HOPE

As I continue my journey along the Dr. Oz Highway of Health, I sometimes lose a little steam - a little "hope," if you will. When I think about the big picture of how much weight I need to lose, it can be overwhelming. And that's when I lose hope. Because it seems like such an impossible task. And because, like most people, I want results now.

I've always been pretty impatient about things. Actually, that is probably an understatement - just ask my parents and anyone who knew me as a child. I'm still pretty impatient most of the time. And so the whole "slow" weight loss thing is kind of a thorn in my side. That's probably the reason I've never given any diet more than a couple months.

Given the fact that I had been complaining about how my weight loss was moving along much slower than I thought it should, my pal Loriana decided I needed a pep talk. It was exactly what I needed. She reminded me that it's not going to happen overnight and that I have to just keep moving forward and continue to build on the good habits I've developed. This is a life program - not a quick fix. And that I WILL see results, but not to expect too much in a short amount of time. And most importantly - not to compare my results to anyone else's. This could possibly have been the best advice she gave me. It's hard not to get caught up with the quick results you see on "Biggest Loser." It almost brainwashes you into believing if you're not losing 5-10 pounds per week, you aren't doing something right. Loriana made me realize that it truly is a marathon, not a sprint.

And so what if my results are small - they are still going in the right direction. As long as I continue going in the right direction, it's all good.

After my mini "kick in the pants," I took my measurements and was surprised to find I did better than I thought. The scale said I lost 10 pounds, but the tape measure gave me even better news: a total loss of 7 1/2 inches (1/2 inch off my neck, 3 inches off my chest, 2 inches of my waist, and 2 inches off my hips).

So thanks, Loriana, for reminding me of what is important. Suffice it to say my hope has been renewed.


“Hope never abandons you; you abandon it.”
George Weinberg

Back on the wagon.....

Well, it certainly has been a while since I've blogged. The best of intentions, the poorest of follow through.

But, I have a reason to be back - I've started doing the Dr. Oz diet (based on the program in his book "YOU On a Diet") along with several of my co-workers, and thought I'd blog about my progress. I started the diet back in December right before the holidays, and so far, so good. Although I really shouldn't call it a diet, since I'm really trying to change my eating habits and improve the quality of the foods I'm eating.

In a nutshell, Dr. Oz promotes eating more "whole foods" - no processed junk and packaged foods that contain ingredients you can't pronounce. And as my good friend (and fearless leader of our group) Loriana always tells me, if you can't pronounce it, your body doesn't know what to do with it and you have no business eating it. It's been an eye-opening experience to say the least. I never really paid much attention to the ingredients of the foods I ate, but I certainly do now.

The biggest offenders were the "diet" foods I was eating - fat-free yogurt, low-fat cookies, frozen "diet" entrees, packaged cereals - pretty much anything that comes out of a box. I also had no concept of how much sodium I was taking in on a daily basis. All those packaged foods are loaded with sodium, along with extremely long lists of ingredients that are not pronounceable and look a lot like chemical names.

I have to say, I'm feeling a lot better since I've changed my "diet." The downside is that convenience is something that does not go hand in hand with this. So, I spend a lot of time preparing my meals. But in the end I know it will all be worth it.

And I can't say enough of how much I love the fact my little lunch group is also doing the Dr. Oz program - it is so much easier to stay on track when everyone around you is eating the same. Plus we share a lot of ideas on foods and strategies and will soon start doing some workouts together. So I'm sending a shout-out to Christina, Leigh, and Patrick, who (along with Loriana) keep me honest.

Loriana featured several of us in one of her health stories as we kicked off the plan. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/5dt4er

Stay tuned for updates!

So long java....I will miss you so.....

The birth and death of my coffee addiction.

We were such good friends for so long, the coffee and me. But, it's time to say good bye. For sooooo many reasons. First and foremost, for how much money it's costing me per month. Something Nelson points out to me on a regular basis. And secondly, all that caffeine isn't doing my health any favors. I've known it was coming for a long time, but it's time. I have to let the coffee go.

It all started so harmlessly, about 6 years ago, when I met Allen at Starbucks. Allen was my coffee pusher - the man who got me hooked. He would offer me all sorts of "fun" drinks - I couldn't resist! I was so taken in by his charmful coffeemaking, that I had to introduce him to Nelson. They became fast friends and remain so to this day. Allen was also giving me coffee for free on the side. It was easy to get my addiction going. Then, just like that, Allen was gone. Quit. Left. I had no more coffee favors coming my way. But it was too late...I'd already become addicted.

Fast forward 6 years - Nelson and I consider Allen and his girlfriend Ana among our closest friends. And I'm still addicted to the coffee - more specifically, Starbucks. What's interesting is that I really don't even like Starbucks coffee - it's too strong, bitter and always tastes burnt. But still I go back for it. I disguise it cleverly with lots of milk and sugar-loaded flavor. I would probably be better off eating a candy bar for all the calories my coffee drinks have.

But I find it's not even just about the coffee (well, it's mostly about the coffee.) I've gotten to know all the baristas at "my" Starbucks. Will John, Johnny, Becky, Orlando, Drew - and they all know what I drink. As soon as I walk in, they just smile, say "hey Aly - 7 pump?" and my drink is ready by the time I've paid. Those baristas are more than my friends - they are like family! Well, more like drug-pusher family. ;)

However, all good things must come to an end, and since Nelson and I are currently in the market for a home, I know it's time to stop the madness. Plus, I know that all the crap in that coffee drink is probably not doing my health any favors. And since I've re-started Weight Watchers after a couple month hiatus, I want to start looking for healthier alternatives.

I may venture back once in a while, to say hello. I may even get a tall coffee just for old-times sake. However, for now, it's adieu to my old friend. I loved you so.....

Random Fun

I had to (well, I didn't really "have to") write a list of 25 random things about myself on Facebook, which is, incidentally, the most addictive thing ever. I mean, where else can you be a hitman, join the mafia, play online games, swap fun stories, compete in fake competitions, and enjoy just total random fun?

So in the spirit of random fun, here are the 25 random things about myself that you may or may not even care about.

Enjoy!


1. I have been happily married for 8 years to the most normal person I ever dated.

2. I think my husband is the most awesome person I know.

3. As a teenager, I always told people I wasn’t having kids until I was 40.

4. I’m incredibly goofy and love to laugh more than just about anything else in
life. Just ask my husband. It should come as no surprise, then that I love hanging out with other incredibly goofy people that make me laugh.

5. I get absolutely giddy when I walk into a book store or library, and have a problem hoarding books.

6. I love reading so much and get so excited about certain books that I often have 2-3 books going at a time. Yeah, I’m a book nerd.

7. I miss my parents. Actually, I miss all of my family terribly and wished I lived closer to them. They are all in Wisconsin and Illinois and I only get to see them all about once every year or two.

8. I’ve always wished I came from a huge family.

9. I feel incredibly blessed that we have such an awesome church family right here in Austin (well, actually Pflugerville and Austin!) and a pastor we adore.

10. I think tattoos are sexy.

11. I wish I knew how to drive a motorcycle, despite the fact that riding on them scares the crap out of me.

12. I think snowmobiling for a week across Yellowstone Park in Wyoming sounds like one of the coolest vacations I could go on.

13. I get panic attacks when I fly. I hate that I get panic attacks, because I desperately want to go to Europe and Hawaii.

14. I’ve hiked up a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and slept overnight in a lean-to that I built myself with plastic and sticks.

15. I once picked up a hitchhiker when I was driving from Wisconsin to Michigan.

16. I absolutely hate the fact that I’m aging. I still falsely believe I’m in my 20’s.

17. I hope to write a novel one day.

18. Some day I want to compete in a mini-triathalon.

19. I participated in singing competitions in high school, but completely dropped it when I hit college, due to the fact that I get stage fright.

20. When I attended a semester (only one) at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, I rarely attended classes, and actually slept through my finals. It was soon after I decided maybe taking a break from college was a good thing while I “found” myself.

21. Unfortunately, it took me a LONG time to find myself and I didn’t graduate from college until I was in my 30’s – however, I did so with a 4.0 average, a degree in something I love (English Writing) from a wonderful private university, and about $45,000 of school loans debt.

22. I love, love, love rock music (especially 80’s hair bands!). In my early 20’s I was a total groupie and hung out with rock musicians at questionable bars.

23. I own a bowling trophy, my own bowling ball, bag, and shoes. And yes, I was in a bowling league for years when I lived in Green Bay. I was also in a dart league. Don’t hate – there’s nothing else to do in the winter in Wisconsin.

24. I have an unnatural fear of sharks and because of it, hate swimming in the ocean.

25. I wish I could say I’ve had no regrets in my life, but that would be a lie.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

I believe that today is the first day that it hasn't snowed since I arrived in Green Bay, Wisconsin last week. That means it's been snowing for about 5 days. Now I love a white Christmas as much as the next guy (or girl), but I think I've had my fill for some time now. Sadly, although it's stopped snowing, now the wind chills are dropping temperatures below the zero mark. The fun just never stops in the great white north!!!

Check out what the view was like the last few days:




And our poor Texas car....buried in snow.....


But it hasn't been all bad. I was able to reconnect with some of my favorite girls in GB, have some coffee, some laughs, eat at a couple of my favorite restaurants, and spend quality time with the parents. But sadly, tomorrow morning Green Bay will be but a memory, and an image in our rearview mirror, as we head south to Illinois. To more below-freezing weather.

I'm counting the days til I'm back in Texas.....

What Do You Mean, Dogs Don't Wear Jackets?

That was my response to Nelson when he told me our dog, Denver, didn't need a jacket to keep him warm during our trip up north to Wisconsin. This, despite the fact that it will probably be hovering somewhere around zero or something equally insane, and that our little guy has never experienced weather colder than probably 35 or 40-degrees. After all, he IS a Texan and has never traveled outside the state. But being the concerned dog mommy that I am, I defied Nelson and picked up this sporty little number for him anyway. Pretty cute, no? And just look how "happy" Denver seems to be!! Can't you sense his joy?Notice the fancy hood?I bet he's thankful every day that he gets to live with us!

Why I'm Thankful

Since it is Thanksgiving weekend, it seems to be as good a time as any to reflect on things I'm thankful for. Here is just a short list:

My wonderful, patient husband.
My sweet, cuddly little dog who keeps my feet warm at night.
My family who keep me grounded and encouraged.
My friends who keep me laughing and feeling loved.
A job that pays my bills.
A solid roof over my head.
Food on my table.
Cooler temperatures.
Religious and political freedom.

Oh, and I can't forget how thankful I am for not gaining weight over Thanksgiving! Of course, the week's not over and neither is my next WW weigh-in, but I'm pretty confidant I'll have a loss this week. And speaking of losses, as of my last weigh-in, I'm happy to report that not only did I lose the weight I gained two weeks ago, but I lost a couple pounds more for good measure.

But now on to some sad news. As the deadline for the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) looms close (hours away, at this point), I must admit I did not finish my novel. Nope - not even close. I did, however, at least get out of the starting gate with over 1000 words and an actual plot/idea. So, no celebration parties for me, or "eleventh hour" freakouts getting the last few words in. Just complete defeat. But, even though I didn't get it written in a month, I'm going to keep at it and maybe, just maybe, it'll actually turn into a real novel one day. Here's to hoping!