Pants Off Dance Off

Thanks to Weight Watchers, I have no work pants that fit. This is a good thing. But it's also a bad thing, as pants that hang off my hips and sag around my ass are not a good look for me (or anyone). And as I haven't lost any weight since December, I should be able to have a few things that sit at my waist and frame my butt.

So this weekend I bought pants. It's probably important to note here that I was retaining some water over the weekend, and I was totally aware of it. So I bought pants that fit, thinking that the smaller size was just too big a risk (I am still a little self-conscious in things that are tight).

And today I wore the pants. Which were slightly too big. I was planning to keep them, as they fit better than my old pants and I didn't feel right about returning something I had already worn. And I convinced myself that they may shrink to fit.

Then, this afternoon I was walking and suddenly there was thread everywhere. My hem fell. First wearing. Pants are going back. Likely not to be replaced anytime soon.

But regular fat clothes are going to the garage sale for sure!

2010 Goals

Since this blog was originally started to track my goals, and since 2009 is over, it's new goal time. So here is what I will work toward in 2010.

• Accrue no new debt in 2010. Doesn't sound that hard, but since Juliet's income is now supporting two people it's harder than it used to be.
• Accumulate savings equal to four paychecks. This may conflict with the no-new-debt goal, and there is some travel dollars that will be spent this year, but what's the point of goals if they aren't ambitious?
• Maintain my current weight.
• Tone my arms before the wedding. They will still have farmer's freckles, but they needn't keep waving after I stop.
• Complete 10 freelance jobs this year. Both to help with the financial goals, and to increase my marketability and learn new skills. Can't grow if you don't stretch.
• Have an awesome wedding. Followed by an awesome marriage!

What's a Girl To Do?

Since I've been a Weight Watcher, I've developed a love for the oats and chocolate Fiber One bar (actually usually a generic equivalent thereof). Tasty. Satisfies my need for chocolate in the afternoon. Fills me up until dinner. Cheap. Meets basically all my needs. All pros.

Con: Apparently that much fiber in the afternoon doesn't sit well with me. Specifically, later that evening it causes a problem of the gastrointestinal variety, which causes unpleasantness for those around me.

I like the pros. In fact, I may love the pros. I seriously dislike the con. I am not sure how to solve this dilemma.

Why does everything happen to me?

Uexpected Victory

This morning, my blood was rejected (low iron -- I should stop attempting blood drives, as my body apparently rejects iron). Then, my color opinion was rejected (and I was kidding about it and made people feel bad -- there's no reason for that, as I am well aware of my fashion and decor deficiencies). So overall, not a stellar morning.

And I expected the afternoon to be much of the same. Since I'm into oversharing, I'll admit that I was hoping to weigh 179 by this weekend's family event (which is about the least I've weighed as an adult). And I didn't think I would make it, after two weeks of bad weigh-ins (which I deserved). But this week apparently my obsessive point counting led to a record-breaking loss, and I'll be attending the reunion as a (semi-)thin person. And that inspired me to rock out 12 miles on my bike, clean, do my nails and be done with it all in time to watch Top Chef Masters (which I hope doesn't suck).

My class reunion is July 4. Time to set a goal for that.

My Thoughts on Weight Watchers

Because there's hardly any information online about Weight Watchers (sarcasm, in case you didn't catch that), I have some thoughts to share.

• Easy-to-follow: Yes. I struggle (a lot) with math, and I can do it. And since I can eat anything, I haven't had a problem being hungry or craving a food so badly I can't stand it. I thought I would be hungry all the time, but I'm not. And when I am hungry, I eat something. I am definitely eating less, but that's the point.
• Effective: I think so. I've lost just over 14 pounds since the beginning of April (one more pound and I get a sticker). Some weeks are better than others, but I can usually pinpoint the results to what I have or have not done during the week.
• Cost: I think that is part of what motivates me. I do the at-work program, so it costs a little more, but if spending money is what it takes me to stay motivated I think it's worth it. The branded foods add up quickly, but I don't buy them.
• Nutritional value: It encourages fruits, veggies, whole grain, lean protein and dairy. Lots of water. Good oils. Hard to argue with that. The branded foods have a lot of unpronouncable ingredients, which is another reason I don't buy them - I find similar products in the store to be cheaper and better for you.
• Meetings: I like them. I happen to like cheering for other people and getting stickers and sharing and learning a little lesson. I know that's not for everyone, but it works for me.
• Overall life effect: When I said I was going to join, Boyfriend said I shouldn't tell anyone. My reply is that people can see I'm fat, so I don't have a problem with them knowing that I'm working on that. And doing it at work means I have a support system there I can rely on. And he's come around now that he knows we can eat in restaurants and cook good meals and even bake dessert. I think more about what I'm eating, but it hasn't made life sad or dreary or dull. I go out, I have a drink on occasion, I have dessert on many occasions (just not as much of it). It's all good.

Overall, so far no complaints with Weight Watchers. My latest goal is to lose 20 pounds (total) before family reunion in June. I don't see this side of the family often, so that would feel good. And I think that's pretty realistic. Further updates as events warrant.

Positive Balance Sheet

All week long, work has been INSANE! And most of what I've been working on comes with at least some frustration. So I've been complaining more than is strictly necessary.

And today was no different. Last-minute tour (which I honestly don't mind, but they do throw a monkey wrench into the day). Reproofing the same (super boring) rules over several times. Finding out that a sign-up sheet I created was seriously underused. Just lots going on in general. And at the end of the day I was in the bathroom and I noticed that my hair was quite greasy looking - I hope it didn't look that way all day.

But it's the end of the day now (Idol is almost over), and when I look back over the day I feel positive about it. I feel like today was overall a very good day. And at the risk of being schmaltzy (which despite the occasional tone of this blog I swear I am not), here is what made today a good day.

• I got to ride my bike to work for the first time this year. It was Earth Day, and it was a beautiful day. If I never had to drive a car again that would be OK with me, so biking is always good.
• I won the Volunteer Fair drawing. I got a blanket. A nice fleecy one.
• After four weeks of Weight Watchers, I officially lost 10 pounds today!
• Perhaps best of all, tonight was wine bar with my friends. And wine bar is always fun, but tonight seemed like an especially good time. I only had one glass of wine (and more chicken pizza than was probably advised), but it was seriously great.

I hope things are this good tomorrow!

Well Said

Those of you keeping track should know that I am in serious pain from my genius decision to run last night. But I haven't (totally) given up (yet). I walked today, which I am hoping stretched out the hurty parts and was slightly less cardio but still better than nothing.

And you should also know that my weight loss quest is not all consuming. Yes, I am overweight. I know that. But I will also rock a bathing suit if the situation requires it, etc.

In my online travels I came across this article that I think better explans the dichotomy: http://thegirlrevolution.com/fit-girl-series-accept-your-body/

It's a website devoted to raising healthy girls ... I don't actually have a daughter, but still many interesting reads. Enjoy!

Will It Really Be Easier?

It is now March. Early March. And I live in Minnesota, which means we got a blizzard last week and may or may not get another one soon.

The thing about blizzards is that they come with cold and slipperiness and bitter cold winds. So I've been inside a lot. And I don't care for workout videos or inside workout equipment I have at my apartment. Fortunately I have access to a free gym, otherwise I would just sit around and become a blimp all winter.

And I tell myself that I will naturally lose weight in the summer and I will be outside exercising. Too easy an excuse? I love my bike (I miss it now), but I tend to peter off on riding it as the cold starts to come. I frequent the farmers' market, which fortunately is near my casa.

So will I lose weight in the summer? Time will tell ... but I suspect I will have to work at it. Which is a bummer, but I can do it! I ran on the treadmill today -- maybe I will get over my hateration of running and start doing that this summer.

But there's no reason I can't start now!

More Slllooowwwness

I've been working out pretty consistently for like a year. I have no willpower, so I'm not "dieting," but at least I've been working out.

And lately I feel like I see results. My gut is (slightly) smaller. I can make it through a class without wanting to die. I use slightly heavier weights than I used to. And I feel good.

So my brother is getting married at some point in the future ... like probably the fall. An I'd like to look goood for this wedding. I have a sage dress that I've had for a long time and seldom worn, because it does not look cute on me. And I want to be toned enough to wear the sage dress to the wedding. Even if I decide to get a new dress, I want to have the sage dress option.

So here we go. I think I need to lose like 20 pounds. In maybe six months. This may even require watching what I eat. Stay tuned ... if I get brave and can figure out how there may even be photos along the way.