Stumbling To Bethlehem

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Houston, we have a problem...

Calories eaten yesterday: 1395
Fat: 30g (19%)
Carbs: 111g (32%)
Protein: 170g (49%)
Weight this morning: 131.2 (One week ago: 132)
Calories burned in exercise today: 418

Very tired today. I bought an "Extreme Speed Stack" energy drink (10 calories) from my gym because I knew it would help me more that my diet Rock Star drink. I struggled through 1 hour of upper body weights. My butt is a bit sore from yesterday's workout, but not nearly as bad as last week so I decided to do my treadmill run. I covered 2.9 miles in 30 minutes, and then collapsed in the stretching area. It was a real strain today to get through all 30 minutes. I walked to work from the train station (another 30 minutes).

There are two reasons I'm tired: 1) getting to bed at the same time, but having to get up 30 minutes earlier, and 2) the cats.

Abby is causing major problems. First she woke me up at 3:30 a.m. yowling at something outside, probably another cat. I sprayed her with the spray bottle to get her out of the window. At 5:30 a.m. I was awakened again. Abby outright attacked Xena - this was no play fighting; this was an all out cat WAR. Xena finally hid under the tub and successfully got away. I shut the bathroom door for the night so I could get some sleep.

When I got up I found Abby had gotten the worst of the fight - she had a bloody ear and there were small drops of blood on the bathroom floor. Xena had a very minor cut above one eye. I'm definitely not going to get Xena's claws cut right now - she needs them to defend herself.

When I left this morning Xena was hissing and growing whenever Abby came into the bathroom. The litter box is in there so I uncovered the box and placed the cover and the stereo between the litter box and bathtub in the hopes that Xena will allow Abby to use the box if her view is blocked.

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

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

So tired...

Calories eaten yesterday: 1393
Fat: 24g (16%)
Carbs: 121g (36%)
Protein: 162g (48%)
Weight this morning: 133.2 (One week ago: 132.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 318

Xena drinks from the toilet

I'm so tired today. Every since the move I still get to bed at the same time as I used to, but I have to get up a half hour earlier on gym days, and an hour earlier on Fridays. So I'm not getting all the sleep I need anymore.

I dragged myself through an hour of leg work at the gym and then opted to just walk on the treadmill for my cardio. However, because of the lower intensity I was able to go longer - 45 minutes. I finished my exercise by walking to work from the train station as I always do.

I'm been extremely hungry and I think all my little nibbles are keeping me from losing weight. If I fight through the hungries I know I can get this weight off. So I am trying to cut back on the little bits and bites I take here and there. They add up and keep me from losing anything. Until I can get this thyroid thing sorted out I will just have to eat a very small amount due to my low metabolism. I have too low a metabolism to eat like a normal person.

My next doctor appointment is the 25th. The doc is doing a GYN exam and I will ask for further thyroid testing at that time.

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

Monday, July 14, 2008

Feline Follies

Calories eaten yesterday: 1219
Fat: 29g (21%)
Carbs: 92g (30%)
Protein: 150g (49%)
Weight this morning: 134.8 (One week ago: 134.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 433

Crap. I'm up over where I was last week, even though yesterday's official weigh-in was lower. My body wants to hang on to every ounce of weight even though I still need to lose weight (and especially lose body fat).

Made it to the gym today. Did one hour of upper body weight training and some core work, then ran for 32 minutes on the treadmill - 3.15 miles, just over 5k, then I walked to work from the train station.

Tomorrow I plan to hit the gym again and do lower body, then perhaps hit the elliptical machine.

Xena is acting really strange ever since the move. My once aloof cat now begs for attention and wants to be petted, kissed, and scritched. She never play wrestles with Abby anymore, and will often hiss at Abby. She never did that before. She's also taken to drinking out of the toilet when she never did before. (The photos of this will be up on my Flickr account tomorrow.) I think the three days she was locked up alone in the bathroom was more stressful for her than I realized, even though I checked on her every day.

Conversely, Abby is acting like her normal self again - laying on her back in the cat tree with her hind legs sticking out, just like she's done for ages.

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

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Week 69 Weigh-In

Friday I did laundry. About a half hour walk round trip. Later Brad and I walked in the Lake Chabot area for about 1 1/2 hours, so two hours of total walking for me. I think today is the day I broke 8 million steps since I began tracking in August of 2006.

Saturday after church we went back to Lake Chabot and ended up walking the entire hiking loop. The brochure said it's about 8.5-9 miles. I plugged my aerobic pedometer steps into Walker Tracker and came up with 8.6 miles. We finished right at 9 pm when the park closed, just as it was getting dark. We walked for just over 3 hours. I wore my knee brace, but my knee was starting to hurt toward the end.

Since we got home so late Brad and I were up late eating dinner and drinking. I had wine and other food before bed and worked on the photos taken that day. I was up until 3 a.m., so no gym today. Brad and I slept in today and took a spin around the lake (3 miles, just under 1 hour) and then he drove me to work. No trouble from my knee today walking around the lake. I'll try to hit the gym tomorrow.

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

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Week 69, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1381
Fat: 31g (20%)
Carbs: 107g (31%)
Protein: 173g (49%)
Weight this morning: 130.2 (One week ago: n/a)
Calories burned in exercise today: 114

Today I bought groceries. I am now within walking distance of the Safeway I used to shop at, so I walked up there with my rollie cart. I needed to use my Discover card since I get some kind of bonus if I charge $100 to the card before the end of August. I figured a big grocery trip would be the perfect opportunity (plus I have no money for groceries in my checking account), so I used the card for the first time today. The bill came to about $113 and the card is now in an envelope on my tackboard since I can get in trouble if I carry it with me.

I found a good price on chicken breast (the older packages were 50% off), eggs, and cottage cheese. I bought unsweetened chocolate almond milk since I'm supposed to avoid soy. I used sugar-free chocolate DaVinci syrup to sweeten it and it tastes okay. Not awesome, but totally drinkable. It's much lower in protein than the soy milk, but it's also lower in calories. I also got bananas, 100 calorie bags of popcorn, celery and baby carrots to munch at the movie tomorrow, bread, tea, salad, veggies - just lots of necessities. Tava and diet Lipton (the 16.9 oz. bottles in a case) were on sale, so I got those. I walked back home with my cart very heavy. Walker Tracker says it's about 1.2 miles round trip.

I walked from the BART station to work for more exercise. Tomorrow is laundry and I plan to walk to the laundromat and back (it's about 15 minutes each way). Then Brad and I will go for a walk before the movie so I should get lots of steps.

I have been extremely hungry today. I had breakfast after getting back from the store (a large wheat gluten pancake with sugar-free syrup and a 1/2 cup cottage cheese). I was still so hungry that I had a big (though basic) salad - 12 oz. of Iceberg Garden salad with Walden Farms dressing.

I did a video tour of my new apartment today. I'll get it uploaded to YouTube hopefully on Sunday. The tour of my old apartment (done by Brad), can be viewed here.

Speaking of which, the Home Sweet Apartment plaque I ordered came in the mail today.

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

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Working it!

Calories eaten yesterday: 1274
Fat: 32g (22%)
Carbs: 106g (32%)
Protein: 153g (46%)
Weight this morning: 132 (One week ago: n/a)
Calories burned in exercise today: 319

Finally my first "normal" week at the gym in God only knows how long! I got three workouts in this week, which is what I shoot for. Ah...normalcy. Excitement is overrated.

I'm still megasore from Monday's leg workout so I decided not to run today. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical instead. Did one hour of arms, shoulders, and back work today, plus I threw in calves for good measure. :) I'm doing 8x8 - 8 sets of 8 reps each. I have to go a lot lighter on the weight to get out all 64 total reps. The 12 lb. hand weights seem to have permanently disappeared so for the bicep curl I alternated between the 10 and 15 lb. dumbbells. 10 lbs. is too light and 15 lbs. is too heavy to complete all the sets, so alternating seemed the best option. After my protein and carb snack I walked to work from BART.

I am more sore than usual this week but that's too be expected. Not only have I missed many gym sessions due to packing and moving, but I had zero leg workouts for three weeks except for a couple of spinning classes. It will take a while for my body to get back to where it was, much less where I want it, lol!

I thought about just doing cardio tomorrow, but I haven't been able to stop for groceries on the way to work all week - just too much too carry. I live within walking distance of Safeway now so I think I'll take my rollie cart and walk there, buy groceries, and walk back. That will get me some exercise and get the necessities bought. Then I'll do the 30 minute walk from BART of course.

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

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Week 69, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1394
Fat: 34g (21%)
Carbs: 111g (31%)
Protein: 169g (47%)
Weight this morning: 132.8 (One week ago: n/a)
Calories burned in exercise today: 93

Went into the City today. I popped into GNC. They had the whey protein on sale and my Gold Card discount was still good, so I stocked up. I bought a 5 lb. tub of the Chocolate Carmel (my mainstay), and 1 lb. packets of the Cookies & Cream and the Banana Creme to try them.

I am SO sore today! That leg workout yesterday really did a number on me. I know it was mostly the walking lunges. Those leave me sore every time, even if that's the only leg exercise I do. My butt is sore, as well as my inner thighs - more sore than usual because I haven't done a leg workout is something like three weeks (I was doing the spinning class instead).

It hurts to walk, but I walked from BART to work anyway. I stopped at WalMart and bought a couple more clothing items. I found women's size 4 jeans shorts and tried them on and they fit! They are the same size as my Calvin Klein size 8 shorts, lol! But then, WalMart engages in vanity sizing and anything that's "women's" will be larger anyway. A woman's 4 is like a 6, and a WalMart 6 is like an 8 anywhere else.

The nightshirt I bought yesterday was too small but today WalMart had the correct size for me. I'll give the smaller one to my sister for Christmas. It should fit her perfectly and it is quite cute.

I hope to go back to the gym tomorrow and do upper body stuff and run. I hope I'm not too sore to run.

I was extremely hungry yesterday. I think it was the two days of working out and my calories being quite low the first day.

Abby is acting strange. Her new favorite place to sleep and hide is my closet. Granted it's large, but I would think she would feel trapped in there, not safe. When I left this morning she was settled in the back of the closet and Xena was sleeping on my bed, right where I lay. This move has messed with them. Abby is acting strange and Xena has become more affectionate and needy.

Brad and I bought tickets to see Journey to the Center of the Earth this Friday. We found a 3D showing, but it's a bit of a drive and costs extra of course. I hear the movie is only so-so, but that the 3D makes it worth it.

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

Monday, July 07, 2008

Week 69, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1304
Fat: 25g (17%)
Carbs: 104g (32%)
Protein: 166g (51%)
Weight this morning: 134.6 (One week ago: 134.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 241

Bought a lot of stuff today. I stopped at Long's Drugs by the gym and bought workout socks. I forgot to take my breakfast with me when I left so I also got a South Beach meal bar to get some protein into me.

Got in a good leg workout at the gym (1 hour), then did the elliptical for 30 minutes. Since I am down to one workout shirt, I bought a black 24 Hour Fitness tank top, and it even turned out to be on sale when they scanned it. :) It feels good to get back to my regular routine at the gym. I hope to go again on Wednesday for more arms, back, and shoulder work. :)

I figured instead of walking to work and stopping at WalMart on the way that I could save time and take the bus. Wrong. The 2:03 bus didn't show up, and the 2:18 bus came on time but left about 4 minutes late. I had to actually shop at WalMart, not just run in and grab a few things, so I needed time.

I was nearly a half hour late to work by the time I got the stuff I needed and made sure the clothes fit. I bought necessities (socks and undies), a long black nightshirt, a pair of short pink nightie shorts to go under it, and a cute little skort - black with pink shorts underneath. I also bought a new digital watch since the band on my old one is looking pretty bad.

I still haven't received July's check from Dad. I finally got him my new address and he says the check will go out tomorrow. The property check should be waiting for my at my P.O. box which I will check tomorrow.

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

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Week 68 Weigh-In

Friday I took a little walk down the street and back, then Brad and I did an hour 40 minutes of walking later. Two hours total for me. Then we went to Jack London Square to see the fireworks and I have pictures and video. We had drinks at Tony Roma's. I counted my two glasses of wine there as the two glasses I allow myself on Fridays.

Saturday after church we walked up the street and then down MacArthur all the way to the Laurel District. About 1 hour total. Then we Pay-Per-Viewed 10,000 BC, which Brad expressed an interest in seeing. Not too bad of a movie. I missed some of it because I was in and out of the kitchen so I insisted on seeing the beginning of the movie again so I could figure out the plot better.

In the midst of seeing the beginning of the movie a second time Abby escaped and roamed the neighborhood looking for her old home. I finally asked Brad to leave as she wouldn't come to him; she's bonded to me. I went outside a couple more times calling to her and eventually heard her bell and corralled her back inside. Cats need to be kept indoors for two weeks after a move and it's only been a few days. Give Abby some more time to know where home is and she should do fine.

Today I went to the gym and did one hour of upper body weights followed by 30 minutes of running. It was so good to get back to the running. I missed that. I forgot to pack my salad today so I had to stop at the store and buy some. I was running a bit late so I took the bus over the first overpass, then walked the rest of the way to work - 20 minutes.

Tomorrow I am hoping to hit the gym again and do lower body. Since it is hard to run after working my legs for an hour, I figure I'll do the elliptical or something easier on my legs.

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

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Week 68, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1007
Fat: 24g (21%)
Carbs: 69g (27%)
Protein: 134g (52%)
Weight this morning: too scared to get on the scale (One week ago: 131.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 97

I'm still too afraid to get on the scale. At least I finally got some exercise today - the 1.5 mile walk from the BART station to work.

Last night was my first time coming home from work by bus to my new place. The neighborhood was quiet and I arrived home safe and sound.

Today I slept in and then put up my photos on the wall of the main room. That box is now cleared out and I think it's the LAST box. Woohoo!

I took the bus to work for the first time today so I am learning my way around. :)

At work I paid bills online and tried (unsuccessfully) to set up online bill paying for my water bill.

Tomorrow is Friday and I am planning on baking the chicken I bought today. Friday will probably end up being my laundry day, but Brad and I just did laundry a couple days ago so I don't have to do it again. We'll go for a walk in the afternoon and then hopefully out for drinks at Jack London Square and watch the fireworks. I haven't had a July 4th off in 6 or 7 years! I bought celery and baby carrots so I will have healthy munchies while we are out.

Saturday we may Pay-Per-View 10,000 BC. Brad said he was interested in seeing it.

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

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

A moving experience...

Weight this morning: didn't get on scale (One week ago: 131.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 0

Well, I am fat today. I'm busting out of my WalMart shorts, never mind getting into the skinny ones that look so good on me. I have been off plan for two days. I ate mostly healthy, but I ate and ate and ate, probably enough calories in those two days for a week. :-p I am back on track today. I had egg whites and black coffee for breakfast and am having a chicken breast split between lunch and my dinner salad. Mostly I'm just trying to drink a lot.

I haven't been to the gym in a week and won't make it this week. For now I am just focussing on settling into my new place. Hopefully I can get back next Sunday.

I guess I should catch you all up on my move now.

Sunday was my last night in the old house. Brad and I had most everything out of the apartment. We picked up the U-Haul about 10 or 10:30. Then we took his van to pick up the two guys from Teen Challenge. We took them back to the U-Haul place and got the truck. There were only two seats in the front. The two guys rode in the back and we went to the old apartment (photos forthcoming as Brad took a lot to cover us in case the Leungs don't want to give me my deposit back). We got the remaining heavy stuff into the truck, including Abby in her cage. I insisted on riding in the back to the new place as Abby would feel better if she could hear my voice. The remaining three crammed into the truck cab.

At the new apartment we unloaded and I had the men move the boxes away from the wall and the bookcases over to the wall. I gave them a snack, got gas for the truck (just $10 worth), went back to the U-Haul place, paid up (about $60), and Brad and I took the guys back to Teen Challenge in the van. I paid up there ($40), and we went back to start unpacking.

I got Brad to help me with some things, and then he went back to the old apartment to clean. When he got back late that evening we went shopping for all the stuff I will need for my new apartment. I could tell I needed stackable plastic drawers, so I bought two sets ($60) and a bunch of other stuff. That came to about $113. Then we went to Applebee's for drinks. They got rid of the one healthy meal I liked so it's no longer my favorite restaurant.

AT&T didn't get my phone service up on Monday. I called them yesterday and they checked and found a problem with a wire on their end. They fixed it and then I had phone service.

The past few days have blurred into one another. At some point we took my Sears vacuum to a repair place. I called them later and found it needed a bunch of work. We picked it back up and just trashed it. I have another one that works, and there is no carpet in my new place anyway.

We also stopped at a health food store and I ended up buying some Rescue Remedy for Abby to help calm her.

We also went to Office Max to get a new tack board; I also got a small dry erase board for my fridge. Brad hasn't put the tack board up yet, but is supposed to do so today.

We did the laundry at the closest laundromat, but their driers ripped off some of my money and they refused to do anything about it. Later Brad and I walked to the next nearest one to see how far it was and get some exercise. It's 15 minutes each way, so not too bad. We'll try that one next time.

The owner of the new apartment called me as we finished the laundry and said he changed the locks. We met at the apartment and exchanged the old for the new.

Abby has been in the kitchen in her cage. Last night I fed her some tuna with Rescue Remedy in it. Then I moved the cage in front of the bathroom and opened the door. She tried to get out of the bathroom, but I shooed her away from the door. So right now both Xena and Abby are locked in the bathroom. The litter box and food will be in there and I want Abby to know where they are.

After that I swept out the cage, and Brad and I figured out how to fold it flat. We placed in on the base, and slid it into the box it came in. There is NO room in this new apartment for it unless it is collapsed.

We were able to do a lot of stuff yesterday because the Leungs (owners of the old apartment) called and said that the apartment needed repainting before the carpets could be cleaned, so that appointment was off.

Today Direct TV came and installed. They didn't use the dish we brought with us from the old apartment, but the guy did take that dish with him when he left. It is so good to have my Direct TV back! It has been missed.

Brad drove me to work and we stopped at WalMart to get a few more items and get copies of the key made - about $45 for everything.

So yeah, it's been a busy few days and this is the condensed version!

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

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Week 67 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)
Week 65: 141.8 (+4.8) - Week 66: 135.4 (-6.4)
Week 67: 136 (+0.6)
Total loss: -18

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1444
Fat: 21g (13%)
Carbs: 112g (31%)
Protein: 165g (46%)
Weight Thursday morning: 128.4 (One week ago: 128.2)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 95

Calories eaten Friday: 1550
Fat: 26g (15%)
Carbs: 101g (26%)
Protein: 158g (40%)
Weight Friday morning: 127.6 (One week ago: 128.8)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 204

Weight Saturday morning: 129 (One week ago: 129.2)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

I kinda had to fudge my numbers today because I was so dehydrated. I drank a little too much last night. I came in just under 136, so I gulped a little water to take me to exactly 136. I could have drunk a lot more, but I didn't want to be over my goal.

It was a busy weekend with no rest. Friday Brad and I got in a short walk (1 hour 15 minutes), and then we took Xena, the fish, and another load of stuff over to the new apartment. I locked Xena in the bathroom. It has one of those old style tubs on legs and as of this morning she was still hiding under the tub. However, the food has been disturbed, the scratching post slightly used, and the little box used, so she is coming out.

Saturday Doug came over after church and took down my Direct TV satellite dish. Then Brad and I took another load over and walked around the neighborhood a bit. We also went shopping at Safeway for stuff to stock the fridge at the new place, and hit Petco for a collar for Abby (yes, I am trying again), and a new litter scoop and holder.

I had dinner and wine at Quinn's Lighthouse, and champagne, Irish coffee, and most of a cheese plate at New Zealander. I drank too much and have a touch of a hangover this morning.

Today after Brad and I went out for coffee at Starbucks, I trapped Abby in the cage. She is now freaking out that she's locked in the cage again (photo of cage). I then sized the collar to her, but didn't put it on her.

Brad and I took two more loads over to the new apartment including the bed frame, the small bookcase, the folding table, the microwave, and the exercise bike (which I locked up out back).

On the first trip I found the stapler and stapled Abby's collar so that it can't be made larger to where she can slip it off (the sharp points facing out so they can't hurt her). I have never seen such a Houdini cat when it comes to collars. Before we made the second trip I put the collar on her. We'll see how long it stays on. Brad and I can't get the cage in his van so Abby is going tomorrow in the moving truck.

Brad finally dropped me off at work since I do have to work today. Brad is supposed to go back to my old apartment to do more cleaning. However, tomorrow is the move so I am off, and Tuesday I am off as the carpet cleaner is coming. Tomorrow we pick up the U-Haul at 10:30, and two guys from Teen Challenge to help us move at 11:30. There's not a whole lot left - just Abby's in her cage, the bed, and two bookcases.

Wednesday I am staying home in the morning and waiting for Direct TV to come install the satellite dish, then going to work in the afternoon as usual.

Eating-wise I am on plan today. Tomorrow will be a cheat day. I haven't decided about Tuesday yet.

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

Thursday, June 26, 2008

More on moving

Calories eaten yesterday: 1393
Fat: 30g (19%)
Carbs: 100g (28%)
Protein: 176g (50%)
Weight this morning: 128.4 (One week ago: 128.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 95

Did the laundry last night and some packing. Slept in today and did more packing. Tomorrow Brad and I will take more stuff to the new apartment and do some unpacking. We will probably just do a short walk so we have more time to move and unpack. We may also take Xena and the fish to the new apartment and lock Xena in the bathroom with food, water, and a litter box. Since Abby has to be moved in the big cage, she can't go until Monday.

I finally got confirmation today from Teen Challenge that they will provide two men to help me move Monday, but we have to pick them up and drop them off. We get them at 11:30 a.m. Teen Challenge is a faith based program to get people off drugs, so the money goes to a good cause. :)

Brad did more cleaning yesterday and says he'll knock off anything remaining on Friday, but we'll see. Doug is supposed to come over after church on Saturday to take down the satellite dish, so there won't be time to do anything else that day.

I'm skipping the gym Sunday morning to do more moving and unpacking. While I have Monday and Tuesday off for the move, I do have to work my regular shift on Sunday.

I cashed in most of the money my employer takes from my paychecks (just $200) so I will be sure to have money to rent the U-Haul and pay Teen Challenge for the moving guys. We'll run by the bank tomorrow to deposit it.

I'll be posting my weigh-in on Sunday and then be gone the two days after. I'll be back on Wednesday with a full update on how things went. Ain't moving fun?

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

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Week 67, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1395
Fat: 30g (19%)
Carbs: 103g (29%)
Protein: 173g (50%)
Weight this morning: 131.2 (One week ago: 130)
Calories burned in exercise today: 364

Went to the gym and did the spinning class as best as I could. The teacher did not ride with us, I guess because she taught a weight training class right after. She had her cycling shoes with her and said she would lone them to anybody who wore a 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 shoes size. No one took her up so I said I wear a size 8. She gave me her shoes and helped me snap them into the pedals. So that was kind of cool. I didn't do any weight training to speak of. I would much rather do the spinning class than do leg weight training.

After the spinning class I got on a treadmill and just walked for 30 minutes at about 3.5 mph. I covered 1.83 miles. I had my protein and carb snack on my way to work, then walked from the BART station - 1.5 miles in 30 minutes.

Today will probably be my last gym workout until after the move. I will be doing some walking, though, so I will get some exercise.

I bought another canister of Muscle Milk Light for Brad to take to the new apartment (it was still on sale). They also had various Apex bars and cookies on sale, so I stocked up on those. They will be good, easy food to eat leading up to the move and enable me to get all other food out of my house. I'm keeping the cottage cheese, some of it mixed with protein powder, the Apex bars, Friday night's dinner, and that's it. Everything else is going to be packed and taken to the new apartment by Friday afternoon. Some of the Apex bars will go to the new apartment so that we'll have quick, easy food available both places.

Since I will be on plan Sunday, I'll bring Sunday's food to work tomorrow.

It feels strange to be in this in-between limbo with the move - not really living in either apartment. All my pots and pans and most of my food are at the new apartment.

Oh...I got my story posted on 24 Hour Fitness' 12 Million Lives Web site. They are soliciting stories from members so I wrote up mine. It can be seen here.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Week 67, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1224
Fat: 19g (14%)
Carbs: 103g (34%)
Protein: 150g (49%)
Weight this morning: 133 (One week ago: 132.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 511

Crap. My weight is up today. For now I'll blame the hot dogs. I had the fat free turkey dogs for lunch, dinner, and snack and they are high in sodium.

Finally got back to the gym. That felt good. I did an hour of upper body work using the 8x8 system Joe told me to try - 8 sets of 8 reps. I had to go pretty light to complete all the sets and reps and got very few exercises done because each one takes so long when you are doing a total of 64 reps of everything.

For cardio I ran on the treadmill. It felt so good to get back to running again. :) I started out at 5.2, but I felt good and strong and topped out at 6.7 mph, though I couldn't maintain it for very long. In the end I did 35 minutes and covered 3.55 miles, so my average was about 6 mph. FitDay says I burned 290 calories from the run alone, but I doubt it was nearly that much.

The gym had Muscle Milk Light on sale, so I bought a canister, plus one each of the 24 Hour hand towel and bath towel.

I had my protein and carb snack and walked to work from BART. I bought some groceries to go to the new house. I want some food there so I have food to eat right when I move in. I had Brad take the Muscle Milk, towels, and groceries to the new apartment.

I had an NSV at the gym today. I was laying down on a bench doing tricep extensions and the guy who calls me "Slimmy" came over. I stopped my exercise and lowered the dumbbells. He said no, to put them back up, so I did. So now I'm laying there with my arms up in the air, holding the dumbbells. Then he said something like, "Girlfriend, look at that. Your tummy is flat. I'm impressed," and lightly patted my tummy. I just smiled and he walked away. That felt really good.

My move is next Monday/Tuesday. I am taking the day off work and will not have Internet access so I won't be posting. I do have to work Sunday and will check in then, and then back again on Wednesday. Hopefully by then my phone will be turned on at the new house so I can hook my modem up.

I'm planning a cheat day on Monday. Tuesday I hope to be totally on plan, but no promises. It's going to be a stressful, long couple of days. I'm stocking up on healthy, easy food at the new house - 100% Whole Wheat Light bread, Special K Protein Plus cereal, low-carb chocolate soy milk, sugar-free peanut butter and Walden Farms jelly, cottage cheese, turkey pepperoni, fat free cheese, and South Beach meal bars. I'll have everything I need to eat healthy, even though my calories will be high.

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

Monday, June 23, 2008

Week 67, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1240
Fat: 31g (22%)
Carbs: 83g (26%)
Protein: 160g (50%)
Weight this morning: 132.6 (One week ago: 134.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 97

I didn't have my workout pants (I accidentally took every pair to the new apartment), so I decided to skip the gym and do more packing. I threw a box of miscellaneous stuff together and took a few loads of trash downstairs. Brad found my gray leggings and brought them to me so I can work out tomorrow if I want. I wanted my Danskins but oh well. He couldn't find them.

Lisa was an hour late to relieve me yesterday so she drove me home. She wanted the cat tree, but her car was too small to hold it. I got my tool kit and managed to get off the base and one post. That enabled me to get it in her car, with one post sticking out the window. Here's a photo except mine was blue.

I did some hunting on Craig's list last night and found the listing for my current apartment. I'll remove the link when it no longer works. I copied the listing below:

$800 Top floor unit with view (oakland lake merritt / grand)
Reply to: saulay88@yahoo.com
Date: 2008-06-20, 1:24PM PDT

Top floor studio unit is available for rent in apartment complex. All electric kitchen with lots of cabinets. Walk-in closet. Bright and spacious with mostly new windows. Huge courtyard. Option for parking with additional fees ($40 secured parking, $55 garage). Garbage and water will be paid by owner. Apartment building is located in Bella Vista neighborhood, featured with laundry facilities. Just off Park Blvd. with the 580 freeway nearby, bus line is just down the block. Close to the Parkway Theater and the new Albertsons. About 8 blocks from Lake Merritt. Good management. If you are interested, please call 415-387-7123.

East 23rd St.

* cats are OK- purrr
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 726795522

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Week 66 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)
Week 65: 141.8 (+4.8) - Week 66: 135.4 (-6.4)
Total loss: -18.6

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1283
Fat: 22g (15%)
Carbs: 82g (25%)
Protein: 156g (48%)
Weight Thursday morning: 128.2 (One week ago: N/A)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 95

Calories eaten Friday: 1569
Fat: 26g (15%)
Carbs: 105g (27%)
Protein: 151g (38%)
Weight Friday morning: 128.8 (One week ago: 134.4)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 136

Weight Saturday morning: 129.2 (One week ago: 133.2)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 0

Yes, it it good to see my goal weight on a Sunday, but I think I was severely dehydrated because it was MEGA hot this weekend, plus I drank a lot of alcohol yesterday. I expect it will rebound next week. I actually weighed myself with a bottle of diet iced tea (and then drank it of course) to try to get a more realistic weight.

It was a long, crazy busy weekend!

Friday Brad came over after work and we stopped at the bank to get the $1125 needed for the new apartment ($725 first month's rent and $400 security deposit). I got money orders because they won't take a check for the first month. We managed only a short walk of one hour - we like to go for two hours - before meeting Gloria to sign the papers for the apartment and fork over the money.

I new after looking at the apartment that both of the cat trees will NOT fit, so I decided to get rid of the blue one.

Gloria said it was okay to bring over some boxes to the new place; I just couldn't live there until the date I stated. So after church Saturday Brad and I took some last little stuff to the Salvation Army, along with the cat tree. We tried two Salvation Army stores and one Goodwill and nobody wanted it. We ended up leaving it by the dumpsters in my apartment building. It's still perfectly good, if a little used.

We then made loaded Brad's van with stuff and took it over to the apartment. Then we went to Applebee's and I had two Mochatinis (I brought my own sugar-free Hershey's syrup to use), a glass of Cabernet wine, and a bunch of Diet Coke. It was very hot and I was dehydrated. Then we made another run of boxes to the new apartment, and went to New Zealander where I had two glasses of sparkling wine, an Irish coffee (with Splenda instead of simple syrup), and a cheese plate.

I skipped the gym this morning so we could make another run two the new apartment. I didn't have breakfast, so I grabbed a South Beach bar out of the fridge at the new place and ate that while Brad carried the boxes in. When I finished eating I put stuff away in the cabinets. Brad also helped me put some boxes away in the closet.

After we did everything we could he drove me to WalMart and I bought some stuff for the new apartment - shower curtains, some food, etc., and a few cleaning supplies to help him clean my old apartment - $111 total. Ouch! Brad dropped me at work and then left to work on cleaning the old apartment. I don't actually move into the new place until next Monday.

So no exercise today at all. I hope to hit the gym tomorrow.

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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Cholesterol, blood sugar, HbA1C, & thyroid madness

Calories eaten yesterday: 1277
Fat: 27g (19%)
Carbs: 103g (32%)
Protein: 151g (47%)
Weight this morning: 128.2 (One week ago: N/A)
Calories burned in exercise today: 95

Alright! Finally under 130 today, but nowhere near a new low. I have been very good all week keeping my calories low. And I'm finally back in my skinny shorts today!

I got a sort of compliment today. I saw somebody at work who I don't regularly see. It's hot out so I'm wearing shorts and a tank top. The lady said I was "too skinny" and that I'm losing too much weight. I told her I was in a normal weight range (I am). She said it didn't look good on me (I disagree), that she could see my bones (she meant my collarbones, which I think are my sexiest feature). She also said I have skinny legs. People just get so used to "fat" as the norm that a normal weight on someone becomes "too skinny." Still, I'll take it as a compliment. :)

My blood test numbers from my doctor came today. I asked them to send me the results because my follow-up appointment isn't until late next month (and they are doing my PAP that day so I will be flying high on some serious pain drugs).

Anyway, as I suspected, the egg yolks were raising my LDL (bad) cholesterol. The LDL was back down again. Here's the numbers and the ranges:

Total cholesterol: 162...125-200
Triglycerides: 55...<150
VLDL: 11...5-35
Calculated LDL: 66...<130 - with no other risk factors it should be <160
HDL: 85...>46
Cholesterol/HDL ratio: 1.9...<5.0

So my total is way down (it was over 200 last time). Triglycerides are up slightly, but still very good, probably because I'm eating controlled-carb now instead of low-carb. VLDL is up slightly, but still excellent. HDL is down very slighty, but still awesome. And my total/HDL ratio is down to the lowest ever, probably because my overall total is down.

Fasting glucose was 81. HbA1C was 5.0. The paper says non-diabetic is less than 6.0. Mean plasma glucose was 101 (no range given), with this note: On September 6, 2005, Quest Diagnostics changed the calculation based on Hemoglobin A1c from an estimation of mean whole blood glucose to an estimation of mean plasma glucose. This was done at the recommendation of the American Diabetes Association. Mean plasma glucose levels will be generally 10-20% higher than mean whole blood glucose levels.

My thyroid results were interesting. TSH and T-4 were in range (TSH was on the high end, though), but T-3 was out of range, a little high. I know I am always cold and have difficulty losing body fat, but a very easy time gaining fat. I did some online research and being hypothyroid (high T-3 and TSH) does slow down metabolism! That is me! Other symptoms are difficulty losing weight and "cold intolerance." It's all falling into place now!

T-4 Total: 5.3. The range is 4.5-12.5. In range.
T-3 Uptake: 35.5. The range is 22-35. Out of range.
Free Thyroxine Index: 1.9. The range is 1.4-3.8. In range.
Thyroxine-Free: 0.9. Range is 0.8-1.8. In range.
TSH: 4.07. Range is 0.4-4.5. In range.

The bill for all these tests came today. The entire physical came to $502! Wow. Lupe negotiated a 25% discount, leaving $376.50. My employer covers 80% ($301.20), so my portion is $75.30. Today is payday so I gave Lupe a check right away.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Apartment approved & offer ACCEPTED!

Calories eaten yesterday: 1255
Fat: 34g (24%)
Carbs: 88g (27%)
Protein: 152g (47%)
Weight this morning: 130 (One week ago: N/A)
Calories burned in exercise today: 82

Looks like I'm down about 10 pounds since Sunday. Yay me! I've been very good with food and carbs. I know it's just water weight, but I'll take the loss any way I can get it. :)

So I have a new apartment! Yesterday I asked Colleen to have the owner contact me directly since he doesn't want his number given out. He did call me (the number was blocked, lol) and I talked with him directly about the rent issue.

He said he can't promise not to raise the rent - that it has to do with the market - but he did say that the market has been pretty stable for quite a while. I can understand this. He didn't come across like the owners of where I live now - raising the rent the max allowed every year.

So he might be a good owner looking for good tenants. He did thoroughly check me out. Not just the standard credit check, but he actually checked my employment and references.

With the rent issue out of the way I will go ahead and sign the papers on Friday. Once I sign on the dotted line and give them the money it's a done deal. Now to deal with the packing and cleaning! Eek! Hopefully this new apartment is where God wants me.

The photos of the apartment (taken from the Craig's List ad) can be found in this post from a few days ago.

No exercise today except the walk from BART to work.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Apartment approved!

Calories eaten yesterday: 1215
Fat: 23g (17%)
Carbs: 97g (32%)
Protein: 146g (49%)
Weight this morning: 132.2 (One week ago: 132)
Calories burned in exercise today: 91

Never did get lunch yesterday - too busy with work and personal stuff, so my calories were on the low side for a workout day. I sure am hungry today, though!

My only exercise today was walking to work from BART as I had to run errands in San Francisco this morning.

Got a call from Colleen this morning that all my stuff checks out and the apartment is mine if I want it! This is very good. :) On Brad's advice I asked her to have the owner call me at his convenience. I want to talk with him about the rent issue. I hope I find the right words to say. Lord, give me favor in his eyes and the right words to say!

If all goes well I am due to sign the papers, give them $1450. The owner will be out of town so I am meeting with a woman named Gloria.

I talked to Helena (the owner of where I live now) yesterday to set up the carpet cleaners, tell her the day I'm moving, and reiterate to them that I want my entire $895 deposit back. The manager of where I live, Rene, said they will rip me off for all they can get if I don't stand up to them. He said they don't want to go to court, so tell them that if I don't get my money back I'm taking legal action.

They also under the misguided notion that after I've lived there five years, the apartment will be ready to rent right after I move out. After five years of wear and tear...um, no.

I can't wait for this whole thing to be over and be in my new apartment so that I can focus on the truly important things in life.

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

Monday, June 16, 2008

Week 66, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1169
Fat: 26g (20%)
Carbs: 85g (29%)
Protein: 146g (49%)
Weight this morning: 134.8 (One week ago: 133.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 412

Pounded the water yesterday so I am down a little today. Not where I should be, but better than yesterday. At least I'm back into the 130s again.

I was going to do legs today, but decided to try my hand at the spinning class. I thought - what the hell, should be a good workout. So after 20 minutes of doing legs, I joined the spinning class. Had a hard time getting started because the tension control didn't work on the first bike I hopped on and I had to change. Then I had to adjust the seat on the second bike and between fighting those two things I lost some time. With the cool down at the end I'm counting 40 minutes.

I was tired after the class and didn't feel like trying to weight train my legs anymore after all that pedaling (!), so I walked to the cardio room and got on a stationary bike there and pedaled at a much slower, easier pace for another 30 minutes.

I had my protein and carb snack on my way to work and then walked in from the train station (30 minutes, 1.5 miles). I'm wiped and trying to get some caffeine in me!

Tomorrow is my mail run into San Francisco, so the walk to work from the train will be my exercise. Yes, I do a lot of walking. I have no car so it's easy to simply skip the bus and walk for exercise.

Colleen (apartment liaison) called Brad today to verify my employment, so that is coming along. She'll also call some or all of the references I provided so I'm still in waiting mode.

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

Bible quiz

You know the Bible 100%!

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

Week 65 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)
Week 65: 141.8 (+4.8)
Total loss: -12.2

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 876 (no, that's not a typo)
Fat: 12g (12%)
Carbs: 53g (24%)
Protein: 105g (47%)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 83

I couldn't bear to weigh myself this morning after Tuesday's binge. :(

Calories eaten Friday: 1342
Fat: 20g (14%)
Carbs: 84g (25%)
Protein: 131g (39%)
Weight Friday morning: 134.4 (One week ago: 129)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 273

Looks like I gained about 5 1/2 pounds from the binge. :(

Weight Saturday morning: 133.2 (One week ago: 132.8)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 141

Calories burned in exercise today: 455

So from a one day binge I gained nearly 5 pounds. My body is truly a fat storing machine and hates me. I weighed this much last September! I've lost 9 months worth of hard work in one week! If that isn't the definition of a body that hates me, I don't know what is. :-p

But I am not giving up. I didn't get as far as I have by giving up. I just have to get it through my thick skull that I have to behave!

Friday Brad and I drove to the bank so I could deposit the check I got from cashing in my vacation money, then walked along the shoreline in Oakland for 2 hours. It was so hot I could wear shorts and a tank top. After that we went shopping - I badly needed groceries.

Saturday after church we dropped another box of stuff off at Goodwill, then walked once around the lake. I had bugged Brad on Friday about my upcoming move and that he said he would help and so far hadn't. He decided to tackle the mini blinds Saturday afternoon. We determined that the cats wrecked three of the five blinds in the apartment, and what the sizes were. Then we were off to WalMart to buy new blinds, some cleaning supplies, and I also bought some Alli. With the Alli the whole thing came to $120! Yike!

Brad began to install the blinds, but it was getting late and he promised me a cheese plate and a glass of wine at New Zealander to help me de-stress, so we did that. Then we came back and he worked on the mini blinds while I prepared food for today at work, and Boca burgers for dinner last night.

It got to be really late and he had only two blinds done with one more to go, and one that he soaked in the bathtub to clean. I suggested he spend the night. I made us coffee and eggs this morning (all whites for me, one yolk for him).

We had another apartment to look at today but first he drove me to the gym to work out while he walked around the lake and surrounding area. I did upper body - arms, shoulders, and back, and ran for 30 minutes on the treadmill.

I was late getting out and we rushed to look at the apartment. This one was a very large one bedroom, on the edge of a bad area with prostitute hotels a half block away. The apartment was old (not always a bad thing), but it needed a lot of work, work the tenant was expected to do.

After that Brad dropped me off a ways from work so I could walk the rest of the way in, and he dropped off my backpack and computer for me. He said he was going back to my apartment and do more work (like finish the remaining mini blind).

My "best bet" is $725 per month, and I have to pay water (they only cover garbage). The liaison, Colleen, contacted me Saturday afternoon and said I had passed the credit check and that the owner would now be contacting my employer and checking references. I had to explain that my boss was on vacation and that Brad was the interim manager. Brad was with me and silently wrote down his numbers to give to Colleen. The owner will probably call him tomorrow, so I am still in "wait and see" mode.

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

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Miscellany

Calories eaten yesterday: 923 (no, that's not a typo)
Fat: 24g (23%)
Carbs: 70g (29%)
Protein: 117g (48%)
Calories burned in exercise today: 83

I couldn't bear to weigh myself this morning. Last night's weight was about 150 so I knew I would just be depressed this morning. Maybe I'll weigh myself tomorrow and face the music.

Ate very light yesterday. I wasn't terribly hungry, plus after about three days worth of food I needed to cut way back. I think it would have been better to just fast yesterday, but I am such a food slut and my stomach always wins.

My plan today is to eat fairly light. I'm hoping to come in under 1300 calories even with my glass of wine.

Got to bed about 2:30 a.m. and slept in today. Usually when I sleep in I wake up about 11 a.m. Today when I pried open my eyes it was well past noon! I guess I was tireder than I thought! I did take a Benedryl and 1mg of Xanax before bed to help me sleep.

I guess I slept like a log because (more gross stuff about Alli here) when I got up this morning I found greasy poop all over my underwear, and it had also soaked through to my nightgown (remember Tuesday's binge?). I don't even remember farting or anything last night that could make that happen! It was easy enough to clean myself up, but I usually remember when it happened and this time I don't.

On the apartment, Brad turned in the application for the Fruitvale studio yesterday. I will call the liaison in a couple of days and bug her about it's status. Right now all I can do is wait and hope and scan other option in case this fall through. She said the owner would offer the apartment to the first applicant that passes the credit check so I can only hope there's no one else in front of me.

My Bay To Breakers CD of all my images came today. They were read only so I copied them into another folder on my desktop so I could weed out the photos that didn't include me (there were several photos of other people with my number [???]) and rename the photos with me. I have them up on Flickr now. Here's the entire set with the new photos added.

Technorati tagged: diet, low fat, weight loss, health, exercise, Alli, weight,diet pills, fat, overweight, NutriSystem

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

More on moving

Calories burned in exercise today: 110

After yesterday I didn't weigh myself this morning. I probably ate at least three days' worth of food yesterday, so I'm not very hungry today. I skipped breakfast and am just trying to drink a lot.

The latest news on looking for apartments is I am now looking at a place I looked at before. They had two apartments available. A cheap one that was old and a more expensive one that has been totally redone. The cheap one has been taken, but the refurbished one is still open. It's $725 a month, and I would have to pay my own water and PG&E. The owner only covers garbage. I was told he raises the rents "occasionally."

I don't have the application they gave me anymore, but I do have a generic one all made out and they said they would take that. I photocopied it and Brad is dropping it off at another apartment building where the owner can pick it up. The liaison told me that the owner knows that I want the apartment. They pay the screening fee so now I just wait and hope no one else is ahead of me for it.

This apartment is small for the price (probably why they are having trouble filling it), but if I can live there longer then it will be worth it.

Since the Craig's List link will eventually disappear, here the description with photos:

Charming studio in convenient location.
Close to Farmer Joe’s market and 580 freeway.
Full of old world charm with lots of wood molding and original hardwood floors.
Large closet in living room.
Separate kitchen and bath with solid surface countertops.
Small single story 6 unit complex so you will not have anyone above you and few steps to entry.
Low deposit and we pay screening fees.

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