Good Morning Monday!

Sweaters and Scales

Today was a good day because I was feeling better.  Thursday all day I had an upset stomach, which turned into a cold Thursday night.  Ugh.  Drugged myself up Friday morning and stayed home from work to rest. This morning was much better, although the cold has moved from my nose into my throat - all scratchy.  Was able to make my regular Saturday routine to see my Michael at his new rehab digs, which was lovely as always.

My $2.99 sweater

One stop I made last week was at the local Three Rivers Mall, a basic ghost town.  However, I made three clearance scores - a pair of cream pants at JC Penney for $1.97 along with a tan sweater and coral shrug, each for $2.99 each at the Macy's clearance store (bargain tip - all sweaters at the clearance store are $2.99!)  On my way home today from Portland, I made a pit stop at the 78th street Goodwill, where I grabbed a black and white striped blazer along with a top emblazoned with "Shopping is My Cardio!"  Too me to pass it up!!

Speaking of cardio, was bummed I had to miss my training session on Thursday, which I moved to Friday but, due to the cold bug, had to cancel.  Going to make up for it with some elliptical work tomorrow morning then back to weight training on Monday.  Really enjoying going to the gym; my clothes are fitting better but it's been discouraging that I haven't lost weight for two weeks.  Received some advice today to put the scale away; right now I weigh myself every day but perhaps that is putting too much pressure on myself.  Now that I'm strength training, my fat is turning muscle so the scale may be misleading.  So into the closet the scale will go, to be taken out perhaps once a month or ever two weeks.

While searching for an appropriate scale picture, I ran across the following from a fitness blog, it makes sense, and its what I needed to hear:

So this week, I wanted to briefly talk about the SCALE!! Yes, the dreaded little machine on your bathroom floor that lets us down more than anything… GET RID OF IT!  Seriously!! Ok, maybe just put it away…but most importantly, do not ever let it define you!!! As you start working out and lifting weights, you begin to gain muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so chances are, you are going to either stay the same, or even gain a little weight the first few weeks of training! Don’t freak out!! It happens to pretty much every one! You will eventually lose the weight if you stay consistent in your diet and training and your body fat starts to drop. But the important thing is, to to pay attention to how you look and feel, how your clothes are fitting and stuff like that!! Stepping on the scale does nothing for me but mess with my head! (from Heather Cavin blog)

 Here are my Pinterest inspirations for my recent clothes purchases.....I'm so into saving Pinterest fashion and makeup pictures!!!!

Inspiration for my $1.97 pants and $2.99 sweater

Inspiration for my GW striped blazer

TGIF and Color Run

I recently learned of an upcoming Color Run in Vancouver on August 16.  Hmmm...5K, not too long, plus tons of fun tossing colored corn starch at each other - sounds like a good time!  Who better to join me than someone who loves fun and exercise - sister Julie!  We are signing up and will be in the 5K on the 16th; can't promise I'll run all the way but at least it will be fun!!!

Sing It Diana!!!

Whenever this song plays during my workout, it really inspires me! Kind of like my own personal anthem!!  I bolded the sections that speak to me, especially during this time when I'm working on getting myself into shape.

"I'm Coming Out"

I'm coming out
I'm coming
I'm coming out
I'm coming out
I'm coming out

I'm coming out
I want the world to know
Got to let it show
I'm coming out
I want the world to know
I got to let it show

There's a new me coming out
And I just had to live
And I wanna give
I'm completely positive
I think this time around
I am gonna do it
Like you never knew it
Ooh, I'll make it through

The time has come for me
To break out of this shell
I have to shout
That I am coming out
I'm coming out
I want the world to know
I got to let it show
I'm coming
I'm (coming out) coming
(I want the world to know)
(I got to let it show)

I've got to show the world
All that I wanna be
And all my abillities
There's so much more to me
Somehow, I have to make them
Just understand
I got it well in hand
And, oh, how I've planned
I'm spreadin' love
There is no need to fear
And I just feel so good
Everytime I hear

I'm coming out
Coming
(I want the world to know)
(I got to let it show)
I'm coming out
I want the world to know
I got to let it show

[Instrumental Interlude]

I'm coming out
I want the world to know
Got to let it show.... scat to end

Minty Fresh!

While at Goodwill the other day, I picked up a lightweight mint scarf, which of course led me to Pinterest to view ways to wear it.  Found tons of ideas along with mint eyeshadow to match!!  

Monday Again

Another short weekend gone and it's Monday once more.  On the one hand, this weekend was excellent because I saw my Michael on Saturday then decided to surprise him with another visit on Sunday.  On the other hand, no exercise and way too much evening eating occurred.  Ugh!  I'm not sure what to attribute my evening binging to - not eating enough during the day, stress, emotions, or just plain boredom.  Probably a combination of all three.  This diva needs to reel in this excess evening eating before it overtakes me.  I've got another free training session tonight at 6:30 so that will occupy my time.

Here's to a great week!!!

Wise Words

Saturday and Summer Solstice Rolled Into One!!

It's the first day of summer - yee haw!!!!  And it's actually going to be in the 70's today!  Nothing better than that!!

On Thursday I worked out with the trainer/owner at the gym and I'm feeling the pain today.  He gave me an offer of a good deal for a year's worth of training; however, after thinking it over I decided not to go for it.  Right now I enjoy going to the gym when I want to with no schedule appointment pressure.  While I'm working out to get fit and lose weight, it seems like if I threw in more moola for specialized training, tracking meals, etc. it would become more work than enjoyment.  And there is just not enough time in my life to devote to more appointments.  

Right now I've been on a plateau over the last 2-3 weeks...my scale at home says I've lost nothing, although the gym scale showed I lost 3.4 pounds this week.  Instead of caving in and scarfing up tons of food due to frustration, I'm trying to accept the fact that even though I haven't lost weight, the weight I have is being redistributed and I'm trading muscle for fat.  I also stopped taking several of the new supplements I added to my diet due to the fact that, since I began taking them, I've been "backed up" more often then not, even though I drink a ton of water.  I'm happy to say the removal of these vitamins has made my colon happy!!!

When I get frustrated about losing weight, I look at my progress so at least it's apparent there are results.   Here's another before and after pic; the before was taken two years ago at my sister Eilene's abode.  The after is from the company picnic on Wednesday.  Much better and I'm looking forward to more of these pics after I begin losing the pounds again.  I mean seriously - what's with my posture in the first pic?  Scoliosis?  Pregnancy?  Unfortunately, I have plenty of these "before" pics hidden away on my computer for future sharing!!

Now that I have my new hat, which I love, I spent a lot of time perusing Pinterest to check out summer outfits with a hat.  Lots of ideas.  In addition, I recently picked up a couple of pairs of patterned leggings - one with a tribal design and one with lions - and my search included tips for the kind of shirts to pair with those.  I save all the fashion, makeup, and hair pics on my phone to I can easily look to them for inspiration.

The biggest fashion score recently was a pair of shoes gifted to me from a co-worker!  A lovely pair of burgundy wing tip heels; a little too big but hey, that's what tissue in the toes is for!!  They are to die for and it was so sweet she gave them to me!!

Off to enjoy a great Saturday, which will include a visit to my wonderful Michael.  These last few months have been a struggle watching him battle life and death but our love has never wavered.  We are looking forward to his continued progress and I can't wait for the day we are able to wake up together here at home.  

Picnic, Primping, and Protein

Wednesday was a jam packed day!  It started with getting to wear jeans, and my new hat, to work because it was the annual company picnic. The day was overcast and chilly when we set up the picnic at 9am; thankfully, blue sky and sunshine made its appearance just in time for lunch.  After stuffing ourselves with burgers, potato salad, and cookies a group of us then played kickball baseball.  It was a good post-grub workout, especially since I was on the winning team.

Cookin the color

Following the picnic, my next stop was the hairdresser at 4pm because my gray hair was in dire need for a touch up.  After color and cut, I changed into my gym clothes and off for a workout.  Scheduled a training session for my arms tonight so that will be a beneficial visit - gotta get rid of those batwings under my arms.

Arriving home my dinner for the evening was a blueberry protein shake - had to lay off any heavy stuff due to my indulgence during the picnic.

Was an eventful, fun-filled day!

Hearkening back to childhood, enjoying the swings

Happy Tuesday!

Seaweed....A Very Bad Thing!

Today reminded me I am my mother's daughter.  After sleeping in til 9:42 am (shockingly late for me) I finally pulled myself together and hit the gym about 12:45. Good workout then stopped at Goodwill to find bargains but alas nothing. Next stop was Fred Meyer where I found a Rip City tee for 50% off the clearance price.  I picked up some produce then browsed the organic section where I ran across some crispy seaweed topped with brown sugar. Okay, this is where my Mom came in. She was notorious for buying odd and unusual food items so apparently I was channeling her today.

After paying for my items and loading up my car, I ripped open the seaweed to try a piece. Arrrrggg!!!  It.Was.Horrible!!!  Tasted like a 10-day old piece of sushi!  Nasty fishy taste with some God-awful brown sugar on top!  I could't wait to get home and toss that carton of vile in the trash!

After a dinner of salmon salad, I decided to make some kale chips. Chopped kale, sprayed with some olive oil, and baked for 10 minutes. Pulled them out, they looked good, but tasted like...seaweed chip!  Icky!!  Into the trash.

My next project was overnight steel oats in a jar per a Pinterest recipe. Oats, flax and chia seeds, berries and almond milk in a jar to chill overnight. Let's hope it turns out.

My final project was pumpkin seed energy balls
Ground pumpkin seeds, whey protein, powdered peanut butter, chocolate powder, and coconut oil. Turned out pretty well!

After cleaning the kitchen, I called it a night!  Here's to a new week filled with high energy and health...but no seaweed!

Frumpy to Fitness

Frumpy.  That ended up being my code word for Friday.  My fashion for Friday consisted of some beige tights, pink skirt that had become rather loose, white tee and gray logo sweater.  This along with light gray Mary Jane's seemed to look just fine in my home mirror.

However, while at work my eyes went to my shoes, which were starting to split on one side. Drats!  To prevent any shoe emergency, the heels were kicked off and replaced by a pair of white Nike's with pink laces that were kept under my desk.  Hey, pink laces that matched my pink skirt...nice.

My Friday Fashion

Well, not so nice.  At one point when entering the bathroom, my eyes went straight to the full-length mirror.  OMG!!!  What a scary sight!  My pink skirt, not just loose but beyond baggy, hung low with abundant material swarming my hips.  The gray cardigan screamed Betty White and the piece de resistance were my tights and white sneakers.  Beyond Grandma!!!  Almost like 80-year old mall walker!!  It was horrible!!  To say my look was frumpy is being kind!  All that was missing was a walker to cap off my little old lady who lives in a shoe fashion statement. Thankfully, there were no MOD calls on Friday so my appearance did not shock guests into stupefaction.

After work my first personal fitness appointment was set for 7pm.  I did not want to go.  After my grandma funk, my mind debated go or not, go or not, go or not.  Thankfully, my choice to go was the correct one.  I actually showed up early to do the cross country machine for 30 minutes before my appointment.  The trainer then whipped my butt, rather than my legs, on the weight machines.  It was torture!!!  This was followed up by another 30 minutes on the treadmill. I was sweaty, I was sore, but I felt much better!

Yesterday was my normal trip to Portland to visit with my Michael.  We had such a good time together! Talked, and talked, watched two movies, and napped together.  Very sweet time and full of love.

After coming back home, I changed my clothes to hit the gym.  Drove to the gym, got out, and darn it - the gym closes at 6pm on the weekends!  Since it was 6:30, I made my way home to make dinner.

One thing I learned this weekend is that stress is not my friend.  This past week was full of stressors and emotional low points leading me to have crying jags.  It also led to me snacking more and losing absolutely no weight.  Ugh.  However, I learned that when one is stressed, you fall back on previous habits on how you deal with stress.  When growing up, whenever there were stresses in my life I turned to food - comfort food like mac and cheese, pizza, etc. So now when I'm under stress the first thing I do to overcome my stress is eat.  Being aware of this habit now will help me overcome food as a stress reliever.  The good moves I made for this week was joining the gym.  Now, instead of eating, I can go to the gym to relieve my stress instead of reverting to old habits.  So, this last week was a wash and I'm looking forward to this new week to eliminate my poor snacking habit.

Now today is Sunday - time to once again put clean clothes away in my room and prepare for another week.  Here's to days filled with no grandma clothing, no snacking, and plenty of working out at the gym!!

Hello Friday!

Aww Friday is here!  Today I'm MOD at work....Friday is usually busy so here's a prayer for a very quiet and peaceful shift!  In addition, this woman is SORE!!!  My arms and chest are in pain due to working them out this week at the gym.  They aren't used to this kind of treatment!  Tonight I go in for my first free training session so I'll learn how to use all the equipment as opposed to studying people to learn what to do.


Have a great weekend!!   And a big Happy Birthday to my friend Jan today!!!

Tippin My (New) Hat to the Gym

In order to throw a little mix into my workout routine (which has become rather "routine") this morning I made an early morning pit stop to join the local gym.  They had some killer deals going on so I signed up myself as well as son Sam; in addition, I threw my hat into the ring for their Biggest Loser contest.  The contest lasts for 24 weeks and first place will receive a tidy $2,000!  Nice motivation for my weight loss efforts.

Following my regular lunchtime walking/stair deal, I made my way to the gym after work.  After 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, I spent another 30 minutes working on my upper body with the weights, using the machines for which I still remembered how to use. It made a big difference by listening to music with my phone, drowning out all the noise, clatter, and chatter at the gym. As part of the contest, we are given three free training sessions and my first one is this Friday.  Apparently my memory will be refreshed of the weight machines at that time.

My Hat Selfie

After working out, my last stop before home was Target to pick up a prescription.  Which of course involved wandering the store first to see if anything called my name.  This time it did - a hat from the men's department.  My head is rather, shall we say, generous...meaning large...so women's hats, especially the cute straw fedora ones, never fit.  They perch on the top of my noggin akin to Barbie bonnet on top of a Cabbage Patch doll....not flattering in any way.  So I'm forced to browse the men's section, searching for a cute summer hat which isn't made of tweed.  Today was my lucky day - flattering summer straw hat big enough to fit my head of hair and brains.

Here's to kickin butt, gettin thin, and keep the sun out of my eyes!!!

P.S. Got into my on-line health records and discovered my recent blood test revealed excellent results!!!   Another reason to get healthy in order to reduce my visits to the Target Pharmacy!!

Blood, Blue Skies, and Barbells

I had put it off, and put it off, and put it off but finally yesterday I forced myself to drink black coffee then stopped at the hospital lab for my annual blood draw.  Of course the regular lab was closed so I had to make my way next door to the urgent clinic lab to get my blood tested.  Ugh.  It's not that I'm worried about the results, which I think will be fantastic due to my healthy eating over the last few months, but the fact I could have no sugar-free creamer in my coffee before the test.  So eager to see my test results, I tried to log-in to the patient connection on-line site to see the results; alas, my user name and password were no where to be found so now I'm waiting to be reconnected.  Arrgg!!!

After the blood draw, I made my way to Portland, sipping my black coffee along with slurping down my protein shake.  Spending time with my Michael at his new facility and then hitting Vancouver Mall made for a long day.  No matter since the day was blue sky, warm and gorgeous so no complaints on my end.  One errand I ran was to Ulta to find the perfect eyebrow pencil. It has been agonizing trying to find the perfect eyebrow pencil to fill in my sparse little hairs - color too light, too dark, too red, too brown; texture too hard, too waxy, too thick, too thin; length too short, price too high, etc., etc.,  Last night I picked up a couple from Essence and Rimmel to see how they work, hoping I've found the Nirvana of eyebrow filler.

I'm currently toying with the idea of joining a local gym.  It's a spot I've joined a few times over the years - good gym but it's fitting the time in to attend that's a pain.  When I first get on a kick for something, I tend to overdo it, setting a goal to workout every day.  If I join this time, my attendance will be at a moderate level, perhaps 3 days per week.  I really need to work out my upper body; my walks are kicking my leg's ass but aren't doing a thing for my arms.  Membership is at a low rate so perhaps today will be the day I join.  Or maybe I'll just relax in the sun!

Once again, my room needs to be cleaned....clean clothes hanging out in three baskets screaming at me to be put away.  And another pile saying "wash me, wash me!"  Household chores are just not fun!!!

A Sparkly TGIF!!!

It's' Friday and time for some sparkle!!!  The following two pictures from Pinterest have been saved on my phone forever - all pink and shiny!  One of my sparkly shirts that had been loaned to a friend about 2 years ago was recently returned to me.  It's a little big now so after taking it in it may be my clothing of choice for Saturday.  It's not pink but sequin-filled so it will work for a sunny weekend!!!

Have a great weekend fellow Divas!!!