Physician & Pharmaceutical Phun

Calories eaten yesterday: 1398
Fat: 29g (19%)
Carbs: 109g (31%)
Protein: 178g (50%)
Weight this morning: 132 (One week ago: 132.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 0

This one is going to be long.

Where do I start? My alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. I got up, weighed myself, and got dressed. Brad was there shortly after 7 with a black Venti coffee for me and we were out the door about 7:30. I left the cats extra food since I didn't know if I would make it home before work.

Brad and I were at the clinic in Castro Valley well before 9 a.m. I made out a bunch of paperwork. They said they needed a urine sample so I did that. Later they asked for two days' worth of stool samples and sent me off with a kit that I am to complete and mail off.

They took me to an exam room and the doctor's assistant took my vitals. My blood pressure was low (about 90/60 I believe), and my temperature was 97.6 or some such (about 1 degree below normal).

They performed an EKG on me with about 10 electrodes attached to various parts of my body. I laid on the exam table and the lady said just to relax.

The assistant then took three vials of blood for testing - liver, glucose, cholesterol, thyroid, and something else I don't remember. She had to stab me twice because I moved my head and turned away when she stabbed me the first time and she said my vein moved. The second stab didn't hurt as much at least.

After the blood tests they gave me a NutriGrain bar and a juice box. I took the box, but turned down the bar since I had a Snickers with me.

Then they took me to the back for chest x-rays from the back and side.

Dr. Turns seemed nice. Since the clinic in Alameda refused to send me records without my written consent in person, I brought in my prescription bottles. He agreed to keep me on the Celexa and Xanax. They want to see me back for a PAP smear. I asked the doctor for a couple of Darvon (a prescription painkiller) since I am a virgin and even the junior forceps hurt like hell. He readily agreed. I eventually walked out with a prescription for 100 Celexa pills (3 refills), 100 Xanax pills (the full 1mg type!) (1 refill), and 10 Darvon (no refill of course).

After the doctor we went to McDonald's where I had a Big Mac (light sauce), a medium fries (split with Brad), and a sugar-free vanilla iced coffee. After that we drove back to Oakland and went to Jack in the Box where I has a sourdough grilled steak sandwich, curly fries (split with Brad again) and the new Kona coffee shake.

Then we drove to my old doctor and filled out the paperwork for a transfer of my records to the new doctor. Thank God that is over!

Then we went to Safeway and I got one donut, and then onto Applebee's for a Mochatini and the hot fudge dessert shooter (a small dessert). The dessert shooter has vanilla ice cream and I told the bartender to put lots of chocolate on top. She mentioned Lourd's ice cream around the corner (how could I forget?!) so we went there next and I got a junior sundae with Rocky Road ice cream.

Then Brad and I went to Costco to get my prescriptions filled. I called Canada and they said they could fill the Xanax, but only if I mailed in the prescription (no faxing allowed), and that seemed too much of a hastle.

Costco turned out to be hecka cheap. 100 tablets (1mg each) of generic Xanax was only $12.56, and 10 tablets of Darvon was $7.41. I didn't think they would be cheapest for my Celexa, but I asked then to check anyway. They do have a generic for it and 100 tablets (40mg each - my normal dose) is just $10.24!!! WTF?!? I pay about $75 for that amount in Canada! How it is so cheap here? Anyway, I got all my prescriptions for about $30.

They said it would take about 35 minutes to fill all the prescriptions. I had a hot dog and Diet Coke while we waited.

After all this Brad drove me to work and I was only a little late. I asked him to get me three cookies at Subway. Yum-my! I went back later and got three more cookies and a 6-inch ham sub (they were out of turkey and chicken).

Whew! What a day! Needless to say, I will not be going to the gym tomorrow. I'm sleeping in and recovering from today. Also, I seem to have hurt my right upper thigh either during my workout yesterday or from some way I slept last night. It hurts to walk so running is out of the question. However, I think it's minor and should resolve itself fairly quickly. I'll "walk it off" until it feels better.

No exercise today. Since I didn't come in on BART I didn't even get my 30 minute walk in.

---------------------------------
Okay, the next part is me "thinking out loud" about how much Darvon/Tylenol to take before my Pap.

The Darvon (Darvocet) (100mg) is paired with acetaminophen (Tylenol, actual name paracetamol) (650mg) to prevent abuse as Tylenol will make you really sick and kill you if you take too much. So I have been researching how much Tylenol is too much so I can take the max dose for pain without doing any serious damage. So far it's looking like 4000mg of Tylenol could do serious damage, and possible 3250mg (the amount in five Darvon). Four Darvon would be 2600mg, quite safe.

Wikipedia says:
The toxic dose of paracetamol is highly variable. In individuals over 6 years of age, single doses above 200 mg/kg consumed over a single 24-hour period have a reasonable likelihood of causing toxicity. If an individual has consumed large quantities of paracetamol over a 48 hour period, a dose of above 6 grams or 150 mg/kg in the subsequent 24 hour period may cause toxicity. Toxicity can also occur when multiple smaller doses within 24 hours exceeds these levels, or even with chronic ingestion of doses as low as 4 g/day, and death with as little as 6 g/day. Consumption of alcohol has been tied to a smaller dose toxicity.

So running the numbers I am about 130 lbs. at my lowest weight of the week. That's 59 kilograms. So 200mg/kg is 59x200 which equals 11,800, or about 12g of Tylenol. According to the article above, it would take 4000mg of chronic ingestion to kill, or 6000mg all at once.

(Lest anyone think to kill yourself with Tylenol, trust me, don't! Death by Tylenol is slow and painful and takes several days.)

But I am still unclear about what one dose (only ONE time) of 3250mg would do to me. All that is clear is that I don't want to take 4000mg or more all at once. The pharmacist at Costco said to take it about 30+ minutes before my procedure as that is when the drug "peaks." I'll take 4-5 tablets.

I have no wish to hurt or kill myself so I am researching carefully to make the procedure as painless as possible without hurting myself.

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The search continues...

Calories eaten yesterday: 1314
Fat: 28g (19%)
Carbs: 100g (30%)
Protein: 169g (51%)
Weight this morning: 133.2 (One week ago: 133.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 443

Went to the gym. Today was lower body day so I did mostly leg stuff with some core work. Cardio was a 30 minute treadmill run. I was tired today. I had to really push myself through my weight training and didn't start feeling good until quite a ways into the run. I ran a bit slower due to the tiredness. Total distance: 2.75 miles. After taking the train to my stop I walked to work from there: 1.5 miles.

Tomorrow is the appointment with my new doctor. They are doing "full bloodwork" which means fasting for a minimum of 12 hours. Since my appointment is at 9 a.m. I am not allowed to eat after 9 p.m. tonight which will mean going home hungry and falling asleep hungry. :( I hope I can sleep. I plan to eat my evening and bedtime snacks, along with my dinner and salad, all at once.

They want me there before 9 to make out all the paperwork. Then Brad and I are going out and I'm going to eat bad food until I am full - a mini binge. Cookies in the evening aren't out of the question, but I intend to eat somewhat healthy.

Well, the apartment was a bust. They will be raising the rent the 3.3% allowed by law every year, which would mean staying there for 3 years max. Will I ever be able to find an owner who cares about getting a good tenant? Being a good tenant these days doesn't matter. Having any tenant, no matter how horrible, is all that matters anymore. Lord, please help me. I am so sick of moving. The pickings on Craig's List are getting quite thin.

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Week 64 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4) - Week 40: 140.4 (-2)
Week 41: 139.6 (-0.8) - Week 42: 142 (+2.4)
Week 43: N/A - Week 44: 141 (-1)
Week 45: 138.8 (-2.2) - Week 46: 139.6 (+0.8)
Week 47: 133.6 (-6) - Week 48: 132.4 (-1.2)
Week 49: 138.6 (+6.2) - Week 50: 138.4 (-0.2)
Week 51: 138.8 (+0.4) - Week 52: 139.4 (+0.6)
Week 53: 137.8 (-1.6) - Week 54: 139.4 (+1.6)
Week 55: 137.6 (-1.8) - Week 56: 136.4 (-1.2)
Week 57: 136.6 (+0.2) - Week 58: 139.4 (+2.8)
Week 59: 136.6 (-2.8) - Week 60: 134.6 (-2)
Week 61: 137 (+2.4) - Week 62: 138.6 (+1.6)
Week 63: 137 (-1.6) - Week 64: 137 (-0)
Total loss: -17

I meant to take my body fat last week, but I forgot, so I did it today.

Body fat on Tanita scale:
Year start: 26.6%
Last month: 25%
This month: 23.6%

It jumps around because the method isn't perfect, but this is the lowest yet that I've seen it.

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1309
Fat: 26g (17%)
Carbs: 100g (29%)
Protein: 147g (43%)
Weight Thursday morning: 130 (One week ago: 128.2)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 96

Calories eaten Friday: 1639
Fat: 29g (16%)
Carbs: 129g (31%)
Protein: 148g (36%)
Weight Friday morning: 129 (One week ago: 129)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 227

Weight Saturday morning: 132.8 (One week ago: 131.6)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 53

Calories burned in exercise today: 451

No loss, no gain this week. Considering the weekend, I'm thrilled with that. I woke up twice during the night Friday and ate a lot, and then Brad and I ate A LOT of popcorn at the movies Saturday so I thought for sure I'd be up today. I did drink a lot of water before bed last night so maybe that helped.

What a busy weekend! Friday I did more organizing and then Brad came over and we took off to look at four apartments (two were in the same building renting by the same company).

The first two were nice and had a laundry room on premises, but they told me point blank that they would be raising the rent every year. I don't want to do this again in three years, so no thanks.

The next one was in a bad area of town (good bus service, though), but is the tiniest "apartment" I have ever seen. There was only one main room and one wall of it was lined with a very basic kitchen. Cheap (only $550 a month), but too tiny for me, even though the guy said he didn't plan on raising the rent. There was also no laundry room in the building.

The last apartment was nice and they may or may not raise the rent every year. No extra cat deposit, and quite roomy. There's even a small room on the other side of the kitchen meant to be a dining room but could be used for anything. The downsides are no laundry room which would mean doing my laundry during the day down the street, and that's a good little walk. The bus service at night isn't great, but it's in my old neighborhood only about a mile from where I live now. Daytime buses are fantastic, but I'll have to look at late night buses. It's right on 14th Street (dangerous), but as long as I mostly walk the back streets coming home at night I should be pretty safe.

I plunked down $20 for a credit check and they said they would get back to me tomorrow. If they don't call me, I will call them because this looks like my best bet. I hope I get it.

Between the first two and last two apartments Brad and I got in an hour and 40 minutes walking in the lake area, so at least we got something in.

Then we went grocery shopping (and I bought more Two Buck Chuck) and then home.

Saturday we went to church, but skipped the lunch potluck. We went to Jack London Square, had a couple drinks at a restaurant, and then saw the new Narnia movie. Brad sprung for my ticket and the popcorn. He got a Diet Coke for himself which I took some sips of. The movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was tre cool! Do be sure to see it. I actually cried at the end when it was revealed that Peter and Susan wouldn't ever come to Narnia again.

After the movie we got coffee at a bookshop and walked around the area a bit. On the way home I asked about a shoe store. I noticed earlier how frayed my sandals were getting. After finding one Payless Shoes closed we ended up at Southshore Center (now called Alameda Towne Center) at the Mervyn's store.

Mervyn's is closing that store so everything is on sale. It's where I usually buy my bras, so I snapped one up (I think it was $24 on sale). I don't need a new bra at the moment, but I will at some point and won't be able to buy it there. Then we continued to the shoe department. It took some hunting but I found a decent pair of sandals for $30, on sale for $21. :)

Neither Brad or I got much sleep on Friday night, so we were pretty wiped out by the time we got home Saturday. Brad asked to stay the night and crashed out on the floor. He drove me to the gym this morning. At the gym I did one hour of weight training (arms, shoulders, and back) and 31 minutes running on the treadmill (3.03 miles).

Brad was still in the area walking the lake so we met at his van and drove toward work. I asked him to let me off at this one trail so I could get some extra walking in (in lieu of walking to work from BART), and he decided to walk with me for a while. In the end, we walked about 20 minutes out the trail (and were near work), and then 20 minutes back to the van. So I got a little walk with him on a Sunday. :)

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Week 64, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1262
Fat: 27g (19%)
Carbs: 102g (33%)
Protein: 151g (48%)
Weight this morning: 130 (One week ago: 128.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 96

Crap. I'm up today. Why does my body hate me? I swear I have zero metabolism and my body stores every single calorie as fat. ARGH! I'm up almost two pounds from this time last week. How the hell did I gain two pounds?!?

Stayed up late doing laundry so I slept in today. Did more organizing, throwing out, and putting more stuff aside for Goodwill, then walked to work from BART. I now have three boxes ready for Goodwill.

I set up yet another apartment to look at tomorrow. Brad and I may only get a very short walk. I need to make a decision soon and will probably have to take one of the apartments we look at tomorrow.

Last night I decided to pony up and pay for Sports Photo's disk of all my images. About $70, but I want the images and be able to put them up online.

Today I jumped on Amazon and bought a used copy of the three extra Mormon Scriptures in one volume - The Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.

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Week 64, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1259
Fat: 35g (24%)
Carbs: 98g (30%)
Protein: 145g (45%)
Weight this morning: 129.4 (One week ago: 131.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 109

Finally the 120s on the scale. Progress.

I debated going to the gym or sleeping in and working on organizing and packing for my move. The move won. I slept in, had some cereal (Special K Protein Plus), and then starting working on going through boxes. I made several trips downstairs to put stuff in the trash or recycling bins. This should count as a workout. Tonight is laundry and tomorrow is more organizing and packing. I've made a good dent in the walk-in closet, but the vanity room, hallway, and living room are now a total mess.

I walked from BART to work for exercise.

This weekend is shaping up to be busy. Friday Brad and I are running around looking at apartments. By the time we finish walking I suspect it will be dark so I told him to bring his flashlight.

Saturday after church he's going to renew his Costco card. I told him he should make that a high priority just because of the lower gas prices they have. That means shopping at Costco for some basics that I need - Crystal Geyser (2 cases), and Boca burgers (2 packages). Those are my necessities. At some point we also have to walk, and see the new Narnia movie. Brad suggested leaving right after Sabbath School and not staying for lunch. I agree.

Somewhere in all this we have to stop at Safeway. Tomorrow is payday and I need serious groceries. I also need to cook up more chicken. Chicken breasts are one of my main protein sources and I go through them pretty quick.

A word on the book currently listed in the "Reading" category on the left hand side. Yes, I am trying to read The Book of Mormon. This is not because I consider it Scripture, but because I want to learn more about Mormonism. I am reading it purely as fiction in order to learn more about the church. I minored in Religious Studies in college and am especially interested in all western religions and cults. I'm several chapters into Nephi and so far it's mildly interesting.

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Voting, blocking, moving

Calories eaten yesterday: 1357
Fat: 23g (16%)
Carbs: 118g (35%)
Protein: 163g (49%)
Weight this morning: 132.4 (One week ago: 132.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 102

Today was voting day here in California. We had a couple state propositions to decide on, plus local measures, and local elections. I got up, voted, then caught the bus to BART to go into the City. I checked my mail and closed my savings account (the bank was too far away and too far out). I only had about $69 in the account anyway. My exercise was walking to work from where I get off BART. I stopped at WalMart and spent most of the money I'd just got from savings. I mostly bought food items, but I did get a shower curtain since my current one is pretty much ready for the trash and I want to leave a new one behind me when I move so the owners don't charge me for that). I checked the price of venetian blinds and they look cheap enough. I have to replace at least two that the cats ruined.

Tub3dYou blocked me on YouTube. He was very mean to me during a discussion. One person was nice and I thanked that person for nicely setting me straight. Tub3d said, "Get bent, troll." LOL! He knew he wasn't being nice and that someone else had. He couldn't stand that he was wrong so he blocked me so he doesn't have to think about it. The psychology of it all is fascinating - the kind of things angry people do to protect their egos. I truly pity him. That kind of anger is not healthy.

I only hope that others will see his true nature and unsubscribe from him because that amount of anger means a person is VERY unsafe. At least NotSoOldHippy stood up for me. I left a comment on his channel and thanked him.

You know, when I first came to the NutriSystem board I had several people accuse me of being a troll. It seems calling someone a "troll" is the fallback when you can't say anything intelligent. Now I am a well-loved member of the NS community and the people who accused me? Gone.

Ok, enough about that insane person. I have enough insane people to deal with in real life, lol!

On the apartment front, not a lot of luck. The market isn't like it was the last time I had to do this. I know I will have to settle for a place a fraction of the size of where I live now, and that's okay. I'm going through my closet box by box and sorting things - some things I am keeping, but a great deal is being either thrown out or given to Goodwill. I currently have two more Goodwill boxes ready to go. I told Brad we need to get them out because one is making it hard to walk down the hallway.

I am getting rid of so much, but it feels good to lighten the load and simplify. It's kind of fun to throw out/give away so much and just get rid of it! I have so many things in my walk-in closet that I never use! I'm doing one or two boxes per night, as time permits.

The unit in the "theater apartments" may be filled. I told the guy that if the other person doesn't take it I am interested. I also have two or three more places lined up to see on Friday.

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Week 64, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1361
Fat: 29g (19%)
Carbs: 100g (29%)
Protein: 179g (52%)
Weight this morning: 133.6 (One week ago: 134)
Calories burned in exercise today: 449

So tired. The tiredness is really starting to get to me. I'm getting enough sleep and eating right so it has to be the drop in medication. Even though today was supposed to be a day to take only half a tablet, I took a whole one. I was so wiped out that I drank two energy drink during my workout. It barely helped. I pushed through 1 hour of lower body weight training, and then tried to run on the treadmill. I could barely maintain 5.2 mph, and was eventually able to get up to 5.3, but that was it. I managed the full 30 minutes, but only covered 2.67 miles. I walked to work from the train station and stopped at WalMart for an electric toothbrush. I couldn't afford the one I wanted at Safeway yesterday, but WalMart's prices were low enough that I had enough cash.

I finished You: On A Diet yesterday. I'll be writing a review at some point and posting it. Overall - good book and I recommend it.

Brad is looking into the Sabbath issue which is encouraging. I believe the Sabbath is for today so anytime someone looks into the issue it's good. I believe that if anyone does so with an open mind they will come to the conclusion that the Sabbath was never done away with or changed by Jesus or the apostles.

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Week 63 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4) - Week 40: 140.4 (-2)
Week 41: 139.6 (-0.8) - Week 42: 142 (+2.4)
Week 43: N/A - Week 44: 141 (-1)
Week 45: 138.8 (-2.2) - Week 46: 139.6 (+0.8)
Week 47: 133.6 (-6) - Week 48: 132.4 (-1.2)
Week 49: 138.6 (+6.2) - Week 50: 138.4 (-0.2)
Week 51: 138.8 (+0.4) - Week 52: 139.4 (+0.6)
Week 53: 137.8 (-1.6) - Week 54: 139.4 (+1.6)
Week 55: 137.6 (-1.8) - Week 56: 136.4 (-1.2)
Week 57:: 136.6 (+0.2) - Week 58:: 139.4 (+2.8)
Week 59:: 136.6 (-2.8) - Week 60:: 134.6 (-2)
Week 61:: 137 (+2.4) - Week 62:: 138.6 (+1.6)
Week 63:: 137 (-1.6)
Total loss: -17

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1321
Fat: 20g (13%)
Carbs: 117g (35%)
Protein: 140g (42%)
Weight Thursday morning: 128.2 (One week ago: 130.8)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 82

Gave blood Friday and binged out on the cookies and such in the snack area afterwards. :-p
Weight Friday morning: 129 (One week ago: 130.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 193

Crap. I gained since yesterday. My body really hates me.

Weight Saturday morning: 131.6 (One week ago: 131)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 264

Calories burned in exercise today: 454

I know why I showed a loss even with the cookie binging on Friday. It's because I did pretty well yesterday, and drank two bottles of water right before bed last night. Lots of water always seems to help me drop weight.

Okay, I gave blood on Friday. This time instead of just taking photos, I made a video of my experience donating blood. Click here to see the video, but be warned not it's not for the squeamish and I recorded them sticking the needle in my arm.

I was starving and caved into all the snacks they had sitting out. I had two packages of Nutter Butter cookies (about 220 calories per package), one package of Famous Amos cookies (about 320 calories), three Pro 70 bars (70 calories each), a package of a nut/yogurt chip/raisin mix (about 150 calories), a package of Cheese-Its (about 220 calories), a Special K snack bar (90 calories), and a Nutri-Grain cereal bar (about 170 calories). I probably ate a days' worth of calories just in sugar and other junk. By the way, stay away from the Nutri-Grain cereal bars - the first ingredient is high fructose corn syrup (!).

In my defense, I did well that morning and fairly well the rest of the day. I didn't use it as an excuse to binge the rest of the day. I ate more than usual, but I kept it healthy and had my normal dinner.

Brad and I went walking, but we only did an hour and 25 minutes. We were doing a lot of uphill and I didn't have the blood volume for that kind of hike.

We went home, watched TV, and ordered a Pay-Per-View movie to watch on Saturday.

Saturday was church and then Brad and I walked around the lake - twice. I had more energy and felt I could handle the loop twice (6 miles total). It took us just under two hours. Food-wise I did okay. Becky brought homemade bread to church, but I kept myself to one slice of cinnamon bread and one slice of regular bread.

Then we went home, made microwave popcorn (low-fat of course), and watched our Pay-Per-View movie, The Golden Compass. Brad really wanted to see it. It was okay. I could definitely see the anti-Christian elements in it. The guy who wrote the book the movie is based on (part of a trilogy) is anti-Christian and it comes through in the movie. I won't be seeing anymore sequels that come out.

Next week we get paid and hope to see Prince Caspian on the big screen.

Today I went to the gym. I did upper body weight training for one hour - arms, shoulders, and back. Then I ran on the treadmill for a half hour. I felt tired all through the weights and for part of my run, but eventually my energy got better and I was finally able to get up to 5.9 mph (though it took me longer than usual). I covered a total of 2.87 miles. Tomorrow I'll do lower body.

I've been tired a lot and I think cutting back on my meds may be part of the reason. I know my tiredness this weekend can be blamed on giving blood, but I've been feeling more fatigued since at least last week.

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Meds & Madness

Calories eaten yesterday: 1394
Fat: 27g (18%)
Carbs: 117g (34%)
Protein: 169g (49%)
Weight this morning: 128.2 (One week ago: 133.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 82

Well, I have a doctor's appointment in Castro Valley for 9 a.m. on Tuesday June 10th. They are going to do bloodwork so no eating after 9 pm Monday night. Which means no bedtime snack which means I may or may not be able to get to sleep, and if I do it will only be a few hours because I work late and don't get to bed until 2 a.m. and then will have to get up around 7 for this appointment. That means I'll be wiped out and won't be able to get to the gym that Wednesday because I'll need to catch up on sleep. Brad said he will drive me to the appointment (taking time off work), so that will help. They didn't have anything later. All new patients are scheduled in the morning.

If I survive this all I deserve a cheat day. Not an all out binge, just a cheat day. The doctor will want to do a GYN exam and I'll have to talk to him about that because I need serious pain meds to survive it and need him to give me the meds and then set up a separate appointment just for that purpose.

Lupe originally had me down for the previous Friday at 10 a.m. but it was with a female doctor and I don't like female doctors. I have never had a good experience with one so I try to avoid them now. Tuesday at 9 a.m. was the best they could do to get me a male doctor.

I'll continue splitting medication doses until I can actually order more meds from Canada. The lower dose I'm taking is really effecting me and my depression is coming back. I'm spinning back into that black hole and no one cares because none of the other people involved in this doctor fiasco suffer from severe clinical depression.

My workout today:

Strength training:
Lifting and carrying boxes and bags out of storage and down two flights of stairs to the dumpster and recycling bin, making several trips.

Cardio:
Climbing back up two flights of stairs, making several trips.

Then I walked to work from the BART station and my pedometer battery died partway so I lost a bunch of steps. As soon as I noticed it I found a bench to sit on and changed the battery.

I'm supposed to give blood tomorrow. I haven't given since December 14th of last year and I don't want anything to stop me this time! It's been too long.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Wiped out

Calories eaten yesterday: 1392
Fat: 25g (17%)
Carbs: 125g (37%)
Protein: 151g (45%)
Weight this morning: 131.2 (One week ago: 133.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 464

Very tired today. Dragged through my gym time. My sugar free energy drink didn't seem to help at all.

I did one hour of lower body work with a little upper body thrown in (only exercises I didn't do yesterday). Then I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes, but spent most of my time at just 5.5 mph with no incline. I just had zippo energy. I need cafeeeeeeeeine!

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Sabbath video series up, & more on Alli

Calories eaten yesterday: 1181
Fat: 21g (16%)
Carbs: 105g (36%)
Protein: 138g (47%)
Weight this morning: 132.4 (One week ago: 135.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 469

Finally a normal gym day! I did upper body today - arms, shoulders, and back - for one hour. My strength wasn't as great as I'd like. I need to keep at this more regularly or my strength suffers. :( After that I ran on the treadmill and did much better. I set it at a 0.5% incline (I usually use no incline), and started at 5.2 mph. However, I was able to get up to 6.0 and sustain it, and get far enough above that for long enough that I was just able to eek out 3 miles in 30 minutes. My final was 3.01 miles in 30 minuntes, 1 second. So I'm counting that as a 10 minute mile because that was my average. I got as high as 7 mph, but couldn't sustain it for very long.

I walked to work from the train station after having my protein and carb snack.

I finally finished my video series on the Sabbath and have those videos uploaded now. Click here to watch them all in order.

I keep forgetting to mention an incident I had with Alli. If bathroom talk offends you, then skip the rest of this post. You have been warned!

It happened a week ago Sunday, after my Saturday/Sunday race binge. I had eaten a lot of fat and taken a lot of Alli to counteract it. I farted at some point and then laid on my bed to watch TV and relax. Brad was with me. When I got up he pointed out that I had a brown stain on my nightshirt. He was right. I had a large brown stain. I changed my underwear and put on a new nightshirt and figured that was it.

I was wrong. When I went back to my bed I found the kitty blanket (to protect my blanket from cat hair) also had a brown stain on it. *sigh* I lifted the kitty blanket and found my white blanket also had the stain. I eventually found that the stain went through the blanket, through the top and bottom sheet, and all the way down to the mattress pad! Eek!

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Moving & Meds

Calories eaten yesterday: 1224
Fat: 37g (27%)
Carbs: 74g (24%)
Protein: 142g (47%)
Weight this morning: 134 (One week ago: 143.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 97

I ended up working 14 hours yesterday, from 11 a.m. Sunday morning to 1 a.m. this morning. Lisa was two hours late because she had been at a concert. That's four hours time and a half for me and two hours double time. Needless to say I did not go to the gym today. I did walk from the BART station to work and stopped for some groceries on the way.

Update on my apartment situation. Helena, one of the owners, called me and said that if I paid this rent increase then they wouldn't increase my rent next year. I (once again) said I can't afford this rent increase. They just do not get it.

Helena also said that the $695 I'd paid at move-in was not last month's rent, but a security deposit and asked me to check my papers at home. I did and unfortunately she was right. I paid $695 security and an extra $200 for the cats. I gave them the rent check for June (with the new higher rent) and put a Post-It note on it saying I wanted all $895 of my deposit back.

Rene (the manager) called me on Friday. He had spoken with the owners (hence their call) and went to bat for me, saying that I was a good tenant and asking if they really wanted me to leave because they don't know who they will get next. Evidently, they don't care.

Rene said they try to screw over everybody who leaves and that I should take pictures of everything and have a witness. He would also be my witness. They will take money out for every little thing. Though the words weren't spoken, I got the sense that I'll have to go to small claims court to get anything back. For under $1500 the filing fees appears to be just $30.

Update on my medication situation. I am low on medication. I found my pill cutter and have starting splitting doses. The normal dosage of Celexa is 40mg a day. So what I'm doing is taking 40mg one day, 20mg the next, and so on. It's not a healthy thing to do as my body needs the entire 40mg each day, but it's the best I can do right now.

It's Memorial Day so few people are here at work. I'll have to talk with Lupe (the health assistance person at work) tomorrow and impress upon her my need for a referral to a doctor NOW.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Week 62 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4) - Week 40: 140.4 (-2)
Week 41: 139.6 (-0.8) - Week 42: 142 (+2.4)
Week 43: N/A - Week 44: 141 (-1)
Week 45: 138.8 (-2.2) - Week 46: 139.6 (+0.8)
Week 47: 133.6 (-6) - Week 48: 132.4 (-1.2)
Week 49: 138.6 (+6.2) - Week 50: 138.4 (-0.2)
Week 51: 138.8 (+0.4) - Week 52: 139.4 (+0.6)
Week 53: 137.8 (-1.6) - Week 54: 139.4 (+1.6)
Week 55: 137.6 (-1.8) - Week 56: 136.4 (-1.2)
Week 57: 136.6 (+0.2) - Week 58:: 139.4 (+2.8)
Week 59: 136.6 (-2.8) - Week 60:: 134.6 (-2)
Week 61: 137 (+2.4) - Week 62:: 138.6 (+1.6)
Total loss: -15.4

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1391
Fat: 26g (17%)
Carbs: 100g (29%)
Protein: 144g (42%)
Weight Thursday morning: 130.8 (One week ago: 127.6)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 96

Calories eaten Friday: 1566
Fat: 26g (15%)
Carbs: 122g (31%)
Protein: 138g (35%)
Weight Friday morning: 130.2 (One week ago: 128.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 285

Weight Saturday morning: 131 (One week ago: 130.2)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 133

Calories burned in exercise today: 84

I'm working overtime today, so no time for the gym. Did well with exercise over the weekend. Friday Brad and I walked along the shoreline in San Leandro, then finished with the one mile paracourse loop. A total of about 6.5 miles and just over 2 hours. After church Saturday we took a quick spin around the lake (3 miles and about 1 hour).

Then we went to Emeryville to see Narnia at the 10 screen multiplex theater. Would you believe they didn't have it?!? 10 screens and not one of them showing Narnia! They said they never had it. They did have Indiana Jones, though, and Brad and I planned to see it anyway so we got tickets for that. But I still have to track down who's playing Narnia. :-p

Yep, my carbohydrate and wine addictions got the best of me and I went way overboard. It involved two corn dogs, three 100 Calorie Packs, two South Beach meal bars, and too much Special K Protein Plus cereal. That's on top of my usual Saturday treats of Cheese-It's, animal cookies, peanut snack bars, and peanuts.

As if all that weren't bad enough, before the movie Brad had dinner and I shared a can of almonds with him and ate most of a 1 lb. bag of baby cut carrots. I also had a glass of wine and a 20 oz. bottle of wine I brought from home that I sipped throughout the evening.

At the movie I split a bag of large popcorn with Brad (and continued sipping the wine. After the movie I had a low-carb dinner (bunless elk burger with a side salad) and low-carb beer, then went and ruined it with a large scoop of real ice cream (chocolate peanut butter)! That's why I'm up to 138.6. What the heck took hold of me? But I'm back on plan today and ready for an on-plan week. Let's do it!

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fat, overweight, NutriSystem, weigh-in

Week 62, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1384
Fat: 29g (19%)
Carbs: 95g (27%)
Protein: 185g (53%)
Weight this morning: 130.8 (One week ago: 127.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 96

Did laundry last night and packed my box of sheets and blankets. Slept in today. Walked to work from BART for exercise, stopping for groceries on the way since it's payday.

Ms. Helena (co-owner of the building I live in) wants to talk with me about the letter I sent them, informing them of my 30 days notice, that I had paid last month's rent when I moved in, and that I expected my $400 security deposit back. I know she will ask for the difference in rent when I moved in vs. now. It don't work that way, Ms. Helena. I paid last and don't owe you the difference. And if you take it out of my security we're going to small claim court. Do NOT screw with me. I have to call her later tonight.

I've pretty much decided I can't go to Conference this year. All told it's going to cost about $1000 for the week. $1000 for one week!?! I simply can't afford that.

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Money honey

Calories eaten yesterday: 1267
Fat: 26g (19%)
Carbs: 81g (26%)
Protein: 168g (54%)
Weight this morning: 133.8 (One week ago: 129.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 346

Went to the gym. Did one hour of arm, shoulder, and back work (with a couple leg exercises tossed in) followed by 30 minutes of cardio, mostly on the Treadclimber. I didn't feel up to running yet. I'll do that next week.

Speaking of which, I have overtime next Sunday - 11 a.m.-11 p.m. I need the 4 hours overtime badly. Money is VERY tight and will continue to be until a while after I've moved, when my lower rent kicks in and I have all the moving bills paid. So it's going to be a while before I get my head above water, and it's going to get much worse before it gets better.

My one vacation per year (one week at my church's General Conference) is costing much more than I expected. Conference alone (not counting plane and bus fare) is nearly $600. That will come out of my stimulus check, but there's nothing left over for the plane and bus. Yes, the bus. This year they are NOT picking us up at the airport. We have to get off the plane and take a bus. The plane (regardless of airline and airport) is going to run me $360, and the bus is $40-$62 round trip. I'm beginning to wonder if I should just not take a vacation this year. Money is tight and I could use it to pay bills. I'm having trouble just feeding myself right now. :(

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Week 62, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 856 (no, that's not a typo)
Fat: 24g (27%)
Carbs: 23g (11%)
Protein: 126g (62%)
Weight this morning: 135.4 (One week ago: 129.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 84

I did nothing. I slept in and finally felt better. My only exercise was the walk to work from BART.

I have my Bay To Breakers photos up. They can be found here. All the photos taken during the actual race were taken on an old 35mm camera I found in my closet, not a digital, so they are pretty poor quality.

Today marks the halfway point for me on Project 365! :)

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Heart "Breaker"? Not a chance!

Whew! The 2008 Bay To Breakers was once again quite the race!

I got up at 5 and was at the start line about 7. I thought it would be warm enough so I didn't bring a sweatshirt. BIG mistake. I ducked inside a coffee shop to stay warm and had a "second breakfast" of an oat and dried fruit cake/scone thingy (very dense) and a banana.

The race started promptly at 8 and I was across the finish line before 9:25! I finished in 1:19:54 - besting last year's time by about 4 1/2 minutes! :) My overall placement was 7039 (of 22,439). Last year's placement was 8564. Among all females I was 2234 (of 11,518), and among females 30-39 years old I was 689 (of 3017).

I ran the whole race! I only slowed down to a walk on the Hayes Street Hill. When I did the numbers my average speed was just under 5.6 mph.

The first two miles I was doing about a 10 minute mile. The hill slowed me way down the took the stuffing out of me. At mile 3 I remembered that I was supposed to have a carb gel pack back at the hill, so I had one. Didn't seem to help. I took another gel pack at mile 4. That seemed to help and I felt much better. I had my final gel pack at mile 6.

I was hoping to get an estimate of how well I was doing by checking my time at the mile 7 marker, but there wasn't one! I kept looking, but eventually I passed the old windmill and came into view of the ocean. A cheer went up from the runners - seeing the ocean means you are close to the finish line.

I turned the corner and began the final leg, finish line finally in sight. I didn't have energy for a final sprint, but I did manage to pick up my pace just a little. I was so thrilled when I realized I was going to beat last year's time. Just under 1:20 - I never in a million years thought I could run that far that fast.

No trouble this year with the timing chips this year - my name and time didn't get mixed up with someone else's. They seem to have ironed out some of the problems. That's to be expected since last year was the first year they used the chips.

The top male and female finishers were both from Kenya of course. The Kenyans did very well. The top male finisher was John Korir with a time of 34:24, and the top female finisher was Lineth Chepkurui with a time of 39:22. The men won this year, even though the women had a 4:40 head start.

The number of runners this year was 33,000 registered and an estimated 27,000 unregistered. There were 22,439 total finishers (registered, who crossed both the start and finish lines) - 10,921 males and 11,518 females, so slightly more females.

I'm detoxing from carbs today. The only solid food I'm allowing myself is meat, egg whites, and some pork rinds. I've put on about 10 pounds over the last two days and need to get it off.

I'm working on getting my race photos up. Here's my results from Active.com.

Technorati tagged: health, health and wellness, run, running, race, Bay To Breakers, exercise, San Francisco, party, b2b

Week 61 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4) - Week 40: 140.4 (-2)
Week 41: 139.6 (-0.8) - Week 42: 142 (+2.4)
Week 43: N/A - Week 44: 141 (-1)
Week 45: 138.8 (-2.2) - Week 46: 139.6 (+0.8)
Week 47: 133.6 (-6) - Week 48: 132.4 (-1.2)
Week 49: 138.6 (+6.2) - Week 50: 138.4 (-0.2)
Week 51: 138.8 (+0.4) - Week 52: 139.4 (+0.6)
Week 53: 137.8 (-1.6) - Week 54: 139.4 (+1.6)
Week 55: 137.6 (-1.8) - Week 56: 136.4 (-1.2)
Week 57: 136.6 (+0.2) - Week 58:: 139.4 (+2.8)
Week 59: 136.6 (-2.8) - Week 60:: 134.6 (-2)
Week 61: 137 (+2.4)
Total loss: -17

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1270
Fat: 23g (16%)
Carbs: 114g (36%)
Protein: 137g (44%)
Weight Thursday morning: 127.6 (One week ago: 128)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 81

Calories eaten Friday: 1501
Fat: 24g (15%)
Carbs: 79g (22%)
Protein: 157g (43%)
Weight Friday morning: 128.2 (One week ago: 127.4)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 0

Crap. I'm up again over yesterday - the second time in the last three days.

Weight Saturday morning: 130.2 (One week ago: 130.8)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise Sunday: 667

Calories burned in exercise today: 100
Weight this morning: 143.6 (One week ago: 133)

I have a lot to update about the weekend, but since most of it is race-related, I'll save that for another post. Here I will just say that while my official Sunday weight was up to only 137, my Monday weight (after a second day of binging) shot up to 143.6 - so a good 10 lb. gain due to all the overeating before and after the race.

I am back on plan today doing a strict no carb, high protein day. I'm not even eating any veggies today. Tomorrow I'll more or less go back to my normal diet, but still keep my carbs low - no fruit or yogurt for a while.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fat, overweight, NutriSystem, weigh-in

Week 61, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1389
Fat: 29g (19%)
Carbs: 108g (31%)
Protein: 165g (48%)
Weight this morning: 127.6 (One week ago: 128)
Calories burned in exercise today: 81

My knee has been bugging me so I've been wearing a brace when I exercise. I forgot to wear it yesterday and after all my exercise it was aching a bit last night. I need it and can't forget it like that.

Well, that's a wrap on the exercise until Sunday. I walked to work from BART and that's it for me. Light cardio today (the walk) and total rest the next two days, at least exercise-wise. I still have to do organizing and packing and look at a couple of apartments. Neither of these seem promising, but Brad and I will give them a look.

I threw out a ton of files today - mostly old news clippings that I have no reason to hang onto. The trash bag was so heavy that I had to carry the entire trash can downstairs to keep the bag from ripping. I'm throwing out tons of stuff and giving other stuff to the Salvation Army.

My stimulus check came today - $600. It is going into savings to go toward my vacation. I have very little money saved so this is vital if I want a vacation this year.

I'm falling off the wagon this weekend for the race (Saturday/Sunday), so my weight will be up. I intend to enjoy every bite of the bad stuff. :D Monday I will detox with an extremely low-carb day - not even veggies - just protein and some fat. Then Tuesday I will go back to my normal diet.

I won't be updating Sunday since I'm not working that day, so I will "see" you all Monday with my race report. Photos will take a while as I have to use a disposable camera and get it developed on disk, sometime after the next payday. So I'll get them up, but it will take a while.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Week 61, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1299
Fat: 29g (21%)
Carbs: 123g (38%)
Protein: 125g (39%)
Weight this morning: 129.8 (One week ago: 129.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 533

Crap. I'm higher than I was yesterday. My body soooo wants to be fat. It takes everything I eat and turns it to fat. I think I ate too many bites of bad things yesterday. I planned to make up for it with an extra 5 minutes running on the treadmill, but ended up really punishing myself with 15 extra minutes. So after my one hour of weight training I did a 45 minute run on the treadmill (5.9 mph for most of the way). I covered 4.37 miles! A fitting end to my last gym workout before the race this Sunday.

I had my post-workout snack and walked from the train station to work (about 30 minutes). I'm wiped out!

Tomorrow I start the run-up for the race with just the 30 minute walk from BART to work. Friday and Saturday I am totally resting - no exercise at all, though Brad and I are looking at a couple of apartments (one on Friday, one on Saturday).

I moved my weight loss ticker up quite a ways in anticipation of the monumental weight gain this weekend. While some will be just water, some will also be fat and take some serious dieting to get back off.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Week 61, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1292
Fat: 27g (19%)
Carbs: 123g (38%)
Protein: 131g (41%)
Weight this morning: 129.6 (One week ago: 131.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 96

The first time I've hit the 120s on a Tuesday. Tres chic!

Slept in. I finally feel caught up from my long Sunday shift. I got some things arranged and packed starting last night and continuing today. I haven't even scratched the surface, but I do have a large box of stuff to go to the Salvation Army! Brad and I will take it down on Friday along with the large garbage bag of clothes. It's time to simplify. I am not going to get a new apartment as big as my current one, so I need to get rid of lots of stuff.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Tired & stressed

Calories eaten yesterday: 1416
Fat: 32g (20%)
Carbs: 110g (31%)
Protein: 165g (47%)
Weight this morning: 133 (One week ago: 133.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 97

Happy birthday to my Dad! He's 86 today.

Got off work this morning at about 3:15 a.m. (Brad was a little late). Got to bed about 5:30 a.m. Woke up at 10:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. I'm a zombie.

Walked from BART to work for exercise. Used my last few dollars to buy basic groceries. I asked Lupe to put a rush on my dentist reimbursement (80%). She said she could have it to me Wednesday, so I can deposit it Thursday or (more likely) Friday. Dad also said he'd send me some money, but it won't get here for a few days of course. I'm stressed about money and stressed about time - I need time to start packing. Brent and Carla brought the boxes to church last Saturday as promised. Now I just need to tape them together and start packing.

I may or may not make it to the gym tomorrow. I really need to start packing.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Week 60 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4) - Week 40: 140.4 (-2)
Week 41: 139.6 (-0.8) - Week 42: 142 (+2.4)
Week 43: N/A - Week 44: 141 (-1)
Week 45: 138.8 (-2.2) - Week 46: 139.6 (+0.8)
Week 47: 133.6 (-6) - Week 48: 132.4 (-1.2)
Week 49: 138.6 (+6.2) - Week 50: 138.4 (-0.2)
Week 51: 138.8 (+0.4) - Week 52: 139.4 (+0.6)
Week 53: 137.8 (-1.6) - Week 54: 139.4 (+1.6)
Week 55: 137.6 (-1.8) - Week 56: 136.4 (-1.2)
Week 57: 136.6 (+0.2) - Week 58:: 139.4 (+2.8)
Week 59: 136.6 (-2.8) - Week 60:: 134.6 (-2)
Total loss: -19.4

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1420
Fat: 22g (14%)
Carbs: 118g (33%)
Protein: 150g (42%)
Weight Thursday morning: 128 (One week ago: 128.6)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 95

Calories eaten Friday: 1595
Fat: 26g (15%)
Carbs: 100g (25%)
Protein: 163g (42%)
Weight Friday morning: 127.4 (One week ago: 127.4)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 170

Weight Saturday morning: 130.8 (One week ago: 130.6)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 133

Calories burned in exercise today: 452

Well, I finally saw my goal again. The last time I hit goal on my official weigh-in day was back in February when I had the flu. But when I got well again I had a huge rebound. :( Today I think I'm just dehydrated from too much wine yesterday. I actually woke up thirsty this morning and that's not normal for me.

I will show a big rebound next week (if I weigh-in at all) since it will be the Bay To Breakers race and I am carbing up on pizza and desserts the day before, and will be taking in lots of carbs before, during, and after the race.

Because of the possible dehydration and the weight I will gain next week, I am not changing my ticker. Still, it's good to see goal again, and I will get there for sure eventually.

It was an insane weekend. Friday I went to the dentist for x-rays, a check-up, and a cleaning. After the x-rays and check up they told me I had two new cavities and the filling was cracked on an old cavity. X-rays and check-up - $99. Three fillings - $405. I don't have that kind of money. Even with the reimbursement (which takes time), that's still $100 out of pocket.

I was still numb from the Novocaine and got out of the dentist so late (my appointment was at 2 pm and I got out at 5), but Brad and I still did some walking, just a shorter walk than I would have liked. We did about 1 hour and 15 minutes, then went to look at a couple apartments.

The first apartment was in a really bad section of town and some sort of police action was going on as we were leaving. Too bad because it was a nice apartment and a one bedroom instead of a studio. The bus service at night wasn't great and it would not have been safe for me to walk there from the nearest stop.

The second apartment we looked at is promising and in a better area. But the bus service at night is not great, and the apartment has no bathtub (just a shower) and not much storage space. There's a second unit opening in the building, so even if the first gets taken, a second will open right about the time I need to move. I'm putting this on the "maybe" list.

Saturday at church was a special Mother's Day potluck and there were brownies. I admit; I caved. I took a 1/2 brownie here and there and probably ate about four brownies total. :-p Oh well, pick yourself up and move on. After church Brad and I walked around the lake once, then Pay-Per-Viewed Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was an okay movie. Kinda lame, but a decent way to kill 90 minutes.

Today Brad picked me up and took me to the gym. I did one hour of upper body work - arms, shoulders, and back - then ran 31 minutes on the treadmill for a total of 3.01 miles. I walked to work from the train station.

I stopped at WalMart on the way to work for some drinks (Perrier, Diet Iced Tea) since it will be a long day and I will have to space out my food more than normal. I have overtime and will be at work until 3 a.m. Monday morning. My calories are a teeny bit over for the day, but with the long shift I am not stressing over it.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fat, overweight, NutriSystem, weigh-in

Week 60, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1393
Fat: 28g (18%)
Carbs: 108g (31%)
Protein: 170g (49%)
Weight this morning: 128 (One week ago: 128.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 95

I was SOOO hungry yesterday. Grrr...I hate those days and I've had too many this week.

Slept in, bumped around the house, and walked to work from the train station for my exercise. I bought groceries on the way. I don't have a lot of money so I just got the basics - salad, veggies, and cottage cheese. Ok, I got some diet sodas to treat myself. ;)

I had an interesting conversation with a woman at the grocery store. She said I was skinny (she was quite heavy). She said I didn't need to drink diet soda. Why did I? I said that sugar and me do not get along. I said I had lost 70 pounds and she said that was her goal (she needs to lose a lot more than 70). At any rate, she made me feel good about all my hard work and how good I DO look. :)

Today was payday. I set aside a bunch of money for when I find a new apartment. I paid first and last month's rent when I moved in so I am not paying rent this month, but the new place will want first, last, and security. Carla from church is bringing a bunch of boxes to church on Saturday for me. Hopefully they will work so I don't have to buy any.

I'm looking forward to Bay To Breakers and dreading it at the same time. Carbing up and being off plan for two days is really going to mess up my weight loss. I'll gain a bunch and it will take a good two weeks of hard work to get back to where I was.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Week 60, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1284
Fat: 25g (17%)
Carbs: 121g (37%)
Protein: 141g (44%)
Weight this morning: 129.4 (One week ago: 130.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 437

Here's my runner's number and timing chip for this year's Bay To Breakers. It's just a week and a half away! I never feel ready, but I'm as ready as I'll ever be! Click the photo for the full size. :)

Went to the gym today. My butt is still sore from Monday, but today was upper body anyway - arms, shoulders, and back. Then I ran 30 minutes on the treadmill - 2.9 miles. I walked to work from BART. Pretty standard day. I felt stronger today than usual, though I performed poorly on a few exercises such as the seated row and another back exercise.

Tonight is laundry and I'll try to sleep in tomorrow.

More overtime is coming this Sunday. I'm working 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. as Lisa is taking the night off and there's no one to fill in. Brad will come in at 3 and drive me home and work until 3 p.m. when I come in again.

I ran with the lighter knee brace on today and it seemed to be okay. I'll wear this one for the race.

Have an appointment to look at an apartment Friday at 7:30 pm, and possibly another one after that. The first one does not look promising - no late night bus service, but the second has potential, and if the apartment gets taken, a second is opening up in the same building.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Race bib and timing chip are here!

Calories eaten yesterday: 1390
Fat: 27g (18%)
Carbs: 107g (31%)
Protein: 170g (49%)
Weight this morning: 131.6 (One week ago: 132.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 96

Today I ran errands in the City. Exercise was walking to work from BART. I had a little cash and bought food with it. The money from the property was in my box, so I deposited it and bought more magnesium from GNC and paid my cell phone bill. What little I have left will be used for groceries next week.

My Bay To Breakers packet with my bib and timing chip came today! Yay me! Let's get it on, baby! I bought one bottle of Accelerade today for the race instead of my usual Gatorade, and already have my carb gel packs in a drawer at home, so now that my bib is here, I am ready! I'm number 1037 this year.

I think that FitDay is still overestimating the calories I burn per day, so I tweaked my age up 10 years to lower the amount of calories it says I burn.

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Week 60, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1366
Fat: 25g (17%)
Carbs: 99g (29%)
Protein: 175g (52%)
Weight this morning: 133.2 (One week ago: 136.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 466

Something I forgot to report last week - that black guy at the guy who always says, "Hey Slimmy," or "How you doin', Slimmy," said that twice to me last week. :) He said something to me today while I was stretching, but I didn't catch it because I had my iPod on.

Pretty normal workout. I spent one hour on lower body and some core work. I started with three "sets" of walking lunges up and back on the ramp with the 8 lb. dumbbells. The 5 lb. dumbbells used to be too hard and now look at me! I know my butt will be sore tomorrow. I'm always sore after my lower body days. :)

Ran on the treadmill for 31 minutes, most of the time at 5.9 mph, but faster the last few minutes. Covered exactly 3 miles.

Walked to work from BART. Since Dad's check came I stopped at WalMart for Alli (I had a coupon), Special K Protein Plus, batteries, headphones (mine finally died), and two knee braces.

There was cake at work today and I was a bad girl today and ate 3-4 bites of frosting. Bad Victoria! How am I going to lose weight when I give into frosting with such abandon? One bite, ok. But 3-4? Way too much. I am walking extra laps around the hallway at work to make up for it.

Tomorrow I go into the City to get my mail.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, fitness, weight,obese, fat, overweight, NutriSystem