Busy week and joining the gym.

Today I joined the gym. Officially. The husband had already signed up and paid but I had to go and put my John Hancock on some forms. It's expensive to quit, so I guess I'm in for the long haul! I actually did 55 minutes on the elliptical. I could have done more, but thought that maybe I should rest. I was caught up in Housewives on Bravo. The one in NYC. I am not sure i was exercising "mindfully".

Last night I went out with my girlfriends, well some of them. The ones I don't see very often. We saw Sex and the City. We definitely were older than the crowd. Many of them were very very dressed up. It was good. I won't be going to a late movie again anytime soon.

The husband isn't home tonight so I think I'm going to try the chickpea curry that Amy raves about. The curry smell should be gone before he gets home!

Oh and my feet are STILL swollen, but I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow with my doctor and she and my GI will get to the bottom of it! (It's nice when your PCP and GI are friends.)

Quick update

I have made some decisions. I have decided to join the gym. The husband negotiated a good deal for me.

I also have an appointment with my doctor on Monday. She is good. I will no longer see doctors I don't want to just for the sake of it.

I also am going to try to do more with local bar associations because that is a great way to meet people and see old friends.

Also, I have a quick victory - I went to a great dinner tonight and it was a buffet. I had no drinks (partly because my pocketbook was so overloaded I didn't want to open it up and have it explode while looking for cash). I also had one serving at the buffet. The waitress told me I could go back up again but I said no, I'm all set. And that was that!

Better than nothing or a tour of exercise TV in 30 minutes

I'm feeling a little lazy this morning. I should have gone out of the house to exercise but instead I started Exercise TV and a Sparkpeople video at 7:18 and now it's 7:52 and I'm done. Here's what I did:

6 minutes of a Sparkpeople jumping around video. That is not the name, but that is what you do. It was good, but I kept having to strain to see my computer while jumping.

Then I did a walking video with Amy Sansone - but not the whole thing. I got discouraged and bored.

Then I did a little dancing.

Then I did some great abs. So about 20 minutes of cardio, and 10 minutes of abs. Not all bad.

My free week at the gym expired. I actually was disappointed (as today is Wednesday NOT Tuesday) when I thought about it last night. I thought "oh I can go to the gym". Nope. I need to join. Emailing the manager is one of the first things on my 'to do' list for today.

Quick post, and there is nothing like a photo reminder of chubbiness

I was pretty good this weekend! A great workout on Saturday with Beets. I went to my mom's wedding on Sunday, and hung out with the family (other than dancing there was no exercising involved).

I didn't eat enough, then late night pigged out a little due to an excessive amount of red wine.

This is Adam and I. We are the fat ones in the family.

This is the Family:
We grew!

And this is my "before picture" (I've decided).

That's my sister in law, me and my sister.

This is my first attempt at pictures in my blog. It's sort of annoying.

Anyway, four day weeks are great and horrible all at the same time, nice break but then trying to cram five (or six) days of work into four....I didn't make it to the gym tonight.

I am going to go for a good power walk in the a.m.

Walking up hill

I went walking with Beets today and got a better workout then I would have had I trudged around my neighborhood.

We went up hills and did some interval training. I came back and my feet were not swollen at all - they looked just like they were supposed to. Now, an hour or so later I have once again developed cankles. Maybe not drinking water helped? Maybe I am losing that 8 lbs of water?

I also tried peanut butter and half a banana in my steel cut oats this morning. Not bad. Definitely different than maple syrup. I had a small snack when I got back, but am not really that hungry. I am making edamame salad for my mom's rehearsal dinner. Yes. My mom's rehearsal dinner. She is getting married tomorrow. I will try to be good.

I have to say that I feel like I have turned a corner in the exercise department. I really enjoy it and it makes me feel better. It's also good to go with a friend to keep yourself motivated.

What I learned at the doctor's office.

I went to the doctor today. It was actually almost 12 hours ago, but it's been a long day!

First of all, it was crazy person day. That is all I will say, but it must be a full moon.
I didn't walk due to swollen limbs. I will exercise tomorrow. I ate well today.

This is what I learned at the doctor:
(this was not my PCP but the 'urgent care' doctor -- I will NEVER see him again).

1. Doctors are sometimes too lazy or impatient to interrupt other doctors to see if they got a fax from a patient's specialist.
2. I am getting old ("we all are") and perhaps I need support hose.
3. I drink too much water (I did not volunteer this information) and if I'm thirsty try a Popsicle.
4. I'm not grossly over saturated, but definitely retaining fluid.
5. Weight watchers and the Zone diet guy made up the water obsession to help dieters keep their hands busy with something other than food.
6. I am crazy.

No, seriously, I'm not crazy. I hate when doctors dismiss me. They took some blood. Didn't seem to care that I had GAINED 18 lbs in 2 months. 18. Yes. 8 in less than a month. That's a lot for someone who is definitely eating less than she was AND exercising. Basically I got no answers. He did say it was fine to exercise. I'm sure it is, but I have to say that I don't feel like I got any answers.

I made an appointment with my PCP when I left the doctor's office. I told her nurse that I didn't feel comfortable with the other doctor and that he made me feel crazy. Like I was imagining water retention. I'm not.

I had some watermelon, and my new favorite Fage yogurt and a salad and some shrimp for my 'evening' meal.

Half a banana?

Today I went to with my mom and her friend to get manicures and pedicures for my mom's wedding! It was my mom's second pedicure in 60 years. It was my second pedicure in 2 weeks. I think she liked it. I love pedicures!

I'm swollen. Still swollen. I called my doctor (a different one) and he said he doesn't think it is my colitis medication but he will call me in the morning as he had just gotten back from a conference. Also, I have to go in and see him. That's kind of a pain.

Now my feet have been swollen for awhile and I haven't lost any weight (despite, actually eating LESS and exercising). My mom was alarmed at my 'cankles' and swollen feet and I think she was afraid that I was going to stroke out so she made me promise to go straight to her friend's house and have my blood pressure checked. It's perfect. My pulse is great.
While I was there, my mom's friend suggested I only eat half a banana instead of a whole one to see if that helps me lose weight.

I came home and the husband got a good look at my feet and was alarmed. I had to promise to insist on talking to the doctor in the morning.

I didn't think it was a big deal. I didn't exercise though - I was feeling uncomfortable and all the alarm made me nervous. My nails look pretty, I had some watermelon. I'm watching You, Me and Dupree with the husband. I've already met my cardio goals for the week. I ate well.

Wacky Wednesday and I wish I was in Rome

Today would be a nice day to be in Italy. I have been thinking about travelling and how much the dollar stinks so travelling abroad really isn't the most practical thing at the moment. I love working on my own schedule, but it would be nice to be sent on a business trip to Italy.

Anyway, I called the doctor to complain about my bloated. I woke up and my feet are swollen. One should not wake up with swollen feet, even if they have a tendency towards them. I don't usually have swollen feet.

I am SORE from yoga. A good sore, but sore. I am definitely strongly considering joining the gym.

I forgot my sneakers. I'm annoyed with myself.

Yoga, the gym and decisions

I went back to the gym today. Today I did Vinyasa Yoga. It was a little different from a yoga studio. There was techno music pumping next door in the spin class. It quieted after awhile. The class was definitely a good workout. Everyone else was skinny. I didn't like that everyone else was skinny. It might be good motivation though.

The husband wants to know if I am going to join. I think I want to go to some more classes. I hate to pay and not go. If he goes, I probably will also go. I have to say that it is easier to stop on the way home and go to a class on a late night or a rainy day then it is to go home and walk. Once I'm home I often want to eat dinner and relax.

I think I made my decision. I think I will join.

I have also decided to make a doctor's appointment as I have been steadily gaining weight, in spite of my weight loss efforts and exercise.

Self Control? What is that?

I cannot stop eating candy. It tastes good. Anyway, but I digress.

I had an adventure at the gym. I went for my 'free' week at the Boston Sports Club. Unfortunately, I got there too late for the 'circuit'. One thing I will say is that it is very nice and clean! Everyone was very nice.

Going to the gym was surreal. In my twenties I went to the gym a lot! I loved the classes and the fact that when you are at the gym, it is all about you! It's relaxing and a good time to get your head straight.

I did the elliptical machine for 40 minutes (while watching tv), which is not very mindful, but a good distraction. I have to say that I enjoy watching tv while exercising . I forgot how much I like cardio and how I like to sweat!

Then I did some weights. I'm sore today, but feeling good.

I think I'm going to go again today and try the yoga class or pilates (depending on when I get out of work). I also forgot my sneakers so it's yoga, pilates or go home and walk.

Turning a corner

Not literally. I haven't really even left the house today. Doing work, reading blogs, doing laundry and exercising.

I feel like I turned a corner because I wanted some good cardio. I wanted to exercise. I did two programs on On Demand, totally about 40-45 minutes. They were both dancing. I got my heart rate up and felt good.

I looked for some good strength training ones, but couldn't find any that I really wanted to do, and so I stretched out and did some abs. Now I'm eating an apple

Saturday and El Sarape

Last night the husband and I went with his parents to our favorite restaurant, El Sarape, in Weymouth Landing (but the restaurant is actually in Braintree). It is not a healthy eating sort of place. It is however, delicious!

I had some margaritas (they make the best!). I also made a relatively healthy choice (well at least a portion controlled one) and got a combination dinner that had two enchiladas. I knew I would eat everything on the plate and didn't want to be stuffed. I wasn't stuffed!

I did not make it to the gym yesterday to start my free membership, instead the husband and I played golf. I am getting a little better! It was way too nice of a day to be inside.

Today I am thinking about doing the free membership for a week thing and seeing how it goes, as they have some good weight training classes and some good machines. I find that doing strength training at home has not been going very well. Although, it's only the beginning!

Friday Night Food!

I think I did pretty well yesterday. I ate well all day and then met BBM for a quick dinner. Check out her blog for the run through and commentary.

I went to a party for my mom who is FINALLY after 16 1/2 years of dating, getting married. It is very exciting, not only because I love her future husband but because now I have a better way to explain my 'nephews' if someone looks at me confused - instead of my mom's boyfriend's grandsons. They will be my nephews. Also, it will help with his daughter - we are always getting asked how we know each other, if we are related - and we have a long-winded explanation. I'm all for simplicity!

Anyway, I ate before the party (where there was a lot of fabulous food) and wasn't hungry. I had some water and then when everyone was raving about the 'red velvet cupcakes' (which were cutely arranged on a cup cake tree), I decided to try one. It really wasn't for me so I threw it away (the baker is a good baker, I'm just a simple girl...I think maybe there is coconut in it?).
Then I tried another chocolate cookie - again had a lot of coconut inside. I settled on Fudge. I had a couple of tiny pieces (they were cut up very tiny). They were delicious!

Now I am trying to decide if I should go to the gym now (pre-shower), go to work (pre-shower) and then go to the gym or shower, go to work and then go to the gym and have to take another shower.

The husband joined a gym and I have two free weeks to check it out. In fact it is the same gym that Amy goes to...so I'm excited to try out some classes.

I also have to do:

Food Shopping
Laundry
Clean up
Find shoes for the wedding

So, I'll make a decision pretty quickly.


Oh and I'm so proud of the husband - he is trying to eat healthy! His version of healthy and mine are not the same...but it's a start!

A lost Ipod, new mantra and shin splints

I still have shin splints (sorry Leanna). I went for a walk this morning. The husband sort of pushed me out of bed. Then we were out of milk so I had to run to the supermarket (not literally...I drove). Then I came home, had two eggs and some coffee.

Then I walked. As I was walking, I heard myself thinking of my old motivational self-talk, which for the record is highly negative and involves the word 'fatty'.

This negative self-talk is not helpful. I don't quite have a new mantra - but I have new phrases that I use such as: "I'm strong", "I'm fit", "I'm on the road to a healthy lifestyle", "I feel good", "These shin splints are slowly improving and will be better next week".

I'm trying to visualize where I want to be instead of being negative about where I am. I'm not in a negative spot, I'm just moving towards a more positive one!

Also, I can't find my ipod. This is a problem. I might need to go and get myself a shuffle for exercise purposes (I like how they clip on). We (as in the husband and I) are planning on getting iphones when our contract with verizon runs out...so I don't want to go and get a whole new ipod, and I think a shuffle will work just fine.

Anyway, I walked 4 out of 5 days this week!

So far so good

Thursdays are my toughest day. I have to be at a meeting early. I was exhausted and didn't get up to walk at 5 a.m.



At the meeting I ate fruit, and then had a banana. Then I had some coffee.



Then I was in court and stopped for lunch, at my new favorite place for lunch! Eatin' Healthy is a place in Quincy Center. It's actually healthy. I was a little skeptical (and I had been there before and the food is always good), that it was actually healthy. After I ordered I looked at the nutritional information (yes, after) for my sandwich - 7 grain bread, goat cheese, avocado, greens and some dressing. I think it was about 330 calories with 15 grams of fat (which is fine as it is really the first fat I had all day). It was delicious!!



I'm still tired from my new routine, but after work I got home, threw on sweats and sneakers and went out the door for a walk. Then I came home and ate steel cut oats and am thinking about the rest of the edamame salad because I am still hungry and I have half a serving left.



We'll see.

A day without exercise

I had a very busy day.



First, last night/evening I locked my keys in my office and as luck would have it no one was at work and no one was in the area! I got a ride home, and then the husband dropped me off with the extra key on his way to work.



I got back from this little adventure at 5:30. Ate breakfast (steel cut oats and maple syrup) had some more coffee. Then I sat on the couch 'for a minute' and woke up an hour later.



Then I got in the shower and started my day!

I then ran (actually drove) around like an energizer bunny all day. I was glad I brought my lunch and that I had spoons in my car! I was able to eat my edamame salad outside the Registry of Motor Vehicles and it was cold because I had packed it with a giant ice pack. It was in a plastic bag, and the ice pack was for a knee...but it worked. (Note to self: get some ice packs and a lunch sack.)

After work, I met some old co-workers at the Fat Black Cat in Quincy. It was great. I worked in a dysfunctional office but met some great people that I am lucky to know. I did pretty well too this is what I had:

• a glass of Malbec wine
• some nachos
• a piece of calamari
• a small piece of bread with black bean hummus
• a salad with shrimp and goat cheese (the 'shuttle salad'), it was awesome

and we all shared a dessert and I had some decaf.

I'm full! Overall, I'm pleased with myself. I'm also TOTALLY exhausted. TOTALLY. I have a 7 a.m. meeting tomorrow morning so I am going to get up at 5 to go for a walk (provided I fall asleep soon).

Lesson of the day - Hydrate!

I usually drink a lot of water. So much so that I'm not concerned about my level of hydration. However, this morning, I got up and was a little thirsty. I drank some water before my walk in World's End. Not enough.

On the way home I felt nauseous (and was thinking 'maybe I did not eat enough for my vitamins'). I got home and felt more nauseous. Called the husband to complain. He in his infinite wisdom said to drink plenty of water and something salty. His words were actually "make some eggs and just pour your usual amount of salt on them".

I knew what to do, but wasn't really thinking clearly. I can't think straight when I'm nauseous. Now I know - hydrate the day before!

Yesterday, I was in court most of the day so I didn't drink my usual water, and last night, I didn't drink any water.

Lesson learned!

Marketing and Shin Splints

I just lost my whole post. I just posted about my lovely walk in Bare Cove Park. I got terrible shin splints. I am glad that BBM came with me, because I might have turned around.

I have decided to attack fitness and losing weight with the same intensity that I attacked marketing my law practice and other things that I have set my mind to in my life. Generally, if I set my mind to something, I can get it done. This doesn't work for everything, but since my health, fitness and wellness are something I can control, I'm going to have at it!

A few goals for myself:

1. Stretch out my shins and calves when I get home from work.
2. Get flats or some other sort of slip on for days when I am in the office (and there are no clients).
3. Get up tomorrow at 5 a.m.
4. Track my food and exercise today.

Those are mini-goals and totally doable. It's all about baby-steps

The scale is not my friend

I'm fatter and heavier than I have ever been on my life. Don't worry, I'm NEVER going to post my weight, unless of course I lose it, and want to show off. (And. I am definitely NOT pregnant...and YES I am sure.)

I was at my mom's for Mother's Day. She has a scale. I stepped on it. It was higher than I have ever seen. I then took off my very cute jean jacket, it was lower, but still VERY high. I then had my husband get on it. He said it was correct.

So on the way home we were talking. I'm getting fatter and fatter. I've been dieting and gaining weight.

Husband: I don't think you have a thyroid problem or anything, but I think you have to exercise a lot if you are going to lose weight. Your metabolism is slowing down.

Me: I've been exercising more than ever.

Husband: You do not have the metabolism of your mom and sister. Sorry. (He said this very nicely.)

Me: I know. I never thought I did (getting a little snarky).

Husband: You've been walking for ages and it is probably just keeping you from ballooning out.

Me: I do not like to run.

Then we talked about options. For one, I have been getting up earlier so I could go to the gym and do some heavy duty cardio in the morning, but that is a pain. We also talked about getting an elliptical machine.

The thing is that I have been watching what I eat. I have been more active. I have gained. Nothing fits. I have even gained since starting the blog.

Golf Take Two

Golf is fun. Luckily today it was also exercise! The course wasn't crowded (we played late - 6 p.m. on a Saturday) so we could walk fast.

It was fun. Of course the husband and I were too tired to cook ... and I only had food I would eat if he was not home. Things like whole grain pasta, yogurt, artichokes, and the makings for a nice chickpea curry. Things that he will not eat.

We decided on Chinese. He got pork fried rice and chicken wings (he's quitting smoking so he can eat whatever he wants as long as it keeps him on a somewhat even keel). I had Vietnamese spring rolls with the yummy sauce. (Thanks Amy for turning me on to these they are very very yummy.) I also had tofu with broccoli and some sort of sauce that was very very spicy. Not as spicy as the Vietnamese Pad Thai. I asked for it not to be too spicy, but it was still spicy. Not SO spicy I could not eat it, but spicy enough that I didn't eat a lot of it!

I was moderately good the rest of the day (although I didn't really eat lunch, I just snacked on a kashi bar and some fruit) so I made myself a pb and j when I got home. The peanut butter was organic, the jelly was supposedly natural and the bread was very hearty and full of grains and seeds and sprouts. It did fill me up. I think part of the reason why I ate it (ok I know) is that I was a little nervous I would starve on the golf course. If that had been the case, I'm sure some nice boys would have at least offered me a beer!

Tomorrow is another day!

My mom is thin

First, let me say, I love Google Reader. I have found a lot of inspiring stories and great information on my mission to live a healthy life (and to make it a habit). I have come across fabulous websites, written by real women who have dealt with their issues, gotten healthy and then inspired others.

Anyway, I came across the ELASTICWAIST, a growing obsession about the weight of it all. The post I came across was about learning diet behavior from your mom.

As far as I know, my mom never dieted when I was growing up. She is tall and thin. I didn't get her genes in that regard - at a good fighting weight I'm practically petite (I may look like I have big bones from the excess fat, but no!). I have breasts. My mom is really sort of flat. She also has more energy then anyone I have ever met. Recently she's gained a few pounds (and by a few, I mean like 10). She has always encouraged me to eat healthy, and we never really had any junkfood in our house.

My mom does eat a good diet - and will occassionally want to lose weight. The thing about that is, that she realizes when she's started to gain, and does something about it RIGHT AWAY. Thus keeping her at a respectable weight.

I wish I had paid more attention to her eating habits when I was growing up.

By the way, my mom does encourage me to lose weight. She's like me to be thin. My grandmother also wanted me to be thin - and when I was sickly skinny due to ulcerative colitis, she was quite thrilled! (But my grandmother had weight issues all of her life - - and incidentally had breasts.)

Anyway, I don't think I can blame my mom for my food issues. I actually do no think there is anyone to blame (Grandma's heart was in the right place). I just need to get in gear and hopefully get to a place so that when I have a daughter - I'm not dieting, I'm just eating healthy and perhaps cutting back a little if I have gone overboard.

Eating out with a new non-smoker

The husband called me when he was on his way home from work. He wanted to go out to dinner. Then he got it in his head that he wanted Chili's. I really am not a huge fan of Chili's...and thought it would pose something of a healthy eating challenge.

I also knew that with the rain it was unlikely I would get my ten minutes of exercise in (and I really had no interest of walking in the rain).

I did okay. Not fantastic. Even after I tried on my jeans and they didn't really fit. I couldn't find my favorite jeans. All clothes are tight and I feel bloated.

This did not stop me from eating a couple (three) nachos. I also had a margarita. Sooner or later I will have to find out how many calories are in a margarita...but not today.

Choosing healthy food at Chili's is HARD! I ended up having the mushroom-swiss burger but with a black bean veggie burger. I had no idea it came with mayo - so I tried to scrape it off. I got broccoli instead of fries. So overall. Not terrible. Not great and I'm still feeling fat.

Golf!

Tonight the husband and I played 9 holes of golf. It was my first 'official' 9 holes with my new starter set of golf clubs. We played at a local Par 3. FYI - Par 3's are pretty short! I had only ever played at South Shore Country Club - and you do a lot of walking!

We walked. I don't understand the whole cart thing. I got some exercise - but not as much as I would have liked - but walking for two hours counts towards my ten minute a day goal.

I had a snack before I went. One of the Kashi bars. I was a little nervous that I would get hungry while playing. When we were waiting to Tee off in the middle - I thought to myself "I'm hungry." I wasn't really.

I always think I'm hungry.

We stopped at Whole Foods on the way home - we needed some rolls and I wanted a veggie burger instead of the hotdog or hamburger that the husband was offering. So he had baked beans and two cheeseburgers. I had a veggie burger on a roll. Then I had 5 chocolate cookies (50 calorie total) and 32 natural cheetos (that I bought when I was hungry).

Overall I think I stayed around 1800 calories today, and most of it was healthy!

So today is a small step forward.

Oh and I made steel cut oats (I ran out) for breakfast tomorrow! Yum!

Lunch and other non-disasters

I got called into court last minute (and had been planning on going to a brown bag lunch) and instantly thought "well I had better eat something before I go". It was 11:30. I was not hungry. I did not eat. I had to 'self-talk' myself into the fact that I did not need food at that moment.

I also was able to call my friend and ask her "What should I get at Panera?". I called her because I know that she probably goes there, at least on occasion becuase it is right near her office. I also knew that Panera was a place I could eat near court. Turns out, I got out of court at 1:15. I went to Hannafords, had a spring roll (rice paper, salad stuff and avocado) and sea weed salad. I also stopped to get coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

I bought some emergency kashi bar rations (two) just to have in my desk in case I have a moment where I am going somewhere and 'i might starve'. Not likely to happen.

Anyway, I am going to focus on increasing my water intake to what it should be, and counteracting every cup of caffeine with a cup of water!

Self - control and not eating.

I had a networking meeting this morning - early - at 7 a.m. Usually, I don't eat before the meeting, but today I did. I decided that I would have my waffles and stop for coffee so that I would be sure that I would have skim milk.

I then had some fruit at the meeting. I love fruit. Someone brought muffins and donut sticks. They looked delicious!!! I didn't have one. I wasn't hungry. Small victory, but a victory none the less!

If I hadn't had breakfast - it is very very likely that I would have had one or two.

Facing reality and finding balance

Here's the thing. I'm fat. Not super obese. But overweight. I have little bones. I used to be a comfortable size 4. I had a little 'blubber' but mostly I looked cute. (size 0 was too small)

I'm uncomfortable that I'm fat. But I am not unhappy with myself. This might be the first day that I realized - I do not like being fat, but it does not make me unhappy, a bad person or a bad anything. I'm still cute and fun and smart.

I had a bit of a realization when trying on clothes at one of my very favorite stores Lyn Evans for Potpourri Designs. The site is broken but hopefully it will be up soon. Anyway, I tried on a bunch of clothes and many of them were too small. It was eye opening to see that I am at the high end of 'regular sizes'.

So then, on my way home, I was chatting with my friend, who is really in a groove and succeeding at getting fit, Leanna, was walking. It was 9 p.m. I thought it was too late. She said "says who?" Good question. I went for a twenty minute walk/run around my neighborhood. Better than nothing.

I think I am revamping my goals and for now I am going to keep with the minute goals...but make sure that I do ten minutes of at least brisk walking every day.

I'm also going to measure and weigh myself so I can keep track of my stats.

Meat?

For some reason lately, I'm not into meat and animal products .

So I decided to search for some veggie blogs (and had some help from Leanna)

This is what I have found:

Eat, Live, Run
It is informative and interesting. I also admire anyone who runs.

Kath Eats Real Food
More great recipes, and I have to say, I love her philosphy. She cooks real food. I'm just not into dieting, but need to figure out a way to live healthy forever. I'm trying very hard to make health, stress managment, fitness and slenderness a lifestyle

I'm not sure if slenderness is a word - but I have little bones - and I'd like that to be obvious when I look in the mirror.

I really do like looking around for blogs. I'm so impressed by so many of them!

Stress, Hunger and Allergies

I'm feeling sort of bad that Spring is pissing me off. It is beautiful out, the flowers smell fantastic and my allergy medicine has not yet kicked in.

My friend Leanna swears by accupuncture for these sort of issues. One of these days I am going to go to accupuncture, I've even picked out a location, The Lane Center, it is convenient and highly recommended. For now I am waiting for the allergy drugs to kick in.

I haven't had allergies like this in years and years. I even hit up several clerks and probation officers for advil today in court, because I thought my head might explode (and this was indoors...very indoors...after zyrtec, some nose spray and a sudafed (the real kind)).

I digress. How does this relate to my state of eating? I tend to want to 'cure' headaches - and I have a few remedies: caffeine, water, food and advil. I also take whatever remedy is first available. Today, it was candy (small hard lemon ones) from the clerk. Then sudafed. Then advil. Then slowly I felt human again.

Then, the other thing is that I found myself stressing out a choice one of my clients has to make. I was taking on the client's stress. I realize this, and am working on it. I did not put myself in the situation that he did (and given the circumstances of the case, I can say with reasonable certainty, I never will).

So, I left court - after going from 8:45 to 1:15 with no food or drink. Needless to say I was hungry and exhausted. I met some people for lunch at a healthy eating place! I had a smoothie, and a brown rice wrap.

Then I found that I wanted some candy. I didn't have any. I did have a coke zero (still had a bit of a headache) and a a banana in the afternoon.

Then I went out and had margaritas and mexican with some other women defense attorneys. I stopped eating when I was full! Thanks Stacey for giving me some of the tools to be aware.

Oh and the cleaning lady asked me if I had lost weight (I haven't, but it was nice to hear).

Oh and the husband's efforts to quit smoking are going well. He is definitely going to gain weight. He is very very hungry. I don't care what he eats as long as he quits smoking - he's trying very hard and I am very proud of him! Now, for me to have some self control!

Ten minutes down, 170 to go

I walked for ten minutes around the block. It was the last thing I felt like doing. I could have gone around more but frankly it was 8 p.m. and I was ready for dinner.

My brown pants are not going to fit any better after that - but at least I went out for a little while.

My goal for tomorrow is to get up early and go for a walk...for any length of time...to help myself keep getting into a habit. Hopefully it will be fore 50 minutes or so.

Goals for the week

To make myself accountable:

• 180 minutes of cardio (includes walking)
• strength training twice
• write down or log what I eat so I can see what I am eating
• water, water, water

Mini-steps and revamping my GOALS

I have decided that although my leather pants from Florence circa 2001 are my ultimate goal, I need some mini-motivation. So my first mini-step is my brown suit pants, that fit but are snug and I would rather not wear them because my bottom would make J-Lo jealous.

I have not even tried on the leather pants (but I promise a picture soon).

My next goal after the brown suit pants, are my navy suit pants (which are only slightly tighter).

Then I'll have to think of something else.

For now, it's skirt suits and pantyhose to stuff it all in!

Letter to women at Parties

Recently, Leanna, my very prompt friend, of Beets, Butter and Mountaintops fame wrote a great post about women and networking events.

To read her letter click here. I was at that networking event where Pilates was on TV. I of course always believe myself to be starving, and/or on the verge of a last meal, so I may have thought some of the things the women said, but I ate anyway.

I always eat. You never know when the world is going to run out of food. Seriously, I have very little self control when it comes to food. I like it. It tastes good. I have to say, that I always think it is weird that so many people don't eat at social events. I always feel like a pig. (yes, Stacey, this is yet another judgement.) It doesn't stop me from eating. People may be thinking 'she really doesn't need that fourth mini-pizza thingy because her pants are going to bust open', yet I eat anyway.

I may think about what other people think, but then I generally do what I want...especially when it comes to food. Now I am trying to think about whether or not I am hungry, and whether or not what I am eating is healthy and filling.

It's a process. I'm learning. I could have eaten the entire bag of 100 calorie cookies...but I didn't.

Quitting smoking is not fun

At least that is what I figure. The husband is quitting smoking. I am very happy about this, he seems committed. I wish I could stick him on an island for a few days while he goes through the withdrawal.

Today is day 3 with no cigarette. I am happy that tomorrow is Monday. I feel bad for his coworkers. He's a teeny tiny bit cranky. I have left him playing the newest version of Grand Theft Auto. It is keeping him focused. Poor guy. I am actually very proud of him.

On another note, I'm not sure his taste buds will improve with this lack of nicotine thing...last night we were at Amy and Dave's and he had a cookie and found it to taste very strong, since I am generally a good wife, I dutifully finished his cookie.

Things I did this weekend that I am happy about:

• Got golf clubs
• Got some cute golf outfits
• Got some pink golf balls and tees
• Spent time with the husband looking at golf balls
• Hung out with Dave and Amy, always a fun time
• Found out that golf club boxes are an excellent play thing for kitties
• Went food shopping while STARVED...bought some things that weren't so good for me
• Got up early today...but slept in yesterday until 9.
• Tried wordpress.
• went to some open houses and thought about putting our condo on the market
• laundry
• spent time with the kitties

Things I did not do:

• Any significant work
• Set up a blog on wordpress although I tried and hopefully will make more of a breakthrough later on tonight
• walk
• run
• yoga
• weights
• pay all my bills
• go to T-ball (I do not play T-ball for the record, but my cute little nephew does)

Also, as of yet I have not made any lunches for the week. It was a rainy weekend and it was kind of nice not to do anything. It also showed me that I really need to get up and at 'em in the morning if I want to get exercising done....Sunday nights are a hard time to find motivation.

As I have been writing this Grand Theft Auto IV is playing. The graphics are unbelievable.

Adventures in eating....or eating out for all three meals in one day!

Thursdays are tough. I have a 7 a.m. meeting. The people that are supposed to bring snacks/breakfast did not show.

I find that annoying. Luckily, I was able to run out to my car and get an orange. I get very tense when no food is available and I might get hungry. I actually was hungry this morning so I found it even more stressful than normal.

I didn't have to be in court so I went out to breakfast with my buddy KBK. I had delicious oatmeal with fruit at Jimmy's. (I am rather impressed that Jimmy's has a website!)

I then went out to lunch with my office buddy (the same one that I brought food for because I made too much salad and pasta salad with olives and sun dried tomatoes is one of those foods that the husband will not eat). We went to Fuji's in Wollaston. Fuji's does not appear to have a website.

Then, after a rather intense afternoon (and for some reason I was totally exhausted), the husband and I set out to find dinner. I was unusually tired - as was he. I think maybe the pollen is getting to us.

He wanted something casual and Italian. I first suggested the Venetian in Weymouth, but then thought of Caffe Tosca...a delicious fun Italian place. Early McPrompt and I went there last week.

It will now be classified under places the husband will not eat. The pasta was not boring enough, too many ingredients. So we left.

Then we went to Saporitos, another Italian place in Hull. I had never been, but had heard good things. This time we actually sat down...it is a very cute little place. Again, too complicated. We left.

Finally we went to DiNero's, where the husband was able to have his Chicken Parmesan. I had little necks with linguine and a white wine sauce, which was actually very delicious.

For the record, the husband is actually a very good husband, and not normally so picky.

Last night - at the Kan Man Marketplace

I've been a little behind today in my blogging. Thursdays tend to be very long days. Last night I went to the Kan Man Marketplace with Early McPrompt and Amy. Check out their blogs for a photo recap of our adventures.

It was very fun and I tried Vietnamese food. Turns out that Vietnamese Pad Thai is very hot and spicy. I like hot and spicy, but this was too hot and spicy for my meat and potato roots.
(The husband says that my family doesn't eat colored food - just yellows and whites...which by the way is not actually true.)

So I got what Amy got. I forget what it is called, but it was yummy.

I also discovered that there are many, many, many different kinds of noodles. In fact, there was an entire aisle of noodles! I can't wait to try them out!

Oh, and I had ice cream last night, a cup of vanilla with some Brighams' chocolate sauce. I love Brighams. Strangely, when I was younger I really didn't like just plain vanilla ice cream - but it's grown on me and it is delicious!