Lack Of Vacations Is Slowly Killing Me

Good Morning!

I feel so boring lately doing the same old stuff day-in and day-out.  I’ve not had a vacation since late March and it is really starting to make me really antsy.  Girls Weekend is in a few weeks and tomorrow, Phoenix and I are going to go out on an adventure for some hiking and spirits.  We plan to try out several new places as we wonder through part of Boise.  It is going to be HOT and we appear to have selected the hottest day of the week for our fun.

I’ve pretty much been stalking the Norwegian Cruise Line website and may of the people I follow on Instagram that are currently on the first cruise to leave a US port since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the industry for a year and a half.  Celebrity Edge set sail from Ft. Lauderdale on June 26 at 45% capacity with vaccinated paying customers.  I have never been so jealous my entire life!  I am so ready to get back on a cruise ship and even though we have less than 100 days to go (please…please get those ships out of port NCL), I am just bursting at the seams to go.

We are booked for Alaska in October and the reason I’ve been stalking NCL’s website is hopes they will also get off the dock soon.  Sadly, they continue to push back their first projected cruise dates which makes me really sad.  I hope our cruise does not get canceled and if it does, you may see me jumping on any ship at any cost!  I’ve already been looking at other cruise lines and where we might be able to make a short vacation work with our busy schedules.  However, we love NCL and I would prefer to snag a last minute cruise from them.  Perhaps Celebrity will pave the way for other cruise lines to get back out there.  We can sure hope so!

In the meantime, I’ll just be sitting over here watching vicariously and waiting for my turn.  I might even do some there trip planning here and there to see where we can snag a few days away from home.

June Apple Watch Activity Challenge Complete

Hello and Happy Saturday.

It has been a busy and enjoyable week that has left me totally exhausted just in time to start the work week.  Despite lack of sleep and feeling tired a lot these last few days, I managed to get my June Apple Watch Activity Challenge completed.  

This is the sixth month for 2021 I have completed each goal and I completed all months is 2019 and 2020.  

Getting back to daily activity has really helped at the scale.  I also don’t look at activity as such a chore, or at least not as much as when I get the lofty mileage goals.  The challenges give me something to focus on and also motivate me to move.  Last week I earned a special award for completing a yoga workout that I found on the FitOn app.  I modified it a bit and while I don’t love yoga, I enjoyed the workout.

With a week of many meals out and an indulgent day yesterday, I am looking forward to getting back on track over my next few workdays.  We only have a couple weeks until Girls Weekend where I get to let loose again.  With the end of the month weigh-in on Tuesday, it is really important that I balance my high intake food week the best I can and we will see what the scale shows.  

We had a great time last night at the Crescent Brewery for the free fourth comedy Friday.  The main comic was Olek, whom I know through one of my friends.  We had some good laughs and enjoyed some good beer.

Weekly WI: A Loss & A Busy Week Ahead

Good Morning!  

I am up before the sunrise, which is not typical for me.  It wasn’t the best night sleep but eventually the thoughts of food and coffee won and here we are.  The thing is, recently I have had the opportunity to be awake before the sunrise and it is just absolutely beautiful and amazing.  I think my favorite time of the day is the pre-dawn right before the sun peaks over the horizon.  It is something I look forward to as you don’t get this take in such beauty when you get off work at 2am and are usually sleeping.

I’ll sit here, drink my coffee, check in with all of you as my breakfast cooks, and wait for the sun to come up.

My Weekly Weigh-In went well.  After my small gain last week, I lost a pound this week putting me in the 192s.  I am feeling really great in my skin and received a lot of compliments yesterday.  I always seem get compliments when I wear white.  Perhaps I should wear it more often.

I am on day two of four day off and this break from work is needed both mentally and physically.  My days off this week holds a few food challenges.  Aunt Barb is in town again and while a back-to-back trip wasn’t originally her plan, we are celebrating the life of my Mom’s Cousin Terry this week.  It will be a difficult day and also a happy day as we will get to see so much of our extended family that we just don’t get to that often.  The receptions is at the Italian restaurant and I’ve been having cravings for a week now.  I am so looking forward to the family and the food!

Yesterday I took Aunt Barb, Mom, and Dad to visit Old Country Sausage in downtown Nampa for lunch.  Kenyon and I met up with a local WW buddy there several months ago and I’ve been wanting to take my parents.  Now, when I say “take my parents out to lunch,” of course I never get the opportunity to pay!  None the less, lunch was just as delicious as our last visit.  We split a Ruben sandwich and a sausage plate that comes with sauerkraut and German potato salad.  That was plenty for us to split and I burped up sausage the rest of the day.  

I am not sure what is on the agenda for today.  I am going to tackle my house cleaning and maybe get out for a walk as I have two days left to reach my June Apple Watch Activity Goal.  Thursday we made plans to get pedicures.  I have a hair cut in the morning and in the evening a class to learn how to play Pickleball.  Plus, there may or may not be some social drinking and eating mixed in as well.

Happy Wednesday.

It Is A Good Week To Be A WW Member

I am rocking my WW program this week and feeling really great.  I stayed on track with meals out Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, did some meal prep for the work week ahead, took a much needed rest day from activity yesterday, and this morning went out for a long walk where I jogged a bit too.  I might have only had one week.

One of my favorite outdoor workouts on the WW app under the Aaptiv workout section is the Feel-Good Walk.  

It makes you feel good, gives you stuff to think about, and pushes you to give more during your workout.  I really enjoy listening to this one and I always find myself jogging at certain moments when the trainer give me words of encouragement.  This was workout 15 of 22 needed for the month of June.

Tuesday after my staff meeting, I met Phoenix and Stacey for a walk around the Indian Creek Tuesday Market and a stop for a beer and chat.  The brewery in Caldwell we were planning to visit was closed but we were able to sit at the bar at Grit 2C.  I look forward to going back to try their Ruben sandwich.  Although I was hungry, the other two had already eaten and even though the chips and salsa was tempting, I am glad I hung in there and just waited for my planned dinner at Costa Vida later that evening.  Mostly because the 20 oz beer was 9 points!  But oh by was it delicious.  I don’t usually frequent places with 20 oz beer glasses and the price was good.  

I went to Costa Vida on my way home and had a small chicken salad.  I decided to skip the tortilla so I could make the points fit into my week better.

Wednesday we went out to eat at Red Robin in hopes of getting a refill on my favorite Red Robin seasoning at home.  So far we are 0 for 2 on finding it at the restaurant as they are trying to re-stock after COVID.  Hopefully soon though.  Our dining experience wasn’t the best as they were training new kitchen staff.  Several of the tables around us had to send back their food too.  I modified a Haystack Tavern Double, which is 23 points, by taking off one patty, skipping both slices of cheese, and asking for it lettuce wrap.  According to the WW app, the extra patty, cheese, and bun equal 14 points making my modified burger just 9 points.  This means I still get the yummy campfire mayo and the extra yummy onion straws.  It was delicious.

Thursday as a meal out again and time we went to Cracker Barrel for Thursday Turkey Dinner night.  Oh yum!  My favorite.  They forgot to bring the cranberry sauce, which I realized at the end of my meal so I was able to put 2 points back.  I love Turkey Thursdays.

My week so far is shaping up nicely and with my meal prep, I don’t expect to use anymore of my WSPA.  I am hoping to see a loss come Tuesday and that my 0.8 pound gain from last week as dropped back off.

Weekly WI: A Small Gain

Good Morning.

If the early bird gets the worm, I slayed it this morning!  After having to find some sick coverage before I left work early this morning, I woke up around 8:30am to check the work phone.  I figured I’d just get up and get the stay started.

I went out for a walk in the early morning sunshine.  Our temps are heating up fast this summer and it was my best opportunity to get in my activity while getting that Apple Watch Challenge checked off for the day.  I really need to get to the Dollar Store before my staff meeting as later I have a meet-up with Phoenix and Stacey at a local Farmer’s Market/Concert this evening.  I also work an overtime shift on Wednesday as this is a very busy week with only one day off.  Yesterday, I got out for a bike ride.  It has been a while since I have been on my bike and I really enjoyed changing up my activity.

After five weeks of continuous losses (a maintain last week), I had a small gain this week.

I am hoping this is just a temporary monthly female hormone spike.  But, I also know that the last three weeks I have been having a couple really high point days that I need to stay aware of.  I tend to balance it out and/or get back on track before my actual weigh-in day.  None-the-less, it is always good too stay mindful of what is going on in life.  Summer is upon us and other than a very busy month of June with other commitments, I really look forward to loosening the reigns and enjoying more social activities in the summer months.  

The Weekly WW Technique is all about changing up your food to get yourself out of rut.  Sometimes I struggle with what to eat, finding a variety, and shaking it up.  This WW Virtual Workshop this week has made me think of some meal ideas I’ve not had in a while, due to getting in that foot rut weeks ago and so it’s time to bring those back to the meal plan.  

Girls Weekend is inching closer.  Here is the update on the weight tracker.  I’ve got a few more weeks to try and shave a little more off before probably gaining some that weekend.  Ha!

New Activity Award

 I earned a new award.

Since buying my first Apple Watch, I have officially closed my move ring circle 1,750 times.  That is a lot of movement.

My plan today is to find a new FitOn workout for upper body weights/strength.  I feel like my legs could use a rest and I have been trying to amp up the strength training.  While cardio/walking helps me lost weight faster, I feel better in my clothes and in my body when I lift weights too.  All these things make for a well rounded life.

I have been pretty boring this week and it is business as usual.  Honestly, I am just counting down the days to my next vacation!  I have been using downtime to look at various trip options and/or research our upcoming travel.  There is still so much unknown with the cursing industry although we are seeing a few cruise lines release ships from the docks.  I really, really, really want to see cruises leave the US again.  It may feel like it is too soon after a global pandemic but waiting is just so hard.

I’ve recently stumbled into the world of You Tube travel videos and have been watching this couple called Cruise Monkey along their past cruise journey.  It has been filling me with happiness and making me jealous at the same time!  Oh boy, that as the life eh?  I really do hope that travel will resume and life can go back to somewhat of a “new normal.”  I know I am more than ready.

An Overnight In Jackpot, Nevada

We had a great overnight trip to Jackpot, Nevada.  Although quick, we were able to see my sister who lives/works there and enjoy some delicious food.

Along our route was a brewery in Twin Falls I was anxious to try.  Looking at the online menu for Milner’s Gate, it had delicious looking happy hour foods as well as good prices.  We tried to plan it so we arrived at 3pm and it was pretty darn close.  Yeah for happy hour!

Even thought beer was half priced during happy hour, I always need to try a flight. You never know when you will be back so you might as well try them all.  I enjoyed my flight.

The pub chips and onion dip was what really caught my attention.  And they had pizzas for $10.  We tried both of those items and also got the Idaho Nachos, made with friend jojo potatoes.  

That was a little too much fried food so I would not get the nachos again.  This pizza was perfect for the price and since we had too much food, we took our pub chips and dip to go and enjoyed it during our stay in Jackpot.

There is nothing special about Jackpot.  However, they have suites at Cactus Petes that has a large bathtub made for four…tiny people maybe!  I do love a large bathtub for two adults thought.  Our suite was really nice and quite large.  We had two balcony views of the pool.

With the COVID restrictions lifting, you no longer have to wear masks if you are fully vaccinated.  They are still not 100% up and running with no buffets and limited restaurant/hours.  We also stopped into the new casino recently built called Dotty’s.  It was just so-so.  I had thought we might grab a bite to eat there as it is the only 24/7 place to eat.  We will have to try their food on another trip.  It is not a designated restaurant instead just a kitchen that makes food for you to eat at one of their tables scattered around the three joining casino rooms.  With it being newly built, it was fairly smoke free too.  But, it is not a smoke free casino.

We had planned two nights but came home early thinking we would need to be here for our mattress delivery.  None the less, there was an error on the shipping labels so we have not received our purchase as of yet.  This allowed me to have some time at home before returning to work today.  I am working a long stretch this week.

Weekly WI: A Temporary Spike

 Good Morning!  It’s weigh-in day and I am really glad I struck through it and wanted another day to step on the scale again.  Thankfully, my two pound temporary spike is gone.  I am a break even this week and elated about it.

With out of town eating and drinking on the agenda Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, staying on track today as well as getting back on track Friday through Monday is super duper important!  That’s the plan Stan.

It was a good week for goal and had my two pound gain stuck around, I was focusing on positives to help keep me moving forward.  This time of year can be tough as I tend to loosen the reigns a little bit and enjoy the warmer temps, beer, and outdoor activities.

I had a great meet-up with my WW friend Kathy.  We met at our Tuesday morning meeting a year or so ago and have checked in weekly via text during the pandemic.  We also see each other at our virtual meetings.  It was so nice to catch up in person and learn more about each other’s personal lives.  We went Rembrandts, this popular restaurant in downtown Eagle.  It was really good and I look forward to going back soon.

Our temps dipped slightly with high 90s expected next week.  Wowza.

I Earned An Award Yesterday

I earned an award yesterday.

I completed a 7-day streak of workouts at least 15 minutes or more.  This coincides with my June Apple Watch Activity Challenge, which is also coming along nicely so far this month.

I am feeling a bit tired though and that I need to give my body a rest day.  My schedule as been so busy I am just exhausted.  As I look ahead to June, practically the whole month is packed.  Woowza!

I am meeting a WW Buddy for lunch today at a new place I have not been to yet.  The sandwiches look ah-mazing.  Since I have not eaten breakfast yet (the life of a night shifter), I think I’ll try the breakfast tacos and then plan a return trip to try a sandwich.  I may need to plan several return trips as I have my eye on three different ones!  

I stepped on the scale today in anticipation of my lunch out and possibly wanting to select something higher in points.  I feared a gain and that is a reality.  I would like to give myself one more day to see if any more of my weight gain drops off.  If might not and that is okay.  As much aw I loved my downward trend, a gain was eventually bound to happen.  I’ll be doing some reflecting on my weight loss journey and report back in on my weigh-in tomorrow.

Work Training, A Family Gathering, And The Week Ahead

It was a busy week.  On Thursday, I had ICS400 training, the last of my leadership training hours needed to earn my POST Supervisor Certificate. It was a good class and thankfully I passed the test.  Afterwards, we went for Mexican food at Enrique’s in Kuna where I had a well deserved beer.  

It was amazing and hit the spot.  I ate way to much though and was miserable the rest of the evening. Don’t you just hate that?

Friday, I went out for a long walk and listened to an Aaptiv audio workout.  I even jogged a little.  It felt good to sweat and with our 100 degree temps, it has been hot this week.  Saturday, I followed up with some upper body weights.  I have been feeling so tired lately and almost like I’m lacking energy.

I was thankful for my coworkers that helped cover the first four hours of my overtime shift so I can spend time with my extended family yesterday.  My Great Aunt Jane and Great Uncle Bob celebrated 60 years of marriage. There was a small family gathering at their cabin in Centerville with a BBQ.  The company was amazing and the food was delicious.  I had a wonderful time seeing my family.

It is back to work today, Monday, and part of Tuesday.  Kenyon and I hope to get out of town for a quick getaway the last part of the week.  I need to recharge my batteries.  I have plans to visit with friends Monday and Tuesday before work.  This will make for a really great week.

Weekly WI: A New Month & New Goals

It’s a brand new month and time to focus on new goals.  

Thankfully, my Apple Watch Activity Challenge for June is going to line up perfectly with what I am wanting to accomplish.  My goal this month is to complete 22 workouts of 15 minutes.  On one hand, it is nice to be able to dial back a little on the time commitment with my workouts.  On the other hand, I don’t want to let the progress I have made slide.  This is why the goal is perfect for the month of June.

I am looking forward to a variety of activity options, some days hitting that 15 minute mark and other days ramping up the intensity.  I am also looking forward to adding in strength training again.  

It was one year ago that I first dipped my toes back into Onederland.  The stay at that time wasn’t permanent but it is now and I plan to keep it that way.

I had another loss this week.  YIPPIE!  My countdown to Girls Weekend is looking mighty good as well.  

I was able to get back to the in-person studio WW workshop this week.  The Coach at check in said it had been 28 days since I was last on the “official” scale.  She was impressed with my loss, which was over 4 pounds from when I was last able to attend a workshop.  I told her that I was having some success at losses, working hard at it, and I can hardly believe that I am down 11 pounds from the start of the year.  I still shake my head as to what finally clicked, but boy am I glad it did.

This week should be smooth sailing.  I have a social extended family event on Saturday and it will be so good to see my beloved Ihli family.  I have missed all of them as we had to cancel our annual Christmas get-together last year amidst the Covid pandemic.  We are still planning a family reunion this summer and I can’t be more excited.  The temps are warming up and I am ready for some summer fun.