Light Switch Moment

New York City! Awesome place! Two things:

1. Everyone walks everywhere, and guess what? No fat people. Seems pretty logical. Therefore, I am now walking more places. We have everything we need, minus the grocery store, within a 30 minute walking radius. It's on!

2. After eating my weight in cheesecake, deli sandwhiches, street food, and the like, I have had no desire whatsoever for anything but healthy food since we returned home. Today, I even resisted BBQ and mini bundt cakes!

HA! SHE CAN BE TAUGHT!!

Here are some pics of our NYC trip! There was more than food...lol!

Day One:
Mama Mia on Broadway and Lunch at Stage Deli

Day 2:
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, me pointing to my grandfather's name on the wall of immigrants on Ellis Island (from Poland), and what would be a rained out game at Yankee Stadium that was made up on day 4.

Day 3 (The day named as "Quantity not Quality")
Subway mosaics, machine gun wearing NYPD in front of the Empire State Building, Tibetan protestors, FAO Schwartz, visit to Tiffanys, NY Public Library (Ghostbusters moment), and a stop at Times Square after Phantom on Broadway (notice I'm on the bottom of the screen in the red dress...ha)

Day 4:
We found a neighborhood church (it was Sunday...no pic), ate great Italian food (no pic...uh, hello, what was I thinking?), went back for the make-up Yankee game, and ate at Carnegie Deli. This is mac and cheese with pastrami. I think it's still floating in my veins somewhere :-)

Now if I can ever figure out how to make the pics bigger, I'll be a happy blogger. Until then, have a nice day :-)

Lamentations of Lunch

This is my second post for today, but this topic needs a seperate post.

Lunch.
I bring my lunch everyday now, so I won't be tempted to go out to get a quick burger, taco, or whatever fast food that is against all I've been working to change. This includes not eating whatever might be catered in at work for the day.

My boss is on this "buy lunch for every occasion" kick right now. She is new, and I think this is part of her attempt to look cool. ANYWAY, she makes fun of my lunch everyday. Let me repeat that...EVERY DAY!!! This is come to a point where I eat in my office, hoping she won't see me eating, so I won't have to answer for my food choices. If I were eating tree limbs, or gravel, I would see her need to point it out. BUT, sometimes it's salad, sometimes it's a dinner-ish meal with protein and two veggies, sometimes it's soup, nothing crazy. She makes a big deal of it EVERY DAY though.

This is the almost daily conversation:
Her: "What do you want for lunch today?"
Me: "Oh, nothing today. I bring my lunch, remember."
Her: "Come on! It's free!"
Me: "That's ok. I need to eat what I brought."
Her: "What did you bring? A salad? We can order you a salad!"
Me: "No thank you."
Her: (walking off) "You try to be nice, and I don't understand why people wouldn't eat free food!"

This seriously happens almost every day! I've explained my high blood pressure and cholesterol issues many times, and it seems to not matter. When I was gaining my 40 pounds, did anyone ever say, "Joanna, put the pizza down, what are you doing?" Did anyone ever say, "Joanna, stress eating is going to put on those extra pounds you don't want." Did anyone ever say, "Joanna, ..." NO, not that I remember anyway. (If you did, sorry I don't remember it).

This week I was sitting in the break room with the two new employees for lunch. Pizza was ordered. I LOVE PIZZA, but I ate my diet frozen lunch and apple. While I was eating, trying to avoid the fact that PIZZA was right next to me and smelled like heaven in a box, she comes in and says:

Her: (snakry tone for whole conversation) "So, what is it? Are you not joining us today?"
Me: "I did join you. I'm sitting right here."
Her: "But you're not eating pizza!"
Me: "I can't eat the cheese!"
Her: "We could have ordered one without cheese."
Me: "I'm fine with what I have."
Her: "Ok, whatever."

AAAAAHHHHH!!!! I also fought it out with her on my birthday, because "how can we celebrate a birthday without ordering lunch?" I had her buy me a Starbucks coffee, since she was sooo intent on buying me something.

I've spoken with a higher-up who has advised me to have a sit-down with her at at time that isn't around lunchtime, and discuss it with her one more time. Let her know how much her incessent nagging bothers me, when she knows I'm not going to be in on the lunch order. We'll see how that goes. I'm off for a week, so I get a week of lunch freedom...WOOHOO!!

Relentless

So, in an act of total insanity, I've increased my gym activity. I have a choice. I could go back to taking blood pressure pills. OOOORRRR, I could embrace my insanity. I'm a fan on insanity, soooo...

My new routine includes spin class at 5:45 AM, MWF, PLUS my regular training sessions that include 30 minutes of weights and 30 minutes of cardio. Sometimes, these days overlap, and I'm pulling a double. WOW!!! I'm on week two, and I already missed spin class this morning. I AM IN PAIN!! I'll go this afternoon though. This new routine, coupled with the pain, is where I find that the word "relentless" comes in handy, and quite often. If I stop, I'll have to start all over with the pain. If I keep going, the pain is there. So, I relentlessly keep going, in hopes that all these people who have said, "It doesn't hurt so bad after a while" are right. THEY BETTER BE RIGHT!!!!!

On the positive, I bought two new pair of jeans last night at a size down from what I had on! YIPPEE!! Going to NYC tomorrow, so gotta watch all that food enter my mouth...shame, isn't it...bwahahaha! Staying at the Hilton, and they have a fantastic gym. They actually have trainers available if I want. I don't want, but I'm just sayin'.

One more thing. Found out that The Kid and I have quite a bit of the same background based on our faith. We were counselors at the same camp (of course, I preceded him by 15 years...yes I just said 15 years...WHATEVER!!), and know some of the same people. So, he has a new nickname...Brother Mike. Small world!

We All Fall Down

This entry is about the humbling exeperience I like to call "working out at the gym." Oh wait...that's really what it is. Anyway...

Saturday
I was working out with Killer doing leg exercises. (She likes her nickname, btw). She had me doing a super set between the hamstring machine and the glut machine. I got about 1/2 of the way through it and the room started spinning.

Me: "Whew! I'm feeling a bit dizzy."
Killer: "Get on the floor. Now."
Me: Hesitate - "Ok..." and I sit down.

She tells a story about how too many people don't listen to her, and most of the time it's too late when someone finally mentions they are dizzy...they are already going down. I see her point. I start to feel better, and get two more sets in before the room starts going again, only worse. I pause.

Me: "Wow! This is crazy."
Killer: "On the floor. Now."
Me: I sit down again.

30 minutes later I feel like getting up. I was embarassed. Not only was Killer there, but Army Guy came to help out too. He told a story about almost passing out during the week with chest exercises. The guy next to us also told stories about almost passing out. Apparently, it happens, and it just hadn't happenend to me yet. The concensus was that I probably needed to eat more. I did eat, but just not enough...maybe. It could have been lots of things, so I'll work on eliminating "those things."

Monday
I have noticed that since I've been off my blood pressure meds, my pressure is low on days after I work out, and high on days after I don't. Go figure! So, I've added 3 more cardio workouts to my week. I'm now in for 3 spin classes, on MWF at 5:45am. Monday was my first Monday. It kicked my butt all over the place and then some. What was humbling was that there was a girl in there that was more than twice my size. She was able to keep up with everything. She's probably been going to this class for a while now. She's obviously been working hard. It was very impressive. I, on the other hand, started laughing out loud at one point, because I just couldn't keep up. Give it time, give it time. Tomorrow is a new day, with a new instructor! HA!

Fall Is Here

So...got some disheartening news today. My cholesterol has not lowered. I have to keep going with the Lipitor. SOOOO, since I'm determined now to get off all meds, I've been really looking at some better food choices. What this ultimately means...I have to become another type of "those people." The food people. I REALLY thought that all the changes I've been making would make a difference, and it may have. Maybe its not twice the number it is because of what I've been doing. BUT, I really want to kick this into gear and see if genetics is going to win here. There is a GREAT chance it will, but how will I know if I don't become one of those food people? I'm kind of heart broken over it. I didn't want to change my eating habits. I eat so much more stinkin' salad, and so much less cheese...sigh. I bring my lunch (most days) now...yes, a salad (most days).

Sooooo, I have some new pumpkin recipes to try out. It's a "super food" and is supposed to help lower the bad guy. Quinoa pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin apple soup...not together. Also some apple recipes...chicken apple quesadillas, apple slices with peanut butter and pumpkin seeds. If they're any good, I'll post them.

I've broken the news to Kevin...that we have to become those food people. In my subtle and docile ways (cough, cough) I explained that he said "I do" and I need support, so he is, by default, along for the ride. HE ROCKS! He said, "I do need to lose weight. Ey, sure, why not." He did promise me he would never actually hug a tree...phew!!!

Looking For An Event

So, I guess it's time I become "one of those people." You know the people I'm talking about. The event people. Now, don't get me wrong...I understand these events usually raise money for very good causes. Not sure why I'm so opposed to becoming one of those people, but I've already become a gym person. Oy vey with the new labels!! JK!

I've found this website that shows the local stuff for 2012.

http://www.halfmarathons.net
(Ok, and not being the best at blogging, I haven't quite figured out how to make the web address a link to the website. Be patient...knowledge will come to those who blog)

There's always the Turkey Trots across Texas during Thanksgiving. This one being in Houston, where I spend most Thanksgivings.

Maybe I should find a cause I am into, and do it that way. Obviously, I would be interested in raising money for SEVERAL things including, ovarian cancer, diabetes, heart health, adoption, suicide prevention, etc, etc, etc. Seem to be quite a few around, so let me consult with my social advisor, and revisit this topic soon.

Jersey Shore Meets Euless, TX

It just never gets old! Guys at the gym make me laugh so hard, I feel like I've had another core workout. I needed to continue my quest to work off those saddlebags, which are exercises on the floor mat. A bunch of meat-heads were over there literally lifting up their shirts comparing abs. Not that they were bad to look at, but the conversation could have been understood by a gnat!

"Dude! Look at this! (showing off abs)"
"Dude! I hear metabolism slows at 30 and we lose all this."
"Dude! I'm 18! This ain't goin' anywhere!"
"Dude! I'm tellin' ya, if we don't keep it up, it's all going away."
"Dude! No way!"

Since I was already on the floor, I was literally ROFL (on the inside, of course). Since they were taking up the ENTIRE mat admiring themselves, I just plopped down smack in the middle of them and started my thing. Oh, I got some looks. I wanted to say, "Yes boyz, this is what After-30 looks like" and freak 'em out, but I figured my radiant cellulite was already taking its toll on their baby eyes. My inner-narcissist will take pride knowing I inspired them to continue their quest for high metabolism.

Another Round

Get your popcorn ready! There are a few things to report today.

Pappasitos was a HUGE success!! It's a bit blurry, but you get the picture :-)

I went another round with Killer today. She thought core exercises would be best...SURE! WHY NOT! I was laying on my back, holding 5lb weights in each hand. The task was to lift my legs straight up in the air, and lift my body (with the 10lb total) to meet my legs there in the middle. Here's what it's supposed to look like (add weights in the hands):

What actually happened, though, was that I rolled on over to the left...sigh! How is I keep losing balance when I'm already on the ground???!!! I did, then, find my balance, and stay in one place after that. GEESH!! She says, "Your core needs to get stronger." You think?! LOL!!

I didn't go to the gym yesterday, so I stuck around a bit longer for cardio today. While on the treadmill, I look out and see this 80ish looking Grandma out there pushing weights!! GO GRANNY!!! She had on a cute pink top to match her cute pink pants and shoes. Hysterically awesome!! She and The Mick need to meet! Maybe not...he's married.

Also, I would like to mention that of all the muscle groups, my calf muscles get the most angry when worked on. Arms, core, chest, back, other legs parts, just get sore and achey. I now know why all those workout people walk funny. It's not a funky strut of maladaptive confidence...it's calf pain! It's like knives shooting through my legs. I can't even straighten my legs to walk without some sincere effort. And then that effort continues. I can initially stand on my tip-toes, and work REAL HARD to get flat footed. It's one foot at a time. Granted this only lasts a couple hours, but man-OH-man, it's a rough couple of hours!

Ok, that's a lot already. If I'm getting antsy typing, maybe you're getting antsy reading.

Later taters!

It's Real...And It's SPECTACULAR!!!

I DID IT!!! IT'S WORKING!!!!

It's Real...
All the changes, all the struggle, all the vegetables, all the appointments with The Mick (and the few others), all the new recipes, all of the agonizing "good decisions" at restaurants, all the grocery shopping, all the hours prepping for the week to make sure I eat right...that's what's real!

...And It's SPECTACULAR!!!
Went to the doc for my checkup, and I no longer have to take my blood pressure medication!!! He even clapped for me :-) I've been having these dizzy spells. First thing he did was check my ears for sinus-y stuff, and there was nothing. My blood pressure was normal, and I've been off the medication for about a week. He thinks I was getting dizzy with the medication, because it was taking the pressure too low. YES!!!!! I DID IT!! The exercise has paid off!! What a HUGE blessing, considering my family history!!!

Also, I've been off the cholestoral medication for about 3 weeks. Since I made all the food changes, he is checking to see the "true" results, and hoping to take me off that as well!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!! EXTREMELY HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!

I said, "I guess I shouldn't go celebrate with a huge bowl of queso." He said, "Sure you can...if it's just once." SURE I CAN!!! Now, who has the best queso??? In my humble opinion...Pappasitos, here I come!!

So, that's at least TWO medications I've come off of since I started this blog...thyroid and blood pressure, both exercise related! Thank you, Lord!!

Oh yes...I'm going there!

Reason #856 to stress eat...HURT FEELINGS!!! Yes, this is a bit deep, so here's your chance to exit if you wish. For those who have stayed, I'm upset, so there ya go! I'll try to be a bit discrete, but man, am I frustrated! There are certain times in my life, like now, where I don't fit the "norm" of what "should" be going on. Whoever created this "norm" is on my hit list. Some people who don't fit this "norm" have the luxury of keeping the "abnormal" private. I, however, do not! Whoever thinks they are such the better person because they are in this "norm" (or privately abnormal) is oblivious to pretty much everything, I've decided! When is it ok to just be? When is it ok to not have "EVERYTHING" "EVERYONE ELSE" has? When is it good enough to play the cards I've been dealt? (Which I think I play quite well, thank you very much!) IT'S NEVER ENOUGH!! I'm tired of it. I'm frustrated by it. Quite frankly, it's exhausting! Then, when I'm tired, frustrated, and exhausted...I want Taco Bueno! If I go get Taco Bueno, then I feel guilty, which isn't exactly the best feeling to add to the mix. Then, I'm mad all over again!

So, I'm taking this stand, via this blog, that I can sort-of hide behind, but not really. The stand is this...PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS GOOD AND PURE...Think of the people around you. Think of how your words and actions may impact the people around you. THINK, for goodness sake, THINK! Think how what you are saying and doing, or not saying and not doing, might actually be hurting the people around you, PLEASE!!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!

Thank you, and good night!