Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween! Hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was good, especially Saturday. As I mentioned Friday, it was a pampering day for Katie J.  I had a pedicure in the morning and she took her time because she did not have anyone coming in right away. Then, in the afternoon, I went in for the massage. His name was Tommy. He asked me what I was looking for as far as far as technique and I was not sure what I needed. He ended up doing deep tissue for the hour. While he massaged my legs, he asked me what was on my legs and told him it was NLD and he said his dad had it. It is pretty rare so I was surprised that someone even knew what it was. Secondly, we were talking about exercising and losing weight (he was seriously buffed) and I mentioned what I had been doing and he said “I can really tell in your shoulders and you have a more defined waist and your glutes! Sheesh they are hard! Just keep doing what your doing girl!” It was definitely a stroke to the ego and motivation to keep pushing forward. I did end up going to Blinky’s for a little while in the evening. I had not seen Danielle in forever and promised her I would go. Here is what I looked like:

I did behave myself and only had 2 beers and a kami over the course of 2-3 hours. I did not drive so I knew it was okay to imbibe a little. Here is a picture of the bartender, Danny. He is wearing Danielle's dress from when she used to be a Budweiser girl. It was so funny watching him tug and pull on the dress to cover himself Heather is Alice in Wonderland in the background :-)


I finally tried the Just Dance 3 for Wii and I L-O-V-E it! It has great music and fun dances and tracks your scores multiple ways. I even earned a few badges and stars.  There are different programs you can set up to simulate walking a half hour a day so that is what I have programmed now. Hope you have a spooky day today! Until next time... 


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Katy Perry - California Gurls ft. Snoop Dogg



This is the first song I danced to on Just Dance 3. Definitely got the heart rate going :-)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Pain in the A**


Yesterday was pretty uneventful. I was on my own for the night so I had a sandwich for dinner. I got kinda snacky after that and to avoid binging, I just went to bed. I did wake up for a little while and watched Private Practice. LOVE that show! I was up early and thought about exercising (for a nanosecond) but layed back down for another hour.
The other day, I woke up with a large scratch across my left butt cheek. It looks like a scrape from something but I don't recall when it might of happened. Well, this morning, I woke up and have a similiar scrape on my right butt cheek. They are tender to the touch and a little itchy. It could be spider bites or something but how odd eh? I have ointment on them and hoping it heals quickly.

Tomorrow is Pamper Katie J Day. I have a pedicure schedule for the morning and a 1 hour Massage scheduled for the afternoon. I bought a coupon for it a year ago and it expires on Monday so I am glad I get to use some of it.  As for Saturday night, there is a Halloween Party at Blinky's but I am not sure I will go.  I do have a costume but not sure if I am up to dealing with drunk people in costumes LOL - It is supposed to be nice weather all weekend so I would like to get outside and enjoy the sunshine before it goes away. Hope you have a good weekend. Be safe! Until next time...

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Weigh and Way

Had a pretty good evening. I was not in the mood to cook so I got a Ceaser Salad with Salmon from Mariani's. They have 1/2 off on entrees from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm every weekday. So, my salad with a huge piece of salmon was $8! Can't beat that eh? I actually just ate the salmon and left the salad.

I have decided that Thursdays are now my new weigh-in day. Today I weighed 254 which is a loss of 1 lb. It was encouraging to see the scale move down again. I have been bouncing around the 250s and would really like to see them go away once and for all. I am going to make it happen!

On my way home from work, I encounter quite a bit of traffic. This is new to me since I have worked and lived within a 5 mile radius most of my working life. What floors me and irratates me to no end is when people are waiting for a light and instead of being a normal distance from the car in front of them, they are clearly at least 3-4 car lengths away. This seems to be happening more and more and I don't know why. I try not to let it get to me but there are days I will honk at someone if they do it in front of me. What is their reasoning. Leave a big space and someone is less likely to hit them? I just don't get it. Does it happen to you where you live or is it just a Cali thing? Until next time...

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Calibrating

Had a decent night with food but no exercise per say. I was tired so I decided to go to bed at 9:30 p.m. The bad news about going to bed that early is I was up at 4:30 a.m. but was able to catch another hour of sleep. For a fleeting moment, I thought about going for a walk but decided it was too dark and cold -- what a wimp!

This has not been a great year on the weight loss front for me. I think I am down like 8 lbs. for the entire year. Sure it's better then gaining 8 lbs. but it seems like I am getting nowhere fast. I have not given up though and I WILL NOT GIVE UP on getting to my goal weight. I need to recalibrate and start focusing on myself and my goals again instead of worrying about what I can’t change or have control over.

Today, I have my Fitbit on, my lunch is packed and I have renewed my mojo to get that scale moving in the right direction again. Little steps strung together make big changes, right? Until next time…

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Stick it in Your Ear

I wanted to tell you what happened to me the other day in hopes I can save it from happening to you. First of all, I am addicted to using Q-Tips. I thought it was an oddity but if you Google it, I am obviously not the only one. Most days I just use them once but there are occasions I will use them in the morning AND at night.

We recently ran out and Dave decided to buy some bargain brand and I was hesitant to use them but in a pinch, I needed something so I decided to use one. Well, apparently, I am rough on Q-tips because with the "bargain" swab, the cotton head came off IN MY EAR. I was freaking out!! What do I do? Should I call a neighbor? Can I get it out myself? What if it stuck? Well I took a deep breath, grabbed a pair of tweezers and fished the cotton out of my ear. Fortunately, I got it all out in one try but I was so worried it was too deep to get it all. Whew! Lesson learned, I will NOT use bargain brand swabs ever again!!!

Holding steady on the scale. I still need to pick a weekly weigh day. Now that things are settling down with my mom's situation, I can start focusing on my WL again. I had some blood work down last week when I went to the doctor and all my numbers were in range except for my cholesterol. There was a problem with the medication I was taking so I stopped taking it a few months ago. Well, now I am on another med to get that number in check. I am still wearing the soft cast until Nov. 17th so I can focus on other areas then my arms until then. Until next time...

Monday, October 24, 2011

Monday Musings

Hope you all had a good weekend. It was the 1st decent weekend I have had in awhile. Saturday I spent part of the day at my mom’s taking care of bills etc. I signed her up for Life Alert which eases my mind quite a bit. The caregiver is there from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm so she is covered there but in the event there is a problem in the middle of the night then she can get help. They also have it so it is connected to the fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms so if there is a problem they will be alerted. It is $59.95 but worth every penny for the piece of mind.

Yesterday I spent most of the day getting organized. I have been pretty scattered with all that has been going on so it felt good to get a grip on the paperwork. While I was taking a break, one of my neighbors, Joanne, asked me if I wanted her to give me a Tarot card reading. I was a little nervous but I went ahead and did it. I can’t tell you what question I asked (yet) but it was quite favorable and I am hoping it comes true. She said that it will most likely happen in 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months so I will keep you all posted.

Eating was pretty good overall. I made a chicken in the Crockpot yesterday and plan on making some homemade chicken soup with it. I seem to be holding steady at 255. I don’t have my Fitbit on today but have my breakfast and lunch packed so I should be on track for the day. Until next time…

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Adele - Someone Like You



I heard that you settled down
That you found a girl and you're married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.

Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light.

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,"
Yeah.

You know how the time flies
Only yesterday was the time of our lives
We were born and raised
In a summer haze
Bound by the surprise of our glory days

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."

Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."


Friday, October 21, 2011

Scattered Cat

I survived my first day back to work. It was actually pleasant! One of the VPs who had left a few years ago has come back so it has changed the dynamic quite a bit. The mess that was left when I was here last was ALL cleaned up and the mood is definitely different. I think it is a good thing but we shall see.

I wore my fitbit yesterday but I did not put it on this morning. I did peek at the scale and it is going down so that is encouraging.  I ate well all day and was able to get out on my bike for a little while after dinner. My tires needed air so I got it ready for the weekend. It is supposed to be in the mid 80s this weekend. Gotta love California!

Do you remember this guy?


I have seen him the last few times I went to get my haircut. I thought he was a girl!  Well, I went last week and he was sitting out on the driveway so I decided to bring him home for the night. I gave him some love, some milk and even gave him a bath. I brought him back the next morning and talked to the "owner" Victor. He said he just showed up about 3 years ago and ironically it happened 3 days after he had to put his dog down and he follows Victor around just like his dog did. He was impressed that I gave him a bath but it actually was really easy. Oliver was not resistant to it if you can believe that! He said I could take him home if I wanted but we aren't supposed to have pets so I have decided to decline but at least I can go and see him anytime.

It is going to a nice weekend so I would like to get out and ride my bike. I left Just Dance 3 at work last night so I will try it tonight. I do have to go see my mom tomorrow but should have the rest of the weekend free. I am reading A Place of Yes by Bethany Frankel and I am really liking it so I will dive into reading that as well. Have a great weekend! Until next time...

Thursday, October 20, 2011

New "Normal"

The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.
Robert Cushing

It seems like forever since I have written a proper blog post. I have really missed blogging! I feel so out of touch with everyone. I am trying to create my new "normal." Life turned upside down for me in the last two months and I am looking forward to things settling down a bit. I know they won't ever be the same but I have to forge ahead...

Today is the first day back to work since October 3rd. I have to wear my wrist cast until November 17 but I am able to perform all my work duties according to the release. I was trying not to stress about coming back and being inundated with tasks but it looks like they actually did my duties while I was out. This is the first time they have done that since I started here in ’04.

I have gained 6 pounds since being out of commission with my ankle, shoulder and wrist. I am not surprised given my binging episodes and lack of activity. It could have been SO much worse so I am actually grateful that it wasn’t more. Today I have my Fitbit on, my lunch packed and trying to have a good attitude so I can carry out the day.

Speaking of attitudes, I recently went to the doctor and I expressed that I was having a lot of anxiety as I have mentioned here and she prescribed anti-anxiety med to help me with that. It is non-addictive and seems to take the edge off enough so I can function better. It does not seem to have any side affects so far which is good. My other doctor actually commented that I seemed more upbeat which is a good sign. I had been pretty grumpy the last few appointments.

I pre-ordered Just Dance 3 which was released October 7th. It was shipped to our old address so I am going to pick it up at lunch time from UPS. So far the reviews seem pretty favorable so I am excited to get it. I will give you my opinion once I try it.

Well I am off to try to catch up with you guys... Hope you all have been behaving! Until next time…

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Coldplay - Paradise



When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach so
She ran away in her sleep
And dreamed of
Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise
Every time she closed her eyes

When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
And the bullets catch in her teeth
Life goes on, it gets so heavy
The wheel breaks the butterfly
Every tear a waterfall
In the night the stormy night she'll close her eyes
In the night the stormy night away she'd fly
And dreams of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh
She'd dream of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh

La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
And so lying underneath those stormy skies
She'd say, "oh, ohohohoh I know the sun must set to rise"

This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Happiness is...

Happiness is a great cup of coffee on a Sunday morning listening to Acoustic Sunrise...

Thank you Shelley! XOXO

P.S. You can stream Acoustic Sunrise from anywhere on the web. Definitely worth a listen :-)

Monday, October 3, 2011

Head Spinning Monday

Today is my first day back at work in 3 weeks. Even though I was covered for the time I took off with FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) I was still nervous to come back to work. My nerves were shot this morning and I ended up throwing up from all the anxiety. I have been doing pretty well at not showing my emotions lately but I am taking it out on my body by not eating properly. I am up on the scale and I expected a little of it because I have not been able to be as active with a sprained shoulder, wrist and ankle. I also have had more junk food in the last few weeks then I have had in years and it made me feel horrible. I also messed up on my meds and did not take my water pill for almost a week so I am retaining and now flushing out lots of fluids. I am going to give myself a reprieve on weighing in until next week.

I wanted to share some pictures of the finished ceramic pieces I painted.







I ended up giving the bowl to Pat who was the Superintendent for the construction of our building. He was such a nice guy that I wanted him to have a memento of being here. He was really touched that I gave it to him so that made me even happier to give it to him. Until next time...