Week 30

Weight: 276.2

Weight loss in one week: 3.2
Total weight lost: 92.2
Average weekly weight loss: 3.07

Weight left to lose: 36.2
Weeks left at average loss: 11.79
Estimated total weeks: 41.79 (about 9.64 months)

Another good week!  But I'm sure I'll have one of those weeks soon where I only drop a pound or something.   And that will be fine.  In about a month, I should be celebrating losing over 100 pounds!  Crazy.  And look--I only have 36.2 more pounds to lose.  Sweet.

Don't forget to set your clocks back when you go to bed tonight!

Winner, Winner, Many Dinners!

Okay, so I know I'm a nerd, but I had to title the post that in honor of Guy Fieri!  I love watchign Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and one of Guy's favorite sayings is, "Winner, WInner, Chicken Dinner."  Yup, that's right, I did end up winning for best treat at work (second consecutive year)!  So, what did I make?  How did I follow up last year's prize-winning Bacon Caramel Apples?  Well, everyone wanted those, but I couldn't do the same thing twice, so I made two similar items:

I made Bacon Caramel Apple Cupcakes and Bacon Apple Caramel Squares!

I thought that the cupcakes were great, but the squares were okay.  Just okay.  Both were home-made (not scratch made).  I made the caramel with this recipe, but I always forget the vanilla!  The apple candy on the caramel square was made by reducing apple juice concentrate, sugar, water, and apple pucker gel candy.  And the bacon for the squares was microwaved (don't like this method for my candies--it seems like the flavor evaporates).  For the cupcakes, I used two boxes of cake mix, and followed the recipe, but replaced the water with another can of apple juice concentrate (next time, I'll dice some apples up and add it to the batter).  The caramel was the same recipe/  The bacon, though, was diced and fried, and I liked the flavor MUCH BETTER!

As a result of the win, though, I got a $75 gift card to a great restaurant in the area--that should buy at least 2 or 3 date nights with Anna.  Huzzah!

Friday:
1- 20 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3.5 mile walk
30 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
5- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3- 3.5 Mile walks
210 sit ups
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a 24-hour fast
Go on a date with Anna

Remaining:
Finish the kitchen remodel

Next Week's Goals:
5- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3- 3.5 Mile walks
210 sit ups
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Go on a 24-hour fast
Go on a date with Anna

Again, I am so amazed by the servant's attitude my dad has.  He just does and does and does for his five boys (and 4 daughters-in-law--one more to join next year!).  Now it looks as though we may finish the kitchen remodel tomorrow night (but keep in mind that we're not redoing the flooring and the cabinets just yet).  But it won't be my doing (though I did at lot at the beginning, and a bit from then on); nope, it'll be all my dad.  He's probably put in 20 or so hours on the place this week alone!  I feel so blessed.  I did feel guilty at the beginning, since right now he's doing way more on the kitchen than I am, but I realized that my dad's Love Language is Acts of Service.  So, instead of feeling guilty, I'm feeling grateful.  So very blessed.  Looks like I might be able to cross off that goal on my list, but only because someone else did most of the work for me (in a little way, it reminds me of my salvation through Christ, you know?).  And I may have pictures up this weekend (we'll see, though!). 

I'm just now going to be (11:30 p.m.), and I'm not a night owl, so I'm pretty tired.  I was up late working on my snacks for Halloween tomorrow at my work.  I'm sure I won't win, and next year, I may not make anything (it's so much work), but it sure is a lot of fun to play around with recipes!

Thursday:
1- 20 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
30 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
4- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3.5 Mile walks
180 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a 24-hour fast
Go on a date with Anna

Remaining:
1- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- 3.5 Mile walk
30 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Finish the kitchen remodel

Hot 100 Update 5

• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (this week looks promising)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (Yessir)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (increased on the treadmill last week!)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (piece 'o cake)
• No alcohol (nada)
• No Fast Food (not a bite)
• Read three books (done with my second book--Starting another tonight)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (Nope! Not with the kitchen out of commission)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed
• End the year under 275 pounds (still on track--almost there already!)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (twice so far)
• Get plugged in at my church (met some more people and might get connected with some this week)
• Get to know my neighbors (invited Nancy--my next door neighbor--into our house to see the remodel.  And they're remodeling their kitchena nd dining room, too!  We'll have dinner some time when it's done.)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (wrote the "rough draft"--maybe we'll do it next week once the remodel dies down)

Some of you may have noticed that I'm already on my 5th update for this event.  That's just because I like to maintain a schedule, and so I post once a week on Wednesdays.  I know, I'm a nerd!

Wednesday:
1- 20 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3.5 Mile Walk
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed
Completed my weekly 24-hour fast

Total:
3- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3.5 Mile walks
150 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a 24-hour fast
Go on a date with Anna

Remaining:
2- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- 3.5 Mile walk
60 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Finish the kitchen remodel

New Worout Routine

Okay, so my new workout routine is crazy.  I didn't think that moving 5 minutes of my elliptical session over to the treadmill would have such a huge impact on me.  Boy oh boy, let me tell you, this kicks my rear!  In such a good way.  I love it.  And I klnow that changing my workout routine even just a little bit is good--it helps to keep my body from getting too comfortable.  Well that, and it sure keeps me from getting too comfortable!  What about you guys, how often do you change up your routines?  It's hard for me since I'm a creature of habit; but I know it's the right thing to do.

Today we had dinner with my dad.  Usually, we have him over, but because of the remodel, we went over to his house and made grilled cheese and soup for dinner.  Man, that sure is one of Anna's favorite comfort foods.  Well, hers, and mine, and my dad's!  We all love that dinner.  While we were over, I worked on my Halloween treat for work.  Halloween is huge where I work, and one of the prizes they give out is for best treat.  I won last year with my Bacon Caramel Apples (pretty much what it sounds like: mini apples, covered in homemade caramel and rolled in crispy bacon bits)--everyone loved them!  But, of course, I can't do the same thing twice!  So I'm working on my next recipe (I'll post pictures and a description on Friday).  I'm pretty sure I won't win this year, but it sure is fun being creative!  I made a huge batch of my treat, and I'll have to see how they hold up--I may have to make a whole nother batch--which would eat up all of my Thursday night (after staying late to help my team decorate). 

Tuesday:
1- 20 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
30 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
2- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- 3.5 Mile walk
120 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a date with Anna

Remaining:
3- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3.5 Mile walks
90 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a 24-hour fast
Finish the kitchen remodel

The accuracy of GPS

So, I've had the t-mobile g1 for a few months now, and I love it.  It's kinda like the iPhone's nerdy cousin.  But, of course, I just need to be a little different, so I got that.  Plus, I'm really happy with T-Mobile in my area.  Okay, aside from the plug for the g1, what I really like is that I found a cool app for it called CardioTrainer.  It uses Google Maps and my phone's GPS to track my walks (distance, speed, etc...).  It turns out that my 3-mile walks are actually 3.5-mile walks!  So instead of a 20 minute mile rate, I'm actually at about 16:30 per mile.  Not marathon rates by any means, but still good for walking (that's about 3.6 miles an hour)!  That was a fun realization.

On top of that, today, Anna and I had our date!  It was a quick date of going out to sushi, but I sure had fun with her--I always do!  I think I may try to go out with her again on Friday, but we'll have to see how the week shapes up. 

By the way, I don't think we'll finish the kitchen by Friday, but probably by Sunday, and that's not too bad!  I swear, pics will be up once we're moved back in.

Complete up to Monday:
1- 20 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3.5 Mile walk
90 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a date with Anna

Remaining:
4- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3.5 Mile walks
120 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a 24-hour fast
Finish the kitchen remodel

Week 29

Weight: 279.4

Weight loss in one week: 3.6
Total weight lost: 89
Average weekly weight loss: 3.07

Weight left to lose: 39.4
Weeks left at average loss: 12.83
Estimated total weeks: 41.82 (about 9.65 months)

I'm so excited thatI kept above my average, and (God willing) by this time next week, I'll be at over 90 pounds down!  And by this time next month, I'll have lost over 100 pounds! (Again, God willing).  I'm having some success, and that's exciting.  in 4 months, I might be able to hit my goal.  And then, who knows, maybe I'll make a lower one!

Have a great weekend full of good choices! 

Weekly Wrap-up

So, this week wrapped up pretty well.  Work's been much better, and I even was able to leave an hour early to meet meet Anna for some glasses shopping (for me) and dinner and walking around.  But I actually feel guilty about logging another 3-mile walk (though we did that much!) and another date with Anna (because 3 times in a week would be crazy!).  But we had some nice sushi and shared a small frozen yogurt with strawberries and almonds.  I really enjoy my time with her--she really is my best friend.

I'm thinking about moving over to wordpress for my blog host.  What do you guys think?  I like blogspot, but the fact that there aren't threaded comments (it's too hard to reply to ALL those comments without being able to do so individually).  I'm not sure if it's worth it, but I might do it.  Thoughts?

Friday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
5- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3- 3 Mile walks
210 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on 2 dates with Anna

Remaining:
2- DVD workouts

Goals for next week:
5- 20 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3- 3 Mile walks
210 sit ups
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a 24-hour fast
Went on a date with Anna
Finish the kitchen remodel

You can probably see that I missed the DVD workouts.  With the kitchen remodel going on, there's no room to do the workouts...I mean, we can't even watch TV on the couch, since there's plastic covering it.  So, I'm eliminating that from next week's goals, but that also means that I NEED to finish the remodel soon.  Also, so I can post the pictures!!  And you'll also notice that I'm going to add fasting into my goals.

My First 24-Hour Fast

Today was the day that I completed my first 24-hour fast.  I know that Steve does lots of fasting, but for the most part, his is for dietary reasons.  While the dietary benefits are intriguing, my reason for fasting is for my spiritual growth.  By removing earthly sustenance (food), I create a need for fulfillment.  With fasting, my goal is to fill that need with God.  So today was my first attempt.  And I loved it!  Whenever I felt hungry, I prayed to Jesus.  When I worked out, I listened to silence in order to pray and wait to receive the Holy Spirit.  When I drove home, I turned off the radio just to have some more time with God.  I didn't hear anything.  But that's fine.  I didn't hear anything yet--that's the key.  God's not a light switch.  Or a vending machine.  He's my Heavenly Father.

For more information on fasting, here's one link from Campus Crusade's website that I thought was particularly interesting. 

I'm really glad that I've started to integrate fasting into my spiritual life.  I think I'll be adding it into my weekly goals.  A 24-hour fast a week.  But not on as a pharisaical practice.  But as a spiritual discipline.  

Thursday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile Walk
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on another date with Anna

Total:
4- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3- 3 Mile walks
180 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on 2 dates with Anna

Remaining:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts
30 sit ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Hot 100 Update 4

• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (I think I'll make it this week, though the DVD thing might be a problem with the remodeling we're doing--there's not much room to move around) • Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (Yeppers)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (increased on the treadmill again this week!)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (Not so tough anymore)
• No alcohol (not a drop)
• No Fast Food (NONE)
• Read three books (25% done with my second book--I'm slowing down)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (Nope!  Not with the kitchen out of commission)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed
• End the year under 275 pounds (on track still!)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (not yet--I think I'll do that tomorrow!)
• Get plugged in at my church (met some more people and might get connected with some this week)
• Get to know my neighbors (nothing this week)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (wrote the "rough draft"--need to do this soon!)

Getting better, but still not enough green--especially on my first goal. Grr!!

Wednesday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmastere
1- 3 Mile Walk
30 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
3- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 Mile walks
150 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
2- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
2- DVD workouts
60 sit ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily 

I want!

So, I know I'm not supposed to covet (and this really isn't that), but I reall want the nook.  I've been wanting the Kindle by Amazon for a while, but Anna has encouraged me to wait.  First of all, because I have hundreds of books on my shelf that I haven't read yet.  Secondly, though, and most importantly, becausse in our day and age, technology changes very quickly.  Anna always says to wait, "Because there will be something better."  But that's always the case!  So, now I'm really looking at the nook.  I'll have to wait until I can see it to tell, but I'm 99% sure that I'll want it.  Sweet!

Okay, on to my totals... 

Tuesday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmastere
30 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
2- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
120 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible (on to Isaiah)
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
3- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 Mile walks
2- DVD workouts
90 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

I love my dad

Anna and I decided to have our date night today--way earlier than any other week's been.  It was fun.  Yes, we went to Old Country Buffett (an old indulgence); but we ate so much better!  I had a large plate of salad (consisted of spring greens, beets, baby corn, eggs, garbanzo beans, and vinegar with a light drizzle of oil).  Then I had baked fish, baked chickes, a small amount of BBQ pork, and stir-fried chicken, a piece of meatloaf with a roll, and a wedge of steamed cabbage. And finally for dessert, I had a small amount of fat free, no sugar added frozen yougurt with peaches, 3 small pieces of jello and some melon.  I know that all sounds like a lot, but it really wasn't nearly as bad as I used to be.  I think I don't have to fear buffets anymore!  I won!  And then we went shopping (didn't buy much, but walked aroung a ton).

Okay, so why do I love my dad?  Well, lots of reasons, but today he did something really loving.  As you all know, the weekend before last, I decided to start a kitchen remodel.  Well, we didn't get it done in one weekend (duh, right?), so I've been working on it a little here and there--poor Anna, she has to live in a construction zone!  On Saturday, dad came over and helped me finish putting on all the drywall corner molding/forms.  Then on Sunday, I did the first sanding, and mudded some more.  I was dreading doing the rest of the second coat tonight.  But we got home, and dad had finished all of the second coat!  I don't have to work ont the kitchen again until Wednesday (it'll probably take that long to dry, since it's a little cold out)!  Of course, I'm not looking forward to that either, but man, that was such a nice thing for my dad to do. 

Up to Monday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
90 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible (on to Isaiah)
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
4- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 Mile walks
2- DVD workouts
120 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Week 28

Weight: 283.0

Weight loss in one week: 4.4
Total weight lost: 85.4
Average weekly weight loss: 3.05

Weight left to lose: 43.0
Weeks left at average loss: 14.1
Estimated total weeks: 42.10 (about 9.72 months)

Another week, another weight loss bigger than I thought/want.  It's tough.  I'm torn between wanting to walk this journey in a sustainable way on one hand, and being thrilled about losing weight faster on the other.  I know that I won't continue like this, but man, the ride is fun for now.  At this rate, I'll be at my goal before January is done.  That's pretty sweet!  I'd like to get to 240 by my 3rd anniversary on February 17th.

Weekly Wrap-Up

Although the first two days of the work week were a bust (stayed home sick), the last three went pretty well!  I was able to get some walks in and I did the rest that I could.  I tried to eat well knowing that I would miss some of my exercise.  We'll see how I do tomorrow, but I have a good feeling.  I'd like to be at 3 pounds down, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.

God Bless!

Friday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
90 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible (finished the book of Acts)
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Total:
3- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
3- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
2- 3 Mile walks
210 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
2 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
1 3 Mile Walk
1 set of 2- 60 second planks

Next Week's Goals:
5- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3- 3 Mile walks
2- DVD workouts
210 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Go on a date with Anna

Blood Work

So, I got my bloodwork from my physical.  And I thought it was pretty good.  Here are my numbers (I'll use the coding of green, yellow, and red):

Cholesterol (total): 185 mg/dL
Triglyceride: 120 mg/dL
Cholesterol (HDL): 31 mg/dL
Cholesterol (LDL): 130 mg/dL
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 154 mg/dL
Cholesterol/HDL Rating: 154 mg/dL
Sodium: 140 mEq/L
Potassium: 4.4 mEq/L
Chloride:  104 mEq/L
Carbon Dioxide: 29 mEq/L
Glucose: 89 mg/dL
Protein (total): 6.8 g/dL

So, nothing was outside of the ranges, but two were at the upper end.  I wonder where I would have been before I started this journey!  Here's the note from my doctor:

"Your blood work is back and mostly fine, all your liver, diabetes scren, and kidney tests were normal.  As for the cholesterol, you have a higher than average cholesterol.  This is due to a low HDL or "good cholesterol".  The HDL is protective and can be improved with cardiovasccular exercise...We can check the cholesterol again in 3-6 months to see if it has changed."

So, Anna and I will be working to raise our HDL (her mom has cholesterol problems, so it's probably a good idea for Anna to try to work on hers too).  We'll eat more fish, a little more dark chocolate, andx reduce the amount of eggs we eat, and try to eliminate our consumption of trans-fats.  I'm already eating more nuts (yummy walnut butter).  So, reader(s), what suggestions do you have for boosting HDL levels in a natural way?

Thursday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
60 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible (finished the book of Acts) 
Prayed

Total:
2- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
2- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
120 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Remaining:
3- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
2- 3 Mile Walks
90 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a Date with Anna

Hot 100 Update 3

So yeah, I know that I've been MIA.  And it's been frustrating.  It started with this weekend.  Anna was out of town, and while I was feeling a little sick and should have taken it easy, I didn't do that at all!  I had my dad and one of my brothers come over and we remodeled my kitchen to surprise Anna. We almost got everything done, but not quite. So I spent 7 hours on Friday night, 20 hours on Saturday, and 12 hours on Sunday on the house.  So no time to workout and no time to rest.  And that sunk my ship this week. I got even more sick, and I missed Monday and Tuesday at work.  Which made me miss some of my workouts.

So, although Anna's super happy with her surprise, it sure did come with a cost.  And that's where I've been and why I won't hit my goals this week.  But I need to take care of myself health-wise.  Once I'm finished with the remodel (except the floors, since those won't be done for a while), I'll post some pictures.  God Bless!   

Going Out With a Bang! Update:

• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (last week yes, this week?  Nope!)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (Yeppers)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (increased on the stair stepper this week)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (Not so tough anymore)
• No alcohol (not a drop)
• No Fast Food (NONE)
• Read three books (20% done with my second book)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (2 weeks in a row!)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed
• End the year under 275 pounds (on track)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (not yet)
• Get plugged in at my church (not yet, missed the Meet & Match for small groups on Sunday)
• Get to know my neighbors (nothing this week)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (wrote the "rough draft")- I changed this to orange based off the suggestion by Steve last week.

Getting better, but still not enough green--especially on my first goal.  Grr!!

Total through Wednesday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
60 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed

Remaining:
4- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
3-3 Mile Walks
150 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a Date with Anna

Week 27

Weight: 287.4

Weight loss in one week: 6.0
Total weight lost: 81.0
Average weekly weight loss: 3.00

Weight left to lose: 47.4
Weeks left at average loss: 15.8
Estimated total weeks: 42.8 (about 10.28 months)

I didn't expect to lose this much weight.  In fact, going into the end of the week, I didn't think I'd have much of a loss at all...I'm not too comfortable with such a loss, and I pray that it won't lead to a gain next week.  But, I'm glad that I'm back to a 3lbs/week rate.  I'd like to keep that. 

Weekly Wrap-Up

Today starts a weekend alone for me.  Anna's off with one of her best friends visiting her best friend's grandparents.  I miss Anna.  Man, I'm glad that neither of us travels too much for work.  I don't know how you guys who need to can do it!  Luckily I had a lot of work to do around the house and for my job, so I kept pretty busy.  We'll see how the rest of the weekend goes. 
I've been having more and more people at work ask me if I've lsot weight.  Man, that feels great, huh?  I know I've lost a lot, but when I start to tell people, and see their jaws drop, it's pretty fun.  Good emotional boost for me.  (Though, I'm not doing this for compliments--I'm doing it for my health and so I can enjoy my life with Anna and our extrended families.  But the kudos sure are nice!) 

Here's the wrap-up for the week:

Friday:
1- 30 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- DVD Workout (These are miserable, but man I love them!  I won't let myself wait until the end of the week to do these again.)
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
5- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts
3- 3 mile walks
210 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
Nothing! Nada!

Next Week’s Goals:
5- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
3- 3 mile walks
210 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible (I want to wrap up Acts this week)
Prayed
Go on a date with Anna

You might have noticed (though you probably didn't) that I've changed up my workout a little bit.  I'm increasing my time on the Stairmaster and lowering it on the Elliptical.  Nothing against the Elliptical--it was my first machine, and I'll always have it in my routine--but I burn roughly 80% more Calories per minute on the Stairmaster, so I figured I'd switch it up a bit.  We'll see if I survive!  :)

God Bless you and your journeys!

Ugh :)

I was all set to do my last DVD workout, and write a great post on something I saw on the Biggest Loser. But I got home, and had to try to do some more work. And then a cough that I’ve been dealing with for the afternoon got worse. So, I’m heading to bed, and will sleep this off. Usually one good night is all it takes. And I’m sore. I think that fat-burning Yoga DVD kicked my butt—man, I love that! But hate it too, you know? So that just means that I’ll just have to do my final workout tomorrow. But I WILL finish it all!

Thursday:
1- 30 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute session on the Stairmaster
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
4- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- DVD workout
3- 3 mile walks
150 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
1- 30 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- DVD workout
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Pray Daily

Hot 100 Update 2

Going Out With a Bang! Update:
• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (this week, I will!)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (Yeppers)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (increased on the treadmill last week)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (Not so tough anymore)
• No alcohol (not a drop)
• No Fast Food (NONE)
• Read three books (20% done with my second book)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (will do this week!)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed (ate late once)
• End the year under 275 pounds (on track)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (not yet)
• Get plugged in at my church (not yet, but there's a Meet & Match for small groups on Sunday, so we'll see)
• Get to know my neighbors (met another neighbor, Richard--his wife's Ada; I should say, too, that we just bought the house in April)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (wrote the "rough draft")

Getting better, but still not enough green!!

Wednesday:
1- 30 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- DVD workout (with Anna!)
1- 3 mile walks (with Anna!!)
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
3- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- DVD workout (with Anna)
3- 3 mile walks
150 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a Date with Anna (we had happy hour--minus the drinks--and a great time talking!)

Remaining:
2- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1- DVD workout (hopefully with Anna)
60 sit ups
Read the Bible
Pray Daily

I'm 99% sure I'll finish all my goals!  I just hope the scale is as successful--not feeling too confident right now...I think I've had too much sodium, and am retaining water.

Dinner with Dad

Tonight was great! We had my dad over for dinner. While he and I unloaded 2 tons of top soil with a wheelbarrow (took about an hour!), Anna made us a delicious dinner of gnocchi with sausage tomato sauce, a fresh salad, and homemade lemon meringue pie. She didn’t think it was that great, but both my dad and I loved it. So, we got to have dinner with my dad, and I got an extra hour of intense physical exertion. Good night.

Tuesday:
1- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
2- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 mile walks
120 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Remaining:
3- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
1- 3 mile walks
90 sit ups
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a date with Anna

Post 100! Thinking Ahead

I just got done watching last week’s episode of the Biggest Loser. This is my first season of watching the show, and it’s a constant blessing and challenge, but it also provokes me sometimes. Probably the most striking thing I’ve noticed is that I could have been on that show. That’s scary. Not that being on that show is a sign of failure, or anything; but when it hits you that you’re so obese that you could be on a show dedicated to helping extremely overweight people learn how to live a healthy lifestyle you know you really have a problem. I never considered myself that bad.  How sad, the lies we tell ourselves, huh?

On the workout front, I am determined to make sure that even if I don’t make all my goals (which I know I’ll hit), at least I won’t be waiting until the last couple of days to wrap up!

Through Monday:
1- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 mile walks
90 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
1- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 mile walks
90 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Remaining:
4- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
1- 3 mile walks
120 sit ups
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a date with Anna

Progress Pictures 2

Pretty cool changes!  Biggest change?  My face/head.  It seems to me that that's where the biggest change has been.  I swear, it looks like I used to wear a fat suit.  I can't wait to see what I'll look like at the end of the year, and the Hot 100--and even more than that, when I hit 240! 

And I tried my best to make sure that the proportions were the same.  For the front shot, I lined up the eyes and the knees of each shot--that seemed to do the trick.  For the side pictures I tried to keep the size of my tattoo the same. 

What do you think?  Good progress, huh?  Just the motivation I needed.

Week 26

Weight: 293.4

Weight loss in one week: 3.6
Total weight lost: 75.0
Average weekly weight loss: 2.88

Weight left to lose: 53.4
Weeks left at average loss: 18.54
Estimated total weeks: 44.54 (about 10.28 months)

I have now lost 75 pounds in 1/2 a year.  Exactly 75 pounds.  Crazy!!  I've come a long way, but there's still a long way to go.  It's tempting to let up, but I know I can't.  I need to push on. I know I will. 

Tomorrow I'll post a progress picture tomorrow.  And today, I'll be packing up some old clothes and taking them to Goodwill.  That's the bast way to celebrate that I can think of...

Wrap-Up

I just realized that this next weigh-in will be my 26th. That’s ½ a year! I’m excited to see where I’ll be when I weigh myself in. I’m also planning on taking another progress picture—I haven’t taken one in almost 2 months (about 20 pounds ago). It probably won’t be a big difference, but I think it’ll be good to have the ½ year documented…

Friday:
1.19- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 mile walks
30 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
5- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- 3 mile walks
210 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
3- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
2- 3 mile walks
1 set of 2- 60 second planks

Next Week’s Goals:
5- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
3- 3 mile walks
210 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Go on a date with Anna

My goals are a little lower than last week (or the week before), since I’ve been so busy at work. So, although I’ll have a goal that’s lower than before, I’ll still try to do more, I just hate making goals and missing them!

A Date Early

We had our date night early! Well, not early, but typically it’s been on Friday. Not that I usually save it for last, it’s just the way it happens. Not this week! I surprised Anna with dinner. You see, we used to have “fundays” when we were dating. Those have kinda drifted away since we’ve been married. And we both miss them. So she has been planning one. Well, over on the Olympic Peninsula, in Port Angeles, they hold the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival (side note, the Dungeness Crab was named after a village near Port Angeles). And it’s next weekend. But small problem: Anna’s going to be out of town with one of her best friends. So, long story long, Anna’s a little bummed that we won’t be able to go; so I took her to the next best thing.  We went to The Crab Pot.  And we had fun! And ate well. But not too much—we didn’t really eat the potatoes or the corn. But did have a lot of seafood (but not too much).

Thursday:
1.267- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
30 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks

Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Total:
3.81 - 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill

4- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
180 sit ups

1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Went on a date with Anna

Remaining:
1.19- 30 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 5 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
4- 3 mile walks
30 sit ups
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed

Obviously, I’m going to miss a few of my goals. I’ve been busy, working until 10 or so most nights (with a little break in the time to have dinner with Anna, and spend some time with her). I’ve been able to get quite a bit of exercise in regardless. We’ll see how it looks on Saturday, though (the scale).