Day 63 - Drum roll please

It is official! I have hit a milestone!!! I have lost 10 pounds!!!! Yay me! Now, I just need to figure out what "reward" to give myself for reaching my goal. I mean, once a girl buys herself a big ticket item for reaching her first goal, where do you go from there? Since I just bought the new furnace/AC unit, maybe I'll gift myself with new plumbing or rewiring the house. Hum...who am I kidding? That should be saved for the 25 pound milestone! :) Seriously, I'm really pleased with my results. I am averaging one pound a week! So, for the month of April, my goal is to lose 5 pounds. I'm really excited because this is doable.

I just hope that the weather doesn't get too hot too soon. Since my clothes are still fitting the same, I don't have many items that I can wear. The good news is another 5-10 pounds, and it will be like I have a whole new wardrobe! So, like I mentioned, my new goal is to lose 5 pounds by the end of April. In addition, I want to drop the W from my pants size, and lose my double chin (especially before my nephew and neice lose theirs). What can I say...I'm competitive!

I also want to thank everyone for their kind words, support, and love! I couldn't have done it without all of you!!!

Day 62 - The agony of weigh in eve

Oh...I hate Tuesdays almost more than I hate Wednesdays (weigh in day)! I sit and agonize over whether I did enough to drop even half a pound. I dream that I get on the scale and there is a massive weight loss, only to realize it is a dream! Oh, the pressure! Have I mentioned that I don't handle pressure well? Why? Because my trigger for wanting to eat is stress and pressure...well, also sadness, boredom, depression, hunger...make it stop! Yeah, so basically, I love to eat no matter what I'm feeling. Not good!

I will say that I have managed my emotional eating rather well this week. We won't mention the cinnamon roll, Braum's hamburger, and fries that I had over the weekend...darn! Did I mention that I stink at keeping secrets too? So, my eating wasn't unbelievable, but it wasn't bad either. I ate well, so I rewarded myself (maybe a little too much) by having some foods that I craved. Oh, how I wish I could crave a salad! I did exercise (I love the bike) to make up for my "You're doing great, eat a hamburger and fries day". Hopefully, my cheat day wont kill me! Please, oh please!

Yesterday, I again exercised through osmosis by watching Dancing with the Stars! I had no idea that their was another dancer on the show with my elegance and grace. No, I'm not talking about Pamela Anderson (though I see the resemblance...hopefully some men are reading this). My dancing double is none other than...drum roll please...Buzz Aldrin. Yep, I have the elegance and grace of an 80-year-old. What can I say...I'm inept. I admit it, and I embrace it! While I may not be a dancing diva or light on my feet, I can make people smile and lighten their day. Hum...does this make me an American Hero? I may never have walked on the moon, but I have eaten a Moon Pie...does that count with NASA? More thought provoking questions tomorrow!

Day 61 - What a beautiful day!

Happy Monday!!! Wait, is that an oxymoron? Can people be happy on a Monday? Oh well, first off let me take care of some business. Happy belated birthday to my sister-in-law Meagan, and my cousin's children Sam and Emma. I hope you all enjoyed your special day!!! Also, I want to welcome my Aunt Margie to the blog. This is a scary place to visit. Who knows what little thoughts and tidbits are in my mind! But, I appreciate you talking a walk on the wild side.

Today is a beautiful day! The sun is shining, my pants feel loose (but that could be because of the elastic...hum), and I think I might actually get to walk outside today!!!! Of course, I also am still feeling the euphoria of Duke making it to the Final Four, so that is probably why I'm lovin' Monday! It is a high like no other! There were many polls that projected that Duke would be the first number one seed out of the tournament, but Duke is the ONLY number one seed in the Final Four! I feel like a proud parent...of course, I'm not a parent so I'm just guessing!

As for my goal (and yes I have a goal), I'm hoping to have a good weigh in this week, but I won't lie...the weekend scares me!!! Easter...such a dreaded word for those of us on a diet. Thank goodness the Easter Bunny will not be visiting my house. Due to the chocolate and sugar filled celebration of this great religious holiday, I'm planning on working my tail off (and, yes, that is a reference to the Easter Bunny). I still have my double chin, I still am wearing the same size clothes, and I'm still single (shocking, I know). But, I'm not depressed, I'm not sad because I really haven't done that bad. (Who knew so much rhyming went on in mind...scary). So, this week, I'm hoping the weather stays nice, my pants stay on (ok...that didn't sound good), that I can keep exercising outdoors, and that Duke makes it to the "Big Dance" on Monday! Fingers crossed!!!

Day 60 - A good day

I'm still loving life!!!! K State lost yesterday, but my team ( Duke) won. It was a tough, close game, but we pulled it out in the end. Duke hasn't been to the Final Four since 2004...can you believe it? I'm so excited!!!! I hope everyone had as good a day as I had. Have a good evening!

Day 59 - Life can't get any better

I'm loving life! Last night, Duke beat Purdue! It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win. This morning, I spent time with my sister and three of her boys. We went to the city Easter Egg Hunt. They broke the kids up into age groups, so I went to the 3-5 hunt while my sister went to the 0-2 hunt. It was great! I didn't even knock over any kids to help my nephew! Am I great or what? :)

Today, I'm going to spend my afternoon watching basketball! K State is playing a tough Baylor team this afternoon. I would love to see them make it to the Final Four. And, of course, my main team Duke plays on Sunday! Let's go Duke!!!! I'm feeling good, I'm eating good, and I'm enjoying my life!

I'm not foolin',
I'm rooting for Pullen,
Clemente can play,
and hit the trey.
K State is first rate,
and I can't wait,
to see if they advance,
to the Big Dance!!!

Day 58 - Rollercoaster Ride

Wow! Last night truly had ups and downs. K State battled a tough Xavier team last night and pulled off a win in double overtime! I'm sure I've asked this before, but I will ask the question again...Does an accelerated heart beat lead to an accelerated metabolism? If so, I had two and a half hours of strenuous exercise. Possibly, my best workout yet! The down side was that Cornell lost to Kentucky. Darn, I picked that upset. Oh well!

Oh yeah, I also ate great yesterday! Yesterday was all about high protein. I can just feel the pounds melting away! Alright, that's a lie. I've lost 9 pounds (not that you can tell by looking at me) in 58 days so it isn't exactly melting away. It is more playing hide and seek...forcing me to guess where the weight has gone. Apparently, it is well known that I enjoy games since my weight loss is always a guessing game. Woe is me...why do I have to love games? Why can't my weight loss be noticeable to the naked eye? So....do you think I was dramatic enough? Here's keeping my fingers crossed for an Oscar next year!!! Best dramatic writing in a nonsensical blog! Pick me, pick me!!!!!

Well, tonight, should be a good night! Duke plays Purdue, and I'm hoping for a "W" (Seriously, that rhyme was completely accidental, and I will not even attempt a rhyme with Krzyzewski)! A Duke win would definitely make for a happy Friday!

One, two, we better beat Purdue
three, four, I really hope we score
five, six, don't shoot bricks
seven, eight, I can't wait
nine, ten, to see Duke win!

LET'S GO DUKE!!!!!

Day 57 - Like a little kid

Today, I feel like a kid in a candy store. Wait...candy would ruin the diet. I feel like a kid at a salad bar. Now, I'm just sad! I feel like a kid on a snow day! Yep, that will work. I'm happy, I'm giddy, and I'm ready for some fun!!!

Amazingly, I'm not talking about my weight loss (I'm happy about that too). I'm talking about the sun starting to shine (we had rain here), the evening almost upon us, and basketball soon to be seen on my TV. The drought is over...Alleluia!!!! Here's hoping that Cornell and K State win today!

K State is first rate,
now they await,
a team ranked number six,
I deem a good mix.
K State is playing great,
and they create,
excitement and cheer,
this may be their year.
They have great guards
that are held in high regards.
Hopefully, they won't need a savior
to beat Xavier.

Not my best work, but it was the best I could do! Seriously, you rhyme something with Xavier! :) Talk at you tomorrow!!!

Day 56 - So, how did I do?

I did it! I lost 13 pounds this week! So, now that I have your attention, how did I really do? I lost 1 1/2 pounds this week. Which in my mind is the equivalent of 13 pounds, so really my first statement is accurate when you think about it. Or at least in my mind it's accurate. Let's face it, my mind works in weird and mysterious ways that many of you will never understand...but I'm ok with that. :)

This week, I did a great job of eating the right combinations of protein, fast carbs, and slow carbs. This has been the most challenging aspect of eating right. If I had my way, I would be the spokesperson for Taco Bell's Diet Menu. Oh, I miss the days of the Olympics and my quest for endorsement deals. Maybe Taco Bell is my big break...Think outside the bun! Someone, anyone...call me!

Now that I have put out my desperate plea for sponsorship. Where was I? (Seriously, I never should blog before having my cup of coffee as I tend to ramble). Oh yeah, my eating was on point this week. The exercise...not so much. It was alright, but it wasn't great...baby steps. Come to think of it, watching me exercise is like watching a baby take his or her first steps. It is exciting, nerve racking, and I'm a klutz so at some point I'll fall down (which is cute when your a baby but not so much when you're 32). I much prefer the soldier crawl of exercise. You know, walking or riding the bike. It isn't exciting, but I get it done without any fanfare. Oh, fanfare...I miss the Olympics. Where was I? Hum...coffee sounds good...where's my cup?...I know I left here somewhere....

Day 55 - Weigh In Eve

Wow, I have been so busy today that I almost forgot that I haven't blogged! Knowing that I don't want to disappoint my peeps (word...I'm dope), I jumped on the computer as quickly as I could. Well, of course, I didn't jump on the computer that would have broken it... and ouch...well, you get the point. Anyway, I knew that it was important for me to put my thoughts into words (scary, I know) and keep all of you in the loop on how I'm doing.

I know many of you were worried about me! Basketball depression is not a laughing matter. Yesterday was definitely a rough one with no basketball in sight. There were no mascots, no updates, no buzzer beating shots. How did I cope? Amazingly, not with food, but by watching Dancing With the Stars.

Yes, you heard right! Now, typically, I would not be caught dead watching this show (I believe I made my fear of spandex and sparkly things well known during the Olympics), but I couldn't resist. I wanted to see how Niecy Nash did because that woman cracks me up! I loved it! She said that she doesn't want to be a typical contestant and lose weight through this process. She likes her jiggly parts. :)

I, too, like my jiggly parts. But, I would prefer a little wiggle to a lot of jiggle (that didn't sound right). Hum...I would prefer to giggle instead of jiggle (nope...still doesn't sound right). Where was I? Jiggle, jigglers...great, now I want jello!

Here's hoping that I can wiggle away my jiggle, and whittle away a little, when I step on the scale tomorrow to see if I'm fit as a fiddle. Boo...hiss...that's terrible! Did I mention that the voices in my head are hecklers? Have a good one!

Day 54 - Hi! My name is Amy...

Hi! My name is Amy, and I'm a basketballaholic. I have gone less than a full day without any basketball (including highlights), and I feel the need for a hit. I can't believe that I have to wait until Thursday for more of my favorite "drug". Now, I'll admit, one of my "drugs" of choice is no longer available (darn Northern Iowa for beating KU), but at least I still have my other favorite (Let's Go Duke!).

These next few days will be trying! I could very easily fall into a deep depression from my lack of basketball viewing. This could lead to overeating and weight gain. Now, I know what you're thinking...it's like I'm setting myself up to fail this week. But, that is not true! I'm sure that I have lost a few pounds, but if I'm wrong, it never hurts to have planted seeds for a possible weight gain. :) I'm just sayin...

Seriously, I ate much better this week than the previous week. My exercise routine remains on the low side (unless you count exercise through osmosis...I watched a lot of basketball), but I hope to change that this week. Unfortunately, my back is starting to bother me again, so I think I'm babying myself just a little and not doing much. But, that ends today (deja vu, I know)! This time, I truly mean to start an exercise regime and stick with it (I hope). I'm going to start the Couch to 5K program again. Today will be my first day. I plan to keep it easy and not over tax myself. Hopefully, this week I will have a big weight loss! And if I don't, I can always blame it on my basketball induced depression...darn basketball! :)

Here's to loving life, living right, and looking good while doing it...Amy

Day 53 - Mourning

Yesterday was a sad, sad day! KU lost to a very good Northern Iowa team in the second round of March Madness. As you can tell from my black background, I'm in mourning! While I feel for KU, I'm more upset about my bracket. There is no recovery for this loss. Thank goodness Duke advanced as well as K State.

I love the madness,
but it brought great sadness,
to a great team,
it ended their dream.
KU was the best,
until this last test.
Their loss was a fluke,
now all I can say is...Let's go Duke!

Day 52 - Are you kidding me?

Yesterday was beautiful! My basketball teams were winning, I finished my sister's highlight video, and the weather was beautiful. You couldn't have asked for a better day! I was so looking forward to enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend. Then I made the mistake of going online and reading the comments on Facebook. We are supposed to get sleet and snow on Saturday...are you kidding me?

Apparently not, since there was snow on the ground when I woke up this morning. It's crazy! It's not supposed to snow a day after being 60 degrees. Oh well, if I have to stay inside today, at least I have basketball to watch. Go KU & K State!!!

Rock, Chalk, make sure you block,
Shoot and score, play hardcore,
Defend and get wins, thank God for the twins,
Go red and blue, good for you,
Fans will flock to watch you slew,
Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk...Go KU!

Day 51 - What's my problem (no comments please)

Yesterday, the madness began...and it kept going, and going, and going. It was the best first day of basketball I've seen in a long time! I was enthralled and loved every minute of it. But as the day progressed, I noticed a trend. I was cheering for every underdog team (except Lehigh).

What's my problem? I filled out a bracket. I should be cheering for all of the teams that I picked, but no...I was cheering for Murray St., Robert Morris, San Diego State, Montana. It was madness!!!! Which I guess should be expected since the tournament is referred to as March Madness...still!

Now as you know, I live to learn (or I like to think I do). So, what have I learned? I'm not a competitor. It isn't about winning the bracket challenge and out picking my friends and family (which is what it should be about). Nope, I'm a defender of the underdog, the downtrodden (ok, so downtrodden is kinda harsh), the Davids vs. Goliaths (unless it is KU and Duke). I'm for the little people (which is funny when you think of how tall basketball players are but I digress). I'm hoping that today is just as exciting as yesterday!!!! May every underdog win (except Ark. Pine Bluff), and may my Mom continue to shine as our bracket leader (two losses...not bad...especially since she doesn't watch basketball much).

My March Madness Poem (Seriously, Hallmark...call me)

Here's to more madness,
which I'm sure will bring sadness,
as teams soar and try to score,
to lead their teams to the Sweet Sixteen,
and play clean,
to reach the scene,
that will lead them to the overall dream.
A dream of winning,
and beginning,
a quest to be the best,
as they impress,
the fans that cheer and drink their beer (stay with me),
as they watch teams earn more wins,
with big grins,
and dance their way to the day,
that everyone hopes to play.
The big dance is their chance,
to play ball,
and win it all,
without sadness,
and survive the March madness.

Happy March Madness!!!!

Day 50 - Let the madness begin

As I'm sure many of you know, I'm a very deep and thoughtful person. I like to sit and contemplate the world in which we live. What can I say, my mind never stops! So, today, I began thinking about national holidays. What makes a national holiday (other than the government proclaiming it to be one)? Is it a day that people throughout this great nation rally around? Does everyone stop and celebrate the day with friends and family? Do people get together to eat, drink, and enjoy this special day? Is that what makes a holiday? If that is the case, I have made a decision!

I'm declaring March Madness a holiday!!!! Oh, what wonderful days! It is like a fairy tale. There are often Cinderella stories of the tournament with the underdogs beating the top ranked teams. Teams that shouldn't win but do. Then, there are the fans. Those individuals that feel so much emotion during this wondrous time. It brings joy, togetherness, and for some, it brings upset and tears. I can't think of a better "holiday"! There should be Hallmark Cards for this joyous occasion! Um...employment opportunity?

To all of my faith readers, Happy March Madness! May your teams be nimble, may your teams be quick, my your teams trump the teams that make you sick. May your teams advance to the big dance as they score and make their way to the Final Four! Hallmark...call me!!!!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk...KU!!! (By the way if anyone has a good idea for a KU inspired background, please let me know).

Day 49 - Do I have to weigh in?

This week has certainly been educational. We are all aware of the adages don't run with scissors, don't cry over spilled milk, the early bird gets the worm, etc. But, what about the everyday words of wisdom that our parents don't share with us. You know...be careful when ordering off the menu at IHOP, just because Wendy's offers crispy chicken doesn't mean you need to order it, just because there is one piece of pizza left in the box doesn't mean you need to eat it, and my personal favorite...just because you like candy and ice cream doesn't mean you need to mix the two.

Now, as you are reading, I'm sure you are detecting a theme. It was a baaaaaaaddddd week!!!! Everything I know I shouldn't eat, I ate. Did I exercise? No! So how bad was the weigh in you ask? I gained (gulp) a pound and a half. Now, there are two ways to look at this. The first being, this is awful! I was on a roll (and not eating any). This is a HUGE step backward. I will never survive this downfall. Oh the horror, oh the shame! Or, the second outlook, you can view this as a positive. Sure, I was awful, but it could have been a lot worse. I didn't eat much protein this week, I didn't exercise, and I ate out a lot...if I really buckle down this week I can definitely lose the weight I gained.

Needless to say, I'm going to look at this as a positive. Ok, so I fell off the wagon and took down everyone in way. It's fine! I just need to work harder this week than I did last week. I am woman hear me roar, I'm a dieting dynamo watch me soar (needs work), but you get the point. I can do this. Next week, I plan to have lost the pound and a half I gained. I can do it!!!

Before I go, one last piece of advice...don't cry over spilled ice cream as you are running with chocolate in your hand to be the early bird that gets the gummy worm. I bet your parents never told you that one!

Day 48 - Crossroads

Well, I have reached a time in my life where I need to make some difficult decisions...and no I'm not talking about whether to get highlights or dye my hair one color. Although, that is something that needs to be pondered at a later date. No, my tough decision is what do I want to do with my life.

In the next year, I'm going to need to ask myself some tough questions. Where do I want to live? What type of job do I want? Do I want to start working in sales or go a different route? Do horizontal stripes really make you look fat? Is there such a thing as too much chocolate? You know, the really HARD questions.

Seriously though, I don't have a clue where my life should go. I do know that more than anything I want to have children and a family. So, it is kind of hard to think about a "career" when I always thought that I would be married by now, and that my "career" would be taking care of my family. I do know that whatever I decide, I will put 100% into ensuring that I succeed at the choices I make for my life. If anyone hears of any job opportunities, please feel free to forward them to me.

To be honest, I just want a sign from God. I'm not picky. It can be a small sign or a large sign, but I would be grateful for any sign at all. Maybe I should have been more specific...

Day 47 - My dieting life

I realized today that I stink at dieting and exercise. I'm sure I've mentioned the "can't tell if I've lost or if I've gained weight" problem, and how that can cause me to sabotage what I've accomplished. I eat bad for a couple of days, but I'm sure I haven't gained since my clothes fit the same. Wrong...I'm probably up two pounds. I'm sure that is what is going to happen this week, but I have no one to blame but myself (and IHOP).

If I were to look back on my past week (Wednesday through today), I would have to compare my diet and exercise regime to that of Mario Kart for the Wii. My diet is like the courses of the game. It is ever changing, and I can only master a few of the courses (just ask my 4-year-old nephew). As for exercise, let's just say..."thank goodness for multiple lives". When it comes to exercise this past week, it feels like my screen character (Peach...seriously, who doesn't want to have their own crown) continues to drive herself off into the abyss.

So this week, I need to pick a course that I know I can master and I need to try to use only one life. No more falling off the wagon (or in this case, falling to my death and using up all of my lives). I just need to keep hearing my nephew's voice in my head. Whenever I want to quit playing, he says, "but Amy, you're really doin' good". So this week, when I want to quit the "diet and exercise" game, I need to remember my nephew and that no matter what...I'm really doin' good.

Day 46 - Where did the weekend go?

I can't believe that the weekend is over!!! No, I'm not ready for Monday! I want Saturday back!!!! I feel like all I did today was sleep, watch basketball, read, and watch The Amazing Race. Now, those of you with keen minds realize that again I failed to mention exercise. Did I mention that time just flew by me today? So, starting tomorrow, I start over. I dedicate myself to working out a little everyday. Here's hoping for a better tomorrow (exercise wise)...of course, on the bright side, it can't get any worse than this past week (thank goodness).

Day 45 - Lazy Day...Yay!!!

I love Saturdays!!! These beautiful days give me the opportunity to be as lazy or as busy as I want to be. Needless to say, today was all about being lazy. I lounged, loafed, lazed, lolled..ok I'm out of "L" words but you get the point. I spent most of the day watching TV (way to go Duke and KU) or read a book. Now, I know that my lazy day will not lead to weight loss because no exercising was done, but I definitely consider it a great "me" day (and I love me...ok, that sounded shallow). Hope you have a lazy day too!

"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired." -Jules Renard

Day 44 - You learn something new everyday!

Nine pounds! What an accomplishment! Do my clothes fit different? No! Is my body starting to firm up? I wish! Has my double chin magically disappeared? Nope! So, today I have made a profound discovery. Most babies have what is called "baby fat" and second chins, but have you ever really noticed how long it takes for babies to lose what we deem as "cute chubbiness"? Years! Boy, am I in trouble!

Does this mean that my double chin will be present for years? Because let me tell you, "cute chubbiness" does not apply to 32-year-old women...darn it? Too bad I didn't grow up when Rubenesque women were popular. I would be famous! As it is, I have love handles on top of love handles...with so many "handles" it amazes me that some guy hasn't grabbed on. :)

So, today's lesson (besides Rubenesque...big word, meaning plump or rounded usually in a pleasing or attractive way) is to embrace my "cute chubbiness" because it may be longer lasting then I like, but eventually (with a lot of hard work) it will fade away. Have a stupendous weekend! Boy, another big word...anybody up for Scrabble?

Day 43 - Saying goodbye after eight years

Well, I'm sorry to report that we lost in the first round of state this year, and my sister and her assistant coach are now officially retired. It is so sad after eight years to think that these two will not be sitting side-by-side on the bench. I am so proud of all that they have accomplished. It has been a joy to watch them all of these years, and to pitch in when I could. Their dedication to the girls, to the school, and to the sport is much appreciated. Thanks for all of your hard work!!! Love you guys!!!

Day 42 - No change

Well, the bad news is that I didn't lose any weight this week, but amazingly I didn't gain either. I'm actually a little in shock about that. I was positive that I would gain, but I'm definitely not going to question it. The scale doesn't lie, right? (unless it says something that I don't agree with and then anything is possible)

So, today is "G" day...game day! My sister's team plays late this afternoon in the first round at the state tournament. I hope we win for so many reasons!

1. I would love my sister to end her career with a win at state.
2. Our girls have gone to state three years prior to this trip and have never won a first round game.
3. In the history of our school, no girls team has ever won the first game at state.
4. If we win the first round, we are guaranteed two more games. This could be huge for my weight loss! Do you know how many stairs are at some of these gyms, plus the long walks from the parking lot? Where is my pedometer?

Seriously though, please keep my family in your prayers as we travel today! Also, pray that our girls play to the best of their abilities and no one gets injured. Well, I better get ready to go! Good Luck Sis!!!!

Day 41- Tomorrow will not be pretty

Oh no! Wednesday is almost upon us, and most of you knows what that means...weigh in day (insert scary music here). Yep, tomorrow will be a nightmare as I step on the scale after a week of being bad. I know what you are thinking...how bad could it be. Picture the movie Up. Instead of numerous balloons, picture me (or my troll doll if you don't know me) as a blimp lifting the house off it's foundation.

I'm sure you are thinking it can't be that bad, but I need to be brutally honest. My exercise regime took a big hit during substate week as I was either at a game or watching my nephews (which I love to do). Also, I already mentioned my two M&M meals this weekend (not my smartest move). To top it off, I think I'm getting PMS which will add bloating and weight gain (that is my excuse and I'm sticking to it). I'm sure you are wondering what lead me to that conclusion. I'm pretty sure it was when I was fighting back tears during Die Hard II (and no I was not crying because it wasn't a great movie) that was when I realized that this most likely won't be my week. I might even (gulp) gain weight. Oh the horror!

While gaining weight will be hard to take, I know that I will do better next week (I hope)! So for today, I may be a little sad and scared about tomorrow, but to put my own spin on a famous quote..."Life is like a box of chocolates"...Ok, I forgot what came after chocolate. Oh yeah, "Life is like a box of chocolates...some chocolates are a surprise and some are full of nuts (and no I'm not talking about any family members), but no matter what chocolate (type of life) we have, it's always good in the end! Wow, deep! It brings a tear to the eye doesn't it? Have a good one!

Day 40 - On the war path

Today is probably not a good day for blogging. I'm frustrated!!! Not because of anything anyone said or did (well, that isn't entirely true), but because I have so much to do and so little time to do it. It seems like today, when I had already planned out my day, everyone needs me to do something for them. Typically, I wouldn't care, but I really needed one selfish, all about me day!

Now as I finish writing that statement, I find out that everything that I thought I had to do, can be put off for another day. Alleluia!!! So, my day has gotten a little bit better. The sun isn't shining (we're supposed to get rain), the bird's aren't chirping (ok, my windows are closed so maybe they are), and chocolate can make you fat if you eat too much (I thought I'd just throw that one in)...but in my eyes the day couldn't get much better. My selfish, all about me day can be put off until a later date (but trust me that day will be celebrated).

Hopefully, I can focus the rest of my day on eating well, exercising, and thinking good thoughts. Lord knows I'm going to need good thoughts if I'm going to lose weight this week. Did I mention the peanut M&Ms that were my "dinner" on Friday? Or did I mention the plain M&Ms that were my "lunch" on Sunday? Not my best decisions, but let's be honest...they were my tastiest. Well, I better get to work! Here's hoping for a better tomorrow.

Day 39 - The good, the bad, and the ugly

Well, we did it! My sister's team won their substate championship game and will be going to state this week. Congrats!!! Wish us luck! So in honor of this achievement, I'm giving my good, bad, and ugly list.

The Good - In my sister's final season as head basketball coach, her girl's won their substate championship game. This accomplishment made her the first girl's basketball coach in our school's history to go to state four times, as well as four consecutive years! Congrats!!!!

The Bad - I didn't eat dinner last night, so I had peanut M&Ms. That's not too bad, right? I mean, peanuts are healthy.

The Ugly - Last year, we lost in the first round of state with our best group of girls. Sadly, two girls (both starters and scorers) as well as the assistant coach came down with the stomach flu. This year, all of the girls are healthy (so far), but my sister has come down with the flu and is losing her voice. Seriously, we can't catch a break!

Please keep my sister, her team, and our family in your prayers. May we all stay (or get) healthy, travel safely (some departing Tuesday and others Wednesday), and may the girls play to the best of their ability (or better). ;)

Have a good one!

Day 38 - Basketball anyone?

Well, tonight is the night. Tonight, my sister's team is playing in the Substate Championship! It's exciting but sad at the same time as she is set to retire at then end of the season. I'm feeling the way I did when she was a senior in high school. Aw...it's her last team breakfast before the substate championship. Aw...it's her last Substate Championship. Well, you get the point.

I'm excited to say, that while the highlight video I am working on is not quite done, it is the furthest along I've been in all of the years that I have done them for her team. You know though that it is time to retire when you realize that you use the same song every year (without imput from the girls). Now, my sister says that it's fine because it's like a tradition. But seriously, the creative well has dried up, the ink pen has run dry, the computer has shut down, the chocolate has melted. Ok, so the chocolate reference really didn't work, but what can I say...I'm hungry! Well, I better get going on my day!

Good luck tonight sis!!!! (By the way, it is the last time you will ride a school bus. "tears" I could go on and on).

Day 37 - TGIF

First off, let me congratulate my sister and cousin on a great game yesterday! They will be playing in the Substate Championship game on Saturday in the hopes of making their fourth consecutive trip to state. Good luck!!!

As for me, all I can say is TGIF!!! As most of you know, due to my quest for Olympic gold in weight loss, I have have been sacrificing sleep these past couple of weeks. I know what you are thinking...Man, that is dedication to workout that much! I know,right. I haven't watched that many consecutive hours of TV since I was a kid! Hey, at least I pedaled my way through the events. It was kind of like workout music. The faster tempo the sport, the faster I pedaled. Seriously, the Wii needs to develop a bike riding game with feet pedals. I would be all over that!

However, now that the Olympics are over, I need to catch up on some much needed sleep. So, tonight I plan on sleeping like a baby. Big plans for a Friday night, I know. I'm sure all of you parents of small children are jealous! To be honest though, I would love to be in your shoes. Have a good one!

From your sleeping beauty (who isn't sleeping yet, doesn't really look beautiful because I forgot to put on makeup and is having a bad hair day which equals ponytail...oh well, you get the point...well, in case you didn't, I look gorgeous!)...Amy

Day 36 - A discovery

I'm sure that in the past I have mentioned that I have been blessed and cursed. Blessed because I'm proportionate so I don't look as heavy as I am, and I carry my weight well (if that is possible). However, I'm also cursed because I can't tell when I'm losing weight. I know the scale has shown a nine pound drop (Yay me), but to look at me you couldn't tell.

I was so excited to look in the mirror this morning to see if I could see any changes. As I looked in the mirror, I thought to myself "lookin' good". It was after this observation that I made my fatal flaw. Yep, I turned sideways. This viewpoint has always been the bane of my existence. In my case, I'm thinking I'm definitely seeing the weight loss, and then I turn to the side and realize it's just hiding. It was there all along (darn big butt).


So I have decided that all mirrors should be like car mirrors. They should have a disclaimer that says "Objects in mirror are thinner than they appear". Seriously, wouldn't that just make your day? Then it wouldn't matter that the fit of my clothes haven't changed, or that I look the same as before I lost the nine pounds. I can believe the mirror! I mean the words would be right there. I'll be rich I tell you...RICH!!!

Day 35 - A recap of yesterday

I know you are all dying for a recap of yesterday's American Idol (the weight loss edition). I'll admit I was nervous about my performance yesterday. It was not my worst showing, but it was not my best either. I started the day with cereal and milk. For lunch, I had grilled chicken, a small baked potato, and applesauce. Then for dinner, I had two soft tacos from Taco Bell (the Fresco kind off their "Drive Thru Diet" menu). Needless to say the judges reactions were mixed.

Randy just didn't get it. He missed the kind of "artist" I was in weeks past (I think the Taco Bell dinner threw him for a loop). Ellen liked me! She thought I had great presence (someone has been reading the blog). Kara said that I was a million times better than last week. (She is so hard to please). Finally, to Simon...the judge we love to hate, but let's face it, we almost always agree with him. When he heard what I was going to do (eat a Taco Bell dinner and get on the scale the next day), he was sure it would be a disaster. However, he was pleasantly surprised (He heard I rode the bike for an hour after dinner). He thinks that this is the type of "artist" I should be. Someone that takes risks but doesn't change what works.

So based on the judges comments, I wasn't too worried about today's results. When Ryan called me to take my place at center stage, I took a deep breath and looked at my competition. My competition appeared so small and personally I thought he was a little flat. I knew I would have no trouble besting him. So, I stepped right on him (yep, I'm talking about my scale) and awaited the results. Amazingly, we did not cut to a commercial break, but got right on with the figures. I was safe! I lost two pounds!!!! I'm so excited! I have now lost 9 pounds total, and my next goal is to reach 179 by April. Wish me luck!

From someone who is safe to weigh another day...Amy

Post 34 - A new muse?

Oh no! I've lost my muse!!! Without the Olympics, I don't know what may become of me. I'm going to need to find new inspiration, and I'm not sure that I'm up to the task. I mean, if I'm not striving for something shiny, why do I exist? (Deep, right?) Where is Dancing With The Stars when you need it? Let's face it, that shiny ball trophy is more shiny than any Olympic medal. Oh well!

Maybe I need to use American Idol to draw inspiration from (again with the deep thinking...it kinda hurts). Seriously, don't we all have a little Simon Cowell in our head. You step on the scale and hear his voice..."It just isn't good enough", you try on a new outfit..."hideous", or my favorite, you have a cheat day and hear him say..."I think that performance was a little indulgent" (and if there is chocolate involved I would agree).

So as tomorrow (weigh in day) approaches, I can already hear Simon..."It wasn't amazing. I mean, I didn't stop and go WOW! It was just good." I'm hoping my just good is good enough to shed a little bit more weight, and maybe I can be the next American Idol! (And I promise if I succeed I won't sing...that will be my gift to you, the fans).

From your favorite "dawg"...Amy

P.S. I need a name for my fans. Adam Lambert had the Glamberts, so maybe I can have the Famys (Fame + Amy...get it) or the Weightys. I always knew there was a reason I wasn't on Idol...besides the singing (I would make Idols "worst" reel) and the playing of the instruments (does a recorder that I played in third grade count)...I don't have a cool name that can be linked with a saying or word. My short lived career may already be over!!!!

Day 33 - The most wonderful time of the year

March...what a wonderful time of year. Is it because the weather should be warming up? Is it because you could be pinched on St. Patrick's Day (preferably by a cute, single man)? Nope! March is the best time of year (after Christmas) because March Madness begins. Somebody get me a bracket!!!

High school substate basketball begins this week, and the moment is bitter sweet. My sister will be retiring as head basketball coach after eight years of coaching. I'm so proud of all of her accomplishments. It is also my cousin's final season playing for my sister. She has been a joy to watch. Best of luck to both of you this week!!!