but it was a hard year for us.
4. We are looking forward to the new year and a fresh start. There are more things we want to do in Colorado including going to the mountains more, possibly hiking a few of them. We also look forward to having more time with our son (mostly me) and doing fun activities with him as he gets older. We also want to do some more projects around our house to get it the way we would like it such as changing out light fixtures, changing a couple of faucets, touch up painting, painting a few rooms and some other small things. We also have a list a mile long that 'if we have the money for' we would like to purchase. We need a new computer desk, a new kitchen table, a new entertainment center for the family room and a few other things. I guess you just save up and buy one at a time as you can. I think it will be fun to continue working on our house and having it feel more 'complete'.
5. It all starts tomorrow! I hope that everyone has a great new year and stays healthy and happy!
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
I can do it!
Going to the doctor yesterday and finding out my newest A1C value (6.2% -thankyouverymuch) makes me feel like I can do it! It's not easy and it's certainly never fun, but I can do it. I can be healthy and happy and take good care of myself.
I am constantly learning about my disease and how it is always changing and how what I eat, how stressed I am or how other things can all affect me. I think I will always be learning.
I feel good about where I am except for one thing. My weight. My doctor basically gave me permission to up my dose of one of my medicines and it should help me lose weight. I am not sure why, but I am a little hesitant to up the dose, only because it is sooooo expensive. I guess I have to look at it this way. Would I pay $100 a month for a weight loss pill that ACTUALLY worked? Oh and had other positive benefits to my body also?
Anyway, this is where my head is at now. Feeling pretty good despite the extreme stress I'm under at work. I keep telling myself it's only temporary - because it is. I will survive.
I am constantly learning about my disease and how it is always changing and how what I eat, how stressed I am or how other things can all affect me. I think I will always be learning.
I feel good about where I am except for one thing. My weight. My doctor basically gave me permission to up my dose of one of my medicines and it should help me lose weight. I am not sure why, but I am a little hesitant to up the dose, only because it is sooooo expensive. I guess I have to look at it this way. Would I pay $100 a month for a weight loss pill that ACTUALLY worked? Oh and had other positive benefits to my body also?
Anyway, this is where my head is at now. Feeling pretty good despite the extreme stress I'm under at work. I keep telling myself it's only temporary - because it is. I will survive.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Diabetes Lesson of the Day
I went to the doctor today and got my newest A1C - 6.2%!!!! Woohoo! My last one was over 11 about 3 months ago and I have been busting my butt to get it in control and it has worked!
I am on a journey to take better care of myself and I feel like the more I educate myself, the better I will do. Not that anyone cares but I find the science behind Diabetes pretty fascinating.
I copied the following from Wikipedia as to how Type 1 Diabetics become Diabetic in the first place and some other interesting facts.
"Diabetes type 1 is caused by the destruction of enough beta cells to produce symptoms; these cells, which are found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, produce and secrete insulin, the single hormone responsible for allowing glucose to enter from the blood into cells (in addition to the hormone amylin, another hormone required for glucose homeostasis). Hence, the phrase "curing diabetes type 1" means "causing a maintenance or restoration of the endogenous ability of the body to produce insulin in response to the level of blood glucose" and cooperative operation with counterregulatory hormones."
"Most people who develop type 1 are otherwise healthy.[5] Although the cause of type 1 diabetes is still not fully understood it is believed to be of immunological origin."
"Evidence so far indicates that the development of diabetes type I is induced by more or less a combination of genetic susceptibility, a diabetogenic trigger and exposure to a driving antigen.[8] Many risk factors have been suggested, and there is ongoing research into the influence of environmental factors. There is also research being conducted on individual factors, and whether some may be regarded as sufficient to cause the disease by themselves or only in addition to other risk factors."
"Type 1 diabetes is not currently preventable.[22] Still, promising therapies are emerging, and it has been suggested that, in the future, diabetes type 1 may be prevented at the latent autoimmune stage, probably by a combination therapy of several methods."
"Diabetes mellitus type 1 (Type 1 diabetes, IDDM, or, formerly, juvenile diabetes) is a form of diabetes mellitus that results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.[2] The subsequent lack of insulin leads to increased blood and urine glucose. The classical symptoms are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), and weight loss.[3]"
I don't understand a lot of the terms myself but I have a basic understanding of how I got the disease and obviously how to treat it.
And there you have it. It's not preventable, it's treatable but not by diet alone and I will have to take insulin the rest of my life unless there is a cure. Knowledge is power people!
I am on a journey to take better care of myself and I feel like the more I educate myself, the better I will do. Not that anyone cares but I find the science behind Diabetes pretty fascinating.
I copied the following from Wikipedia as to how Type 1 Diabetics become Diabetic in the first place and some other interesting facts.
"Diabetes type 1 is caused by the destruction of enough beta cells to produce symptoms; these cells, which are found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, produce and secrete insulin, the single hormone responsible for allowing glucose to enter from the blood into cells (in addition to the hormone amylin, another hormone required for glucose homeostasis). Hence, the phrase "curing diabetes type 1" means "causing a maintenance or restoration of the endogenous ability of the body to produce insulin in response to the level of blood glucose" and cooperative operation with counterregulatory hormones."
"Most people who develop type 1 are otherwise healthy.[5] Although the cause of type 1 diabetes is still not fully understood it is believed to be of immunological origin."
"Evidence so far indicates that the development of diabetes type I is induced by more or less a combination of genetic susceptibility, a diabetogenic trigger and exposure to a driving antigen.[8] Many risk factors have been suggested, and there is ongoing research into the influence of environmental factors. There is also research being conducted on individual factors, and whether some may be regarded as sufficient to cause the disease by themselves or only in addition to other risk factors."
"Type 1 diabetes is not currently preventable.[22] Still, promising therapies are emerging, and it has been suggested that, in the future, diabetes type 1 may be prevented at the latent autoimmune stage, probably by a combination therapy of several methods."
"Diabetes mellitus type 1 (Type 1 diabetes, IDDM, or, formerly, juvenile diabetes) is a form of diabetes mellitus that results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.[2] The subsequent lack of insulin leads to increased blood and urine glucose. The classical symptoms are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), and weight loss.[3]"
I don't understand a lot of the terms myself but I have a basic understanding of how I got the disease and obviously how to treat it.
And there you have it. It's not preventable, it's treatable but not by diet alone and I will have to take insulin the rest of my life unless there is a cure. Knowledge is power people!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
A new week is coming
Since it is Sunday night (about my least favorite time of week other than Monday morning) I thought I would just mention that this week I am going to try to look at the new week different than in weeks past.
New chances, new opportunities, a clean slate. All that happy stuff. I am not sure how much I believe it, but I want to feel it and to be able to have a positive attitude. I hate Monday's and I live for the weekend, where my time is my own.
I want this week to be the start of some changes. I want every week, even every day to be the start of some changes, but this week I have actually thought ahead.
I am going to get many things on my to do list done. I am going to work out a few days this week. I am going to plan some of my meals in advance so I save money, eat better and can better manager my blood sugar better.
I've already done more on this Sunday than I do on most Sunday's so I already feel accomplished for the week and it hasn't even started. I am also about to go down to my basement and work out and that is also a good start to my week.
I can do better. I can get things done that I want to get done. I can be healthier and lose weight. And I'm going to.
New chances, new opportunities, a clean slate. All that happy stuff. I am not sure how much I believe it, but I want to feel it and to be able to have a positive attitude. I hate Monday's and I live for the weekend, where my time is my own.
I want this week to be the start of some changes. I want every week, even every day to be the start of some changes, but this week I have actually thought ahead.
I am going to get many things on my to do list done. I am going to work out a few days this week. I am going to plan some of my meals in advance so I save money, eat better and can better manager my blood sugar better.
I've already done more on this Sunday than I do on most Sunday's so I already feel accomplished for the week and it hasn't even started. I am also about to go down to my basement and work out and that is also a good start to my week.
I can do better. I can get things done that I want to get done. I can be healthier and lose weight. And I'm going to.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Feeling good....most of the time
So, since I've started my new medicine, my blood sugar numbers have been awesome! I have only had one or two bad readings since starting Symlin and overall, have been rocking my bg control! I am so excited because it had been so hard to control my blood sugar numbers before and this new medicine makes it so much easier on me. It almost feels effortless to keep my blood sugar in control now and that is the best feeling in the world and something I have never experienced before!
I also have noticed that when I take Symlin, I truly feel less hungry. That is supposed to be one of the benefits of the medicine and I have been being very careful not to read into any symptom or feeling too much and have it not be real or be imagined. But this really does work! Now I get it all of a sudden. The light bulb went on.
I realize how thin people are thin (aside from simple self control and possibly genetics). They actually feel somewhat full and don't keep eating after eating a normal sized meal or a healthy, smaller portion. I had small serving of oatmeal and a cup of yogurt this morning for breakfast and actually felt full, and didn't even feel hungry at lunch time! If I had eaten that exact amount before starting this medicine, I would have never felt full, would have wanted more food and would have felt hungry again by 11. This is the strangest feeling to me.
Now I need to use this 'full' feeling to my advantage and make sure I always eat the healthy food first and then if I still have room, have a snack after a meal. The good news is, I don't feel hungry after a meal so it feels like I can skip the dessert or snack and hopefully it will eventually help me lose weight! That is one of the ultimate goals of this medicine.
My doctor didn't tell me I should lose weight, but I know better. I think they know that should be a benefit of getting on and staying on this medicine. I also have to make an effort, but for once I feel like I have my body working for me and not against me. I know I can live a healthier life and a long life if I take care of myself and stick with it. It is hard to think about the alternative. I want to live a long time for my husband and son and the rest of my family.
I will say there are a few side effects of the medicine but none are major. I have noticed a little bit of congestion and dizzy feeling since taking it and just since yesterday when I increased my dose, I have felt just a little bit of nausea. Nothing major. Just small things that are not worth giving up the medicine for.
Hoping this good feeling and great blood sugar control continues since I am loving it!
I also have noticed that when I take Symlin, I truly feel less hungry. That is supposed to be one of the benefits of the medicine and I have been being very careful not to read into any symptom or feeling too much and have it not be real or be imagined. But this really does work! Now I get it all of a sudden. The light bulb went on.
I realize how thin people are thin (aside from simple self control and possibly genetics). They actually feel somewhat full and don't keep eating after eating a normal sized meal or a healthy, smaller portion. I had small serving of oatmeal and a cup of yogurt this morning for breakfast and actually felt full, and didn't even feel hungry at lunch time! If I had eaten that exact amount before starting this medicine, I would have never felt full, would have wanted more food and would have felt hungry again by 11. This is the strangest feeling to me.
Now I need to use this 'full' feeling to my advantage and make sure I always eat the healthy food first and then if I still have room, have a snack after a meal. The good news is, I don't feel hungry after a meal so it feels like I can skip the dessert or snack and hopefully it will eventually help me lose weight! That is one of the ultimate goals of this medicine.
My doctor didn't tell me I should lose weight, but I know better. I think they know that should be a benefit of getting on and staying on this medicine. I also have to make an effort, but for once I feel like I have my body working for me and not against me. I know I can live a healthier life and a long life if I take care of myself and stick with it. It is hard to think about the alternative. I want to live a long time for my husband and son and the rest of my family.
I will say there are a few side effects of the medicine but none are major. I have noticed a little bit of congestion and dizzy feeling since taking it and just since yesterday when I increased my dose, I have felt just a little bit of nausea. Nothing major. Just small things that are not worth giving up the medicine for.
Hoping this good feeling and great blood sugar control continues since I am loving it!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The one where I talk about being a diabetic
First, let me being with a few randoms.
-I think it is funny how other bloggers in the blogosphere (or whatever you call it) all use a lot of similar wording or topics or whatever. My title of this post is to honor all the other great bloggers out there. This seems to be a super common title - "The one where.......". I think it is a pretty funny title, so I copied.
-My parents are coming to town this week for another visit - their third visit since we moved here! I love having family visit as it makes me feel not so far away from home and helps me miss it a little bit less.
-I have decided to either turn this blog into a blog about me being diabetic or to start a new blog. I have tried to start other blogs before but never kept up with them up cared about them much. But this is something I care about. It is a huge part of me and though it is not all I am about, I feel like if I focus on it a bit more, I will be able to understand myself better and manage my disease better. Sorry to the two readers who actually read my blog - hopefully this won't send you running for the hills!
-We are looking at new cars. I think I have mentioned this once before but we are getting more serious. I know what car I want and though it is nothing fancy, it should be very practical and versatile. We are looking at getting a Subaru Forrester. The funny thing is, we have a Subaru already and love it so much so we thought we might get another. But this time instead of a car, we want a small SUV since you can actually fit quite a bit more in it. Not that we buy big items a lot, but it sure is nice to have when you do buy something big or bulky. We had a Jeep before and it was great for this reason.
-On to being diabetic and some things that have been running through my head recently.
I have been a bad diabetic the last, oh 5 years, or basically since I was diagnosed. In some ways, I have never come to terms with the fact that this disease isn't going anywhere. I have had some good moments in the last 5 years of taking care of myself, but overall, I have done a super craptastic job. Let me tell you why. Because it SUCKS!!!!
I have type 1 diabetes and it bothers me so much when people say 'oh, can you just lose some weight and exercise more to treat it?' No!!!! I can't. I wish I could, but I have to take insulin the rest of my life no matter how skinny or fat I am (unless they cure it in my lifetime, which I am not counting on). I wish it was different and wish it wasn't me, but wishing it away won't do anything.
I recently realized that something has to change. So, this is a new me, starting about 2 weeks ago. I went to the doctor for the first time in a year. My A1C you ask? Oh, just 11.8 (most non-diabetic people are at 6.0 or below)! I knew it would be high, but I don't know if I was prepared to see how high it had gotten. That's pretty scary. Especially since I was able to have it down to 5.6 when I was pregnant with my son! I know it can be done, so why haven't I been doing it?
When I went back to the doctor, I told myself this is it. This is finally when I am going to take care of myself for the rest of my life. I am not saying I won't make mistakes or slip up or have a bad day, week or even month, but I won't let it get this bad again. I can't. Not if I want to see my sweet little boy grow up and grow old with my husband.
In my doctor's office posted on their wall is a sign that basically says they will let you fail as many times as you have to and they will always support you and help you. They basically give you permission to be human. To fail and fall and to get back up again and keep trying. That is what it is all about. Constantly working at it. It will never be easy but it is worth doing. I love how they have that posted. It makes me feel like I'm not being judged. They were super nice at that office too so I am looking forward to going back more often. I don't want to say I disliked my last doctor, but I feel like she didn't have much time for me.
My life will be changing for the better and it has already started. I have been testing my blood sugar more often and also, I started a new medication - Symlin. This has already helped my blood sugar control and I am still on the lowest dose and will probably move up in the dose which will help me even more. I am probably going to be getting an insulin pump which will also help. I am the most excited about that and will hopefully have one within a few months. The doctor wants me to work on being in better control first and then I should be able to get a pump.
I am ready for life to change, to be better. I have to make the choice. I have to choose to be healthy and happy and to take care of myself. I only have one life and one body and should not take it for granted.
This feels weird to say, but I feel like this is a major journey I am on and it feels new in some ways and old in others. I am just going to do my best and forget the rest (borrowed that one from Tony Horton). Wish me luck with my journey!
-I think it is funny how other bloggers in the blogosphere (or whatever you call it) all use a lot of similar wording or topics or whatever. My title of this post is to honor all the other great bloggers out there. This seems to be a super common title - "The one where.......". I think it is a pretty funny title, so I copied.
-My parents are coming to town this week for another visit - their third visit since we moved here! I love having family visit as it makes me feel not so far away from home and helps me miss it a little bit less.
-I have decided to either turn this blog into a blog about me being diabetic or to start a new blog. I have tried to start other blogs before but never kept up with them up cared about them much. But this is something I care about. It is a huge part of me and though it is not all I am about, I feel like if I focus on it a bit more, I will be able to understand myself better and manage my disease better. Sorry to the two readers who actually read my blog - hopefully this won't send you running for the hills!
-We are looking at new cars. I think I have mentioned this once before but we are getting more serious. I know what car I want and though it is nothing fancy, it should be very practical and versatile. We are looking at getting a Subaru Forrester. The funny thing is, we have a Subaru already and love it so much so we thought we might get another. But this time instead of a car, we want a small SUV since you can actually fit quite a bit more in it. Not that we buy big items a lot, but it sure is nice to have when you do buy something big or bulky. We had a Jeep before and it was great for this reason.
-On to being diabetic and some things that have been running through my head recently.
I have been a bad diabetic the last, oh 5 years, or basically since I was diagnosed. In some ways, I have never come to terms with the fact that this disease isn't going anywhere. I have had some good moments in the last 5 years of taking care of myself, but overall, I have done a super craptastic job. Let me tell you why. Because it SUCKS!!!!
I have type 1 diabetes and it bothers me so much when people say 'oh, can you just lose some weight and exercise more to treat it?' No!!!! I can't. I wish I could, but I have to take insulin the rest of my life no matter how skinny or fat I am (unless they cure it in my lifetime, which I am not counting on). I wish it was different and wish it wasn't me, but wishing it away won't do anything.
I recently realized that something has to change. So, this is a new me, starting about 2 weeks ago. I went to the doctor for the first time in a year. My A1C you ask? Oh, just 11.8 (most non-diabetic people are at 6.0 or below)! I knew it would be high, but I don't know if I was prepared to see how high it had gotten. That's pretty scary. Especially since I was able to have it down to 5.6 when I was pregnant with my son! I know it can be done, so why haven't I been doing it?
When I went back to the doctor, I told myself this is it. This is finally when I am going to take care of myself for the rest of my life. I am not saying I won't make mistakes or slip up or have a bad day, week or even month, but I won't let it get this bad again. I can't. Not if I want to see my sweet little boy grow up and grow old with my husband.
In my doctor's office posted on their wall is a sign that basically says they will let you fail as many times as you have to and they will always support you and help you. They basically give you permission to be human. To fail and fall and to get back up again and keep trying. That is what it is all about. Constantly working at it. It will never be easy but it is worth doing. I love how they have that posted. It makes me feel like I'm not being judged. They were super nice at that office too so I am looking forward to going back more often. I don't want to say I disliked my last doctor, but I feel like she didn't have much time for me.
My life will be changing for the better and it has already started. I have been testing my blood sugar more often and also, I started a new medication - Symlin. This has already helped my blood sugar control and I am still on the lowest dose and will probably move up in the dose which will help me even more. I am probably going to be getting an insulin pump which will also help. I am the most excited about that and will hopefully have one within a few months. The doctor wants me to work on being in better control first and then I should be able to get a pump.
I am ready for life to change, to be better. I have to make the choice. I have to choose to be healthy and happy and to take care of myself. I only have one life and one body and should not take it for granted.
This feels weird to say, but I feel like this is a major journey I am on and it feels new in some ways and old in others. I am just going to do my best and forget the rest (borrowed that one from Tony Horton). Wish me luck with my journey!
Friday, July 15, 2011
30 by 30...revisions and updates.
I started my '30 by 30' list back in either 2008 or early 2009. I will be honest and say I haven't done much on the list yet. So, my executive decision is to remove some of the goals and replace them with others because some of them are either not physically or financially possible.
Anyway, here is the original list and some of the updates to it. At the end of the list, I will note which ones I am removing and what I am adding and come up with my new list. I really would like to accomplish as many of these as possible by October 23, 2012, my 30th birthday!
The original text/goals are in BLACK. The previous updates to the goals are in BLUE and the most current updates are in RED.
Here goes:
1. Get a tattoo. Still want to do this one.
2. Lose 30 pounds - On my way. I am down about 10 or 11 pounds. I actually did this last year but have gained some back - time to get back to it! 7/11 update - still down about 20 overall from this goal, but would like to get to my goal weight, which is about 25-28 pounds down from where I am now. Need a plan.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life - Doing ok on this, need to catch up though. Still need to finish this! 7/11 - Ugh. Still not done! Have a plan for this one though. My kid is 2 1/2!
4. Go on a hiking trip. I think we will do this soon now that we live inColorado
5. Get family pictures taken - plan on doing this when Xander turns 1. Booo. I never did this but had scheduled this last fall and then we moved before our appointment. Soon. 7/11 - We haven't had a single professional family picture since our son was born, but this is a top priority for me, especially by Christmas this year.
6. Start playing piano again. Not yet, but want to buy a piano for our new house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this but we have no place for a piano in our new house, so I was thinking about getting a keyboard. We'll see.
7. Start swimming again. Still haven't started this, not sure if I will since we are in a contract with a gym that doesn't have a pool.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook - also working on this. I've started a few but need to finish these. I plan to once we move into our house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this, but am motivated to do start/finish.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet. Haven't done this yet, but we want to go to Vegas this fall so that would be one state we haven't been to. We also want to visit New Mexico or Arizona in the next year.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping. I got close back in 2009 but gotten back into running for a while. 7/11 - Haven't attempted this again. Thinking about dropping this goal.
11. Read at least 25 of these novels. I realized this link doesn't even exist anymore, so will try to find the list, but I think I have read one or two of these so far.
12. Have my A1C level below 6.5 for 1 straight year. Haven't done this to date, but am on my way. Working on taking better care of myself. I think I will up the goal to 7.0 or lower since that is more realistic.
13. Have our second child if we decide to have another. Probably not going to happen before 30 but who knows! 7/11 - Won't happen before I am 30 unless it is a 'surprise' more than likely, if at all.
14. Have at least one car that is paid off. Hmmm, sad to say, but this won't happen either.
15. Travel overseas, preferably to France/Spain. Also won't happen unless something dramatic happens with our finances. That's ok though. This can be a longer term goal.
16. Have made at least one cake with fondant and be able to say it turned out well. I'm going to scrap this one from the list since I just don't care about it that much.
17. Win a photo hunt contest like this one. Just one picture needs to win for me to be happy! No winning here, but had a picture or two chosen of mine that were in the top 5. Not sure if I will continue with these but I do like to take pictures and want to get better at it.
18. Sew at least one article of clothing from scratch. Also scrapping this one since I don't have the time and just don't care that much to do this.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years! Yay!! I did this one - and recently chopped it all off! Growing my hair out again now so unless I chop it off again, it should be longer again soon.haven't
20. Go to a pro football game. Planning on it this fall now that we live in a city with a pro team.
21. Go to a pro basketball game. Also planning on this since we live in a city with a pro team.
22. Go to a pro hockey game. See response to last two. Also planning on it.23. Run a half marathon. Thinking of scrapping this one. Not sure this is realistic with my work schedule.
24. Pass my series 53 test. Woohoo! Done as of February 2011. Maybe my next goal is to get my 4 or 3/31.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air). No progress here.
26. Get invisalign (have wanted this for years). No progress either, but there have been more serious talks about this, so a good possibility.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip). We have talked about this recently and want to work on getting in better shape so we can hike one this year still.
28. Go toLas Vegas
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished). Well, since we moved into a new house since I started this list, it might be harder since decorating costs money, but we already have a couple of rooms done. I would like to stick with this goal though.
30. Crochet something that looks good. Again, don't care that much about this one so will scrap it.
So there you have it. I am going to list the goals that I am getting rid of and any I am modifying as well as adding new goals and then I will make the new list again at the bottom.
Modifying #12. I don't think being under 6.5 for my A1C is all that realistic for me, especially since I am so high right now. I think 7 is a more realistic goal.
The goals I am scrapping are #'s 7,13,14,15,16,17,18,23 and 30. I am going to make some new goals and number them with the above numbers for the goals I removed.
New #7 - Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
New #13 - Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch. Our office is a mess and I want to get it organized once and for all and have filing cabinets and to have a place for everything. We also have a glass top desk and that is just not working anymore. Time for a wooden desk.
New #14 - Get through a full round of P90X. I did pretty well with this last year but want to start doing it again. I feel awesome when I do these workouts and want to make it through one full round, even if I don't follow the nutrition to a T.
New #15 - Get an insulin pump. I am on my way to doing this. I have awesome insurance that pays for most of it and my doctor wants me working on taking better care of myself first and after a few months, if I am doing well, he will recommend I get one. I have to admit I am nervous about getting one and using it, but I know once I get going I won't want to go back.
New #16 - Try out a digital scrapbook. You upload your pictures online and choose pre-made backgrounds and then add you pictures to the pages, place your order and the company prints the pages for you and you assemble the book when they are shipped to you. I think this would be an easier, guilt free way for me to document some pictures and some of our life.
New #17 - Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday. I know we probably won't have anyone come out here for Xander's third birthday but I still want to document the first three years of his life in a nice way and save it on our computer so we can look at it from time to time. I am sure I will post it on here as well.
New #18 - Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
New #23 - Go on a roller coaster again. I don't think I have been on one since high school and I love them! Now we live in a city with a major theme park so this shouldn't be too hard.
New #30 - Visit a winery here in Colorado. This will be harder now that we have a child, but we had so much fun in Napa that I am sure we would love doing this!
So here is the new list, all put together. It will be marked in blue if it is completely done. If it is in progress, partially done or not done at all, it will be normal text.
1. Get a tattoo.
2. Lose 30 pounds.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life.
4. Go on a hiking trip.
5. Get family pictures taken.
6. Start playing piano again.
7. Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping.
11. Read at least 25 classic novels.
12. Have my A1C level below 7.0 for 1 straight year.
13. Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch.
14. Get through a full round of P90X.
15. Get an insulin pump.
16. Try out a digital scrapbook.
17. Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday.
18. Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years!
20. Go to a pro football game.
21. Go to a pro basketball game.
22. Go to a pro hockey game.
23. Go on a roller coaster again.
24. Pass my series 4 test.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air).
26. Get invisalign.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip).
28. Go toLas Vegas
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished).
30. Visit a winery here inColorado
Anyway, here is the original list and some of the updates to it. At the end of the list, I will note which ones I am removing and what I am adding and come up with my new list. I really would like to accomplish as many of these as possible by October 23, 2012, my 30th birthday!
The original text/goals are in BLACK. The previous updates to the goals are in BLUE and the most current updates are in RED.
Here goes:
1. Get a tattoo. Still want to do this one.
2. Lose 30 pounds - On my way. I am down about 10 or 11 pounds. I actually did this last year but have gained some back - time to get back to it! 7/11 update - still down about 20 overall from this goal, but would like to get to my goal weight, which is about 25-28 pounds down from where I am now. Need a plan.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life - Doing ok on this, need to catch up though. Still need to finish this! 7/11 - Ugh. Still not done! Have a plan for this one though. My kid is 2 1/2!
4. Go on a hiking trip. I think we will do this soon now that we live in
5. Get family pictures taken - plan on doing this when Xander turns 1. Booo. I never did this but had scheduled this last fall and then we moved before our appointment. Soon. 7/11 - We haven't had a single professional family picture since our son was born, but this is a top priority for me, especially by Christmas this year.
6. Start playing piano again. Not yet, but want to buy a piano for our new house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this but we have no place for a piano in our new house, so I was thinking about getting a keyboard. We'll see.
7. Start swimming again. Still haven't started this, not sure if I will since we are in a contract with a gym that doesn't have a pool.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook - also working on this. I've started a few but need to finish these. I plan to once we move into our house. 7/11 - Still haven't done this, but am motivated to do start/finish.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet. Haven't done this yet, but we want to go to Vegas this fall so that would be one state we haven't been to. We also want to visit New Mexico or Arizona in the next year.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping. I got close back in 2009 but gotten back into running for a while. 7/11 - Haven't attempted this again. Thinking about dropping this goal.
11. Read at least 25 of these novels. I realized this link doesn't even exist anymore, so will try to find the list, but I think I have read one or two of these so far.
12. Have my A1C level below 6.5 for 1 straight year. Haven't done this to date, but am on my way. Working on taking better care of myself. I think I will up the goal to 7.0 or lower since that is more realistic.
13. Have our second child if we decide to have another. Probably not going to happen before 30 but who knows! 7/11 - Won't happen before I am 30 unless it is a 'surprise' more than likely, if at all.
14. Have at least one car that is paid off. Hmmm, sad to say, but this won't happen either.
15. Travel overseas, preferably to France/Spain. Also won't happen unless something dramatic happens with our finances. That's ok though. This can be a longer term goal.
16. Have made at least one cake with fondant and be able to say it turned out well. I'm going to scrap this one from the list since I just don't care about it that much.
17. Win a photo hunt contest like this one. Just one picture needs to win for me to be happy! No winning here, but had a picture or two chosen of mine that were in the top 5. Not sure if I will continue with these but I do like to take pictures and want to get better at it.
18. Sew at least one article of clothing from scratch. Also scrapping this one since I don't have the time and just don't care that much to do this.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years! Yay!! I did this one - and recently chopped it all off! Growing my hair out again now so unless I chop it off again, it should be longer again soon.haven't
20. Go to a pro football game. Planning on it this fall now that we live in a city with a pro team.
21. Go to a pro basketball game. Also planning on this since we live in a city with a pro team.
22. Go to a pro hockey game. See response to last two. Also planning on it.23. Run a half marathon. Thinking of scrapping this one. Not sure this is realistic with my work schedule.
24. Pass my series 53 test. Woohoo! Done as of February 2011. Maybe my next goal is to get my 4 or 3/31.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air). No progress here.
26. Get invisalign (have wanted this for years). No progress either, but there have been more serious talks about this, so a good possibility.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip). We have talked about this recently and want to work on getting in better shape so we can hike one this year still.
28. Go to
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished). Well, since we moved into a new house since I started this list, it might be harder since decorating costs money, but we already have a couple of rooms done. I would like to stick with this goal though.
30. Crochet something that looks good. Again, don't care that much about this one so will scrap it.
So there you have it. I am going to list the goals that I am getting rid of and any I am modifying as well as adding new goals and then I will make the new list again at the bottom.
Modifying #12. I don't think being under 6.5 for my A1C is all that realistic for me, especially since I am so high right now. I think 7 is a more realistic goal.
The goals I am scrapping are #'s 7,13,14,15,16,17,18,23 and 30. I am going to make some new goals and number them with the above numbers for the goals I removed.
New #7 - Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
New #13 - Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch. Our office is a mess and I want to get it organized once and for all and have filing cabinets and to have a place for everything. We also have a glass top desk and that is just not working anymore. Time for a wooden desk.
New #14 - Get through a full round of P90X. I did pretty well with this last year but want to start doing it again. I feel awesome when I do these workouts and want to make it through one full round, even if I don't follow the nutrition to a T.
New #15 - Get an insulin pump. I am on my way to doing this. I have awesome insurance that pays for most of it and my doctor wants me working on taking better care of myself first and after a few months, if I am doing well, he will recommend I get one. I have to admit I am nervous about getting one and using it, but I know once I get going I won't want to go back.
New #16 - Try out a digital scrapbook. You upload your pictures online and choose pre-made backgrounds and then add you pictures to the pages, place your order and the company prints the pages for you and you assemble the book when they are shipped to you. I think this would be an easier, guilt free way for me to document some pictures and some of our life.
New #17 - Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday. I know we probably won't have anyone come out here for Xander's third birthday but I still want to document the first three years of his life in a nice way and save it on our computer so we can look at it from time to time. I am sure I will post it on here as well.
New #18 - Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
New #23 - Go on a roller coaster again. I don't think I have been on one since high school and I love them! Now we live in a city with a major theme park so this shouldn't be too hard.
New #30 - Visit a winery here in Colorado. This will be harder now that we have a child, but we had so much fun in Napa that I am sure we would love doing this!
So here is the new list, all put together. It will be marked in blue if it is completely done. If it is in progress, partially done or not done at all, it will be normal text.
1. Get a tattoo.
2. Lose 30 pounds.
3. Scrapbook my son's first year of life.
4. Go on a hiking trip.
5. Get family pictures taken.
6. Start playing piano again.
7. Take photography 'lessons' online. To me this means doing a ton of research and watching videos to get much better at taking pictures and also editing them.
8. Do another scrapbook of some sort besides Xander's baby scrapbook.
9. Visit two states that I haven't been to yet.
10. Be able to run 3 miles without stopping.
11. Read at least 25 classic novels.
12. Have my A1C level below 7.0 for 1 straight year.
13. Organize my office and get a new desk/hutch.
14. Get through a full round of P90X.
15. Get an insulin pump.
16. Try out a digital scrapbook.
17. Create a slide show of pictures for Xander's third birthday.
18. Do one other fun activity that I haven't done before or in quite a while. I haven't determined what it will be yet, but something like riding horses or white water rafting, riding a gondola or going skiing or tubing at a ski resort. Something fun with good memories.
19. Have hair longer than my shoulder for once in the last 10 years!
20. Go to a pro football game.
21. Go to a pro basketball game.
22. Go to a pro hockey game.
23. Go on a roller coaster again.
24. Pass my series 4 test.
25. Go back to college (as to when I finish, that is up in the air).
26. Get invisalign.
27. Hike a 14er (not to be confused with my general goal of going on a hiking trip).
28. Go to
29. Have my home fully decorated (so I don't feel like there are any rooms unfinished).
30. Visit a winery here in
Monday, June 20, 2011
Feeling down....
I have been feeling not myself for the last week for more than one reason.
First of all, I have had a nasty stomach bug for the last several days. I was throwing up last Monday night but haven't since then luckily. However, I have felt pretty crappy off an on since then and haven't eaten a full meal since then (good for my waistline). I tried to eat a regular meal last night for the first time since Monday and sure enough, I felt extremely ill. I didn't get sick but was so close and learned my lesson that I'm not ready for full meals yet. It may be a few days yet the way I am going.
Also, it feels like the last few months have overall gone really well and that money has been no issue and other things seem to be smooth as well. I'm not sure why but it feels like it is changing for the worse now.
The air conditioner in my car (a 2006 - not even that old) stopped working last week. Todd was able to fix it however and it appears to just have been out of coolant. No biggie, about $30. Just glad it wasn't worse and that Todd did it himself to save money.
The brakes in my car also appear to be on their last leg. Or at least the brake pads. They are squealing like a pig right now and have been for a little while so I better get them changed before I do permanent damage to them.
Since I have felt sick, I have had no energy and no motivation so my house is a mess and I feel like I will never get on top of it.
I have had more than one late payment on utility bills recently (nothing bad like a credit card). It's not that I can't pay them or don't want to but seriously, I forget. And more than one of the bills I set up on auto pay and it didn't freaking pay the bill this month. How is that my fault? Anyway, it's been frustrating because all the bills are different than back home and fall at different times so I've had trouble getting into a routine where I remember to pay them. Frustrating.
I'm no where near where I wanted to be as far as weight loss for the summer right now. I wanted to lose at least a few pounds by now and I am big as ever. Also, I have gotten no time in the sun so I am still pasty white which doesn't help my cause.
Bleh. I am ready to start feeling better and like myself again and when that happens, it's on to a new me. Funny how when you feel like you finally have motivation to start working out, that is when you get sick. That's life I guess.
First of all, I have had a nasty stomach bug for the last several days. I was throwing up last Monday night but haven't since then luckily. However, I have felt pretty crappy off an on since then and haven't eaten a full meal since then (good for my waistline). I tried to eat a regular meal last night for the first time since Monday and sure enough, I felt extremely ill. I didn't get sick but was so close and learned my lesson that I'm not ready for full meals yet. It may be a few days yet the way I am going.
Also, it feels like the last few months have overall gone really well and that money has been no issue and other things seem to be smooth as well. I'm not sure why but it feels like it is changing for the worse now.
The air conditioner in my car (a 2006 - not even that old) stopped working last week. Todd was able to fix it however and it appears to just have been out of coolant. No biggie, about $30. Just glad it wasn't worse and that Todd did it himself to save money.
The brakes in my car also appear to be on their last leg. Or at least the brake pads. They are squealing like a pig right now and have been for a little while so I better get them changed before I do permanent damage to them.
Since I have felt sick, I have had no energy and no motivation so my house is a mess and I feel like I will never get on top of it.
I have had more than one late payment on utility bills recently (nothing bad like a credit card). It's not that I can't pay them or don't want to but seriously, I forget. And more than one of the bills I set up on auto pay and it didn't freaking pay the bill this month. How is that my fault? Anyway, it's been frustrating because all the bills are different than back home and fall at different times so I've had trouble getting into a routine where I remember to pay them. Frustrating.
I'm no where near where I wanted to be as far as weight loss for the summer right now. I wanted to lose at least a few pounds by now and I am big as ever. Also, I have gotten no time in the sun so I am still pasty white which doesn't help my cause.
Bleh. I am ready to start feeling better and like myself again and when that happens, it's on to a new me. Funny how when you feel like you finally have motivation to start working out, that is when you get sick. That's life I guess.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Summertime
The not so gradual approach of summer has me running scared! I put on a swimming suit for the first time this summer yesterday and let's just say it wasn't pretty. Ugh.
At least it's motivation if nothing else! I feel like I want to get out more and do more activities and get a tan and lose some weight. I already told me husband we need to go to the gym tonight.....for the first time in weeks! I have had NO motivation recently....until yesterday. Ha!
I just wish I was one of those naturally skinny girls but I am not and will never be. The best I can hope to be is just healthy. I have about 20 pounds to go until that. I was thinking, if I get started now, I could be down 20 pounds by the end of summer and then.....summer would be over. :( Should have thought about that a while ago, eh?
Oh well. Life goes on. I won't be the skinniest mom at the pool but pretty sure I won't be the biggest either. Just need to find a flattering black one piece suit and I am good to go. Oh and a good tan. I have the lotion in the bottle so we'll see how that turns out!
Now to find the nearest pool!
At least it's motivation if nothing else! I feel like I want to get out more and do more activities and get a tan and lose some weight. I already told me husband we need to go to the gym tonight.....for the first time in weeks! I have had NO motivation recently....until yesterday. Ha!
I just wish I was one of those naturally skinny girls but I am not and will never be. The best I can hope to be is just healthy. I have about 20 pounds to go until that. I was thinking, if I get started now, I could be down 20 pounds by the end of summer and then.....summer would be over. :( Should have thought about that a while ago, eh?
Oh well. Life goes on. I won't be the skinniest mom at the pool but pretty sure I won't be the biggest either. Just need to find a flattering black one piece suit and I am good to go. Oh and a good tan. I have the lotion in the bottle so we'll see how that turns out!
Now to find the nearest pool!
Monday, May 23, 2011
More water please!
I have failed miserably the last week to 'go on a diet' or whatever it is I need to do.
It is so hard for me and as I said before, I need to exercise more than diet for me to be successful at losing weight. Anyway, I think I am going to start with some small goals and try to make them habits.
Here are the small changes I want to make that I hope will add up to big ones.
1. Drink more water, less coffee and less diet coke. I know some coffee isn't bad, but it also isn't great, especially when you add creamer to it which is not calorie free. Also, diet coke has no calories and I love the taste, but I realized most of the time that I crave diet coke, I am thirsty so I should just drink water instead. I don't think it is bad to have one every once in a while or even one a day, but my 3-4 a day is bad for me and is getting expensive! I need to just get more crystal light if I want to drink water but think the taste of water is boring.
2. Make sure I am counting my fruits and vegetables and getting 5 different kinds every day - 3 vegetables and at least 2 fruits. This isn't that hard for me as I do love fruits and vegetables, I just like other junk too!
3. Eat only whole grains, or at least things with the first ingredient being 'wheat flour' or 'whole wheat flour'. I know that white bread is bad for me and I am pretty good about this anyway. I don't buy white bread or regular bagels or stuff like that most of the time anyway.
4. Stop eating so much candy. This is really hard as I love sweets and candy is usually really easy to snack on. Being diabetic, this is one of the worst things I can eat, but I do it anyway. I need to make candy a super special treat that I only have once in a long while.
5. Start using 2% milk instead of skim. Crazy, right? There are a lot of studies that suggest if you drink 2% or whole milk you may actually lose weight because the fat helps you feel fuller longer and also, the way they process skim milk isn't the healthiest (like using some chemicals and other processes that aren't good).
6. Eat smaller breakfasts. I don't know why, but unlike most people, I usually wake up starving and I eat and eat and eat in the morning. Then I still think I should eat a normal lunch and dinner and still have snacks even though I have probably had enough calories at breakfast to cover lunch and a snack too. Awful!
Those are a start. I think if I choose to make some small changes, pairing it with exercise will help me finally start losing weight again. I can think of a million excuses not to exercise, but one that is a real complaint is our basement is a mess from when we moved in so we need to get it organized so I can start doing my workouts down there.
That's all. We'll see how it goes!
It is so hard for me and as I said before, I need to exercise more than diet for me to be successful at losing weight. Anyway, I think I am going to start with some small goals and try to make them habits.
Here are the small changes I want to make that I hope will add up to big ones.
1. Drink more water, less coffee and less diet coke. I know some coffee isn't bad, but it also isn't great, especially when you add creamer to it which is not calorie free. Also, diet coke has no calories and I love the taste, but I realized most of the time that I crave diet coke, I am thirsty so I should just drink water instead. I don't think it is bad to have one every once in a while or even one a day, but my 3-4 a day is bad for me and is getting expensive! I need to just get more crystal light if I want to drink water but think the taste of water is boring.
2. Make sure I am counting my fruits and vegetables and getting 5 different kinds every day - 3 vegetables and at least 2 fruits. This isn't that hard for me as I do love fruits and vegetables, I just like other junk too!
3. Eat only whole grains, or at least things with the first ingredient being 'wheat flour' or 'whole wheat flour'. I know that white bread is bad for me and I am pretty good about this anyway. I don't buy white bread or regular bagels or stuff like that most of the time anyway.
4. Stop eating so much candy. This is really hard as I love sweets and candy is usually really easy to snack on. Being diabetic, this is one of the worst things I can eat, but I do it anyway. I need to make candy a super special treat that I only have once in a long while.
5. Start using 2% milk instead of skim. Crazy, right? There are a lot of studies that suggest if you drink 2% or whole milk you may actually lose weight because the fat helps you feel fuller longer and also, the way they process skim milk isn't the healthiest (like using some chemicals and other processes that aren't good).
6. Eat smaller breakfasts. I don't know why, but unlike most people, I usually wake up starving and I eat and eat and eat in the morning. Then I still think I should eat a normal lunch and dinner and still have snacks even though I have probably had enough calories at breakfast to cover lunch and a snack too. Awful!
Those are a start. I think if I choose to make some small changes, pairing it with exercise will help me finally start losing weight again. I can think of a million excuses not to exercise, but one that is a real complaint is our basement is a mess from when we moved in so we need to get it organized so I can start doing my workouts down there.
That's all. We'll see how it goes!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Diet Time! Errrrr....Lifestyle change time!
Diet's. It's been said that they don't work. They actually do, but just for a short time is the problem. I would say I am going on a diet today, but it's already a failed plan at this point. My parents were in town this weekend and we ate, ate, ate and ate some more! It was all yummy but my double chin this morning is telling me it wasn't worth it.
We had donuts and french toast and Chinese food and ice cream cake and Italian and chips and candy galore! It was one big food fest for 3 days and I am paying the price today!
I have decided that diets just don't work for me and that I have to exercise to lose weight. Last year, I lost a bunch of weight and I mostly did it with exercise since I had changed my eating habits very little. I should have changed them more but didn't. Anyway, for me, it just goes to show that when I exercise, I can eat more of what I want and either stay the same weight or lose weight. It I eat what I want without exercise, I gain weight - duh!
Anyway, I have to figure out what I like to do and just stick with it. I do like P90X and it gives awesome results so I am tempted to start that again but it does take up so much time (but the whole time you are burning tons of calories). I do love the way it makes me feel, but again, it is so hard to get motivated to do it!
I can't decide if I should just get up every morning and do the workouts or try to squeeze it in every night. It is tough because I have a 2 year old. I just want to have more time and as I've complained a million times before, I have such a long commute that makes it much harder to find the time!
I need to take some time to devise a plan for workouts so I schedule them in instead of just hoping they will happen or that I will fit them in each day. As they say, failing to plan is planning to fail!
I can do it, I know I can and I will and I have to since summer is coming along with less clothes!
We had donuts and french toast and Chinese food and ice cream cake and Italian and chips and candy galore! It was one big food fest for 3 days and I am paying the price today!
I have decided that diets just don't work for me and that I have to exercise to lose weight. Last year, I lost a bunch of weight and I mostly did it with exercise since I had changed my eating habits very little. I should have changed them more but didn't. Anyway, for me, it just goes to show that when I exercise, I can eat more of what I want and either stay the same weight or lose weight. It I eat what I want without exercise, I gain weight - duh!
Anyway, I have to figure out what I like to do and just stick with it. I do like P90X and it gives awesome results so I am tempted to start that again but it does take up so much time (but the whole time you are burning tons of calories). I do love the way it makes me feel, but again, it is so hard to get motivated to do it!
I can't decide if I should just get up every morning and do the workouts or try to squeeze it in every night. It is tough because I have a 2 year old. I just want to have more time and as I've complained a million times before, I have such a long commute that makes it much harder to find the time!
I need to take some time to devise a plan for workouts so I schedule them in instead of just hoping they will happen or that I will fit them in each day. As they say, failing to plan is planning to fail!
I can do it, I know I can and I will and I have to since summer is coming along with less clothes!
Monday, April 25, 2011
It's official....
-I will be running the 5k with my work people in June. Even if I have to walk part of it. I will finish.
-I will lose 25 pounds in the next 6 months.
-I am giving myself more time to decide if I want another child.
-I will not battle with my weight the rest of my life. I will get healthy and stay healthy and not yo-yo.
-I will commit to serious frugality and do away with wasteful spending from now on.
Sounds like new years resolutions a bit, huh? Well, it's not meant to. I just decided I have had enough of certain things (mostly being overweight and unhealthy).
That's it. I have decided on those things and I am sticking to it.
The first step for at least one of them is......
I joined My Fitness Pal today. Time to get serious!
-I will lose 25 pounds in the next 6 months.
-I am giving myself more time to decide if I want another child.
-I will not battle with my weight the rest of my life. I will get healthy and stay healthy and not yo-yo.
-I will commit to serious frugality and do away with wasteful spending from now on.
Sounds like new years resolutions a bit, huh? Well, it's not meant to. I just decided I have had enough of certain things (mostly being overweight and unhealthy).
That's it. I have decided on those things and I am sticking to it.
The first step for at least one of them is......
I joined My Fitness Pal today. Time to get serious!
Monday, March 28, 2011
A skinnier me?
I am ready. I had my personal training session on Saturday at our new gym and yesterday, Todd and I went for a hike with the kiddo. Both good workouts as I am super sore, mostly in my legs and butt. It feels so good to work out again.
I am also eating better already and want to continue doing so. We have bought a whole lot of healthy foods and our fridge and freezer are stocked. Now I just have to choose to eat only the good stuff and in moderation. My problem is, I eat too much. Period. It is hard to cut back because I end up feeling hungry all the time but I am determined.
30 pounds. That is the goal. In the last year I had lost almost 30 but gained some back. I am still down overall from this time last year but want to lose more and make exercise a regular part of my life. I realize I won't always be able to eat perfect, but if I do my best most of the time, the exercise will help me at least maintain once I am done losing. I know I have to eat clean for quite a while in order to lose the weight I want and I think that will be the hardest part. Once I get going working out and get in a routine, it is a lot easier.
My dilemma is, do I do only cardio at the gym, only weights, both? What do I do at home on days I don't want to/can't make it to the gym? I am struggling to find a routine that will work. I guess I can keep switching it up but just don't what direction to go in. I think as long as I keep moving, that is key. I need to stay up off my butt more to burn more calories and lose more weight. That is hard with a desk job, but can be done.
I can't even imagine what I will feel like if I lose 30 pounds. It will be nuts! I will be near the smallest I have ever been and I think I will feel amazing! I can't wait for that feeling so I wanna get going in a hurry. I am at the point I wish I could work out twice a day just to lose weight faster but I don't know if it's possible without giving up a ton of sleep and getting sick a lot.
For now I just need to do the best I can and prepare as much as possible for meals, snacks and workouts so I am not caught off guard too much. That's all for now.
I am also eating better already and want to continue doing so. We have bought a whole lot of healthy foods and our fridge and freezer are stocked. Now I just have to choose to eat only the good stuff and in moderation. My problem is, I eat too much. Period. It is hard to cut back because I end up feeling hungry all the time but I am determined.
30 pounds. That is the goal. In the last year I had lost almost 30 but gained some back. I am still down overall from this time last year but want to lose more and make exercise a regular part of my life. I realize I won't always be able to eat perfect, but if I do my best most of the time, the exercise will help me at least maintain once I am done losing. I know I have to eat clean for quite a while in order to lose the weight I want and I think that will be the hardest part. Once I get going working out and get in a routine, it is a lot easier.
My dilemma is, do I do only cardio at the gym, only weights, both? What do I do at home on days I don't want to/can't make it to the gym? I am struggling to find a routine that will work. I guess I can keep switching it up but just don't what direction to go in. I think as long as I keep moving, that is key. I need to stay up off my butt more to burn more calories and lose more weight. That is hard with a desk job, but can be done.
I can't even imagine what I will feel like if I lose 30 pounds. It will be nuts! I will be near the smallest I have ever been and I think I will feel amazing! I can't wait for that feeling so I wanna get going in a hurry. I am at the point I wish I could work out twice a day just to lose weight faster but I don't know if it's possible without giving up a ton of sleep and getting sick a lot.
For now I just need to do the best I can and prepare as much as possible for meals, snacks and workouts so I am not caught off guard too much. That's all for now.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Gym!
So, in relation to my last post, Todd and I joined a gym tonight! I am hoping we use it at least 3-4 times a week but the good news is, it is really cheap so if we don't use it a ton, we won't be wasting a lot of money. We are hoping to go a few days a week and do some other exercise or physical activity 1-2 other nights a week at home (like going for a long walk or stuff like that).
I would love to get back down closer to the weight I was when Todd and I got married or even a few pounds over that, but I know it will take a ton of work.
I can't wait to get started! I want to lose weight and make health a priority, but I just have to DO IT!!! :)
I would love to get back down closer to the weight I was when Todd and I got married or even a few pounds over that, but I know it will take a ton of work.
I can't wait to get started! I want to lose weight and make health a priority, but I just have to DO IT!!! :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
It's about that time
Time for me to get back on the wagon and lose some weight and start working out again.
I had a good run last year but have been lazy now for about 6 months! I am not that much above my lowest weight in the last year but I sure don't feel that great about myself.
My husband proposed a bit of a challenge. I will be sharing more on that later.
Summer is coming and so is my sister-in-law's wedding. Time to work it out! Oh, and get my tan on! :)
I had a good run last year but have been lazy now for about 6 months! I am not that much above my lowest weight in the last year but I sure don't feel that great about myself.
My husband proposed a bit of a challenge. I will be sharing more on that later.
Summer is coming and so is my sister-in-law's wedding. Time to work it out! Oh, and get my tan on! :)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
I've Lost It!!!!
I can't believe I lost my last blogger account!
I had a blog already - you can check it out here- http://123vests.blogspot.com/
I know that my password was correct and also my security question, but the stupid system says that it is wrong and that they can't identify me and since it is a free service, there is no way you can get help from Google or anyone that works for them. I have tried filling out the form to get access back several times but it keeps saying they can't identify me. I almost wonder if someone hacked my account, but nothing else weird has shown up in that regards.
So frustrating.
Anyway, I went ahead and chose a new title for my blog since my last one is still taken. :( I wonder if it will sit out there forever or if they shut it down after a while.
It will take a while to get my new blog to where I want it to be as far as pictures and links and other stuff.
I chose this new name, not because we travel or move around a lot, but because that is my mind constantly. It is all over the map. I jump from one thing to another, from one thought or idea to another, all without hesitation. I am a random person by nature and I just can't apologize for it!
I have so many things I could write about.
I look at losing my last blog as a chance to start fresh. I am going to cover a variety of topics that interest or affect me instead of just general info about me (which I am sure is somewhat boring).
Here are things I want to talk about:
-Parenting and all the fun that comes with it!
-My diabetes - not just about it in general (cause that's just boring) but how I want to work to be healthier.
-My weight. Always a struggle and if I am accountable and write things down, maybe I can stick with doing something about it.
-My family life. The dynamic with all three of us and including our extended family.
-Scrapbooking and/or crafts. I haven't worked on this in months and want to get back to it.
-Work life - while keeping it vague as to not get in trouble! :)
-Money. Goals, accomplishments in paying certain things off. We are ok with money but need to be better.
-Random thoughts in my head (which is what this blog is all about anyway).
-Love and my relationship with my husband.
-Pictures. I have gotten really bad about taking them and am going to start again soon. I like to tell a story with them and I need to take more artistic pictures besides just the usual family ones.
-Product reviews. I am a dork but I love to mention stuff that I love or even sometimes that I hate.
-Anything else I choose to write about. Hey, it is my blog right? I will write about whatever, whenever cause that's the way I roll (or something).
Ta ta for now!
I had a blog already - you can check it out here- http://123vests.blogspot.com/
I know that my password was correct and also my security question, but the stupid system says that it is wrong and that they can't identify me and since it is a free service, there is no way you can get help from Google or anyone that works for them. I have tried filling out the form to get access back several times but it keeps saying they can't identify me. I almost wonder if someone hacked my account, but nothing else weird has shown up in that regards.
So frustrating.
Anyway, I went ahead and chose a new title for my blog since my last one is still taken. :( I wonder if it will sit out there forever or if they shut it down after a while.
It will take a while to get my new blog to where I want it to be as far as pictures and links and other stuff.
I chose this new name, not because we travel or move around a lot, but because that is my mind constantly. It is all over the map. I jump from one thing to another, from one thought or idea to another, all without hesitation. I am a random person by nature and I just can't apologize for it!
I have so many things I could write about.
I look at losing my last blog as a chance to start fresh. I am going to cover a variety of topics that interest or affect me instead of just general info about me (which I am sure is somewhat boring).
Here are things I want to talk about:
-Parenting and all the fun that comes with it!
-My diabetes - not just about it in general (cause that's just boring) but how I want to work to be healthier.
-My weight. Always a struggle and if I am accountable and write things down, maybe I can stick with doing something about it.
-My family life. The dynamic with all three of us and including our extended family.
-Scrapbooking and/or crafts. I haven't worked on this in months and want to get back to it.
-Work life - while keeping it vague as to not get in trouble! :)
-Money. Goals, accomplishments in paying certain things off. We are ok with money but need to be better.
-Random thoughts in my head (which is what this blog is all about anyway).
-Love and my relationship with my husband.
-Pictures. I have gotten really bad about taking them and am going to start again soon. I like to tell a story with them and I need to take more artistic pictures besides just the usual family ones.
-Product reviews. I am a dork but I love to mention stuff that I love or even sometimes that I hate.
-Anything else I choose to write about. Hey, it is my blog right? I will write about whatever, whenever cause that's the way I roll (or something).
Ta ta for now!
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