Bondi Band Review

Let's just state this right up front. I purchased these Bondi Bands, I offer this review as my own opinion and only my opinion. Take it or leave it... But since many of my readers/followers are active people, I thought I would share with you a product that (for me) works.

I was SUPER excited to get these and try these out. I love my bangs but seriously, they get in the way when I am trying to work out and sweating is involved. I bought 4, these 3 were for me. I bought a fourth one (Breast Cancer 3 day one) for my friend who is participating in the walk.

I bought these three for me, the one with the pig with wings... well, I never thought I would be running a c25k program or even signed up for a 5k... especially when pigs fly. Breathe, well simple, sometimes I just need to focus on breathing.. in and out. And lastly and my favorite, "one tough cookie" cuz, I am... so there.

I didn't take a before picture, but here is my mid workout picture: I just finished my weight training (cuz weights are for girls!) and I was heading home to go on a c25k training session.

Notice that even though I live in New Hampshire (Live Free or Die!) I am still wearing my seat belt! Then after my c25k training session, here is the after pic:

Wow, my face really gets red when I work out. Must be that Irish in me! (why I never tan, just burn) I must say, that the Bondi Band held well. I have a freakishly large head (all that knowledge, I know) and the Band didn't need to be re-adjusted. I've used headbands in the past and they've always slipped, even the elastic "No-Slip grip" that Goody puts out (joke!).. they always fell off my head. The Bondi Bands not only stayed put, but also kept the forehead sweat out of my face.

I also used these bands while cleaning my house, as well as my zumba class. Which where I was once again surprised that my Bondi Band stayed in place. And a zumba class, you move. A lot... the only time that it came "loose" was when we went on the floor and did mat work (crunches, push ups) and it was at the end of the class, am I surprised, no not really. A simple re-adjust and it held the last few minutes of class.

I would also consider using these when I got horseback riding, we wear helmets, but it would be nice to have something to hold everything back. I am sure there are more uses out there, these are just a few that I've come across.

They run $8 a piece and are so worth it. I am glad that I was able to find this product!

Giveaways for the week of 04/28/2010

I haven't done one of these in awhile. Found some really great giveaways out there:

• MommyPR is hooked up with Rubbermaid to give away a set of their Modular Canisters line! Ends 5/4. I am constantly organizing my kitchen, I believe these would help!
• Pat from Here and There is giving away a Lysol No-Touch Hand Soap System. With me trying to get over my cold, I could certainly use this system! Ends 4/30
• Amanda from Mommy Mandy is hosting a Flicka 2 DVD giveaway! I loved the first one, why not the second!? I didn't even know they made a sequel until I read this! Ends 5/4
• Can you tell I am sick? Mama's Money Savers is hosting a Lysol giveaway. Ends 5/10

Weigh-In & #amerryworkoutpledge

Starting weight: 313.8
Last week's weight: 291.6
This week's weight: 283.0
Loss: -8.6

Total loss: -30.8

Wow... honestly, I don't know where this came from. I was anticipating a loss, being sick and all... I haven't been eating much. I am feeling better, but still not 100% and for those of you counting this is day 6... I should be all better by now :-(

So I'm now 0.2 pounds away from my 10% goal. I would like to maintain it for a week before collecting my 10% keychain.

Really? I'm happy (super excited) about losing this weight. But I am having doubts, I mean that is an absurd amount of weight to loose in one week. Like Biggest Loser type numbers we are talking about. Do I think I can sustain and possibly loose more next week? I am going to try, but I am doubtful. That is the most amount of weight I have lost in a single week. Something is off, whether it was being sick or not eating enough, I just feel a rebound coming next week.

Don't get me wrong, I am excited about my loss, to finally see the scale going in the right direction, but I am looking for long lasting weight loss, not the dramatic short term stuff...

I did manage to go to Zumba last night. I am finding that the ab work is coming a bit easier to me and I can do the exercise longer, I am happy about that. I did bring a box of tissues with me to Zumba, my friends thought I was crazy, but I really wanted to go and at least move a little, since I haven't done anything exercise/fitness related in almost a week! The bondi band held well and I am working on a review post. (Side note, I will never be a fitness model, the pictures of me are horrible!)

Logging onto twitter this morning I see that Steve, Kat Kerri and Mary are at it again! With there #amerryworkoutpledge (twitter hashtag). Go over to Steve's post and comment. For every comment between now and 4pm (Eastern Standard Time) will be 30 sec added to a cardio workout. Since I can't work out today, I am electing to do my pledge Friday day. How long will you make me work out Friday day ;-)

Quick Post

Well if you follow me on twitter or facebook, you would know that over the past 5 days, I've been miserable. I am sick. I don't get sick all throughout winter, but spring hits, and bam! Time for this chica to get a nasty bug! Typically, my colds have always been 2 days coming, 2 days here and 2 days going. Currently I am on day 1 of it going. I am hoping my past track record holds true and that I will be feeling near 100% tomorrow, especially tomorrow night for Zumba! I am really looking forward to trying out my Bondi Band at Zumba and finally get a review done and posted.

I had to work through the start of the cold, which was miserable. Down right miserable. I wanted to die, the guys at work could understand my pain, and were trying their best to leave me be and help me out. I was so happy to come home Saturday morning, I crashed.

I've gone through about 2 boxes of tissues, thankfully my DBF isn't scared yet. He's been super helpful and catering to me.

I attempted to go to job number two today, with little success, I was only able to muster about 3 hours before I started to feel bad again, I am hoping another good night's sleep will help.

Due to said illness, I wasn't able to exercise like I wanted to. I feel stuck on couch to 5k, I've been on week 2 for going on 3 weeks now. I really would like to finish week 2 this week. That is one of my tasks. Since I didn't get any exercise in, I was really focused on my diet and food intake. Being sick helped with that too, I didn't want to eat anything.

I am hoping the weigh in goes well tomorrow. I am just hoping not to be up. I am also planning on getting my blood drawn tomorrow morning. Got to go to BJ's to re-supply the tissue supply!

Weekly Weigh-In

So I am into the part of my work schedule where I am working during my usual weigh-in day/time. So typically I have to weigh in at either another location or another time. Le sigh, it just really screws with my schedule, but I should get used to this, my schedule isn't changing anytime soon.

Starting Weight: 313.8
Last Week's Weight: 291
This Week's Weight: 291.6
Loss/Gain: +0.6
Total Loss since starting: -22.2

After writing my last post about my hitting my 10% goal, I thought I would be better motivated. Better just make it 8.8 pounds to lose in the next 5 weeks. I think it was my body's way of saying we can meet/beat that challenge! (right?)

Also, in the post, I had said my doctor wanted follow up lab work done next month. Well she mailed me the lab slip, and it said to have it drawn ASAP.. so I guess I won't get to wait till May. But I am still down 20+ pounds, that should account for something.

Inspired partly by Kat's post about Weights are for Girls, I went to the gym today and busted out some reps on the weight machines. Tried to do a combination of arms, chest, legs. Weight training is an important part of exercise, besides, I have some good muscles from carrying around all this fat for years, now that I am lighter, I need to work those muscles more to make up the difference.

Afterwards, I went home and started a couch to 5k, week 2 day 1 session for a bit of cardio. I have to admit there were 2 run sessions, were I could only make it running for about 30-45 seconds (instead of the full minute).

Oh and did I mention that I woke up yesterday and today with a sore throat and a froggy voice? I am so zexy...

Ten Percent

I'm taking a moment to think (write) out loud. Over the past 5 weeks I went from my all time low, since starting Weight Watchers (287.2 on 03/09/10) and I've gained since then to my current weight (291 on 04/15/10). I've been on a backwards slide over 5 weeks.

I have my 10% goal looming. Its 31 pounds. Which translates to 282.8, that is 8.2 pounds more to go. Ideally, I had hoped to achieve this before having my 6 month blood work check in May. I think this is still attainable.

Achieving this goal, would also benefit my mini competition with DBF. Not sure if I blogged about it. DBF and I entered into a small competition beginning 2 weeks ago and running till my birthday (late June). The prize is a one night stay at a place of the winner's choosing anywhere in New England. Loser has to pay. Really benefits both of us, since we will get to spend time together. Highest percentage lost will determine winner. Although I do believe that DBF bended the rules, since he did his start weight at NIGHT rather than in the morning, like we discussed.... just sayin'

I want that damn key chain, so I can put my charms on it! Word has it, that we will get a 5k charm for participating in the WW Walk-It Challenge on June 6th. It really gets me down when I earn these charms, but have no key chain to put it on!

In other news, my BondiBands came in today! I cannot wait to try these out during my 5k training runs and in Zumba! I love having bangs, but they really get in the way when one is trying to work out! Be sure to be on the lookout for a product review here in the near future (probably next week so I can Zumba with them as well).

I haven’t even started c25k week 2 yet, life has been so busy. Not that it is an excuse! But it happens, I’ve got to find the time and be more dedicated to the program. I am enjoying that it is staying lighter out later though. That has been such a delight. On the other hand I have woken up before my alarm every day this week so far, due to it being light out and the birds chirping away (including my 5:40 am alarm for work!).

So my focus will be the 8.2 pounds in the next 5 weeks (I am going to weigh in either tonight or tomorrow before work) that is a very attainable goal and will put me in the middle of May, just in time to have my blood work done.

What is your mini goal that you are working on currently?

No Excuses!

After reading a great post by MizFit; I was inspired to embark on my own "No Excuses Exercise!". As luck would have it Monday night, was my monthly Girl's Night with some of my girl friends. So yesterday morning I sent an e-mail to my girl friends asking them to think of any excuses I have given regarding why I couldn't be successful at a healthy lifestyle or exercising. That they could be completely honest without fear of me ripping their heads off.

The all thought it was a great visual to have. DBF thought that I would be wearing it to the gym... which I guess I could, but I don't want to have to wash it for fear of the ink running...(He's so cute, sometimes.)

All in all, it was difficult for my friends to think of other excuses aside from "I work too much" a lot of the excuses written down were work related.

DBF wanted to include one, but didn't know how to word it. He says that I always try to fill up my time off, so that I just don't have any real "free time". Not really a verbal excuse I have ever given, but something to consider.

Here is my "No Excuses Shirt":

All in all, my friends (and DBF) were really supportive of me in this exercise. I am a visual person, so to have something like this to remind myself would be helpful. It's always easy to give an excuse why you cannot do something. It's when you see all those excuses in one space, that you realize that you are only hurting yourself with excuses like these.

I also realized that I have some pretty kick ass friends, who are willing to put up with my whackiness. They also did comment that it was difficult at first to think of excuses, because as of late, they have been far and few. Typically when I give an excuse, I also create an action plan to over come that excuse.

BIG thanks to MizFit for such a wonderful idea and I can't wait for part two!

One of my kick ass friends has a blog of her own! She's a new mom & new blogger, So I'll give her a plug, here! She's my bestie!

Progress

This week has been so screwed up, not being able to weigh in on my usual day (Tuesday) due to have to work and then making plans to do it yesterday or later on today and ended up getting called into work early. Don't get me wrong, I love the overtime (and so do my bills!) but really, the job is what hinders my efforts.

I had also wanted to get a couch to 5k session in today, but that didn't happen. I just ran out of time... or just out of time, since I didn't get to run. (Bad attempt at a joke!)

Regardless, I did manage to weigh in this morning, granted I wasn't really prepared for it, but I went and did it. Since starting this journey I have never missed a weigh in week. I've missed meetings, but I ALWAYS weigh in. Anywho, I had no idea what to expect at the scale. I haven't really been present with my eating habits and my exercise has been screwy again due to work. Imagine my surprise when I was down .2 pounds. FINALLY, the scale is moving in the right direction! I still have a lot of ground to make up from my massive gains - but I think that even this little .2 loss is going to be the kick start that I needed to regain some focus.

This weekend is the NH Emergency Dispatcher Association Conference, in beautiful Laconia, right on the lake, this conference makes my job sound professional! LOL. I am really excited about learning new techniques and hot button topics, I am really looking forward to learning more about becoming a tactical dispatcher. Eventually sign up for the state TERT program and FEMA to assist in times of great need / disasters. I am hoping to at least get a walk in while attending the conference!

Any plans for the weekend?

Couch to 5K: Week 1

So I thought it fitting that since I signed up for my first 5K and that I am following the c25k program, I would post my training progress here. After all, posting it here, means I actually have to do it and keeps me honest. I am using an iPhone app for my c25k, so that I don't have to keep looking at my watch and timing myself. I can play my own music and the voice lets me know when it's time to run/walk.

This first week alternated between 60s of jogging/running and 90s of walking. With a warm-up and cool down before and after. It actually took me a week and a half to complete the first week, due to work and time commitments.

I find that the first 2 or 3 running sets are really tough on me, however once I am past that, the rest of the session goes fine. I did one session at the gym on the treadmill, it wasn't bad, but it's hard to judge what speed to bump up to for the running portion. I prefer running outdoors.

I really do need at least one rest day in between sessions, I'm still very heavy and my joints need the time off. My doctor said long ago that I would never be a runner, I have bad ankles, so I am going against her advice, but I plan on doing it smartly and taking time when I need to. I do notice knee and ankle pain after the training session.

I am excited to begin week 2. Next week is 90s of jogging/running with 2 minutes of walking in between. Slow and Steady.

Food Inc. Review

After reading a posting from Marisa at Loser For Life, about this documentary; I remembered that it was a movie I had wanted to see, but just never got around to putting it on my Netflix queue. Well, not only did I add it to my queue, but it was also available to watch on my computer, so I didn't want to wait. While it was fresh in my mind, I watched Food, Inc.

Also Jenn from Watch My Butt Shrink! has a great review as well.

I'm a sucker for documentaries, especially those about animals. If you've been a blog reader of mine for a while, you may recall my review of The Cove; which by the way, I am still trying to get my marine biology friend to watch.

I am a meat eater. I love meat. The thought of going veggie, just doesn't seem possible and as my DEAR boyfriend put it, I would starve to death, since there aren't many veggies out there that I like. Although that would make for a killer diet, right? In all honesty since beginning my weight loss journey and living with said dear boyfriend, we've been cooking together more and I've expanded my taste to include several new vegetables.

To say I was horrified while watching this movie, was an understatement. I knew that animals were mass produced and in feed lots, but wow, it's to a degree that I never thought was possible. To feed animals something that they aren't "designed" to consume (feeding corn instead of grass) just doesn't seem to make sense, yes it is cheaper, but not as effective. And instead of taking preventative measures against E.Coli and letting the cows shed it naturally; they treat filler meat with a chemical wash, are you serious! Don't over think things here! The cows stand in these feed lots up to their knees in manure, their coats are covered in manure, and you cannot tell me that some of that doesn't transfer to the meat.

The chickens got to me as well. There was a graphic of the size of the average chicken in like the 1950's and today, the bird today has been genetically altered to have larger breasts (since they are the desirable portion of the bird). Literally the bird of today was at least twice the size of the bird of the 1950's. The chicks grow so fast, that their organs and legs cannot keep up with the rate of growth. The birds may walk a few steps before sitting down, since their legs give out from the weight they are carrying. Also, corn is being fed to chickens as well.

It seems as though it’s a top down approach, the larger corporations make up the large majority of farm life. From growing seeds that create the corn that feeds the animals (chicken, beef, pork, even fish!) all the way through the slaughterhouse to the market. From Seed to Supermarket... it’s like a government approved monopoly.

That's because the powers that be in the government were appointed, their previous jobs were advocating for such rules to benefit the larger corporations... So its one big circle of friends, the corporations are in bed with the government. We expect the government to step up and protect us, but it's hard to believe that they are doing their job, when every time you turn on the nightly news; there are new cases or recalls of E. Coli in foods everywhere. We need protection and it's not there, we assume if a product is available for sale, that it's safe. That is NOT the case. We need to protect ourselves one way we can do that is be a better informed consumer.

The movie talked about farmers that grow soy beans, and how they cannot even keep their seeds to plant next year, because it would be considered a copyright infringement. The companies have copyrighted/trademarked the SEEDS.... Companies have brought legal action to small farmers, who cannot afford the legal bills, and have to cave in to the demands of larger companies. Now mind you the way farmers have been farmer for years, is to keep the seeds of the best of the year's crops to start the crops for next year. It's been done that way for generations...

For me, I like it when my meat comes in nice little packaging and doesn't have a face. Which I think is why I can't eat many fish unless I get it already cut into filets, it just doesn't work for me. Some mental hang up I have I guess.

After watching this movie, it has motivated me to make a change. Although I can't give up meat entirely, I will try to be more open to trying veggie meals. I will also attempt to buy/try organic and free range meat. I have in the past shopped at farmer's markets (I was motivated to that, so that I could support local business) but now I have a new motivation, to support local farmers and to ensure that my meat comes from a place that I can trust.

Okay, I'll get off my soap box. I promise I am not anti-government, but I am anti-monopoly and corruption. Side note: I still do enjoy a good GAME of monopoly, so long as it's the game, and I'm winning ;-)

Fitness Plan / Work Update

So I figured it all out. Those of you who know me, know my schedule rotates. I work 4 "days" and have 4 days off. One of the other dispatchers had to call out, she threw her back out. So I started my work week last Saturday night at 5:30 pm. I will end it tomorrow morning (Saturday) at 7:30am. In that seven day time period I will have worked 96 hours...WTF... I must be crazy. Today (Friday) I am working a 24 hour shift, on my day off. The day dispatcher is still out with her back issues and the night dispatcher took the night off. The other dispatcher is in Connecticut. So that leaves, yours truly.

No matter what, I am getting my weekend.... at least most of it. Lots of plans and birthday parties for Saturday and Sunday.

Well since my original fitness plan was to get a horseback ride in today, and I am at work, so that didn't happen. Bonus, it is raining in New Hampshire today, so I probably wouldn't have been able to go anyways. However, Saturday was supposed to be my rest day. Since today was my rest day, I guess that means I'll have to get some fitness in tomorrow. Not sure what I'll do. Either my c25k w1d3 session or something else. I guess its going to depend on time.

It just sucks, this is the second week I've had to cancel horseback riding due to something coming up last minute.

On top of that I haven't been tracking my foods and watching what I eat. I eat out of boredom and in my job you eat and use the bathroom whenever you can, because you don't know the next time you are going to get the chance to. Case in point, Thursday morning at O'dark thirty (ok so 4:30am) we had a fire down the beach. Which ended up "catching on fire again..." about a half hour after we left. (usage of quotes is due to the fact that the fire is still under investigation)

If you'd like to read about my fire you can go here: Two fires hours apart destroy beach house And by the way... who dresses like a gorilla on a fire scene? Like for realz? Only on Hampton Beach, I swear!

96 hours....


**I'd just like to say welcome to my new followers! I hope you like what you see and stay for awhile!**

The Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Welcome to my life! This is my first year participating in the Ultimate Blog Party 2010 put on by Susan and Janice from 5 Minutes for Mom.

I am really super excited about finding some new blogs to love and hopefully you will enjoy my blog enough to follow or even just be the occasional fling.

A little ditty about me:

I am Cassie, I am in my mid twenties... ok ok, approaching LATE twenties... I am not a mom, but do enjoy reading some great mom and non-mom blogs. I live in the sticks of New Hampshire. I love having all four seasons; I work as an emergency dispatcher for Fire/EMS for a beachside community. I love my job and the people I work with.

I am currently on a weight loss journey so many of my posts are weigh loss related and my progress. I talk a lot about random thoughts and stuff happening in and around my life.

Some recent posts you may enjoy are:

• I've recently started my list of 101 things to do in a 1001 days. It's pretty amazing and at least for me, life changing.
• Even when I have weak moments during my weight loss journey I still blog: Setting up to fail and coming out of the junk food coma
• I also blog about giveaways that I enter from time to time. I always include links so that you can find them too and enter as well!

I am also on twitter! Look me up and say hi! Let me know how you found me!

Now obviously, part of the Ultimate Blog Party 2010 is the prizes! If I were to win, I'd love! (Obviously the grand prize a Toshiba Satellite L505D-ES5025 would be amazing!) My top two choices would be #72, the your shape game, I've read so many great things about this game, I'd love to try it. And #39 the Hilton Garden Inn; would be used towards a nice mini getaway for DBF and I.

Aside from my top three picks above numbers 38, 104, USC3, USC8, USC15, USC35 & USC39.

Happy Blog Partying! And thanks for stopping by!

Mom Start Spring Gift Exchange

Louise over at Mom Start wanted to do a Spring Gift Exchange of her readers/followers/bloggers. So she collected willing participants (myself included) and then she organized it and assigned everyone a random person. I won't tell who I received, but I had a blast doing it. It's so wonderful to do something for someone else. I love random acts of kindness. I am hoping that my person enjoys their gifts and that it reminds them that the long winter is over, and Spring has sprung!

Just for Fun

I laugh out loud everytime I see this. It's pretty hilarious and quite true. The people that created this live in the town next to me. If you've ever lived or visited New Hampshire, it's worth watching.

And yes, its really true, come February it's good to know a plow guy! The people that created this: The Super Secret Project are pretty hilarious and have some other good projects on YouTube.

Enjoy:




Lyrics:

Yeah. Yeah, Imma up at Conway

Now I’m down in Manchester
Next to Adam Sandler
But I’ll be woods forever
I’m the new Salinger
Cuz I could live anywhere
But I choose to live here
The middle of nowhere
I used to shop in Salem
Next to Rockingham Park
Right there up on 28
You'll find Canobie Lake Park
Bring me up to Portsmouth
the saloon at State Street
Catch me up at Gilleys after closing for some late eats
Its not the kangamangus
The Kancamagus
Its a scenic byway
That I like to drive in August
Now Im down at Bedford
Home of Seth Meyers, yeah
Also Sarah Silverman
were funny motherxxxxas here
We like to say whatsup guy, its the way we say hi
In February it is good to know a plow guy
It is shaped like a key, also where I like to ski
Tell by my belt buckle that I most definitely from…

NEW HAMPSHIRE
LAND WHERE THERES NO INCOME OR SALES TAX
THERE S NOTHING MUCH TO DO
HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
THESE TREES WHERE LEAF PEEPERS DRIVE TO
MAPLE SYRUP IS PRO-DUCED
THIS IS NEW HAMPSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE

Catch me up at Loudin, at the Speedway for the race yo
I made the flannel shirt more famous than a scarecrow
Don't drink and drive here, listen to what I say
even though we put our liquor stores right on the highway
You can drive Mount Washington
hike up Mount Monadnock
in 1787 we invented the alarm clock
Concord Coach, Dartmouth Coach, DowneasterAmtrak
On Squam Lake, Henry Fonda taught yall how to act
Derry’s Alan Shepard, first guy in a spaceship
Its a pity Christa McCaulliffe didn't make it

Didja hear about the ice storm in December of 08
I went without power for eleven straight days!
You can buy a handgun
You can buy some fireworks
Sandwich Fair, Rest in peace Daniel Webster
Americas Stonehenge, long live the dairy trade
Long live the old man
I’m from the Granite State that's

NEW HAMPSHIRE
PLACE WHERE STONYFIELD YOGURT IS MADE IN
AND COW TIPPINGS SO COOL
HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
DSL SERVICE IS BRAND NEW
YOU MIGHT EVEN SEE A MOOSE
HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep


That's some Robert Frost, hes our most famous poet
It was actually written up in Vermont but its associated with
The 603, where its a fact I
Don't know any Hispanics and just one black guy
You can go to Bike Week that's up in Laconia
In the winter months hit the notch in Franconia, home of
B-O-D-E our Olympic Ski Champion
He faced high pressure like my man Al Kaprielian

NEW HAMPSHIRE
IF YOU DONT WANT TO WEAR A HELMET
THERES NOTHIN THEY CAN DO
HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
MARKEYS VERSE BROWNS ON THE SEACOAST
TELL ME WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE
WHEN YOURE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE HAMPSHIRE HAMPSHIRE

NINTH STATE RATIFIED OUT OF ALL FIFTY
IT CAN GET COLD
BUT STILL THE AUTUMNS VERY PRETTY
WHEN THIS SONG MAKES ME RICH,
I’M A MOVE TO RYE
EVERYBODY PUMP YOUR FISTS AND YELL
LIVE FREE OR DIE! LIVE FREE OR DIE!

IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
STATE WHERE TRIPLE H THE WRESTLER HAILS FROM
THAT GUY WOULD DESTROY YOU
IF YOU KNOCK NEW HAMPSHIRE
ITS JUST LIKE OLD HAMPSHIRE BUT NEW
WERE OUT OF JOKES TO DO
ABOUT NEW HAMPSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE

Weigh In Results

Starting Weight: 313.8
Last Week's Weight: 287.8
Current Weight: 291.2

Week reults: +3.4
Total Loss: -22.6

To be honest, I don't know what happened. I always hop on my scale at home, just before I walk out the door, so I can have a ball park figure. Now, when I hopped on, it was right about where I was last week. So to be honest, I was expecting a small gain, loss or to stay the same, but a THREE POUND GAIN! I just wasn't prepared for that. To say I was shocked, is an understatement. I mean I guess it could happen. My schedule was all f*ed up due to overtime at work and being sore for 2 days after my c25k session and Zumba in the same day, that probably wasn't the smartest move I could have made. I also wasn't tracking as well as I should have been, I probably either wasn't eating enough or eating too much (read: Easter Sunday).

So this week, I am going to track my foods/points. I also have my workout schedule for the rest of the week. I plan on c25k w1d2 session tomorrow at the gym, with maybe some weight work afterwards. Zumba Thursday night, and a horseback ride Friday afternoon. Rest day Saturday, and Sunday do c25k w1d3 session. That is the plan, hopefully I can stick with it.

Also my DBF and I entered into an agreement, between now and my birthday (June 23) we will have a weight loss competition, whoever has the highest percentage loss gets to pick the destination for a weekend getaway that the other (loser) must pay for and plan... mini-vacations motivate me (especially when I get time alone with the DBF) but money motivates me even more... Let's just say, I don't plan on paying. I think this is the kick in the ass that we both need.

At the meeting, Weight Watchers announced their Walk-It Challenge. Also included was their training plan, basically on June 6th they are encouraging their members to challenge themselves to walk in a 5K (either a WW event or one of their own). June 6th just happens to be the day of the Smuttynose 5K that I entered to be in. What are the odds? Even more motivation for me! This was meant to be! When said 5K is completed the WW member gets a charm to add to their 10% keychain... you know that keychain I DON'T have... boo. 31 pounds is my 10% goal and I am at 22. I am hoping to hit at least my 10% by my birthday. I already have 2 charms for my keychain... Now I want my 10% and my damn keychain. At the meeting we talked about how we need motivation, a freaking keychain is what is motivating me right now... lol.

What motivates you to loose weight? Obviously, to be healthier and feel better about yourself, but what else? Do you set mini-goals & rewards?

Screw 'Em!

I thought this was fantastic! What a great Opening Day/Night! This was a fantastic way of kicking the night off. I don't watch much of baseball, but I am glad that I caught this!

Enjoy:

101 in 1001 update

Since its been 3 months since I started my Day Zero Project of 101 things in a 1001 days; so I thought I would update the status of my list:

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in 1001 days


The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no abiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Starting Date: Friday January 1st, 2010 Ending Date: Friday September 28th, 2012

1 Spend a rainy day watching films in my PJ's
2 Try two new cookie recipes this Christmas
3 Attend the midnight premiere of a movie
4 Get married
5 Go skydiving.
6 Learn to knit
7 Organize my closet
8 lose 15 pounds
9 Go on a cruise
10 Go whitewater rafting
11 buy a house
12 See a Broadway show.
13 spend a day at the spa
14 Lose 5 pounds
15 Own an iPhone
16 Try a new (and possibly frightening) food
17 Watch two movies at a cinema in the same day.
18 Influence a person to make a day zero list (Go Nick and Tricia!)
19 go fly a kite
20 Pay off my credit cards
21 Have a housewarming party
22 Floss every night for a month
23 Tie a note to a balloon and let it go
24 Go sledding
25 Lose 10 Pounds
26 start a family
27 help a stranger
28 Have a sleepover party
29 Have a friend choose a complete outfit for me
30 Play a new board game
31 Travel by train
32 Make homemade bread
33 Go to a casino
34 Take at least 5 photos a day for a month
35 Eliminate non-fitting clothing from my wardrobe
36 Save $5000
37 Read 100 books (0/100)
38 Compose a new list of 101 things to do in 1001 days
39 For every task I do not complete, donate $1 to charity
40 Put aside $5 for every completed task
41 Go to a Patriots game
42 Drink nothing but water for 2 weeks
43 Watch the sunrise at the beach
44 Host a giveaway on my blog
45 Organize photos and get and stay caught up with my scrapbooking
46 Climb Mount Washington
47 Attend a hot yoga class
48 Do 100 situps for a month (0/30)
49 Ask for someone else's advice and take it
50 Give a stranger a compliment
51 Write down something positive about myself for 30 days straight
52 Have “date night” one night of the week for 1 month (4/4)
53 Work out faithfully 3x a week for 2 months
54 Take a trip to Las Vegas
55 No swearing for a day x12 (0/12)
56 Play a game of 18-hole golf
57 Put change in someone’s expired parking meter
58 Take the Cat ferry to Canada
59 Have a weekend getaway for SO and I
60 Start our own Christmas tradition
61 Get my HAM radio licenese
62 Participate in a 5K (run/walk) - Scheduled for 6/6/10!! Excited!
63 Make my own candles
64 Climb Cadillac Mountain
65 Learn at least 50 ASL signs .
66 Go one weekend "Unplugged" no phone/internet
67 Send/Give 100 cards “just because.” (2/100)
68 Leave SO a love note/note of encouragement/surprise email 1x a week for 2 months
69 Complete 3 – 1500 piece or more jigsaw puzzles (0/3)
70 Visit 5 new states not previously in (driving through doesn't count)
71 Participate in a 10K (run/walk)
72 help a friend in need
73 take a class (work related)
74 Have one day off per week for 1 month
75 Make SO breakfast in bed
76 Bring coffee in for the boys at work
77 hang pictures/art on walls
78 Buy flowers/edible arraingments for someone.
79 Be able to buy clothing in the regular women's section
80 Invest my money better
81 borrow books from the library; instead of buying them
82 get a makeover to include makeup!
83 Try a new recipe once a week for 1 month
84 Call one cousin per week until all Bridle Cousins have been spoken to
85 Host a girls night at my house (coming up at the end of this month!)
86 Host a couple's night
87 Prepare my will
88 Take a poledancing class
89 Travel to Nantucket / Martha's Vineyard
90 Visit my grandmother at least once a month for a year (0/12)
91 plan a couples camping trip
92 Play Bingo with friends
93 Host a transit party.
94 See an old friend once per month for one year (1/12) - Kaylynn!!
95 See Rocky Horror at midnight showing
96 Go and shoot a gun at a firing range
97 To get a physical each year
98 To see a UNH/UMaine Hockey Game
99 To kiss the Cat at UNH
100 To go to a Red Sox / Yankees game
101 To complete this list in less than 1001 days

Now looking at this over all, I think that I have a great positive energy with this list, and its really motivated me to look at all areas/aspects of my life and try to improve and be a better person. I love the concept of making these lists. A) I am a list type of girl and I get a thrill from crossing something off my list and B) I love that you can have items that take awhile to complete or can take just a moment.
 
Reflecting on the tasks I have completed. I love playing bingo with my friends. In fact Ben and I went last night, just by ourselves. We may be older now, but we still know how to have a good time on a Friday night! I was thrilled that I hit my mini weight loss goal of an iPhone. Since starting this list, I have only hit the 5 pound loss, but I am close to the 10 pounds. I have heard from both my brother (Nick) and one of my bestest friends (Tricia) that they have either completed or will start their own list. It is a great feeling to motivate someone else to create a list.
 
The date nights and new recipe challenges were tough! My schedule is wonky (those of you that know me, understand) so it makes it tough to plan date nights. But I am pleased to report that the task was happily completed. New recipes were tough, since I don't cook. But I am learning and can enjoy new tastes and new foods. Trying to make food at home to be healthier really does motivate me as well



I am really looking forward to my upcoming 5K race in June. I was lovingly convinced by Liz from Goddess in Progress to consider using the Couch to 5K training method (c25k) and I started Week 1 this week. Results: I am really not a runner... but I completed the first session, wasn't pretty by any stretch. But I am hoping to improve.
 
So I've completed 8 tasks which translates to $40 into my "Day Zero" savings account in order to comply with list item #40. Which I will do by the end of next week.
 

Giveaways 4/2/10

• Tech Savvy Mama is giving away a Barnes & Noble nook (so cool). Ends 4/9
• Our Ordinary Life is hosting a Kia Sorento makeover giveaway! Too bad its not a Kia! But still very COOL!!! Ends 4/21
• Stacey from All Because Two People Fell In Love teamed up with Initials Inc. for a giveaway and since "Cassie and Cassandra" are very uncommon names, I'd love to win this! Ends 4/15
• Jennifer from J. leigh designz is giving away a Carolina Pad tote bag. Ends 4/19