I have so much to write about! Look out Tuesday...Here I come!
Funny Random Thought:
Why is the school zone 20mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." ~Unknown
Thank you so much for helping me get through week fou; only 48 more to go!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
day 26: update
I haven't forgotten about you. As a matter of fact, I think about you all the time!
Today I am on day four of Atkins Induction Phase. If you have no idea what I mean by that, that is perfectly fine. If you are more than 50 pounds overweight; I can almost guarantee that you know what I mean by that. See, after a full weekend of finding out that I CAN drink like I used to (10 year reunion) and finding out that I WOULD LOVE to eat like I used to (mini vacation = a little cheating), I decided I needed a 'detox' period. Carbohydrates for me, are a form of addiction. After I have some carbs, my body needs a week or usually two of no carbs before the cravings (and the cold sweats, hehe) go away and I barely miss them.
The way that induction works? I lower my carb intake to about 20 grams per day; eating mostly green veggies, proteins, eggs and cheese. After two weeks I slowly start to work in other things; nuts, higher carb content veggies and berries. The first couple of days of induction are a bit difficult, but I soon start to realize the benefits and feel the results. After only one day, no heartburn...which while eating carbs is a daily occurrence. Can anyone say, a bottle of tums every two weeks? Yuck. It's even easier to get out of bed in the morning; it seems like (for me) carbs have a tendency to weigh me down, make me tired and cause me to burn out several times throughout the day. Cutting them out gives me immediate results. Plus the weight keeps on coming off.
I'm not saying that this works for everyone, and I will keep saying that, but, in my personal experience, I've had good results. Gradually I can start adding in new items to eat, until I've reached a 'maintaining' point. BUT, I'm still not completely satisfied with my results so 'maintaining' isn't something I'm quite ready for. It is, however, reassuring to know that that point of maintaining exists. It's real! It's really really real! Sooooo, anytime I reach a plateau with the weight, I take it back to induction. If this sounds like something that you think might work for you and if you think you might want some more specifics, because this is, by no means, a technical explanation of Atkins and the way it works; I highly recommend checking out the Atkins website. While you are there, click on Success Stories. It's motivation at it's finest. Before and afters? I can't get enough of them!
One of my biggest struggles with my blog is coming up with a daily topic. I've started jotting notes down on my phone when things come to me, but your input and your questions...They are so so helpful.
And so I ask you, “What do you hate more than anything about trying to lose weight? Let's quite with this 'it's so amazing', 'it seems to be so easy' crap and get down to the nitty gritty!”
Today I am on day four of Atkins Induction Phase. If you have no idea what I mean by that, that is perfectly fine. If you are more than 50 pounds overweight; I can almost guarantee that you know what I mean by that. See, after a full weekend of finding out that I CAN drink like I used to (10 year reunion) and finding out that I WOULD LOVE to eat like I used to (mini vacation = a little cheating), I decided I needed a 'detox' period. Carbohydrates for me, are a form of addiction. After I have some carbs, my body needs a week or usually two of no carbs before the cravings (and the cold sweats, hehe) go away and I barely miss them.
The way that induction works? I lower my carb intake to about 20 grams per day; eating mostly green veggies, proteins, eggs and cheese. After two weeks I slowly start to work in other things; nuts, higher carb content veggies and berries. The first couple of days of induction are a bit difficult, but I soon start to realize the benefits and feel the results. After only one day, no heartburn...which while eating carbs is a daily occurrence. Can anyone say, a bottle of tums every two weeks? Yuck. It's even easier to get out of bed in the morning; it seems like (for me) carbs have a tendency to weigh me down, make me tired and cause me to burn out several times throughout the day. Cutting them out gives me immediate results. Plus the weight keeps on coming off.
I'm not saying that this works for everyone, and I will keep saying that, but, in my personal experience, I've had good results. Gradually I can start adding in new items to eat, until I've reached a 'maintaining' point. BUT, I'm still not completely satisfied with my results so 'maintaining' isn't something I'm quite ready for. It is, however, reassuring to know that that point of maintaining exists. It's real! It's really really real! Sooooo, anytime I reach a plateau with the weight, I take it back to induction. If this sounds like something that you think might work for you and if you think you might want some more specifics, because this is, by no means, a technical explanation of Atkins and the way it works; I highly recommend checking out the Atkins website. While you are there, click on Success Stories. It's motivation at it's finest. Before and afters? I can't get enough of them!
One of my biggest struggles with my blog is coming up with a daily topic. I've started jotting notes down on my phone when things come to me, but your input and your questions...They are so so helpful.
And so I ask you, “What do you hate more than anything about trying to lose weight? Let's quite with this 'it's so amazing', 'it seems to be so easy' crap and get down to the nitty gritty!”
Monday, September 14, 2009
day 22: monday funday?
Last week was pure insanity. I am ecstatic that it is Monday...Ah, the delightful feeling of a new week; how I love thee.
But before I get on with my week as if last week never happened...
Now would be the perfect time to tell my Mother how much I love her. See with everything going on last week and worrying so much about how she was doing in dealing with the passing of my grandpa; I, idiot, completely forgot about her birthday! I spoke with her on her birthday...had an entire conversation, but the words, "Happy Birthday" never left my mouth, not once. What a crappy feeling that is. I love you Mom, so so SO much! HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY! I will make it up to you, and like I said...It won't happen again.
And now the fun part...
Funny Random Thought:I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!),but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and runaway?
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"To live in hearts we leave behind, Is not to die." ~Thomas Campbell
Thank you so much for helping me get through week three; only 49 more to go!
Friday, September 11, 2009
day 19: argh!
Friday Update Day. Argh!
I’m normally not a huge fan of the word ‘argh’, but I think it appropriately portrays my feelings about this last week.
Let me start by saying…You know that feeling you have when you have a goal and you are so intent on accomplishing that goal and nothing in the world could stop you from it because you are ultra determined? OK…Now you know that feeling when that feeling goes away? Isn’t that the worst? Well, I can’t say that the determined feeling has gone away completely, this past week, but it has definitely been bumped off the tracks slightly. This is just a tiny peek into my week (peek into my week…that’s cute).
* Shopping and getting ready for my 10 year high school reunion. (It’s tonight…Milestone!)
* Avery’s first day of fourth grade.
*Evenings of getting homework done and trying to keep Avery on track.
*Laundry, cooking and cleaning (but never as much as I should be doing).
*Not a single blog…it’s been literally driving me nuts!
On top of the above, I received a phone call Tuesday morning that my 26 year old brother was in the hospital with heart complications. He has since been released from the hospital and seems to be recovering ok in the comfort of his own home, but he gave us all quite the scare. I should tell him…Next time, just hide in the closet for 20 minutes until you have that perfect opportunity to jump out, scream BOO and make us pee our pants. It’s so much more fun that way! Anthony…I love you!
You might not believe it, but all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. On Saturday night I received the very sad news that my grandpa Stan would have no more than 4 months left to live. He had a difficult battle with cancer and it wasn’t looking good. At that moment, I sat alone and had the most amazing cry ever. It was one of those kind of cry’s where you think of the good times and all of the memories; you cry, you laugh, you cry harder. You think about the fact that you should have visited more, you think about how your mom and the rest of your family is feeling…you cry even harder; until you just can’t cry anymore. Just thinking about that kind of cry, makes me teary eyed. Sadly, my grandpa Stan, didn’t make it 4 months; he passed away at home on September 9, 2009. In honor of my grandpa Stan, I have posted his obituary directly below this post and I’ve added just a couple of my own personal memories of my time with him. Grandpa Stan…I love you!
You get to a point, when being faced with so many different things, that you start to wonder, “Why is MY goal so important”, “I should be focusing on others, not just myself”, “Problems and issues that I’M having aren’t always the most important things in life”. You just have to remember that in order for you to, say, be there for your child who just started school, or your family who has lost a loved one, or a friend or relative with health issues, or to be there for your home…making sure it’s being kept up and that your family is happy and comfortable, or…the list goes on and on; YOU really are the most important element. YOU are the common link and in order for YOU to be at your best, you should feel your best and you should never ever feel guilty or afraid to accomplish your most desirable goals.
Do you like how I direct all of this towards YOU? Really, it is my intention is to reinforce this within MYSELF! At this point in my life, I am required to stay on course, stay consistent and show myself, my son, my friends and family that I CAN DO THIS…I CAN AND WILL FINISH WHAT I’VE STARTED.
And so I say to everyone who is letting life get in the way of your dreams, “Your dreams ARE your life, catch them while you can!”.
I’m normally not a huge fan of the word ‘argh’, but I think it appropriately portrays my feelings about this last week.
Let me start by saying…You know that feeling you have when you have a goal and you are so intent on accomplishing that goal and nothing in the world could stop you from it because you are ultra determined? OK…Now you know that feeling when that feeling goes away? Isn’t that the worst? Well, I can’t say that the determined feeling has gone away completely, this past week, but it has definitely been bumped off the tracks slightly. This is just a tiny peek into my week (peek into my week…that’s cute).
* Shopping and getting ready for my 10 year high school reunion. (It’s tonight…Milestone!)
* Avery’s first day of fourth grade.
*Evenings of getting homework done and trying to keep Avery on track.
*Laundry, cooking and cleaning (but never as much as I should be doing).
*Not a single blog…it’s been literally driving me nuts!
On top of the above, I received a phone call Tuesday morning that my 26 year old brother was in the hospital with heart complications. He has since been released from the hospital and seems to be recovering ok in the comfort of his own home, but he gave us all quite the scare. I should tell him…Next time, just hide in the closet for 20 minutes until you have that perfect opportunity to jump out, scream BOO and make us pee our pants. It’s so much more fun that way! Anthony…I love you!
You might not believe it, but all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. On Saturday night I received the very sad news that my grandpa Stan would have no more than 4 months left to live. He had a difficult battle with cancer and it wasn’t looking good. At that moment, I sat alone and had the most amazing cry ever. It was one of those kind of cry’s where you think of the good times and all of the memories; you cry, you laugh, you cry harder. You think about the fact that you should have visited more, you think about how your mom and the rest of your family is feeling…you cry even harder; until you just can’t cry anymore. Just thinking about that kind of cry, makes me teary eyed. Sadly, my grandpa Stan, didn’t make it 4 months; he passed away at home on September 9, 2009. In honor of my grandpa Stan, I have posted his obituary directly below this post and I’ve added just a couple of my own personal memories of my time with him. Grandpa Stan…I love you!
You get to a point, when being faced with so many different things, that you start to wonder, “Why is MY goal so important”, “I should be focusing on others, not just myself”, “Problems and issues that I’M having aren’t always the most important things in life”. You just have to remember that in order for you to, say, be there for your child who just started school, or your family who has lost a loved one, or a friend or relative with health issues, or to be there for your home…making sure it’s being kept up and that your family is happy and comfortable, or…the list goes on and on; YOU really are the most important element. YOU are the common link and in order for YOU to be at your best, you should feel your best and you should never ever feel guilty or afraid to accomplish your most desirable goals.
Do you like how I direct all of this towards YOU? Really, it is my intention is to reinforce this within MYSELF! At this point in my life, I am required to stay on course, stay consistent and show myself, my son, my friends and family that I CAN DO THIS…I CAN AND WILL FINISH WHAT I’VE STARTED.
And so I say to everyone who is letting life get in the way of your dreams, “Your dreams ARE your life, catch them while you can!”.
My Grandpa Stan
This obituary came from the Washington State Everett Herald Newspaper:
Stanley passed away at home on September 9, 2009 after battling cancer. He was born on February 2, 1931 to Charles and Florence Adams in Everett where he resided his entire life.
Stan is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Debbie. He also leaves behind his children, daughter, Kim (Adams) Wylde; sons, Shawn and Mitchell Adams; and step-children, Steve Strabeck (Jo) and Kathie Waters (Mike). Stan was blessed with six grandchildren, Shawndra, Anthony, David, Ryan, Kelsey and Bevan; as well as three great-grandchildren, Avery, Colin and Stella. The "outlaws" were especially close to Stan: mother-in-law, Elaine; sister-in-law, Tammy Sampson (nephews Drew and Adam); and brother-in-law, Mitch Davis (Eileen; niece, Shelly and nephew, Joey).
Stanley was preceded in death by Gramma Haley, Gramma Florence, Gramma Babe, and, recently, his father-in-law, Bill Davis.
Stan was the "best shake sawyer around" where he worked for Miller Shingle Co. For many of his last working years, he also owned and operated his own saw mill. Because working for a saw mill can be hazardous he did lose a finger. He proudly displayed it, especially to the children when he teased them saying "an alligator bit it off", and delighting in their wide-eyed expressions.
First and foremost, Stan was a family man and loved the family gatherings over the years: birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July to name a few. He also loved the life of gambling until he wised up in his later years. Stan enjoyed a variety of careers early in his life such as mechanic in the Army at the age of 15 by way of an altered birth certificate, cab driver, commercial fisherman, and insurance sales.As per Stan's wishes, there will not be a service.
Donations in Stanley's name are appreciated and can be sent to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County.
A few of my fondest memories, of my time with my Grandpa Stan:
I remember as a little girl, staying over at my grandpas house on Christmas Eve. I remember feeling completely safe, comfortable and cozy; peeking out the window in the middle of the night expecting to see Santa and his sleigh fly by. When we woke up in the morning, we would have delicious food and open presents…one of my favorite days of the year as a little girl.
I remember the many many family get-togethers throughout the years and everyone devouring my grandpas AMAZING spaghetti. He would spend ALL day making his sauce. In our family, he was famous for his spaghetti; it was the best spaghetti you would ever taste!
Some little girls might have been frightened by a large, tattooed man with a missing finger, but he was MY grandpa! I was fascinated and intrigued by him. I would climb up in his lap and we would check out his tattoos together. I remember feeling very safe and protected in my grandpas lap.
Some years of my life were filled with my grandpa Stan and some years of my life were scattered with my grandpa Stan, but the memories that I have of him will stay with me forever. Grandpa Stan…You were an amazing man, I will love you and remember you always. Thank you for sharing with us, your time here on earth. Rest in Peace.
I remember the many many family get-togethers throughout the years and everyone devouring my grandpas AMAZING spaghetti. He would spend ALL day making his sauce. In our family, he was famous for his spaghetti; it was the best spaghetti you would ever taste!
Some little girls might have been frightened by a large, tattooed man with a missing finger, but he was MY grandpa! I was fascinated and intrigued by him. I would climb up in his lap and we would check out his tattoos together. I remember feeling very safe and protected in my grandpas lap.
Some years of my life were filled with my grandpa Stan and some years of my life were scattered with my grandpa Stan, but the memories that I have of him will stay with me forever. Grandpa Stan…You were an amazing man, I will love you and remember you always. Thank you for sharing with us, your time here on earth. Rest in Peace.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
day 14: sunday funday
So I miss ONE day of blogging and what happens?
Eggs and bacon for breakfast, that's what!
Time for some fun and encouragement to get me back on track for next week!
Funny Random Thought:
MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." -Stephan Dolley Jr.
Thank you so much for helping me get through week two; only 50 more to go!
Eggs and bacon for breakfast, that's what!
Time for some fun and encouragement to get me back on track for next week!
Funny Random Thought:
MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." -Stephan Dolley Jr.
Thank you so much for helping me get through week two; only 50 more to go!
Friday, September 4, 2009
day 12: update
I never realized the therapeutic effect this blog would have on me. It’s actually pretty incredible. Not only am I getting the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with you; which is, by the way, one of my most favorite things to do in the whole wide world, BUT I’m also getting a chance to get some weight off of my chest (no pun intended). Getting some of my more intimate thoughts out there, intimate thoughts that have never before left my head…it feels marvelous…simply marvelous. I always feel like I have to say simply marvelous after I say marvelous. OK…now I think I’m just stalling. Let me just get to it already…
I, Shawndra, have made an agreement with myself to go ahead and just lay it ALL out on the table. As you may or may not know, today is Friday Update Day. It is the day that I have dedicated to ME and my progress; where I’m at with my plan, any struggles I’ve faced over the past week, things of that nature. Are you thinking ‘just get to it already, lady’?
Well, once a month from here on out I will be posting my actual weight and measurements. There is never a bad time to get some extra motivation SO, to start, I’m going to be using my weight and measurements from April 4, 2009 to compare and give you and myself, a clear idea of where I stand right now and how far I’ve already come. Here we go…
April 4, 2009
Age: 27
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 258.6 lbs (yes, I count the tenths! Don’t judge me.)
Hips: 51”
Waist: 42”
Chest: 48”
Legs: 28”
Arms: 18”
September 4, 2009
Age: 28
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 213.0 lbs
Hips: 45”
Waist: 36”
Chest: 43”
Legs: 25”
Arms: 15”
Total LOSS(-)/gain(+)
Age: +1
Height: no change
Weight: -45.6 lbs!!!
Hips: -6”!!!
Waist: -6”!!!
Chest: -5”!!!
Legs: -3”!!!
Arms: -3”!!!
This is exactly 5 months of progress! Trust me starting numbers are always daunting but after looking back, I’m so glad I had a record of where I was. I would HIGHLY recommend to you, to keep track of your measurements. The scale isn’t always the best way to track your progress. There are several reasons your weight may fluctuate but if you are measuring on top of that, you are getting a clear idea of how your body is transforming. And please don’t weigh yourself everyday…you will, most likely, be disappointed. Checking your weight weekly and measuring monthly gives your body time to adjust and change. If you write it down, you can visually see those changes; that’s motivation in itself. And never ever forget…IT WILL TAKE TIME, especially to lose weight the right way.
So since today is all about ME, I say to myself, self, “You are a strong, powerful, beautiful woman…Oh shoot, did you remember to turn off the iron? I joke, I joke. I kid, I kid. I don’t iron! Ha.”
I, Shawndra, have made an agreement with myself to go ahead and just lay it ALL out on the table. As you may or may not know, today is Friday Update Day. It is the day that I have dedicated to ME and my progress; where I’m at with my plan, any struggles I’ve faced over the past week, things of that nature. Are you thinking ‘just get to it already, lady’?
Well, once a month from here on out I will be posting my actual weight and measurements. There is never a bad time to get some extra motivation SO, to start, I’m going to be using my weight and measurements from April 4, 2009 to compare and give you and myself, a clear idea of where I stand right now and how far I’ve already come. Here we go…
April 4, 2009
Age: 27
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 258.6 lbs (yes, I count the tenths! Don’t judge me.)
Hips: 51”
Waist: 42”
Chest: 48”
Legs: 28”
Arms: 18”
September 4, 2009
Age: 28
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 213.0 lbs
Hips: 45”
Waist: 36”
Chest: 43”
Legs: 25”
Arms: 15”
Total LOSS(-)/gain(+)
Age: +1
Height: no change
Weight: -45.6 lbs!!!
Hips: -6”!!!
Waist: -6”!!!
Chest: -5”!!!
Legs: -3”!!!
Arms: -3”!!!
This is exactly 5 months of progress! Trust me starting numbers are always daunting but after looking back, I’m so glad I had a record of where I was. I would HIGHLY recommend to you, to keep track of your measurements. The scale isn’t always the best way to track your progress. There are several reasons your weight may fluctuate but if you are measuring on top of that, you are getting a clear idea of how your body is transforming. And please don’t weigh yourself everyday…you will, most likely, be disappointed. Checking your weight weekly and measuring monthly gives your body time to adjust and change. If you write it down, you can visually see those changes; that’s motivation in itself. And never ever forget…IT WILL TAKE TIME, especially to lose weight the right way.
So since today is all about ME, I say to myself, self, “You are a strong, powerful, beautiful woman…Oh shoot, did you remember to turn off the iron? I joke, I joke. I kid, I kid. I don’t iron! Ha.”
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