Update

It's been a while since I've posted. There have been a number of changes in my life, with weight loss and fitness and what I am paid to do.

In July, I started my job search in earnest and with even more vigor in August. It paid off. I found a job as a nanny for twins (they were born November 2010) and it is AMAZING how much of a difference this has made in my happiness, health, and sanity. I know, you're probably thinking, twins, sanity? Yes, I do believe I am a little more sane, even if my posts on FB sometimes reflect the insanity of multiples care. In some ways, caring for two is easier than one. And, of course, in the most obvious ways, it is more difficult. However, even with those less than desirable qualities of caring for two children at once (sickness, tired, and sibling jealousy!), it is SO much better than where I was before. in a job where I could not give 100% because I could not work well in the environment there. And it appears nothing has improved (too many former coworkers still have absolutely miserable days and I am certain that there is one person as the cause!). I love what I'm doing now. LOVE it. And I am very rarely paid less than 40 hours. In fact, it's quite often I am over. I was even able to buy Christmas gifts for my family this year AND pay January bills! That is one thing I do not miss about education / daycare. Next week, we are going to pull out the finger paints, rice, beans, and other fun materials for some newer sensory play!

Now, on to weight loss. I think, I am sure I could confirm this by reading back to the beginning of this blog, that my high weight was 267. I did manage to lose about 15 pounds from my working out attempts. But due to injuries and lack of motivation, I gained about 10 back. Around Christmas of 2011, I weighed 257. When I reach my next goal, or on Pascha, I intend to update my weight loss. I have very nearly into another, smaller, pant size and can wear my smaller bras (2 sizes down), almost. So, what inspired my change?

I want a baby. And at 257, I was in a terribly unhealthy position for childbearing. And, well, I was tired of seeing all the fat. Also, I want to be able to make it to first base without being thrown out if I hit the ball toward the left fielder. When I met with my doctor in December, she suggested keeping a food diary. She suggested using MyFitnessPal, an iphone/ipad app with a website for tracking and calculating calories and other nutrition bits. There is a section for goals, where one can select a weight loss/gain goal of x# lbs a week. I selected 2 lbs a week, which set me at 1500/cal a day for the first 10 lbs. When I hit that mark, it bumped me down to 1440/cal a day (I had a hard time with this for the first two weeks!). While I have not kept the goal EVERY day, I have kept it up for a good 90% of the time. My exercise has not been as consistent, but I recently joined Curves again and this will help with my exercise hang ups some. Basically, I just didnt want to drive to Redmond at 6 pm at night to go to the RAC and not get home until nearly 8. I felt I was wasting my time driving there and back and not even doing strength training (I just wasn't doing it. I was being lazy.). Curves is a few miles from my house, in the right direction. After my first workout, I realized how out of shape (and tight) my muscles have become!

For now, this is all. Watch for more updates. Possibly recipes I've enjoyed?