tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72408863796713850092024-03-13T16:41:42.137-06:00Cowboys Love Fat CalvesHorsepeople searching for better health Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-48137946349002462722022-01-04T23:03:00.000-06:002022-01-04T23:03:14.971-06:002021 is a wrap, 2022 is going to be better!<p> Toward the end of the year I had been feeling more and more like my old self. I would still got tired but not as easily and not as often, and when I did I didn't need as long to recover. I was quite relieved considering how I'd felt most of the year.<br />I had started working out again. I eased into it by doing those "monthly challenge" workouts. September was legs. October was abs. November was arms. With each workout as I felt up to it I'd add more than just whatever the daily challenge was. December I had picked a full body challenge and was really looking forward to it. Yes, you read that right. I was looking forward to it! I was starting to really enjoy the workouts and see some progress physically, even if the scale wasn't really moving :/</p><p>Then at the end of November I had another appointment at the health centre (DHS) to go over my latest labs. It was a bad news/good news/bad news kind of visit. The main issue the nurse practitioner I'd seen the first time seemed to be under control, possibly resolved.<br />But he had two pieces of bad news, one which he prescribed meds for immediately and the second he said meds "might be avoidable if you can lose about 15lbs and make some significant dietary changes in the next three months". His tone suggested he doubted it. </p><p><br />Well, now I was looking forward to that December challenge even more! My weight at DHS was 209lbs, when I got home I weighed myself immediately on my scale so I when I checked in over the next three months I'd know exactly what my progress was. My scale read 206 (a bit happier with that number lol). I should note that the scale at the DHS was just a regular ol' digital scale, so I'd think fairly safe to compare to mine (a Renpho) I immediately set a goal of 191 in my Fitbit app (15lbs!) and linked my Fitbit and MyFitnessPal apps to work together - I find it easier to log food in MFP.</p><p>I cleaned up my eating, still allowing for little moments of temptation, and worked hard in my December workouts. By the end of December I was down 7.2lbs!</p><p>For January I've picked another full body style workout challenge, but a bit tougher this time. I'm still focusing on eating better, but enjoying my food too. And I find that I'm looking forward to my workouts so much that rest days feel weird lol</p><p>So, while 2021 may have been a tough year, I'M going to be the tough one in 2022!<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-84022565221960683582021-09-24T22:44:00.001-06:002021-09-24T23:05:45.725-06:00A quick update <p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> This past week I finally got the Holter monitor that was requested by the nurse practitioner in May. Yes, MAY.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While I'm grateful for technology, I'm also grateful I only had to wear it for 48 hours (a friend has to wear one for 8 days!!). It wasn't horribly uncomfortable. It was slightly in the way when I tried to ride, and I wouldn't have wanted to do a serious training ride or a competition run with it.<br />Also inconvenient was that I needed help getting a bra on with it, the wires were in the way unless I put my bra over them and then that was painful as all get out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was starting to get very itchy where the leads were attached, which I thought was just a reaction to the tape. When they were removed however they left roundish red marks, almost like burns. Some were worse than others. And they have been a bit painful for the remainder of the evening, hopefully tomorrow they'll be better. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> When it was removed today I was told it is usually 10 business days for the results to get from the cardiac specialist to my family doctor, and of course then they'll need to set up an appointment to discuss the results with me. I'm also due for an appointment with them to check the progress I've made since my last visit. I'm happy to say I am somewhat better! I still get tired very easily but not as drastically or as easily as before. I do still need a recovery day if I do anything that tires me too much. The best description I've found is that I'm like an older cell phone. I do pretty good when my battery is full but that battery drains really fast! </span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-41291722594549495272021-06-28T14:02:00.001-06:002021-06-28T14:02:09.997-06:00Well... it's been awhile!<p> I have no clue if there is anyone out there that will read this. </p><p>This blog didn't have a lot of followers ever. </p><p>And then I kind of got un-inspired writing here. </p><p>This could just end up being a personal journal, left open for anyone to read.</p><p>I need this space for myself, I know that writing it out will help keep me motivated... once my health gets back on track.</p><p>I have lost and kept off (on paper) almost 40lbs over the last few years. I'm pretty proud of that. But over the last few months I've found myself tired, weak, and a host of other symptoms. I finally got some testing and results. It's nothing contagious, it's manageable, and I will be back to my old self it'll just take some time. </p><p>In the meantime I'm putting out to the universe that I will hit that goal of losing and keeping off 50lbs this year! <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-4578699148510514342017-01-03T08:25:00.000-06:002017-01-03T08:25:04.888-06:00Not Resolutions - GOALS!It's that time of year again... resolution talk everywhere. For myself, I prefer to make goals. To me it seems less vague, something actionable and more accountable.<br /><br />Last year I managed to check off some goals and others I missed, some just barely (like missing winning a buckle by 0.026!) In regards to fitness and weight loss I missed out on a big goal but by such a smidge... if I had lost 0.1 of a pound more I would have reached a big milestone! But hey, I didn't put on any weight over the holidays either! :) <br />
A few of my highlights from last year:<br />
Do something that scares you (boudoir photo shoot!)<br />
Qualify for Prov. Finals (I had two horses qualified, entered on one)<br />
Make a short go (for the first time ever I qualified for short go! And not just one horse but two, at our district finals - where I just missed the buckle)<br />
<br />
So the last few days while I've been making that 2017 goal list I'm working on breaking a few bigger goals into smaller ones. And thinking about action plans to get there. <br /><br />Do you have any goals you'd like to share?<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-69483148022035905992016-06-29T18:47:00.000-06:002016-06-29T18:47:51.150-06:00Online fitness coach 'review'Last time I had posted I was thinking about working with an online fitness coach. Well I did, but...<br />
<br />
I'm glad a paid the discount rate she had as an introduction offer. The plan provided was solid, however there were a few issues with it. It was tough, but like Marge said if it started out too easy or I was able to attain it too soon there wouldn't be a challenge, but it looked really freaking tough. So I tweaked things (like slightly less weight or fewer reps) and worked with what I could do with the goal to try to do full reps/sets and weight by the end of the month. <br />
There were a few things on the plan that IMO shouldn't have been there for someone with plantar fasciitis and bone/heel spurs, especially when I was worried about re-injury (and yes those were disclosed). Explosive moves like jump squats for instance. So again, I modified and worked with what I could do.<br />
<br />
Also I should have done my homework better and found out what there was in the way of support and motivation, after all that's part of the reason I wanted a coach! These days anyone can look up and research different fitness plans and put something together for themselves, although yes a coach should do a better job than something you put together yourself.<br />
Anyway, back to support and motivation... my impression from Marge was that this coach would check in on you fairly regularly via text/email/Facebook and that she was pretty encouraging. Yeah, like I said I should have checked that out and gotten more specifics about it. So far the contact has been the few Facebook messenger messages when I was first interested, then an email with a questionnaire, I returned the questionnaire and e-transferred my money. Then on June 2nd I got my plan, June 6th she sent an email checking on me (I replied on the 8th) and on June 15th a second email checking on my progress (again I replied 2 days later).<br />
<br />
Marge's experience seems to be totally different, and for that I'm happy for her. However I can't help but wonder if it's because I'm a "big girl" and Marge is smaller,fitter, and more athletic; or if it's something else entirely. <br />
<br />
So in the end am I happy with how this went? Honestly, no. Not unhappy enough to share her name or business name. I just think for the money spent that it wasn't worthwhile (and I'm so glad it wasn't full price!). And honestly with Hubster being out of work since mid January for medical/injury money is a bit tight right now and I feel a bit selfish for having wasted this money on myself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-37143431232889303802016-06-05T21:37:00.001-06:002016-06-05T21:37:54.055-06:00BeautyWhat is beauty?<br />
<br />
Is it a size of clothing or a number on the scale?<br />
<br />
Is it attention from the opposite sex?<br />
<br />
Nope it is none of these things. Well at least it's not for me<br />
<br />
Last weekend I completed my first ever half marathon, that is 21.1km. This gave me plenty of time to reflect on many things. Beauty is one that came up lots.<br />
<br />
A little history for you. I have never been happy with my body and I was taught at a very young age that I was not beautiful. Well at least how I understood it. I think I was 12 when I started my first diet. I have continued to yo-yo my entire adult life. In January when I started training for my half I hated the way I looked. Now thou look out I am hot.<br />
<br />
I have lost a little weight and my body has definitely changed the way it looks. However that is not what makes me feel beautiful.<br />
<br />
I can now look at myself in the mirror and love every inch of my body. Don't get me wrong I don't always love every inch and there are things that I would still like to change. My beauty is different and deep. <br />
<br />
I can and did run, be it slowly 21.1 km and I can lift more then my body weight.<br />
<br />
I could tell you how and why I see so much beauty in my body. That would make this post very long and more then likely you would stop reading way before the end. <br />
<br />
Next time you are standing in front of the mirror instead of think I wish this looked like that or if only I was so many pounds light. This about everything your body can do.<br />
<br />
Not only the big things like bein able to lift a 40 pound saddle above your head onto the back of a horse or that you walk around the pasture for 20 minutes catching that hard to catch animal. Think of the small things. Standing up and hugging a loved one, being able to walk across the house to make a sandwich, pushing a grocery cart without using an O2 tank. I was taking far too many things for granted.<br />
<br />
Make a list of all the big and little things your body can do and remind yourself daily about it. There are lots out there who can't do the little things we take for granted. Find your inner beauty and you will be so surprised at how beautiful you become on the outsideAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659530098958016369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-53678749278885561402016-05-27T22:42:00.000-06:002016-05-27T22:42:04.421-06:00Needing a pushI've been so plateaued for so long now... not being able to run lately has not only been depressing but it's totally stalled out my weight loss. <i> (and yes, I need to pay more attention to my food!)</i><br />
Then today when Marge was out doing a saddle fit on my new horse <i>(haha surprise!!)</i> and giving me an extra set of eyes to see if his joint supplements are helping or if that's just my wishful thinking<i> (they seem to be working! but we're going to tweak his program)</i>. Anyway I'm off topic <i>(sorry, horses!)</i>... SO while Marge was out helping with Frosted Flake <i>(not his real name)</i> she twirled in the barn and said "Hey! Does my butt look smaller!?"<br />I had to laugh, but then I said I thought maybe it did. And that's when the seed that had been planted a few weeks earlier started to germinate...<br />You see, a few weeks ago I noticed that both Marge and her sister-in-law SZ had liked a Facebook fitness page. Then today when Marge asked about her booty and said it wasn't from pole or silks, that it was from working with this new trainer I asked if it was the one from the FB page and she said yes.<br />She went on to tell me how much she loved it. I asked a ton of questions and thought it over for awhile. I know a friend that's a runner and has used an online running coach with great results, but I wasn't too sure how that would work with a fitness coach.<br />I mulled over the conversation with Marge and then took the plunge and sent a PM. Which was answered quite quickly a pleasant surprise for a Friday night <i>(I think within an hour)</i>. <br />Via email a questionnaire was sent, which I am working on - and trying to be brutally honest with. I'm going to give this a shot and hope it pushes me over this plateau!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-38934191124729708682016-04-28T13:57:00.000-06:002016-04-28T13:57:16.421-06:00Motivation Motivation; the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.<br />
<br />
That's what the Internet tells me motivation means. So what motivates you to reach your goals whatever they are?<br />
<br />
My motivation has changed so many times over my adult life it's hard to keep up. It has been things like fitting a wedding dress, being a certain weight before I had children, fitting my butt in a certain size saddle, getting a tummy tuck, wearing a bikini.<br />
<br />
Now sometimes your motivation can also be your goal. So from the list above most of these were goals the only one I achieved was fitting a saddle of a certain size. I still wore a wedding dress even though it wasn't as small as I wanted, I still had children, haven't had a tummy tuck, and I wear a bikini at home only in front of my husband.<br />
<br />
A bad horse accident several years ago has changed my motivation completely. I took like very much for granted and it was very much about what one looked like and what one had. I always had a picture in my head if what I should look like. Now it's all about how I feel and being able to do the things I love for many many years. Enjoying my friends and family and feeling great.<br />
<br />
I would like to share with you a couple of my biggest motivators. <br />
<br />
My children. Farmfitgirl, 9 years old and Farmfitboy, 7 years old. These two are my biggest cheerleaders. They motivate me because I want to be able to keep up with them for a very long time and help them reach their goals. To teach them that loving and taking care of yourself is very important. That fuelling our bodies with healthy food and moving our bodies daily is a huge pay off.<br />
<br />
People in the background. It sounds like an odd one. Each time a Facebook or Instagram friend say "You make me want to move my body more " or "you inspire me", it brings me to tears. This is the biggest compliment I could ever get. Each time I hear or read it, it makes me push a little harder, run a little faster or pick the healthier for me food. If me moving my body and eating healthy can help someone else be their better selves then right on and I will keep doing it.<br />
<br />
Last but farm from least is Farmfitpa ( he hates that name). My husband and stood beside me for 14 years always going along with what ever my plan is at the time. I have always wanted my husband to be a horse guy and well he's not. However we have now found that we love going mountain biking together, doing boot camps, lifting weights and recently he started running as well. I want to keep doing these things with him for a very long time. And maybe, just maybe one day he will ride horses with me.<br />
<br />
Motivation can come in all sorts of different forms. It can be that family event coming up, an outfit you always wanted to wear, friends, family or even a quote from the Internet. For me people motivate me more then things now. Once you find the one thing that really motivates you, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.<br />
<br />
FarmfitmaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659530098958016369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-58880539979516522452016-04-10T19:09:00.000-06:002016-04-10T19:09:43.994-06:00**taptap** Is this thing still on??<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WOW</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holy heck, I knew it had been <em>"a little while"</em> since I had posted over here...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I did not realize it had been over a year!! <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">:o</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />I haven't been very active over on my main blog the last few months either, but I'm hoping and planning to be posting on both blogs more often.<br /><br />I'm looking for at least one new contributor, I have someone in mind I just need to talk to them about it. But hey, if you read this blog and are interested in joining in let me know :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also I'm tossing around a few ideas for posts and regular content.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here's to renewed beginnings!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-276352171397849822015-01-29T19:15:00.000-06:002015-01-29T19:15:02.870-06:00SoberingMonday night the husband and I were watching the news and a story caught my attention. <br />
<br />Apparently the majority of<b><i> adult overweight/obese</i></b> Canadians that were a <b><i>healthy weight</i></b> during adolescence either do not lose weight and keep it off or, if they do, they lose a small amount. <b><i>The average being 6lbs.</i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Pretty damn sobering don't ya think?</b></div>
<br />
That is one group of statistics I want to remain in the minority of! I'm also extra proud of the 40+ lbs I've lost so far. This has re-motivated me right when I needed it.<br />
<br />
I think I want to write <b><i>*6LBS!!!*</i></b> on a sticky note and put it on the treadmill and fridge. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-22192973535076722942015-01-08T20:21:00.000-06:002015-01-08T20:21:21.510-06:00Holiday Weight Gain?So many people find the holidays a hard time to lose or maintain weight. I think part of the reason people often gain over the holidays is they feel obligated to have what's offered to them. So my game plan was to have a little of whatever I wanted, but only if I <u>really</u> wanted it.<br />I am quite happy to be able to say I didn't gain weight over the holidays, in fact I lost a <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">*teeny*</span></b> bit more. And I indulged myself, sometimes a bit too much lol. I made sure that I also kept myself busy and moving when possible. Sometimes that's part of the challenge... traveling to visit often involves lots of sedentary time and then when you are out there is often lots of sitting involved as well (playing cards & games, watching movies with the fam, etc)<br />
<br />
I went for a massage on Monday, I usually go monthly for maintenance, and when we were doing the usual Q & A about any health changes or pain I told MK that I've now lost 40 lbs <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">:)</span> <br />
She looked at my sheet and said, <i>"Wow that's another 10 lbs since your last appointment 6 weeks ago!"</i> <br />(My December appointment had to be missed, and yep I could feel it!)<br /><br />Now I can happily say I've hit one of my milestone goals, 40 lbs down, but it's not the big one I've been looking forward to. That one is <b>*soooclose*</b> I can taste it (haha taste it, food, weight loss... yeah sorry weird/dorky sense of humour here) I'm really hoping my next blog post will be about that!<br /><br />One thing I've really noticed, as my weight goes down my chronic pain is more manageable (for the most part. I won't lie, I've had a couple bad flare ups) <br />
OH! One more exciting bit of news... I sold my Pozzi saddle and started shopping for a "new" saddle. I found a Lynn McKenzie and tried it out, my mare likes it and I liked how I rode in it AND it's a 14.5 seat! I've always ridden in a 15 or bigger, I never thought I'd see the day I was in something smaller than a 15! <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">:)</span><br />
<br />
So how have y'all fared over the holiday season?<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-16216573515356530792014-12-04T17:47:00.004-06:002014-12-04T17:47:36.280-06:00The Awesome ThingIn my last post I had mentioned that the most awesome thing had happened, and then I left you hanging... for a bit longer than I intended oops!<br />
<br />
My "winter sport" with the horses is Team Penning. One night at penning I was sitting on a bench in the lounge chatting with friends when Laureen S came up to me and said <i>"I just have to say you look amazing! I didn't even recognize you! Not that you didn't look good before!" </i><br />
<br />
She proceeded to tell me that she had turned to Nell (my bestie) before the break to ask why I hadn't come with her. Nell asked her what the heck she meant, then pointed over to where Voodoo & I were chilling and said that I was actually on Nell's team with her. Laureen told me that I had lost so much weight she hadn't recognized me at all, that she could especially see the difference in my face.<br />
<br />
That was a pretty amazing feeling! It's one thing to know you're gradually losing but sometimes you don't realize how different you look until someone points it out. Then I realized I had lost (and kept off) at least 30 lbs, if not more, since I had seen her last winter. So yeah, that was pretty awesome <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">:D </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-25277265967445300852014-11-19T17:45:00.001-06:002014-11-19T17:47:04.550-06:00It's Been AwhileYou know how it goes... things are ticking along nicely and then life hits you in the face. You get too busy, you get injured or sick, changes at home or work.<br />
Suddenly you notice that all the progress you've made is gone... the 30lbs you'd lost has crept back on :(<br />
But hey, that was months ago. You pick yourself up and get back on track and then the most awesome thing happens... but I'm going to make you wait a day or two for that story!<br />
<br />
So yeah, I gained back almost all the weight I had lost. Life has been crazy, both work and personal, and I'm not sure which way my head is spinning.<br />
But I have picked myself up. I'm doing something very "unfemale" and putting myself first more often. I've made some changes in my life that may not seem so big to some people but for me are huge.<br />
I'm still overweight but about to hit a MAJOR goal and I'm feeling healthier than ever (at least physically). Some of my changes are still a struggle but others are now new habits. Baby steps right?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-23953867524662880072013-05-21T13:09:00.002-06:002013-05-21T13:09:33.536-06:00Maybe I'm CrazyI've been thinking about running. The thing is I used to run track in school (long jump, high jump, sprints & relays). I wasn't great at it but I did okay, but most of all it was fun. <br />
However after the car accidents and putting on weight running was no longer fun. My joints hurt and I have shin splints. But running is still in my mind.<br />After losing the 30lbs I've found that I can run short distances. Even something as easy as running across the yard to the barn used to leave me winded and now it's nothing. And those little sprints have rekindled that "I love to run" feeling.<br />
I know that to start really running again it will take time and I'm hoping that by taking it easy I won't have as much trouble with the shin splints. I'm pretty certain that losing weight and getting in shape will help with the joint problems too.<br />
Holy heck though, running has gotten technical! All the discussion about stride & form, different clothing options, etc etc... kinda makes my head spin. <br />
My goal isn't to run a marathon or even a half, so maybe my goal isn't to be a "real runner". I'd like to try a 5K though, and if that goes well maybe move up to a 10K.<br />I'm going to look at some C25K plans (Couch to 5 K) and also see if I might be able to get into a learn to run program at a local runner's store (which will really depend on if it fits my work schedule.)<br />I've got a treadmill plus miles of roads at home, plus beautiful trails along the river in the city if I'm brave enough to "go public".<br />
Is there anything you used to do when you were younger/fitter that you'd like to try again?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-43599378445352835342013-02-23T11:13:00.001-06:002013-02-23T11:13:32.753-06:00Happily SurprisedFor the first time in ages I had a good experience shopping for clothes! I haven't really bought any new clothes, even after losing 30ish pounds. I was just kinda schlumping along in what I had. Then I realized that I <strong><u>needed</u></strong> to buy at least a few things.<br />
<br />
Pie & I were at Costco and I saw some jeans that were super cheap and looked okay. Not great, but not horrible and I just wanted a pair or two to get me through. I found the largest of the sizes they had <em>(I'm still "big")</em> and told Pie that I might not fit them for a month or two yet but they were sooo cheap... he said to grab them seeing as I am slowly but steadily losing weight.<br />
Our next stop was at a local plus sized store so I could get a new pair of pants for work. I started browsing through the rack and a saleslady came over. <br />
I explained what I was looking for<em> (black, must have front pockets)</em> and she pulled a few styles off in the smallest size they carried. I told her I needed them <u>at least</u> two sizes bigger. She took a step back and sized me up, "No. You don't. Try these." <em>(friendlier sounding in person than how that might read lol)</em><br />
She saw the doubt on my face and grabbed them one size larger as well and said "Just in case."<br />
Of course in the change room I started with the biggest size, and I was<strong><em> surprised</em></strong> when it was too big! I tried on the smaller ones and they fit! <br />
<strong><em>Why </em></strong>was I so surprised? I have lost 30 pounds, of course I should be more than 1 or 2 sizes smaller! But I was<strong><em> shocked</em></strong> though to be 4 sizes smaller!! <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">:)</span><br />
<br />
Pie & I got home from running errands and as I was putting stuff away I looked at those Costco jeans. <br />
<em>"There's <span style="font-size: x-small;">NO</span> way"</em> was running through my head as I unfolded them... but yes! They fit too! <br />
I was so excited that I ran out to the kitchen where Pie was and started doing a dorky little dance. He laughed and asked what was going on, I told him that was my 'happy clothes dance' and that the jeans I was sure wouldn't fit right away <span style="font-size: x-small;">DID</span> fit. I'm out of plus sizes and into "normal" people sizes!!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> :D</span><br />
<br />
Best of all, I was able to treat myself to something I've always wanted - blingy cowgirl jeans! They just don't make them in plus sizes<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> :(</span> <em> (or if they do no one around here carries them)</em><br />
Last weekend I took my oldest niece to the Equine Expo and a friend asked if I'd been to one particular vendor's booth, they were blowing out jeans for $20 each! Of course they were pretty picked over but I managed to find 2 pairs of blinged out cowgirl jeans that fit. <br />
Officially being out of the plus stores has kinda really brought home the progress I'm making and re-motivated me right when I needed a boost!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-60805923896775416892012-12-25T20:48:00.000-06:002012-12-25T20:48:24.006-06:00Well hello there!It's been awhile! Life has had a few changes so I'm trying to get back into a routine... a riding routine, chores routine, work routine and, yes, a weight loss routine.<br />
<br />
I got a new job, three months ago. You'd think that would be long enough to settle into a new routine but my hours are a bit all over the place, not to mention my boss only gives the schedule for a week at a time. Things seem to be settling into a more predictable pattern though.<br />
<br />
I've lost 10 lbs since my last post, which puts me at about 30 lbs down. <strong><em>Actually</em></strong> I've lost more than that because I regained a few of that 20 lost when I started working. I was eating off the menu at work and had to have been underestimating my calorie intake. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">:(</span><br />
Not to mention I am moving WAY less than I did during that time I spent at home! I averaged 12,000-15,000 steps a day then. Now, between work & winter, I am really lucky if I hit the target of 10,000. <br />
<br />
You'd think being on my feet 8 1/2 hours a day would get me some steps but I get very few standing behind the desk at work. So I take ANY chance I have to move. And that's where today's post is going... moving.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<em>The job, I'm working as a front desk/guest service agent at a new hotel in The City</em>)</div>
<br />
Almost everyone at the desk takes the elevator for <em>every</em>.<em> little</em>.<em> thing</em>. Not me... we get to park in the hotel's carpark <em>(for free, & it's enclosed & heated, bonus in a Saskatchewan winter!)</em> and I take the stairs to and from my vehicle.<br />
Have to take something up to a room? Take the stairs up & down. Stat rooms or do floor checks? You got it, take the stairs!<br />I used to take the elevator up and then walk down, because for some reason my knees really don't handle the UP part of stairs well. But if I go up a few flights I'm okay, and I can walk all the way down from the 11th floor without a problem so I've just tweaked my routine and work from the lowest floor and go up.<br />
<br />
I'm also trying to walk more at home, which means getting back on the treadmill. That's tougher though because I am very tired after work and often don't have time before work. You'd think I wouldn't get this physically tired, it's not a hard job. But I find that standing in basically one spot is more tiring than getting to move around!<br />
<br />
And I'm still planning to snowshoe, gotta find the time & the energy. Plus I have ponies that need riding, so I'm trying to find time to fit that in. <br />
The riding will be tougher to fit in, I need to have enough time to ride plus cool out the horse in time to put it back out before I go to work. Snowshoeing I'll be able to do day or night, as long as I have the energy and it's not too darn cold!<br />
<br />
Another thing I've changed is that I'm packing my "lunch"<em> (it's usually supper lol)</em> and eating healthier that way. I didn't get to garden this summer, and I'm super picky about veggies but I found nice greens that Walmart & Superstore both carry for a decent price. I pack that, some grilled chicken breast cut into small pieces and have a nice salad. Add in some fruit, carrots or peppers and a yogurt and I'm good <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">:)</span><br />
<br />
I'm not too far off from a big milestone that I set for myself, and I'm pretty excited about that! As long as all this holiday food doesn't interfere <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">;)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-41918815255123710642012-07-18T01:57:00.001-06:002012-07-18T01:57:33.887-06:00-20You read that right, -20. Yep in July. Because that's -20LBs baby!!<br />
<br />
I'm feeling pretty confident that it will stick too, or rather that I'll keep making progress because 20 is about 1/3 of my rather loosely created goal. I know I'm due for a plateau, and I know it will suck, but I'm still hopeful.<br />
<br />
Really a lot of it is due to my little Fitbit. Four months later and I still faithfully log in anything I eat/drink. I wear it (almost) all the time. One thing that was a bit discouraging... I switched my settings from "normal" to "sensitive" for the sleep tracking. Watching my average drop like a stone and looking at that little blue sleep bar which now had big chunks of red. Oh heck yeah, now I know why I feel tired so often! <br />
<br />
I still eat "junk" at times, but I'm developing more will power than I've ever had before (even with my darn sweet tooth!)<br />
<br />
According to the settings I've put on my Fitbit I should be hitting my next big milestone before the end of the year! <br />
<br />
It's been all too quiet over here lately... what's up with y'all?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-42207053350653533792012-04-24T21:31:00.000-06:002012-04-24T21:31:38.011-06:00FitbitI was skeptical at first, but now a month later I have to say I love my <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/" target="_blank">Fitbit</a>!<br />
<br />
It tracks my steps, floors climbed, sleep patterns, calories burned. If you put in just a few minutes of time entering what you eat/drink throughout the day it takes care of all your calorie counts. And when you first set up your account you enter your age, height, weight, gender and goals so it takes care of the math in figuring out how many calories you should eat each day.<br />
You can manually enter a variety of activities in addition to what the fitbit tracks.<br />
I'm finding it very motivating, at a glance I can see where I stand that day. If I'm craving a cookie but I have almost used up my calories I find it easier to say no (or run around until I've bumped up my activity enough to justify more calories).<br />
My only complaint? That the user can't adjust the day. At midnight a new day is automatically started, my "normal" day has me going to bed around 4am. Not a big deal, but it would be more user friendly for people that work non-traditional hours if that could be changed by the user.<br />
<br />
Best of all? With the help of my fitbit keeping me on track and honest, I've lost 10lbs in the last month! :DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-27139952185806607362012-03-21T20:25:00.000-06:002012-03-21T20:25:03.859-06:00Gonna be a 'gadget girl'I'm not normally into gadgets, or am I? Hmm... cell phone, cameras, iPad... yeah I have those but I still wouldn't call myself a gadget person, and I'm definitely not a <i><b>fitness gadget</b></i> person. Until I saw this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85TFUDueiZo/T2qHVa2SsUI/AAAAAAAACMw/nr4XMgfGB7M/s1600/fitbitplum.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85TFUDueiZo/T2qHVa2SsUI/AAAAAAAACMw/nr4XMgfGB7M/s200/fitbitplum.png" width="200" /></a></div>What is it? Its called a Fitbit Ultra and it claims tracks your daily movement through 3D sensors, not just steps like a pedometer. It also can track your sleep patterns. Its small, seriously its <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">TINY</span></b>, so you can wear it discreetly <i>(suggestions include tucked in a pocket or onto your bra)</i> <br />
<br />
Here's the lowdown on what it claims to do:<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">*</span></b>Tracks daily steps, number of stairs or hills climbed, distance traveled, calories burned & overall intensity of activity <i>(I'm hoping that riding will show up as well)</i> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">*</span></b>If you wear the tracker at night (there's a wristband included) it will monitor how long & how well you slept. It monitors when you fall asleep & how many times you wake throughout the night to provide a 'sleep efficiency index' <i>(something I'm very interested in as I'm a tosser & turner)</i><br />
<br />
I ordered this because I wanted to see how active I really am daily and where I can fit more activity in. I was curious how much I move at work <i>(although as of recently that is null and void)</i> I know I go through periods where I don't do a heckuva lot and I'm hoping something like this will help me get my rear in gear during those times.<br />
I liked that its compatible with the Endomondo app I have on my cell phone and that I don't have to sit down and plug in the data, it wirelessly uploads whenever you're in 15' of your computer.<br />
After using it for a bit I'll give an updated review on it, I ordered mine off <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fitbit-Wireless-Activity-Sleep-Tracker/dp/B005PUONIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332382859&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and it just came in the mail today so I'm off to tear open the box and check it out! <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">:)</span><br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-90373434762742636572012-02-20T22:15:00.002-06:002012-02-20T22:15:38.685-06:00HmmmSo, I stumbled across this article today: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9091628/Test-tube-hamburgers-to-be-served-this-year.html<br /><br />What do y'all think?<br /><br />Ready...<br /><br />Go!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-37844597305450771732012-01-17T23:23:00.002-06:002012-01-17T23:41:09.783-06:00RantI posted this evening, over on my main blog. The post could belong here as well. So, if you feel up to it, and aren't cowering in fear because I was quite hot when I wrote it, wander on over to <a href="http://oregonsunshine.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/rant-3/">here</a> and join me in discussion.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If it's not there when you see this post, it'll be back after the SOPA protest is over on 1/19/2012.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-17372696735873982172012-01-14T23:27:00.003-06:002012-01-15T01:03:16.749-06:00Now That The Resolutions Are WainingHi guys...It's BEC here. So kindly invited by Cdn to contribute.<div><br /></div><div>Here we are in the middle of January already, the 'newness' of the New Year already starting to wain...</div><div><br /></div><div>Are those get fit resolutions dimming in memory?</div><div><br /></div><div>Myself...I've been hitting the gym pretty regularly for the past few weeks. Mostly working on the weights.</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't noticed any dramatic disappearing of cellulite dimples on my backside yet (sigh) and my old nemesis, the sore shins are flaring up (oww!), but on the upside...</div><div><br /></div><div>The back, shoulder and arm pain I was suffering from is about 99% better. If for no other reason...the relief from that pain will keep me going back at least 3 times a week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, I am still in the muscle building phase. Trying to get my back and arm muscles balanced (got about a 10 lb. difference going on) and start building some leg, hamstring and glute strength.</div><div><br /></div><div>So are there any other weight lifters or body sculptures here? Anyone interested and just not sure how to get started?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-58071463317059352072012-01-04T15:58:00.000-06:002012-01-04T15:58:02.577-06:00Being an AngelAbout a month ago Pie & I watched the Victoria's Secret fashion show... that holiday one they always air late November. While I will never be a smoking hot, sexy, leggy model, and don't aspire to be, I do like the show. I like the creativity behind it. And the wings, gotta love the wings lol<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1o9aiGiALE/TwTHUsDq_KI/AAAAAAAAB8g/74zvF5GdKYE/s1600/angellima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1o9aiGiALE/TwTHUsDq_KI/AAAAAAAAB8g/74zvF5GdKYE/s320/angellima.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
There was one segment though where I paused it and turned to Pie to say<i><b> "What the hell were they thinking?"</b></i> <br />
There was a song playing that to me just seemed wrong. Sure it was a catchy song, but with all the focus on the fashion industry/modelling and eating disorders/<a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/body_dysmorphic_disorder/article.htm">body dysmorphism </a>I just didn't get why they would put a song like that in. The lyrics that caught my attention were:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>"You make me wanna die. I'll never be good enough. You make me wanna die."</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I actually do like the song, its by <a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/make-me-wanna-die-lyrics-pretty-reckless.html">Pretty Reckless</a> <i>(I've never heard of them, clicking the link brings up the lyrics)</i> I just don't get why the show producers would pick a song where the most discernible lyrics are those ones. And I have to wonder, if I found the song online and listened to it would it play the same way? Or did they pump up those lyrics in the show?<br />
Anyway, enough about the song. Still want to be an Angel? Not only do you have to be genetically gifted - face it, no matter how much a person diets & works out, if you don't have the genes to achieve it certain things won't happen. But it gets pretty extreme. Adriana Lima, pictured above<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> (via Google image search)</i></span>, dished on what it takes:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Daily workouts starting months before the show </div><div style="text-align: center;">Workouts become twice daily a few weeks before the show</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A gallon of water a day</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>No solid food for 9 days before the show</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 days before show she will start drinking water 'normally' </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>No water for 12 hours before the show</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Daily workouts, that's not so bad. Twice daily doesn't sound bad either. But from what I read of Lima's interview those aren't just workouts, they're hard-core <b>w.o.r.k.o.u.t.s</b> Water is a good thing, but chugging a gallon a day? That's approximately double the "drink 8 glasses a day" standard <i>(don't even get me started on that lol)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The parts that really concern me are the no solid food for 9 days and no water for 12 hours. How many young girls (boys, women, men) with eating disorders saw that advice?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yeah I want to lose weight, I want to be in shape. But doing that? Not healthy. And that's my main goal!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-57027334025875889122011-12-07T13:50:00.000-06:002011-12-07T13:50:26.986-06:00WowBy Mrs Mom<br />
<br />
So.. a funny thing happened the other day ago. As I was helping in setting up my mother in laws Christmas tree, she giggled.<br />
<br />
"This is probably not the right time to say this, when your butt is sticking up in the air and all, but you've lost a lot of weight!"<br />
<br />
<br />
Well guess what? In my eyes, ANYTIME someone says that is a good time, whether or not your butt is sticking up in the air, know what I mean?<br />
<br />
I have lost weight. My mother in law asked what I was doing to drop the pounds and honestly? I have no clue. None. I eat what I want, when I want it. And as much as I want. But I've found.. I'm not eating MUCH. A bite here, a bite there, and I am good to go. Go we do too- I've had more energy, which means more is getting done, which makes me happier, which means going and doing more makes me feel even BETTER, soo.... the circle continues. And the pounds are dropping.<br />
<br />
I wish I could say how much exactly, but we still do not own a scale.<br />
I wish I could tell you exactly what to do or not to do, but I can't.<br />
<br />
All I can say is rock on. Move. Find a happy. And see what happens.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7240886379671385009.post-19498757061924436412011-11-30T00:08:00.002-06:002011-11-30T00:09:43.577-06:00It was a trainwreck...a <b>sweaty</b> trainwreck.<br />
Have I mentioned that I'm a stereotypical "<i>white girl with NO rhythm</i>"? And I can't dance?<br />
Yep, I am.<br />
Which is why this is tragically funny. I've decided that first things first is to get my butt moving. The best way to<i><b> keep</b></i> it moving is to have <i><b>fun</b></i>. So I dug out the Wii<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>(I had 'grounded' myself from it until we got some unpacking/organizing done, which we have)</i></div>and put in the new game I picked up on my way home from work:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-oH-8JqGWo/TtXGi9xKPWI/AAAAAAAAB10/QRDIO4wlwTQ/s1600/bep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-oH-8JqGWo/TtXGi9xKPWI/AAAAAAAAB10/QRDIO4wlwTQ/s320/bep.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>The result? Fun, yep. And a trainwreck. But a sweaty, fun trainwreck. And one that I will be feeling tomorrow.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just gotta keep in mind to only play this </i><br />
<i>when I'm home alone! lol</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3