Guess what I won... no it's no joke....
What the hell am I going to do with that? I guess I should play the lottery.
The back story is that I've always entered the giveaway, more so to help the school. I think UVM is a great school, and their breeding program is amazing.. but never in a million years did I think I would win!
Happy Halloween!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Doctor's Report and End of Year Goals: Finish Strong!
On Thursday morning, I had my annual physical. All told, things are progressing well. No major concerns on the part of the doctor. Still morbidly obese, but I am making progress. My doctor was elated that I had made some progress. She kept trying to reassure me that even 18 pounds in a year is progress.
My knee pain is gone, my energy levels are up, I am eating better and I feel better. I need to focus on the good, positive changes that have occurred in the past year.
My doctor and I also talked about my upcoming life changes, my engagement and planning a wedding. And obviously children. She recommended to continue to lose weight and encouraged the healthy lifestyle changes. It can only improve mine and my babies chances of a healthy pregnancy. Obviously, I want to look good for the wedding day, but also H2B and I want to start a family, and I want to be able to do while being healthy. There is so much negative information out there about obese women and fertility and pregnancy, that one could get overwhelmed pretty quickly.
Other than being overweight, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health, pending lab values. Last year, my cholesterol was slightly elevated, enough to note it, but no action was necessary. My doctor knows that I am making changes and encouraged me to continue on my path.
I was hoping to be significantly lighter this year from last year. Although I am not, I have lost 18 pounds (according my doctor's scale) and I need to be proud of that accomplishment. The scale is moving in the right direction over the long term. Sometimes it's hard to lose sight of that when I am so focused on the day to day stuff.
Bringing me into my next topic, Kerri from Kat Does Diets recently talked about her End of Year goals and what she'd like to accomplish. Well, believe it or not, she has inspired me (she does quite often), and with the recently failure of my monthly goals (switching up to weekly goals). I thought to myself, it's a great time to identify a couple of things that I'd like to see by the end of 2010. So without further adu, my End of Year Goals:
What would you like to complete/achieve before the end of 2010?
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My doctor and I also talked about my upcoming life changes, my engagement and planning a wedding. And obviously children. She recommended to continue to lose weight and encouraged the healthy lifestyle changes. It can only improve mine and my babies chances of a healthy pregnancy. Obviously, I want to look good for the wedding day, but also H2B and I want to start a family, and I want to be able to do while being healthy. There is so much negative information out there about obese women and fertility and pregnancy, that one could get overwhelmed pretty quickly.
Other than being overweight, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health, pending lab values. Last year, my cholesterol was slightly elevated, enough to note it, but no action was necessary. My doctor knows that I am making changes and encouraged me to continue on my path.
I was hoping to be significantly lighter this year from last year. Although I am not, I have lost 18 pounds (according my doctor's scale) and I need to be proud of that accomplishment. The scale is moving in the right direction over the long term. Sometimes it's hard to lose sight of that when I am so focused on the day to day stuff.
Bringing me into my next topic, Kerri from Kat Does Diets recently talked about her End of Year goals and what she'd like to accomplish. Well, believe it or not, she has inspired me (she does quite often), and with the recently failure of my monthly goals (switching up to weekly goals). I thought to myself, it's a great time to identify a couple of things that I'd like to see by the end of 2010. So without further adu, my End of Year Goals:
- Achieve my 10% - this has been dogging me for 8 months. I've voiced/blogged several times that I want to achieve this but it hasn't happened. I need to create an action plan and stick to it!
- Accomplish at least 3 other items on my 101 things in a 1001 days list
- Live through another year of Toy Bank
- Start working on finding a sponsor for FitBloggin' 11
- Study to take my HAM operator's test in early 2011
What would you like to complete/achieve before the end of 2010?
Shout Out!
To a "In Real Life" friend, who also blogs, Tricia! Yesterday was her birthday (yes she is older than me!) We've been great friends for years! Despite the injuries I had to incure (inside joke)
Check out her blog about her life and her family, Family Thyngs!
And here is a family portrait from our Christmas Tree Hunt.. Which I have a feeling will be a annual Thyng/Leavitt tradition.... LOL
Ugh, sorry it's so dark, it was raining so we put away the nice camera and we were left with my iPhone camera.
Check out her blog about her life and her family, Family Thyngs!
And here is a family portrait from our Christmas Tree Hunt.. Which I have a feeling will be a annual Thyng/Leavitt tradition.... LOL
October Monthly Goals Recap
Well, here it is the end of another month. I will be recapping my October goals, but I am switching to weekly goals, as for right now, I think the short term focus is what I need. So no more monthly goals, but now weekly goals, which will be included in my regular weigh in posts.
October Goals:
My weight has fluxuated this month. Largly due to my back pain/injury and not being able to fully commit to working out and a weight program.
Let's just move on and focus on the weekly goals.
October Goals:
- Get my Gruve green at least 4 times a week
- Secure a wedding venue and date
- Track food for at least one week straight
- Achieve my 10% (finally)
- Study for my HAM operator's license
My weight has fluxuated this month. Largly due to my back pain/injury and not being able to fully commit to working out and a weight program.
Let's just move on and focus on the weekly goals.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Product Review: L'Bri all natural skin care line
I was given the opportunity recently to review a product called L'BRI. This opportunity was provided because of Business2Blogger. I received product to sample in exchange for my honest opinion about the product.
In the Sample Pack I received was:
As I said, there was a lot of informative material included with the samples for me to try. One of particular note was that, "You will notice some change just by using these samples for a few days, but it will requires a minimum of 30 days usage to experience superior results."
I was a little nervous at first to try the stuff out, as I wanted to give a clear and honest review, but I didn't know if I was going to be able to tell! I am happy to report that I am noticing small changes in my skin. Normally, I am very prone to breakouts, especially when stressed.
I followed the very clear directions, first applying the cleanser, then the Rejuvenating Facial Peel, then the Freshener, the Smooth n' Firm Eye Repair Gel and lastly the Moisturizer.
I really enjoyed the Smooth n' Firm Eye Repair Gel. I could really tell a difference. Working in my line of work, I am up all hours of the night, and my under eye area is prone to puffiness and dark circles. I really liked the tip of leaving the gel in the refrigerator to help reduce the puffiness faster.
There is something different about my face/skin. When I went to get my eyebrows waxed recently, my stylist noted that my skin looked more toned and wasn't dry at all. She asked me what was I using, I was more than happy to tell her!
There is a whole product line that L'Bri offers, including the products above, and much more, Shampoo and Conditioner as well as makeup. I am really impressed with the fact that it's made in the USA and they do not test on animals, or use any human or animal by-products in their skin care products. The first ingredient is Aloe, not water as commonly found with other products. This is a high quality natural skin care line without the high dollar price tag.
As a generous offer from L'Bri, they have provided me with a full sized version of their sample packet to try for a longer period of time. You don't have to use a whole lot of the product to get the desired effect/results. Their sample packet which is said to be about a week's supply, lasted me nearly 2 weeks, and I didn't feel like I was skimping at all. If you would like to try their sample packet visit www.lbribiz.com/free_samples.pdf (be aware, that they charge $6.75 for shipping and handling, but that's way worth it to try a new product without committing to a full sized version).
In the Sample Pack I received was:
- Rejuvenating Facial Peel
- Deep Pore Cleanser
- Freshener (Toner)
- Lotion (Moisturizer)
- Facial Masque
- Exfoliating Face & Body Scrub
- Smooth n/ Firm Eye Repair Gel
- As well as a wealth of product/company information
As I said, there was a lot of informative material included with the samples for me to try. One of particular note was that, "You will notice some change just by using these samples for a few days, but it will requires a minimum of 30 days usage to experience superior results."
I was a little nervous at first to try the stuff out, as I wanted to give a clear and honest review, but I didn't know if I was going to be able to tell! I am happy to report that I am noticing small changes in my skin. Normally, I am very prone to breakouts, especially when stressed.
I followed the very clear directions, first applying the cleanser, then the Rejuvenating Facial Peel, then the Freshener, the Smooth n' Firm Eye Repair Gel and lastly the Moisturizer.
I really enjoyed the Smooth n' Firm Eye Repair Gel. I could really tell a difference. Working in my line of work, I am up all hours of the night, and my under eye area is prone to puffiness and dark circles. I really liked the tip of leaving the gel in the refrigerator to help reduce the puffiness faster.
There is something different about my face/skin. When I went to get my eyebrows waxed recently, my stylist noted that my skin looked more toned and wasn't dry at all. She asked me what was I using, I was more than happy to tell her!
There is a whole product line that L'Bri offers, including the products above, and much more, Shampoo and Conditioner as well as makeup. I am really impressed with the fact that it's made in the USA and they do not test on animals, or use any human or animal by-products in their skin care products. The first ingredient is Aloe, not water as commonly found with other products. This is a high quality natural skin care line without the high dollar price tag.
As a generous offer from L'Bri, they have provided me with a full sized version of their sample packet to try for a longer period of time. You don't have to use a whole lot of the product to get the desired effect/results. Their sample packet which is said to be about a week's supply, lasted me nearly 2 weeks, and I didn't feel like I was skimping at all. If you would like to try their sample packet visit www.lbribiz.com/free_samples.pdf (be aware, that they charge $6.75 for shipping and handling, but that's way worth it to try a new product without committing to a full sized version).
Back Pain Update
I mentioned in my last post about going to the doctor's this morning, although my back is better it's not 100%. I do feel like this is partly the reason as to why I haven't been able to do any weight lifting (or floor work), it still just hurts too much.
The past 2 weeks I've been walking on a trail system near my apartment with my friends and their awesome dogs from Patch Wood Farms, it's been great getting outside and enjoying the fall, the trails are wonderful and for the most part easy to walk on. On Tuesday we went for a walk, like we've done many times. However, I stumbled, I tripped over a rock. I caught myself and didn't fall down. But the jarring pain of tripping and catching myself sent a sharp wave of pain over my back, I may have said a curse word. It was a sharp reminder that I am still not 100%. But, walking did help alleviate the pain. I am thrilled that I can walk, but right now running, floor work and weights are not in the cards. And I just wonder for how long.
I think that I am treating this back pain reasonably. I love my chiropractor, she's amazing. I've been icing my back and on the really bad days, I am taking some Tylenol/pain relief. I know that it takes time for the body to heal, but just like with my weight loss, I am impatient. I've got to keep reminding myself, that if I do too much, I am only hurting myself and further delaying my progress. I need to be patient. Which is sometimes very hard for me to do. I have made progress, I can go days without pain, but it's the one day of pain that brings me right back.
Still not sure how I did this to myself. I have an old work injury (from EMT training and lifting a patient) that I could have aggravated. It's in about the same area. I could have done something while dancing at my friend's wedding, or partying in Atlantic City... I guess we'll never know, but I am hoping that I can recover from this and get back on track.
The past 2 weeks I've been walking on a trail system near my apartment with my friends and their awesome dogs from Patch Wood Farms, it's been great getting outside and enjoying the fall, the trails are wonderful and for the most part easy to walk on. On Tuesday we went for a walk, like we've done many times. However, I stumbled, I tripped over a rock. I caught myself and didn't fall down. But the jarring pain of tripping and catching myself sent a sharp wave of pain over my back, I may have said a curse word. It was a sharp reminder that I am still not 100%. But, walking did help alleviate the pain. I am thrilled that I can walk, but right now running, floor work and weights are not in the cards. And I just wonder for how long.
I think that I am treating this back pain reasonably. I love my chiropractor, she's amazing. I've been icing my back and on the really bad days, I am taking some Tylenol/pain relief. I know that it takes time for the body to heal, but just like with my weight loss, I am impatient. I've got to keep reminding myself, that if I do too much, I am only hurting myself and further delaying my progress. I need to be patient. Which is sometimes very hard for me to do. I have made progress, I can go days without pain, but it's the one day of pain that brings me right back.
Still not sure how I did this to myself. I have an old work injury (from EMT training and lifting a patient) that I could have aggravated. It's in about the same area. I could have done something while dancing at my friend's wedding, or partying in Atlantic City... I guess we'll never know, but I am hoping that I can recover from this and get back on track.
Weigh In
There has been so much going on. I am not terribly focused at the moment on Weight Watchers and my healthy living goals. I really enjoyed this week's meeting topic (Trick or Treat) and talking about all the little ways we trick ourselves into thinking it's a real treat.
Last Week's Weight: 296.4
This Week's Weight: 297.4
Gain: 1
Total Loss: -16.4
My next mini goal is to get back to a total of 20 pounds lost, I've been going back and forth. To accomplish this goal, for the next week, I will have a loss, I will have progress.
- Gruve to green at least 4 days this week
- Water, get my water intake in (64 ounces).
Today, I am going for my yearly physical with my doctor. I know I won't be as light than I wanted to be, but I am lighter than I was last year, and I need to focus on the long term goal of healthy living. I am making positive changes in my life. I hope that my doctor is at least a little pleased with my progress.
In wedding news, we had a cake date, and we love the baker! She's really wonderful and creative. We came up with a design that will be very fall and very New Hampshire. My stepmother is allergic to alcohol (tough break, but I always have a DD) so we had to get a cake that didn't use alcohol. We tried a chocolate torte cake, which was delicious... I can't stand chocolate cake (store or box), but her chocolate cake is homemade and is so amazing. I can't believe I went with a chocolate cake for my wedding cake. The sample tasted so good, I really loved it. So sad I'll have to wait nearly a year before I can have it again!
The weather in NH has been really wonky lately (typical, I guess), there is an old saying, If you don't like the weather in New England, wait 5 minutes. And it's been true the last couple of days. On Sunday H2B and I got together with Tricia and her Thyng Family to tag our respective Christmas trees. It took us about an hour and a half of wandering around to find one. Both were at the very back of the tree property. It was a fun outing, but when the rain started to fall, both Tricia and I were kind of done.
Then yesterday and today, it's looking like we are in the high 60's and low 70's. Wow, that's warm for late October! Soon enough snow will start to fly and we will all be looking forward to summer.
Take Care!
Last Week's Weight: 296.4
This Week's Weight: 297.4
Gain: 1
Total Loss: -16.4
My next mini goal is to get back to a total of 20 pounds lost, I've been going back and forth. To accomplish this goal, for the next week, I will have a loss, I will have progress.
- Gruve to green at least 4 days this week
- Water, get my water intake in (64 ounces).
Today, I am going for my yearly physical with my doctor. I know I won't be as light than I wanted to be, but I am lighter than I was last year, and I need to focus on the long term goal of healthy living. I am making positive changes in my life. I hope that my doctor is at least a little pleased with my progress.
In wedding news, we had a cake date, and we love the baker! She's really wonderful and creative. We came up with a design that will be very fall and very New Hampshire. My stepmother is allergic to alcohol (tough break, but I always have a DD) so we had to get a cake that didn't use alcohol. We tried a chocolate torte cake, which was delicious... I can't stand chocolate cake (store or box), but her chocolate cake is homemade and is so amazing. I can't believe I went with a chocolate cake for my wedding cake. The sample tasted so good, I really loved it. So sad I'll have to wait nearly a year before I can have it again!
The weather in NH has been really wonky lately (typical, I guess), there is an old saying, If you don't like the weather in New England, wait 5 minutes. And it's been true the last couple of days. On Sunday H2B and I got together with Tricia and her Thyng Family to tag our respective Christmas trees. It took us about an hour and a half of wandering around to find one. Both were at the very back of the tree property. It was a fun outing, but when the rain started to fall, both Tricia and I were kind of done.
The red fire hat is to help us identify it when we come back in December to chop it down.
Then yesterday and today, it's looking like we are in the high 60's and low 70's. Wow, that's warm for late October! Soon enough snow will start to fly and we will all be looking forward to summer.
Take Care!
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