Moving Is Hard

Pulling all my stuff out and putting it in boxes is a lot harder than it seems.  It feels like there's no way to get it all and still have what I need from now until the day we move.  Of course this all makes me very hungry.  In addition it seems silly to buy groceries and then move them in a few days.  I really am excited to start saving money on housing.  I just can't wait to get it over with!!!  With all the distractions I just realized I over paid my rent on my current apartment!!!  UGH!!!!  I know I'll get it back, but it sucks!  Exercise is the one thing that is going well, I better stick with it. 

Truth Hurts

Sometimes you have to face the actual truth about yourself and it can really be a shock.  My husband works hard and makes good money but we still use credit cards and aren't where we would like to be financially.  The reason is me. 
We both like to go out, but I like nice places.  He would be just fine sitting at home all summer but I plan trips.  It's a tough pill to swallow, but I have to really look at this behavior and do something about it.  I need to find a way to make dining at home as enjoyable as going out!  I like how we don't watch TV or work on our computers.  I know I have talked about this before, but I like to have a conversation!!!!  This is clearly the issue, or I need to get a full time job.  The choice is mine. 

We're Moving Again

We have decided to move to a less expensive apartment so we can save money for more fun vacations and a condo of our own.  This was my idea and I am the one that pursued it and is making it happen.  Now that I have gotten the ball rolling I'm having trouble running with it.  I need to start packing but all I want to do is nap.  I over indulged yesterday, so of course today I feel like crap and guilty to boot.  I had planned to go out last night, but still have I no self control?   Today is the official start of my birthday preparations.  I will eat at home for the next week and do the exercise that is needed to meet my goals.
I can't decide if it's just feeling overwhelmed that has me thrown off or if it's my delayed post vacation blues.  I didn't work last week after we got back so I think it delayed the inevitable.  I think it's good that I have a big project to focus on, and I think I will be able to get it together starting tomorrow.  In the mean time I should just enjoy my unproductive day off with some shows and a little Sprite.

Vacation Rebound

I had the best vacation ever!!!  I hit my goal weight the day before we left and I enjoyed every minute of our trip.  It’s to be expected that I have put on a few pounds after two weeks on vacation.  What I had forgotten about is the post vacation diet rebound.  In order to keep the vacation vibe going I tend to overindulge, and this month is Portland Restaurant Month where the best restaurants in town offer a three course menu for $29.  

Needless to say I am having a bit of trouble with moderation.  Luckily the one thing that’s going on track is my exercise habit.  I feel very lucky to have the convenience of a stationary bike at home.  It eliminates the excuses and makes things so easy for me.  We are also very fortunate to be having really great weather in Portland right now.  

I want to remember how ecstatic I was when I hit my goal weight, it was one of the best feelings.  I feel like the bathing suit weather vacation really gave me the drive to meet my goals.  I have a birthday coming up in just over a month and I want to get back to my pre vacation weight.  I need to go back to doing exactly what I was doing before I left.  I know it works and hopefully it will be easy to fall into those habits.  I need to do a full hour of cardio most days and weights a few times a week.  I also need to record my calories in myfitnesspal app for every bite I take and I need to leave some calories on the table at the end of each day.  There, now I just need to execute.

Weight By A Date

In Portland right now it's beautiful and sunny unlike the rest of the country that's covered in snow.  I love Spring preview, as it's called in Portland.  We know it won't last, the rain will return, but enjoy it while it lasts.  That attitude is not always helpful for goal achieving.  On the one hand you can go out and walk around, but on the other hand going to happy hour and general frivolity become even more tempting. 
I'm trying to combine success and fun and I over did on the fun yesterday.  It wasn't that big a hit on the scale, but it didn't feel good this morning.  That's the thing about working towards a goal, it can't always be a step forward sometimes you have to accept the step back.  I have a strict deadline for the goal I am trying to achieve this time.  I think that has really helped me stay on track because I know I want to feel great on vacation.  I've decided that I know I've worked hard and I'm going to enjoy myself no matter what, but it really would be awesome to hit my goal weight.  Even as I type this I'm scolding myself for attaching so much importance to a simple number that can fluctuate with each grain of salt. I can choose to either live and die by the scale or enjoy feeling great, the choice is mine to make. 
I think I'll do this; keep working out as much as possible, log all my calories, drink lots of water and enjoy my friends and family.  No one ever left this world wishing they'd missed seeing friends so they could sit home and obsess about their weight!  So what if I weigh 142 instead of 140 when I leave for vacation!  Is that really the most important thing?  I won't have a scale on vacation, so for all I know that's water weight and I could be at 139 at some point on the trip.  Should I sit in my room and pout or should I go snorkeling and try new foods and activities?!  I will only use the scale for good and not for evil.  So there!

Not Bad So Far

So far things are going pretty good.  I have been able to stick to my eating and exercising goals and things are positive on the scale.  I even felt OK about trying on swimsuits.  The thing I keep reminding myself is that I'm a little thinner, but not necessarily thin.  I'm trying to keep a positive yet realistic attitude so I don't get discouraged. 
One thing that is a little hard for me right now is the desire to isolate myself in an attempt to eliminate temptation.  I think this is a common problem when finally making weight loss progress.  In addition to that, being sick for over two weeks already had me hibernating and monitoring my every move.  I have found that I'm not quite back to 100% so maybe that has something to do with it.  I do know that I am really enjoying being a few pounds lighter.  I can already tell the difference in my face and in my cloths.  It feels so good I just want to keep it up, but I am also going to have to continue with life. 

The Swimsuits Are Out For Delivery

They weren't supposed to be here until Thursday, but the tracking says they are on a truck cruising Portland right now!  I had a great weigh in this morning after my hour on the bike, but I'm still feeling intimidated.  I must remember that I haven't seen the sun in several months and be kind to myself.  I also have over 2 weeks to work out and get a spray tan so lets keep it in perspective. 
I am feeling so much better now that I don't have chronic excruciating pain.  There's a crew outside my window right this minute sawing concrete and I couldn't care less.  It's mildly annoying, but who cares.  I hope I'm able to keep my positive outlook and appreciate the little things. 
I'm a little nervous about being social and derailing my diet efforts.  Tomorrow is a tough day food wise because I have a team lunch and my friend is coming over.  I have selected a smaller burger from the lunch menu and I can just get less hot bar for dinner.  Maybe I'll get half a sandwich and a salad instead.  Life happens and I need to be able to be a part of it.  Every day can't be exercise and prescription food. 
Now where the hell is that delivery truck?!