my-calorie-counter.com    The webs free Weight Loss Diary

Friday, July 11, 2008

Boot Camp Update

So not only did I finish my 1st round of boot camp, I didn't miss a day in 4 weeks. I signed up for a second and a third month.

I won't be able to complete this month because of the trip but I will make up the two weeks I will miss in August.

I have to admit, the results are better than I had hope and I've surprised myself with what I've been able to do.

In the past 10 weeks I've lost about 10 pounds (7% of my body weight), more important, I've lost about 15% body fat, I swear I saw a bicep muscle the other day. I've noticed a big difference in my abs, one part of my body I've never been happy with, and I'm a lot stronger in my core than I was 10 weeks ago.

I'm going to miss boot camp while I'm gone. I intend to keep up with my workouts but I will never push myself as hard as I get pushed there. It is some of the best money I've ever spent.

At the end of the first month I went from being able to do 20 push up to almost 50!

Back but not for long

Today someone reminded me that I have a blog, who would have thought, right?

Crazy couple of months, between work, bootcamp, the boyfriend and having a little fun, there hasn't been much time to sit in front of the computer to write it all down.

I'm leaving in a few days for a big work trip. I'll be heading the Bethel, Alaska for 12 days. This trip has been in the works for quite awhile but it still snuck up on me. I'm staying in tonight and multi-tasking getting ready for the trip and making good use of a loaner lap top with a working CD drive.

Months ago, in a vain attempt to unclutter my house, I packed away all my CDs. I haven't listen to most of them since I got Sirus radio a couple of years ago. I wasn't quite ready to toss them all out though. So tonight I'm ripping CDs on to the lap top and then transferring them to my home computer, since the CD/DVD drive crapped out months ago.

I'm also trying to consolidate the many lists I've made for this trip. I have to pack more than I normally would for three reasons. 1) I will not have access to a washing machine for my entire trip, so I need enough clothes to last the trip. 2) Bethel is pretty remote, if I don't bring it, I probably can't buy it there and if I can it is going to be very expensive. 3) The weather is crazy so I need to bring tons of things I can layer.

On the bright side I get to finally use my big suitcase that I haven't used in 5 years and the fridge is going to get cleaned out.

I'm hoping to get most of my packing and the majority of my cleaning done tonight, so I can play and spend time with my friends this weekend. I'm not going to like being away from everyone for so long...I hope there is a big party for me when I return ;-)

I'm planning on updating this site while I'm gone in what I hope is not a useless attempt to stay in touch.

I wont have cell phone reception and I'll only be able to get online at night so be patient with me if I don't respone right away.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Good Bye Ruben


Ruben 199? - 2008

We said good bye to sweet old Ruben today. He left us peacefully, it was time for him to rest.

I'll write more later...

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Working from home

Well I'm on week 2 of working from home, thanks to a broken water pipe in my office building. They still haven't given us a 'return date' so I'm just trying to enjoy the extra flexibility, not to mention saving at the gas pump, while I can.

I did a REALLY SILLY thing this week, I started bootcamp. Yes, I'm paying someone money, so I can get up at 5 am to exercise in the dark. The first two days have been less than perfect. Day 1 began with a downpour. A bunch of drowned rats, standing in the middle of Grant Park. It was an easy day as far as the workout went. It was orentation and our inital physical fitness test.

My result were:

Run 1 mile - 8:14 (second fastest in the group)
20 push-ups + 6 facilitated (girl) push-ups
20 sit ups
8 dips + 20 bent knee dips

I'll let you know if there is any improvement over the next 4 weeks.

Today it was COLD and WET...no rain but the ground, which we spent a lot of time on today was soaked and muddy. It was harder today, that's good, I felt a little cheated yesterday...it was mostly abs, something that needs a lot of improvement.

They also have us on a diet/meal plan. Six small meals a day, eating protien with each one. That has been a challenge, since I don't eat a lot of meat...and the meat I do eat is usually pretty bad for you (can you say Bacon)?

BBQ Brisket

Oh god, speaking of things that our bad for you. Sunday was a day devoted to all those things.

Let me describe the sceen...two large BBQ Briskets, a keg of Sweetwater 420, and a pot luck dinner for about 30...Brad finally dragged me home sometime after dark. A good move on his part since the beer and food was all going down way to easy.

It was a great afternoon, Paulie, Meridith, Brad and I spent much of the day joking with each other next to the keg! Really, where did you think we would be?

Ruben Update

My little man isn't doing very well. He's not eating much, even when I cook for him, you all know I'm a good cook and he's lost a lot of weight. He sleeps most of the day now. I was able to get him an appointment today for some "GI" issues he's having. Through it all he is still such a sweet boy.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Quick UpDate

Sorry I haven't been posting much, been pretty busy the last few weeks.

I know (and I'm very thankful) everyone is wondering how Ruben is doing. Currently, he is still eating and feeling okay. He sleeps a lot but when he is awake or when others are around he is active and engaged. He's working mom...I'm cooking chicken, steak, eggs, etc. for his meals...he's given up dog food for good I think. He's still losing weight and having some other 'GI' issues...if you know what I mean. It has been five weeks since his ultrasound and diagnosis. Funny bit is none of the hair that they shaved for the ultrasound has grown back.

I was away for the weekend, I was so concerned leaving him but he was in GREAT hands. Nancy (EZ Cheeks) spent a ton of extra time at the house and even planned a welcome home party for me on Sunday!! (more to come on that topic)

I'm working at home this week and most likely next also. A pipe leaked, then broke at the office and damaged two floors of the building. I went in today to pick up some files and my office is trashed. It doesn't look like anything other than the carpet and walls were damaged, I think my computer is okay (it was on a cart off the floor) but I can't access it at this time.

I'm working on the summary of my great weekend, sharing a cabin and mountain biking with Brad and other friends in Tsali, NC. I have a lot to share.

I'll work on that tomorrow!!!

Thanks everyone for checking it, more to come.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Ruben Watch 2008

We had our follow up visit yesterday afternoon.

Nothing really new to report on Ruben. He has lost a bit more weight (he's down to 38 pounds). We are starting him on some steroids and some anti-nausea medication, hoping to increase is appetite a bit...otherwise...not much more to do.

The vet is thinking a few days to a month at most. I just need to keep an eye on him, watch how he is reacting...if he really seems to be suffering or in pain, not interacting, stops eating all together, etc...it will be time. The other issue that was a big concern for me was the very real possibility of the tumor rupturing and him bleeding to death internally. The vet said if it does happen, it will be very quick and not painful...that is good. I just don't want a big traumatic event or him to suffer if it happens and I'm not home.

It hard, he's such a happy little boy...even though I know he doesn't feel well.

On the good side the old man gets to eat what ever he wants... :-) I took him with my on Sunday to Bwana's so he could see everyone and spend time some time out of the house, he had a very good day. He even had enough energy to put that young upstart Sydney in his place.

Ruben being spoiled post race

Thank you again to everyone for your thoughts and well wishes...it means a lot to all of us.

Monday, March 31, 2008

RunnING

On Sunday, around 9:15 am, I finished my second half marathon.

ING result

In case you are having trouble reading this I finished with a chip time of 2:01:57.While I didn't hit my goal of a sub-two hour run, I was still happy to complete the run and enjoyed myself.

I spent the first 2/3 of the run with Paulie, it was great to run with him. We've spent lots of time together on training runs so it felt very comfortable. For better or worse, my strategy is to 'power up' most hills, usually cursing under my breath, then I slow back down once I get to the top. This works for us...Paulie being more of a steady runner than me...however, once out of Piedmont Park and up (yet another) hill, I lost him. I looked back and didn't see him at all. I really did think about just stopping and waiting for him but I knew he would have wanted me to go on and quite honestly I thought if I stopped I may never start again.

So inspite of suffering through a nasty blister (beginning around mile 3) and a 13.3 (yes, not 13.1) route, I'm ready for Twisted Ankle in May.

The Aftermath (I mean After Party)

After FINALLY getting my bag, Paulie and I along with some guy neither of us knew made the March of the Peguins back to Marta and then to our cars. Instead of heading straight for Bwana's and the beer, I made a detour to my house to shower and change...I knew they would save a mug or two for me.

Brad came and picked me up (yeah, no driving) and we grabbed Ruben also and headed to the northern most corner of the beermuda triangle to celebrate our victories!

We sat around until maybe 3? Geez what a day. Then it was back to Brad's where he cooked me a lovely, post race dinner of salmon and other goodies, including two more bottles of wine.

I was fast asleep by about 9...it was a very good day.