So I know it's been a while. Life is crazy in the travel industry when several major cities are snowed in.
Anyway.... the results of my coworker challenge are in. I won!!! The prize ended up being $101.00, which is very nice. I'm happy that I've been able to stick to my diet AND see results. At the end of the challenge I'd lost 12.2 pounds! I had a bad no-time-for-exercise weekend and gained 1/2 a pound, but as of this morning I'm down 14 pounds! My clothes are already fitting better - my jeans that were snug when I bought them right after Christmas are loose-fitting right out of the dryer.
I'm very happy!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
self control
Someone I work with is really mean. Really really mean. The overnight shift had a pot luck last night, and they left their extra desserts out for the morning shift to enjoy. There is a tray of a dozen ooey gooey cinnimon rolls and half a dozen ooey gooey glazed doughnuts and a huge tray of cookies. And they're all on the counter three feet from my desk.
I dread January every year. You know - when all the calorie counters come out. January means that many of my coworkers go on their annual diet, and since misery loves company they come up with the grand idea to have a big "biggest loser" contest. I dread it. I mean, I know I need to lose weight, and I know that having dieting partners makes it easier. It just irks me when people that only need to lose 20-30 pounds constantly whine/complain/talk about how 'fat' they are. I could lose 20 pounds and people wouldn't notice. I need to lose over 100.
Last year I dutifully paid my $40 into the pool, and sent my weight to the team captain every Wednesday morning. At the time I was on a big project at work and was spending 2-4 days a week in Georgia. I think by the the end of the six-week contest I'd lost five pounds. By then pretty much everyone had tucked the calorie counters away and had gone back to drinking soda pop and indulging in chinese food and pizza.
Throughout December I heard talks about "Biggest Loser 2010." Not the one on TV. I noticed that I withdrew into myself more and more. I wouldn't give the ring leader a straight answer on if I'd participate. She put my name on the list anyway. The contest rules were distributed, and we were to start Tuesday, January 5th (the day Biggest Loser 2010 - the TV show started).
The guidelines are:
*drink at least 64 ounces of water per day
*excersize 30 minutes a day for 5 days out of 7
*set personal goal of your caloric intake and stick to it
*Do one thing every day to make extra effort:
*park farther away
*take the stairs
*walk when you could be sitting
*leave vending maching money at home
*no fast food
*plan in advance to eat
*no unncecessary munching
For each day the guidelines are not met we put $1 into a pool. At the end of the month whomever has done the best (meaning has paid the least into the pool) wins the money.
On January 4th I made a decision. This was doable. While I felt pressure to join in, I didn't feel the stress of last years' because it wasn't about percentage or number of pounds lost. So I decided that my personal goals would be to a) follow the contest guidelines and b) lose 30 pounds by the time I turn 30 on February 20th. On the 5th I dug out my 1/2 gallon water bottle and dusted off my scale. Later that week I spent my Christmas money on EA Active Sports for the Wii.
So far I'm doing great. I've been having protein shakes made with skim milk for breakfast, salads or pita sandwiches for lunch. And I've been drinking 80+ ounces of water a day. The first week I was getting into my routine. I didn't have enough water the first day and missed two days of exercising, so I had to put $3 in the pot. Week two I did much better, only having to put $1 in (my workout got interuppted one day and I didn't get finished).
The best part is I've lost 8 pounds! I'm getting stronger, too. I think I've lost more inches than pounds, which I attribute to muscle starting to build up. I've also realized my willpower and self control getting much better. When I do watch TV I get up on commercial breaks and do housework. I've cleaned the kitchen, kept up on my dishes and my parents' (I live in my parents' basement and share the kitchen). I've been feeling great.
So... On the counter three feet from my desk there is a tray of a dozen ooey gooey cinnimon rolls and half a dozen ooey gooey glazed doughnuts and a huge tray of cookies. And I'm not even tempted to have even a single bite.
I dread January every year. You know - when all the calorie counters come out. January means that many of my coworkers go on their annual diet, and since misery loves company they come up with the grand idea to have a big "biggest loser" contest. I dread it. I mean, I know I need to lose weight, and I know that having dieting partners makes it easier. It just irks me when people that only need to lose 20-30 pounds constantly whine/complain/talk about how 'fat' they are. I could lose 20 pounds and people wouldn't notice. I need to lose over 100.
Last year I dutifully paid my $40 into the pool, and sent my weight to the team captain every Wednesday morning. At the time I was on a big project at work and was spending 2-4 days a week in Georgia. I think by the the end of the six-week contest I'd lost five pounds. By then pretty much everyone had tucked the calorie counters away and had gone back to drinking soda pop and indulging in chinese food and pizza.
Throughout December I heard talks about "Biggest Loser 2010." Not the one on TV. I noticed that I withdrew into myself more and more. I wouldn't give the ring leader a straight answer on if I'd participate. She put my name on the list anyway. The contest rules were distributed, and we were to start Tuesday, January 5th (the day Biggest Loser 2010 - the TV show started).
The guidelines are:
*drink at least 64 ounces of water per day
*excersize 30 minutes a day for 5 days out of 7
*set personal goal of your caloric intake and stick to it
*Do one thing every day to make extra effort:
*park farther away
*take the stairs
*walk when you could be sitting
*leave vending maching money at home
*no fast food
*plan in advance to eat
*no unncecessary munching
For each day the guidelines are not met we put $1 into a pool. At the end of the month whomever has done the best (meaning has paid the least into the pool) wins the money.
On January 4th I made a decision. This was doable. While I felt pressure to join in, I didn't feel the stress of last years' because it wasn't about percentage or number of pounds lost. So I decided that my personal goals would be to a) follow the contest guidelines and b) lose 30 pounds by the time I turn 30 on February 20th. On the 5th I dug out my 1/2 gallon water bottle and dusted off my scale. Later that week I spent my Christmas money on EA Active Sports for the Wii.
So far I'm doing great. I've been having protein shakes made with skim milk for breakfast, salads or pita sandwiches for lunch. And I've been drinking 80+ ounces of water a day. The first week I was getting into my routine. I didn't have enough water the first day and missed two days of exercising, so I had to put $3 in the pot. Week two I did much better, only having to put $1 in (my workout got interuppted one day and I didn't get finished).
The best part is I've lost 8 pounds! I'm getting stronger, too. I think I've lost more inches than pounds, which I attribute to muscle starting to build up. I've also realized my willpower and self control getting much better. When I do watch TV I get up on commercial breaks and do housework. I've cleaned the kitchen, kept up on my dishes and my parents' (I live in my parents' basement and share the kitchen). I've been feeling great.
So... On the counter three feet from my desk there is a tray of a dozen ooey gooey cinnimon rolls and half a dozen ooey gooey glazed doughnuts and a huge tray of cookies. And I'm not even tempted to have even a single bite.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
happy anniversary
Today is my 11th anniversary at work. On this day in 1999 I entered my orientation and training class. I remember where I sat and the nervous flutters in my tummy as I met new people. Four hours later I headed home, the nervousness replaced with excitement. I knew I'd made the right decision. I had found my career.
The office I started in no longer exists. Well, the building is there, but we don't lease it anymore. It was a casualty of 9/11. I'd transfered to the Salt Lake office in May of 2000. Another big step taken after much deliberation and prayer.
Today has given me a chance to reflect. 2009 was a momentous year. A busy year. Four trips to Atlanta, one to Dallas, six to New York (had my first kiss on one of them), and two camping trips with my family. In March my brother got married, giving me a new sister-in-law, and in December we welcomed their honeymoon baby. I directed a community theater production, and was director's assistant/stage manager/props mistress for another. It was quite a year....
I am very blessed in my life. The older I get, the more I realize this. Next month I will turn 30. And I'm realizing the truth of the statement that time seems to go faster the older you get. And I'm not saying 30 is old. Although my 7-year-old nephew said the other day, "You're going to be 30? That's a long time to be alive." I guess it's all about perspective...
The office I started in no longer exists. Well, the building is there, but we don't lease it anymore. It was a casualty of 9/11. I'd transfered to the Salt Lake office in May of 2000. Another big step taken after much deliberation and prayer.
Today has given me a chance to reflect. 2009 was a momentous year. A busy year. Four trips to Atlanta, one to Dallas, six to New York (had my first kiss on one of them), and two camping trips with my family. In March my brother got married, giving me a new sister-in-law, and in December we welcomed their honeymoon baby. I directed a community theater production, and was director's assistant/stage manager/props mistress for another. It was quite a year....
I am very blessed in my life. The older I get, the more I realize this. Next month I will turn 30. And I'm realizing the truth of the statement that time seems to go faster the older you get. And I'm not saying 30 is old. Although my 7-year-old nephew said the other day, "You're going to be 30? That's a long time to be alive." I guess it's all about perspective...
learning to say 'no'
I've been heavily involved in community theater since 1994. As I approach my 30th birthday I realize that this hobby has lasted over half of my life. Since '94 I've done at least one production a year (the annual Christmas show), but most years have done at least two or three. One year I did nine... (I think I aged 10 years that year.)
In addition to the established theater in my area I've also been working with a smaller, city-(somewhat)-sponsored group. The city group performs on an outdoor stage in the city park. Every night we have to set up the rented sound and light equipment, often in near 100 degree heat. Then after the performance we take it all down and pack it away, hopefully before the sprinklers come on. It's stressful. It has been a rewarding experience, and I don't regret participating. I've made and strengthened friendships, realized who some of my true friends are (and sadly, who are not), and learned a lot about myself.
In 2007 and 2008 I was the Assistant Director and Stage Manager, and then last year had the opportunity to direct. It was my first time directing, and it was an educational experience (to say the least). I'd planned on doing it again this year. However, every time I think about it, I get the gut feeling that I should take the year off. Experience has taught me to trust gut feelings. A few people from last year had asked me what my plans were, and I had shared with a couple that I was considering taking a break.
I've always had a hard time saying no, though. I kept putting off calling the city's recreation director. But then she emailed me the other day. And I'm happy to report that I was strong. Well, mostly. I told her that I'd help with the backdrop, which I built (and rebuilt, but that's another story). And that the sound mixer board that I ended up buying last year was available to rent.
So it looks like I'll actually get to go camping with my family this year. And I'll have more open time to be able to go see my FireGuy in NYC. And maybe I'll actually get rid of some of the clutter in my living space. Hopefully, anyway
In addition to the established theater in my area I've also been working with a smaller, city-(somewhat)-sponsored group. The city group performs on an outdoor stage in the city park. Every night we have to set up the rented sound and light equipment, often in near 100 degree heat. Then after the performance we take it all down and pack it away, hopefully before the sprinklers come on. It's stressful. It has been a rewarding experience, and I don't regret participating. I've made and strengthened friendships, realized who some of my true friends are (and sadly, who are not), and learned a lot about myself.
In 2007 and 2008 I was the Assistant Director and Stage Manager, and then last year had the opportunity to direct. It was my first time directing, and it was an educational experience (to say the least). I'd planned on doing it again this year. However, every time I think about it, I get the gut feeling that I should take the year off. Experience has taught me to trust gut feelings. A few people from last year had asked me what my plans were, and I had shared with a couple that I was considering taking a break.
I've always had a hard time saying no, though. I kept putting off calling the city's recreation director. But then she emailed me the other day. And I'm happy to report that I was strong. Well, mostly. I told her that I'd help with the backdrop, which I built (and rebuilt, but that's another story). And that the sound mixer board that I ended up buying last year was available to rent.
So it looks like I'll actually get to go camping with my family this year. And I'll have more open time to be able to go see my FireGuy in NYC. And maybe I'll actually get rid of some of the clutter in my living space. Hopefully, anyway
Saturday, January 16, 2010
auntie blogs
I've been following blogs for quite a while now. I enjoy "mommy blogs" a lot, even though I'm single and have no children. I do, however, have four adorable nephews and one darling niece. They light up my life. Is there such thing as an auntie blog?
I love being an aunt. My oldest nephew is seven, though it seems like not that long ago I was holding him at the hospital a few hours after he was born. His little sister is four, and is the princess of the family. She's my parents' only granddaughter, a fact she takes advantage of frequently.
My younger sister also has two kids, boys 18 months apart. Her oldest is almost four, and is already reading on a 2nd grade level. He amazing me. Her youngest is a firecracker. A mischievous firecracker.... I found out yesterday that my little sis is pregnant again. I hope and pray all goes well. She's had three miscarriages - one before her boys and two since mr. firecracker was born.
And in an odd turn of events, my baby brother is now a daddy. It's still difficult to wrap my head around that one. His son is a month old, and is the cutest little bundle of joy.
Growing up I always figured I'd have kids of my own. As I approach my 30th birthday and dealing with PCOS I've had to think about how I'd feel if I'm not able to have my own. Life has thrown me curve balls I at times haven't been prepared for. I don't know what the future holds, but for now I'm happy with being a part of my ever-growing family.
Besides, as an aunt I can spoil the kids and then send them home to their parents. :)
I love being an aunt. My oldest nephew is seven, though it seems like not that long ago I was holding him at the hospital a few hours after he was born. His little sister is four, and is the princess of the family. She's my parents' only granddaughter, a fact she takes advantage of frequently.
My younger sister also has two kids, boys 18 months apart. Her oldest is almost four, and is already reading on a 2nd grade level. He amazing me. Her youngest is a firecracker. A mischievous firecracker.... I found out yesterday that my little sis is pregnant again. I hope and pray all goes well. She's had three miscarriages - one before her boys and two since mr. firecracker was born.
And in an odd turn of events, my baby brother is now a daddy. It's still difficult to wrap my head around that one. His son is a month old, and is the cutest little bundle of joy.
Growing up I always figured I'd have kids of my own. As I approach my 30th birthday and dealing with PCOS I've had to think about how I'd feel if I'm not able to have my own. Life has thrown me curve balls I at times haven't been prepared for. I don't know what the future holds, but for now I'm happy with being a part of my ever-growing family.
Besides, as an aunt I can spoil the kids and then send them home to their parents. :)
got lemons?
Why lemonade?
I used to work the overnight shift. Ten PM to six AM. It got brutal towards the end of the seven years I ran my life upside down. One night I was talking with some co-workers about "projects" I was involved in at the time - helping my sister with her new baby, my other sister with her photography business, my ailing neighbor, the local community theater, teaching junior Sunday school, and I'm sure a few others. Greg, the newbie on the team, interjected with what I took as a very touching compliment. He said, "I can tell that there is never a shortage of lemonade in your neighborhood. You know, because you always help everyone take care of their lemons."
I'm by far not a perfect person - I am overemotional at times, I trust too easily, let myself get taken advantage of, can be lazy, have lots of pet peeves, and can't kick the clutter habit. But I strive to be compasionate, understanding, and empathetic, and do what I can to make life easier for other people. It meant a lot to me that Greg noticed that. After reading blogs for a while, I've noticed that I write blog entries in my head and decided this morning I should jump into the blogging world as an active participant instead of an observer. So here goes....
I used to work the overnight shift. Ten PM to six AM. It got brutal towards the end of the seven years I ran my life upside down. One night I was talking with some co-workers about "projects" I was involved in at the time - helping my sister with her new baby, my other sister with her photography business, my ailing neighbor, the local community theater, teaching junior Sunday school, and I'm sure a few others. Greg, the newbie on the team, interjected with what I took as a very touching compliment. He said, "I can tell that there is never a shortage of lemonade in your neighborhood. You know, because you always help everyone take care of their lemons."
I'm by far not a perfect person - I am overemotional at times, I trust too easily, let myself get taken advantage of, can be lazy, have lots of pet peeves, and can't kick the clutter habit. But I strive to be compasionate, understanding, and empathetic, and do what I can to make life easier for other people. It meant a lot to me that Greg noticed that. After reading blogs for a while, I've noticed that I write blog entries in my head and decided this morning I should jump into the blogging world as an active participant instead of an observer. So here goes....
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