Time for Shameless Bragging:)

Well, this is it! My 100th., day!  (It is also the 100th. day of this blog! Yea!) It felt like an eternity, 14 weeks and two days total.
It's not over, though, until I post my last total of the day, tonight.

I have made great progress, because of this challenge.  Here is the entry of the day I created the challenge, Past Goals and Self Esteem.

I have been "on plan" for a total of 96 days, (today included-since I don't intend to blow it) and two of those four "off days" were binges, the other two were just a little over my calorie range.

I'm still not sure if I will weigh in tomorrow. I haven't weighed myself since Easter, when I decided to put the scale away and not let it rule my life.  I know I've lost some weight, but don't know how much.

When I started on May 12th., physically, I was using a cane to walk, because I was in such bad pain in the back and right hip. The most I was doing back then was about half a mile, back and forth.

Progress: The most I've walked so far, as of present, (without the cane-of course) is 3.75 miles, and I don't feel the grinding in my hip. The is the best progress of all!

Saying how grateful I am to God, doesn't seem enough. But God knows how I feel in my heart. This is why, no one should ever lose faith in "Him."  There will be times when you think you're prayers are not being heard, but they are.  God has a plan for you, don't ever give up!

I am off to do my upper body workout-as promised. Until later.

***

7:43 A.M.
2 segments of "I Want Those Arms" done!

***

12:35 PM:

Well, I did it again, I went out walking even though I had planned not to, LOL!  I walked to the "Met" store, to buy my Red Oval Wheat Crackers, and then to "FoodTown" for some more Jello Sugar Free Rice Pudding. :D  Total miles: 2.16.

***
This is it! It's "DONE!" 100 Successful Days!  I'm looking forward  to something new tomorrow!

Total: 1,450 calories!

Day 99

The shoes and shoulder bag arrived yesterday.  I love the shoes, I tried the right foot-shoe of each, and it fits perfectly. Of course I haven't gone out with it yet. But, "knock on wood" it seems fine. The shoulder bag, on the other hand, is, in one word..."Huge!"  I should've taken the measurements.  I thought it would be smaller than that.  One thing for sure, I will not need a backpack when I wear this baby:)

Today I woke up crampy-yes, T.O.M.  That explains my week & weekend of "cravings" hell.
I'm at the age, when it's not reliable anymore, so it's not always easy to tell.

I'm feeling rundown today, and although I must do my upper body workout, I don't think I'll be going outside to walk.  Just taking 2 Tylenols and resting.

I do intend to eat healthier today. No junk-as-in-pretzels!

I will post again later as the day progresses.

***

6:38 PM:
This morning, after deciding not to go out and walk, I decided I couldn't go through with it, wasting the morning-that is! So, I went walking. I dropped by Rite Aid and bought a few items that I needed, even found an old-stand by "after bath body splash" that I didn't know still existed.  Jean Nate! My mom used to wear it.  Talk about "deja vu" made me feel melancholy:( I bought a bottle for myself.  If it still smells nice,  I will get one for mom.

Total for today, 1,380 calories
No upper body workout, (tomorrow for sure).

Sleepy, Sneezy, and Stuffy...

I have chronic drowsiness! Is there such a thing?  I'm hoping that it's allergy related, since I have been waking up with asthma, sneezing, stuffy nose. Sure sounds like the case.

I'm trying to determine what I'm going to do today.  I did my upper body workout yesterday, and tomorrow is my next one. It down-poured yesterday, so the streets a wet, and it feels really humid out there.

I spent the last three hours just looking for an alternate challenge for Friday, but it looks like I will stick to my planned, Points-Reward System.  I found a cool site, Joe's Goals, where you can create your own goal score-keeper. I've added it to the sidebar to start on Friday. Sounds like a much better way to keep tabs on my goal points than a calendar, as I had previously planned.

I'm looking forward to starting something new and fresh, once this current challenge is over. And it won't take as long either. The most I will earn is 3 points a day, so that will speed up the challenge.

I'll come back and post here as the day progresses.

*** 

7:00 PM: Total calories: 1,396.

The Day After

 I'm feeling bloated and nauseous, and so very grateful that it's a new day.

Yesterday I woke up with a strange pain behind my right leg, It's a tightness, a knotted feeling that I feel when I walk and it's worse when I sit and try to bend over to put on my socks.  This and the asthma flare ups have made me feel like I'm going backwards on my journey.

I also posted an entry yesterday on how I was feeling fat, but the mirror didn't reflect what I was feeling, I think that all this triggered my out of control eating.

But I'm declaring it over today. I have four days left to this challenge and I intend to get through it - intact.

Today is suppose to be another high school test-run with son and I, but judging by my leg, I don't think I can make the stairs in subway-back and forth, so he may have to go at it solo.

I will make myself do the upper body workout and if possible, I will walk a little.


So, I'm feeling a bit more confident today:)

I will post again, as the day progresses.

***

6:29 A.M.
I just did 1 segment of "I Want Those Arms" & 1 of "Arms & Bust".  Yeah-baby! :D

***

9:38 A.M.
I was planning on walking DS to the subway, but my motherly-instincts took over and I kept going with him.  I hobbled a total of 1.78.  I got 2 daily goals out of the way, now it's time to take it easy.  :D

***

4:35 PM:
The website I joined yesterday, Weight Circles, doesn't seem to be that active, so I joined another one, Inspire.  I used to be a member a few years ago, but I wasn't motivated and stopped visiting it. Eventually, I deleted the account.  But I'm back there, and maybe this is the place that I need, to refocus.

I will be back later tonight to post my total.

***

A much better day today, thank "You" Lord!  Total: 1,385 calories.  I got my new reading glasses today!

Perseverance ~ Determination ~ Floundering?

It's a new week and my last five days of the challenge.  I would love to be able to change something this week.  Yesterday, as I walked to the library, I felt so fat.  I looked at my reflection on the store windows, and I wasn't, my arms can use more exercise, but, overall, I didn't look the way I felt.

I also felt like I've moved one step forward when I first started the tracking challenge, and now, two steps back with the asthma and the food cravings. I know I'm doing the best I can. I mean, one full binge in all these days is a major triumph for me.  Yet, I feel like I've lost my commitment.

I still have determination, now more than ever, since I know that losing weight has helped partly with my back problems, but I don't feel the conviction that I will ever reach my goal weight, not like I did in the beginning of this journey.

I guess it's just one of those bumps in the road.  I've fallen into a food rut. I need to find the spark I had on Day 1, again.  Perhaps now with my planned "Points Reward System" for Friday, I will capture it again.  Maybe I need a fresh new place to start my new challenge, a more public place to keep me in line.

I will start looking today.

I'm not sure what today's plans are.  We didn't pick-up the eye glasses yesterday, they were suppose to call, but the didn't. Hopefully today.

I will write again later.

***

5:40 PM:
I've struggled with binge eating for many, many years, and I've spent a lot of those years berating myself for my lack of will power. I've read a lot on this subject throughout the years, and I've learned that binge eating is not controlled by will power alone, that it's more a psychological disorder or even biochemical.

Now, I don't know if that is true, but I do believe the part about the will power. I've also read that it's normal to have setbacks when trying to control binge eating. I guess that makes me feel a wee-bit better.

Anyway, the reason I'm bringing this up, is because I've been fighting this binge-demon all week. And it really shocks me that after "over" 14 weeks, of sticking to my plan, I've started the cycle again. Very frustrating.

Today, I just let the cravings take its course, I was almost "almost" tempted not to track the calories as I kept feeding myself junk, but that would only make me feel worse if I spoil my tracking challenge also.

So, here it is...2,524 calories for the day. I will not eat anything else for the rest of the day, (I don't think I can anyway) except for sugar free, ice tea or lemonade.

I can't wait to start fresh tomorrow.

Six Days!

That's what I have left to go, for the 100-Day Tracking Challenge!
I've come a long way, baby:)

Yesterday's revisit to the Jello sugar free Rice Puddings, went well.  I had two little pudding cups, and 2 Lactase Enzyme chews, (one right before each).  The result is...I had to get up several times during the night to go to the bathroom, (as if I had drank tons of water) which translates into finally starting to get rid of this bloated stomach, "so it seems." I will continue to document my experience with these chews, throughout the week.

I'm still tight with asthma and very achy sciatica-wise, but I intend to do an upper body workout.

I finished the book last night, "A Cry in the Night" by Mary Higgins Clark. I liked the story, it definitely had my attention throughout, but about 75% into it, I had figured out who the mystery person was.  I was hoping for a last minute twist, but there wasn't any.  Just the same, it was an interesting read.

I will most probably go pick up my new reading glasses later on, if they are ready.  I will post again later on.

 ***

10:41 A.M.
It's been a pretty productive morning. I started off with a five minute warm-up from Leslie's Sansone's "Short Cuts" video, followed by two full segments of "I Want Those Arms" for a total of 31 minutes, including cool down stretches.

Then I showered, makeup, dressed, made coffee and breakfast for son, and I'm now washing my first load.

I would like to be able to go for a walk, but it depends on when I finish washing.

Well, I will update again, later.

***

5:32 PM:

I'm having a tough one today, just want to eat everything in sight. So, I came here to focus on the positives.

I took a walk to the library, I purposely chose the branch that's farther from me. Walk: 1.90 miles.

I thought I'd try a different author this time, Joy Fielding's "Charley's Web." One of the reviews promises "twists & turns" we shall see.

Weekends are tough, I feel like a fish out of water. I washed and did a few other chores, trying to get my mind off food. I think I'm going to attack some veggies with butter spray after I write this.

My old TV died today, it was over 14 years old, it's been showing signs of sickness these last few weeks, I'd turn it on and the images were extra large, I couldn't even see the volume displayed on it.  Then this morning, the close caption was upside down, LOL!  We knew it was time to say good-bye.  DH brought up the one from downstairs, which is newer, and it's working just beautifully.

I will be back a little later to post my total for the day.

***

7:25 PM:
Total: 1,560 calories.
Barely made it within range.

Friday Update

Well, it's been quite a morning.
I went to church, then to the supermarket.  Total walk: 2.28 miles.

I was thinking yesterday, that ever since I stopped eating the Jello sugar free Rice Pudding, I haven't been satisfied with my snack choices, and because I can't find a satisfying substitute, I believe this is why my cravings are back, and I binged.  (Most probably triggered by the sweetened cereal).

I've noticed that although I stopped the dairy snacks in the evenings, I still wake up bloated.  So, I made a decision to go back to my Jello sugar free puddings again, at least this time I know that it's not the "total" culprit for my bloat-ness. (Is that a word?)

I've armed myself with ammunition, this time around, and bought a box of CareOne, Lactase Enzyme, chews. It says to chew 1 or 2 right before you eat dairy.  I'm hoping this will do the trick.

It all boils down to what's worked for me before.

In other news:
I went for my eye checkup. I fought to the end, but the boys shamed me and used scare-tactics on me, LOL!   DH called me a coward-ess, and son called me a baby and asked me if I wanted to get progressively blind.  Reluctantly, I went.

I'm glad I did, the optometrist was a very nice young lady. And I can get my glasses tomorrow! Woo-Hoo!! :D

Well, I will post again later.

***

7 PM:
Total calories: 1,364.

Friday Thoughts & Plans

Another day, another tight-chest to get through. Asthma is still the same:(

Today is church day, DS wants to sleep longer this morning since he's been getting up early these last several days, lol! Awww...poor teenager-baby!

It's cool though, let him take advantage of his last month of vacation. So, I'm going by myself. DH wants to take me to have my eyes checked out for reading glasses, but this morning, a desktop post it note reminded me that it's Con Ed Meter Reading day.  Now DH is going to think it's an excuse because I've been putting the eye checkup off.  I don't know what it is, I just feel panicky every time I think of going. I know it's ridiculous, but I can't figure out why.

We'll see what happens.

I'm almost finished with the book, "A Cry in the Night" by Mary Higgins Clark. I like it, and it is an interesting mystery, but so far, it seems like I have figured out who the "mystery person" is, unless there's a twist at the end?  We'll see, I just have a few pages left, I'll definitely finish it tonight. 

If only I can find my son's old portable cd player, I would like to give audio books from the library a try.

At 6:00 a.m., I'll take a shower and start getting dressed.  I'll post again later.

Today "Is" The Day!

The day I start as if this journey is new, fresh!  I feel so full and bloated that I don't think I'll have any problems sticking to my calories.  I'll be tracking on DietPower again.

I will also, do my upper body workout, and walk.

DS is taking a High School commute-test run "by himself" today. Worries, worries, worries. The only thing that makes me feel better about it, is that DH is off and if he needs us, there's the car.

So, in an hour, I will workout and shower and get dressed.

Image from: Ebay

Yesterday, my new Conair Makeup mirror arrived.  My old faithful, Clairol's "True to Light" (on the left) died on me after, over 20 years. They don't make them anymore.

Image from: Amazon

This is the new one...it's a nice looking mirror, but it has no extra outlet in the front, and the magnifying mirror-side, you have to be very closed-up to see your face clearly.  But, I really didn't have a choice, so, I will have to get used to it.

Well, I will go make some coffee and eat something light. Until later:)

***

6:14 A.M.

Did 17 min. "I Want Those Arms" (asthma and all) :(

***

2:54 PM:

And still battling with asthma. But, I did go for a walk, ended up buying a few things I needed and some I didn't. Like, rubber bands, shower caps, shower curtain (needed) paper towel holder, magnetic dry erase board for fridge door, cheap shoulder bag, (didn't need).

Got caught in the rain, and walked a total of 1.63 miles.

My son's first solo test-run went well, the whole round trip took 55 minutes. I'm proud of him!

I don't have to cook, there's plenty of leftovers, so I'm pretty bored.  I will read some blogs, and post my total later on. Yea! For Calorie Counting! :D

***

7:30 PM:
Total for the day: 1,398 calories.

My Asthma is Back:(

Today I woke up, especially asthmatic. Tight and wheezy.  I've been doing well for several seasons, but for the last few weeks, (since August started) my asthma is back. Looks like I will have to make an appointment for a prescription soon.

DH took three days off this week, so he and son will be going to the beach. I'm taking this day to relax, rest and watch a movie, and perhaps later, if my asthma is a little better, clean up. Otherwise, it will just be a quick tidying up.

Yesterday was so tough. I wanted to eat and eat and eat!  I'm so blessed to have thought of this challenge where I must post my daily total for the public to see, if it wasn't for that - forget it!

Well, I will sign off now, and start on my planned day. I will post again throughout the day.

***

3:05 PM:

Well, so far, my day has been uneventful. I rested, watched a "horrible" horror movie, which I rated 1 Netflix star (hated it) "Satan's Little Helper".  Horrible! Blasphemous too!

I have dinner in progress, and now I'm going to surf the net a little, then look for another movie to watch.

I will post my total points later:)

***

7:00 PM:

Accountability Time!

Today was my first binge, after 91 days yesterday of doing great, (just went over my range twice in all these days) I'm being accountable, even though it's embarrassing.

From Monday until today, I've used all my 35 extra (weekly points allowance) and although my binge is still legal in the eyes of Weight Watchers "if" I stick to 18 points for the next three days- I still feel awful.

I don't think I was mentally ready to go back to points counting. 

Weight Watchers, offers more freedom, you have your zero point veggies, condiments, and of course the 35 points to fall back on, and although this is what I've always "loved" about the program, I need a more stricter way of eating right now. So, I'm going back to tracking calories. I've come too far to mess up now.

I'm officially going back to tracking my calories, starting tomorrow!

Total points for today. 42.5.

New Challenge for Next Phase

This morning, I posted about my search for renewed motivation, and if possible, a new challenge to start, when the 100 Day Tracking Challenge ends.

Well, I was reading this site, "Ideas for Weight Loss Challenge at Work".  The points system. Awarding a certain amount of points for someone who is battling a bad habit. 

But, I'm customizing it for myself.   First, I would make a reward list or wish list. Than set up the conditions, for instance, I earn 1 point for each goal I accomplish daily. When I reach 100 points, I will choose something from my list to treat myself with.

Upper Body Workout: 1 pt.
Walking: 1 pt.
Sticking to my calories or points-range: 1 pt.

Sounds sillier in print than it did in my mind, LOL!  Well...I'm trying! :D

Unless I can come up with something different, I plan to do this.

I Think I'm Stagnating!

Yesterday made "90-woo-hoo-days" on this healthier lifestyle journey.  Of all those days, I have only gone twice off track (past my calorie range). I'm very happy with that, proud of myself for sticking to it, and very grateful to God.

I haven't weighed myself because I haven't felt a "significant" difference in my body. I know I've lost some weight since Day 1, because physically, I've been able to walk more, regardless of my back and sciatica problems, and the grinding feeling I had in my back is not there anymore, but my pants are not lose, and I still have a bloated stomach more often than not, even though I stopped the dairy snacks. 

So, today starts my search for new ways to re-motivate myself for the next phase.

Gotta go make son's coffee, workout, and shower and dress to go out for a walk. It's 80 degrees at 5:51 a.m. It's going to be a bad one today. Later!

***

6:52 A.M.
Did a 17 min. Weights Workout: Combo of Tamilee Webb & Denise Austin.  Okay, that's out of the way.

***

11:30 A.M. 
Went outside to walk.  Very humid and hot. I went to several stores, got caught in the rain a few times. Total miles: 2.58.

***

6:53 PM: Today was a struggle. I just wanted to eat with abandon, but, thank God, that I have this blog and challenge to keep me in check.

Total points: 24.5.   13 Weeks Down! Yea!

Monday Intentions

Today is going to be a repeat of last Monday. Son and I are going on his HS route, on the subway again, we have 2 more planned for this month after today's.

DH is off three days this week, which are "freedom from worries" days for me. I love when he's home. I worry about him leaving in the wee hours, or when he does a double-shift.

Today's plans:
Go to son's HS.
Walk.
Clean house.
Finish the wash.
Read.

In 15 min. I'll go make son's coffee and take a shower. I will update later as the day progresses. Thank "You" Lord, for this new day, filled with possibilities and opportunities.

***

5:12 PM:
It's been a real long and tiring day. We did our HS run, of course, as always, train track troubles. We explored the neighborhood some more, and miscalculated the distance of the closest intersection, and decided to walk there in order to skip one train. "Big Mistake!" We had to cross several, busy, and dangerous streets & boulevard, with construction and cranes all around us. We made it home safe and sound, but I was truly exhausted. We won't be doing that again.


Total walk: 3.09 miles. I will post my WW points in a little while.

7:32 PM:
Total points: 23.

Sunday Thoughts

Today we will be visiting my mom. I know I haven't been exactly patient with her. Truth be told, I'm angry at her.

I'm angry because she doesn't take care of herself. I'm angry because she's 81, has heart problems and diabetes and she still eats like consequences does not exist, canned soups (not low sodium either) adds table salt if necessary, still cooks by frying, and eats all kinds of sweets. (Sometimes she forgets to hide them and replace the candy dish with the sugar free version when we visit) and lastly, I'm angry at her because she still has beer in her fridge and thinks she can hide that too.

My mom is a beautiful person, she's had a real, tough life, but she's never had any self-esteem or ambition. I am ambivalent, I feel for what she has gone through and her wasted life (in her eyes) and I resent her for pulling me into her alcoholism world at such a young age, (I was 12 when she let me have my first drink).

So, where outsiders might see an uncaring, cold, daughter, in reality, I am hurt, saddened and worried sick about her. There is nothing I can do that I or my sis, haven't tried all these years to do for her. I will continue to pray for her and ask God to take care of her.

Well, this was not exactly a cheery topic for a Sunday morning, but, I had to get it out.

In other news:
I really "must" make myself do the weights workout this morning. In fact, when the boys leave for church, I will do them.

I'll post again later on.

***

8:23 a.m.
Did 17 min. of "I Want Those Arms" workout.

***

7:55 PM:
Well, the day went as planned. Spend some time with mom, try to put my blinders on where the unhealthy foods were concerned. I wish I could talk some sense into her:( God Bless her always.


Total points: 18.5.

Shopping & Game Day

So far, it's been a tiring day.
I went walking this morning, three supermarkets and a Rite Aid, just looking for different food items. At Rite Aid, I bought my son his vitamins. At various supermarkets, I bought: Tofu Shiritaki, (had it for dinner with my sloppy julias, lol! See yesterday's post:)

Red Oval Stone-ground Wheat Crackers, Veggie Cheddar & Jalapeno slices, ice cream cups for the boys and some frozen vegetables for my mother. We will be seeing her tomorrow. Total walk: 1.88 miles. Boy, did it feel like more, though.

Image from: Amazon

Image from: Amazon

I haven't worked out yet and I don't know if I'll have time. Had a great time playing Scrabble Slam and Electronic Boggle with the boys. We have to do this more often. So much fun:D


I stop eating at 7pm., so I still have time to have another snack in a while. I will post my total points in a little while.  Until later.

***
7:04 PM:
I gave myself permission to splurge today:D  Had 2 100 calorie Pretzels. Total points for the day: 22.  My week in review, only used 6 of the 35 wpa. Yea! (None of the activity points earned.)

Blog Title Change and Plans

I have decided to change the blog title from "Life's Challenges" to the above.  It's a much more positive title. (The blog description: Unknown Author).

I chose, "Perseverance ~ Determination ~ Commitment" because that's how I feel this time around. I am extremely grateful to God for putting me on the right track again.

My reasons are not for vanity anymore, it truly is about health.  Losing weight has helped me physically. I don't think I would be able to walk the distance I've been walking if I hadn't started eating healthier, cutting out sweets, and cutting "down" on white carbs.

I don't know how much I've lost, in the last 87 days, but I do feel a difference in my body - overall. The tracking challenge has been a Godsend.

I didn't start out restricting myself of anything, I just promised myself that I would commit to tracking what I ate for 100 days, "no matter what". Whether I'm on track or off, and it was this new attitude that helped free me of that feeling of restriction and deprivation that comes with dieting.  Once I started making my daily total, public, it made me think twice before overeating.

I posted before how I plan to continue in phases, phase 1, first 100 days, phase 2, second 100 days, etc., but I decided to continue indefinitely, as part of my new healthier lifestyle.

In other news:
I plan to workout and walk today. Catch up with some house chores that I didn't finish yesterday.  So, I will post again later, as the day progresses:)

Friday's Thoughts, Plans and Opinion

Today son and I will be going to church and then to the supermarket. I'm not sure what else afterward. Depends of the weather, i suppose.

Friday Intentions:
Church.
Food shop.
Walk.
Upper Body Workout.
House chores.
Cook.
Wash.
Read.

In other news:
I was noticing a few bloggers who are in a word-war with each other in blog land.
Isn't a weight loss blog about "your" experiences, and perhaps helping others or each other with support? We have enough conflict in our lives, (I would think) without bringing it to our special corner of cyberspace.  If you don't like what a blogger is saying, then don't read that blog.  I just don't get it.


Well, I will update later as my day progresses.

***

5:09 PM:
It's been quite a day!  First, we went to church, then we walked around the mini-mall, and then went food shopping.  Total miles: 2.99.

Came home and prepared my famous Sofrito to freeze. That's a bit of a chore, since it's washing, chopping the green peppers, onion, garlic cloves, cilantro, and then putting it inside the food processor. Mine makes about four to five, 1/2 cup servings.

I cooked two packages of Morningstar Farms Grillers Crumbles, sloppy julia-style:D using the sofrito mixture with tomato paste and a little bit of olive oil, sauteed, then add the crumbles, and mix it up, in low flame until the crumbles are soft and mixed thoroughly with the mixture. I let it cool off and then freeze in individual containers.  This one came out to nine, 2/3 cups servings, 2 points each.

Then it was time to bake the muffins, Corn Muffins for son, and Ginger Spice w/apple chunks for me. Once again, I freeze them. I'm set for several weeks.




I left the upper body workout for tomorrow. That will fulfill my 3 x a week goal.
I also plan to walk again tomorrow, and buy a few items that I didn't find in Stop'n Shop.

So far, Weight Watchers is going extremely well. I haven't used any of the 35 weekly point allowance yet, and it's Friday already. I might use some today and/or tomorrow. My new week starts Sunday.

A very productive day.  I will be back in a few hours to post my total points for the day.

***
7:30 PM:
Total points: 20.

Success!

I was able to fix the problem with son's computer.  I was lucky, all I did was uninstall, and reinstall the problematic applications. I also got the Roku to work, just went through the setup a few times until it finally took. What can I say? It was a mere bag of shells! :D

***

7:15 PM:
No walking, no workout, just house chores.  Total points: 17.5. :)

Busy Day Ahead

It's going to be another hot and steamy day. This morning at 5:15, I hear thunder in the distance and when I turn around to look towards the window, it's pitch black. It looked like midnight, which is very eerie and unusual for this time of year.  So, I decided then and there that I am not going out today.

I plan to work on son's computer, his webcam caused his internet to stop working, leading to the anit-virus protection and the Roku, to stop also, so I will have my hands full today.

I'm no computer whiz, so I am just going to uninstall and reinstall the router adapter and the McAfee software, and hope that this will solve the problem. We'll see.

Well, I will update here as the day progresses.

Gloomy Looking Day, But a Day Just the Same:)

It's so cloudy and gloomy out there. It looks like it's going to pour any minute. There's also a heat advisory. Right now it's 76 degrees.

I guess I won't be going walking anytime soon.



I've done three days in a row of 18 points, because I actually haven't been hungry. That's a real good thing. I'm taking advantage while it last.

Today's Plans:
1. Wash
2. Upper Body Workout
3. Walk
4. House Chores
5. Cook.
6. Read.

I will post later as day progresses.

***

10:30 A.M.

Did 17 min. of  "I Want Those Arms" workout.

***

1:43 PM:

I was feeling guilty for not going out and walking, since it did clear up this morning.  My husband suggested I use the treadmill, and I told him I didn't think I was ready for it. I've been afraid of using the treadmill for fear of relapsing, but after thinking it over, I thought, I can control the speed, why not try?

So, I'm happy to report, that I did a total of 51 minutes. This is how my first time in over eight months, went down:

Speed:   1 mile - 10 min. Warm up.

      "      1.5 m. - 10 min.

      "      1.7 m. - 20 min.

      "      1 mile - 11 min. Cool down.

Incline: About 30%

I wore my pedometer and it read: 1.7 miles.

I am very proud of myself:D  It's a start!

8:44 PM:
Total points: 18.

Tuesday Wrap-Up

I'm happy to say, that it's another good eating day today. 18 points.
Walked: 2.27 miles.

I'm off to bed early, so that I can wake up early and walk outside tomorrow before the weather get too hot.

End of week 12! Yea!

Future Goals and Train Commuting

This is day 84 and the last day of week 12! Woo-Hoo! I can't believe I've lasted this long, thank you, God!

I originally planned to continue the tracking challenge in phases, phase 1 - the first 100 days, phase 2 - the second 100 days, and so on, until I reach a year. However, I think I will continue the tracking challenge for the rest of 2010 only, and then on January 1, 2011, I can decide if I want to continue the challenge or try something new.

My "unofficial" goal is to stick to Weight Watchers for the remainder of this year, but since I get bored so easily, I will play it by ear.

In other news:
I am sooooo proud of DS!  We did go on the test run to his High School again, and "again" there were unexpected detours. They closed the Manhattan section of the tracks due to construction, until 3 PM, but DS knew just what to do. I feel more confident in his ability to know what to do. Of course, the safety issues are another story, and DH and I, will "always" worry about him. God Bless him.

Well, I'm off to do the dishes, I am so sleepy, I wish I could take a nap, but, that's not possible.

I will post my total points later on.

Updates

So, I'm getting closer to being dairy free or virtually-dairy free, since there is no way I can give up the "Light-I Can't Believe is Not Butter" spread.
I gave my husband the 4 YoCrunch yogurts I had left, but I still have the Sorrento 2% Colby & Cheddar cheese sticks to finish.

I've been having the Almond Breeze Unsweetened with the Chocolate Cheerios, (delicious) in place of the Jello sugar free Rice Pudding, and I haven't touched the 100 Calorie Pretzels since I discovered via DietPower, how much sodium I've been consuming. I've been having the Red Oval Stone-Ground Wheat Crackers instead.  I do like "not" feeling bloated in the mornings:)

In other news:
I had a horrible, sleepless night, last night. I've come to the conclusion that being a light sleeper is a "curse".  Every little sound wakes me up, and the wooden TV table makes a racket at night. My husband is going to look into that this weekend, maybe the screws are loose?

Today DS and I plan to do another test run to his High School by train again, but I just don't know, I'm just so tired.

Lastly, I made the decision to stop commenting on blogs and turn off the comments on my blog. It's just "so" one-sided. I always believe that if someone takes the time to read your blog, and comment, the least you can do is acknowledge them, maybe not all the time, but occasionally.  This blog is basically new, but when my old one was active, I always acknowledged my comments, I really appreciated them, and those who actually showed some interest in what I had to say.


Well, gotta go get dressed. I will post again later, as the day progresses.

Monday's Intentions

So, here it is, the first Monday of August. For DS's sake, I hope it doesn't fly by.

This month I would love to be able to stick to my points, and be more consistent with my upper body toning exercises. This has always been a problem. I wish I knew how to overcome this lack of enthusiasm towards this. So far, I've done very light weights (2 lbs.) because I didn't want to aggravate  my back. And I started off with 12-14 minute sessions. It's only the last two times that I extended the workouts an extra 5 minutes. I don't think it's done any good, I don't even feel sore when I do them.

I think I'm ready for the 3 lb. weights. I need to discipline myself to do the workouts more often. Maybe if I leave the weights on my desk, that would help.

So, my two goals for this week is, stick to my Weight Watchers plan and do the toning workout 3 days with 3 lb. weights.

Today's To Do...
Upper body workout with 3 lb. weights.
Walk.
Stick to food plan.
House cleaning.
Cook.
Wash a few loads.
Read.

6:52 A.M.
I just did 17 min. of "I Want Those Arms" with the 3 lb. weights. What a difference. I felt my muscles working and I worked up a sweat.  I'm off to shower and then take a walk.

***
7:37PM: Total for the day, 18 points.
Walk: 2.86 miles.

A Brand New Month, A Brand New Attitude

I'm feeling a lot better this morning, mentally.  I wrote about my plans to count points on my sparkpeople blog, and got some positive comments.

So, this is how it boils down:
I get 18 points a day with 35 points of  weekly allowance to spend however I may need. I usually divide it into 7 days, and aim for 18-23 points a day. I'm also allowed to use any activity points that I earn, (I have a WW's pedometer) I have always tried not to use them, because it seems (to me) that it defeats the purpose of my workout, but I will use them "only" if absolutely necessary. LOL!

I used to frequent the web site, Fat Secret, you could track your calories or points there for free, however, I went back to it this morning and they have taken out the points option:(

"But" I have my handy dandy notebook and a hand held points calculator, so I will be all right! There is no way that I can afford to subscribe to Weight Watchers Online, yet, not until I make a dent in my credit card bills. For now, the notebook will have to be enough.

It's a brand new month, and the unofficial last month of summer. I aim to make this month a healthy, on track month.

My July review. Only two days off plan, not bad.

Today's intentions:

Upper body workout.
Wash son's clothes.
Cook.
Read.

I will post my total later on.

***

A good day today, food-wise, but no workout. Total for today: 18 points.