7:00 is My Cutoff

Our challenge for the 9th week is to give up an addiction, craving or weakness. I have thought about a few different things I could do, but one that I know will make the biggest difference, is to not eat anything after 7pm. Usually when we watch television, there is the yearning to snack on something whether it is popcorn or my new downfall....CheezIts! I am hoping if I do get hungry, it will force me to drink more water. For some reason lately, I haven't been drinking as much water, and I need to. Two more weeks left in this challenge!!!!

Rain, Rain, Rain

It started raining early this morning and it is continuing off and on throughout today. I was hoping for enough of a break to go walking, but I don't think it's going to happen. Besides, it is seriously chilly outside! I guess I should start with some exercising indoors to get in my cardio!!

I am looking forward to the final two weeks of the challenge beginning tomorrow. This challenge has been amazing for me both physically and mentally these past 8 weeks. I am so glad I accepted the challenge and I would strongly suggest if another 10 week challenge comes along, anyone who didn't jump on the bandwagon should hop on for the ride. It truly will change you if you stick to your goals!

I Did It!

This is a short post!! I am happy with myself for reaching the goal of losing at least 10 pounds in this 10 week challenge. I weighed and measured this morning and I have lost 11.4 lbs. and a total of 17" overall. We are coming up on the end of week 8 so I know I have at least 2 more weeks to make it even better. I also know this is something I will continue to do even when the challenge is over.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow!!

Tomorrow I will be weighing again and taking measurements. I am hoping to see a difference in the numbers. I will post what the results are.

We took Sadie to the groomer today, went to WalMart, Costco and Henrys. Between the walk to the vegetable stand yesterday and Henrys today, we are stocked on fruits and vegetables for a little while.

We have another storm hitting early Saturday morning but I am hoping part of the day is clear enough to walk. We have walked since I have been home, but we haven't been on the trail again since I have gotten back from CO! I'm looking forward to it. Bob informed me that next month may be the last month we can walk the trail for a while because the baby rattlesnakes will be out!!! AAGGHH!!!

"Weigh" To Go!

I have so many things to do now that I am home and a few errands to take care of today, so I am posting on my blog early. It is good to be home although last night before going to bed, I was so cold that it felt like I was still in CO. I am so thankful for my electric blanket!!

I am looking forward to getting back in the routine of walking on our trail and around the park...even if I need to use weights to meet Week 8's challenge. If you have been following my blog off and on, you know Kimberly didn't have a scale. So....I got to weigh this morning. My goal is to lose 10 pounds by the end of the challenge and I am so happy to report as of this morning I have lost 9lbs 6oz!! (Hey, that's what my son weighed when he was born). Ten ounces to go to meet my goal but my intention is to beat it! I know if I really watched myself, I could lose a lot more during this challenge, but I am eating what I want. I do not want to get to a point when I crave foods and splurge or binge! I am so happy with myself for the 9.6 I have lost. I still love this challenge!!!

So I Lied.........

Well....maybe not a real lie. This will be the last post from CO, at least until the next trip here. I was thinking about it this morning and I really don't want to spend time on the computer when I first get home. Out of that thinking, comes this last posting from here. I am anxious to weigh myself and I won't be disappointed in me if the numbers on the scale aren't that kind to me. I am looking forward to getting back into my routine of walking each day with no snow on the ground or wearing a ski jacket for warmth!! I will have a safe trip (thanks, Brenda) and I will get back with all of you from San Diego.

California Dreamin'

Tomorrow morning I will be on my way to the Denver airport to head back to San Diego. It has been a great 23 days with Kimberly, Josh, Josh's daughter Hailey and our newest addition, Colton! Colton is a great little baby and it has been so fun being here for the first 2 1/2 weeks of his life! This trip was the first time I got to meet Hailey.  She is adorable and has quite the sense of humor!  We are hoping to come back to CO in May (as I previously stated) and it will be exciting to see how Colton will change. I am anxious to go home to see Bob and certainly anxious for this job offer to be finalized. I am glad I will be home for that. I hate to think he would be so excited for this opportunity and me not be there for it. Everything happens for a reason. As much as I wish employment would have already started, I'll be glad to be there when it does. Kimberly and Josh have (beyond wonderful) neighbors and I know they will help out in any way they can!

Good bye from my CO postings!

Biggest Loser Workout...Not For Me

So last night I did a 12 minute Biggest Loser workout at Kimberly's neighbor's house using Wii with Bob (from the Biggest Loser) being the "trainer." We then did a 2 minute cool down, then on to an 18 minute workout and another 2 minute cool down. Let's just say by the first cool down, my heart was pumping and my thighs burned! The 12 minute was whole body and the 18 minute workout was lower body only. Why is it that the cool down exercises hurt just as much as the regular exercises??? Yeah...not so much a fan of that type of exercise. Apparently the exercises I did last night found some muscles that haven't been used enough. Also, because my knee is more painful when weight is put on it, lunges are hard to do...(ok....impossible!) My knee flat out won't allow it. I do much better choosing my own exercises and walking and that seems to be working for me. Since Week 8 is adding weights, I used 2 cans of beans tonight and worked on my arms and upper back. I found a full screen online stopwatch and used that while I exercised so I could watch the seconds and minutes. Pretty cool!! I am hurting today and it's amazing how holding one pound in each hand can make the arms hurt faster!!! (Thanks Kelli for this "let's use weights) idea. I don't think I'm going to like it but I love you!

I Workout, Wii Workout

I was going to borrow Kimberly's ski jacket so I could walk in the freezing temperature (did I mention this earlier as a reason I don't miss CO?), but I don't have to!! Tonight we are going to a neighbor's house and I get to do the Wii Biggest Loser workout!! That should be a good cardio booster! Kimberly gave me a pair of Lucky jeans when we were cleaning out her closet and I am wearing them today. So fun to come here and get some clothes from Kimberly!! I am leaving Tuesday and I know it will be tough to leave Colton, but our plans are to come back in May so Bob can go white water rafting!! (I said I'll stay with Colton....Kimberly and Josh can go with Bob.)

Where Did My Post Go???

I posted on my Blog early yesterday so I could make sure it was done. Now I'm online wondering why it didn't post??!! I know I did it so that is a little frustrating. Colton had his 2 week appointment yesterday and weighs 8lbs 8oz. His birth weight was 7lbs 4oz. Although the nurse did weigh him with a diaper on, I don't know how many ounces that accounts for. The main thing is Colton is a good eater and he is gaining.

Bob got word this morning that internally, he and all that comes with getting hired, was approved and he definitely has a job! The company is audited by the Federal Government and all i's and t's need to be dotted and crossed! Bob was told he should have an actual offer in the next 2 to 3 days....of course this is Friday so I am guessing by Tuesday. He was also told once the offer is in place, work would start immediately which is great news!

On another topic, I am on standby for this trip because I didn't want to be tied down to a specific date to arrive or leave CO. I have decided though, I will go home early Tuesday afternoon if the flight is not full. Right now there are 31 seats available and I am on the non-revenue list. I should be flying in to rain in San Diego. Yes, it will be hard leaving here (because of who is here) but I am excited to get back home. Bob wants to go to Fatburger on Wednesday!! Yum! I will be weighing Wednesday morning to see how I did with my weight while away from home.....notice I will weigh BEFORE Fatburger!

My First Disappointment!!!......Yet Good News Today ☺!

This morning I was upstairs getting ready so we could go to Kimberly's 2 week appointment. I was partially ready when I took over to help Colton eat, etc while Kimberly took a shower and got ready. By time I went downstairs, it was almost time to leave and I didn't have time to eat a "healthy breakfast." Knowing this challenge is based on honesty (and my priority goal for myself is to be honest with myself), I had 1/2 Granny Smith apple and a couple of bites of trail mix consisting of cashews, raisins, white chocolate chips and cranberries. I won't get the 1 point because of it. I know to so many people it is such a petty thing, but I was determined to do this challenge to the best of my ability and I let myself down....even by something that small. The only satisfaction I have though is that I was with Colton longer this morning!! Don't get me wrong....that in itself is a HUGE satisfaction!

On a HAPPY note (♫) ....Bob got a phone call stating that it is a "done deal" for him to be hired by the company he had a conference call with on Monday. Apparently they are putting together an offer letter/package and we're waiting on that. Hopefully he will be able to start working as early as Monday! This is a HUGE blessing in our lives and I am so thankful for this opportunity of employment and income once again! Next week will mark the 10 month "anniversary" of when he was laid off. I have to say though, that although this has been stressful and most likely may still be that way for a while, Bob and I have continued to get along so well and be a strength and support for each other. I ♥ him so much!

10 Should Be My New Lucky Number!!

This evening while doing crunches, Kimberly's cat Rory decided to enjoy my presence on the floor. Each time I would stop for a few seconds between sets, Rory would plop down next to my head or by my armpit for some extra attention. You had to be here but it was quite comical. I was also doing leg lifts and as I did my last 10 I decided I would include the cat, so I helped Rory do 10 lifts......I know....it was getting late!!! The main thing I have to post today though, is for those who read a while back that I brought a smaller size pair of jeans with me to CO in hopes of wearing them..............I wore them today! They fit and felt great!!!

Organization!!!

Another beautiful day in CO! 40 degrees and sunny....but Bob said it was a beautiful day in San Diego also, so I guess I can't lose either way!!

We worked on more de-cluttering and organizing today and things are looking good. Colton is growing and is so cute and happy!! He even held his bottle tonight while he drank it. Very cute!

I also realized today that taking 20 minutes for yourself is tough.....I did it in increments....I hope that counted!!!!

I ♥ Week 7

I told Kelli I did my cardio by shoveling the driveway and sidewalk this morning......well 24 minutes of it anyway! Kimberly said it was funny since there was no snow there. Of course she was joking...there was definitely snow. I should have said I shoveled snow from the driveway and sidewalk which reminded me of another reason I don't miss living in CO!!

I am excited that this week's challenge is "relaxation!" YES! What a nice break, but funny since it is something we should all be doing each day anyway. Something most of us don't do....take time for ourselves.

Here is wishing all of you a very Happy Valentines Day!!! ....and a successful Week 7!

I'm Liking Me These Days

The other night while lying in bed, I was trying to think of a good inspirational quote that would pertain to me and my goals. I made up one myself and it fits me perfectly.

"You can never move forward if you hold yourself back."

Being honest with myself and sticking to this 10 week challenge has been such an eye opening experience. I think the one thing that I have learned the most so far is that I am in control of myself. No more putting the blame on anything or anyone unless that blame truly lies with them. At that point I will need to make the adjustments and make things right. If I remember to look to myself and be the judge of myself, it will keep me honest and true to me! That is one of the main things I want from this 10 week challenge and I am happy to say I see a whole new person within myself and I like her a lot!

"Waist" Not.....Want Not.

We're supposed to get snow again tomorrow and once again on Thursday of next week. Spending these past couple of weeks in CO reminds me of what I liked and didn't like about living in CO the 5 years we were here. I love seeing the mountains, especially when they are covered in snow. I don't like driving in the snow and I don't like knowing Kimberly and Josh drive in it when they have to. But, with four "real" seasons, I guess there are some things you put up with.

I did my crunches first thing this morning, not wanting to do them just before bed again. The last time I measured I had lost 2 1\2" in my waist and I know the crunches have something to do with that. I am enjoying all the aspects of this challenge and though some days are "more of a challenge" than others, I know the dedication is paying off.

It's Crunch Time....

Seriously it really is crunch time. We have been busy doing things around the house all day today with a break for dinner and watching Survivor! I realized I hadn't blogged and needed to do that before it hit midnight! Once I am done posting, I will be on the floor doing crunches!!!

I hope everyone is doing great on their goals!

We're Walking and We're Walking....

I love that line from the Progressive commercial and it fits my daily routine. I walked 30 minutes today along snow lined streets. I actually did walk mostly on the side of the street because some people have chosen not to shovel the snow off the sidewalks in front of their house. I definitely don't want to slip or fall. Yesterday while out shopping with Kimberly, I was telling her to watch where she walked because I certainly didn't want her falling especially after having a c-section a week ago. Just after I told her to be careful, I slipped and jarred my left knee which was just starting to feel better. Yep! I'm wearing the brace again when I walk!

I brought my smaller size jeans with me to CO to see if I would be able to wear them home after being here 3 weeks. I'll let you know!!

Seriously??? Asparagus?

I am certainly enjoying spending time with Kimberly, Josh and Colton. Josh is an amazing cook and has fixed some great dishes. I tried asparagus for the first time last night after years of saying I didn't like it .... (I have never even tried it!) It's amazing that it tasted so much like fresh corn on the cob to me! However, I have to say I miss Bob and being able to take our daily walks. I know he is taking Sadie for a walk just about every day so I know Bob is getting his exercise!! Since I started this challenge, Bob has been walking with me each day except for maybe once or twice and I love that!

Hopefully tomorrow Bob will hear word on a job....I think we have waited long enough. I know it would be easier for him being home alone these few weeks if he actually had a paying job to keep him occupied. I've asked before and will ask again....please keep us in your prayers.

Things Seem To Be Working

Just wanted to post real quick to say that the combination of everything I have been doing has been working for me. This challenge has been an amazing asset to my days. I spend less time watching television and more time actually being productive around the house. I'm not saying the house got neglected because it didn't. I have just found time for deeper cleaning. I also don't watch television as much and I find I don't need to eat as much as I thought. Stress related eating and eating out of boredom have gone way down. We are still waiting on word for Bob and work but we know something will come through for us. In the meantime, these next couple of weeks, I will certainly enjoy getting to know our new little grandson. We think he is amazing!

What's With This Snow Getting Here Early??

I was planning on walking before "this evening's snow" came, but Kimberly pulled open the curtains and voila!!!! Snow on the ground and snow still falling! I asked Josh's 7 year old daughter, Hailey if she has snow boots with her this weekend. She said yes so I asked her if she wanted to walk with me if we could both dress warm enough. An enthusiastic nodding of the head came back to me so I think we may attempt it!

Colton slept great last night and Kimberly got some well needed sleep also. Josh has been so good with helping with everything. He certainly is a happy new daddy! I'm so glad everything is going well. Colton has a newborn appointment tomorrow and hopefully all will be well!

To those getting rain, enjoy it! To those getting snow, do your best to enjoy it. I know the ski resorts need this!

(Afternoon update)...Hailey and I walked for 20 minutes. Kimberly's snow boots were a little tight on me and Hailey said her boots were hurting her. (I didn't realize until later that Hailey had on 2 pair of socks because earlier this morning her feet were cold.) Anyway....after getting home and taking off the boots as fast as I could, I realized the blood spots on my socks. Yep! There was a huge blister on each heel with the skin laying back. Sorry.... a little descriptive, but OUCH! I had almost worn my tennis shoes but Josh said I would have less chance of slipping if I wore the boots. No more boots for me!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig....

Well, I'm not home but we are back at Kimberly and Josh's home with the new baby!.....a very cute little boy I might add! Pictures on my Facebook! Kimberly and Colton are both doing well. It's amazing how quickly a baby's facial features change. Each day he looks a little different. He is definitely the son of these two! During labor, Colton's heart rate started dropping quite rapidly and it was quickly decided by the attending nurse and doctor that an emergency c-section was in order. I was amazed that from the time it was decided to do a c-section to the time I was holding Colton in the waiting room, was approximately 25 minutes. We're very thankful it all turned out so well. He is a very calm and happy little bundle.

I have been able to walk each day that I have been here and hopefully I will be able to continue the daily walks although the snow is supposed to be here tomorrow evening. I talked with Bob earlier this afternoon and he said it has been raining there since 5:30pm yesterday.

I am anxious to see what Week 6 of this 10 week challenge brings our way!

Energy & Persistance Conquer All Things

My title is a quote from Benjamin Franklin and I say he sure was a smart man!! I thought this quote, among so many other things I have read, go hand in hand with this challenge. It is amazing how little things will motivate me now. I know my way of thinking about certain things has changed and it is only because I have been working at it. I am happy to say that since I wrote down one of my goals as being honest with myself, I have not looked back. I didn't realize that "cheating" myself or making excuses about things for myself would have such an impact on me and my life. I look at who I am now and how I feel, and I know it is because I have "manned up" to myself! I enjoy being with "me." I find that being around other people is even more enjoyable and interesting than before. I am accomplishing what I have set out to do and in these past 4 1/2 weeks I can really feel a difference. It is so true what is said about anything becoming a habit, good or bad, after just 21 days. This is no longer a mere habit, but truly a life changing event for me. Beginning January 3rd to February 5th, I have lost 14 inches overall. I realized this morning my calves (not the 4 legged kind) have gotten quite a bit smaller. I should have been measuring those!! Happier and healthier does feel good!!

Coyotes vs Humans

So, I was out (being good) wanting to get in a good walk on a trail behind Kimberly's house, when after about 20 minutes I noticed some visitors. I don't care if people say coyotes don't attack humans! When I am walking on a trail here in CO for the first time by myself and I see a coyote walking in the area I had just come from, it's not so funny. I was talking to Kelli on the phone at the time I saw it, watching it closely, when I saw another coyote walking 50 feet or less by me. Again...not funny. I say if a coyote is hungry enough, it will attack anything. It didn't help that 4 little poodles were barking from a backyard probably causing the coyotes to get a little more anxious!!!! I just know they were licking their lips!! (To anyone out there who thinks this little scenario is funny, I don't think you would be laughing in the same situation.) :o)

I am thinking I may just walk around the park now even though I'll have to walk a little ways on the trail to get there. I did pick up a 3 foot PVC pipe (marked by a utility company but I don't care)....I kept the pipe with me and will carry it with me each time I walk alone. Kimberly has a couple of neighbors I have met who both say they will walk with me when they can. I've even been told I can walk their dog but I don't think I want to be responsible for that message to the owner if their dog and a coyote decided to "play."

(Afternoon insert): I just had to come back to my blog and post how happy I am with myself. I posted a while back how I had a sudden burst of energy and went walking twice in the same day. Well, I was cleaning a little while ago and got that little burst again. I did 30 leg lifts on each side, and 10 reps of 10 sit ups! SIT UPS!!!! I haven't done those forever and I know a month ago I could have maybe pushed myself to do 10, but today I did 100!!!!!!!

The Day Has Finally Arrived!!

This morning at 11:23, we welcomed Colton Alexander Giardino into our family. He is our 11th grandchild and we already love him dearly. After a few hours of labor, Kimberly needed an emergency c-section. Colton was 20" long and weighed in at a whopping :o) 7lbs 4oz. All is well with both mom and baby! Pictures are on my facebook! Around 12:30 this morning, Kimberly and I walked the floors of the hospital trying to help her labor along. We walked 35 minutes (maybe a little more.) I am very proud of her!!

I am continuing to do everything I can to make sure I am sticking to my goals for this challenge. I am seeing the changes in my body and my outlook on life so I know this can be done!

No Turning Back (but honestly who would want to??)

Today is the big day! We are leaving for the hospital in just over 2 hours. Kimberly is excited, anxious and nervous.....mainly excited! All of the moms out there can appreciate that. The not knowing; especially with the first baby! I will keep everyone posted.

We finished any last minute errands today which included Kimberly having a manicure and I gave in to a foot massage.....all I can say is WOW! It felt amazing!

I did manage to get a little walking in today which makes me feel good. I'll still be walking tonight at the hospital once Kimberly is settled in. I will be staying at the hospital with her until Thursday then Josh will spend the night and hopefully they will come home on Friday.

I measured myself to see if I had lost any more inches. I am so happy to write on my blog that I have lost a total of 13 1/2" in 30 days! This 10 week challenge has been amazing. It is exactly what I needed to motivate myself!! On Sunday we will be starting the second half of the challenge and it can only get better from here!

Last Minute Necessitites

In approximately 26 hours from now Kimberly will be checking in to the hospital. The last couple of days have been spent running errands and getting the last of what will be needed for the hospital and once the little man comes home. I have to be honest here and say while at WalMart, we did pick up a few snacks to have at the hospital....but I think I did pretty good considering what was available. I bought iced oatmeal cookies and Cheese Nips. Kimberly bought 'Nilla Wafers (and snacks for Josh while we're not here.) I think though, Kimberly and I will be sharing our snacks. I plan to do alot of walking at the hospital over the next couple of days.

I will keep this blog updated with the newest information!!