A day in the life of ME


What its like to be me day in and day out.
Trying to lose weight, living with a husband, 5 children, a
dog, and doing it all while living with my
parents.


Saturday, December 17, 2011

Batteries not included

Well at least new batteries exactly when you need them are not included. The bathroom scale is battery powered and they died 2 nights ago. I went to change them figuring we had AA or AAA somewhere I could find in the house, but to my horror they were those weird flat batteries! So now I have to go to the store and I hope they don't cost a fortune! I suppose it will help me to focus on what I need to be doing for my weight loss and get back to weighing in just once a week. It's really addicting because I want to see the scale go down so that I can have a good day, but when it doesn't move or goes up I have a bad day.  I think when I don't see it go down I somehow with my doubt in myself actually prevent my body from losing weight.  My goal is to go back to Wednesday weigh ins. Katie's blog that I follow does Wednesday weigh ins and I didn't want to seem like I was copying her so I tried to come up with a better day, but copying or not Wednesday is the best day. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My New Adventure

Wow it's been over 2 months since I last wrote. I knew moving would cause a lot of commotion in my normal routines, but I am slowly trying to get things back together.


About a week after arriving

 I have been here now at my sisters since November 2nd. That was a crazy flight, but Gavin did so well! Planes were not designed to carry car seats and babies and diaper bags! I was lucky enough to have some amazing people help me out!  Since I have arrived here I love it more and more! It's such a great place I wish everyone I know could live here! 

 My weight has not been dropping but I am OK with that. I am very glad that it hasn't gone up with the move and not being able to cook for myself all the time. With shopping and preparing meals I have to think of the other people in the house.  It will be better when I am finally in my own place. I can just tell my family to suck it up and eat it, it's good for them! :)

  This blog is a little scattered because there is so much to say and not a lot of time to say it in.  I do love my job because even though I don't get breaks really, I do get nap time! Not my nap time but the children's. Ha ha. Lately all of the kids have been napping and it's nice to get a break and feel like an adult! I have been listening to some comedians lately and they have been talking about things you only get to do being a parent. For instance saying sentences like "We don't shoot people at the dinner table" or I heard my brother in law the other morning say "It's not nice to throw things into other peoples cars." It brings laughter to my day!

  I have started a new herbal medicine I read about called, L-Tyrosine. I found it on Dr. Oz's website, which I have been looking at a lot lately because of Katie @runsforcookies.com being on the show. In short the medicine is suppose to give you energy. I'll try to write more info about it later, or you can just google it for yourself. :)  I really love it though! By the third day it was no longer agonizing to stay awake all day.  I have also been able to get to sleep at a decent time which between that and the medicine my mornings are amazing! I actually WANT to go running! Kyle just laughed at me when I told him.  I would go now if it weren't for the snow and the fact that it's dark until after daycare kids arrive and by the time daycare kids are gone. I am also going to try another medicine called Sam-E. I read that a lot of people use it in combination with the L-Tyrosine to help with fatigue and depression.  Which I have noticed a bit of an increase in my depression with the limited hours of daylight and not being able to leave the house very often. Sometimes I try to get out after daycare kids leave but I think I much more prefer getting to sleep on time. Although I am thinking of going to the grocery store tomorrow night because I have some coupons I have been wanting to use.  Now if that's not excitement I don't know what is! :)

  Things are looking better and better everyday.  We are waiting for an apartment to become open at an apartment complex near by, and in the mean time looking for anything else we can find that will work.  Kyle and I checked our credit, and we are no where as bad as we thought.  We are getting that all in line and then it's on to buy a house! It's very exciting the opportunities we have all because we are no longer in Yakima!!

  As far as my weight loss goes, I have been counting calories again and measuring foods.  I don't have a food scale but that's on my wish list.  The L-Tyrosine also has some apatite suppression qualities I have been enjoying. Being it's winter time I just want to eat so many "good" (bad) things! But I take a bite or two and realize how full I feel and can't even make myself eat more. I have been really working on drinking water but between the cold outside and the dry heat inside I always feel dehydrated!

  It feels good to be able to blog again! I enjoy it so much!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Oh what a Sunday!


Today was an eventful day. We went to a new church this morning called break through. I was a little scared to try out a new church, but Kyle and I have both been praying and we felt the Lord calling us to serve and attended somewhere else. The sermon was very powerful and ironic to say the least! Pastor Brian was speaking on none other then finding the right church and not shopping around from church to church (Which I had considered) He made several other great points through out his message that insured me that we were where God had called us to be. I am excited to see all that God has in store for my family and so happy to be in a church where we are able to serve and do what God calls us to do.

 After lunch today Kyle headed out to do the front brakes on our car and I had all the kids down for quiet time. When quiet time (which turned out to be not so quiet) was over I chose to indulge in some of my husbands home made apple pie. Unfortunately that was interrupted by a phone call from Kyle. He gave me the news that the caliper went bad on one side in the front and wore down the brake pad to medal. That's the only reason we had to do brakes now! The other side still has life left and the backs have 50%. I am cursed with this issue. Every car I drive this happens to, and my husband said the same about himself. (maybe I should have been more careful who I am married. Ha ha). The phone call ended and I went back to my apple pie. I finished the little slice I had and wanted to get another piece! But instead I stopped and recognized that I was stressing and only eating out of emotions. So I am sitting here and writing some on my blog after I got done praying and handing the problem over to him. I realized that on a positive note we don't have to do our back brakes as soon as we thought.
 I must have been dreaming when I thought writing while 5 cranky children ran wild in the house was going to be relaxing, but at least I got some things out of my head and down on paper (or screen?)
 But some good news before I go! My weigh in Wednesday was not good! I had gone up a few ounces to 300.6 and I was really bummed by it.  I just wanted to eat every sweet thing I could find.  But I resisted because I knew that would get me no where. I am learning how to use my rational thinking rather then emotional thinking.  I tried to stay off the scale until my next weigh in on Wednesday but I had to take a peak on Friday, and to my surprise I was 298.4! I was very excited and more encouraged to keep up on all my hard work.  I did realize something from a blog I read www.runsforcookies.com, that when you workout hard or just begin to workout your muscles retain a lot of water. I didn't realize how much if would affect my weigh ins though.  My goal is to keep at a regular workout schedule and not let lapses happen anymore.


Me at the end of my Sunday
(Don't mind the bags under the eyes)

 Anyone out there who is working on weight loss, How do you deal with the feelings when the scale isn't moving like you would want?

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hello again my friends!

I did it! I have not finished my weight loss journey but I hit a big milestone for myself! I have lost more then 30 pounds and I am finally back under 300! I haven't been under 300 since before I got pregnant with Gavin (whom is 14 months and if my math is correct that's nearly 2 years!!)
This morning I was 299.8, and the neighbors probably heard me scream! I have been stuck at 300.2 for over a week. It is I think more frustrating to be so close but just not able to get there, then when I had 30 pounds to go. I even weighed myself this evening at the gym and that same scale always said I was a tad heavier then the one at home (but it was also always later in the day after I had ate and drank) So I was prepared for a higher number and jumped up onto it, got my feet centered in the same spot I always do and slid the 50 pound increment bar thing over to 300, when I went to move the smaller weight bar that goes by individual pounds I was horrified to see that the bar wasn't leveling out, I kept pushing and pushing and no movement at all! I could have cried I was so baffled. Then an idea popped into my little blond head. "maybe I am going the wrong direction" sure enough I was 293 on that scale and that is why it wouldn't move! :) I amaze myself with intelligence sometimes! ha ha.  So I felt even better about that weight and had a nice hard workout.
 My husband is so supportive and kept telling me that I will make it and it will be worth it when I do, he was right of course. Thank you Kyle. But on another note I am over half way to our "first to 60 pounds lost" challenge and I decided if I win I get to dye my hair jet black, partly because I've always wanted it and partly because it freaks him out and is a good motivator for him to work out.

 Well my 5 minutes of me time is up and the lights must go out for Gavin. Goodnight everyone!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Working out and grocery shopping

Well today felt so good to be back in the gym!  I don't know how people dread going there, I love it!  I am sure I wouldn't enjoy so much going by myself though. Thankfully I had my mom and sister with me. It was all cardio today,water aerobics and a little elliptical. Yet I don't feel as worn out as I thought I would.

  We started out with the water aerobics class. We were a little bit early so we decided to swim laps. I don't think I have ever swam laps before, but I got in a lane with my sister anyways.  She would swim the length of the pool down and back then it would be my turn.  I went down and back twice and my heart was a pumping! I just kept thinking, don't drown or flail like an idiot! :) After twice I figured I shouldn't press my luck and poop myself out before the hour long class.

   We thought the class was going to be a bit empty, but then all of a sudden the elderly started pouring into the pool. ( I knew it was an arthritis low intensity class but come on now) Once I saw everyone that was in the class I now know why the instructor thought we were in the wrong place. My mom was a child compared to the people in this class.  We began the workout and it wasn't no cake walk. I started looking around wondering how these other people in class were handling it, come to find out they just kinda stand around and move there arms a little while they catch up on the latest gossip. My mom, sister and I on the other hand were laughing as we tried to balance in the water while doing the various moves the instructor was leading us through.  The funniest part was trying to lay back in the water with a noodle behind me and do abdominal work.  It seemed my legs were either straight under me like I was standing, or they would float up to the surface and I would end up looking like a beetle flipped onto its back!  I think the instructor was very amused with the 3 of us. I'm sure it was his most exciting class in a long time. We managed to finish the class without to much more problems, minus the girl who told my sister about the lady who died in the same spot where my sister was standing.  The girl also clarified that the lady was dead dead..... As apposed to that pesky other kind of dead where they come back to life I'm guessing?

  After class there was an exciting time trying to get dressed in the locker room.  The larger downstairs locker rooms are being remodeled, and those are the ones with private showers and changing areas. This afternoon I was reminded that apparently when you hit a certain age, you just don't care anymore about being naked in front of strangers. I still have some modesty left in my blood which makes old ladies strutting around next to me a little awkward at times.

 Finally we made it safely to the 3rd floor where everyone was wearing clothes! My mom was going to walk laps around the track while my sister jogged and I decided I would make another attempt at mastering the elliptical, and that I did! I was very proud of myself for completing a 30 min program of 4 mins low intensity, followed by 4 minutes of high intensity and then repeated, which 5 mins of cool down after. I managed to go 2.05 miles, with 2950 strides, and I spent 19 minutes in my fat burning heart rate range. The other I spend with it in the red. I'm sure they chose that color because it's what I would symbolize with dieing! I survived and finished strong. I was so proud of myself. I'm hoping this will all mean a good weigh in for Wednesday.

   OK now for the grocery shopping part! (sorry this is so long) I bought 15 powerades today at Safeway. They were regular $1.59 each.  They were on sale for $0.99 each but if you bought 10 or more then they were $0.49 each. I also had a coupon for buy 10 get 5 free. So:
Regular price: $23.85
I paid: $4.90
Total Savings: $18.90
Exciting I know! :)

Thursday, August 25, 2011

My first work out

Well I survived my first workout. We went to the orientation, which I thought they might weigh me and show me how to use a few machines. They lady instead tried to kill me! She gave me the max weight I could lift a few times. I maxed my legs out, even walking made them feel like jello. After a half hour of that she printed out a copy of my strength training workout and told me to go do it. I was a pool of sweat (50% of that was just because the A/C wasn't working well)

 The orientation lady told me to do 45 minutes of cardio with my strength training, 30 mins before and 15 after. So I started out with cardio, I chose to use an Elliptical... but apparently the word Elliptical stands for quick death by a cardio machine.  After 5 mins I was done! so I started slowing down and as soon as I stopped the lady working out next to me says, now you go backwards. I was trying to not look lazy so I said OK and started backwards. I sadly made it another minute and was done. I didn't care if I looked stupid, my legs were so tired!

  My mom and I both finished our assigned workouts for strength training, while the kids had a great time in the rec room. They have already been bugging me today to go workout so they can play. I'm glad they are excited and enjoy it. I'll go back tomorrow for another workout.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

A late post from Monday

I can't wait to join a gym! It will be so nice to go whether it's hot or cold out to the gym. Drop off the kids and workout! The combination of having Mommy time and a workout, wow. I am going crazy in the house today. I want to go walking/jogging but no car and it got hot to fast outside today. So I sit and hold Gavin while he naps. (his teething has him all out of sorts)

 Yesterday was one month of my weight loss journey. I had lost 24.2 and several inches. I am not sure how accurate the measurements are. My youngest daughter helped me with the first set, and my husband helped me last night. We also did his measurements and created him a profile on sparkpeople to track himself. We still have our bet for the first to lose 60 pounds. The loser has to take the winner out 2 nights where ever they want. Although he told me I can't choose the Caribbean.

   **That was written on my iPhone on monday but I forgot to post it.... the story of my life sometimes.

I joined a gym

I did it! My mom and I finally made it out to look at gyms today.  We looked at YAK Fitness in terrace heights but they didn't have much to offer and the people were not very helpful or very friendly.  So we went to check out the YMCA downtown.  My mom and I both thought that would be our last resort. We just assumed they wouldn't have much to offer and I pictured it as dirty and run down. When we got there we met the sweetest most bubbly woman.   She showed us around without rushing us through it, happy to answer in any questions we had.

 We were impressed with there programs and the child care they offer. It will be much cheaper because my 3 oldest will be able to participate in there free after school program while only my 2 youngest go to the child care. The after school (and all day during the summer) drop in program has pool tables and Wii video games, and dance dance revolution. They also have 2 computer stations and on Friday's they have movie night with popcorn.

  I was sold on the gym when they had water aerobics classes my mom and I were interested in at the same time the child care was available. They also have a Zumba water class. In the class they shut off the lights and have special lighting with a disco ball! That just seems very fun to me. 

   Thanks to my dad working for the county we got a nice discount.  Hopefully we will be able to get Kyle a membership soon as well. Only 2 adults can be on an account, but I know he really wants to join.  He does seem resistant to working out with me, but when he seems me losing weight that usually motivates him again to catch up with me.  :)

  Tomorrow evening we have our orientation at the gym, I'm hoping that will be a good experience. I'll probably write about it. I know you will all be on edge until you read about it!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

It's Sunday

Today is the official "I feel better and am back at it day". Friday the 12th I got sick and have been dealing with that for over a week! That involved a lot of resting and 2 ER trips. I felt so weak yesterday and today.  I think I really noticed it because I finally felt better but it was hard just to stand for any length of time.

 My morning started off with a 1/2 mile walk and 1/2 mile jog, and a short run up my driveway. (but if you have seen my drive way you would understand what that was like!) It took me forever to get cooled off after that. I tried a cold shower, and as I was getting ready for church I would stop at every A/C vent in the house that I walked by, hoping to feel better. Thankfully I have powerful A/C in my car.  I hate being hot and not being able to cool off. It seems I don't sweat very much while I am exercising but afterwards it just pours! I try sitting in front of fans, or A/C vents in the house and nothing every seems to work. Anyone else have that problem? Oh and of course I have to have the beat red face. It's so nice when people have this horrified/concerned look on there face asking me if I'm OK.

  Well this week I need to finish getting the kids' stuff ready for school. I can't believe that summer is already over. I am very ready for fall, but not ready for school. Don't get me wrong, I am super excited to start my 2nd year of home schooling! I went to a home school convention yesterday and it's amazing to see and hear the stories of how the public school fails so many children. Really there is no way that you can teach 30 children and expect them to all learn the same way. Well I won't say anymore about that. I am just excited I have the oportunity to give my children a great experience they will carry through there whole lives!

  Well Wednesday will be another weigh in! I can hopefully visit a gym tomorrow or Tuesday, I hate excersizing on these gravel roads with all the grass hoppers and wasps where I live.

Well, until another day!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

My first blog

Hi, my name is Christina. (that always seems to be the right thing to say when you don't know what to say.)
 I am 27 years old. I am married to my best friend Kyle. We have been together for almost 2 years, married for 6 months.

 We have 5 lively (no that wasn't a typo of the word lovely) children together. 2 girls and 3 boys. Ky'Lin is 9 years old, Karter is 8 years old, Hailey is 7 years old, Bailen is 4 years old, and lastly Gavin is 1 year old. In live in the middle of Washington state. I lovingly refer to it as the black hole of Washington. It seems everyone wants to move away but for some reason or another they can't.

I have thought about having a blog for awhile now, mostly because I need to say things rather then anyone needs to hear it. I think just because there is the possibility that people CAN read what I am writing helps me to be honest to myself. I have followed a blog called Runs for cookies, and it's been really inspirational to see that she has made it in her weight loss journey and has maintained.  I on the other hand am just beginning. I would say I officially started July 20th, 2011. At least that's the date on the app on my phone of my highest weight.

I think people only really have blogs when there weight loss already has a huge amount, or they have completed because it's easier to tell people then. To tell you my actually weight now? I'd rather stick a needle in my eye. But I think the honesty will help me not give up.

 My highest weight was 330 lb. ::cringe:: I have lost 23.2 lb, leaving me at 306.8 in about 3 weeks. It seems I am addicted to the scale and I am letting it control whether or not I have a good day. So I have decided to have Wednesday weigh In's.  Also because I found myself only documenting my weight if I had lost.  If I had gained or stayed the same I wouldn't document it.... which is basically cheating.

With my 20 lb weight loss I did have my husband take my picture, which was all good until I looked at them.  I feel so healthy and great losing over 20 pounds but then seeing myself in a picture just makes me realize that I have a long ways to go.  I am also so scared of all the left over skin that could be there when I am done. But I'd rather have skin then fat!

 Well thank you to anyone who reads this. I hope to post no less then once a week! And of course my blog is called Half Marathon 2012 because it's my goal to complete a half marathon by the end of 2012.