Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Saying Yes to the Dress

I thought long and hard about what to do about the dress. Should I just go and try as many on as possible in the next week to see if there really is anything better out there? But, what if there isn't and the dress is sold by that point, then what will I do? I haven't seen anything like it before in the same style and structure and it did look really good on me. What if I regret letting the dress go later on and there is no way to get it?--These were the thoughts that have been plaguing my mind since we left on Saturday and I found out the dress was discontinued.

I was obsessing about not getting the dress and hating my decision. I might not have felt it then, when we were at the store, but there were many reasons why I know that the dress is "the ONE" at this point. No one convinced me of anything. In fact, the people that I talked to about it were supportive and wanted to stay out of my decision because, well, it's MY decision.

After being on the phone multiple times with the store and the super helpful lady who made it so I wouldn't have to "guess" what size to buy (since I'm losing weight), it made it an easy decision. I talked to Phil's mom and my mom to make sure that I wasn't making a rash decision and when they both said that they thought it was a good decision if that's what I want then I called the store and ordered it!

It was apparent how right of a decision it was when all of the anxiety left the second the dress was paid for and ordered. I was so excited when I got off of the phone and was so happy. It just felt...right! This is the feeling I was waiting to get at the store and I now have the feeling and the dress!!!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

the dress dilemma

This past weekend my Maid of Honor came up and we decided to go dress shopping with Phil's mom. I'm not planning on buying just yet because I'm losing weight and inches, but we wanted to see what the different styles/shapes would look like to "narrow down" the choices when we do go to buy.

I tried on a number of different dresses and really liked this one. After we were done we found out that it has been discontinued by the designer. If I want the dress, I have to buy it like...now to ensure that I have the dress. They can not guarantee the dress will still be there in a few months when I want to buy.

At the time it was closer to the top of my budget than the bottom and I would have had to blindly "guess" at what size I would need to order.

I called the store today to see what my options were and the sales lady was more than helpful. She explained about the different sizes and recommended one that would be the best to alter if any alterations would be needed for extra weight loss. She even went as far as telling me exact measurements for the dress and told me how many they had in that size and at what locations.

The best thing about it...now it is $300 less than what it was the other day at the store! The new price is in my "ideal" range to spend before alterations and is really close to where my mom lives so she could essentially pick it up for me if I needed her to and they couldn't ship it to the store out here.

The dilemma is that I really, really like the dress and how it looks on me. It is incredibly flattering and Phil's Gram seems to think I need to buy it...right...now. I wouldn't mind wearing that dress for the wedding, but it wasn't that "ohmygosh, this is the ONE" feeling that I thought I would have. Buuuut, I would hate to lose the dress because I didn't realize at the time that it was the one I want to wear.

I'm just not sure I'm going to find anything better than that dress. I'm willing to look, but not sure what to do if I don't find one that I love more than the one we all like.

What would you do in this situation?

Monday, June 28, 2010

McFatty Monday

I am happy to report that this last week, I've lost another 2 pounds! My trainer was able to do my "measurements" and I have lost 2 inches off of my waist (stomach)! In addition to the weight loss, my clothes have been fitting better. I fit comfortably into a pair of slacks that were too small just a couple of months ago and a new blouse that I had bought when it was a little tight in the middle, fit way better too!
Unfortunately, I didn't go to the gym as much as I had planned to do, but I really watched my diet and it still paid off well! They say that losing weight is 70% diet so I guess that's really true! It feels really good to be able to focus and put a lot of energy into making sure that I am eating better foods.


This week I need to work out more just to be consistent and to burn more calories in addition to eating well.

My new work schedule was changed for training to the earlier shift so I think it will be more do-able.

Monday, June 21, 2010

McFatty Monday

This past week flew by...well except for Friday, but that's for a whole different post. I did a fantastic job watching what I ate and even stuck to my "wedding diet"! I didn't make it to 5 days working out, but I did do 3 days...not good enough, but it's a work in progress.

Nevertheless, I managed to lose 6 pounds this past week! Holy cow, that's a lot! It was so surprising that I weighed myself twice to double check. That's the most I've lost in sooo long. I think it's because now that we're engaged, the stress of "when is it going to happen" is gone and I can focus on losing weight without the added stress.

Since starting to work out on a more regular basis, stairs are easier, my knees don't hurt, there's less back pain, and I don't huff and puff doing normal things! I've even noticed that I can handle the heat and humidity a little bit better this year than last!

This week we're going to try again for 5 days of working out and continuing with the diet plan. I don't expect to lose that much each week, but it was a great kick-off to my weight loss journey!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Thankful Thursdays

Today I am thankful for:
  1. God.~ He has always provided for me even when I've been selfish, unyielding, and wanted my own way. He has always been there and has guided me to the right place.
  2. Phil.~ Think that is self-explanatory, but he really is the most amazing man. I love him and respect him so much and he makes me truly happy.
  3. Family and Friends.~ The ones who are always there to lend an ear or to just hang out and "be." The support from these people are incredible and inspiring.
  4. Kailey.~ Yes, my cat! She is incredibly unique and I love her to pieces.
  5. My Faith.~ Sometimes it doesn't seem like things are going to work out, but by having faith and trusting God, miracles happen.
What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wedding Diet/Workout Plan

Monday was the big kick-off to my new weight loss/fitness/diet routine for the wedding! To recap, my goals are to work out for 5 days each week, drink more water, and watch my fat/calorie intake. I am happy to report that I am 2 days in and 1 pound lighter!

Monday was a long day for me with working a 10 hour day with the kids then having to eat dinner and still work out, but I managed to walk for 27 minutes on the treadmill and run for 3 minutes straight. Oh my gosh I actually RAN!!! I know, I know, it's only 3 minutes, but still--that is super fantastic for me! My diet was great too with eating no cheese on my sandwiches or mayo and choosing wheat bread and lots of veggies.

Tuesday I took a Zumba class at the gym and maintained good water intake and diet. Again, no cheese (except for the laughing cow wedges) or white bread. I had grilled chicken with broccoli for dinner and a turkey/lettuce wrap for lunch that I made at work.

I'm pretty much constantly hungry because I'm used to filling up with fatty foods, but I am eating enough and drinking plenty of water along the way. This is what I'm used to when trying to lose weight, but I will not eat something fatty in order to feel full!

Basically, in addition to just "watching what I eat" I am trying to cut out/back on "whites" such as white bread, white pasta, potatoes, and refined sugar. I will allow myself one dessert per week and make sure it is just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.

My goal is to be more healthy and fit for my wedding. There is really not weight loss amount that I am looking for because I don't want to set an unrealistic goal and get upset if it is not met by then. Instead, I want to be happy in who I am and being healthy and more fit because that's the important thing!

Monday, June 14, 2010

McFatty Monday

This past week was a whirlwind! There was a lot of work and not a lot of working out :( I managed to do decently, but not great with my diet. I'm not upset at all because overall I was pretty happy and active even if it wasn't at the gym.

This being said I've pretty much maintained this week! I'm happy I didn't really gain so it's not too terrible and it's a good thing.

But, I have a new found sense of motivation and I know this motivation will stick because...

I'm getting married!!!

I am motivated to not have to buy a plus-sized dress and to be healthy on our wedding day.We haven't set a date yet, but we're thinking January or February of next year so that doesn't leave too much time for getting my weight in check, but with eating well and working out I should be healthier by then.

This week I WILL:
  1. Drink more water!!! Last week was ok with water, but I need to step it up starting now.
  2. Work out 5 days this week. This means by actually working out, not just being active.
  3. Eating regularly and healthfully! We bought some egg beaters, low-fat cottage cheese, and grilled chicken patties for me to have quick, healthy meals.
I need to make sure that I lose weight the healthy way without starving or over-doing it. I do not expect to be at my "goal weight" by then, but there can be a significant difference in how I look and feel by then.


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Creepers

Once upon a time...when I didn't live in Maryland, a lot of weird interesting things happened to me on a pretty consistent basis. There would be tons of great stories to chose from on a daily basis and these things, although totally weird, were "normal" for me, especially living in California.

As I moved across the country, the amount of interesting stories and weird things started to diminish. Sure, some things still happened in Virginia, but not nearly as many as in California. Now that I'm in Maryland, it is few and far between when something interesting happens. But no matter where I am, there always seems to be one common occurrence that happens...

Creepers. Yep, I said it. You know those really weird guys who decide to stare at you and smile non-stop and attempt to follow you around? I have one of those right now. It started one day that I went to physical therapy. There was this guy I hadn't seen and he kept looking over at me smiling. At first it seemed that he might just be a little friendly so, naturally, I smiled back and said hi. There was my first big mistake. I'm not sure if he took that as flirting, but lately it seems that every single time I have an appointment, guess who shows up.He should know by now that I have a boyfriend because a couple of the assistants there ask me how things are going and about my weekends and there is always mention of Phil.  It's not like I have a set time/day to go in, in fact, I change it every week based on my work and gym schedule so you could see why I was shocked when half-way through my appointment today (that was waaay later than normal) he shows up and starts staring and smiling at me. It creeps me out people.

I may or may not be considering getting one of those cheap, huge, fake rings to wear when I'm there so hopefully he gets the picture. Not sure that would really solve the problem, but listening to my Ipod while I'm there doesn't seem to give him the picture that I'm ignoring him either. Well, at least this is better than that time in Virginia when a guy used "setting up a play-date" as an excuse to get together. *shudder*

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Differences

I think it's pretty safe to say that there are significant differences between men and women. This translates into many areas to include differences relating to one another and different needs. I've been reading a little more of the book Love and Respect and have realized that there are things that I can do to make my significant other feel respected and loved. The surprising thing is that sometimes it's not about really doing anything, but nothing at all that makes the biggest difference.

As a women I love to communicate and talk. Many times Phil has told me that it can be a little overwhelming for him and he's not used to "talking for hours." So, when I read that to a man spending quality time is having his significant other present, but silent, I was shocked. I thought, "Wait a minute, he wants me there, but not to say anything?" Yep, that's pretty much it. As long as I am there, that's what matters the most. In fact, by not saying anything, he feels more connected and energized! I put this into practice tonight when he was doing the dishes after dinner. I went over in the kitchen and was just "there" and didn't say anything. Once he was done he came over and gave me a big hug. Sure, I got a few puzzled looks, but once I explained to him what I was doing he was so happy! He loved that we were there together not talking and felt really comfortable with just....being.

So many times I've tried to go above and beyond to show him that I love and respect him, but I'm learning that so many times it's the things that I don't do or say that mean the most to him. As long as he's happy, then I'm happy too!

Monday, June 7, 2010

McFatty Monday!

It's that time again and guess what...I lost a pound y'all! I have been sitting at the same spot for months and despite everything I tried the weight would just not come off to save my life. What did I do differently this past week? Well, that's the funny thing. I went to the gym once. I at coldstone's ice cream, a cheeseburger, taco bell (not the "healthy" stuff), had a soda, and ate dessert. Yep, did the bare minimum, did not stress, and the weight has started to come off!

I did manage to do a lot of running around and was still active, but not in the the way that I should be. Also, my water intake was good M-Th and was seriously slacking over the weekend. I fully intend to get back on track this week and have already been more active today! I'm still planning to go to the gym this week and work out in some way, just haven't set the plan yet. I've noticed that because of the exercise and moving around more, I am able to do so much more! I used to huff and puff playing softball and running the bases and now I don't get winded and there's no pain! It's definitely been a good thing to work out either way and I fully intend to keep it up.

I was also thinking that when I hit my 20 pound weight loss that there might be a giveaway! If anyone has any encouragement/suggestions just let me know and leave a comment!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010