That pesky 7 pounds I picked up while on those god-forsaken 'roids is nearly gone. Now, if I could just motivate myself to work out regularly again. Not to say that I'm not getting in exercise (lots of walking dogs to the park and walking kids to the park and around the track) but aerobics is nearly non-existent. I decided to try and "wake things up" by walking down and walking back up all 8 flights of stairs in our building. Well, it's more like 16 because there's a set on each side before you reach the actual floor. My legs will be screaming tomorrow. Really...it doesn't feel like I did anything right now, but I always feel like I've been doing super squats the day after walking our stairs (which is why I don't do this often). My legs need not be any bigger than they already are. I build muscle mass quickly.

I'll be back on the wonder woman/New Dawn site soon to post. RN_Buffoon has bestowed me with an award and, of course, I've got to get to the podium and give my speech. Soon...

Will it be the new outfit or the fetching piece of jewelry? I'll be checking around to see later this morning. Today's number? Oh, 174 and that means 20 pounds gone since January. Woohoo! My mom informed me that she's now in the 150s (she's on this trek, too). She's got five more inches on her height than me, so she's really looking slim. I believe that's 20 pounds for her as well. She's dug out all of her tens and says she's nearly in her eights (Eights? that'll be the day). ;) I'm currently in a very comfortable, loose 12 but I have yet to try on any of my tens. My mediums fit pretty well and my arms don't look as if they'll burst through like a Hulk episode.

I'm motivated and eager to see where I go. My downfall always seems to be holiday meals and fall warm-up foods. I get to around 160 and sabotage myself during these times. If I can just control it, who knows where I'll end up. Here's to hoping.

I'm sporting 176.5 pounds todays, ladies and gentleman. Granted, some of that weight loss was the result of my contracting a contagious disease that rendered me unable to eat for two days, but whatever, the number is kind. I'm hoping that in the next few weeks, I can be placing my order for those fabulous shoes. I'm too excited! Okay, calm down. Don't want to have set-backs...gotta stay focused. I haven't checked to see if I made any further goals because I'm looking at a future prize. I'll do that later this morning and report back.

(I checked. Close, but no dice. Two more pounds till I've achieved 20 pounds off. Haven't even worked out this week, yet. Ugh! Better get on it.) 04/19/07 5:45am

The number today sat at 180.5, which I suppose is realistic, now that I'm feeling better and eating a regular diet again. Oh, but those 170's sure felt good. I'm sure I'm only a day or two away from really being there. It still sort of bums me out that I have to document it.

Today is a workout day, but I haven't been sleeping very well, so I hope to get in a workout this afternoon. Traffic was monstrous, yesterday. In fact, it took me thirty minutes just to get 10 miles out of the city. That's insane! I ended up going to my mother's as sort of a pit stop. I couldn't bare to sit in traffic anymore.

I didn't mention that I went to my water aerobics class last Friday. Our teacher said, "Good to have you back." Hmm. I wonder if she meant it? We had pool noodles that were shaped like "U's" and we had to stand on them, at one point (in the deep end). For those who don't know how water aerobics works, you were a huge belt around your midriff that acts as a floatation device. That way, you can use the resistance in the deep end without drowning. I gotta tell yeah...sometimes I'd much rather be without that blasted belt. It's so cumbersome! It's always riding up under my chest, no matter how tight or loose I leave it.

So, back to the pool noodles. I was trying...desperately to stand on mine, but it kept popping up and I looked absolutely ridiculous. Everyone else seemed to have no problem. Then, we did something else with them for a bit. By the time we went back to standing on them, everyone was having issues. I'm glad I'm not the only one who suffered from lack of coordination with the noodles.

I felt great, at class end and look forward to the next one. It was nice leaving the building with the sun still shining. That's new for me.

The Water has left and the Fat is leaving behind it. Keep moving. Don't stop. Just keep marching because I don't want to see you again (well, Water I know, he can't help himself. He'll be back when TOM returns. But Fat, you're ass is outta here!). The magic number 178.5 means that I am no longer in the 180s and, hopefully, won't return. I am too thrilled! It also means I've hit another goal. With 16 pounds gone, I am now ready for my masseuse. I may wait, like hubby suggested, and do the nails and back rub while we're on vacation; however, as I think about it more, how fabulous would it be to have my nails done and prettied up before I leave and my back all worked out and wonderful to get the vacation started off right? I'll ponder a bit longer on it.

To celebrate that fabulousness that is me today, I am wearing a sun dress (in size medium, thank you very much). It's a red maxi (going down to nearly my ankles) with subtle black floral patterns all over, off-the-shoulder in a sweet chiffon. The shoes? Red mules that are showing off my painted red toes that are too hot! I've gotten lots of compliments on my outfit today and have been told, "You look too good for work." I should just leave, right? If only I had a date.

Well, I weighed today. I know it's not Wednesday; however, TOM is almost gone and I feel the water weight leaving. The number on the scale was kind 182.5 thank goodness. It's a small change, but a change nonetheless. I'm still achy and coughing. The doctor's appointment is this morning, shortly after I take the babe to school. I'll actually see the doctor and not the nurse practitioner, which I hope makes a difference.

I didn't eat much at all yesterday and I doubt I'll have much of an appetite today. We did go out for lunch and ate at Paradise Bakery (my friends are obsessed with that place. I personally think they charge to damn much for their sandwiches and soups but, whatever). I had their Paradise Pasta salad and their Turkey noodle soup. It was okay, but I think I would have preferred something a little more spicy. My other choices were tomato soup covered in sour cream or Turkey Broccoli. Neither sounded appealing to me.

We received a bit of rain last night which supposedly cleaned out the air. I'm glad. I hope it helps me with my healing process. Can I just say it again, I am so frustrated with being ill. I just want to feel like me. It seems that I'm asking for way to much.

It's frustrating as hell and there's really nothing I can do about it accept wait. I'm tempted to see what the number shows, once TOM disappears finally. I can feel the water trapped in my body...seriously. It's hanging around my hips, thighs, back and face. Then, as if all that weren't enough, I appear to be sick again...AGAIN! What is up with this winter? I haven't been this sick in years and it's been continuous. I think this is a cold, but who knows. Thank God I still have some of the decongestant prescribed when I had the sinus infection. I'll be taking that over the next few days for sure. The weather man said we had some of the dirtiest air quality in the country, yesterday. I'm sure that's not helping me and my kids get any better.

I still haven't rewarded myself for the last goal. There just hasn't been time. I really don't want to get my manicure/pedicure with the two kids in tow because 1, the baby shouldn't be around the smell of those chemicals and 2, the babe would be begging for one of her own. I may treat her to something like that later in the year, but not just yet. She still sucks her thumb and treats like nail polish and manicures should be saved for non-thumb suckers.

The good news out of all this is I'm looking better, so the muscle building must be happening. I'm supposed to go to lunch with a coworker today (we haven't decided where). I don't have much of an appetite and when I take that medicine, it may disappear completely. I should be able to order safely without fear of overdoing anything. I also have a lunch tomorrow for a coworker who is turning 31. I'm a little torn as to whether we should pay for his lunch or not. I usually start that ball rolling (taking the birthday person's check, then chipping in the first few dollars), but for my birthday lunch, I had to pay for my own. I was a little perturbed by this but, whatever. Perhaps that is what we're doing, now. I'll just follow everyone elses lead.

Sometimes, these are things you would rather not hear. Other times, it's exactly what you need to keep motivated. Personal comments in the form of a compliment. I love them!

A coworker of mine told me, "What are you doing? You're looking so great. You're getting into such good shape."

Oh, yeah! Exactly what I needed to hear. Even though I'm not quite to the halfway mark, it made me feel like my efforts were not in vain. I'll keep trucking along until more and more personal comments are shot my way and more of my clothes begin to fit again.

The weekend weather is supposed to be decent, so I may begin changing clothes out. I really need to. There are still maternity objects hanging next to shirts, dresses and pants that are very wintry and probably won't be worn again anytime soon. I'm sure I got them out last year when I thought I'd drop tons of weight, after the baby was born. It didn't happen. Hormones are a bitch, but thank God they don't stick around forever.

Last night, it was "Hooked on Aerobics" again, but this time, the babe didn't want to work out with me. She started to, then changed her mind. I guess that whole being sweaty thing was getting to her (poor kid, she just doesn't know what she's in for). :) I felt really good afterwards. I showered, got the girls their dinner, then I had mine. Lentil soup and bran cereal should have had me living in the bathroom, but I'm fine even now. I guess my body is adjusting to all the fiber I'm getting. I'm glad. No one likes to live in the potty.

Hubby said that I'm starting to sound differently when I sleep. My body is looking different, too. Woohoo! It's all about those personal comments.

The weight stayed the same at 183.5, which is better than I thought it would be (I mean, serious water weight happening). My intentions were to get up and work out this morning, but I overslept. The reason? We finished watching the Prestige, which was an amazing movie and worth every minute of sleep I lost. Oh, well. Maybe the babe and I can workout again together. Hubby's been going to the gym in the evenings, which leaves us to our own devices for a couple of hours. Or, we could go for a walk if the weather allows. We'll see.

By the way, if you're interested in a place (site) that helps you maintain your information virtually, rather than by paper or some makeshift spreadsheet, try www.dailyplate.com. The basic account is free. If you choose a gold membership with additional features, it's something like $30.00 for 6 months than $40 something for a year. Not a commercial by any means, but a pretty good site if you're looking for one.

After the doctor's visit, prescription filling and dental visit, I came home ready to workout. A little strange for me, since I'm not usually excited about working out in the evening, but since I'd missed it in the morning, I thought I'd better get to it. The babe wanted to participate with me, so when I grabbed my weights, she grabbed hers. We rolled out the mat and started the tape. She did pretty well for someone who has never seen the routine before. By the second round of aerobics (this is a 45 minute aerobic and weight training video pictured here), she was sweating too, and made sure to comment about it.

By the last ten minutes, she was pretty much done while I pounded through the difficult, non-stop abdominal routine. Ouch! As I watched myself reflected in the stereo glass, I'm really not happy with the state my arms are in. Oh, I understand that it's a slow process. The fat loss coupled with the toning will do the trick, but until then, my arms are looking flabby and unattractive. It's no wonder my blouses don't fit well in the arms. Not cute.

Today, I have a lunch date with a friend and I need to investigate what the better choices are, in terms of what to eat there. I do have a couple of staples I like that I don't think are too fattening, but then, you think they're not until you research and find out the "light" sauce they use has 45 fat grams.

TOM is on the way and I feel the water weight being held hostage in my body. I'm not expecting miracles with tomorrow's number but, I do hope the gain (if any) I show is only a couple of pounds (all water). I've been sucking down the salt like you wouldn't believe! For Lent, I'm giving up all forms of chocolate (including the dark pieces I have occasionally as a treat). I'll have to find a new treat until Easter, I guess. Already I've almost slipped twice and without even realizing it! I've given up chocolate before, but this time (with it's strange, seductive hold on me), I have a feeling it will be much more difficult.

I woke up raring to go for my workout on Saturday, since I again missed Water Aerobics class (taxes...fun, fun, fun). I got my sweat-on to FitPrime's Floor Burn with Susan Harris (the picture is of a different FitPrime video which I hope to acquire. I couldn't find a picture of Susan's). My abs were killing me on Sunday...similarly to how I felt a few days after my C-section. Coughing was painful, so I tried to sissyfy my coughs to avoid pain.

The leg portion of the workout didn't seem to have the same effect, which tells me it either wasn't that great or that my legs are in better shape than I thought. I knew my abs were in sad shape (and still are) so, I've got to make sure to work in more workouts that target my abs. It will be better for me in the long run and a quicker road to having a waist again. The plan was to workout with one of the Firm classics but, if you check out today's post on my other site, you'll understand why I didn't have the energy or motivation to do it...despite waking up to the alarm on time an everything. I can't say that I'll get it in later...I'm not sure. I just hope that the news I receive today will make life feel a little better.

It's official! I'm more than ten pounds down and on my next reward. Woohoo! The scale was kind at 183.5, but not as kind as it was the other day (I sort of figured that would happen). I'm not upset, though. It's my own fault for weighing too early. Consistency is the key.

Due to "extracurricular activities" last night, I slept in and missed my workout time this morning. Ugh! Gotta make it up. I told hubby that he would have to watch the kids and he was like, "Okay." I'm definitely going to hold him to it. Now, let's pray I have the energy to get in a workout this afternoon.

I'm feeling really good! It's nice to be able to breath and hold a conversation without hacking to death. I also like that my energy level has returned and I'm feeling more like me. Sometimes, you really don't realize how sick you are until you get well. I must have been at death's door!

Three more days until water aerobics. I wonder if my instructor missed seeing my chocolate face in the sea of cookie dough? During the class we had at the first part of February, the music was really loud; however, I noticed all the songs were Cher tunes. Every single song...from her 60's boho days to the present. The next week, it was all dance music. I'm not sure if they have a sound system somewhere with someone running the music or if they just stick a disc in a player and call it good. I think it makes a difference on the attitude and enjoyment of the class if the music is or isn't good. For me, the Cher class was pretty awesome.

I've got to learn how to use the DVD burner my mother gave us. I've got all this stuff on video that I want to convert, the tools to do it, but not the knowledge. I keep thinking, "This weekend, I'll convert my tape of "Hooked" episodes. That'll be a good starter project." Then, I don't and I'm back to using the tape which looses more and more clarity definition with each use. I've really got to do this.

I weighed this morning. I know, I know. Only Wednesdays, but I had to know. I was feeling a bit lighter and thought I'd check it out. I would never have guessed the number in a million years! I'm hitting 181.5 this morning. Was it the removal of all that excess hair or really fat loss that's occurred? Whatever it is, it's the smallest I've been since having had Indy. Woohoo! I'm totally stoked. I hope that now that I'm feeling better and can get in those extra workouts (one being today), I'll really start to see it fall off.

Due to my husbands strange sleeping habits, I wasn't able to go to my water aerobics class on Friday and I was really bummed out about it. So, Saturday (bright and early) I got "Hooked" and felt truly invigorated afterwards. I didn't eat much Saturday or Sunday (the decongestant I'm on really zaps my appetite) so, I've eaten purely for nourishment, not for taste. It must have helped because, dig that number above! This also means I've hit a goal (if I can stay within a three to four pound radius of that number by Wednesday). I hope to find a place that can give me a nice manicure without breaking the bank. It might be that I have to breakdown and go to my place at the mall, but that's okay. I'll make up for the cheap price by getting some sweet spring decals or something extra special like airbrushing.

Next goal? Oh, man! I'm ready. Bring on the massage!

So, it's been nearly three and a half weeks (I think) since I first started posting about the cruds. Enough is enough and I'm off to the doctor's for my appointment this morning at 10:10am. I am so ready to have somebody help me, now. I'm tired of coughing, sore throats, congestion, sinus pressure, sleepless nights and lack of consistent exercise. It's the lack of exercise that has the weight coming off a lot more slowly than I'd like (but still at a healthy rate, at least).

I'm down to 185.5 today and that's a 2.5 pound loss since last week. I can only guess that the walking around downtown last week and the boot camp made a difference. If it can do that, imagine what consistent aerobics could do! I'm psyched. Come on, body. It's time to heal already. I command you to heal! (slipping off into Jimmy Swaggart, Pat Robertson, Jim Baker, pick your favorite evangelist-speak).

One and a half pounds to next goal. Woohoo! I hope I even had the funds to schedule my "spa" manicure when it's time. Do you think hubby would spot me the money if I need it? Yeah, me too.

An observation and completely off topic: Gwen Stefani's legs are amazing! I hear she's a roller skater and swimmer...that would definitely make them tone and fabulous. She's average height (5'6) but with the four inch heels she usually sports, that would put her at 6 feet, giving her that amazon look. You're my leg inspiration, Gwen!

If only I could swim everyday...I think I'd be the happiest girl in the world. Leaving my boot camp class on Fridays, I'm always sad to get out of the water. I love it that much! Despite the yelling, pushing, being exhausted and out of breath, I absolutely love that water. I'm still dealing with the cruds (if you can believe it) and now have a stopped up nose that runs. What the hell is that about? Anyway, I asked hubby in spite of my nose, if he'd be up to swimming today. He said he'd think about it. I always go by myself, why can't we all go this time?

I'll weigh on Wednesday, but I'm scared of the number. We ate out on Saturday and I wasn't exactly great in my choices. Granted, I didn't go completely overboard, but I did get more than I would have normally. I was at a buffet, after all. I wanted to feel like we were getting our money's worth, at least. Sunday was a little better, but I still splurged. Today, I'm back on track. I'm more afraid of the number because of the lack of exercise. I miss it, but don't dare jump back into while I'm still gross like this...or should I? I've been trying to walk whenever possible. I park further away and then we did a bit of walking downtown, last week. Will all that help? I certainly hope so.

The next goal is a pedicure or manicure. Hmm. What to choose? (That is, if I've even gotten close enough to think about it, at this point). If it was closer to spring, I'd go for the pedicure for sandals and such. It's not warm enough for sandals yet, so I guess I'll have no choice but to do the manicure. My hands are out there all the time. I will be sure to go to a spa to have it done. I can go to the mall or one of those quickie shops anytime. It is a reward, after all. I hope I get there sooner rather than later.

Oh! A nice thing, though. Someone who hasn't seen me in a while said I looked like I'd lost weight when she saw me last week. That was nice. I can't wait till everyone notices and I get my waistline back. Ah, a waistline!

I really am going to go, despite the still lingering sore throat and despite the constant hacks. I can't afford not to! I haven' t really worked out all week, well, unless you count my parading all around downtown, yesterday. We have a conference in session with lots of employees here from out of town. We were supposed to be at a hotel located just across from my parking destination. Turns out, a recently built facility bearing the same name was where I needed to be, not where I was.

So, off on a hike I went. It was only a few blocks, but you have to understand. Salt Lake City blocks are much larger than normal city blocks (it's historical...something about roads needing to be big enough and wide enough to turn oxen around or something like that). Anyway, they're pretty big and I huffed and puffed my way over. By the time I got there, I was glistening and I thought, "Wow. I guess I just got my workout in after all." I coughed a little bit, once I sat down but it wasn't too bad. I figure I'll be in warm water and all tonight not cool, brisk air.

I'm just so desperate to keep on track. Things are progressing well, clothes are looking better and baggier on me than they have in months. I keep seeing a pair of jeans in my closet that I'm desperate to wear. I won't be able to until I get this baby weight off once and for all.

Finally, V-day is nearly upon us and I have pretty much worn the same dress on V-day for the past seven or eight years (excluding the years preggers or with baby weight). I may actually get into it next week, if I stay on target. I think it would literally blow my hubby's mind to see me in it (it's a fabulous dress, even now). I never thought it too dressy, and would wear it on campus for the day. Now that I almost work in my pajamas, it will definitely cause a stir at work (that is, if I don't look like a beached whale in it). I'd like to wear and be able to feel somewhat confident...knowing that it could look better, but also realizing that it looks good regardless. Wish me luck!

Still struggling with illness and getting mighty frustrated about it. I cough, I wheeze, I breathe really hard. I run out of energy and think, "Lord, is this the end?" Why can't I get over this crap? I'm not sure if it's the inversion, my new regime or just the devil chasing after me. What gives? I just want to feel good and get back on track. It's not exactly easy trying to work out when you sound like you're going to cough up a lung with each lunge or pony-step.

I have stayed on track with my eating and have done a pretty good job of not deviating too far from the good. Saturday, we fried up chicken (but I fry in olive oil with my own, special recipe). The side item was organic shells and cheese and I only had one bread twist. I even made some very wise choices when we went out to lunch on Friday (Chinese):

Chicken and green beans
Lo mein
Steamed White Rice (substituted from Fried Rice)
Miso Soup

On my sick day home, I picked up a Slim Slam from Denny's:

2 hotcakes (no butter)
Skillet honey ham
Egg Beaters

It was delicious, without the 60 or some odd grams of fat a regular Slam carries. Yikes!
Today, I even weighed myself (despite my better judgement...ever since TOM arrived on Monday, I've felt like a beached whale. Guess what? It's not as bad as I would have guessed. I "clocked" in at 188.5 thank you very much. Is it wrong to pray that I'm carrying around five pounds of water or is that just wishful thinking?

...and it's manifesting itself in various sicknesses, I guess. I got over a cold, and now I seem to have another one. The humidifier is back on, the Vicks is front and center in the medicine cabinet again and I'm looking like something from a zombie movie. The good news? I weighed in yesterday at 188 and thought I would burst! It's a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. I reached a reward and placed my bid (since the item I want to purchase is much cheaper in the bidding field). One of my goal items may disappear from stock, so I'm vacillating over whether I should order them and maybe leave them with my mother until time or wait and try to order them when the time comes. I'll continue to vacillate.

I felt like garbage yesterday, but still got in a workout after work. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get one in today, but we'll see. The babe has dance tonight and I don't want to "cut it close" and make her late because of showering and getting dressed. Excuses? Yeah, I guess so. I'll try to work it in...um try harder than I would have when I said, "I'm not sure." :)

Anyway, I've got a cold or something and now this blasted pink eye (conjunctivitis). I'm doing the drops, then notice the babe's eye and mine look a lot a like. Yep. She's got it. Now, she's doing the drops and Indy's got the gunky eye thing going on. So, we're all doing the drops and I spent yesterday spraying every possible surface with disinfectant. If I wore make-up (which I don't) I would have to through out all the eye stuff and replace it with new. I suppose that would make a make-up wearer especially upset, since that stuff can be a pretty penny to purchase.

TOM is on the prowl and I notice I'm craving a lot of salt. I'm sure next week, my sweet tooth will want in on the action. I've done okay with staving off the cravings but it's still tough. I will probably allow myself a piece of dark chocolate here or there, but that's all. I'm on a roll and I don't want to derail my progress by giving into cravings. Self-sabotage is not on the agenda!

I did it! I went to my water aerobics class last night and do you know what? It was awesome...tough as hell, but awesome! I really didn't know what to expect because when I checked the class schedule the morning before I went, it was listed as Boot Camp. I called the center and asked, "So, is Boot Camp a water aerobics class?" Lauren (the kind lady on the other end), described it as a sort of circuit training but in a fast pace style like military boot camp. I was intrigued. I did a quick search on the Internet. Check out the video I found!

Evening arrived and I was dressed and ready to go. Out comes a woman who was large and in charge, but in excellent physical condition. She worked us over! Froggy jumps, cross-country, washing machines, push-ups, pull-ups, biceps, triceps, inner thighs, outer thighs. You name it, we worked on it...for one solid hour. Man, I felt like somebody had been sitting on me, by the time I came out of the water. I was even sweating (I really wasn't expecting that).

I came home and hubby had grilled chicken and tofu! A lovely wheat pasta salad, tossed with chicken and a healthy side of broccoli. It was delicious and I had to thank him again for coming up with the idea. It was the first time away from the kids in a while and time devoted completely to me. I know I said I wouldn't, but I did get on the scale this morning to see if things had improved. I'd say two pounds away (fat or water loss) is an improvement. I'm ready for next Friday. Bring it on!!

I decided to go to the water aerobics class tomorrow. I haven't worked out in almost two weeks and, breathing or not, I gotta at least try. I figure it's not going to have me panting like I would if I were doing kickboxing or something, but the toning that will begin is worth the little bit of hacking I may have to endure. I hope my bathing suit doesn't run and hide when it sees me coming.

Actually, I haven't purchased a new swimsuit in a couple of years. Maybe, if we're fortunate enough to go somewhere warm and inviting this year on our vacation (preferably with a beach), I can justify laying down a few clams for a new, sexy swimsuit. Gosh, how would it be to get into a bikini again? Even when I was looking good, I didn't dare. I've never had washboard abs or even a small belly. I've always had a ponch. I hope I can make the ponch go away for good, this time.

I was disappointed to see a one pound increase today. I know. I really shouldn't be weighing every day or even every other day. I've decided to go back to my once a week weigh in. I think that would be best, in terms of my sanity and my reward program. Wednesday it is! Oh, and the numbers are now accurate on the left.