A need for a "snack"

I ended up working from home today. I never get to work from home. In fact, it really is not possible to do so without packing up tons of paperwork, supplies and such to even be able to work from home. However, there is a project I am working on that requires me to look up information on the Internet. I have been "googling", "bing"ing it and just searching high and Internet wide for the light at the end of the tunnel for this project. My boss did tell me that this project would be time consuming and a bit eye numbing!!

I am at home because my Aman has come down with some small virus. It started on Friday, but nothing that I was too concerned about because it was just one incident per day until about last night. The Bad Mommy in me had him drink orange juice this morning and I think that was the final straw - the phone call from the school and after a very rare (we never go) trip to the doctor, one shot later to control the nausea and my little one is a bit better. We have been kicking it at home most of the day. I do hope that he can go back to school tomorrow.

The only problem I am having is this urge to snack. I sit behind a computer all day at work and never really have a need to snack. I guess it is the comfort of home that is getting to me today. I am craving something crunchy, salty, even sort of carb filled.



I am doing my best to control the urge. We don't have any chips in the house, so that is good, but we do have Salsa and crackers - could make it work. We have plenty of popcorn, that is never an issue. But, yum those pretzels would be kind of good right now.

Instead of reaching for a salty, crunchy treat I made sure I went with a cottage cheese & pair selection. Then I stopped. I grabbed my trusty glass of water and am making sure it is being sipped all afternoon. 

The mind game I have going on will not win. I have my workout to finish later today, the house can be cleaned, laundry to do and many other projects. Oh - and the Biggest Loser is on TV today - tons of motivation all around me!!! No snack food will hit my lips today!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Pants Beware !!!

Pants Beware - there is a whole new MO in town!!! This post is specifically dedicated to my Best Friend Mer and to all of you that are working so hard to get rid of those old comfy pants out of your life. Mer has encouraged, supported me and many times laughed with me. The laughter comes from these pants (and most favorite shirt)...but we are hear to talk about the pants. I promised Mer after our last 5K Event I would never wear these pants again....

July 2011 - Size 22 - 24....way too big and the shirt we all know has to go too!!!


...and I have kept that promise. When we did that 5K run almost the first thing Mer told me was that I should never wear these pants again. Yes, they are way too big and way too "used". I will admit that these pants have not made it into the trash, but I have not and will not wear them again. I have had them since about 2003, there is a small hole in the right leg, but they are so comfy and I have worn them more times then I can count on walks, in the yard, during camping trips or working out. They are so stretched out, have no string belt anymore and well, comfy or not, they have to GO!!!! Say hello to my NEW purchase...

(had to share both pics with you...look sexy in the second one - LOL). These will be my new comfy pants. And when they get too big I will upgrade them with a new pair!!! I purchased these about a week ago. My little sis took me into The Gap outlet store. I totally was not going to even look at the racks. I could not understand why we were even in this store. I have never gone into a Gap store. I always thought that there would never be anything in this store for me. When I did get an urge to look at the workout clothes (which by the way they are advertising on TV now - oh, wait - no, that is for Old Navy Clothes Store), I happened across a pair of pants that I thought just might fit me. What it the harm, but I had to be careful, I didn't want to get disappointed. Off to the changing room I went. First pair was just not the right look. Second selection - WOW - I was so excited. Did these really fit me? What the heck? This can't be right?!? I fit into clothes at The Gap??!! What the heck!?!??? I come to find out that they do carry some clothes that go up to Size 20. However, I am working on getting away from a 2 in my clothes. I am in the 1's and one day it would be nice to have just single digits. I am very happy to say that these NEW pants are not only perfect for my workouts, but there is only 1 number before the X on the label. No 3, No 2...just a 1!!!!! You can't imagine how excited I was. 

My excitement was a bit short lived, because the next think I knew I was getting anxious. Maybe it was because they only cost $20.00 (cheap for what I feel is a good price for Gap clothes), but I think the real reason was that I was kind of in a FOG about these pants actually fitting me. I have turned a corner. I should have been shouting from the roof tops, but it was not the place to do it. I was getting a bit giddy, and sort of showed my excitement at the check out counter. As my sis and I headed for the next shop to find her some new shoes I was still in a Fog. Here was this pair of pants in this new bag, in my hand and WOW - does it really only say 1X on it. I am making progress!! I am finally seeing the results!!! OLD pants beware, you are getting replaced by a whole new world of MO!!!! 

I did want to also share that my October Challenge is still going well. I had a rough week and to take care of some of my anxiety I finally got to my punching bag on Friday night and again on Saturday morning. The sweat was coming down. It really felt good. Some of my other workout this weekend included the FINAL door-to-door selling of Scout Popcorn. We did the pulling of the wagon and the walking on both days, a total of 3.5 hours over the two days. His final total of sales is still pending with some other orders, but I do believe he has earned his Scout Scholarship this year (phew, we are tired).  I had to put some of my jogging practice into place when he fell and skinned his knee at one of the houses on Saturday. Off to the car I jogged to grab the first aid kit. By the time I got back he had knocked on 3 more doors, such a trooper. I am so glad this Scout Mom has finally gotten her rear in gear and is getting healthy. So many reasons to do so, but this is my biggest reason !!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

A Little Inspiration

YOU CAN HAVE RESULTS OR YOU CAN HAVE EXCUSES, BUT YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTH.

WHICH DO YOU CHOOSE?

MAKE YOURSELF STRONGER THAN YOUR EXCUSES!!

Soon to come is my wonderful comfortable have to put them in the trash workout pants post....

wait for it....

Have a most wonderful weekend!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Challenge Update

I will say that I have been exercising all 10 - well, we are into 12 now - days of October so far. I will also say that there have been one or two days that I have not done the full 2 hours....BUT I have gotten in a good 1 hour and even 1.5 hours on those few days. I have ended up having my son for more days then I should have this last week (not complaining), but he really is messing up my MOJO of what I had planned to do, wanted to do and allow me to kick start myself. I had a light bulb go off for me this morning - using my "mommy" factor as an excuse over and over again is no reason for me to not to do what I want to accomplish!!!!! I have my schedule all worked out and I should not let this little obstacle get in my way. He will be back in school this next week, so I have to have this schedule down pat - no excuses!!! Carrying too many emotions and I am letting that control my WANT to work out. Last night it was not until a little after 9 pm when I was able to work out. I didn't really want to, but was really surprised when the next thing I knew it was 11 pm and I had done a good workout. Yes, it is really late to be working out, but this is my time to veg and watch the Tube...so in the process, why not get in a workout!! Guess what - part way into it I wanted to keep going. I could not wait to finish...because I was going to grab that gold ring and have completed another day of this challenge. I was feeling good - recharged - my mind was racing, but in a good way.

I am not going to let the excuses get in the way. I have 20 more days to complete my October challenge and nothing is going to stop me!!! I am strong, powerful and I am will be victorious!!!! Watch me go!!!!!!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Mini Vacation, Reality Check..nothing will keep me down!!

Mo Here - I have been on the go - on a mini-vacation of sorts. One of my sisters has a great vacation home in Lake Tahoe and well, when given the chance I will jump at it. As luck would have it, I actually did have some vacation time built up at work - so, what the heck, take the time!!

The weather was a bit frightful, but my little sis and I were going to brave the mountain driving with gusto. Up the hill we went and just as we thought we were in the clear we got stuck just about the summit. Two hours of sitting and thinking it was an accident, it really was the weather and they finally made a decision that we could move. But, wait - you have to chain up if you didn't have four wheel drive. Now, being California girls (yes, I was born on the East Coast, but that does not count), we pulled to the side and tried to make it work. We were so lucky to have some nice guy come and assist us with our chains. Less then 20 minutes later we were on the road. White knuckles for about 30 minutes, but we made it. (it really was not that bad, but remember we do not do snow driving at all) - did I mention that this "mini vacation" op was FREE, so turning back was not something we really wanted to consider.

As soon as I hit that entrance to the "vacation spot" I was READY!! There is something about getting off that exit and making the final turn into the development that I leave my "real life" behind. The house is fully equipped with dishes, a warm fire, comfy beds and a larger then life bathtub. The scenery is wonderful and there is a peacefulness all around me. I needed this time to relax and that I was sure to do. Enjoyed the snow filled Thursday morning, watched my very first Harry Potter movie, read a gossip magazine, slept in....should I go on and on??!! We even went shopping on Friday and I have a great post to share with you in a few days about that trip.

It is really hard to go home and deal with what hit me next. A huge dose of reality hit me at about 4:30 pm when I went to pick up my son on Friday night. I will not use my blog to "air my dirty laundry" and the fact that being a co-parent is very hard on me, but I will tell you that I really wish I was still on vacation. The rest of my weekend was very emotionally draining and I really don't think it has ended quite yet. Just one factor to note- my exercising is helping me stay focused, think and deal with the stress in a healthy way!!!!

Reality and vacation will not get me down. I kept up with my challenge!!!! Even with the Wednesday night snow issue, I did get in most of my 2 hour a day exercise. I think I am only down 30 minutes, because that snow chain trip didn't allow me to finish completely on Wednesday. The rest of the weekend I did well. A very long walk on Thursday made up about 60 minutes. Aerobic movements and couch side push ups while watching television...Saturday was a walk and yard work with my son and Sunday. well we are still selling Cub Scout Fundraiser popcorn and that workout included about 2  hours of walking and pulling a full wagon load of "supplies" to sell. I am still Mixing it up and having fun with this months challenge.

Here are some pics from my trip - enjoy!!!

Staying MOtivated MO




 

Thursday morning greeting - snow all around!!!





My little "home away from home"...mid-afternoon Thursday - all of the snow is melted

The view...relaxing



Another view...peacefulness





This was at the mall we paid a visit to on Friday - love this - a Fish made out of Fish



Award Day and Challenge Update

So, I received an award sometime back from Christina. It is just so wrong that I never really officially accepted it. However, I had a plan to "officially" receive this award. I have not given up on that plan..........

“Liebster” means “favourite” or “beloved” in German. The award is to do a shout out to us bloggers with under 200 followers and since Mer & I are way below 50 - we qualify.....LOL...Award etiquette dictates that I pass this award on to five bloggers who I feel deserve it.

However, I wanted to do something fun with this and share some other Blogs that share some or part of our own Blog Name - the Losing It part, that is..........check these blogs out and see what you think. Inspiration can be found in so many places.

Shane is Losing It for the family......just got back on track after starting Law School, but has been on a journey and lost 101 pounds...don't know how many followers he has, but lovin this new blog I found.

Jenn and Karen - We're Losing It - another "team" blogging - a Mom and a Daughter on the weight loss journey together. Again, lovin this blog and feel really connected to Jenn, or is that Karen - which one is the Daughter again - ha, ha.....

and just for fun.....

Sally at Losing It in France.........this one looks fun, entertaining and you might even get a few recipes out of it - a take on eating, but staying slim in just the way the French do it........I have to admit that I only just found this and well, it looks like she has only been blogging since March of this year, but it looks pretty cool - didn't think you could find another Losing It fan - LOL

There were several other blogs with the same lingo as the one that Mer and Mo have started here, but not many of them are still up and running. I did love the one with the couple, but they have not posted anything in over 6 months......makes you wonder, where did they go???

OH - and I added a ticker to the bottom of our page - I am officially on the move with my 2 hours a day of exercise each day for 31 days. I will say that there has already been one late night 1/2 hour workout, but I am doing it and loving a challenge!! I have a busy schedule today, and missed almost all of my alarm this morning, but I did get in 1 hour at 6 am. Going to pull out two 1/2 hour walks during work and after...I am even getting in some light jogging around my car in the garage in the mornings (we had major rain today) - kind of funny, but you never know, might have another 5K in my future. Looking forward to the next 27 days...or am I down to 26 now???

Staying MOtivated MO

Why this challenge??

It makes me wonder what people think when I say that I am going to do 2 hours of exercise a day for 31 days. And then it makes me wonder too....I have a busy schedule, I have fears that I won't be able to do it, I don't want to fail, I have partners in the blogging world and I feel accountable to them, and then I hear the sounds of - WHAT!? You are going to do that much a day, each day, everyday for 31 days. Are you crazy? How are you going to do that?

It is not about the how - it is about the WANT!!! I want to be challenged. It helps me!!

I have been reviewing our posts from the last 9 months. The one post that has been viewed the most is from back in May when I talked about My Time - My Pace - My Journey. I have read that post over and over again in the last few weeks. I am still doing this the way I want to. I will not change that, but I am ready to go from the Tortoise to the Rabbit at this point. I question myself everyday lately. What am I so afraid of? What are you waiting for? Where are you going to be in a year? Why have you stopped? How come you are not moving forward (or better yet, how come the scale is moving downward?). What is holding me back?

Then this weekend I was with my friend that I mention in that one post. When I first met up with her on Saturday morning (first time in months) there was this WOW moment. Things were said like - You look good, look at your hair, look at you, spin around, how great do you look!!! And then she tells me hours later - I am so jealous of you. I mean, you are doing it, you are working out, losing weight and you have this motivation that I wish I had. I was thrilled. I could not wait to tell my sis later that night. I mean, my friend who is a size "little" is jealous of me. It gave me the boost I needed. Not that I want her to be jealous of me, but that she is excited for me, wants me to succeed and there was no "lecture" of sorts and that she was the one that was getting motivation from me. It really is a good feeling right now.

It is time for me to push myself to the next level. The next step. Stop just waiting around for it to happen. I am the only one that can make it happen. Yes, I can get help along the way, but it really is all up to me to make it all work. The eating, the exercising, the breathing, the deep thinking, the staying healthly plan of action. I want to push myself and this will be a good push in the right direction. With being challenged you have to pick the one thing that you know you can take you to the next committment, the next goal. That is what I am doing - reaching for that next brass ring.

My goal - 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour at night. However, I am going to squeeze in 30 minutes of walking while at work. We have a very slow month and I never really get out of the office, so this is the month to do it. Even with the pending rain for this week I want to get out of the office. Therefore, if I get in  30 minutes in the middle of my day I will do 30 minutes at night when my schedule is way too full.

I did well this weekend. I had to laugh that my first workout with with Richard Simmons for 1 hour. That I won't be doing but maybe once again - not really thrilled with how the workout flowed. I then put in a Leslie Sansone CD on Saturday night and then went dancing with friends. Totally got in more then 2 hours on the first day. Sunday was a Leslie workout and she really does work you out. I felt it in my hips, which really do need to be stretched and moved more (I sit at work way too much). I then did the local Street Faire in town and walked, walked, walked, (lots of stopping and starting) but was there for over 3 hours, and parked more then 6 blocks away from the festivities. Always love the weekends where you can venture out of the house and the gym.

The rest of the plan is this - mix and match my many home options. There is the punching bag, the pilates board, the eliptical, jump rope and the many tapes/CD's to play on the machine. Walking around the neighborhood, too. My sister just got a Total Gym and well, she is a short drive down the road so I can add that into some of my weekend workouts or even some evenings. I will come up with a set plan so that I can stick to it and not get bored or be all over the place with this and that. I will admit that my mind did say to me a few times this weekend - 2 hours a day - are you crazy....this first hour is going slowly - how am I going to do another hour tonight? I am not going to let the demons win - I will fight them off, just like I did this morning as I slowly pulled myself out of bed. I am feeling a bit sore, and will take Alan's advice and not push myself and avoid any injuries. Looking forward to the next 27 days!!!!

Staying Strong - Living Well .....Staying MOtivated MO