Thursday, 12/15/11

Still hanging steady at the same weight, not sure if I'm o.k. with that or not. I guess it is the holiday season so maybe if I can just maintain that then I could move forwards (or backwards!) after the first of the year.

I worked out Tuesday night even though I had cramps and a huge caffeine headache. I did the bike at level 10 for 15 minutes and did lower body weights/machines for 15 minutes. I'm hoping I can make it to the Y on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday but we'll see.

I had a tough day yesterday and had to drive to Savage to return some chicken at like 9:00 and I was ready to throw the towel in and stop and get a blizzard or a big tub of ice cream but instead I bought a small bag of fresh cheese curds and a caffeine-free pop and had a few cheese curds and a few sips of pop and that was enough. That's success!

Monday, 12/12/11

Sorry for the delay in posts. I haven't felt very inspiring lately. I haven't seen a lot of movement on the scale but I've maintained the same weight for a while and the 10 lbs does make a difference in my clothes. I can't figure out why I'm not seeing change but will continue to forge ahead and pick something new to focus on like my Diet Coke intake. I'm going to stop at 12 today and see if I can survive the rest of the day!

I did not work out this weekend at all so I don't feel so great about that but plan to get back on the wagon this week.

11/4/11

O.K. I couldn't help but look at the scale after my shower and I was the same as Friday, hallelujah! That was motivation enough not to derail and go buy some doughnuts or something.

We had Sunday school this morning and then I dropped the kids off before heading out to shopping. It was great to be alone and not feel rushed! Had some lunch when I got home and the kids were at a neighbor's house so it was great to have a little break.

I was gearing up for this Body Pump class that I had been avoiding taking with a friend. So nervous!! I've taken 2 other classes ever with this same friend and hated both of those which had lots of steps and moves to remember. I knew Body Pump was about weights which I wasn't worried about but could I endure for 55 minutes? I usually workout for 30 minutes max at a time! But I just decided I would do it. Maybe I'd love it and I was eager to try it when I read that you could burn 600 calories.

So, I packed my stuff and did it! My dear friend, Kate, was there to coach me along and I would have been lost without her. So glad I did it and didn't fall, look too stupid, or give up. It was tough! The weight itself wasn't that heavy but it was not putting it down for 5 minutes straight. I'm super proud of me! Maybe I'll do it again?? It could be my Sunday afternoon thing. The kids were very cute about the whole thing since I was telling them how nervous I was on the way there. I even had to take them to the studio to point out the bar and the weights. I love that they are so into anything I do!

Had a healthy dinner and had to run to the store to get a few groceries and managed to buy a treat for Kevin and didn't get anything for myself. I'm doing this to keep busy so I can avoid snacks that I'm not hungry for!

Can't wait to officially weigh-in in the morning, just for the record my true weigh-in day is Friday but I have to weigh-in on Mondays to see what damage, if any, I did over the weekend.

Nite,

Sara

Saturday, 12/3/11

I will not weigh myself today but I have to admit I had a run-in with a bag of Monster Crunch! Why am I so "on track" during the week and when the weekend hits I just want to each junk food? I stopped after about 1/4 c. of this yummy mix before I could do some serious damage.

Kept busy and ate pretty well. Went to DQ with the kids but just got a cheeseburger with maybe 2 fries from the kids but had no treats or even a lick or nibble from the kids treat.

We just kind of hung out all afternoon and evening but I was able to keep busy and had fun playing Limbo and dancing with the kids. We had quite the snowfall but I still managed to head to the Y around 7:00 and was one of five people there. I did my weight routine but wasn't able to do as much since it had been so long since I'd lifted. Still left feeling the tightness in my muscles which is a great feeling.

Kevin and I caught up on some shows on the DVR and I attempted a low carb dessert involving heavy cream, almonds, splenda, and 86% chocolate. Decent but not the same as ice cream.

Sara

12/2/11

Well, it's Friday! Alaina's sick and I'm tired from the week so I just want to get through the day.

I finally lost the weight I gained and am now down 8lbs. Two more lbs and then I've lost the weight I gained after having Aidan. Now I just have to lose Alaina!!!

I'm planning a workout after school or after dinner. Feeling like a slacker since I haven't officially worked out since Tuesday. I brought a good lunch to work so I'm hoping I can avoid the ever present blue Solo cups of peanut M & M's that are at every staff meeting.

Sara

12/1/11

Wednesday turned out to be a pretty good day as far as eating and exercising go.

Kelly and I did our excerise ball/ab routine along with the Sun Salutation. We really screwed up the inhale/exhale thing but think we should get the moves down before we worry about that part. My neck and back still feel pretty good so who knows!

Kevin made a great dinner of grilled chicken sandwiches and a spinach salad with homemade dressing! I had half of the bun with the chicken and the salad. We were busy with homework and ice skating lessons so I didn't need have time or really want a bedtime snack!

I made chicken salad last night and brought the spinach salad for lunch today so I won't have my boring lunch that I usually have!

I'm hoping for a workout at the Y tonight or in the a.m. and will be ready for my weigh-in in the morning.

11/30/11

What a great day I had yesterday!

Kelly and I did some Pilates moves plus the Sun Salutation over lunch. We worked hard to get the breathing right. I read the instructions first and she did it and then we switched. Maybe we can do it together today without reading, there's lots of inhaling and exhaling that needs to occur at specific times. The Pilates stuff was hard I'm always proud when I can keep up with her and hold positions just as long as she can.

I decided to work out after Aidan's dance class last night instead of going this morning. It was pretty busy at the Y and I wasn't in the mood to share the weight machines so I did the following:

elliptical machine - level 8 for 15 minutes

bike - level 7 for 15 minutes

This was a good workout since I usually go fast at level 5, instead I went a little slower but could feel it and kept my heart rate up!

Eating went well. During the day I'm fine but the evening is always tough. I had a 1/2 of an enchilada for dinner and green beans. Of course, I wanted snacks in the evening but had the almonds and was o.k. I just usually go to bed hungry but I guess that's better than going to bed stuffed! Watched one of my favorite shows, "I used to be fat" which is always inspiring.

My neck feels better today! Maybe is the yoga? Maybe it's just luck? I'm going to keep at it.

Happy Wednesday!

11/29/11 continued..

Just received the ever dreaded email - "birthday treats in the lounge, enjoy!" I avoided the welcome-back muffins yesterday so hopefully I can avoid these birthday treats today. Please don't be sprinkle doughnuts, please don't be sprinkle doughnuts, please don't be sprinkle doughnuts...

11/29/11

Kelly and I had a nice little workout over lunch. Here's what we did:

plank - 1 minute

reverse plank - 45 seconds

side plank on each side - 30 seconds

rowing with bands - 20 reps

crunches with bands - 20 reps

bicep lunge using bands - 25 reps

I had a great eating day yesterday! I got home a little late so I ate alone (or with an audience) but no one seemed to care that I wasn't having exactly what they had. I had my cocoa roasted almonds for dessert (s0 good!) and then stayed out of the kitchen. Lots of playing with the kids and online shopping for Christmas so I was away from food!

I thought I might try some yoga even though it has never appealed to me since it seems so quiet and slow (which is not like me at all) but I'll try anything that might help me change my body and maybe help my always sore neck and back. After consultation with the internet and Kelly, I decided to start with the sun salutation. Actually felt kind of nice but hard to get it in to one fluid movement. I'm going to do it twice a day to start and see what I can do from there. Here is a great example of how the movements should be fluid, you should have seen me trying this by my desk this morning!

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/sunsalutation.asp

Here's to another great day avoiding snack with my students, treats in the lunch room, and late night snacking!

Fit and Healthy Sara - November 28, 2011

I've decided to document my journey to get healthy once and for all for myself and anyone else who needs motivation or just wants to hear what I'm doing!

About a month ago I set a goal to lose 10 "new" pounds in preparation for a shopping trip and managed to lose 8 through eating right and lots of exercising and through the support of several friends. I emailed these friends daily for the 3 week challenge and it felt good to report how I was doing and I loved the feedback too.

By doing it on this blog I can keep track of what I'm doing and hopefully inspire at the same time!

Here goes...

Well, I was down 8 lbs on Saturday, 11/19/11 and since then I'm up 4 lbs. I'm o.k. with that because I really haven't been following my "plan" and it's been nice to not worry too much about what I eat. I've worked out consistently every other day since the 19th and I feel really good about that. I'm mainly doing strength training which I guess is the "way" according to the many books and magazine articles I read about losing weight (one of my many obsessions!).

I'm so proud because I actually worked out this morning before work!!! I've been threatening to do this for years but never do. Our evening schedule is so busy and I really want to keep up with the every other day thing so I just did it! Since Kevin has been laid off I've been getting up at 5:10 and getting to work by 6:30 but I don't need to get there that early every day so why not use that time more wisely??

I didn't really prepare well so I was rushing this morning to find a workout outfit, clothes, etc. in the dark while Kevin slept! Brought some of the correct times from the morning routine but forget the all important moisturizer. I will be more organized on Wednesday!

I made it to the Y at 5:45 and was surprised to see many cars in the parking lot and a spinning class going on. Really? Here is what I did today:

Leg press - 2 sets of 12 reps at 205 lbs

Leg extension - 2 sets of 12 reps at 115 lbs

Squat - 25 reps at 100 lbs

lat - 8 then 10 reps at 70 lbs

triceps - two sets of 12 reps at 55 lbs

chest press (band machine) - two sets of 12 reps at 45 lbs

fly (band machine) - two sets of 12 reps at 20 lbs

I decided to "get ready" at work since I can barely look at the floor in the gym locker room let alone take a shower there! Nothing like getting ready in dim kid's bathroom but it's better than the alternative.

I'm back on the Belly Fat Cure today and will do my 15 min lunch workout with my assistant/friend Kelly. She's super fit and always inspires me to try new things. Kelly attends many classes at her gym (the one's I'm too afraid to go to) so we do some of her stuff using bands, weights, or therapy balls. She's really into planking so I'm moving up in how long I can plank. Thanks Kelly for always listening to me complain about being fat and inspiring me to do better!

Here's my favorite part - something to inspire us all....

Happy Monday!
Sara

Wednesday, August 24th

Today was our last day home before you guys go to Anne's and I have to start work on Friday. We couldn't agree on what we wanted to do so we just stayed home all day! We had fun playing games and doing puzzles together. It was nice to have a quiet day!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Today you guys decided you wanted to finish your homework books so we could go to Chuck E. Cheese! We all worked together and got them done. We bought 160 tokens and some pizza. You guys had a blast and each got around 300 tickets. You really deserved this special day!

In the afternoon, we had a play date with friends from the dance studio. They came over to play before dance camp. Aidan you had fun playing Wii and Batman with Max and Alaina you and Sofia had fun outside and playing in your room. Day two of dance camp was much better than the first and Alaina, you liked showing me your moves!

Monday, August 22, 2011

It is our last week of summer since I have to go back to work on Friday! We didn't have too many plans so we ran a couple of errands in the morning and stayed home in the afternoon. Alaina you started competition dance camp and were excited to get some booty shorts! You were fine about the class until an hour before and were super scared and cried all the way there. Jen helped you get into class and by the time I saw you when you were going to tap class you were fine. Phew! I hope the rest of the week goes o.k.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

We had another cleaning day and Daddy did some BBQ-ing. Aidan, you had Lucas over for a Wii date and Alaina you were at several friends houses! In the evening we went to the Goldfish Hunt at Sand Venture and we had fun even though the water was cold. You each caught a fish and were excited to take them home! It was fun that our neighbors were there too!

Friday, August 19, 2011

What a great day we have planned! Alaina, you are going to Grandma Lakso's for a shopping day and a sleepover and Aidan, we are going to have a date while Alaina is gone.

Aidan, I ordered a you a few new things including a hat and sunglasses. You thought you looked like a spy and were showing me your best spy moves...

Aidan, we had a great date together! We went to lunch at QCumbers, checked out Centennial Lakes, and then Saw Spy Kids 4 with Samantha and Stacey. The Aromascope was kind of lame but still fun. When we got home you went to Pho with Daddy and swimming at the Y. Mommy needed a break so it was nice for me too. Love ya, Buddy! Hope you are havin' fun Alaina!

August 17, 2011

Today is cleaning day! You guys helped a little and enjoyed it when I moved the pieces of our couch to vacuum. We pushed them together to make a fort!

I also finished the big Lego project we had started last weekend. Aidan, you had several Sponge Bob Lego sets that were all in a bin together. You guys helped a little but them weren't too interested so I finished all of the sets and bagged them up! What a lot work that was!

While I was making dinner you guys worked on your circus routine on our swing set. You are getting so creative!

What a great day to be at home!

August 16, 2011

Today we had a play date planned that was kind of far away and out in the country. I was trying to follow my directions carefully but we ended up going down a dirt road that only one car could fit on and ended up getting stuck! We had to back down the super long road and it was scary for Mommy and Alaina. Aidan, you kept trying to scare us by saying, "There's a car behind you! Just kidding!" We finally made it and you guys had fun playing with your new friends. By the time we got home it was almost dinner time!

When it was bedtime we got to see two of our little frog friends! Almost every night Daddy sees one or more tiny bright green tree frogs either stuck to our window or right by the front door. They are so cute! Now we have to check every night to see if the little guys are there!

August 15, 2011

Today, Aidan, you woke up not feeling so great so we laid low for the morning. After the tylenol kicked in you were ready to hit the pet store to browse for hamsters that you might buy on your birthday. They were so cute! The pet store girl suggested that we get a winter white hamster because they like to be held more than other types. You held one briefly and then passed it to Alaina who passed it quickly back to the worker. We'll have to get used to holding the little guys.

Alaina, you liked looking at all the cute little dogs! Aidan you watched them for a while too and said, "They are sad because they want to go home with me!"

August 14, 2011

We are doing something on our list of things we wanted to do this summer...The MPLS Farmer's Market!

You guys don't even remember coming here even though we've been here lots of times. You got a balloon and Alaina, you chose fresh squeezed OJ and Aidan, you chose fresh squeezed lemonade. We got lots of fruits and veggies before heading home.

I had to run some errands so you guys stayed with Daddy. Then it was back to our Lego project and I was trying to clean too. When Daddy took his nap, we got out the Easy Bake Oven for Aidan. Theresa came over and then we made some mini cakes and decorated them with rolled fondant! Next came the Rainy Day bucket (even though it wasn't raining) and you 3 did lots of art projects.

Aidan, you started not feeling well and have a little cold. I hope you sleep o.k. tonight!

August 13, 2011

We started the day with some Batman time. Aidan, you love when I play Batman with you and we set the Batman Cave up!

Then we went swimming at the Y and went to have lunch. Aidan, you were messing with the door with your flip flops on and cut your toe. What a sad boy you were:(

Tonight you guys were going to Krissy and Jake's so Mommy and Daddy could have a date. We were all VERY excited. While we waited we worked hard on setting up all of the Spongebob Lego sets Aidan got for his birthday last year. They are really tricky.

We also made a final decision for your birthday. Instead of having a party, you will be King For A Day! More details later...

You both had fun at Krissy's and I saw some great pictures of you guys in costumes. Alaina, you are a very cute Harry Potter!

August 12, 2011

We started the day with an art project. You both got frustrated with the acrylic paint and just covered the whole thing!

Then we went to Valley Fair to ride some rides. It was chilly so we had to wear sweatshirts! You guys had your favorite slushies and we even had our picture taken for the first time. You both got a viewfinder with a tiny picture inside.

We stopped for lunch and then went to visit Beckett and Kate. You love all of Beckett's toys especially his musical instruments! The three of you played nicely today.

After relaxing for a bit we made some sidewalk paint and you had fun mixing the colors and painting the rocks.

August 10, 2011

Today we visited my friend Kari in her new house. It took us a while to get there and find the place but you guys were having fun listening to music and playing your Nintendo DS. When we got there we played with toys, had lunch, and then walked to a nearby pool. You liked taking the secret path with Jack.

At the pool, I was so pleased to see both of you in the 5 ft deep water and not needing any help! You both are great swimmers! We had a few snacks before heading back to Kari's house. Aidan, you thought you saw a deer on the secret path and Jack said it was a bunny. Not sure what you guys really saw! While I was loading up the car you played basketball in Jack's garage. Another fun summer day with friends!

August 9, 2011

Today we watched the Luce boys while Krissy had some things to do. It was a little chilly so we didn't spend too much time outside. We had breakfast, played video games, and rode our bikes to the park. You guys did great listening and so did your friends!

August 8, 2011

No plans today until a last minute invite to Sand Venture with friends! It was a little chilly so you weren't so into swimming until your friends arrived. We had some snacks and played in the sand. Alaina, you liked going down the water slides and on the diving board with Emma and Sofia and Aidan, you had fun jumping in the pool with Max.

I had to go to the orthodontist to have my bands changed so Katie watched you at the pool so I could go to my appointment. Alaina you wanted me to get yellow bands and Aidan you wanted something bright. So I got yellow and purple not intending to get Vikings colors!!

After swimming we came home and you guys sang, danced, and Alaina you practiced hand stands. You are getting pretty good at them!

August 6, 2011

We went to the dance studio to help decorate the float for the Derby Days parade tomorrow that you guys will sit on! There was a lot of building to be done so you mostly played and had fun.

After that we came home to relax for a bit and then had dinner at Pho. You tried a coconut drink in a real coconut but didn't like it. Then it was off for family swim night at the Y. We had fun. Now it's movie time before bed. Mommy and Daddy are tired from the Kid Olympics last night!

August 5, 2011

It's Kid Olympic Day!!! Krissy and Jake hosted a fun event for the neighbors. We spent the day running errands and "helping" them out. We even had the boys over for a play date in the afternoon. You guys had a blast with all of your friends and stayed up super late!!

August 3, 2011

Today was our adventure day. I was trying to save some money but have fun too. We went to our old neighborhood in Minneapolis where we went to a park and a wading pool and then ran a few errands ending up at a new library. On the way home, Alaina, you read the whole way while Aidan and I listened to a book on tape and new music. It's a long drive back to Shakopee.

We went on the run again when we got home. Aidan, you rode your bike so that was nice for me not to have to push the stoller. Alaina, you attempted to roller blade using the stroller to help you but it was too hard so I had to push you and your roller blades. I was hot and exhausted, Aidan was tired of waiting for us at every corner, and you lucked out with a free ride!!

August 2, 2011

Another rainy morning! We decided to go check out Triple Play Sports for some laser tag and also to maybe book this place for you birthday party. We invited Krissy, Ryan, Justin, and Andy to come with us.

When we got there we found out we could buy a package deal for 3 hours to play minigolf, laser tag, jumpers, lunch, and a batting cage token. You guys had a blast and the boys were really into laser tag. I bet you took 10 turns in there, Aidan. Even though you had fun you say that you don't want your birthday here but I already booked it! Not sure what we will do.

When we got home, Alaina, you wanted to take me on the run that you did the other night. We put Aidan in the stroller and off we went. You had towels and water for us and were concerned that I didn't run the whole time! I told you we'd work up to that!!

August 1, 2011

Alaina, you have been expiramenting with hair styles. I'm just so happy that you will actually brush your hair!

Today was a rainy day! We were supposed to go to Sand Venture but it was lightning out! We met our friends at Subway and then went to Louisville Lanes. You guys had fun and did great! Alaina you even got a strike! But guess what happened? We ran out to the car in the pouring rain only to realize that you guys left you bowling shoes on!!!

Next we went swimming at the Y with our friends and then we were tired and ready to go home and relax. We hang out in the backyards with the neighbors and Alaina you went for a run with Tom and Theresa. We were very impressed!

July 31, 2011

Alaina, you finally got your roller blades out for the first time this summer but had to use a chair or a hockey stick to get around.

Today our plan was to go and see the Smurfs movie. We brought our friend, Theresa with us. Both of you girls were smurfed out in your blue outfits! We got there early in case it was going to be busy. We even saw a clown at the movies!

After the movies we visited the play area at the mall that Theresa called "germland." Aidan you had fun jumping around! I'll never forget the time we were here when you were 1 or so and you were trying to climb up the clouds. I gave you a boost without realizing there was a slide right there...down you went! Oops!

The movie was cute and you guys hummed the theme song home and were full of smurf phrases likes smurferiffic!