tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80470910070515765592024-02-19T02:21:33.589-05:00Challenges ComeEmbrace the chance to SHINE!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-25356376873985020742013-08-27T11:38:00.002-04:002013-08-27T11:38:20.267-04:00Depression Lies
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am living with the fact that there is a hovering sense of
emptiness. sorrow. sadness. hollowness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The question of why bother? What difference does it make if I
get out of bed? I feel like my limbs are frozen in fear. The feeling that I must
sleep because that option is the only one I have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read something from
thebloggess.com and she talked about how depression lies. I hate being lied to.
I hate that my mind/body/soul are fighting a battle against a liar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you win when it is your own body you are fighting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am doing my best to take it second by second. If I look
too far forward, panic hits. I want to be better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is why I will do my best not to be scared. To fight
back with everything I have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-8142280217980447322013-08-25T14:13:00.001-04:002013-08-25T14:13:43.598-04:00Live in the momentI want to document this moment and keep it close to my heart:<div><br></div><div>A lazy Sunday</div><div><br></div><div>Scene:</div><div><br></div><div>Sitting on the couch playing a game on her phone, amber sits to my left. Red Hot hair in a messy bun. PJ's that are too big on her now that she's losing weight. </div><div><br></div><div>Curled in a ball to her left, on the floor, lies Sammy. Tired and sleepy from a walk Willie gave him. </div><div><br></div><div>Ice packs on my back,to help a spasm from the water ballon filing for Elizabeth's bday. I use my TiVo app to record shows for the week. I am wearing clothes that, at one time, were too tight and now are too loose. </div><div><br></div><div>Sounds:</div><div><br></div><div>I am playing pandora's young punk radio on my iPhone. Amber and I sing absentmindedly to our old favorites. Songs we will still know all the word to. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to remember this moment. </div><div><br></div><div>Amber's smaller hands holding a cigarette. </div><div><br></div><div>Sammy's suddenly decides that underneath the sofa is more comfy. </div><div><br></div><div>When I call for him, he crawls out and bolts to give me licks. </div><div><br></div><div>How he twists in a ball an lets me kiss him. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to remember how the air felt. The last days of summer are here. There's a lightness in the air that means fall is coming. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to remember that moments like these are rare. I want to remember to seek these moments out. </div><div><br></div><div>The simple act of being comfortable and peace in the air. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhOrFzq722w5fmYoBE0xqV5dbzsma6vLH0Z_k16u0wRK3B_d2lQ_mRjpgMAF_l5rHbOi_-S3h4n79Im1frJaT_KZaYYeiXR68upU-zPrU4JojkQAsfm1dGAGcJ5o9YBGEvM5nnAyVs4SQ/s640/blogger-image-850754935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhOrFzq722w5fmYoBE0xqV5dbzsma6vLH0Z_k16u0wRK3B_d2lQ_mRjpgMAF_l5rHbOi_-S3h4n79Im1frJaT_KZaYYeiXR68upU-zPrU4JojkQAsfm1dGAGcJ5o9YBGEvM5nnAyVs4SQ/s640/blogger-image-850754935.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-60654893653348240312013-08-21T13:13:00.004-04:002013-08-21T13:13:54.805-04:00 A Declaration
My Declaration: <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve thought a lot about what I want from life lately. I
have decided to use blog this as a place to track my life. I want to track the
good, the bad, and everything in between. I want to look back on my life and
remember EVERYTHING. Starting now. No rules. No anxiety about how often I will
post and if anyone will ever read this. This is for me. And me alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am 27 and I am a survivor.
I have faced challenges that have bruised me emotionally and physically, but
the one thing that always remains…ME! I am here. I will live my life. I will
not let anxiety, ocd, depression, or anything else get in my way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will document my life. I will live my life. I will face
every challenge to the best of my ability. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watch out world, I’m not backing down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-73069009094788179762013-05-31T13:28:00.002-04:002013-08-21T13:05:18.204-04:00Week 3, Month 1 Week 3 has been a bit challenging. I walked 1.7 miles Monday afternoon on my day off, and some yoga last night to stretch the aches out. I hurt my left knee at the beginning of the week. I slipped on some water and basically S-L-A-M-M-E-D my knee into the wall. To say it hurt is an understatement. This is the knee I tore my ACL when I was 11 and ended up in a full length cast for TWO months during the summer! <br />
<br />
I iced the knee for a few hours and there was a massive knot on the top. Now this story, like most I have, is about to take a twist. It's my RIGHT knee that hurts. My left knee is FINE. I have NO IDEA what happened. I do, however, have my suspicions:<br />
<br />
Option 1. When I hurt my left knee, I over compensated by walking funny, which led to the right one hurting.<br />
<br />
Option 2. It's some of option 1, PLUS: I've been moving more and this was my knee's way of telling me to take it easy.<br />
<br />
Option 3. This is the scary one *there always has to be a scary one.* <br />
<br />
I was in a car accident a week before the first day of freshman year of high school. My head hit the dash, both of my wrists went through the vents, and my right knee hit the dash. The doctors said I had water under my knee and a lot of swelling. At the time, I had a sinus infection which they gave me antibiotics for. <br />
<br />
When I went to the ortho appointment a few days later, the water didn't show up on the x-ray anymore, but I still had a lot of swelling. The theory was that since I had taken the antibiotics, there was a chance that they cleared up the water. Weird, I know. BUT, this was after a traumatic event, AND 3 years after the ACL surgery. I was so excited that I didn't need another surgery, that I went on my merry little way.<br />
<br />
A month later the swelling was still there, but they assured me that the X-rays showed nothing that required surgery. Fast forward to the present.<br />
<br />
I STILL HAVE THAT SWOLLEN SPOT ON MY KNEE!<br />
<br />
I have been living in a state of denial for 12 years. I figured if I'm fat and you can't <em>really</em> tell I have the swelling, unless you look closely. If it doesn't hurt, ignore it. That was my motto. WAS.<br />
<br />
I have been trying to get an ortho appointment for 2 days. No doctor has an opening in the next few weeks, so tonight, I'm going to the ER to get checked out. <br />
<br />
I hope it's nothing, but I want to know. I know something is off, even if I just need to take it easy. <br />
<br />
This journey has brought me to some realizations I never dreamed of having. In the past, I would have let this derail me. Don't get me wrong, this sucks. But the difference now, is that I will continue on with my weight loss and exercise. I am in physical pain with my knee, but emotionally, I feel on top of the world.<br />
<br />
I'm really proud of myself.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-3502828860763506432013-05-24T14:38:00.000-04:002013-05-31T13:28:53.652-04:00Week 2, Month 1Here it is. <br />
<br />
I do not like tracking calories. I just don't do well with tracking EVERYTHING.<br />
<br />
I tried weight watchers when I was in High School and it was the same problem. I would freak out if I was 2 points over or 2 points under. I felt like I was ALWAYS thinking about food. <br />
<br />
I got sick the last week, after the yucky Six Flags trip, and fell off the 'calorie watching' wagon. in that first week, I noticed that my habits have changed enough that I don't need to count calories. I was able to stay around 1700-1800 calories a day anyway! I was a bit shocked.<br />
<br />
So, I have decided to go back to what has been working for the past 6 months. I am going to listen to my body. I will eat when hungry, I won't if I'm not. Simple as that.<br />
<br />
I will take every opportunity to eat healthy. I read motivational weight loss blogs. I keep an eye on pinterest for healthy options. I find that I CRAVE fruit after a walk. I LIKE quiona and asparagus. I'm good.<br />
<br />
I trust myself to be ok. I will still need someone (mainly Amber) to talk me off a ledge sometimes, but I realized that is ok. I'm human. I make mistakes. This isn't a yo-yo diet anymore. I will lose as much as I can and be as healthy as I can until I need to make a change.<br />
<br />
I've got a handle on my life (atleast for now).Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-64615305888049055092013-05-18T22:39:00.000-04:002013-05-29T14:20:27.586-04:00Six Flags! Week 1 (Day 6) Today was Six Flags. It was kinda yucky and rainy. Bright side was Cracker Barrel!<br />
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On our way, Triboro Bridge</div>
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Nice view of Yankee Stadium</div>
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GWB</div>
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we all had a nice laugh over the 'humps'</div>
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Amber and I split funnel cake and chocolate ice cream</div>
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and the best end to the day</div>
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<br />
<u>Breakfast</u> (420 cal)<br />
Everything bagel w/cream cheese before heading off to Six Flags<br />
<br />
<u>Lunch</u> (380 cal)<br />
Funnel cake with ice cream<br />
<br />
<u>Snack</u> (100 cal)<br />
Kellogg's Special K Pastry Crisp<br />
<br />
<u>Dinner</u> (939 cal)<br />
Chopped Sirloin steak<br />
mac n cheese<br />
mashed potatoes<br />
dumplings<br />
<br />
<u>Snack</u> (360 cal)<br />
1 cup walnuts<br />
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<u>Water</u> (8 oz)<br />
6 cupsAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-47279106417732812162013-05-17T22:31:00.000-04:002013-05-20T10:32:11.632-04:00Week 1 (Day 5)I am so sore from the concert last night. I feel like I can barely move. Willie wants to go to EDC at Citi Field to see if we can catch any of the music, but I'm not so sure about it right now. We have Great Adventure tomorrow, so tonight may turn into cleaning and then relaxing. <br />
<u></u><br />
Either way, I had a Non-Scale Victory (NSV) this morning. The top I bought a week ago to go to the Biggest Loser Casting in Philly, is a little looser than it was! In just a week. I can't wait to do my measurements Sunday!<br />
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<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Breakfast</u> (100 cal)<br />
Kudos Snickers Bar<br />
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<u>Lunch</u> (190 cal)<br />
Nature Valley Oats 'n Honey Bar<br />
<br />
<u>Snack</u> (183 cal)<br />
Home made Trail Mix<br />
(craisins, walnuts, pecans)<br />
<br />
<u>Dinner</u> (1108 cal)<br />
Cheeseburger w/bun<br />
Broccoli (roasted in oven, meh)<br />
Roasted Potatoes (yummy)<br />
<br />
<br />
no snack<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Water</u> (8 oz)<br />
9 cups (apparently, I was thirsty)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-43045252274455681902013-05-16T23:58:00.000-04:002013-05-17T11:59:06.341-04:00Paramore!!!Amber and I went to see Paramore at the Hamerstein Ballroom! Doors opened at 6:30. When we got there, the line was completely around the block. It was nuts. People had been waiting in line since 7 AM. Thank goodness the line moved fast and we were in at 7:20. <br />
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Side note: I have a slight love of the old water towers that are on NYC rooftops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVMPfP0CmWpjEb4mY7ICw4lqwLioPgPtAayrKhnZq-U0ems6q08JxHWODsLR5w50gq6e4k0CsMFlfk6tdBj87hy0Ts6n8tLJ6_9jqg2q0SV6_xDBUSTs8CzsnfP1Z7tJxbyMW2lBgwq2_/s1600/23edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVMPfP0CmWpjEb4mY7ICw4lqwLioPgPtAayrKhnZq-U0ems6q08JxHWODsLR5w50gq6e4k0CsMFlfk6tdBj87hy0Ts6n8tLJ6_9jqg2q0SV6_xDBUSTs8CzsnfP1Z7tJxbyMW2lBgwq2_/s320/23edited.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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And waiting gave me a few minutes to snap some touristy photos, like this one of the New Yorker sign...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D3bq1xscRQOga3QcbQB5rOwLVStICniRF74AplsyjnzNRW6shs-BGbie5FS1e_CmnXrmld-KMpoGwKRWMGFwja9aCTnocWjMdaPoBCmgm2h7jtK6-UWYMhwGvoyttOWBG_WFHqr0ev9l/s1600/22edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D3bq1xscRQOga3QcbQB5rOwLVStICniRF74AplsyjnzNRW6shs-BGbie5FS1e_CmnXrmld-KMpoGwKRWMGFwja9aCTnocWjMdaPoBCmgm2h7jtK6-UWYMhwGvoyttOWBG_WFHqr0ev9l/s320/22edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and the Empire State Building.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaLOVcFX93UnTVj1qIvVvWUdxIouDdS5zB6WxaHZ30ZuWxYBh84xT3Jd5hqwuF1xqRxw2bhPapeW-RIIsOuRxbwJdV_Vh-Y6cx3PjoEZu3cCxnBxWE0nrV3ct6nYnjZgglLV9DnxT97tB/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaLOVcFX93UnTVj1qIvVvWUdxIouDdS5zB6WxaHZ30ZuWxYBh84xT3Jd5hqwuF1xqRxw2bhPapeW-RIIsOuRxbwJdV_Vh-Y6cx3PjoEZu3cCxnBxWE0nrV3ct6nYnjZgglLV9DnxT97tB/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spoiler Alert: Blurry, obligatory, concert photos ahead.<br />
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Kitten opened at 8.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvn4mxu_yAD_Ju2_sRKPfVuGcw9wNW20BxCgrUvkAG-I_lmn5SObdfYPct6iA1uyO5bFvS6OBRsiohkN_V0O3dUOJWMqoIMSC4_UCAVjYeZqTcqTs7y_dGJI0x7mdZpjBFSoUp13IH-gA/s1600/image+%25284%2529edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvn4mxu_yAD_Ju2_sRKPfVuGcw9wNW20BxCgrUvkAG-I_lmn5SObdfYPct6iA1uyO5bFvS6OBRsiohkN_V0O3dUOJWMqoIMSC4_UCAVjYeZqTcqTs7y_dGJI0x7mdZpjBFSoUp13IH-gA/s320/image+%25284%2529edited.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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They were ok.</div>
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Paramore was on around 9. It was an awesome concert.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZslwdIGTqvLD0mRDYejzymrl_z8_iWEZ3mYt0bYAJP0Yd4-KNVQA-ZXuZUbBG7Kq3x3EDcQVxxjdZFYKlFWdtWC5UDomY9E692HU7FfMIWUuSgzmmQZDANx_4jVcmPRoEQ7dbwPIJSWky/s1600/Best+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZslwdIGTqvLD0mRDYejzymrl_z8_iWEZ3mYt0bYAJP0Yd4-KNVQA-ZXuZUbBG7Kq3x3EDcQVxxjdZFYKlFWdtWC5UDomY9E692HU7FfMIWUuSgzmmQZDANx_4jVcmPRoEQ7dbwPIJSWky/s320/Best+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBefqo1y04FdxDqvgRCJJXKOeEO7Av2zOeJLaZdSsNmEcGNps4CTu9Ok2Q5HGUBf-kek6_0gRYrMOnYo5wHrAxQt5yc6OQe7BL4fKdbxKrJHkUjbIkXqVjtvw8eoc9lWuBsR2zopSA_4c6/s1600/image+%252820%2529edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBefqo1y04FdxDqvgRCJJXKOeEO7Av2zOeJLaZdSsNmEcGNps4CTu9Ok2Q5HGUBf-kek6_0gRYrMOnYo5wHrAxQt5yc6OQe7BL4fKdbxKrJHkUjbIkXqVjtvw8eoc9lWuBsR2zopSA_4c6/s320/image+%252820%2529edited.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>
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I had fun. Now on to EDC at Citi Field and listen from the parking lot Friday :)</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-41368540952764291822013-05-16T23:30:00.000-04:002013-05-17T11:46:09.543-04:00Week 1 (Day 4)Today is a 'rest' day, but I'm not sure how much resting I did. I really wanted to get up at 6am and do a walk, but Amber said I shouldn't since we had the concert tonight. I think she was right.<br />
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It was really hard to eat breakfast. I forced myself to eat throughout the time at work. I left work at 2 for the concert. I basically ate all day long. I never got hungry and I was actually annoyed with food.<br />
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Got home, ate dinner, got ready, went to the concert, got home at 12-ish.<br />
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Now here's where I had an oopsie. I kinda had rice-a-roni and milky way. I used all my exercise calories, so I didn't go into the red, but I ate over 2000 calories. I know what happened and I know how to combat it in the future.<br />
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No more dinners at 4 pm!<br />
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Paramore!!<br />
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<u>Breakfast</u> (139 cal)<br />
1 cup cantaloupe<br />
1 cup honeydew<br />
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<u>Lunch</u> (183 cal)<br />
Craisins, Walnuts, Pecans<br />
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<u>Dinner</u> (1139 cal)<br />
Taco Salad (made with rice)<br />
<br />
Paramore Concert!!!<br />
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<u>Snack</u> (100)<br />
Fudge Bar<br />
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<u>Oopsie Dinner </u>(800 cal)<br />
Rice-a-roni<br />
Milky Way Bar<br />
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<u>Water (</u>8 oz)<br />
7 cups<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-32384073032480364682013-05-15T21:00:00.000-04:002013-05-16T11:57:08.504-04:00Week 1 (Day 3)Today was awesome! I started using the My Fitness Pal app that Kim suggested. I really like it. It keeps track of EVERYTHING. I made some smarter choices because of it. Only draw back, I wish there was an option to not have the exercise calories added into the daily allowance. Other than that, it rocks!<br />
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I did a 2 mile walk with Sammy at 7PM. I chose the route this time, so it wasn't as wonky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEaH8sQn40L3L0s_WuMK1_fAwSTNUbPxjjQrgLveD-6Se0jTj4dGaKBNCj7GgJS7cf2wYc_CNzEp-yklcp0dy121zKK5EIuGqVCjAzpwVXCBN6muJNihOw2l9OTYyeIM2e9b74W-sWUsY/s1600/111.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEaH8sQn40L3L0s_WuMK1_fAwSTNUbPxjjQrgLveD-6Se0jTj4dGaKBNCj7GgJS7cf2wYc_CNzEp-yklcp0dy121zKK5EIuGqVCjAzpwVXCBN6muJNihOw2l9OTYyeIM2e9b74W-sWUsY/s320/111.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm really proud of myself today. I was really tired and sore, but I knew it had to be done. I walked with my new shoes, which started to hurt around the 1 mile mark. I wanted to slow down while doing my "hills," but I pushed through. Thank goodness for music!<br />
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I came home and hopped in a really hot shower. It felt so good to feel my muscles relaxing. I really need to figure out a post workout stretch routine. Especially since my calf muscles have been so tight lately.<br />
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After the shower was dinner, some tv, and sleep by 10PM. <br />
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What I ate:<br />
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<u>Breakfast </u>(140 cal)<br />
1 cup Cantelope & 1 cup Honeydew<br />
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<u>Lunch </u>(470 cal)<br />
Tuna Sandwich<br />
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<u>After workout snack </u>(45 cal)<br />
1/2 chewy oatmeal raisin bar<br />
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<u>Dinner </u>(1225 cal)<br />
Taco Salad* (cheese and sour cream)<br />
*I made it on a bed of lettuce and only crumbled 3 chips on top.<br />
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<u>Exercise</u> <br />
1 mile walk from train (200 cal)<br />
2 mile walk in park (600 cal)<br />
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This was my first day and I definitely hit my goal for the day. I also learned a few things. I need to incorporate a few more snacks during the day, and have a lighter calorie dinner. Especially on rest days.<br />
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-9330663894971667162013-05-14T21:32:00.000-04:002013-05-16T11:57:08.508-04:00Week 1 (Day 2)Bought new sneakers for walking. Cute, cheap. We shall see.<br />
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Kept it low key. Washed dishes, walked the dog a bit. Basically rested. </div>
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I had a rough time falling asleep. Planning on a 2 mile walk tomorrow.<br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-90752209362002340502013-05-13T16:01:00.000-04:002013-05-16T11:57:08.507-04:00Week 1 (Day 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdGaLixRLhLbWjtnbZi9IYU9yswllqJpfwrTUybT_5UnsxPowLF-u5I3kJGTeZ0hGmUhmuYy6Prn4o-bd2-7iTuGhXpqzyzC_oNI4cz5dlbht_gXFeWWPSlxXih2TyZVqn3_NvYfr9evr/s640/blogger-image-498447607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdGaLixRLhLbWjtnbZi9IYU9yswllqJpfwrTUybT_5UnsxPowLF-u5I3kJGTeZ0hGmUhmuYy6Prn4o-bd2-7iTuGhXpqzyzC_oNI4cz5dlbht_gXFeWWPSlxXih2TyZVqn3_NvYfr9evr/s640/blogger-image-498447607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUNmhw8RnT0sdwR3gIWpRC08LWun_9ax2OfFe1RDCl05rP6XgAwtfLxtC3sKGdioKk5XrG7wyoSLHkwMDReWl00tViCxI3NHwAYllbVhh9g8jYdkSy_C7X-Q2rHX5fmzw5geYIMlKEQvm/s640/blogger-image-20169749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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I decided to track my workouts here. I walk everyday for minimum 1 mile since I take the train home, but I don't think I'm gonna journal that if it's all I do that day. I think this will help me long term. I'll be able to see patterns and diagnose any plateaus as they happen. (Plus, I'm neurotic and this is my life lol)</div>
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I guess yesterday was Week 1 Day 1. That's how I'll keep track maybe. Who knows, I could change my mind.<br />
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In addition to my 1 mile walk home from the train, I went on a 2.5 mile walk with Sammy last night.<br />
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I let him lead the way, stopping a bit when he needed to, which made for an interesting looking route! I would have gone faster, but I'm actually quite glad he was there to slow me down a bit.</div>
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I took some pictures during our walk:</div>
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I had to run into Key Foods for mushrooms for dinner, or it would have read 2.5 miles. I enjoyed it, and I think Sammy did too!</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-73704585670144070162013-05-13T15:17:00.000-04:002013-05-16T09:34:54.510-04:00Starting over<br />
I am starting over. I am putting myself, and my health, first. I am going to
be me, just with improved health. For the first time in my life. 26 years
people. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I never thought I would be ok with proclaiming my weight to people.
Especially online. Even though no one may ever see this blog, or my
number, it was scary. Until now. Now I own it. I did this to myself. It's not
okay, but that was my reality. Now, I'm ready to stand tall and say 'Never
again.’<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
At my highest, only a few short months ago (September 2012), I was 320
pounds. Now, May 2013, I am 280. That's 40 pounds. FOURTY. That's 39 more than
I thought I could lose when I started. I was in a severe depression at the time
and something snapped. I woke up, and realized I wouldn't be around for all of
life's big events if something didn't change.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I got a job that required 2 hours of commuting each way. I also had to walk
1.5 miles. So round trip, I was walking a minimum of 3 miles a day. The weight
started coming off. Slowly, but that was ok. Then, I began eating better
because my body demanded it. I needed healthy fuel to be able to tolerate 4
hours of commuting EVERY DAY. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
After moving back to NY, I hurt my back. It set me back with exercise, but
not eating. I was somehow able to find a strength I didn't know I had. I said
NO. I said no to cookies, just because my back hurt. I said no to a depression
that lies and tried to convince me to stay in bed. I said NO to the sad girl
who never bothered fighting for herself. I fought. For the first time in my
life, I fought for me and I didn't back down. I did it for everyone else for so
long, and now is my time.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I'm not saying it's easy - it's actually the complete opposite. It’s
freaking hard, but I'm ok with it being hard. When has anything in my life ever
been easy when it was worth so much? And that's the best lesson so far. I am
worth it. I can do this for me and it's ok to be a bit selfish.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I'm still learning. I wanted a brownie a few days ago, so I had it and it
was the best damn brownie I had ever had. The reason it was so good, is that it
had nothing to do with the brownie, but rather my thinking around it. In the
past, I would have felt defeated for giving into a temptation. This time, I ate
my brownie. BUT ONLY ONE! I knew I would have to add a little extra time to my
exercise to make up for it, so I did 20 additional minutes of yoga.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Was it ok to have that brownie? I think so. I am proud of myself for
stopping there and feeling satisfied. I didn't then go have a cheeseburger and
fries or something equally bad. I ate my brownie and didn't let it derail me. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It may not be a big deal for some, but it’s the first time I accomplished
this milestone in dieting and exercise. It’s so cliché to say that I’ve finally
gotten it, but I think it’s just that. I had a moment with God that was so
profound, I cried. I cried for the girl I used to be. I cried for that sad girl
who thought she wasn’t good enough. I cried even harder when I realized I am. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Challenges come. I conquered a major one!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Here's a picture from December 2012 at about 300-ish. I'm not 100% sure.<br />
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Here's a picture from May 2013 at 280-ish pounds.<br />
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Look at the side by side:</div>
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The left my face is so much skinnier!</div>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-42941211524148289582012-01-02T21:13:00.000-05:002012-01-02T21:13:07.240-05:00MedifastI want to be sponsored by medifast. I lost my job and can't afford to pay for it out of pocket. I wish someone would see this request and make it happen. <br />
<br />
I will do everything in my power to lose weight this year. That's my resolution. <br />
<br />
Lose weight. Be healthy. Find a job.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-80302870554491199622011-10-05T14:26:00.000-04:002011-10-05T14:26:35.143-04:00Pain, 2.0I had every intention of doing a recap of tennessee. I had every intention of posting pictures from Pete's visit. That was until, my body decided to go awol on me. <br />
<br />
Long story short, my stomach is in pain. A Lot of pain. a.g.a.i.n. hence the 2.0 name. It's like I'm repeating the same gallbladder thing from last year. Only problem, I dont have a freaking gallbladder anymore. <br />
<br />
Endoscopy, blood work, samples, test, are all in my near future. I'm hoping it is nothing.<br />
<br />
We'll see.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-46895413814346634542011-09-15T11:30:00.000-04:002011-09-15T11:30:46.739-04:00Giveaways from Team GilesCheck out this scentsy giveaway!<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.teamgiles.com/2011/09/scentsy-giveaway-champion-shape-review/">HERE</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-60395458310362307972011-09-01T12:31:00.000-04:002011-09-01T12:31:22.116-04:00Banger SistersWhen I spilled my <a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/08/breaking-news.html">news</a>, I felt really nervous. Now that Amber is here, I'm settling in more. Granted she has only been here since 4:30 yesterday evening, I'm positive we will have a blast.<br />
<br />
I know this is going to be hard, but for the first time in a really long time, I'm giving it to God. It's not that I'm being foolish I'm showing faith. I really do believe that without God there is no way I would have been able to accomplish all that I have been in the last 5 years. On paper, it seems impossible. I am so happy, grateful, enthusiastic for the future and to do my best to give God the credit!<br />
<br />
I know that times will be hard. I know everything won't be unicorns and rainbows everyday, but isn't that what LIFE is about. I want to live. I want to soar. I want to teach my sister all the things I have learned and learn from her. I am so proud to say she is my sister and best bud. I know I can tell her anything and have her full support.<br />
<br />
<br />
New York Double Rainbow. Gives me hope and proves God is good!<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdsOuYpCj07QlcCgby2VRxpgaEHxbkd7V5BFy3UHg_VCv4aZDku6obL-AFvIuUIqejTGGugIEWz0vz2NWePGlOr5rdbRNnjEDauJYw8dh3dc2Lwb7fe3ncWLBJPkweZeWaL8O_joMq6B-/s1600/new_york_double_rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdsOuYpCj07QlcCgby2VRxpgaEHxbkd7V5BFy3UHg_VCv4aZDku6obL-AFvIuUIqejTGGugIEWz0vz2NWePGlOr5rdbRNnjEDauJYw8dh3dc2Lwb7fe3ncWLBJPkweZeWaL8O_joMq6B-/s320/new_york_double_rainbow.jpg" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhCWpH5kgnUCg7oETgNwXmnbNaZzo6n1eoi5VsSLVhDDHUWZqZjANJHjTCjEd6Mz2Kn7sCDtPBGNO1zmgylWkhOwZ0NR1HRCIUw9topKOawtpLPuEU_HrRcUFTGtKz2uYMtSF-e6iZIM/s640/new+york+double+rainbow.jpg">(via)</a></span></div><br />
<a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/04/being-older-sister.html">Banger sisters back together</a>! Maybe we should do more face masks!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-30543694407660282442011-08-30T11:23:00.000-04:002011-08-30T11:23:39.870-04:00Breaking News.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In light of breaking news, I am slacking on describing the Tennessee trip.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amber is moving to Jersey. Yes, that’s right. I am about to become the ‘mom’ to a 15 year old girl. I love this kid with all my body (even the parts that have been removed). I love her with my non-existent gallbladder, with the tonsils and appendix that are long gone. That’s how much she means to me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am proud of her for realizing that she needed to make a change. She needed to find a way to better her life. A way to avoid following in others footsteps, especially the wrong ones.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She is so mature. I sometimes forget that she is not the little 3 year old that cut her hair under the dining room table and blamed it on the cat. She is a beautiful young woman who is standing up for herself and demanding better.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just hope that I meet her expectations. This will be my biggest challenge so far. I have one thing to say: BRING IT!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZtExLrmUDh6w6Pla48K3X8EMmDbE7x62TQKeUoPp0H5Br2y5AOhJBsguczkQeDp_LaPyvUQoj4V2a14hTJ_oZGBaeUD_e4s5Uxf7m9k_9KKHqcIYp17YRFMTzdaCV6snvR6OwGENFq9J/s1600/challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZtExLrmUDh6w6Pla48K3X8EMmDbE7x62TQKeUoPp0H5Br2y5AOhJBsguczkQeDp_LaPyvUQoj4V2a14hTJ_oZGBaeUD_e4s5Uxf7m9k_9KKHqcIYp17YRFMTzdaCV6snvR6OwGENFq9J/s400/challenge.jpg" width="400px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-4181356633477765462011-08-01T15:19:00.000-04:002011-08-01T15:19:23.609-04:00I'm Home (randoms)I'm home from the <a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/07/memphis-or-bust.html">week</a> in Memphis. It was a great vacation. I took my camera with me yet have very few pictures to share. I spent a lot of time hanging out with my sister and painting.<br />
<br />
We painted paneling. I'll have pictures soon. It was super easy.<br />
<br />
Mark, Amber, and I went to go see the X-Men: First Class. We liked it.<br />
<br />
I finally caved and bought the iPhone 4. Well, technically, Mark bought it for me as a 3 year anniversary gift. I couldn't text on my old phone. Words on the right side were off limits because the letters: I, J, K, L, M, N, O and P were a task to click. I also couldn't dial and use the right numbers. If I hit 5, 2 would come up, and forget about the Zero. I've had the phone for 3 days and I love it.<br />
<br />
I'm back at work and not too happy about it, but I'll get through it.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-80667651708626566262011-07-22T17:17:00.000-04:002011-07-22T17:17:53.955-04:00Memphis or BustAs I mentioned <a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/06/leaving-on-jet-planesoon.html">here</a>, I am going to Tennessee with Nonna and Mark.<br />
<br />
Well the day is here...sorta. We leave tomorrow morning around 6-ish.<br />
<br />
We will be relaxing and goofing off for the next week.<br />
<br />
See you then!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-43065530200580310792011-07-19T12:44:00.000-04:002011-07-19T12:44:57.491-04:00Just a thought<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-bFMmtO32BgllPxklqNWmCZA6byjsdXvokP1clTt4e9ReQERiG3DdEKFz83SKTsMVARjY3xDCZ898FjfRBONQjn-YJP5n7Jf8Kfb1XBOid-_1EDpjNUvF7T6I1gBBS-NkyR0BgnGs2dT/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-bFMmtO32BgllPxklqNWmCZA6byjsdXvokP1clTt4e9ReQERiG3DdEKFz83SKTsMVARjY3xDCZ898FjfRBONQjn-YJP5n7Jf8Kfb1XBOid-_1EDpjNUvF7T6I1gBBS-NkyR0BgnGs2dT/s400/3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Pretty simple and complicated huh?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-32359465869542011802011-07-13T11:35:00.000-04:002013-05-17T11:48:20.955-04:00A new level of crazy<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have taken crazy to a whole new level. I have said <a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/06/laugh-out-loud_20.html">before</a>, I know that I’m crazy. I was so naïve then. COUGH.3weeksago.COUGH</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night I was having a crazy feeling like I was too tired to stay awake but not tired enough to lie down and go to sleep. So do you want to know what I did? I got up and did a 1 mile exercise walk! Let that sink in. I’m insane. It was 12:40 AM and because I couldn’t sleep, I exercised. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that I did it. I felt great afterwards. Except for the fact that I had so much extra energy I didn’t fall asleep till a little past 3 AM. And oddly enough, I’m not too sleepy so far today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I may add this to my routine. I really don’t have an exercise regimen and since I’m not doing the Medifast 100% according to plan like I said <a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/07/medifast-and-work-life-update.html">here</a>, I am allowed to exercise sooner. However, I’m scared. And I’m ok with admitting it. I know I have a problem. My problem is that I will psych myself out and set myself up for failure. I will do really well for a week and then crash and burn. I don’t count the Medifast issue. I have medical issues that need to be tended to and as long as I’m not eating a cheeseburger and fries for lunch everyday I’m doing well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not going to lie, I did have a cheeseburger and fries yesterday. I was stupid. I really wanted the salad which was some parmesan chicken caeser thing but the line was insanely long so I went for a burger. I felt like death afterwards. Like I felt worse than I did before surgery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that was a good thing. I know that I’m going to want to have a bag of chips, I am totally going to want ice cream, but the question becomes, ‘How horrific will this make me feel after?’ and ‘Is it worth it?’ has become my new phrase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find it odd that on the day I eat a burger I also exercise after midnight. Maybe I felt guilty, but I don’t think that was it. I have been thinking about doing some sort of exercise for a while now. Who knows what my subconscious was thinking. I'm just happy I felt great after a 20 minute workout.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, for a really cool FYI. I have Comcast cable which I love because of the on demand. What’s really cool is that they have exercise videos On Demand! I have used Leslie Sansone’s videos in the past and still have a few dvd’s around. So to see that she is On Demand was really cool and I knew I could do it. I also saw Jillian Michaels 30 day shred but that is beyond my grasp right now which translates to that chick is nuts and I would end up throwing something at the tv so maybe I’ll wait and give her a try later.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP43IwRGnRRDawA3s9oiay7YtOOUdWQaglpbxOYg5jxt_i9J4mexXwjUGdxxiRJvWd6PkCLRmqbQVfwP4SEs2UMkhQf0_tRMfUzgPw-1km8votL_dwnS7KNd9BTUwMzVmG5qSexKZbhNM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP43IwRGnRRDawA3s9oiay7YtOOUdWQaglpbxOYg5jxt_i9J4mexXwjUGdxxiRJvWd6PkCLRmqbQVfwP4SEs2UMkhQf0_tRMfUzgPw-1km8votL_dwnS7KNd9BTUwMzVmG5qSexKZbhNM/s320/1.jpg" true="" width="220" /></a></div>
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(image found via google)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not saying that the 1 mile midnight walk will be the solution to all my problems, but it’s a start. I am going to take this one day at a time. I will not feel guilty for not doing something. I am here to know that there will be days where I will not want to do anything but lay in bed and watch tv. I’m here to remind myself that it is ok to take days off, but not lose focus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My goal is to do the 1 mile walk at least 3 times this week. Then I would like to move to the 2 mile walk the week after and do at least 3 times. I go on vacation the next week so we’ll see. I think setting a two week goal will be the best way to get back into the swing of things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I know that if I do the videos more than 5-6 times I get bored hearing the same thing over and over so I may just have to plug in my ipod while I do it. I wanted to add a funny picture with a caption expressing that very fact, but blogger is being crazy and won't let me upload another picture. Maybe later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leslie here I come!</span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-70818168951190838952011-07-11T10:04:00.000-04:002011-07-11T10:04:55.464-04:00Medifast and Work Life UpdateI took a break from Medifast. Not because it was hard (which it was), but because it made me sick. It was a shock to my already fragile digestive system (doctors words not mine). I have cut back on doing it as strictly as would be suggested and am following my doctors orders. A typical day now looks something like:<br />
<br />
9:30 Medifast Shake<br />
11:30 Medifast Shake/Bar/Puffs<br />
1:30 Lunch (Salad, Sandwich, Soup) basically no fats<br />
4:00 Medifast Shake/Bar/Puffs<br />
7:00 Dinner (Salad, Sandwich, Soup) basically no fats<br />
<br />
It's working so far. I haven't even bothered weighing myself. I know that it's working because I don't have to deal with the awkward fealing of my food digesting.<br />
<br />
For now, this is enough. I may move towards going back to the 5&1 with a strict Lean and Green, but for now, I'm content.<br />
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In other news, I am very proud to say that I stood up for myself. I will keep it generic, but for a little over 3 years, I have been dealing with a difficult person at work. I won't say who, I will only say that I work closely with the person and she is female.<br />
<br />
I am a very strong willed, independent, stubborn person. I have never been the one to take "abuse" lightly. And what I have had to deal with the past few years can be characterized as verbal and emotional abuse. NO MORE. I stood up for myself. I said NO. It is not ok for someone to think because they are in a position of authority they get to treat people this way. <br />
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I stood up for myself. That statement makes me really proud. I'm even more proud that I handled it professionally, and with restraint.<br />
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I'll keep you updated on what happens with everything.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-66379834679482629482011-06-30T14:50:00.000-04:002011-06-30T14:50:44.557-04:00Medifast, Week 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 1 Down!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I officially need to buy a scale because the scale I was using is broke. But based upon when I weighed myself yesterday, I am down 12 pounds! 12 POUNDS IN 7 DAYS!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let that sink in, I’ll wait.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok. Back? Great.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main reason I started this diet was to do something about my digestion problems brought on by </span><a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-been-awhile.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">surgery</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I have to tell you, it works. I have slightly cheated, popcorn and breadcrumbs on chicken, but I haven’t felt that gross digestiony feeling that people who have had their gallbladder removed know all to well. I know that 12 pounds in 7 days is a lot and maybe that's why I got sick. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I hope the weight loss slows down a bit. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only time I felt a bit gross was after popcorn, but I was home and sick and that was the only thing I had that wouldn’t be straight grease. I also need to find a new "green" because salad is getting a bit old. Quickly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the food</span></u></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have tried the following:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.medifast1.com/Products/Site/Medifast_Direct_Products/MedifastMeals/Shakes/prd~51710.jsp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dutch Chocolate Shake</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.medifast1.com/Products/Site/Medifast_Direct_Products/MedifastMeals/Drinks/HotDrinks/prd~57350.jsp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cappucino (by mistake, haha)</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.medifast1.com/Products/Site/Medifast_Direct_Products/MedifastMeals/Pudding/prd~57400.jsp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chocolate Pudding</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.medifast1.com/Products/Site/Medifast_Direct_Products/MedifastMeals/PretzelsCheesePuffs/prd~67230.jsp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parmesan Cheese Puffs</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.medifast1.com/Products/Site/Medifast_Direct_Products/MedifastMeals/PretzelsCheesePuffs/prd~67240.jsp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chili Nacho Puffs</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.medifast1.com/Products/Site/Medifast_Direct_Products/MedifastMeals/Bars/prd~64805.jsp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chocolate Crunch Bars</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> **Caution, the food rarely comes out looking like it did online**</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My theory is if you add a bunch of ice to the shakes, they’re not too shabby. I still haven’t nailed down the consistency of the pudding, but it makes a really thick shake if you screw up (which I totally did) so I threw it in the freezer and it was really good. The cappucino was <strong>really</strong> good too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ll do a review of all the food later, but I think I may keep this up. I am feeling really tired and headachey, but that’s to be expected. I never really found myself super starving. I have realized that I need to do my Lean & Green for dinner instead of lunch and this may help with some of the hunger issues.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My new goal is to do this for 1 week with no cheating. Starting Tuesday that is. The 4<sup>th</sup> is Monday and I may have a cookie or something. Like I said before, my goal is to feel better and help my digestion. Losing weight is a fringe benefit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ll get there. And I’ll buy a new scale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Disclaimer: I paid for Medifast myself and am in no way compensated for my review. My thoughts are my own, believe me. Although, if they want to sponsor me, I'm game.</span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047091007051576559.post-34603139206944798292011-06-24T12:45:00.003-04:002011-06-30T14:49:44.859-04:00Medifast, Day 1I am doing <a href="http://medifast1.com/">Medifast</a>. I will be doing Medifast for at least a week. This is my mantra. I will worry about next week then.<br />
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Yesterday first official day, and I'm not gonna lie, I was petrified. I was slightly excited too. I want to feel better. With the <a href="http://challengescome.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-been-awhile.html">surgery</a> and everything that has happened since, I have let myself get to an unhealthy place. I did have a slight headache, but it went away.<br />
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I'm not sure if I will reveal my starting weight right now. I think if I decide to do this long term I will. I will definitely update on Monday and see if I can link up to some lovely ladies and their <a href="http://theheirtoblair.com/">McFatty Monday posts</a>. <br />
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I will say, that so far I have a slight headache, but I'm not hungry. It's weird. Maybe this will only take a few days.<br />
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The shakes and food will take a little getting used to. I am doing the 5 & 1 plan. Which means I am eating 5 Medifast meals and 1 Lean and Green. Yesterday I had:<br />
<br />
9:30 Dutch Chocolate Shake (in their shaker)<br />
11:40 Parmesan Cheese Puffs<br />
1:15 Salad with an egg as protein (oops, should have been chicken, but they were out)<br />
*I should have had another shake, but I wasn't hungry and that was a mistake. Lesson learned: force yourself.<br />
7:15 Dutch Chocolate Shake <br />
7:40 Dutch Chocolate Shake<br />
8:00 Dutch Chocolate Shake<br />
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I blended the last 3 shakes with Ice and I prefer them that way. Doritos were sitting on my fridge and although I really wanted to say "Screw it" I didn't and that in itself is progress!<br />
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The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan is designed to provide approximately:<br />
- 800-1000 calories/day<br />
- 75 to less than 100 grams total carbohydrates/day<br />
- At least 72 grams of protein/day<br />
- 10-34 grams total fat/day (to meet the recommendation for <30% calories from fat) <br />
- Less than 2300 milligrams sodium/day (as recommended by the American Heart Association)<br />
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I will stick with this and be happy. Pictures soon...maybe.<br />
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*Disclaimer: I paid for Medifast myself and am in no way compensated for my review. My thoughts are my own, believe me. Although, if they want to sponsor me, I'm game.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160567596281128253noreply@blogger.com0