Calling all Followers!!

I have been having some blogging difficulty. When I re-vamped my blog and came back a few weeks ago my blog seemed to almost have a virus, so I had to pretty much start from scratch. All of the blogs that I follow are present and visible, but for some strange reason my "Followers" are not visible anymore. It says I have 4 followers, but it is more like 45 or something like that. I have had some say they are following, and my new posts appear on their blog roll, but for some reason they do not appear on my blog under my followers. It may sound a little vain, but I guess I like seeing who is with me along the way. That's not so bad, right? So, if any of you have any suggestions or brilliant ideas as to why they are not showing up would you please offer your advice.  It would be Oh so helpful!!!  It may mean that people need to re-follow me. I dunno.

On a side note... today has been very good except I did not work out again. :( We are renovating the house, so I have been slaving away on that after work today. My eating and water in take was excellent though. I have really cut down my calories to a healthy amount, and I have cut out most carbs and sugars. I have got to allow this body to sweat tomorrow, so the gym will be visited right after work tomorrow. I PROMISE!!! I will post pictures for accountability.


Allison

That Was Fast!

As I said yesterday I have decided to post my daily weigh-ins this week. To my surprise, this morning's weigh in was a success. A BIG success!!!!  I weighed myself about 4 times in a row to make sure it was real. Here goes...

148.8  

This made me happy. I guess Whitney was right when she told me last night I would be back in the 140s in no time! :-)  I am at work already, and I have finished my first bottle of water. Now off to get some coffee with splenda and non fat creamer so my employees will not think I am a grouch.  I will check in later after my work out.

Allison

Weigh in... Day one... Short post

I think I am going to weigh in daily this week to help get myself back on track. Today was a pretty good day. Food wise I did very well, but I did not drink enough water, and I did not get a workout in. Here is my weigh in from this morning:

151.0 lbs

Not a pretty number, but I can only go down from here right. So here's to Monday, a new day and a new start. Tomorrow I will be getting in a great run and some much needed sauna time. I also will be getting in at least 6 bottles of water. I will check in tomorrow night.

Allison

First Week Blues...

You know that motivated, encouraged, determined feeling when you start over or start fresh. Yeah, I totally lost that feeling this past week. I woke up last Monday, weighed in and actually lost a ton of weight!  I was down from 153 to 147ish. Can we say WOW!!!!  I was overjoyed, but for some reason the motivation faded quickly, and the stress from the work week set in. I began eating poorly, and I did not visit the gym one time this week. When I began to eat poorly I lost my focus and determination. Needless to say, I feel GROSS! After a week of burgers, pizza, candy, cookies, popcorn, and nachos this body is really ready for some cleansing. I do regret my choices of this past week. That is all they were - poor choices. The way I feel tonight I think is enough motivation to get me back where I need to be, but I am taking it a day at a time. AND I am trying not to be too hard on myself, but I know I needed to do a little firm lecturing over my unhealthy choices of this past week. My goal still is to be down 20 by the end of May, and I know I can do it! No doubt. I am really learning how to love myself, and put myself first in all situations, including what I eat. Though I screwed up this past week, here are a few things I use to stay on track:

We keep a Monthly calendar where we write in our weight every day, but my "official" weigh in day is Monday. (I will post my starting weight tomorrow)

Look at that!!!  Under 150!  I am nervous to see my weight tomorrow!

These are some ways I keep from snacking at work. If I drink a ton of water with or without Crystal Light I find I feel full and do not want to snack. What are some things that you do?

On another note, I mentioned I am renovating and decorating my house. Here are a few of my latest little projects...

It may be hard to see, but This was a simple black shelf from home goods that I painted and aged with crackle paint. I LOVE LOVE it. I did another tonight. I will show them to you when they are completely done and hung.

These are nothing special... just a few projects we have been working on lately. Can you tell I am excited?!?!?  I will have to post some before pictures so you can see the BIG difference.

Alrighty, I am out!  I am ready to do well and feel good this week. I will talk to ya tomorrow.

Allison



2012... Goals, Goals, and more Goals!!!

A New Year, and I am ready for it. I have so many things to be thankful for. 2011 was a pretty good year, but I think I like even numbered years better.  :)  I am really looking forward to this year, and I am ready to enjoy and cherish every minute of it. I do have some goals I would like to accomplish this year, but it frightens me to make them public because I fear I will not accomplish them. But, then again, making them public means I will be held accountable for them. Here goes...

1. Reach my goal weight of 125 by the end of May 2012. 
 I will be doing this simply by healthy eating and 6 days of heavy exercise. I will also be weighing myself     daily, but posting it weekly (on Mondays). Of course, I will be Blogging!!  This is such a huge source of motivation for me.

2. Running in the Ultimate Runner Races this Summer.
This is a BIG race. It involves 4 small races, and ends with a 5k. My boyfriend is an amazing runner, and he did this last summer. Though it makes me a bit nervous, I want to train for this.

3. Finish the Renovations on the house.
We are currently renovating, and we have much work ahead of us. I will post pictures along the way. We hope to be finished by this time next year. 

4. Pay off debt. Organize my finances.

5. Stop being so hard on myself.
 I struggle with this daily. I NEVER do enough in my eyes, and it produces a lot of stress. I want to accept what I can and can't do, and love myself for who I am not matter what. I realize I am not perfect; that I have flaws; and that I will make mistakes. I want to forgive and love myself despite these imperfections.

6. Take better care of my health.
I am terrible about forgetting to go tot he doctor for regular physicals, check-ups etc.  My mother became very sick recently, and it really was an eye opener about the outcome of not taking care of yourself.

The good news is that I am super pumped about these goals, and I know they are all realistic and attainable. The bad news is that many of the goals are repeats. I can remember this time last year I made many of these my 2011 goals. I accomplished a few, I almost accomplished a few more, and I did not accomplish some of them at all. I am hopeful this year will be different. I have definitely changed for the better this past year. I have an amazing and supportive boyfriend who loves me dearly, and gives me more motivation and unconditional love than I have ever been shown. I know I can do this! I am strong and focused. I am determined to enjoy living this year, and I am excited to share it with you all. Let's enjoy the ride! 

In the meantime, here are a few Christmas/New Years pictures from this year... 

Until Next Time,
Allison

Thanks for Joining! (And Pictures)

Thank you to my two faithful followers so far.  Every little ounce of support helps! Today was once again a good one. After work the boyfriend and I did a great Jillian Michael's work out, and he fixed us a wonderful grilled chicken and zucchini dinner. I am so lucky to have a man who loves to cook. I feel as though I have my own personal chef.  :) 

I cannot wait for my official weigh in on Monday!! I have good feelings about it! 

Stay Tuned for my 2011/New Years post tomorrow.  I have so much to be thankful for, but yet so many things I need to take care of this coming year. 

Keep up the good work everyone,
Allison



Since I am trying to re-introduce myself here are some pictures from this past year. I was anywhere from 135 to 140 in this pictures! I can definitely see a difference, even with only 10 or 15 pounds. I cannot wait to get back to that point, and keep moving lower and lower. :) 

I Did Something I Thought I Could NEVER Do...

So far, things are going well for me. I ran 3 rigorous miles yesterday, and spent a good 15 minutes in the sauna. Today, due to many errends to run after work, I did not make it to the gym, so I opted for a Jillian Michael's video instead. It kicked my bootie. I have been taking in about 8 bottles of water each day, and I have really re-shaped my eating habits. I feel like my body is going through some sort of detox this week. It really is a good feeling to re-kindle old, healthy habits.

I'm not stupid... I know this is only the second day, but I am so proud of myself for what I have accomplished yesterday and today.  I worked two 10 hour, stressful shifts; ran errends; did laundry; fit in two excellent work outs; spent time with my wonderful boyfriend 'J'; and I managed to keep a positive attitude through it all. Staying positive is key for me!!! It keeps me focused, and keeps me going.

I have to say though, my biggest accomplishement today has to be the fact that I did not even take a nibble from a few desserts that were brought into the office (carrot cake, cheese cake, chocolate chip cookies!!!!) Oh my, did they look delightful!  On top of that I stayed away from the free Chic-Fila bought for our staff today. This is something I thought I could NEVER do!!! Chic-Fila is a weakness of mine, along with sweets. I have to pat myself on the back a little for staying focused, and not giving in to the delicious temptation.


I kept my Promise... Before pics are up! Find them above.


Thanks Again!
Allison

Sneak Peak...

I am at the office right now, but I wanted to check in and let you know my weigh in as as expected this morning. A WHAPPING 153!!!  UGH!!!

But today has been a very good day. I am on my 5th bottle of water, and I am more motivated than ever.




(I did not even sneak a piece of the red velvet cake someone brought in to the office today!!)  WOO HOO


Thanks for Reading,

Allison