Plus-Sized Pin Up

At lot can be said for muscle memory. I was nervous heading into the gym. Being out of it for awhile made me feel a little more than intimidated. It took awhile to get up to the level I was at, and I felt pretty damn good about it. Now, I was going to head back into beginning territory, and I was feeling sorry for myself. However, other than a little shin splint on my left leg, once I got on the treadmill and warmed up my muscles, my body said, "Oh yeah, I remember this!" and I powered through! Granted, I was a little stupid and went to the gym too close to lunch, so my walk was only about 26min including cool down.

The weights felt like coming home! There was that nice burn, but I fell into sync just as easily as the treadmill. This goes a long way to boost my ego!

My knee is a little sore, but it doesn't hurt. Hopefully, a little more time spent walking will work me up to running again. Honestly, I miss it!

On my way home, I was bad and got myself a watermelon limeade at Sonic Now the drink, my book, and me are going to find our way to a nice bath. Nothing like a hot bath to soak away the soreness and a nap to get the muscles relaxed.

Heading back to the gym tomorrow. It's the first time in several months, and I'm nervous!

Here's the plan:

• 30 minutes on treadmill, walking
• Lifting, concentrating on the upper body
• Abs
• Stretching/cool-down

Here's the playlist:

• Tik Tik - Ke$ha
• Everytime We Touch - Cascada
• Trouble - Pink
• Get the Party Started - Pink
• Hot N Cold - Katy Perry
• California Gurls - Katy Perry
• Just Dance - Lady Gaga
• Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna
• Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
• September - Earth, Wind, & Fire
• Your Love Is My Drug - Ke$ha
• Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
• I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
• Genie in a Bottle - Christina Aguilera
• Poker Face - Lady Gaga
• U + Ur Hand - Pink
• Party In the U.S.A. - Miley Cyrus
• For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert
• Who Knew - Pink
• Disturbia - Rihanna
• I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas
• Raise Your Glass - Pink
• Sing Ladies - Beyonce
• Dance, Dance - Fall Out Boys
• Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
• Only Girl (In the World) - Rihanna
• SOS - Rihanna
• Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
• Tonight (I'm F***kin' You) - Enrique Iglesias
• Hello - Martin Solveig and Dragonette
• I Get around - Dragonette
• Run the World (Girls) - Beyonce
• E.T. - Katy Perry feat. Kayne West
• Last Friday NIght (TGIF) - Katy Perry

That is 2hrs of music! w00t! Tomorrow afternoon might be spent recovering, but I plan to get back into the routine of going to the gym. It's been too long, and I've noticed the difference in my energy level. However, seeing my old PT at the front desk tomorrow makes me a little more than self conscious about not attending the gym in a long time. But, hey, I was gone for 3 weeks and had a pretty nasty injury on top of that. The point is that I'm trying to get back.

Anyways, off to a hot bath with my book and then bed! Need to rest up before hitting the gym tomorrow. Plus, after spending my mornings sleeping in, getting up to take hubby to work is gonna take some work ^_~

Wish me luck!

I finished the first week of running this Friday! I'm so excited! When I got off the treadmill, I was sweating like a pig, but it felt awesome!

For next week, I need to watch the muscle soreness in my leg. I didn't advance time wise on Friday, because the discomfort was coming back. I figured it would be a better idea to go a little slower. Risking injury is not worth it!

Yesterday, my hubby said that he noticed I lost a lot of inches around my midsection! w00t!! Since he sees me all the time, it was so neat that he was able to see progress! After going to the gym since August, I would hope there would be some noticeable changes! It was really affirming. LoL, now I need to get back on the bandwagon of eating better.

Not much to update. Life has been pretty boring around here. My interview with the police department is on Thursday. Keep me in your prayers. I heard from dispatch. The job force center forgot to tell me I needed a typing test as part of my application. It really struck me, because they wouldn't take the time to call. Usually, I would automatically me ruled out. Ninja is excited about it and thinks it means something promising. Tomorrow afternoon, I'm calling Staples. I applied there this week. Not a bad job. I just need something. Loan payment comes due the beginning of February!! We have enough to cover it for the first payment, but nothing after that. This is really starting to get scary!

Anyways, I'm excited to start week 2 tomorrow!

While I was goofing off and avoiding house work on Wednesday, I updated/finished my treadmill playlist (okay, general gym playlist). That's one thing I miss about working at the radio station! I really enjoyed making playlists! Anyway, today was the first day using it, and it went pretty good. Well, here it is:

1. I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
2. For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert
3. September - Earth, Wind & Fire
4. Poker Face - Lady Gaga
5. My Humps - Black Eyed Peas (LoL, kind of boring)
6. Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
7. Tik Tok - Ke$ha
8. Every Time We Touched - Cascada
9. Disturbia - Rihanna
10. Your Love is My Drug - Ke$ha
11. Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
12. Genie in a Bottle - Christina Aquilera
13. Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
14. Dance, Dance - Fall Out Boy
15. Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
16. Single Ladies - Beyonce
17. Hot N Cold - Katy Perry
18. Party in the U.S.A. - Miley Cyrus
19. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
20. Just Dance - Lady Gaga
21. Don't Stop the Music - Lady Gaga
22. California Gurls - Katy Perry

Observation: Huffing, puffing, and sweating must be a weird occurrence at the gym. The guy on the elliptical next to me kept turning and staring at me. Sheesh, dude, take a damn picture and leave me alone! LoL, maybe the fat jiggling was memorizing!

I made it through 3-4 sets of running this morning! LoL, it has been a struggle! When Cascada came on, I told myself that I could DDR through her song previously, so I could run 60sec. It didn't work! I got 45sec! However, I had a hard time going straight from jogging to walking. I had to stop and stretch out m calf muscles and then work back up to a high intensity walk. However, just the fact that I did it is important. *Pats self on back*

Avoiding cleaning the house is not an option today! I need to pick up a few things that migrated to the floor last night, vacuum floor and furniture, Febreeze the hell out of the furniture, clean the upholstery (Juneau is in heat and no matter what towels we put down, she has still bled on the furniture!), and finish the kitchen. I told myself that I would sit on my ass and watch an hour of afternoon TV, but it is rather boring. I'm almost itching to get the stuff done. Unfortunately, I'll get more stressed about hubby's chores not being done.

Hubby hasn't been walking Juneau in the evenings; he's been sick. I would walk her, but I lack a winter coat!! Okay, well, the cat the stupid cat (aka, Dizzy) peed all over it last winter, and the damn coat is wool! I know I need to get a coat, but the money has been tight. Walking between the car, the house, and the gym isn't too big of a deal, but walking her in 14 degrees w/ no coat is pushing it! I feel bad, because she just whines and whines by the back door, the garage door, and looks at her leash. I feel like a bad puppy parent!

Tomorrow is the gaming weekend!! Booya!

Whoa! Carnie Wilson is putting all of her weight back on! I remember when she really put the weight on back in the day, but she ended up making a big deal about getting gastric bypass. She was able to work it off and keep it off. But now, watching them on TV, she is putting it back on. Sad! She was always an inspiration to me, and I always thought she was so beautiful (not saying that she isn't pretty due to her weight).

When I got home from the gym, I really sat down and finally thought about things.

Getting exercise has been amazing! My hubby has even noticed my increased energy, mood, and general health. I have been plugging away at the gym since August, and I'm very proud of myself. I haven't needed an accountability buddy to keep me going. I have been my own motivation, and that is really affirming. And, even though a lot of weight has not been lost, I feel sexy! For the first time, in a LONG time, I feel sexy and hot!

While the exercising has been amazing, my eating options have not been the best. At this point, I am just maintaining my weight: Exercising enough to burn off the calories I consume. I'm tired of that lifestyle. And, yes, I admit that I like soda, I enjoy eating out, not having limitations on what I eat, overeating due to love of food/flavor, etc. But, you know what, I am worth more than that. As discussed in older posts, I come from a long, long line of diabetics. All of my mother's aunts (and mother) have diabetes and my dad has to give himself shots. Even though all of my blood chemistry is awesome, I am still setting off pre-diabetic warning signals. If I die early, I want to due to something outside of my control. I don't want to be sitting here 20+ years from now and wish/regret that I never cared about myself.

Granted, it would be nice to lose weight! But I don't want that my focus. If I eat healthy and continue with the exercise and don't lose weight, *shrug* than I don't. However, I think keeping a tab on my weight is a good thing. For one, I will know what is normal for me and possibly when I hit a plateau.

Anyway, here is the plan:

• 151 days (5mo) to change blood chemistry/diabetes markers and get into regular healthy eating habits (actually getting a food journal going).
• By the first week of April, I want to be able to jog 3 miles in about 30 minutes and be able to keep up with Juneau
  

The strategy:

I need to get back into the habit of weekly menu planning. We are tight for money, so it would save a lot. Well, it did save a lot of money. We were able to stay within our food budget. As for exercise, I'm planning on working through Couch to 5k. I don't want to run a 5k, but it would be awesome to have that ability!

I usually have issues with New Year's resolutions, but this is mine. I'm going to continue heading to the gym 3x/wk and working myself hard. However, while still thinking about being mindful of portion control -- especially on the holidays! -- the major food overhaul will start on January 1, 2011. My counter of 151 days and 3 miles will start on January 1 as well.

Anyways, that's it. It seems kind of daunting, but I know I can do it!

In-laws just left. It was awesome! The conversation really helped me look at the accident in a different way. It also helped me realize just how much God was working. Really, have you seen people walk away from getting hit by an 18-wheeler? Anyways, just spending some time, laughing, and shooting the breeze was pretty refreshing.

LoL, FIL got our sink working! It has been plugged and the garbage disposal has been acting up. Hubby has been putting off cleaning it, so every dish in the house is filthy. The dishwasher backs-up into the sink, but it wasn't draining. Anyways, we tried it last night and got the same response -- nothing. FIL comes over, turns on the disposal, and it WORKS! Yay!! Now to get to work cleaning my kitchen all over again

Given the time, I'm thinking about skipping the gym tomorrow. I know I need to get in and work on the weights, but sleep is so much better. Juneau woke me up this morning with diarrhea, so I wasn't able to get a ton of sleep.

In other news: Our new car is home!!! Booya! Hubby wanted to take the car to work, so I couldn't take it for a spin. But tomorrow I get the car

Well, off to bed!

• God saved us and Juneau in our nasty, nasty car accident. There is no doubt in my mind that she should have died.
• We were able to buy a new car today -- a 2010 Mercury Mariner limited, sync/blue tooth for phone, surius enabled, USB port, etc. for only $500/mo payments (same as our Zephyr)
• I got an interview with the police department on Jan 13th!!!

Yes, ma'am, God is good! He is telling me to let and and allow Him to do His work. He is also telling me loud and clear how much He loves me.

In other news, the gym . . . Ouch, the gym! I decided to up my walking speed, so it was killer. Jogging for about 1 minute and walk 1 minute alternating sounded like a good idea. Um, yeah, my legs totally did not agree! I ended up just sticking to the kick ass walking. However, the jogging will commence next week. After that, I worked my chest, shoulders, and back on the weight machines. My ass has been totally kicked, and it feels damn good! I have a total high today, and I hope it's not a hard come-down.

On top of this, I think Dollhouse and V are waiting in my mailbox!!

**happy Snoopy dance**

My in-laws are coming into town tomorrow and want to take us out to dinner. One of their close friends just lost his wife last week. The memorial service is on Friday. I guess she had a hard battle w/ cancer. She didn't go through chemo. However, she raised her kids and saw her grandkids. I know she's still young, but it is almost a blessing. Anyways . . . Back to the high!!!

It's been awhile. The internet really hasn't held any interest lately. I've been primarily working on cleaning my house, filling out job applications, and reading. LoL, I got through about 3-4 books in about 2 weeks! Yes, I am that nerdy!

I am still pounding away at the gym. It has been a little hard coming back after being so sick, but I've been able to rise to the challenge. My food intake kind of spiraled out of control after being so sick. I know I need to get back to eating correctly, but $$$ might not allow that. Since I don't have a job, $$$ has gotten really, really tight. We relied too much on a credit card to bail us out every month, and now we've maxed it. I feel so ashamed to even admit it, but it's the truth. *sigh* We might have to return to a diet of boxed macaroni. I'm hoping that we can actually sit down and start making a budget again. Hopefully things won't look quite so bleak.

In less serious news, I got called in for a job interview!!! I applied to work as a custodian at WyoTech, and I got a call back this morning! It is fully benefited and full-time. I've worked as a custodian before, so it isn't new territory. The draw back is the hours are 10pm - 6am. I've never worked a night shift. I figure I can sleep while hubby is at work and spend the evening w/ him before I head in at 10pm. *shrug* I don't know. Either way, I'm seriously thinking about taking the job on the spot -- if they want me that is. It pays nice and the benefits will cut some of our expenses and cover the $500+/mo payment on my student loans.

Angel and my brother have been here all weekend. Angel came to celebrate her birthday with us, so my brother drove up from Colorado. It was a lot of fun. My brother decided to leave around 11:30 last night. It looked as though it was going to start raining/snowing, so we wanted to go over the pass on 80 before anything hit. I guess he hit a bad patch for about 10 minutes. Aside from that, the drive was uneventful. Angel is leaving this afternoon. We're planning on heading out and renting a new Batman cartoon and chilling before she leaves. It was a freaking awesome weekend, but I'm glad to start back into normal life.

Prednisone took all of the swelling down pretty quickly. I'm not sure if the antibiotics are doing anything or it is just time passing. Unfortunately, my tongue is super sensitive and it hurts to eat certain foods. My mom assures me that it is normal. She says something about the skin coming back after being pretty swollen. *shrug* It feels pretty raw at times. I need to eat a lot slower and softer things. Sadly, hot food hurts :( I love hot food!\

On Monday, I'm starting back on my regular gym workout. I still need to go a little slow since this past week has been a bust. As funny as it sounds, I'm actually looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. The gym is like a constant. I can listen to the music I want to, zone out, think of things . . . Everything is free and just mine.

In rather strange news, I've been thinking this week about entering one of my short stories into a writing contest. I'm not sure whether I should send it into the never-been-published for $6000 or the annual fall contest. Getting back into the story is rather exciting! It was went over really well in my fiction workshop class. There are some things that need to be polished.

Angel is coming to visit me on the 22nd for her birthday! We're going to a friend's dance performance of Alive in Wonderland. He is the Cheshire Cat!! So happy!! I'm excited! LoL, I even motivated myself to finally start working on cleaning up the kitchen. The next biggest job will be the carpet. Juneau still has accidents if she is not watched pretty closely (*ahem* like when hubby has to watch her), so the carpet needs to be scrubbed. We clean up after her, but there is a point when it needs to really be cleaned. Hey, heehee, cardio ^_~

Anyways, I have a date with my book ^_^

Walked 5 laps this morning. After stopping to find some tissue, I decided it was important to stop and work on stretching. Man, I over did it on the walking. When I stopped, I started to feel lightheaded and woozy. I still need to keep going to the gym, but I'm not planning on doing as much walking on Friday. I've been trying to get in cardio 5/wk, but I'm taking it easy on Thrs.

Still surviving on applesauce and pudding. I was able to upgrade last night to hot and sour soup from the Chinese place in town! It didn't burn and it went down! I'm leaning towards garlic mashed potatoes for lunch :9

I did it. I did what I promised myself I would never do. I applied at MacDonald s. After working at Subway as a teenager, I promised myself I would never go back to fast food. Well, with student loans looming int he immediate future and money being really short, I need a job. I'm also applying at Applebees. I wish I would hear back from the other jobs I applied for. It was be a blessing if I got a job working for the University, but I don't see that happening :( I know God has a good job out there for me, but it is hard trusting and having faith when every door is closed in my face. *sigh*

Went to the gym. Did the full time on treadmill. Worked on extra leg stretching. I am sore . . . Time for shower and figure out lunch

Kim Kardashian Butt Sculpting is amazing! I read some less than positive reviews about the DVD online, so I was really hesitant to buy it. Luckily it was on VOD on the Exercise TV channel. If you really want to focus into your core (working mostly your butt and thighs in this exercise), this really challenges that. Working through pilates, I thought I was working on my core, but I really feel the burn and the muscles working in this workout. I think sticking with this 2/wk and gym 3/wk will work on my core and keep up the cardio.

Working through this video for the first time was hard. A lot of the stretches I didn't feel ready to do. Also the cardio was really kicking my ass. You wouldn't think I spend 20 minutes on the elliptical 3/wk and treadmill 10 minutes 3/wk!

On Thursday, I need to remember to set up a chair for the balancing exercises. I also want to challenge myself to make it through the whole workout.

Now to cruise the other programs to see what I am working with for the next month (VOD usually keeps programs for a month before they change them out). After that, my book waits :)

Week 1, version 2

Bust: 49.5
Chest: 46
Waist: 48
Hips: 53.5
Thighs: 26
Arms: 16
Weight: 260

My numbers have come down! I messed up my waist measurement. According to the measurements for today, it has added inches. However, my pants have been sitting looser around the waist, so I think I must have done something wrong *shrug* Part of my brain is upset about the 10lbs. of weight, but I remind myself that muscle is heavier than fat. Since my measurements have come down, I think that is more telling of my progress than the scale.

w00t moment of the day (Peak Moment): I DID 20 CONTINUOUS MINUTES ON THE ELLIPTICAL MACHINE!! It was awesome! I also was able to get it at a higher intensity. I'm still not shredding the way some of the girls and guys are, but this is awesome for me! Just think, at the beginning of August, I could barely push myself for 5 minutes! The treadmill was a little easier today. Even though I am only pounding away 10 minutes on it, the past couple have weeks felt as though I really, really, really had to push myself. But today came out super easily. LoL, I have to say that Lady Gaga does help! When I'm dragging, I turn on Just Dance or Bad Romance and get a super boost of energy! Kind of like my own power drink ^_~

I admit that breakfast today was bad (McDonald's bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit and OJ). When we were at the store last night, we forgot to get more cheerios. I thought about just skipping and eating a slice of cheese when I got home. Really, with how much I did, that didn't sound like a good idea. Oh well, OJ is yummy and good :9

But I had a point with the admission. After I got my stuff at the drive-through, the lady at the window stopped me to comment on my tattoo! She kept going on about how pretty it was, that the Cheshire Cat reminded her of another cartoon cat, the colours were awesome, etc. I don't mean to toot my own horn . . . Ah, screw it, I will! Toot! Toot! ^_^

Today I feel good. Tired from the workout, but really energized. When I woke up this morning, it was all I could do to pull myself out of bed. Haha, you would never know it now ^__^ Hopefully, when I call jobs back, I will hear good news!

I'm been reading Never Say Diet on and off last night and today. I agree that a lifestyle changes must first come from our way of thinking about things and acceptance. However, while reading, I discovered a few landmines in her thought process. She makes it clear that her motivating factor was based on poor self-image and mind-reading. I have poor self-image, but I know that it won't change when/if I lose weight. I am who I am, with weight or without. And, after thinking about it, my self-image and self-esteem come from something more internal. The weight issue is just adding fuel to the fire.

She mentioned that she didn't like the way people looked at her. Well, how does she know? I don't know about her, but I cannot read peoples' mind. She mentions this as a part of losing control, which she uses as another huge basis for losing weight on her part (w/ diets you just kind of give up and do what they tell you to). But, you know what? I cannot control other people. The only person I can control is myself. It it my choice to look around and interpret everything as negative. Yes, I am guilty of it, but other people do not do it to me. And, if they are thinking bad thoughts, so what? I can either give them/negative feelings power in my life, or I can take charge and refuse to listen to the lies I tell myself. Losing weight/changing your lifestyle should never be about what you perceive others think of you. That is not healthy!

Another pet peeve, she talks about how diets don't work when the force you to eat things you hate. I can accept that; however, she then goes on to discuss how she did not allow anything she liked to enter her mouth. I understand, to a point. Changing your lifestyle and eating habits is not about denial! A balance needs to be made. Okay, you like to eat a slice of cheese cake once in a while. So what? Continued denial will only cause you to want it more. *shrug*

She decided to look at food as being bad. That turned into saying that food was not supposed to be fun; it was only necessary as fuel. Okay, okay, I can see the logic in that. But is food itself really the enemy? Why we chose to not accept our own issues (overeating, binging, etc.) and personify food by projecting these human traits on it? Does it really make weight loss that much better? Blaming something else instead of understanding your part doesn't allow change.

*shrug* These are my thoughts on the what I've read so far. I like the companion book, but I'm not going to follow it to a T. Adding stuff on the stability ball is cool, continue upping my time/intensity on the elliptical machine is good, but I want to stick with the stuff the PT told me to concentrate on. Also, I'm going to take everything at face value. She just provides different ideas and options to follow. Keeping a food journal and monitoring your physical activities are a good thing to keep you focused and accountable.

In less thoughtful news, I really don't want to got to the gym tomorrow! I got over half my tattoo coloured (he wants to do another sitting on Nov. 6), and it HURTS! Just doing simple movements really hurts. It feels bruised, tight, etc. Well, that means I need to be easier on my arm related exercises.

Lately the gym has felt like an exercise in endurance. Previously it didn't feel as though it was too hard. After the last week or two, I've changed my mind! I haven't been able to move up to 20min on the elliptical machine, I can barely push myself for 10min on the treadmill, walking back upstairs from the weights is an exercise in mind over matter, even the stability ball exercises is bashing me. I also found out that a breakfast of milk and cheerios doesn't not sustain be through the workout. When it gets to lunch time, I feel really weak. I'm going to have to remember to eat my reduced-fat cheese sticks. It is a quick shot of protein.

Today has been lazy. I finished watching a horror movie and an episode of Nip/Tuck. I am planning on taking a bath followed by a nap. My head has been killing me all afternoon. It might be a tension headache, I don't know . . . I'm wondering whether I should slow it down at the gym. Maybe that's why I feel so beat down today.

In good news, I got a call from Maurice's. They want me to come in to fill out some additional paperwork and possibly set up an interview! I'm heading in first thing tomorrow morning. I'm really excited, but I don't want to get my hopes up. I know it isn't officially an interview, but I think dressing nice would be wise ^_~ Luckily my mom sent me this awesome beaded, silk Indian shirt the other day. I think I'll slip that on with my trouser jeans, do my makeup , and hair. You know, it think the shirt covers most of my tattoo ^_^ I'm not sure if they would have a problem, but it is better to not have it slap a possible employer in the face. I can't do much about my forearm tattoo, but it isn't too obvious. If you're looking for it, sure . . . I hope they don't mind facial piercings. I don't want to take my nose piercing out. If I need to buy another stud, that's cool. The ring is kind of noticeable ^_~

Anyways, I'm going to be bad and drink Coke with Advil to kick this headache. Hopefully the bath and rest will help. Now the fun part, I get to try and lure Juneau into her crate :P

I completed my student loan exit interview. According to it, my grace period is actually 6mo instead of the 3 I was originally thinking. However, I need to get the loan paid off in 10 years, which means a payment of $564/mo!! Really, even with a part-time job, we could take my full ages and make payments. We're already tight on money, but if the money doesn't come out of hubby's paycheck, it should work. We are also saving up some money to either work on paying interest for the 6mo or first loan payment. Arg! School should be free!!!

I just finished applying for a part-time sales associate with Maurice's. I've wanted to work there for awhile, so it would be cool if I got the job. However, if I get hired by UW, I'm leaving the position. Working for 30k+/yr and my department would be so freakin' awesome! Really, I'm uberly pumped about the possibility of working in my old department!!

Went to the gym this morning. I've been getting my heart rate up and keeping it up while on the machines. I also work on stretching, lungs, etc. with the stability ball. After that, I do some low weight, 10 reps on the weight machines. The first day the PT had me do that, I nearly died! My body felt so beat up! Now, it just feels like, meh. I know my heart rate is up and staying up, but it doesn't feel so challenging. I have been pushing myself -- more time/intensity on the elliptical (15min. next week!!), longer and higher intensity on the treadmill, etc. Am I doing something wrong or is my body just getting used to working?

Hey, there is time to take a quick nap before I pick up hubby!!! Yay!!! He teased me with a nap this morning :(

Random questions: What song should I use as opener and closer for the radio show? Previously, I used Welcome to the Jungle by Guns 'N Roses and closed with A Tout Le Monde by Megadeth. Any other ideas, or should I keep it the same?

Observation - Day 1: Fat-free milk is really some government conspiracy. Instead of a calcium enriched liquid, we have water with one eyedropper of milk. Therefore, I ask, "Do you want a little milk with your water?"

Needless to say, Cheerios were not that enjoyable with water. They kind of taste gross :P I only consume milk when I eat breakfast, so I'm going back to the real stuff. The calories really don't bother me when it comes to milk.

Day 1 started with Pilates first thing. Juneau wanted to come in about 5min into the workout. She behaved very well this time. I only had to push her away from the yoga mat twice! Yay!

During Pilates, I remembered that I didn't weigh myself or get out my tape measure to take all my measurements. I've decided to do a weigh-in twice a month: 1st and 15th. Heehee, tomorrow I'll try to remember to step on the scale before I feed the cats.

The gym/rec center plan has hit a roadblock. My gym-buddy has a membership to the campus gym, but graduation means I cannot get a membership. My husband's company pays half of the cost for a membership at the rec center. All good, right? Wrong. My buddy doesn't necessarily have $350+ to shell out. I dunno. She going to do some checking and get back to me. I would like a buddy to go with, but I might have to bite the bullet and go by myself. I need to learn self motivation and discipline. It's good for me ^_~

In an attempt to get cardio regularly, I'm planning on trying to get Juneau out for a walk 1/day. Also, I want to pull my DDR pad out. I loved playing it when I got it. My Pilates video has an accelerated fat workout, and I want to try to work up to it. It is 50min and will definitely kick my ass!

I applied for three more positions at the University. Two of them are part-time and one is full-time. I would rather get the full-time positions because the bigger salary will help out money situation better. Also, with either position, I can get a membership at the gym on campus. As far as machines and free-weights, they are far superior to the rec center. I'm crossing my fingers, praying, and trying to trust God. Man, that is easier said (or typed ^_~) than done ;P