Weight Loss for This Week: .5lbs
Liz and I had so much fun in Hot Springs :) We went on a Duck Tour, sweated way too much and tried the Quapaw Baths. The Duck Tour was pretty funny and our guide was pretty funny. We sat up front in the "hot seats" and became known as "California" and "Camera Girl." Anyone who knows me in the least, knows that "Camera Girl" was easily earned and well-deserved, lol.
My birthday was very nice- it started with some time in the Baths. We were so relaxed, it was the perfect way to start the day. Then, we came back to Memphis and had dinner with the family at Cheffie's- their salads are beyond delicious, just sayin'. And later in the night, while we were continuing our weekend-long gabfest, Liz showed me how to add pictures to my blog and how to personalize it. Thanks again, Lizzy!!!
After Liz left, I spent the next day resting because I have to admit I was tired. I had a blast seeing her and catching up and all. And then, I needed some time to rest and recuperate before getting back to the major task at hand- prepping for the school year. I'm almost done with my first unit plans for each class which is nice. Next, I will work on expectation sheets, syllabi, proficiency tests, handouts, etc. Plenty to do and all, but I am confident I can handle it. Especially since the people at my new school have been incredibly helpful.
I exercised a normal amount this week and added leg exercises. I even did a 5.1 mile walk yesterday (my legs are still a bit sore today). Where I did not do well this week was my eating. I stayed within my point limits most days but I was not eating as healthy as I normally do. I did not make sure to have ruffage each day and was not drinking as much water as I normally do. Also, I went out a few times and splurged each and every time. Quite frankly, I'm lucky I didn't gain.
I know these weeks will happen because I'm human and I'm going to have times where I don't always do as well as I know I should. But, like my mom says, the great thing about Weight Watchers is that you start fresh each week. So, last week may not have been great but it will not define this week and will not define my long-term goal of changing my lifestyle and habits.
Now, time to go see Beasts of the Southern Wild!!!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
July 22- I Miss You More Than That Movie Missed the Point and That's an Awful Lot, Girl
Weight Loss for the Week: 1.5lbs
This was my first week off of work in a long time, well where I wasn't going on vacation or having surgery or something. I was able to exercise almost everyday and that was awesome :) I also got to start planning my units for the upcoming school year. That has been a bit intense and challenging and I am loving every minute of it, I honestly cannot wait for the year to start so I can meet all my students and get the lessons underway. I know I'm a dork and I am proud to be one.
Also, my other big, fun thing for the week was getting my house ready for a visit from a good friend from college. We hadn't seen each other in over three years- crazy, I know. She came in Friday night and we've been having fun catching up, etc. ever since. We've gone to a few fun places in Memphis like the Dixon and the Pink Palace and took so many pictures, lol. Then, we got manis and pedis- LOVE getting pampered :)
Finally, last night, we went to my birthday celebration with other friends- that's right, I'm about to be 26, sounds too old considering how I sometimes slip up say I'm 23- once you pass 21, it's all just a blur until 30 comes into view. A friend of mine let us use her pool and we had a WW-friendly party- turkey burgers, veggies with hummus, chips and salsa and cheese dip and then a low-fat frozen yogurt pie fresh from the WW website made by yours truly. It was all so good and it was nice getting to swim around in the pool and lounge outside. We just had so much fun talking and laughing, it was exactly what I wanted and needed.
Now, my good friend and I are off to Hot Springs for the night!
This was my first week off of work in a long time, well where I wasn't going on vacation or having surgery or something. I was able to exercise almost everyday and that was awesome :) I also got to start planning my units for the upcoming school year. That has been a bit intense and challenging and I am loving every minute of it, I honestly cannot wait for the year to start so I can meet all my students and get the lessons underway. I know I'm a dork and I am proud to be one.
Also, my other big, fun thing for the week was getting my house ready for a visit from a good friend from college. We hadn't seen each other in over three years- crazy, I know. She came in Friday night and we've been having fun catching up, etc. ever since. We've gone to a few fun places in Memphis like the Dixon and the Pink Palace and took so many pictures, lol. Then, we got manis and pedis- LOVE getting pampered :)
Finally, last night, we went to my birthday celebration with other friends- that's right, I'm about to be 26, sounds too old considering how I sometimes slip up say I'm 23- once you pass 21, it's all just a blur until 30 comes into view. A friend of mine let us use her pool and we had a WW-friendly party- turkey burgers, veggies with hummus, chips and salsa and cheese dip and then a low-fat frozen yogurt pie fresh from the WW website made by yours truly. It was all so good and it was nice getting to swim around in the pool and lounge outside. We just had so much fun talking and laughing, it was exactly what I wanted and needed.
Now, my good friend and I are off to Hot Springs for the night!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
July 15- I Don't Know If I'll Make It, But Watch How Good I'll Fake It
Weight Loss for the Week: 1lb
This was an interesting week. It was my last week at my old school. I was excited, nervous, happy, sad, relaxed and anxious on a rather non-stop loop most of the week. A few coworkers joked that they hoped the week would feel never-ending to me. I have to admit, I hoped for the same thing. It's always hard to say good-bye. I know it's not like I'll never see them again, but it won't be the same. And even though I'm excited to meet new people, make new friends and start working at my new school, I know I'll miss working with so many wonderful people.
On my last day, we had a potluck with so much delicious food- definitely had to watch my portions on those. I did end up splurging some but was so full by the end that I wasn't hungry for dinner, so that helped even it out a little. Before the potluck, I had been pretty good about pre-planning my meals and watching what I was eating and getting some exercise in. So that splurge and the splurge last night at my "Peacing Out" party didn't end up costing me my week.
A few gals from my old school and I went out for a celebratory dinner and drinks and just had a blast! The restaurant was noisy and crowded and so full of life that we practically had to scream to be able to talk, but I enjoyed that. I did get a salad, act surprised. But I also treated myself to some chips, dips and sangria- very yummy though a bit high in points. Fortunately, I had saved most of my weekly points in anticipation of this night. I am all about the planning and knowing about any major event where I need to juggle my points a bit more than usual.
Now, I have a few weeks until I start teaching at my new school. So, I will be planning lessons and units, sleeping in until 7 or 8- such a luxury, and really focusing on my Weight Watchers by adding in more day-to-day activities and getting a better handle on things like snacking, etc. so that when school starts I'll be forming even better habits :)
This was an interesting week. It was my last week at my old school. I was excited, nervous, happy, sad, relaxed and anxious on a rather non-stop loop most of the week. A few coworkers joked that they hoped the week would feel never-ending to me. I have to admit, I hoped for the same thing. It's always hard to say good-bye. I know it's not like I'll never see them again, but it won't be the same. And even though I'm excited to meet new people, make new friends and start working at my new school, I know I'll miss working with so many wonderful people.
On my last day, we had a potluck with so much delicious food- definitely had to watch my portions on those. I did end up splurging some but was so full by the end that I wasn't hungry for dinner, so that helped even it out a little. Before the potluck, I had been pretty good about pre-planning my meals and watching what I was eating and getting some exercise in. So that splurge and the splurge last night at my "Peacing Out" party didn't end up costing me my week.
A few gals from my old school and I went out for a celebratory dinner and drinks and just had a blast! The restaurant was noisy and crowded and so full of life that we practically had to scream to be able to talk, but I enjoyed that. I did get a salad, act surprised. But I also treated myself to some chips, dips and sangria- very yummy though a bit high in points. Fortunately, I had saved most of my weekly points in anticipation of this night. I am all about the planning and knowing about any major event where I need to juggle my points a bit more than usual.
Now, I have a few weeks until I start teaching at my new school. So, I will be planning lessons and units, sleeping in until 7 or 8- such a luxury, and really focusing on my Weight Watchers by adding in more day-to-day activities and getting a better handle on things like snacking, etc. so that when school starts I'll be forming even better habits :)
Sunday, July 8, 2012
July 8- They Drank Up the Wine and They Got to Talking, They Now Had More Important Things to Say
Weight Loss for the Week: 1lb
So this year is just flying by and we're practically to the middle of July. I swear, I blink and the month changes without any notice.
This was a fun week for the most part. I definitely went out more than I should have, but I had a good time and worked on planning ahead with points to attempt to not go over and stay on track.
This week started off with a few movie nights and a work party that was an absolute hoot! I tried to eat more of the fruit at the party as opposed to the cookies, but the yummy mixed drinks were impossible to resist. It was nice getting to have one more of those socials before I leave. I know I'll be invited to them when I go, but I also know it will be different when I go and am suddenly out of the loop on what's happening around the school, who the new staff is, etc. It's what happens when we move on to new things or places. It's how I feel when I visit friends I haven't seen in a long time or go to see family I only seem to see once a year. You know the relationship is still good and you're still welcome and wanted, but you can't help feeling like a stranger in a strange land at times.
Anywho, my mom and I planned ahead for the Fourth of July to be able to indulge a little without totally going off course and blowing the whole week. We put kale in our burgers and turkey burgers, used healthier ingredients and more vegetables in our side dishes and worked on our portion control. I won't lie, I totally splurged on some chips and ranch dip and then some homemade ice cream with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. And it was delicious. I also had walked and worked out in the morning to help up my metabolism.
The rest of the week was nice. I went to a friend's mother's party benefiting a local organization here in Memphis called Project Green Fork. I had a good time mingling and socializing and getting my nails done, hehe. I think I ate almost all the bell peppers there, but what can I say- they're so tasty! Then, when the party was done, we took a dip in the pool which was the perfect way to cool down and end the night.
Oh, I did have one funny, random happening this week. I had my recurring Weight Watchers nightmare again. I did not know it was possible to have a Weight Watchers nightmare until it happened. In the dream, I was out having lunch or dinner at a restaurant- I'm almost positive it was Piccadilly's- and I had gotten some grilled chicken with a side salad and some fresh fruit. I was drinking a water with lemon. During the course of my meal, I took a bite that didn't seem right. I looked down and to my horror found out that somehow my meal had changed and I was now eating fatty, greasy meat- I couldn't tell if it was pulled pork or some sort of brisket- loaded mashed potatoes and a huge piece of cake. And I was drinking a Coke, not even a Coke Zero, an actual Coke. I woke up freaking out about all the points I had just used and wondering how in the world the food had changed. Then, I realized I was in bed. It wasn't real; it was a nightmare. Thank goodness.
On to the next week's adventure which I think will include using a few of my gift cards to get some new work out clothes :)
So this year is just flying by and we're practically to the middle of July. I swear, I blink and the month changes without any notice.
This was a fun week for the most part. I definitely went out more than I should have, but I had a good time and worked on planning ahead with points to attempt to not go over and stay on track.
This week started off with a few movie nights and a work party that was an absolute hoot! I tried to eat more of the fruit at the party as opposed to the cookies, but the yummy mixed drinks were impossible to resist. It was nice getting to have one more of those socials before I leave. I know I'll be invited to them when I go, but I also know it will be different when I go and am suddenly out of the loop on what's happening around the school, who the new staff is, etc. It's what happens when we move on to new things or places. It's how I feel when I visit friends I haven't seen in a long time or go to see family I only seem to see once a year. You know the relationship is still good and you're still welcome and wanted, but you can't help feeling like a stranger in a strange land at times.
Anywho, my mom and I planned ahead for the Fourth of July to be able to indulge a little without totally going off course and blowing the whole week. We put kale in our burgers and turkey burgers, used healthier ingredients and more vegetables in our side dishes and worked on our portion control. I won't lie, I totally splurged on some chips and ranch dip and then some homemade ice cream with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. And it was delicious. I also had walked and worked out in the morning to help up my metabolism.
The rest of the week was nice. I went to a friend's mother's party benefiting a local organization here in Memphis called Project Green Fork. I had a good time mingling and socializing and getting my nails done, hehe. I think I ate almost all the bell peppers there, but what can I say- they're so tasty! Then, when the party was done, we took a dip in the pool which was the perfect way to cool down and end the night.
Oh, I did have one funny, random happening this week. I had my recurring Weight Watchers nightmare again. I did not know it was possible to have a Weight Watchers nightmare until it happened. In the dream, I was out having lunch or dinner at a restaurant- I'm almost positive it was Piccadilly's- and I had gotten some grilled chicken with a side salad and some fresh fruit. I was drinking a water with lemon. During the course of my meal, I took a bite that didn't seem right. I looked down and to my horror found out that somehow my meal had changed and I was now eating fatty, greasy meat- I couldn't tell if it was pulled pork or some sort of brisket- loaded mashed potatoes and a huge piece of cake. And I was drinking a Coke, not even a Coke Zero, an actual Coke. I woke up freaking out about all the points I had just used and wondering how in the world the food had changed. Then, I realized I was in bed. It wasn't real; it was a nightmare. Thank goodness.
On to the next week's adventure which I think will include using a few of my gift cards to get some new work out clothes :)
Sunday, July 1, 2012
July 1, 2012- I'm Young and I Love to be Young; I'm Free and I Love to be Free- To Live My Life the Way that I Want; To Say and Do Whatever I Please
Weight Loss for the Week: 2lbs
Well, June was certainly one hell of a month. My ex broke up with and that still totally sucks. But, I just got a new job and since it's a real start to my career that totally rocks.
I won't pretend that I'm over the break up just because of the awesome news. I still cried myself to sleep a few nights this week. But I'm more able to focus on the issues and the problems than I have been the previous few weeks which is hopefully helping. I know it will be awhile before I'm totally over it and able to move on. Not a problem he's having I assume. That's one part of this that's so infuriating. I always kind of assume the person who does the breaking up has it easier than the one who gets broken up with. Almost everyone has asked if he's tried to contact me. Nope, not even once. And that question makes me feel even worse. Like, that's how little he cared, how little the relationship really meant to him. But that realization helps me realize that I need to move on and helps me focus on the issues, etc. So, whatever. Blech.
Ok, on to the exciting news :) I had an interview a few weeks ago at a Catholic high school in the city. It went really well- the principal actually knew my parents and I went to school with the English administrator, a few years below him but still. It went really well, but we did touch on my one disadvantage, lack of experience. The Catch 22 I've been trying to figure a way out of for a few years now. Couldn't get hired because I didn't have experience. Couldn't get experience because I wasn't getting hired. A problem many people I know are experiencing right now. And it sucks.
So, I took tips from my parents and my director as to how to attempt to get a job and network with that disadvantage looming in the background. And basically it was be as persistent as all get out. I went in and dropped off resumes. I called and checked in until getting a hold of the principals and they would tell me if they had openings or not. The persistence paid off. This principal had initially told me they had no openings and then a few days later when one came up, he called me due to my obvious interest and asked me to come in for the interview.
After the interview, I will be honest and admit that I started wondering if it had gone as well as I thought it did- I mean it went on for a little over an hour. But, he had said they would make their decision two days later. And those two days came and went. I began to think of questions I should have asked to make it clear how interested I was. Or that I should have answered some of their questions in better detail. And I obsessed until a few people told me to calm the hell down. That I done all I could and it was out of my hands and that whatever was meant to happen would. I attempted to do so. It semi-worked.
After almost a week had gone by, I was pretty certain I didn't get the job and got upset. I started to think of what to do instead and what I could do that would allow me more opportunities to network, etc. I had just decided that I was going to see about subbing and tutoring when I saw I had missed a call from the principal.
He was offering me the job! I was so stoked and still am :) I got basic details from him and then went in the next day to get my contract, insurance information, texts for my classes, etc. I got to see my classrooms- one for my two middle school classes and one for my four high school classes. More exciting than I can explain. I'm already looking over the materials and starting initial plans for units, lessons, etc. I'm geeking out and loving every minute of it.
I will miss my current job to be sure. My kids are so young and adorable and give the best hugs. My coworkers are pretty awesome and have definitely been very supportive of me during various hard times and I appreciate it all more than they can know. But it's time for a change and a new challenge.
And yes, there were a few celebratory meals and drinks. My first one was my favorite salad- which just goes to show how my lifestyle is changing. My old celebratory meal, my just for me one anyways, was Chili's Skillet Queso- 45 whole points, yikes. Instead, I had salads at almost all of them. I did attempt some fried food at one. That didn't end well. Guess I need to let fried foods just go and I'm pretty okay with that. Still tracked everything and stayed close to my daily targets all but two days.
My activity could have been better this week than it was, but oh well. Always room for improvement and I'm always working on it. I've been having to try to do more inside now that it's been over 100 everyday. That heat's a real killer unless I can go out at the literal break of dawn which can only happen on weekends.
Now, to see what the next few months and school year will bring :D!
Well, June was certainly one hell of a month. My ex broke up with and that still totally sucks. But, I just got a new job and since it's a real start to my career that totally rocks.
I won't pretend that I'm over the break up just because of the awesome news. I still cried myself to sleep a few nights this week. But I'm more able to focus on the issues and the problems than I have been the previous few weeks which is hopefully helping. I know it will be awhile before I'm totally over it and able to move on. Not a problem he's having I assume. That's one part of this that's so infuriating. I always kind of assume the person who does the breaking up has it easier than the one who gets broken up with. Almost everyone has asked if he's tried to contact me. Nope, not even once. And that question makes me feel even worse. Like, that's how little he cared, how little the relationship really meant to him. But that realization helps me realize that I need to move on and helps me focus on the issues, etc. So, whatever. Blech.
Ok, on to the exciting news :) I had an interview a few weeks ago at a Catholic high school in the city. It went really well- the principal actually knew my parents and I went to school with the English administrator, a few years below him but still. It went really well, but we did touch on my one disadvantage, lack of experience. The Catch 22 I've been trying to figure a way out of for a few years now. Couldn't get hired because I didn't have experience. Couldn't get experience because I wasn't getting hired. A problem many people I know are experiencing right now. And it sucks.
So, I took tips from my parents and my director as to how to attempt to get a job and network with that disadvantage looming in the background. And basically it was be as persistent as all get out. I went in and dropped off resumes. I called and checked in until getting a hold of the principals and they would tell me if they had openings or not. The persistence paid off. This principal had initially told me they had no openings and then a few days later when one came up, he called me due to my obvious interest and asked me to come in for the interview.
After the interview, I will be honest and admit that I started wondering if it had gone as well as I thought it did- I mean it went on for a little over an hour. But, he had said they would make their decision two days later. And those two days came and went. I began to think of questions I should have asked to make it clear how interested I was. Or that I should have answered some of their questions in better detail. And I obsessed until a few people told me to calm the hell down. That I done all I could and it was out of my hands and that whatever was meant to happen would. I attempted to do so. It semi-worked.
After almost a week had gone by, I was pretty certain I didn't get the job and got upset. I started to think of what to do instead and what I could do that would allow me more opportunities to network, etc. I had just decided that I was going to see about subbing and tutoring when I saw I had missed a call from the principal.
He was offering me the job! I was so stoked and still am :) I got basic details from him and then went in the next day to get my contract, insurance information, texts for my classes, etc. I got to see my classrooms- one for my two middle school classes and one for my four high school classes. More exciting than I can explain. I'm already looking over the materials and starting initial plans for units, lessons, etc. I'm geeking out and loving every minute of it.
I will miss my current job to be sure. My kids are so young and adorable and give the best hugs. My coworkers are pretty awesome and have definitely been very supportive of me during various hard times and I appreciate it all more than they can know. But it's time for a change and a new challenge.
And yes, there were a few celebratory meals and drinks. My first one was my favorite salad- which just goes to show how my lifestyle is changing. My old celebratory meal, my just for me one anyways, was Chili's Skillet Queso- 45 whole points, yikes. Instead, I had salads at almost all of them. I did attempt some fried food at one. That didn't end well. Guess I need to let fried foods just go and I'm pretty okay with that. Still tracked everything and stayed close to my daily targets all but two days.
My activity could have been better this week than it was, but oh well. Always room for improvement and I'm always working on it. I've been having to try to do more inside now that it's been over 100 everyday. That heat's a real killer unless I can go out at the literal break of dawn which can only happen on weekends.
Now, to see what the next few months and school year will bring :D!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)