Treadmill Woes and Goals

Ugh It seems that it has happened... New Years is no longer fresh in my mind and I have completely gone off the deep end, maybe I am being a little dramatic but I would like to get more focused again on a few things. In the last couple of weeks I have not blogged, gone to the gym only a couple times a week, and have not been keeping up with my healthy eating habits. I also have not been creating my weekly goals so I am going to start doing that again.

Goals

Stay within my points for weight watchers.

Work out 3-4 times this week.

Blog twice this week.

File taxes.

Make more time for homework.

Clean and organize office.

Autobiography for school

Resume for school.
I again think the best way to achieve goals is to have a plan.
To stay within my points I am going to plan what I will eat the next day and add everything to the tracker as soon as possible. In the last couple of days I have been grazing but not on fruits and veggies.

I am going to the gym tonight, tomorrow night, and friday night. I wll try to go to work out in the mornings on Wednesday and Thursday but I will make no promises. Saturday and Sunday I would like to try to go to the gym at least one of those mornings. Tonight I am going to run, tomorrow I will do the eliptical, Friday I will run. I will also run on Saturday or Sunday.

I did this post tonight and I will do a post again Friday night or Saturday morning.

Hopefully the husband and I can do the taxes on Friday. I might try to plan a nice dinner at home, followed by taxes, and maybe a movie or working on the office.

I tend to procastinate and I actually hate this quality. I really try to think of everything I can do but my homework on the weekends and then when I sit down to do it I am usually watching tv. I am sure you can take away from that, that I do not get much homework done. I plan to do homework tonight and tomorrow nights as well as doing some on Saturday and Sunday.

I want to get my office cleaned and organized so I can use that for homework(away from the computer). I would also like to make this the place to do bills and other financial business. I am going to look around my house tonight for stuff I can use to organize the office and see what I can get rid of.

I have an autobiography and resume due by Feb. 18th so I plan to work on both of these on Saturday and Sunday.
As we know the best laid plans can fall through but I am going to do my best to keep up with it...
 
I went to the gym earlier tonight because the husband made it home earlier but dang if there wasn't someone on the only working treadmill.  I hate to complain but I pay a hefty HOA fee and my neighborhood gym has only two treadmills and for the past month 1 of the 2 treadmills is always broken.  So I made do with an eliptical for the first 21 minutes and moved over to the treadmill to run for 30 minutes.  My run felt great and I really pushed myself to go faster then I am use to.  The last 5 minute jog I started at 6.0 speed and increased every 30 seconds.  I am really starting to fall in love with running I just need to remember that feeling when I think I would rather stay home!!!

Focus on the reward at the end

Do you like the title?  That was a friend's status on FB today.  What an awesome saying and works for any goal!  I might create some post its that say that to remind me what I am doing.

First lets go over last week goals.
Eat half my plate in veggies at dinner most nights: I accomplished this most dinners and even incorporated veggies at lunch and breakfast.  Friday morning I experienced my first green monster.  It wasn't bad and a great way to add veggies to my diet.

Workout at least three times: This was accomplished!  Monday - shovel, Wednesday - treadmill, Thursday - Just Dance 2 for an hour, Friday - treadmill, Sunday - treadmill. 5 days!

Create a training plan for 5k, 10K, and half marathon I want to run.  I didn't get this done but I did map out my running days until about mid May. 

Create budget template for next month based on this month expenses.  Still no budget!  This will be a large struggle.

Give myself a mani and pedi.  Still not done!  I put this as a goal to do something to make myself feel better but its not like I hate my nails. 


Goals for this week:

Track everything I eat using the weight watcher's tools.  I did it!  I signed up for weight watchers.  I am going to try to work the system the best I can.  I have been playing on the website with my day off today.

Workout at least 4 times this week.  Since I have been doing about 4-5 workouts a week I don't think this should be a problem.  Just trying to set myself up for success!!!

Work on my budget for February.

I am taking the mani and pedi off my goals list!  Haha!  

Take more pictures to make the blog more interesting. 

New week, new post

last week's goals


Eat half my plate in veggies at dinner most nights: I did this most days and at lunch as well.
Work out 3 times this week: I worked out four times last week!
create a budget for January: Boo I never did this. I need the husband to sit down and do this with me. It might help if I mentioned it to him! ;)
Start C25K program: This I did do and I proud to make it a regular part of my workouts.
Blog at least twice this week: I also was able to accomplish this, but as you can tell I have been aol since last week.
Give myself a mani and pedi: Ugh! I never did this, not sure why I had plenty of time.



This week's goals

Eat half my plate in veggies at dinner most nights: I am already struggling with this one this week.
Workout at least three times: Last night I made it to the gym and Monday I shoveled the whole driveway for the first time. It was a great workout leaving me sore until today.
Create a training plan for 5k, 10K, and half marathon I want to run this year.
Create budget template for next month based on this month expenses.
Give myself a mani and pedi.

My work is closed Monday for Martin Luther King's day, woo hoo!  I love bankers hours.  With my brand new PTO I am taking off tomorrow as well!  Yay for 4 day weekends.  I am hoping to get some stuff done around the house, maybe get that mani and pedi taken care of, work on training plan, run, get ready for my semester that starts next week, and read.  What a hefty list! 

Goalsoltuion

Goalsolutions


Eat more veggies at lunch and dinner
Work out 3 times this week
create a budget for January
Start C25K program
Blog at least twice this week
Give myself a mani and pedi
 
So I started a post awhile back about how I am going to set weekly goals and what my weekly goals are, however I have yet to finish or post it. Ugh! Not starting off my blog more resolution right but I am not giving up just yet. My first post I was going to talk about my plan to lose 35lbs.
I plan on setting weekly goals to help me achieve this weight loss as well as rewards for certain strives made. Above are my goals this week.  I have already worked out 3 times this week and started Week 1 Day 1 of the C25K program.  I have added loads of veggies in this week by adding salad to my lunch and veggies with my dinner.  This will be my second blog post of the week since the 1st was Saturday.  I just need to keep up with the veggies, give myself a mani and pedi and create a budget for this month.
Along with setting goals I have come up with some rewards to help motivate me to eat better and work out more to lose the weight.  Below are my rewards!
For every 5% weight loss I will reward myself with some great stuff:
First 5% I will collect some new work out gear.
2nd 5% I will get a garmin forerunner watch.
3rd 5% I will get either a new camera or an Ipad
4th 5% I will get the one from above that I didn't get before.
Once I reach the next 5% or my goal of 35lbs I will get new clothes.

I am very excited for the journey ahead. I promise I am going to start working on getting interesting pictures up on my boring blog. My favorite blogs to read include tons of photos.

Other then my weekly goals and rewards I have been debating joining weight watchers again. Previously I did weight watchers online but never really worked the program. I am thinking of joining a local group. It might be helpful for me to talk to other women who have the same struggles. I think it might also be useful for me to have something to count what I am eating. Sometimes it is just too much to find out how many calories I am eating but points seem more manageable. I also like how the new program has a zero point value for most fruits and veggies which I consume a ton of fruit.

Welcome 2011!!!

I really wanted a new purse, I really wanted a new purse, I really wanted a new purse...  Really that mantra could go on forever.  Apparently the early bird gets the worm at Dillard's New Years day extra 50% off sale items.  Next year I will be there 30 minutes prior to the store opening.  I have a slight Coach obsession and Dillard's had several it seemed like at 30% off plus an additional 50% off.  I am super bummed but it is a new year and I am not going to let that get me down.  I got several other great items.  New Christmas ornaments, a casserole dish, a kitchen utensil holder, and a basting brush.  I love my new items!!!

All week long I have been thinking of resolutions for the new year below you will find my 11 for 2011:

1. Lose 35lbs throughout the year
2. Eat better more healthy foods, less processed fake foods
3. Exercise regularly
4. Budget monthly to save more money and pay down debt
5. Run a 5k, 10k, and half marathon
6. Blog regularly
7. Get organized
8. Work on time management
9. Learn to be comfortable in my own skin
10. Challenge myself at least once a month
11. Take more pictures

I think the important part about making a resolution stick is by creating a plan and having mini goals.  Many of my resolutions overlap themselves which will hopefully help me complete them all by this time next year. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Eve and an awesome first day of 2011!!!

Couch 2 5K

I did it this morning! Week 1, day 1!!! It was great. I left the house around 5:15 and got back at 5:50. I was very excited to accomplish this. I am ready for Friday's run!!! The sky was beautiful this morning and the streets were peaceful I wish I would of taken a picture. After the long day I know realize I need new running shoes badly. I have had this pair since 2006 so I would say it is time to retire it!

After my run I had a chai tea latte and an English Muffin with PB. Snacks today consisted of a banana, an apple, and watermelon. I went to subway for lunch today and tried the 6 inch jalapeno turkey sub. Yum with chips and diet coke!

Tonight for dinner I made a delicious thai peanut chicken pizza! Corey was a huge fan and it tasted fabulous!

Fitness

I am thinking about changing my blog again. I feel like a need a little more focused blog to motivate me to write. After reading several new blogs today I am going to set up my blog around food and running.

Earlier in the week I found a running program called couch 2 5k. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml It is a 9 week running plan to prepare me to run a 5k. I am going to sign up to run the turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning. Good way to justify all the foods that I will eat later in the day. There is actually an app for this program that I can download on my phone and it will signal when I need to start running and stop running.

My plan is starting this week, I will get up and run three times during the week first thing in the morning. Eventually I will add in strength training and yoga! I love cooking and baking even more so along my journey you will see many hopefully delicious recipes.

Look for my miles run, new work outs, and scrumptious food!

Potty Training!

We had a break through moment today.. Phoebe actualy went and stood by the back door to go out. I asked her if she needed to go outside and she came running to me. I started to take another bite of cereal and she yipped at me. So I got up right away and took her out. She did her business as soon as she got outside!!! Yay one for Phoebe! I was just so proud. It is now afternoon and she has had no accidents inside!!!

Fitness woes

How does a baker/cook who loves to get things going in the kitchen lose weight? Really baking more so than cooking is theraputic for me! I love whipping something up. Like just yesterday I told myself I will start eating better and working on out Monday. Guess what it didn't happen. Instead I baked brownies from scratch. Yes very good brownies but still not on with my new plan.

I would like to do cardio three days a week, strength two days a week, and yoga at least once a week. I do not think his is impossible yet I can not make myself get up and do these things. I need a clear and consise plan to reach my goals.

Some days I feel fine about myself. And other days I feel just awful. I know I eat too many sweets. It is just so conflicting for me because I love to bake and taste something sweet. I need suggestions on how to reach my goals of eating healthier and exercising.

In a few years I want to try to have kids but I want to be 100% healthy and in shape.

Awe disappearing act

I have not written in here for a long time nor added photos of all the wonderful things I have been cooking up. I started back to school last week and I have been so busy!!! Last Saturday we went and picked up the newest addition of our family. Phoebe!

She is just a doll!! But caring for a new puppy takes up a lot of extra time. She needs constant attention. She likes to chew and potty. I am very excited about the potty training. She is doing so well. We just have to keep an eye on her and anticipate her needs.

School is good. I am very excited about my education technology class. I am going to learn lots of technology related stuff that I can apply in the classroom. My other class is special needs education. I was hoping this would be an interesting class but so far it has been straight lecture. I hope things pick up once we are done getting the basics and history of special education.

Work life has been a bore but I am hoping to get a new position in the company soon! I can't wait until I am done with school and can get into a classroom!!!

Cookies

Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I found this recipe on several blogs. The main difference is browning the butter.

Ingredients:

1 cup of butter

1 cup of packed brown sugar

1/2 cup of sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp of vanilla

2 cups of all purpose flour

1 tsp of baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1-2 cups of chocolate chips. I used 1 bag of Hersey's Dark Chocolate chips

Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

In a small sauce pan melt butter over medium heat until butter starts to brown and give off a nutty smell. (The butter will creat brown bits in the pan which should be used in the mix). Let butter cool.

Mix butter and sugars in kitchen mixer using flat paddle to mix until smooth.

Add eggs, one egg at a time.

Add vanilla.

Add half flour mixture. Blend 15 seconds add rest of flour mixture.

Fold in chocolate chips and refridgerate for at least an hour or two. Preferrably 6 hours. I did about an hour and half because I couldn't wait. I read the 6 hours makes these just fabulous.

Preheat oven 350. Scoop tablespoon size balls onto baking sheet about an inch apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes. I baked 12 minutes. Cool on wire rack and enjoy!!!!

Shrimp

Honey Grilled Shrimp

This was absolutely amazing. Fireworks in my mouth good. I love food and this shrimp was delicious. Also pictured is couscous and spinach.

This recipe is from one of my new favorite

blogs http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com

FOR MARINADE

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tbsp ground black pepper

1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp dry white wine

FOR BASTING SAUCE

1/8 cup honey

1/8 cup butter, melted

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings to taste: Salt, pepper, parsley

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached

Place shrimp in a bowl with the marinade ingredients- allow to marinade for 1 hour.

Heat a grill pan until it is hot and ready.

In a small bowl combine the ingredients for the basting sauce and set aside.

Carefully add the shrimp to the grill pan- allow to cook about 3 minutes per side or until cooked. Coat each side with the basting sauce prior to flipping.

Pasta

Penne Pesto Pasta

I love the flavor of basil and pine nuts.

From Giada

2 cups fresh basil

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1 garlic clove

1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste. I do not add extra.

1/4 tsp black pepper

About 2/3 cup of evoo. I usually use less as I don't like too strong of an olive oil taste.

1/2 cup fresh grate Parmesan cheese. I buy the shredding Parmesan rather than fresh but I bet the fresh taste amazing!

I use my handy dandy food processor to mix the basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Next add oil while bender is running to get a smooth texture. The secret to getting the sauce thin enough to go over the noodles is to use some of the liquid from your pasta noodles.

Add sauce and cheese to pasta!

Food

So I have been totally awful again about posting my food to the blog. It has to be because I eat too much! Haha! Actually today I had PB toast for breakfast, kashi bar for snack, penne pesto pasta for lunch with strawberries. We just finished a wonderful dinner of Honey Shrimp with couscous, and wilted spinach. The shrimp and couscous was awesome. The spinach I did not like but I choked down what I had on my plate. :) For dessert brown butter chocolate chip cookies. I think these are going to be freaking amazing. I will post pics along with recipes later. YUM!!!

new addition

this is the new addition to our family. she will be ready early october! trying to think of a good name...

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Food

Agh! Its already 9:40 and I was going to put off this post until tomorrow because of the time but it is more of an excuse to not write what I ate today. Breakfast was the usual PB on english muffin. For lunch I had a leftover brat on a bun with corn and BBQ chips. Yum! I was crazy something sweet so I went to the local candy dish at work and scored a mini snickers and a mini almond joy. Neither tasted quite as I remembered. For a snack later in the afternoon I had a peach and boy was it delicious. I mean it was a sweet, tender, and at the perfect point of ripeness. When I got home for work I grabbed a leftover roll because I had a late eye appointment and was already hungry for dinner. My mom had me over for dinner, chicken enchiladas and a small side of beans. Yum! But after dinner I had yet another sweet snack: a chocolate ice cream cone.

Can you see the pattern? I have a major sweet tooth! And that might be the reason I put off writing this post.

Todays Meals

Breakfast: PB on Thomas English Muffin. Yum!

Snack: I did not get hungry so I did not have a snack.

Lunch: Cranberry Turkey sandwhich with chips (way too much mayo but other than that is was great.)

Snack: Again no snack but I had a huge lunch.

Dinner: My husband was not home for dinner so I choose to throw some milk, ice, bananas, cinnamon, and honey in the blender for a smoothie and at the last minute I decided to throw in some PB. YUM!!! One of the best creations out there. I wish I had a natural PB at home but I keep it at work.

If you read this regularly you will find PB to be one of my favorite foods. It is a total staple in my diet. There are some things people can give up, PB is not that thing for me. I eat PB on toast everyday for breakfast M-F. Some people might burn out, not me! I LOVE IT!!!!

This is suppose to show up under my Food Corner tab but I don't know how to get it there. If someone can let me in on the secret, please do????

Blogs, blogs, and more blogs...

I am totally obsessed with blogging. I know I just started back up and I haven't written anything since Monday but I am really getting into reading others blogs. A few of my new favorite blogs I found today are stephanieinspired.blogspot.com, stephaniecooks.blogspot.com, healthytippingpoint.com, and eatliverun.com. However I have not figured out how to follow the last two blogs. I am not so computer smart! These blogs are very inspiring for those who are interested in eating healthier and exercise.

Everyday is a struggle for me to find motivation to eat better and exercise on a regular basis. I feel that these blogs will help motivate me. I also love cooking and several of these blogs have recipes on them. I love getting new cooking material!!

Happy blogging!!!!

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The best day of my life!!!

The best day of my life. I tried just to pick a few of my most favorite photos but it is difficult!


Corey singing bye bye bye to me! It was a hoot!

The dance floor was hopping!

Dancing with the Father in Law!

Dancing with the little ladies!!!

Daughter Father Dance.

Our first dance!! I love this picture.

Oh the cupcakes!!!! From Baby Cakes. Delish!!!

The toast.

Corey with cupcake up his nose! Opps..

Now announcing Mr. and Mrs. McCall!

The wedding party on the way to the limo.

The flowers and the shoes! Stunning!

Sweet moment!

The wedding party walking the streets. What a tough crowd!

Can you tell we are all excited!

The exit!

Our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. McCall!!!

Uniting as one!

The ceremony was beautiful!

Daddy walking me down the isle. Can you catch the emotion in his face?

It was one of the most hot days of the summer and it was only early June. The air conditioning unit was my only relief.

Pre wedding photos!