I've not done much running so far this year. We picked up a jogging trampoline in January, since a treadmill is not practical for our house...no idea where I'd put one. I've used it a couple of times and will probably use it a lot this coming week (we are expecting a rainy week and it's not fun running/walking in the rain).
There is a really nice walking path behind my work, it's approximately 3/4 mile. I was able to get out there one day so far. I did one lap because I didn't have my walking/running shoes. I'll need to bring my unofficial walking shoes to work so I can easily do two laps. Terry and I have gone on a couple of walks so far this month, but nothing regular. I post my run/walks on Runkeeper, which I connect to Facebook, so if you want to track my progress, look me up on either one of those social pages.
I'm starting to set my alarm clock for earlier so I can, hopefully, get up earlier and get back into the running thing. There is no excuse for not doing it. The weather is getting nicer, I just need to choose exercise over sitting on my rear or sleeping later. :)
once again, I have been lax in journaling my food this year. I've recorded a couple of half days, but I've not been serious about it. Really need to get back into this, as I say every year, when I do it, I lose weight. And since I've lost 10 lbs. since starting to run, and gained it all back over the winter, I really need to keep track of my food to help in the weight loss area.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Hello 2013!
Every January 1 we all set goals for ourselves to accomplish in the
new year. According to The Journal of Clinical Psychology at the
University of Scranton study on New Year's resolutions found that 45% of
Americans make resolutions, 17% make them infrequently and 38% never
make a resolution. The study also found that only 8% of people are
successful in achieving their goals. (You can read more here.)
I am guilty of making new year's resolutions and not meeting the goal I've set for myself. 2012 was different for me, I chose to set goals instead of make resolutions. In 2012, I chose to set one goal per month (you can read more here).
January's goal in 2012 was to track my calories daily. I didn't track my calories every month of 2012, but when I got off the wagon of tracking, I caught myself and got back on. For the majority of 2012, I did track my food intake. So, I see that as a win.
February's goal in 2012 was to pray more and get up earlier. I succeeded on the prayer side, but not the getting up earlier side. I'm okay with that...prayer is important, and this was actually two goals for one month. :)
March's goal in 2012 was to exercise daily. I know I did a little exercise in March, but that was about it...and probably because that was my goal for the month. However, in June (you can read more here) I opted to start a couch to 5K program. My husband and I started out walking, which was great for our health and our marriage. Since the weather wasn't extremely hot this summer, it wasn't too bad. Finally in August I started running. I made it all the way through the Couch to 5K Get Running app. However, the weather started getting cold and I have not run since the beginning of November.
I lost my job at the beginning of November too, which allowed me more time for exercise. I started up Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, which the last time I attempted that (March 2012) I struggled to do the full 3 circuits...when I did it in November, it was much easier (with the exception of push ups, but I always struggled with those anyway). Because of running I had built up my endurance.
So, overall 2012 was a success for me. I finally started running (which I said I was going to do in 2011 and never did), I tracked my calories for the majority of the year, I worked on and improved my prayer life, I built up my endurance, and I lost weight - passed that one number on the scale I struggled to pass.
2013 is a new year for new beginnings. This year I plan to continue
I am guilty of making new year's resolutions and not meeting the goal I've set for myself. 2012 was different for me, I chose to set goals instead of make resolutions. In 2012, I chose to set one goal per month (you can read more here).
January's goal in 2012 was to track my calories daily. I didn't track my calories every month of 2012, but when I got off the wagon of tracking, I caught myself and got back on. For the majority of 2012, I did track my food intake. So, I see that as a win.
February's goal in 2012 was to pray more and get up earlier. I succeeded on the prayer side, but not the getting up earlier side. I'm okay with that...prayer is important, and this was actually two goals for one month. :)
March's goal in 2012 was to exercise daily. I know I did a little exercise in March, but that was about it...and probably because that was my goal for the month. However, in June (you can read more here) I opted to start a couch to 5K program. My husband and I started out walking, which was great for our health and our marriage. Since the weather wasn't extremely hot this summer, it wasn't too bad. Finally in August I started running. I made it all the way through the Couch to 5K Get Running app. However, the weather started getting cold and I have not run since the beginning of November.
I lost my job at the beginning of November too, which allowed me more time for exercise. I started up Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, which the last time I attempted that (March 2012) I struggled to do the full 3 circuits...when I did it in November, it was much easier (with the exception of push ups, but I always struggled with those anyway). Because of running I had built up my endurance.
So, overall 2012 was a success for me. I finally started running (which I said I was going to do in 2011 and never did), I tracked my calories for the majority of the year, I worked on and improved my prayer life, I built up my endurance, and I lost weight - passed that one number on the scale I struggled to pass.
2013 is a new year for new beginnings. This year I plan to continue
- running (we are looking into a gym membership, which shouldn't be a problem now that I'm employed again),
- to count/track my daily calorie intake,
- to eat healthier by adding more fiber and iron into my diet (2 nutrients I found I was lacking when my aunt did a nutrition evaluation of my eating habits).
- to lose weight. My ideal weight is approximately 40 lbs. less than I am now. Of course this goes with all of my to continue goals above.
- eating one vegetarian meal per week.
- cut out soda. I don't drink a ton of soda anyway, but when I have one, I usually go back for another. If I cut out soda, that should also help in my weight loss efforts.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Starting the Christmas Season Right
Well, since I lost my job at the beginning of November, I haven't done much running. Last week I started doing EA Active 2 on the PS3 again. I did that for a week...until I found my copy of Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. I started that yesterday.
This time around, Jillian Michael's isn't as hard as the last time I tried doing it. The only thing I struggled with on Level 1 this times, was push ups...who doesn't struggle with push ups? I'm feeling the burn today. I didn't have a chance to do Jillian today, but am going back again tomorrow. I'd like to do it at least 5 days a week. I read somewhere online that if you do it every day for 30 days straight, you can lose 10 lbs. I'm okay with not losing 10 lbs., but I want to lose something. So, I'll probably take weekends off - which is good because our weekends our swamped for the rest of the month.
Just a little seasonal picture...this is our house decorated this year. Last year we just had the PacMan ghost - which our neighbor across the street thought was a sad face, so she decorated one of her bushes with a happy face.
This time around, Jillian Michael's isn't as hard as the last time I tried doing it. The only thing I struggled with on Level 1 this times, was push ups...who doesn't struggle with push ups? I'm feeling the burn today. I didn't have a chance to do Jillian today, but am going back again tomorrow. I'd like to do it at least 5 days a week. I read somewhere online that if you do it every day for 30 days straight, you can lose 10 lbs. I'm okay with not losing 10 lbs., but I want to lose something. So, I'll probably take weekends off - which is good because our weekends our swamped for the rest of the month.
Just a little seasonal picture...this is our house decorated this year. Last year we just had the PacMan ghost - which our neighbor across the street thought was a sad face, so she decorated one of her bushes with a happy face.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
2012 Christmas Card
- Bazzill Basics paper 12x12 Sparkle (hereafter referred to as BB Sparkle)
- Vellum (8.5x11, you can use any size you like)
- 12x12 White Card stock
- Blue card stock of choice for die cutting into snowflakes (I got my snowflakes at work from a job we printed and die cut)
- 3 snowflakes stamp by Stamp of Excellence (any snowflake stamps will do)
- Christmas greeting of choice for front
- Christmas saying of choice for inside
- Adirondack Lights Cloudy Blue
- StazOn Teal Blue
- Tim Holtz Alterations 3 snowflakes embossing folder
- Creative Memories (CM) Small Circle Cutter with Green Blade
- Die cutter and/or embossing tool
- Snowflake die cut of your choice
- Adhesive of choice
- Glue dots small
- Silver thread
Step 1
Cut 12x12 white card stock into thirds. Your final trimmed piece will be 4x12". Fold in half to 4x6". Cut additional white card stock to 4" wide by 1" high (or higher, depending on the size of your Christmas greeting). Stamp your Christmas greeting on the 4x1" pieces of white card stock.
Step 2
Cut BB Sparkle (background for inside and outside) to 4x6".
 | |||
| Left side shows the vellum on top of white paper. |
Stamp snowflakes randomly on vellum using the Adirondack Lights Cloudy Blue ink. This ink does not dry fast on vellum, so make sure you are careful and set it aside to dry before doing anything else with the vellum (you can stamp and entire 8.5x11/12x12 sheet before setting it aside).
Step 4
Cut vellum down so it's 4" wide (top right photo). From here you will just gently tear the sheet to get the strips you will need for the final design (bottom two photos). Gently tear 1 1/2" strips of vellum.
Step 5
Die cut your snowflakes. Once your snowflakes are cut, you can attach two together with some thread (approximately 3") in between, using a glue dot (below: first photo). I aligned the thread down one of the spikes of one of the snowflakes (to make it less noticeable) before attaching the second one (below: second photo). I didn't align my snowflakes, but you can if you want to. My snowflakes were not the same color on the front and back, so I chose to have them face opposite directions, so I had blue and white on both sides (below: last photo).
 |
| From left to right: attach glue dot; add thread along one of spikes in snowflake, attaching at glue dot; place second snowflake on top either in the same position as main snowflake or off to make it look bigger. |
Step 6
Using a removable adhesive, attach the BB Sparkle paper to the front of the card. (If you do not have a removable adhesive, you can attach the bottom half of the BB Sparkle to the white card stock - make sure you only do the edges on the bottom so you can still access between the two card stocks.) Unfold white card stock so paper lays flat. Align CM circle cutter in desired position on BB Sparkle attached to front of the white card stock (I positioned mine towards the top and centered), using the green blade cut a circle through the BB Sparkle and white card stock.
Step 7
Align the snowflake in the center of the circle and attach one side of the thread at a time*, make sure to pull thread tight, but not too tight (you don't want to break the thread). Cut excess thread from top of card. Make sure snowflake is centered horizontally and vertically before permanently adhering BB Sparkle paper.
*If your card is vertical, your thread should go vertical and the if it's horizontal, should align horizontally (this will allow free spinning and less likelihood of the thread stretching too much causing the snowflake to hit the sides of your circle).
 |
| Holding BB Sparkle somewhat in place, add snowflake, pulling thread tight and center in the circle. Attach BB Sparkle once snowflake is in place. |
Step 8
Attach vellum to front side of card, use the adhesive along top edge only (below: first photo). You don't have to use a clear adhesive since your Christmas greeting will cover up where your adhesive is. Attach Christmas greeting at top of vellum (below: last photo). I attached my greeting approximately 1/4" below circle.
Step 9
Emboss dull side of BB Sparkle using the Tim Holtz snowflake embossing folder. Attach on the inside of the card. Stamp Christmas greeting starting halfway down on the inside (this way the greeting can't be seen through the hole where the snowflake is).
You're done! Great job! Hope you enjoyed this how-to. If you have any suggestions or questions, please let me know! Happy card making!
I included a little handwritten note on the inside under the circle which said: To spin snowflake blow on left or right side of snowflake.
Here's a link to a video of how the spinner works (although you can't see it very well).
Here's a link to a video of how the spinner works (although you can't see it very well).
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Running Update: November 2012
Well, since the beginning of November I have only run 5 times...which really doesn't make any sense because I lost my job on November 2. I have more time, but I'm not doing the things I should be doing (exercise). I've been eating better, however, I still do need to increase my fiber.
I borrowed a vegetarian cookbook from the library. I'm also going to borrow a book on increasing fiber. I know what I need to do, I just need better ways to implement them.
I didn't meet my goal of 15 lbs. by Thanksgiving...I missed it by 4 lbs. I'm okay with that.
My two new goals, set for 8 weeks from now (January 19), are:
When I had a daily schedule: work, run, dinner, relax, it worked for me, now that I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, it's harder. So, I need to get back on a schedule. I do certain things around the house each day, I need to add running, pick a time of day to do it, and do it then...I think that will help me get back on track.
I borrowed a vegetarian cookbook from the library. I'm also going to borrow a book on increasing fiber. I know what I need to do, I just need better ways to implement them.
I didn't meet my goal of 15 lbs. by Thanksgiving...I missed it by 4 lbs. I'm okay with that.
My two new goals, set for 8 weeks from now (January 19), are:
- lose 7 lbs
- run 3 miles (I've completed the couch to 5k app I was using, but I have yet to run the full 3.1 miles.)
When I had a daily schedule: work, run, dinner, relax, it worked for me, now that I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, it's harder. So, I need to get back on a schedule. I do certain things around the house each day, I need to add running, pick a time of day to do it, and do it then...I think that will help me get back on track.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Irony & Latest Runs
So, I've just been reviewing my archives...I downloaded the Get Running app in August 2010...I started actually using the app, for the purpose it was created, August 2012. If you'd like to read that first post, feel free...you can find it here. I just thought it was ironic that almost 2 years later, I implemented the program.
It's gotten colder, as I'm sure you've noticed. It's really hard to go out in the cold and start running. Once I get going (a.k.a. get warm enough), it's not so bad. My past two runs I've only run for 20 minutes. We should've gone for our run on Sunday - last warm day for awhile. Today was really cold, so I didn't run, but tomorrow, I plan on picking back up at running for 30 minutes straight.
Today, I tried a couple of new recipes and I did my grocery shopping which had a lot of new foods that I don't regularly eat - sweet potatoes, nappa cabbage, acorn squash.
Today's recipe came from All Recipes. Lunch was Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions...I didn't have Thyme, so I just left it out, I also did not add the almonds. It was really good...I'm excited to have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. It was also VERY filling.
Tomorrow night for dinner, we are going vegetarian - with a lasagna...Artichoke Spinach Lasagna. I can't wait to try this! I know I like spinach artichoke dip, I also like spinach lasagna, so I'm really looking forward to this yummy goodness. I'll let you know how it is.
It's gotten colder, as I'm sure you've noticed. It's really hard to go out in the cold and start running. Once I get going (a.k.a. get warm enough), it's not so bad. My past two runs I've only run for 20 minutes. We should've gone for our run on Sunday - last warm day for awhile. Today was really cold, so I didn't run, but tomorrow, I plan on picking back up at running for 30 minutes straight.
Today, I tried a couple of new recipes and I did my grocery shopping which had a lot of new foods that I don't regularly eat - sweet potatoes, nappa cabbage, acorn squash.
Today's recipe came from All Recipes. Lunch was Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions...I didn't have Thyme, so I just left it out, I also did not add the almonds. It was really good...I'm excited to have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. It was also VERY filling.
Tomorrow night for dinner, we are going vegetarian - with a lasagna...Artichoke Spinach Lasagna. I can't wait to try this! I know I like spinach artichoke dip, I also like spinach lasagna, so I'm really looking forward to this yummy goodness. I'll let you know how it is.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Weeks 11 & 12 - Keep On Keepin' On
Well, I've only run 2 times in the past 2 weeks. I'm okay with that because my muscle was sore. Last time I ran (Sunday, October 28) my muscle was fine, no pain or soreness. So, I'm back on to running again. I was going to run today, but realized I probably shouldn't run on Halloween - who knows how many people will be out and about and I'd rather avoid running into anyone (literally!). :D
My last two runs were 30 minutes. Although after a week off, I couldn't do the full 30 minutes, but I did do 25 minutes, which isn't bad for a full week off...I'm certainly not complaining. I just need to make sure I get back on track with the running, otherwise, I may just stop completely...and I don't want to do that. I'm so close to that 5k...got to keep on keepin' on. :)
Tomorrow I have another 30 minute run scheduled and I'm all ready for doing it. We are in the process of looking into a gym membership - that way weather is not an excuse for skipping our runs.
A few weeks ago, I gave up Splenda in my coffee. I went cold turkey and I haven't gone back. I'd like to cut cream out of my coffee, but I tried my coffee black one day, and ended up adding Splenda in. So, I can drink coffee with sugar or cream, but not without one or the other. I think it's a step in the right direction.
I've also done a lot of reading lately. I've read two vegetarian books: Plant Based Diet Simplified: A Concise & Easy to Read Guide on How to Lose Weight with Plant-Based Nutrition and Forks Over Knives (I've also seen this documentary). Watching the Forks Over Knives Documentary really got me thinking about what I really put into my body. Can you really prevent diseases with a plant-based diet? I'm going to keep reading and researching...I have one thought I'd like to share. In Genesis 1:29-30 it says, "Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.'” (youversion, emphasis mine)
This tells me that God created us to be vegetarians. The only reason meat became an option is because of the fall...when sin entered the world, so did death/eating meat.
I have at least one more vegetarian book on my kindle to read, "How to Successfully Become a Vegetarian or Vegan" by Rudy Hadisentosa. I'll keep you posted!
My last two runs were 30 minutes. Although after a week off, I couldn't do the full 30 minutes, but I did do 25 minutes, which isn't bad for a full week off...I'm certainly not complaining. I just need to make sure I get back on track with the running, otherwise, I may just stop completely...and I don't want to do that. I'm so close to that 5k...got to keep on keepin' on. :)
Tomorrow I have another 30 minute run scheduled and I'm all ready for doing it. We are in the process of looking into a gym membership - that way weather is not an excuse for skipping our runs.
A few weeks ago, I gave up Splenda in my coffee. I went cold turkey and I haven't gone back. I'd like to cut cream out of my coffee, but I tried my coffee black one day, and ended up adding Splenda in. So, I can drink coffee with sugar or cream, but not without one or the other. I think it's a step in the right direction.
I've also done a lot of reading lately. I've read two vegetarian books: Plant Based Diet Simplified: A Concise & Easy to Read Guide on How to Lose Weight with Plant-Based Nutrition and Forks Over Knives (I've also seen this documentary). Watching the Forks Over Knives Documentary really got me thinking about what I really put into my body. Can you really prevent diseases with a plant-based diet? I'm going to keep reading and researching...I have one thought I'd like to share. In Genesis 1:29-30 it says, "Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.'” (youversion, emphasis mine)
This tells me that God created us to be vegetarians. The only reason meat became an option is because of the fall...when sin entered the world, so did death/eating meat.
I have at least one more vegetarian book on my kindle to read, "How to Successfully Become a Vegetarian or Vegan" by Rudy Hadisentosa. I'll keep you posted!
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