Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! 

Can you believe there are only 61 days left in 2012 after today?! Times flies let me tell you. That means only 163 days left till our wedding which is also hard to believe. It will be here before we know it.

Well today is Halloween and that is what I am focusing on now. Today is every kids favorite holiday probably next to Christmas because today is basically national candy day.. lol! I don't know about you but it has been hard to walk by all  the candy everywhere, at every store. I have been good though and I am really proud of myself. NO candy bought except my bag to candy to hand out to kids. I even resisted the pumpkins (like the candy corn but ever better!) this year which is amazing - they are my favorite!

About a week and half ago I went to Sam's Club and bought my giant bag of candy to give out today. I originally picked up the bag with Kit Kats, Reese Cups, Hersey Bars, Almond Joys - I HAD to put it down. I couldn't buy a bag of candy to give out of all my favorites, I would end up eating half of it. Next I picked up the Wonka Assorted Bag - again had to put that down because there were lots of yummy treats in that too. Finally the last bag was tootsie rolls, Dots, and other random candy - this was my bag! This was the candy that I can take or leave, I might have a piece or 2 but that would be it. No it's probably not kids favorite candies as they aren't mine, but you know what it's free candy for them so I'm going with the candy that isn't going to add pounds to my waste. :)

I'm such an old person when it comes to Halloween. I would rather sit at home all by myself  and hand out candy all night long than get dressed up and go out. I love seeing all the little kids in their costumes. My favorite out of all the years that I have been doing this was a few years back when Walle came out and this little boy's parents made him a homemade Walle Costume and all he kept saying was "I'm Walle! I'm Walle!" So this year I am actually going to sit out at the end of my drive way with a fire pit since it's chilly and my 2 pumpkins I craved all bundled up handing out candy. You see my driveway is long, our house sits back far and it's really dark so I figure I will get to see my kids and hand out more candy by sitting at the end of the driveway and hand out candy. I'll be looking for the next Walle this year! :)

The real test will be tomorrow though when all the left over candy shows up at work - I think I might start a diet tomorrow just to MAKE myself NOT eat it! lol!

Hope you have an awesome Halloween! 

(The one on the left will be puking it's insides tonight!)

Ouchie Abs

It's finally Friday - YIPPIE!

My abs hurt soo much today. My sister and I worked out together last night - ran 1.6 miles and then did the exercises I posted on yesterday's blog ("Fat Girl" Strikes Again"). Ouchie! I coughed last night and then bent over and held my stomach, that kind of pain. But it's a good pain, it's the pain of my body is getting back there. Still have a ways to go, but every little pain is jut one step closer.

Yesterday though on the run the run I felt like crap. Not because I was sore or something but because I had pizza and a lot of it for lunch. I think it was more the large amount that hurt me. I was still full, well maybe not full but I wasn't hungry and normally I am at 5:30-6pm. Then it wasn't with the greatest of foods so it just made me feel sluggish! Ugg! I made it through though. I have got to be better. At dinner we had left overs and I limited myself to just 2 pieces and salad; which is what I should have done at lunch. It's all about moderation. (By the way it's a local place so the pieces aren't the huge pieces like say Papa Johns).

That's definitely my issue - portion control and moderation. I got much better about it when I was working out at the beginning of the year, I just have fallen off more than one horse and this is one that I need to climb back on. I'm getting better over the last 2ish weeks. I know it's not a long time but everyone has to start someone where to a long time right?!

This weekend my fiance will be in town. On Saturday is the Florida/Georgia game - I could care less but he is a huge Florida fan (the 1 thing I dislike about him - lol - love you babe!) so I thought it would be fun to have his family (and my sister) over for dinner afterwards. I am making carnitas for the 1st time (a tad nervous but excited too) for carnitas tacos and I will make Cuban Black Beans too. Probably not the healthiest meal in the world but it will be a test of moderation again for me. I know I can do it.

Oh ya I have to run 2 miles on Saturday. I told my fiance he has to make sure I do it, I can't skip it! He might ride his bike with me. That would be nice. Well here is the exercises for this weekend:

Friday:                                          Saturday:                                Sunday:
60 Jumping Jacks                          50 Jumping Jacks                     45 Jumping Jacks
40 Crunches                                  20 Squats                                15 Squats
10 Sit-Ups                                     100 Russian Twists                   5 Squat Jumps        
10 Tricep Dips                               5 Kneeling Push-Ups                 50 Russina Twists
20 Side Lunges (each leg)              1 Minute Downward Dog            30 Seconds Plank
15 Incline Push-Ups                       15 Jack Knife Sit-Ups               10 Standing Calf Raises
10 Oblique Crunches (each side)    10 Lunges (each leg)                  5 Kneeling Push-Ups  
30 Butt Kickers                             10 Side Lunges (each leg)          30 Seconds Superman
5 Squat Jumps                               20 Bird-Dogs                            10 Lunges (each leg)        
15 Jack-Knife Sit-Ups                     20 Inner Thigh Lifts (each leg)     40 Crunches

"Fat Girl" Strikes Again

Anyone else ready for the weekend like I am?! I always look forward to the weekends I get to spend with my fiance. I know another one!! This month has been amazing because I have seen him so much. No complaining at all on my end! :)

So yesterday my "Fat Girl" took over and I completely forgot about my exercises! I'm serious, it wasn't a convenient forget, it was a truly genuine forgetful moment. On the way home I stopped at a church pumpkin patch and got a pumpkin (probably got robbed because I paid $16 for my fairly large pumpkin, but I would rather give my money to someone local than the grocery store!) . Watching the little kids running around, parents taking pictures and couples taking pictures with the pumpkins I got distracted. I was wishing my fiance was with me.

Then I got home and Wrigley and I started our walk. We walked again for an hour (64 minutes to be exact) and just over 3 miles. It was great and I definitely think it's Wrigley's favorite thing in the world. He knows our path now it so funny because he just turns and leads. On the way back up the beach I was talking to my sister and a crotchety old woman starts yelling at me that my dog is suppose to be on a leash. Wrigley had been soo good ALL night on the beach not going up to other dogs and people unless they say come play or whatever until cranky pants lady - he goes running towards her white dog. Thanks buddy! I was a bit discombobulated with being on the phone, trying to get Wrigley and attempting to ignore this angry lady.

On our way back home I realized how hungry I was, I was starving! I started thinking about what I needed to do to fix dinner - steam potatoes and broccoli, heat up the left over grilled pork chop, mince up some garlic, chop of some parsley and cut a lime. My mouth was salivating and the "Fat Girl" took over and nothing but food was on my mind.

I was suppose to come home and do my exercises for the day. OOPS! I walked in the door, stuck a pot on the stove to start boiling and started halving potatoes and cutting put broccoli. Next thing I knew I was in my room in my chair eating dinner. After I finished and was watching TV I realized "OMG I completely forgot to do my exercises!" LOL! "Fat Girl" struck again and I just laughed it off and got up and started hanging my clean clothes.

Oh well I can't get mad. Today is a new day and I go and run with my sister after work and then off to my friend's house for some wine and girls time! Here's today's exercises, so far they look like the hardest day thus far (get ready Charlene!):

100 Jumping Jacks
20 Vertical Leg Crunches
30 Crunches
20 Squats
20 Wall Push-Ups (these hurt my elbow last time so I might do regular ones but only 10)
50 Russian Twists
15 Second Side Plank (each side)
10 Lung Split Jumps
5 Jump Squats
40 High Knees

Fake It Till You Make It!

Another day in the books! I was proud of myself yesterday. I HAD to skip my lunch time workout, work was insane yesterday and there was no way around that one. Have you ever had one of those days where everything is a fire drill? Things come flying at you from left field with an immediate turn around? That was my day yesterday at work ALL day! But I was proud of myself because I still got it in! :)

At 5pm on the dot I went downstairs and changed right away. Our warehouse guy that stays till 6pm say the trucks were coming early and he would most likely be closing shop up before 6pm. I was hoping to get my exercises in after the run so I hurried out the door. I had been go-go-go all day yesterday ever though I was tired that I didn't even notice the first mile at all. I started to feel it though around 1.35 miles but pushed through and finished my 1.75 run feeling pretty good!

I made it back at 5:40ish to our building and found out the truck was coming now at 6pm - SWEET! I was able to get in my exercises too! Yesterday's list, the leg lift crunches -OUCH! I got through them and felt good though afterwards that I completed everything. I then hopped in the car and made it to my 6:30 hair appt too! :)

I decided last night, I'm going to fake it till I make it - it's the only way to get back into this. I have to make myself get out there and just do it instead of listening to that little voice in my head that wants me to just sit my ass down and do nothing. I am going to shut that little guy in my head up!

Today is a walk with Wrigley again - have I mentioned I LOVE walking along the beach?! It's a fantastic and relaxing way to wind down your day. When I get back from the walk it's exercise time:

90 Jumping Jacks
20 Tricep Dips
10 Sit-Ups
30 Bird-Dogs
30 Second Plank
30 Squats
15 Incline Push-Ups
40 Crunches
10 Oblique Crunches (each side)
20 Standing Calf Raises

Fake It Till You Make It!

Tired, Sore and Pushing Myself

I feel like someone ran me over with a steam roller this morning! I couldn't fall asleep last night to save my life. It was probably around 2am when I finally did and I did sleep hard for those a little over 4 hours that I slept but I'm still tired!

Also holy cow batman I am sore, I am sore! It's a good sore though - getting back into shape. It's never an easy road. Lately though I have been looking at myself and asking why did I let it get this way? I don't have an answer and I only make excuses unfortunately. However lately I have had a few things that have really motivated me - a friend of mine completed her very first marathon this past weekend. She struggled mentally a few times getting there, but in the end she conquered it! I was so proud of her and it showed me that it's okay to doubt yourself sometimes as long as you dust yourself off and get back up and move forward. I also have a co-worker that just completed the Kona Ironman for the 2nd time! I am actually not a big fan of this co-worker to be honest but I know he has been struggling with some knee pain over the last 2 years and rehabbed it so he could once again complete in something he was very passionate about.

What I have decided is that I know I can run the 1/2 marathon in February, it's getting the motivation to get there. Right now it is a force but sometimes you have to start there. I know it will come back because when I was training for the Gate Rive Run (my first 15K that I ran earlier this year on March 10) I actually was loving my runs and pushing and challenging myself.

Today I am going to have to push myself to get what needs to be done, done. At lunch I am going to do the little circuit again but without the arms extra on the end (I added that myself to tone my arms but going to alternate days). Then after work I have to run 1.75 miles. I'm going to do it here since I have a 6:30 hair appointment and it will be the easiest and only way to get it in. However, at lunch here is what I will be doing today:

80 Jumping Jacks
50 Vertical Leg Crunches
20 Sit-ups
15 Tricep Dips
20 Squats
10 Side Lunges (each leg)
15 Leg Lifts (each leg)
50 Bicycles
15 Wall Push-ups
40 Russian Twists

I think I might have even gotten my fiance to join me in doing these little circuits too! :) I was telling him about them last night and he asked me to email them to him so he could do them! Yay! Getting sexy together for our wedding - I LOVE IT!

Honesty is my Diet: It's Monday Again

Honesty is my Diet: It's Monday Again: It's Monday again - boo! I am really tired this morning and not exactly in the greatest of moods; it will pass I am sure. It's time to s...

It's Monday Again

It's Monday again - boo! I am really tired this morning and not exactly in the greatest of moods; it will pass I am sure.

It's time to start another week of on the right foot I hope. I stopped by the grocery store on the way into work today and got my breakfasts and lunch for today. I'm really enjoying my new breakfasts - non-fat greek yogurt with low-sodium hemp-granola mixed in with a fruit. YUMMY! I filled in my tracker on MFP for my whole day. I am eating a lot of food but only at 1246 calories which is not my target - Might need to increase my snack or something later on.

Today I am going to go to the workout room and do 10 minutes of cardio just to get my heart rate up and then do a little circuit:

100 Jumping Jacks
50 Crunches
20 Tricep Dips
15 Squats
20 Lunges (each leg)
70 Russian Twists
20 Calf Raises
5 Push-Ups
30 Second Plank
10 Lung Split Jumps
1 minute rest
10 Tricep Kickbacks (each arm)
15 Reverse Flys
20 Bicep Curls
10 Lying Tricep Extensions (each arm)
10 Dumbell Cross Jabs (each arm)

I found these Daily Workouts on pinterest from a blog. All of the exercises before the 1 minute break are from Monday's list; the rest is me adding in some arm work as I want to tone up my arms. I am going to try and do these all week, along with my runs. It's not a crazy extra. I'll either do them during lunch or after work. Today it's during work and a nice long walk with Wrigley after work today. :)

I do have to report that this weekend I didn't run my 1.5 miles on Saturday. I ended up getting my wedding make-up trial in Saturday morning at 11am. I had a wedding to go to that evening (which my make-up artist did the bride's make-up too!) so I didn't want to go for a run and mess up the face I just paid to have done. Then Sunday I enjoyed my fiance until he left at 3:20 and then proceeded to do 3.5 hours of yard work! I pulled weeds for 3 hours by hand and then 30 minutes of clean up. I am hurting this morning by the way! By the time i finished I was absolutely dead and there was only about 30ish minutes of sunlight left so I opted to vacuum the entire bottom of the house instead. lol! Still a good use of my time.

Okay well I hope you have a productive Monday - I'm in the mood where I am going to have to force myself but I will get it done!

Honesty is my Diet: Woke up with a Smile

Honesty is my Diet: Woke up with a Smile: I woke up this morning with a smile on my face for 2 reasons: 1.) I had a GREAT evening with my sister last night. I went over to her plac...

Woke up with a Smile

I woke up this morning with a smile on my face for 2 reasons:

1.) I had a GREAT evening with my sister last night. I went over to her place like i said I was going to to run with her. I ran a mile and a half 45 seconds faster because of her than I did by myself on Tuesday. Thanks Sister! We had a good talk, ate dinner together and then she tagged along to my IMPACTjax social. It appeared she had a great time. I couldn't have been happier that she and I both had a great evening :)

By the way the mile and half was still hard but not as hard as Tuesday and I ran it faster so that's a good sign. I run 1.5 miles 1 more time on Saturday and then go up next week. Ekk - but I know I can do it. Plus Charlene said she would run with me on Thursdays - it's the "easy" day but hey I'll take a partner to work out with any day of the week. She's the best!

2.) The other reason I woke up with a smile on my face is my fiance will be here today and early at that. Well earlier than normal - he'll be in around 7pm! YAY! We are headed to a pirate party tonight for a local club's fundraiser that I am actually looking forward to because he bought a pirate costume! Pictures will come I promise!! :)

We also have a wedding on Saturday so it's going to be a jammed packed weekend that I am looking forward to. I hope you have a great weekend ahead of you too. Until Monday - Have a Great Time!

Honesty is my Diet: Sisters :)

Honesty is my Diet: Sisters :): Yesterday I did so-so. No complaining and not excuses except that I just chose not to go for a walk. Oh well. Today is another 1.5 mile ru...

Sisters :)

Yesterday I did so-so. No complaining and not excuses except that I just chose not to go for a walk. Oh well.

Today is another 1.5 mile run. I have a working lunch meeting so I know I can't do it then so I need to do it after work. However I have something at 7:30 so that puts a slight monkey wrench into it. This morning while getting ready I was thinking - what if I go straight to my sister's place that is nearer to where I need tonight verse my place. She could run with maybe and then I have leftovers I can eat and then head there. I talked to her this morning and she is IN! YAY!

She said I sounded all cheery this morning but I was excited I get to see her and she is going to work out with me; how could I not be cheery? Does anyone else have a sister(s)? They are the best! I honestly don't know how people go through life without one - even if it's not blood but a best friend that is basically a sister. Every girl needs a sister and I am lucky enough to have one of the best sisters ever!

BTW - Did anyone else see this morning on GMA that there was this study that has lasted the past 50 years that claims that yearly physicals are basically pointless and don't decrease your risk of heart disease? Click here to read more about it - again couldn't find it on GMA's website but did on FoxNews.  I guess not having a physical for 3 years wasn't that bad! :)

Honesty is my Diet: My 1st Run Back - Ouch!

Honesty is my Diet: My 1st Run Back - Ouch!: I decided to bite the bullet yesterday during my lunch hour and get things done! No more putting it off Meghan, it was time to do it. Howe...

My 1st Run Back - Ouch!

I decided to bite the bullet yesterday during my lunch hour and get things done! No more putting it off Meghan, it was time to do it. However, I was a little slow getting ready - can I say reluctant much?! haha

I went outside and set my runner tracker and set off on a route I hadn't run in God knows how long. I walked 0.25 miles to warm up and then really put foot to pavement and started running. It wasn't fast and it wasn't pretty but I was running again.

I was suppose to run 1.5 miles yesterday, so I was going to run 0.75 miles out and then turn around. In my head all morning I was telling myself that it is just to the train tracks and back (I know that doesn't mean anything to you reading - train tracks - but it's a landmark on my route that isn't too far away. The 0.75 mark was just before the train tracks but I couldn't do it, I couldn't turn around until I reached them so that is what I did, I ran to the train tracks like I had told myself all morning. I still stopped running at 1.5 miles and then just had a tad longer walk back - 0.4 miles instead of 0.25, a welcomed recovery.

I'm definitely not going to tell you that it was easy or no biggie, it freakin burned like hell to be honest - Ouch! My legs were pounding and my heart was racing the whole time. It's amazing how fast you can lose it and such a short distance becomes hard. It's okay I have to start somewhere.

Today I hope to get a walk in with Wrigley this evening. I have to run a few errands at lunch so no work out then - today is rest or walk/run so I am going to choose to walk. Here's to some good choices today!

Today is Day #2

Today is Day #2 with getting back on track. I was good yesterday and did what I was suppose to do according to the schedule I posted yesterday - I walked with Wrigley for 1.6 miles miles that took 28 minutes. I got my heart beat up and that's all that mattered.

Today will be the challenge - it's Day #2 and that means I am suppose to run! I haven't run in like 5 months and I am suppose to run 1.5 miles. I decided yesterday I am just going to pick a nice slow speed and if it takes me 30 minutes to do it takes me 30 minutes to do! haha The challenge really isn't the run, it's getting the motivation to put foot to pavement and actually go out there and do it. This is where I have faltered the last couple of months, getting the motivation and courage to get out there and do it. The funny part is that I know I can do it so I guess I am just scared it will hurt or that I will be bad at it when I start back or something.

I have 2 choices today on where I can do my mile and a half - at lunch or after work. It's going to be in the mid 70s both times so it should be nice weather for a jog (let's be honest it's going to be more of a jog than run most likely). I need to run some errands either after work today or Thursday and both days are 1.5 miles run days so I just have to decide, "Are you going to put this run off again or just get it over with Meghan?!"

I'll let you know what I do tomorrow.

Oh by the way I said I would post pictures so here they are. I have NEVER taken photos without a shirt on, just sports bra and posted them! I have posted with my shirt on so this is a very big step for me. Here goes nothing, they are below.

By the way - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST AMAZING MAN IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! I love you babe and wish I could be with you on your birthday today. I love you so very much! 

Jumping in with 2 Feet

A new week and hopefully a new start. I need to get myself back under control in many ways and I want to start this week! Here's my plan:

1.) I went by Publix when I got into town last night and bought some food. Trying something new for breakfast - non-fat Greek Yogurt with organic low-sodium hemp granola mixed in and a fruit. Sounds healthy and it was pretty good too! I also bought some frozen meals (sodium contents under 500, except 1 which is my favorite and it's 540) and salad for lunches and then some pork chops, gold potatoes and broccoli for dinners. I really need to eat in more and healthier and I hopefully have set myself up a bit to do that this week.

2.) Doctor's orders - work out 4-5 times a week for 30-45 minutes at least. Looking at my schedule this week I have something tonight from 5-6pm so that means I can at the very least walk after work for at least 30 minutes every single day this week! I can also some something small at a few lunches. I will get in the below at either lunch or after work, the other is very light cardio and probably some good core work.

3.) I am going to put myself onto a schedule to get ready to start training for my 1/2 marathon. I start that training on November 26th - which means I have 6 weeks to prepare and then the 7th week training starts. I'm following the Hal Higdon's 1/2 Marathon Novice 2 Program so I looked at his 5K programs and decided on the novice with some twists. It has 8 weeks and I only have 6 so this is how I am going to modify it: Week 1 - 1, Week 2 - 2 and 3 combined (Tue week 2, Sat week 3), Week 3 - 3 and 4 combined, Week 4 - 4 and 5 combined, Week 5 - 5 and 6 combined, Week 6 - 7. After that it's into marathon training. So with the below that means tonight is walking Wrigley.

WEEK	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT	SUN
1	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	1.5 m run	30-60 min walk
2	Rest or run/walk	1.75 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	1.75 m run	35-60 min walk
3	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	2 m run	40-60 min walk
4	Rest or run/walk	2.25 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	2.25 m run	45-60 min walk
5	Rest or run/walk	2.5 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	2.5 m run	50-60 min walk
6	Rest or run/walk	2.75 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	2.75 m run	55-60 min walk
7	Rest or run/walk	3 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	3 m run	60 min walk
8	Rest or run/walk	3 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	Rest	5-K Race

I have to just throw myself into this and get myself motivated by just getting back into and loving again how I feel afterwards. I have proved to myself that trying to ease back into it isn't working. Time to just jump in with both feet and do it. I meant to take a picture of myself this morning but I forgot - I will either tonight or tomorrow morning and I promise I will post!

Have a great week!

High Cholesterol - EKK

Yesterday morning I went to the doctor for a physical and blood work. I have been meaning to do this for - oops 3 years - ya I know! My sister has been bugging me because she has hypothyroidism and so does my grandmother and therefore I have a high risk of developing it and need to monitor it. I have been feeling very tired lately and sluggish so she has been on me about it so I finally made the appointment and went.

I get the results from my full blood work next week and I'll share I promise. However, one of the tests they got back right away and where my bad news comes from - I have High Cholesterol. It's not surprising since my mom has it and basically her entire family - gotta love my Cuban genes! :) haha!

I got curious about cholesterol afterwards, as I really don't know what it really is besides bad stuff that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. EKK! The doctor named off 4 levels and numbers which confused me even more - 4? I was good on 2 of the numbers and bad on 2 so I went and did a little research below on what these 4 things are.
                      _____________________________________________________________ 

Types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to a protein -- this cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are classified as high density, low density, or very low density, depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat.

• Low density lipoproteins (LDL): LDL, also called "bad" cholesterol, can cause buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries. The more LDL there is in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease. 
• High density lipoproteins (HDL): HDL, also called "good" cholesterol, helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol in the blood. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. If levels of HDL are low, the risk of heart disease increases. 
• Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL): VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol in that it contains mostly fat and not much protein. 
• Triglycerides: Triglycerides are another type of fat that is carried in the blood by very low density lipoproteins. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body. 

                       _____________________________________________________________

The 3rd one is the overall number I believe which you want under 200 and I am over 200. I honestly don't remember the exact number but it's definitely over. When I get everything back I will share my numbers. My homework for the next 3 months is to work hard at getting it down. They want to retest then so I need to see about getting it back into normal ranges. I am young and that's doable according to the doctor. 


Here's my homework:
1.) Exercise 4-5 days a week for 30-45 minutes at least. Even if it is just a walk with the dog, get out and move! 
2.) Do my best to cut out as much of the "Foods to Avoid" over the next 3 months 
        -and-
3.) Do my best to incorporate more of the "Foods to Use" from the sheet her gave me. (Click for my sheet)

Well it's doctor's orders now so I definitely can't let excuses get in the way anymore of exercising becuase I definitely need to get my cholesterol under control and quickly. So "Project Make the Bride Sexy!" is now also "Project Make the Bride Healthy!"

Corset

I struggled with today's post on being honest. I had a hard time with something yesterday that when looking back now is really stupid that it bothered me. You see I am going to a Pirate Party on the 19th for the local Propeller Club in town; it's their largest fundraiser each year. My company is very involved with the club and had a drawing for a pair of tickets that I won ($30 each so not bad). Most people dress up so I thought I could use the outfit I wore for Oktoberfest below and make it into a pirate costume with a corset. The straps are separate and I can fold up the little apron thing.

Well last night I went by a Halloween store tried on a few corsets. I have heard they run small so I grabbed XL - 3 of the 4 didn't fit at all. The ones with zippers, those were basically comical. I ended up getting one but I have to buy new ribbon for the lace up in the back - what came with it isn't long enough since I have to have it a bit apart to fit That kinda depressed me a bit but I bought it anyway and went to Hobby Lobby for more ribbon. I found some but wasn't paying attention and didn't buy long enough ribbon - oops. 

I wasn't feeling too hot about myself since the XL corsets didn't fit really at all and I refused to buy a plus size corset since I use to have to buy plus size 30+ pounds ago and I haven't had to in a long time and I refused to go back even if it was for a costume. I ended up going out to dinner with a friend and got 3 tacos instead of my usual 2. I was really full afterwards and felt uncomfortable too which just made me feel worse. 

When I got home, I tried everything on and actually was pleasantly surprised that it actually looked really cute and good! That made me feel so much better about myself. I also was looking online and there are LOTS of reviews that those things run super super small. One lady who is 30 said she is normally is a size 2 (which makes me want to shove a large T-Bone Steak down her throat) and had to buy a medium that she barely fit into it. That kinda made me feel better. lol! 

I know it's all stupid that a Halloween Corset made me feel dumb but it did. The good news is that I realized it did and that I actually looked cute once it was all set and done. I brought my gym bag with me today and damn it I am working out today!!! 

Sister - did your pirate costume have boot cuffs or a head scarf?? Can I borrow them if it did? 

Come on Time!

It's Tuesday, October 9th! Can anyone else believe how fast this year has gone? I woke up this morning alone and lonely in my bed (missing my fiance after having spent the last 10 days and nights with him) and said a little prayer that the next 3 months go by just as fast, if not faster! I can not wait to live in the same city, the same place!

It's officially been 13 months that he left for Charlotte. I know every single inch of the trip there and back. Yesterday I asked him where he was on his trip when I got off work. He said exit 19 off I-77 and I replied back - "Two Noch Road"! Yup I knew the name of the exit - I know that's sad! I know that either exit 77 off I-95, exit 139 of I-26 or exit 12 off I-77 are the best and some of the cheapest gas on the trip. I know where all the Chick-fil-as are along the route too. I'm looking forward to forgetting that soon. I don't know when exactly he will be able to move back but I hope it's soon!

On a positive note I got on the scale yesterday and I was 164.8 lbs. I was a bit shocked I dropped a pound but I got on again this morning and I was once again 164.8 lbs. Hey it wasn't a fluke! haha I am trying slowly. I am making better choices on food most of the time. I had a 1/2 lb  cheeseburger last Monday (Oct 1st) that was amazing from a local place in Atlantic Beach - Poe's Tavern - and I enjoyed every last bite! (If you're in Jacksonville and haven't gone I highly recommend going and getting a burger!) You know me and a good cheeseburger, it's my vice!

I have to run errands today during my lunch break so no working out then but I promised Wrigley (my 78lb Golden Retriever for those of you that don't know him yet) this morning that we would walk to the beach this  evening when I get home. That means early dinner once I get home and then an hour walk! It's a nice way to burn a few extra calories and enjoy the evening in my book.

I'll also be praying that time flies to Friday when I go to Charlotte to celebrate his birthday! Come on weekend, I need to sleep well again because last night I missed the warm body next to me and slept like crap. Come on time!

Beer Overload

Good Morning everyone! It's Friday, it's pay day and I am taking a 1/2 day to spend a bit more time with my love who is in town - I couldn't be any happier!!!

I am looking forward to this weekend for many, many reasons. 1st we just have a few things planned but mostly it's because I get to spend it with him. Always the best weekends. But for my own reason, I am looking forward to Saturday because after then I can cut way way back on my beer drinking!

I know that's a funny comment because it should be a choice right?! NOPE! You see our favorite bar - Engine 15 - is having their Oktoberfest this Saturday. A while back they posted in their email newsletter if you would like to nominate a guy for Oktoberfest King to let them know. Well I nominated John. You see back in May for May Day Engine had a MayFest and crowned a Mayfest Queen. John said he would nominate me except that the only way to vote is to buy a beer and being that he lives out of town it would b impossible to vote for me. Well I figured I lived in town I should definitely nominate him. They emailed him and he confirmed and had to answer some questions.

Well 5 guys got nominated and their pictures are up at the bar. Here is John's:

He figured it would be a popularity contest and found an older picture where he let his hair grow out in college. LOL gotta love the fro. :) Well I've been up at Engine almost every single day for the last 2 weeks drinking beer and voting for him. I also have been lobbying votes for him too. Going up to strangers as they check out and asking them to vote for him. What can I say I am not a shy person and I love my man!

I hope he wins but mostly I am ready to stop drinking so much beer! haha! I've been on "beer overload" and stopping will be nice and I'm sure my waistline will appreciate it too. I think I have drank more beer in the past 2 weeks than probably the last few months combined. What can I say I am a wine girl! :)  But tonight is the last night to vote so you will see me up there once more with a beer, 2 or 3 in hand, but I do it out of love!

Next week - NO ALCOHOL! haha!

Losing togeher

It's Thursday already!?! How is this week going by so quickly? It was suppose to go slow. My fiance is in town and I need it to go slow so I can enjoy the time more with him.

Yesterday was a good day. We went and picked out what he is going to marry me in. We picked a "tux" but  it looks like a really nice suit. It's Vera Wang! haha He's going to be in a fancier designer than I will. lol! I don't care. It's going to look sexy on him and I can't wait to see him in it.

The lady took his measurements though and he wasn't too happy with them. I have been trying to get him to lose weight with me because he has talked about wanting to do it, but it's been difficult. I am hoping this maybe lights a small fire under his butt. :)

I really would love to lose it together, lose those unwanted pounds we both have together. I think it will be fun and bring us even closer. Last night we went for a walk with the dogs (he's watching his parents since they are out of town) and it was really nice. I hope we can do that again. Maybe a bit further though next time.

Please pray 5pm comes quickly so I can get home to him!

Started on the right note

Today is my 201st post! I didn't realize that last time was the 200th (October is Here) which is amazing to me. I've enjoyed writing again and picking this back and I truly do plan on staying with it until my wedding.

Today started off on a good note. My future mother and sister-in-law needed to get to the airport at 6am. It was either going to be me or my fiance taking them. I volunteered since the airport is near my work. Yes I would get to work very early but it would force me to work out.

So my alarm went off at 4:55am this morning - I know right can you believe it?! I picked them up at 5:15 (they live around the corner) and we headed in. I was at work by 6:15 and then got to work. However I did have a little hiccup this morning. I got into the bathroom to change (I left my gym bag here since I didn't work out yesterday - oops) and I found out I didn't have a sports bra! Not sure how I forgot to put that in there yesterday but I did. I almost threw in the towel and went upstairs to just start working but instead I decided what the hell I'm going to work out anyway.

I had a nice little 45 minute workout, 9 minutes of stretching at the end, and worked up a little sweat. Afterwards I took a shower and before I did I sprayed dry shampoo all over my bra since I had to wear it to work. No not ideal but hey it's better than a stinky bra and I didn't let myself "quit" because of it.

I actually feel really good this morning. I am quite surprised. I am sure later today I will be struggling a bit as I am not use to getting up that early but hey it also got me in the gym! :)

I know today will be a great day because of it!!! Hope yours is too.

October is here

Hello October! Can you believe the year is already 3/4 of the way done?! Christmas is exactly 12 weeks from today. Hard to believe how fast time goes by.

Speaking of time going by fast, I hope and pray this week is SLOW! My fiance is here all week in Jacksonville and it's amazing. Friday I flew to Charlotte after work (if you recall from my post on Friday - 1/2 Way Back) to help him move out of his apartment. We packed him all up with the help from movers on Saturday last afternoon. BTW - BEST $95 ever spent. Sunday after getting every last thing out of the apartment we got on the rode for Jax. He drove the U-Haul and I drove his car. As a side note, if you ever are car-a-vaning with someone, get walkie talkies! That was great!

This week he is here on vacation. I took yesterday off which was great and then the rest of the week it's all day. 1/2 day, all day. 1/2 day. Today is going to be soo hard being here all day and knowing he's back at my house. I want 8-5pm to fly by and then the rest of the day to go by slow. I know it won't happen that way, it will probably be the opposite but here's to hoping.

I brought my workout bag with me today. The goal is to work out at lunch. I'm sure I'm going to be busy since I was out yesterday but I am going to try at least. Here's to hoping.

Enjoy your Tuesday and talk to you tomorrow!