It's strange to think that a Whole75 is two and a half months. For some reason that sounds like more than "75 days". Anyway, at a month and a half into this thing, I have 30 days to go. December 23rd, I'm coming for you.
Today's Couch to 5K workout wasn't too terrible. I was careful to jog and not get my speed up too much, so that the motion was sustainable for longer. I figure at this point, it's best to just get used to the rhythm of jogging for long periods of time, and then when that's doable I can work on building up my speed and distance. Perhaps this is the fundamental distance between jogging and running? I'm not sure.
I finally got new work pants. They're more form-fitting than I've worn in the past, which is a bit strange, but so far no one's looked at me in disgust or run screaming from my presence (that I know of), so I assume they're acceptable for this stage of my weight loss.
My mom wants me and Panda to have Thanksgiving dinner at her place, which is awesome, except I feel bad explaining about my food needs on the Whole75. Even the turkey preparation is important, which is why I volunteered to bring the turkey myself. I think it'll be ok (and I'll bring plenty of sides and veggies and fruit), but dining with others can sometimes be awkward on this eating plan. Especially around the holidays.
Still! My mom's cool and understands about putting health first. And we also don't have a dining room table so it makes sense to have the big meal at someone else's house. Slack Friday we can just use the coffee table and sofa, since we'll be lounging around with friends making fun of shoppers.
Which reminds me, this is a three-day workweek. Score!
Monday, November 23, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
Ouch. (Whole75, Day 42)
My right shoulder is all messed up and sore. I don't know what I did, but very likely I fudged it by sleeping awkwardly on it. I'm not happy with myself about it.
Today will be the final workout of Week 4 in Couch to 5K. It has me jogging at 3- and 5-minute intervals. Next week it looks like it's 5 and 5, then 5 and 8, and then on the third workout a 20-minute straight run. I don't know if I'll be able to do that, but I'm going to try. Heh...I fully admit that I'm doing this training not to become a runner but to lose weight. If I become healthier and more coordinated, and develop better stamina/ balance/ clarity in the process, awesome. But I'm hoping somewhere in all the plodding and bouncing I can get rid of some of this extra chub that has sat around on me too long.
Food's been fine. A little boring, but fine. I've been too busy to get really creative with food lately so it's been a lot of the same stuff I usually have. I did go grocery shopping after writing my last entry, and while I got home late it was worth it to have the cupboards full again (and have our Thanksgiving turkey in the freezer.)
Work has been a particular sort of stressful this week. I've been doing a lot of copy writing, which I love and which I think I'm good at. However, I am learning the hard way that you can't be too sensitive (or too attached to your work) in this job. Something I write that I love (and that my manager and her impossible-to-please boss also like), gets to the third or fourth level of review and someone shoots it down simply because they don't like it. No constructive feedback, no explanation of why something that matches every criteria they asked for is unacceptable. "It needs more Stimulus." "It lacks the Delight in the product." This tells me nothing of how you want it to read. Telling me you want it to have more zip and zazz, when you have absolutely no idea how to explain the product yourself, makes me think you probably want a bolder font and perhaps more exclamation points.
Having to replace or amend my own work with the work of others who outrank me (and whose prose, I arrogantly think, aren't as effective) is really hard. It's especially hard with vendors (internal and external) for whom English is a second language...I feel like I have a good understanding of how to construct a sentence, a paragraph, a page, and then I'm asked to write "We are proud to have such beautiful hotels! And you know what! The best part is we are giving away a trip!" :-/
It's been, as I said on Twitter, a Week of Mondays. I'm thankful it's Friday and I don't have to work this weekend (with the exception of a single house-managing shift at the Fox on Saturday, but I can handle that without issue.) Tonight I claimed off from rehearsal - I'm seeing Panda's opening night of Man of La Mancha.
33 more days until I weigh myself and find out if this extended eating plan, and actually exercising every day, has paid off in the way I want to.
My lowest recorded weight when I was on Atkins in college was 160. The goal for this Whole75 is 170, and I hope to hit 150 in the coming year.
To be honest, looking at my body now I think I could probably build some muscle, improve my shape and get down lower than 150 (based on my frame and whatnot.) But I'll reevaluate that when I get to it.
My skin (not the skin on my face) is starting to show signs of weight loss. This is both good and bad. Good in that I know I'm losing some stubborn fat...bad because it's getting itchy and irritated and it looks really strange. I have lotion that I use that's supposed to work for pregnant ladies (firming up the skin on their tummies postpartum), but I don't know how well it'll work on someone whose tummy has been so big for ten years as opposed to nine months.
It's worth a shot, I guess. And I like the smell of cocoa butter, especially when I can't have chocolate.
33 more days.
Today will be the final workout of Week 4 in Couch to 5K. It has me jogging at 3- and 5-minute intervals. Next week it looks like it's 5 and 5, then 5 and 8, and then on the third workout a 20-minute straight run. I don't know if I'll be able to do that, but I'm going to try. Heh...I fully admit that I'm doing this training not to become a runner but to lose weight. If I become healthier and more coordinated, and develop better stamina/ balance/ clarity in the process, awesome. But I'm hoping somewhere in all the plodding and bouncing I can get rid of some of this extra chub that has sat around on me too long.
Food's been fine. A little boring, but fine. I've been too busy to get really creative with food lately so it's been a lot of the same stuff I usually have. I did go grocery shopping after writing my last entry, and while I got home late it was worth it to have the cupboards full again (and have our Thanksgiving turkey in the freezer.)
Work has been a particular sort of stressful this week. I've been doing a lot of copy writing, which I love and which I think I'm good at. However, I am learning the hard way that you can't be too sensitive (or too attached to your work) in this job. Something I write that I love (and that my manager and her impossible-to-please boss also like), gets to the third or fourth level of review and someone shoots it down simply because they don't like it. No constructive feedback, no explanation of why something that matches every criteria they asked for is unacceptable. "It needs more Stimulus." "It lacks the Delight in the product." This tells me nothing of how you want it to read. Telling me you want it to have more zip and zazz, when you have absolutely no idea how to explain the product yourself, makes me think you probably want a bolder font and perhaps more exclamation points.
Having to replace or amend my own work with the work of others who outrank me (and whose prose, I arrogantly think, aren't as effective) is really hard. It's especially hard with vendors (internal and external) for whom English is a second language...I feel like I have a good understanding of how to construct a sentence, a paragraph, a page, and then I'm asked to write "We are proud to have such beautiful hotels! And you know what! The best part is we are giving away a trip!" :-/
It's been, as I said on Twitter, a Week of Mondays. I'm thankful it's Friday and I don't have to work this weekend (with the exception of a single house-managing shift at the Fox on Saturday, but I can handle that without issue.) Tonight I claimed off from rehearsal - I'm seeing Panda's opening night of Man of La Mancha.
33 more days until I weigh myself and find out if this extended eating plan, and actually exercising every day, has paid off in the way I want to.
My lowest recorded weight when I was on Atkins in college was 160. The goal for this Whole75 is 170, and I hope to hit 150 in the coming year.
To be honest, looking at my body now I think I could probably build some muscle, improve my shape and get down lower than 150 (based on my frame and whatnot.) But I'll reevaluate that when I get to it.
My skin (not the skin on my face) is starting to show signs of weight loss. This is both good and bad. Good in that I know I'm losing some stubborn fat...bad because it's getting itchy and irritated and it looks really strange. I have lotion that I use that's supposed to work for pregnant ladies (firming up the skin on their tummies postpartum), but I don't know how well it'll work on someone whose tummy has been so big for ten years as opposed to nine months.
It's worth a shot, I guess. And I like the smell of cocoa butter, especially when I can't have chocolate.
33 more days.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Ups and Downs (Whole75, Day 39)
I seriously thought I'd written another entry yesterday, but it's been over a week. Maybe I should schedule a weekly post or something just to keep me on my toes.
Work stress is about the same – lots of things going on, which on the one hand makes me feel secure that no matter how stressed out folks get, they won’t up and fire me, but on the other hand, there’s a lot of pressure and mounting to-dos. A coworker whom I’d really liked resigned the other day for personal reasons, which leaves our already small department with even more catch-up to do. On the plus side, I am writing a lot more, and growing ever more skilled in my interactions with high level clients who sometimes deserve a swift kick in the butt more than my patient assistance. For the most part people are pretty cool and I’m learning more about our products, destinations, and vendors each day. I’m seriously jonesing for a nice long vacation (weird, huh, since I stare at pictures of luxury hotels all day). Hopefully, early next year, I’ll be able to start traveling more in earnest. At any rate, we’re going to Disneyland in February and I’m excited about that.
A Christmas Carol is still chugging along. Tonight we’re blocking the final scene (the Fezziwig dance) and then the whole thing will be blocked and ready for cleaning. I’m off-book (having had the advantage of playing most of these roles last year) and watching with interest how things differ from last season. It’s a fun production and I think it’ll be a good one this year, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss last year’s cast.
Yesterday I completed the first of three Couch to 5K workouts for Week 4, and as you can imagine this is the most challenging setup yet. Running for 5 straight minutes a pop doesn’t sound like much, but it certainly feels like a lot. Yesterday was the first time since beginning this challenge that I actually had thoughts, while I was running, about whether or not I’d need to slow up and walk during a “jog” section. But, thankfully, I didn’t, and completed the workout (while breathing quite heavily and sweating in a most unladylike manner, because whatever, I’m awesome.)
Food is still going fine, just boring. Our cupboards are nearly bare (Panda’s in tech this week for Man of La Mancha and I’ve been going straight from work to rehearsals and not getting home until after 10), so this morning I discovered we were out of eggs and decided, well, tonight’s going to be a late night grocery run.
Which is going to seriously suck, but it’s necessary. Especially since Thanksgiving’s just around the corner and I can’t exactly make a dinner (let alone a Whole30-appropriate one) out of the 2 remaining dill pickles and leftover chicken drumsticks I have in my fridge.
That’s right, I’ll be making us a Whole30-friendly spread since I’m still on this thing for the long haul (but…as I’ve said about a thousand times…Christmas Eve will be my first day off and it’s going to RULE.) I’m thinking I should post my recipes on here of the things I make. Readership’s not so huge that social contract mandates it, but it’ll be a nice way for me to remember what I did to keep things both healthy and delicious during the holidays. And if people reading enjoy and take some recipes for themselves, so much the better! I get to feel helpful and famous. Win-win.
Today is a walking day (thank goodness), so I’m about to head out with my sunglasses and my audiobook and get some steps in. 40 days and counting at 10,000 steps or more – today will be Day 41.
There is a very real chance I will hit my steps goal for every day of this Whole75. I *just* realized I’m over halfway there, both in food and exercise. I do have a specific goal in mind I’d like to see on the scale on Day 76…but even if that number doesn’t come up, I will be very proud of myself for sticking to good habits for this long. It’s the longest I’ve ever gone being healthy. And that’s something to be proud of. *pats self on back*
Work stress is about the same – lots of things going on, which on the one hand makes me feel secure that no matter how stressed out folks get, they won’t up and fire me, but on the other hand, there’s a lot of pressure and mounting to-dos. A coworker whom I’d really liked resigned the other day for personal reasons, which leaves our already small department with even more catch-up to do. On the plus side, I am writing a lot more, and growing ever more skilled in my interactions with high level clients who sometimes deserve a swift kick in the butt more than my patient assistance. For the most part people are pretty cool and I’m learning more about our products, destinations, and vendors each day. I’m seriously jonesing for a nice long vacation (weird, huh, since I stare at pictures of luxury hotels all day). Hopefully, early next year, I’ll be able to start traveling more in earnest. At any rate, we’re going to Disneyland in February and I’m excited about that.
A Christmas Carol is still chugging along. Tonight we’re blocking the final scene (the Fezziwig dance) and then the whole thing will be blocked and ready for cleaning. I’m off-book (having had the advantage of playing most of these roles last year) and watching with interest how things differ from last season. It’s a fun production and I think it’ll be a good one this year, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss last year’s cast.
Yesterday I completed the first of three Couch to 5K workouts for Week 4, and as you can imagine this is the most challenging setup yet. Running for 5 straight minutes a pop doesn’t sound like much, but it certainly feels like a lot. Yesterday was the first time since beginning this challenge that I actually had thoughts, while I was running, about whether or not I’d need to slow up and walk during a “jog” section. But, thankfully, I didn’t, and completed the workout (while breathing quite heavily and sweating in a most unladylike manner, because whatever, I’m awesome.)
Food is still going fine, just boring. Our cupboards are nearly bare (Panda’s in tech this week for Man of La Mancha and I’ve been going straight from work to rehearsals and not getting home until after 10), so this morning I discovered we were out of eggs and decided, well, tonight’s going to be a late night grocery run.
Which is going to seriously suck, but it’s necessary. Especially since Thanksgiving’s just around the corner and I can’t exactly make a dinner (let alone a Whole30-appropriate one) out of the 2 remaining dill pickles and leftover chicken drumsticks I have in my fridge.
That’s right, I’ll be making us a Whole30-friendly spread since I’m still on this thing for the long haul (but…as I’ve said about a thousand times…Christmas Eve will be my first day off and it’s going to RULE.) I’m thinking I should post my recipes on here of the things I make. Readership’s not so huge that social contract mandates it, but it’ll be a nice way for me to remember what I did to keep things both healthy and delicious during the holidays. And if people reading enjoy and take some recipes for themselves, so much the better! I get to feel helpful and famous. Win-win.
Today is a walking day (thank goodness), so I’m about to head out with my sunglasses and my audiobook and get some steps in. 40 days and counting at 10,000 steps or more – today will be Day 41.
There is a very real chance I will hit my steps goal for every day of this Whole75. I *just* realized I’m over halfway there, both in food and exercise. I do have a specific goal in mind I’d like to see on the scale on Day 76…but even if that number doesn’t come up, I will be very proud of myself for sticking to good habits for this long. It’s the longest I’ve ever gone being healthy. And that’s something to be proud of. *pats self on back*
Monday, November 9, 2015
Don't Cry For Me (Whole75, Day 31)
Welps, I've completed a Whole30's worth of...Whole30, and I'm feeling pretty good. My clothes are feeling looser and even my skin (which is still problematic) isn't as nasty as it has been in the past. Because we're finally (FINALLY) getting some moisture in the air here in drought-plagued California, my hair has gone completely insane, but I'll take that if it means we get some more rain.
I am also very glad to say that I have kept up with the FitBit goals, and have completed 10,000 or more steps for 32 straight days (today will be day 33). AND, I've completed two weeks of training on the Couch to 5K app (today will begin Week 3, which gets significantly more challenging.)
I will need to hit up a Ross or a TJ Maxx for a couple of pieces of "business attire" for this phase of things. Right now I have no work pants, so I've been wearing skirts and dresses (and jeans on Fridays), and with the weather cooling down it makes dress-wearing more challenging. I don't plan on staying this size for very long, so I don't want to spend too much money, but I'd like not to look quite so frumpy at work on a day to day basis.
Evita opened this weekend, and audiences seemed to enjoy it. It's a concept-heavy production, so people unfamiliar with the (true) story of the Perons or the original materials by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were a little lost, but the performances were good and I was proud of the work people were doing onstage and off. Because I was the director's assistant and he's handed off the show to the SM and MD, my responsibilities are all done, but I'll likely see it another time or two as the run continues. It's cool to watch how shows evolve a bit after they've been in front of an audience for a while (and the performers and musicians become more confident, and little kinks get worked out).
Rehearsals for A Christmas Carol are now in full swing, and I return tonight for continued blocking and awesomeness. I really love this play and am excited to see how the production this year will differ from last year. I did hint (heavily) to the costume mistress that I really loved the red velvet dress I got to wear last year, and she hinted (offhand) that she may be able to take it in so I can wear it again. We shall see.
Panda is on Day 29 of a Whole30, himself! I'm really proud of him; he stuck to it even in the face of some pretty major temptations and has come on a bunch of walks with me, and is considering doing more WholeSomethings for himself in the future. Granted, he talks a lot about all the delicious junk food he's going to enjoy in a few days, but I do that too when I'm near the finish line. ;-) I'll still be on this Whole75 during Thanksgiving, but will be off by Christmas, so I'll enjoy pie and cookies then. Thanksgiving will be about the turkey and yummy vegetables and spending time together. And then sitting around in our PJs on "Black Friday" while crazy people go shopping (have seriously NEVER understood that phenomenon) and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas.
It's starting to get darker, earlier! Between that and the silvery/ rainy/ thundery weather, my spirits are lifting significantly. The vegetables may also be helping my moods, but I like to think it's just the world getting a little colder and spookier towards the end of the year. :-)
Happy Monday.
I am also very glad to say that I have kept up with the FitBit goals, and have completed 10,000 or more steps for 32 straight days (today will be day 33). AND, I've completed two weeks of training on the Couch to 5K app (today will begin Week 3, which gets significantly more challenging.)
I will need to hit up a Ross or a TJ Maxx for a couple of pieces of "business attire" for this phase of things. Right now I have no work pants, so I've been wearing skirts and dresses (and jeans on Fridays), and with the weather cooling down it makes dress-wearing more challenging. I don't plan on staying this size for very long, so I don't want to spend too much money, but I'd like not to look quite so frumpy at work on a day to day basis.
Evita opened this weekend, and audiences seemed to enjoy it. It's a concept-heavy production, so people unfamiliar with the (true) story of the Perons or the original materials by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were a little lost, but the performances were good and I was proud of the work people were doing onstage and off. Because I was the director's assistant and he's handed off the show to the SM and MD, my responsibilities are all done, but I'll likely see it another time or two as the run continues. It's cool to watch how shows evolve a bit after they've been in front of an audience for a while (and the performers and musicians become more confident, and little kinks get worked out).
Rehearsals for A Christmas Carol are now in full swing, and I return tonight for continued blocking and awesomeness. I really love this play and am excited to see how the production this year will differ from last year. I did hint (heavily) to the costume mistress that I really loved the red velvet dress I got to wear last year, and she hinted (offhand) that she may be able to take it in so I can wear it again. We shall see.
Panda is on Day 29 of a Whole30, himself! I'm really proud of him; he stuck to it even in the face of some pretty major temptations and has come on a bunch of walks with me, and is considering doing more WholeSomethings for himself in the future. Granted, he talks a lot about all the delicious junk food he's going to enjoy in a few days, but I do that too when I'm near the finish line. ;-) I'll still be on this Whole75 during Thanksgiving, but will be off by Christmas, so I'll enjoy pie and cookies then. Thanksgiving will be about the turkey and yummy vegetables and spending time together. And then sitting around in our PJs on "Black Friday" while crazy people go shopping (have seriously NEVER understood that phenomenon) and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas.
It's starting to get darker, earlier! Between that and the silvery/ rainy/ thundery weather, my spirits are lifting significantly. The vegetables may also be helping my moods, but I like to think it's just the world getting a little colder and spookier towards the end of the year. :-)
Happy Monday.
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