Weekly WI: When You Work Hard, It Shows

Good Morning!

After a week of working hard at staying on track, I had a much needed loss at the scale.

It is so nice when your hard work actually pays off.  Getting back on track feels really good and I it is even better when you see the results you are hoping for.  I indulged in candy a few days while sitting in my office so that make me a bit nervous.  Other than that, I stuck to my plan to have NO alcohol.  It was tough.  I have been thinking about beer so much this week.  I have social plans on Wednesday so I will make Tuesday an on-track day.  After eating meals at home, I am dying for meals out.  I need to remember that all these good feelings are because of my hard work so I best not screw it up!

I met my Apple Watch Goal for the month of June, which I wasn’t sure how that would shake out.  Having to walk 94 miles this month was a challenge.  I am proud I followed through.

This now makes six months thus far in 2020 and 18 months since I completed all of the 2019 challenge.

Today is 13 years since I first met The Hubs.  I am one lucky gal.  

We Did A Thing

We did a thing.

Apparently the lack of vacations has made me a little travel happy.  We booked another cruise early this morning.

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) has an offer right now that you can book a balcony for the price of an oceanview.  The Australia and New Zealand cruises have really expensive balcony room prices.  I did some research and after some back and forth between Kenyon and I via email, we decided to book March 2022.

At this point, we only had to put down the cruise depost, which was $250.  The remaining balance is due in 2021 and we can also cancel and get our deposit back if necessary until November 2021.

I am slightly nervous with the cost of two cruises, one in April 2021 and now in March 2022, as well as the airfare to get to Sidney, Australia and home from Auckland, New Zealand.  I am also really nervous about such a long flight.  With the recent world events of COVID, there is nothing like the present so you might as well seize the day.  We keep putting this itinerary off due to the expense.  Hey, it is only money!  Why not.

So, now we wait!

National Weight Control Registry Annual Service

I received an email that it is time to complete my annual survey for the National Weight Control Registry.

Hello Lindsay,

You are receiving this message because you are a member of The National Weight Control Registry, and it is time to complete your yearly survey. The information that you provide to us in these yearly surveys helps us understand what happens after a person loses weight.

No matter what has happened since you first lost weight, we want to hear from you!

_______________________________________________________

Sincerely,

 

J. Graham Thomas, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor (Research)

Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center

The Miriam Hospital & Brown Medical School

196 Richmond Street

Providence RI 02903

 

I almost logged on and completed it but thought I might as well wait until Tuesday.  I really do think I am finally going to see the scale come back down.  By how much?  Who knows.  But, the other part of that equation is my weight continued to go up through July 2019.  If I wait a week, that is even more I used to weight. 

Hey, if I’m sending in stats and I feel good about where I’m at in 2020, let’s reap those benefits!  Plus, there were many years that I avoided completing my survey since I had gained so much.

I had to stretch a bit to get some meals planned for Sunday and Monday.  I bought some butternut squash already cut up in a bag from Trader Joe’s and opened it to see it had started to mold and was stinky.  Doh!  So, I had to think outside the box.

I have been a day off all week thinking it was one day closer to the weekly.  Sadly, it is only Sunday and not Monday.

New Nail Wrap Product

My new patriotic nail wraps arrived in the mail today and I could hardly wait to put them on.  I love them!

 

I have branched out in the realm of nail wrap companies.  While I do love Jamberry, I sometimes wish it didn’t take so long to apply them.  They sell a quick application gel wrap, but it is expensive and you have to pay shipping.

I then decided to try Color Street.  I like them, however, it seems hard to find styles.  I think with COVID and stay-at-home, women have been buying up a lot of stock in Color Street.  I do love a good nail pattern though.

 

My prior Jamberry consultant, Jenny, suggested I try this new company she found called Dashing Diva.  They are only $8 per manicure and free shipping with a $15 purchase.  They also ship really fast.  I thought I’d give it a try and over Memorial Day weekend, they also were offering 25% off.  I am hooked!

 

I only have two complaints…

They are sticky!  Which means they do a number on your nail bed.  I am thinking I need to really get in there with some fingernail polish remover vs. my Jamberry remover cloths.  I also think I’ll give myself a few rounds of Jamberry before another application of Diva.

 

They don’t have enough prints.  The Diva nail wraps come with all solid color and a few accent nails.  But, those sizes don’t allow you to have the same accent nail for each hand.  I’ve gotten creative with my manicures, but I do miss an all print wrap.

 

You can’t beat the price and they just look really nice.  If they didn’t take off a whole layer of nail bed when removed, I might use them in lieu of Jamberry.  But, I’ve got a lot Jamberry on hand so I might as well use it up.

Thursday Check-In

It has been a pretty low key day.  I guess before it ends, I should check in.

I watched TV and lounged along with some meal prep this afternoon.  The Hubs woke up around 2pm and we did some trip planning.  Afterwards, we went to a new restaurant we have been wanting to try called Biscuit & Hog.  The food was pretty good but the service was lack luster.  I went for the club sandwich and the side of mac and cheese.  

The verdict, I wouldn’t get the mac again.  I want to try other sandwiches and a few of the burgers but the Hog Sauce was amazing.  I only had a small bit of the sandwich with the bread and then ditched the rest so I could spare myself some points.

I forced myself to get on the treadmill.  I am not feeling the exercise bug at all so I am glad I got in some steps/miles.  I am nearing the end of my monthly challenge so I need to keep at it.  I’ve also been struggling with some hip pain.

Since getting back on track Saturday, I’ve been earning blue dots and feeling really good.  

I will do more food prep later this evening so I am ready for the work week tomorrow.

Weekly WI: I Faced The Scale

Good Morning.  There is sunshine and warm temps today (in Idaho) so how can you not be happy?

The big debate was on this morning on whether or not I would step on the scale this morning.  I am feeling much better after getting back on track and was even feeling a bit “light.”  Best case scenario is that I was at the same weight last week thus squeezing by with a maintain.  Worse case scenario is a gnarly gain.  

So, I stepped on the scale.

Womp::Womp

Hey, at least this gain was expected.  Last week’s gain wasn’t expected which mean gain that plus this gain makes for a pretty gnarly gain for the month of June thus far.  DOH!

This pattern of gains the last three weeks defentally tells me that I am much more social now that Phoenix is out for the summer.  We actually cut back on plans this week so my mind is at ease not having alcohol and mindless eating ahead of me.  I also did some meal planning which helps me feel empowered.

Last year was really a struggle with gaining weight from April through July.  I looked back at my weight record for this time last year and I am down 15 pounds.  Hey, I can’t be mad about that.  While it will take me a while to get back under 200 again, I am going to keep at it.  

I will get a handle on this gain ASAP.

The BEST Purchase

Good Afternoon.  I am excited to get through this Monday shift so I can start my “weekend.”

Some exciting news…well for me at least…while cruising Facebook, an add for the Coach Outlet popped up with some new items released for Pride.  OMG!  Not only is it signature C, my FAVORITE print, but it is ALL THE COLORS.  I am in heaven.

I was about to seal the deal on the crossbody bag and went in search for a promo code for possible more money off.  Instead, I found the full Pride collection and this cute fanny pack.

I am not sure yet if I’ll really be a fanny pack type of gal now that they are back in style.  That hesitation to not get it lost out to knowing that I will never find it again.  If I’ve learned anything about my Coach purchases over the last few years is that if you see it once, snag it.  You won’t see it again.  We will be in Vegas in July so I can always return it if I decide not to keep it once I try it on.

So, my plan for not spending a much this month has now gone out the window.  But you better believe this is a great reason for it!  I will be stalking the delivery driver.

I’m feeling a lot better after getting back on track the last few days.  I will not let Tuesday get out of control and Wednesday I am back at work for an overtime shift.  I may step on the scale on Thursday morning.  I’ll see how I feel.  At this point, I won’t be getting on the scale next week and I might even just wait it out until next week.  I started looking at some meal ideas/recipes for next week but still need to make a grocery plan.  I’m not sure what I’m craving but I do need to spice it up a bit this next week.

Happy Saturday

Happy Saturday.

Oy it has been a week.  Vacation turned into throwing caution to the wind which turned into meals out at both work and home which ended up with Ben & Jerry’s on the couch.  Add in a side of not wanting to pick healthy foods and “ah…fuck it” and here we are Saturday feeling a bit guilty of my poor food choices along with a plan to skip the scale on Tuesday.

I don’t think getting on the scale Tuesday is the best thing for my mental state right now.  I am a mix of fear at seeing a huge gain and allowing the “ah…fuck it” to continue after large gain allows my good mood to deflate.  It makes me feel like I just un-did the last few months of heard work.  

That type of thinking is the wrong type of thinking because I didn’t.  So instead of stepping on the scale, I will get back on track TODAY and commit to 100% honest tracking this entire week.  Also, I will commit to no alcohol this entire week.  Those are two things that will set myself up for success.  Next Tuesday, I will face the scale regardless.  I don’t allow myself to skip the scale more than twice in a row.  I have no intentions to skip the scale again next week.

If I was still in ONEderland, I think I’d be feeling less deflated about where I am at now.  Crossing back over 200 really hit me hard and contributed to a lot of my reckless eating and drinking last week.  I cannot continue this path I am on.  It is common to re-gain up to 10 pounds over the summer and I won’t do that again this year.  I won’t allow myself to sit in the 200s for long.  I will get re-focused and I will get back on track.  

My FB Memory today was from two years ago when I officially lost 25 pound of re-gain weight.  

I have worked too hard to go backwards.

McCall Mini Girls Weekend Getaway

Thanks to a few breaks in the weather, our McCall Mini Girls Weekend Getaway was a lot of fun.

We rolled into town Monday afternoon and our Air B&B was ready.  It was a cute plate and perfect for the three of us.  Since it was pouring down rain, we went for a drive around town and stopped for a bite to eat and a beer at Snake River Brewing. 

The remainder of the day was spent at the Air B&B where we took a soak in the hot tub and played a fun card game.  There was a slight break in the weather that allowed us to walk to town and around Lake Payette.  It was beautiful.

Wednesday’s weather looked much like Tuesday…rain!  We jumped for joy when we saw there was a break from 11am-2pm and headed out on foot.  We popped into various restaurants and either shared a dish or got an appetizer so we could eat our way through McCall.  We really liked Frenchie’s on Third and then we stopped Growlers for a pint and a mini pizza to share.

The weather was going to continue to hold out and was even allowing us more hours without rain.  We knew this our best opportunity to rent bikes and bike around McCall.  And boy did we bike!  We also stopped in for ice cream and another beer (after we returned the bikes).

I started my Apple Watch after we had already bike at least half of the four hours we rode.  That half alone was almost 6 miles!  I earned a new Apple Watch Award.

We also did a lot of walking between walking to town/around town before we got the bikes as well as walking back to town that evening when then rain held off yet again.  Phoenix and I left Kiki at the Air B&B and walked to the Yacht Club.  We played shuffle board and enjoyed visiting with other patrons.

It was an early wake up call on Wednesday as we needed to head back to town.  We had breakfast at the Pancake House and made the trek home.  

What a wonderful weekend it turned out to be.  We were sad we had to miss out on visiting McCall Brewing and Broken Horn Brewery, both closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  None the less, a great time was had by all.

Weekly WI: Wished For Better Results

Good Morning.

Oooof.  It is early and I didn’t get much sleep.  However, it is time to get moving for our mini-girls-weekend-get-away.

But first, the scale.

Whomp:Whomp

I did not expect a gain and I sure didn’t expect a gain of this magnitude.  DANG IT!  I told myself yesterday and will keep telling myself, “you got under 200 once, you will get there again.”  I also did some reflecting after seeing a photo on FB Memories from two years ago.

I visited my best Gal Pal Dawny in Spokane.  It prompted me to go back and see what my weight was.  Even thought I am back in the 200s, I still get to claim a 1 in front of my total loss number and I am still making amazing progress despite setbacks.

Boy it has been a month.

I am not naive to think that COVID 19 and the world shutting down didn’t play a big role in my weight loss success these last few years.  However, I have to live again and I crave social and travel (starting up again in July).  I need to get this balance thing in order moving forward so I can continue to do all those things and reach my weight loss goals.

For now, I’m going to enjoy the next few days of de-stressing and girl talk.

Pull Out The Winter Coats

Looking at the upcoming forecast…

It appears we picked the wrong weekend for our mini-girls-weekend-away.  A mountain destination in June might not equal the best weather.  June in general can be quite iffy here in Idaho.  We weren’t quite prepared for a 30 degree difference from this week to next week but what can you do?  The Air B&B is non-refundable.  We will make the best of it and enjoy ourselves regardless.

 

I just have to get through my shift tonight at work and then I am off for the next two to three days.  Weeeeehaaaawwww.

I am a mix of nervous and anxious for the scale tomorrow.  I have been debating on a daily basis if I will even get on the scale this week.  I am feeling much better after being on track since Friday and while I am also feeling some bloat today, I think I might stand a chance at seeing a lower number than last week. 

The increase on the scale last week along with being so close to 200 again is what is making me nervous.  Especially with a mini weekend getaway on the horizon.  I just need to breathe and accept whatever the scale number says while also not letting it affect my mood and emotions.  If for some reason I am back in the 200s, I know I can get to ONEderland once again.

Feeling All Sorts Of Out Of Whack

It has been a rough few days.

I have been really struggling with some life situations that are causing stress and keeps my mind moving a mile a minute.  If you’ve not been hiding under a rock, you know that most of the world right now hates the police.  

Well, I am the police.

Law Enforcement and Corrections has been half of my life thus far.  It is also the career that will take me through the next 16 years to retirement.  The hatred towards police has been weighing heavy on me.  I try to push past it.  I try to understand all opinions.  At the end of the day, it wears me out and tears me down.  

I took a nice long walk yesterday which helped me feel a little better.  Since my world is so off balance right now, I am also struggling in the WW department.  I have eaten and drank my stress several times this week.  Either due to stress or due to stress release.  I am feeling a bit deflated today.

I have spent a good chuck of my day to meal planning and prep.  I have breakfast, lunch, and dinner all planned out for my three days of work this week.  I will also be able to get into my office, which will hopefully help ease some of the stress of feeling behind in my supervisory duties.  

I have been planning some food options for our mini-Girls Weekend in McCall next week.  The stress of eating off plan and alcohol with my weight so close to 200 again is also stressful.  I’ve already talked myself out of many possible splurges as I know that even though we are going out of town and I am craving some sort of fun, I don’t need all these tempting snacks around.  

Alcohol + Tempting Snacks = Mindless Eating.

I know in a day or two I’ll be feeling better about my WW Program.  Being on track is always the best first step!

Weekly WI: A Day Late

Good Morning!

I was on the go the entire day yesterday and didn’t pop in. Weigh-in was not a grand as last week’s big loss.  Despite a gain, I am so glad I am still in ONEderland.  That is a huge relief.

I consider this gain temporary.  I felt like my week went well and so I’m going to just keep on moving forward business as usual.

I had my WW Virtual Workshop Meeting and had to run to the car dealership for an oil change and tire rotation.  After that, I went to Boise to meet up with my WW Coach and friend, Cindie.  We took a two mile walk around Quinn’s Pond and chatted about all sorts of stuff.  It was wonderful to get to know her more.  We made our way to The Sandbar for some lunch and a few drinks.  I am getting pretty skilled at this weekday day-drinking thing.

I had to rush back to my car on foot as I needed to get home, see Kenyon off to work, and get ready to meet Phoenix and her kids in Caldwell.  Every Tuesday, Indian Creek Plaza had a Farm to Market event as well as a concert.  We walked around the market and took in some of the concert.

I was able to swing by my parent’s house afterwards and visited with them a before heading home to watch TV the rest of the night.  I walked a lot of steps, which I am thankful for as I am not sure if I will be meeting my Apple Watch Activity Goal this month.  I earned a 200% award for all 
my walking yesterday.

My WW tracking day was not stellar.  Despite several times trying to talk myself into stay on track, I just wanted to have an “off” day.  Oh boy did I have an off day.  I should actually account for all that in my tracker but part of having an off day was that I wanted to eat, drink, and enjoy life not worrying so much about my gain.  I feel good.  I look good.  And I enjoyed myself yesterday.

Is It Only Sunday?

Good Sunday Afternoon.

It has been a long work week so far, well, really just last night.  It was crazy busy and just wild calls.  So, we will see what Sunday has in store.  

Our weather took a turn and some areas even woke up to snow.  Brrrrrr…..NO THANK YOU!

The exercise motivation this month is low.  I am just not feeling it.  I am trying to still push through and get in some movement.  I did a weight workout yesterday and just finished a stint on the treadmill.  I’m struggling with just feeling tired all the time.  Even though I have set aside the time to exercise and even put on my workout clothes each morning, I am still having to pep talk myself into getting something done!  I earned a special award for completing my Stand Goal a few days ago.

Awards sure do help with motivation…at least a little.

My WW week is going strong.  

Technically, I didn’t fully track all my indulgences on Tuesday.  Partly I was relieving stress from Monday night, partly I was being careless, and partly…I just needed a break from thinking about healthy eating.  But, I also had no desire to tank the start of my fresh new month of June.  I made the decision to only track up to my 24 points, which is 8 over my daily and still earns my blue dot.  I am mindful though that I don’t actually have all these weekly points still in my bank and I could always seen a gain come Tuesday.  Regardless, I have my meals prepped for the rest of my work week and we will see what this Tuesday scale check-in says.

I have social plans on Tuesday with two different friends.  I need to start to get a handle on my Tuesday splurges so I am not spending all week undoing all my hard work.  Tuesday is the night Kenyon works and allows me to not cut into my time with him and still spend time with friends.

Have a great Sunday.

10 Year Anniversary Of Our First Cruise

10 years ago, The Hubs and I embarked on our very first cruse experience. 

Destination: Alaska

While this trip was a bit rocky, since Kenyon came down with strep throat, and I wasn’t 100% sure I really liked cruising, I am glad we gave it another shot two years later because I really did fall in love with it.

Here is what I love about cruising:

You unpack for the entire week – this is THE best part of it.  Instead of lugging around heavy luggage, un-packing and re-packing, moving hotels, and dealing with rental cars, as well as crazy drivers, cruising allows you to unpack just once and wake up in a new port each day.

You are treated like royalty – cruising is like no other travel experience, expect maybe other all-inclusive type vacations.  I have yet to book one.  When you cruise, the staff onboard take great care in you and great pride in their job.  Everybody is friendly, always welcoming, and the room steward and stewardess treat you like royalty.  It doesn’t take long before you hear, “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Nowotny” or “Hello Maam Lindsay and Sir Kenyon.”  In my opinion, the people that take care of your room work the hardest.  They clean each morning and they provide turn down service each evening.  I always bring extra cash to leave a tip for our room staff.

You have the ability to pay off most (or all) of your vacation head of time – when you book a cruise, you pay a deposit and the remainder of the cruise cost is due 45 days before sailing.  With the ability to add drink packages, dinner packages, and excursions ahead of time as part of your cruise payments, you have almost your whole vacation paid off even before you set sale.  That means you can save your money for those extra special things that make travel so wonderful.

The world is your oyster – with multiple cruise line partners traveling to all corners of the world, the travel destinations are endless when you cruise.  You don’t have to be afraid to travel to a new city.  The cruise director and cruise staff will help you plan excursions that will include transportation and hassle free fun.  You don’t even have to do any major planning.  The cruise line has the ports of call and all the details already planned.

Onboard amenities equal endless fun – depending on the cruise partner you sail with, there is endless fun available at your fingertips.  You can take in several types of shows, including some Broadway shows, and catch big name comedians as well as entertainers.  Some ships even include a casino.  The hardest part is deciding when you will find time to sleep.

You meet so many wonderful people, most of whom love travel as much as you do – I could talk travel all day long.  I love it so much.  On our European Viking River Cruise, I met so many wonderful cruise patrons that were just as excited to travel as I was.  I love spending time meeting people, both travelers, staff, and locals.

I am so excited for our April 2021 cruise down the Pacific North West.  It is so hard to wait so long for our next cruising adventure.