Hello

I have no idea what day I am on in my previous blogging goals because I vanished for so long. Long enough to complete a 2 year program in College. I gained more than an education let me tell you, but now I am finished my goal of completing college (with honours by the way) and I figure if I could stick to that, and give it my all, and succeed with flying colours, then dammit, I can lose all this weight once and for all too. Isn't that easy to say to the blogger-verse.

Writing that statement is actually scary to do because I have now knocked on your door saying "Hey, I'm back and I have a goal and I want you to watch me try to achieve it". This must be how professional sports players feel when we all watch them play a game judging their every move. But college was scary to me too at first and if I had let my fear stay in the way of my goal I would still be a high school graduate.

So here I am, saying I'm back to try again. Yoda says "do or do not, there is no try" but I'm not sure if I am confident enough in myself to commit to a firm "do" and I refuse to sit at a "do not" status for a moment longer.

Day 91 of 730 (Unbalanced)

Wow it is day 91 today. However since day 70 I haven't been doing so well. I have become so focused on school and completely neglecting my weight loss goals. I have been avoiding this blog because admitting failure is difficult. It was fun checking in every day with positive energy and positive results. saying "hey look at me not doing anything" doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

There is nothing to blame it on except for my own lack of will power and dedication. Laziness has been having it's way with me. I gave all of myself to school and use that as an excuse to not workout anymore. The truth is I have plenty of time to get some workouts in.

A workout after a few days off is harder to get through and so I dread getting back on the treadmill. I need to get back on track though. I did weigh myself today to see if I have completely gone back the wrong direction and I have not so there is still hope. I need to get back to 4 days a week.

I need to not quit...not give up...not fail.

Day 70 (Feeling Good)

Well today I did my workout and now I feel great. I am reminded how good I was feeling when I was working out regularly. Completing a hard workout also makes me want to eat well even more. I just have to stick to plan and keep making it important.

I also have to remember that when I slip off track a little it isn't over. It's easy to get back on track.

Day 67-69 (Week In Review)

Let's see, where do I start? Well I did not stick to workout plan at all. The last day I did workout was Tuesday. I need to make this week better but it is getting very hard.

I am still coughing a lot which isn't helping. I am not sleeping well and am finding myself dragging during the day.

I was eating quite well until yesterday when I caught a case of the munchies. I am getting my eating back on track today though. I will work out Tomorrow for sure and hopefully get my groove back.

I do not like the feeling of slipping off the track. I need to get focused again and not let my efforts get lost in school work.

Weigh in day is coming up in 11 days. I need to see results!

Day64-66 (Finding it Difficult)

I don't know if it's the cold that refuses to leave my body, the stress from college, or simply that I'm losing interest but I am finding it very difficult to stay on track with this blog, working out and in some cases eating right.

It is like a trickling effect; I work out less, think about my habits less and thus lose interest in writing about it. I am not eating particularly bad, in fact I think that is one area that is pretty much on track. I just wish I could work out more consistently like I was this summer.

I think I will be setting a few new goals. After being in school for 2 weeks I am starting to realize that I can do it all (run my business, school, family) but I can't do it all well. So I have to find a new balance. What I have done is started limiting the number of parties I will accept on a weekend to increase the time I have for studying. I try to work on information gathering, organizing etc weekdays and I want to actually write big assignments on the weekends.

With my new schedule I want to move the days I will try to work out to be Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. I just don't know when I will be back on track with it because every other day I wake up feeling really congested and find it hard to get my cardio in. If this cold isn't gone by Monday I will get in to a doctor and see what's up.

Please stay with me as I am not giving up, I am just struggling to find a workable balance.

Day 59-63 (I'm Back)

Oh there is just no excuse for this slacking. I am so sorry for taking such a break from this blog. Some days I have simply forgotten, and others I just couldn't find the energy. I am still fighting off this nasty cold that my son has since picked up.

I am off the blogging track but still doing pretty well otherwise. Making healthy choices has never been easier. I find myself not snacking much at all anymore in the evenings. I haven't ate anywhere like McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC etc. When eating out we stick to the healthier options like Mr.Sub or Extreme Pita.

My working out is not where I'd like it to be and my goal is to get back to a more firm schedule. In part it's because I am not feeling well but it's also adjusting to my new schedule. I will be working out today but I didn't make the effort to do so yesterday. I am using this week to feel out school and re-evaluate my original ideas about the best time to workout. I will implement any changes for next week. I really just want 4 days a week in somewhat of a balance.

I am liking school a lot more now. I feel more like myself and more secure with the concept of what college is and what it isn't. I've met some great people and one girl in particular who wants to use the school's athletic center with me. I hope to implement that into my routine soon. She even said we could do yoga classes together.

Other than that, I promise to try to check back in daily like I am supposed to. I miss you all :)

Day 57 and 58 (Sick)

Well it happened... second day of school and I start feeling a cold coming on. Sure enough today I am here with a full on cold; coughing, sneezing, sore throat, watery eyes, stuffy nose. The works!

I didn't do my planned workout after school today because I could hardly breath and didn't think I'd get through a workout without fainting. So I guess I took a sick day. I will try to work out tomorrow if I feel any better, otherwise I will just do it Saturday and Sunday.

My eating has been fine and I have been good about bringing a lunch and snacks. I'm still on track and as focused as ever in many areas of my life.

I am currently sipping on some neo citron and then I'll have some meds and cover myself in vicks in an effort to shake off this cold. I guess I've been isolated at home for too long and my immune system just cant fight off the germs of fellow classmates like they used to.

Day 56 of 730 (First Day)

Today was my official first class. I have to say I feel a little better. I know I will feel better in a few weeks. I did do my workout as planned this morning before class. That in itself was such a great feeling.

I have a lot to do so I cannot post much but wanted to say hello and let everyone know that I am sticking to plan. I promise to post something of substance as much as possible.

I love all my readers so thank you for every comment. They really make me smile and keep me going.

Day 54 and 55 (Nervous Eating)

This past week has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride for me emotionally. One minute all is fun and fine and the next I am a nervous wreck. Yesterday we were at my dad's house visiting for a bbq lunch when randomly for no reason I just had to be home and because we could leave the second I started to feel an anxiety attack coming on. It was a very quiet hour long drive home.

Once we got home my husband was being unusually patient with me and my mood slowly changed to being more relaxed. However I then found myself munching on cheese and crackers. When they were done it was popcorn. When that was done it was chocolate. Finally I went to bed because I felt I was trying to eat because I was nervous and not because I was actually hungry.

This morning I feel like I cant even eat. It's almost like the reverse of nervous eating... now I am too nervous to eat. Tomorrow is the first day of school. The first day of my family's new routine. I feel bad that dinner will not be on the table for them when they get home. I feel bad that my kids will have longer school days because they will need before and after school care. I wonder if I made the right choice.

I guess deep down I know it's the right choice for me and my family in the long run, but today it just feels so scary.

Day 53 of 730 (Back to Work)

I've been slacking on my work outs this week as I have previously confessed. Today is the day I said I would get back to business. I am going to get my workout in from today until Tuesday. Wednesday is my busy day at school and I will not work out Wednesday's. Looking at my school schedule my workout plan is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and when possible either Saturday or Sunday as well.

I might take some advice from a fellow tweeter and try increasing my intensity rather than duration of my cardio workout. I like the idea of doing 35minutes regularly but on busy days settling for a 25minute workout with a higher incline or something. I will see how September goes as I know there will be so much to adjust too.

On a side note, I have been having trouble sleeping the last few days because my brain will not stop thinking. I cannot wait to have my first week of school over with so my nerves can settle down. For now I hope exercise will help a little.

Day 52 of 730 (Emotional Mess)

Since my college orientation day yesterday I have been kinda up and down. One minute I feel motivated and ready to go and the next thing I know I am a scared shitless mess. The thing is my life is changing very quickly in just a few days and I feel like it's all so uncertain.

Everything seems to be going wrong too. For example I have been trying to get my new laptop for school for at least a month from my dad's computer guy. It wasn't until last night at 11pm that I actually got my hands on it. He was ready to go on vacation for the weekend without making sure I had my hands on it. He has been waiting for a part for so long and he finally gets it and then doesn't make sure I get it when he knows he is going away. I was not impressed. If that drama wasn't enough today we had plans to go to the children's museum which is about a 2 hour drive from here but it was pouring rain so bad that it simply wasn't safe to drive out there. I was so disappointed. It seems silly but I was looking forward to it all summer, probably more so than the kids.

I know something is wrong because I have lost my appetite today and when i get upset I usually want to eat more. Today I just really don't feel like eating. I hope I can adjust to my new life routine quickly because ready or not...here it comes.

Day 51 of 730 (Slacking)

This week is our family staycation. We've been pretty busy with uncertain schedules and I just haven't been working out like I should. I will be out most of the day today again and having my kids friend over for the night with a short road trip for all of tomorrow. I think I am accepting this week for what it is...a vacation.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday I will work out, plus as much as possible next week. I will build my new routine right away when school starts as not to have any bad habits forming.

I am very much looking forward to a successful month ahead with all of you by my side :)

Day 50 of 730 (Weigh In Day)

I am 50 days into my journey to a slimmer me. I've made some great changes and have stuck to my plan to work out and not attempt weight loss on diet alone. After today's weigh in I feel that I am learning the balance between eating and living well and indulging in some treats now and then. I am learning that a bad day or a bad choice does not equal failure.

Today I weighed in and I lost 4.9 lbs in August and 9.2 lbs in total. This is about 1.5 lbs per week. Am I happy? YES!!! If that wasn't enough excitement for one day, I also took my measurements today. I am not sure the correct way to report inches lost but I am down an inch all over except I am down TWO inches in my waist.

As I look forward to September I see a very busy month ahead as I adjust to college life. However I am confident that I can achieve all my dreams if I just make them important enough. Thank you to everyone for your positivity and encouragement. Today is such a very happy day for me :)

Day 48 & 49 (Tomorrow is The Day)

Not only is tomorrow the 50th day, it is also September 1st. Tomorrow I will weigh in and share my results with you. I will also take my measurements and let you know if there are any inches lost. I am pretty excited for tomorrow.

It's been hard to stay on track with the family home and running all over town doing different things. It disrupts my eating and exercise schedule and as much as I try to plan ahead it's not always perfect. On the plus side, I am doing many things I never would have done in the past. For example we went to the zoo yesterday and I packed my lunch and tons of water. I did not have a beaver tail or eat and junk (like fries or pizza).

I have to get upstairs now and get a work out in before we run the roads again today. We are taking the kids on a play date to a local splash pad to play for the afternoon. Be sure to check in tomorrow when I Post my results thus far.

Day 47 of 730 (Check In)

I slept in today because my loving husband thought I'd rather sleep than wake up. In reality I wanted to wake up because I knew I needed to work out today before work. I have just polished off my coffee and some toast with light cream cheese, followed by a tall glass of ice water. I am taking a moment to check in here to say that as much as I no longer want to work out before work, I will. I will because I didn't yesterday and I know I cannot tomorrow. I know I will not do it later today because I work until 8:30 tonight. So I am pushing myself right now to go get a quick workout in. Tomorrow I will be at the zoo all day so I am not sure if I will blog or not.

Day 46 of 730 (My Prize)

I am not sure if you heard of Under Way products but I won a prize pack of all kinds of goodies from this diet; muffins, cookies, cereal, soup, shakes and vitamin water to name a few.

I will not follow the diet they lay out because the first thing that caught my eye on the pamphlet was that you cannot eat fruit. Any diet that says you cannot eat real food doesn't sound healthy to me. I will try these snacks though and see how they are. I haven't tried them yet because I am saving them for some back to school snacks and as a grab and go breakfast option.

I'd like to thank Deborah from Raising My Boys for the ooprtunity to sample so many products that might help me in my weight loss efforts. I will let you know which ones I like.

Day 45 of 730 (Easier Said Than Done)

It is so easy to say things than to actually do them isn't it? I tell myself a million times that this is a slow process and no matter what I do it will always be a slow process. I know in my heart this is true. I know only dedication, hard work and self control will lead me to success eventually. Yet I still feel frustrated by the fact that it will be slow.

It is getting harder to stay motivated and it is not because I'm not weighing myself often. In fact seeing small numbers up and down on a scale would be worse (been there done that). My weigh in and measuring day is coming up soon but I don't feel much different than when I started. My clothes seem to be fitting the same still and no one can notice anything yet. I am more nervous to check in with my scale and my measuring tape than excited.

I am hoping by Thanksgiving dinner when the family gets together someone is able to tell. I might be close to 15lbs lighter by then. If not then hopefully by Christmas dinner it will be more obvious. Until then I just have to keep going no matter how much I want to throw in the towel sometimes.

Day 44 of 730 (Schedule)

So I finally got my college schedule, well most of it anyway. One course is still missing which will result in two added time slots. However, what I see so far is great. Most classes are in the middle of the day which means I will have extra time before school to work out most days and I will still be home for my family in the evenings. Everything is starting to come together and I am feeling more confident that I will be able to balance it all.

As soon as I know the rest of my schedule I am going to add my workouts to me schedule so I will not start a trend of procrastinating and missing workouts. Obviously there will be exceptions but I think for the most part this plan will work.
Most days I will only be packing lunch and a snack and be home for Breakfast and Dinner which is great. So far only Wednesdays I will need a grab and go breakfast.


I am very excited about this new chapter in my life and hope the next 2 years will be productive academically and physically.

Day 42 & 43 (Been Busy)

Yesterday we went to a theme park with some friends for the day. I had some chicken teriyaki for lunch which was delicious and better than pizza, fries, hot dogs etc. I didn't work out but we did walk around a lot, as you tend to do at theme parks.

Today my son has a friend over for a sleepover. I did work out today and we are heading to a play center for the afternoon. I feel back on track for the most part. This is a really short post just to check in and make sure you all know I haven't given up.

I'll be back to normal blogging tomorrow.

Day 41 of 730 (I Blew It)

What happened to yesterday? It was a terrible day for me. I ate way too much junk and didn't exercise like I planned to. I was fully aware of what I was doing too, but just wouldn't stop.

Today is a new day and I want it to be different. I want control over myself back. I am not sure what is happening lately but it's the same pattern that happens every time I try to lose weight. After about a month or so I start giving up. It's like I know it's a slow process and will take a long time to see results. In fact that is why this blog is called An Ounce a Day, to remind myself that it is going to take time to see real results. Its just so hard to live by that attitude. I just want results right now. Noticeable ones. Results that make people say "Have you lost weight"?

I guess the only way to achieve my goals is to remain slow and steady and stay focused even on the days when I feel so 'blah'. The weather isn't helping either. I haven't seen the sun since Thursday or Friday and the constant rain is really bringing me down.