Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 4

I'm back for Wednesday Weigh-In!  This week has been a test that I've failed more times than not.  But I did make it to the gym once and I've been able to get out in the afternoon and walk while the kids ride bikes and play.  It's not as much as an actual workout but it's better than nothing.  I've not been very disciplined with my eating but I've tried to stay within the calories even if I'm not even close to my macros. I didn't see a huge difference in the scale but anything is better than nothing.

-1.8lbs this week.

-5lbs total this year

While it may not look like much, I'm proud of it.  I've just got to stick with it, and I know I can!

It felt so good to get to workout again lately!  I'll probably get back into a good routine about the time baseball season starts so it'll all be up in the air again.  But anything is better than nothing.  I got some ice cream from work Thursday and I definitely had some (or a lot).  Hopefully, I will adjust to my new schedule with work and get more settled into a routine in the next couple of weeks.  I do much better in a routine.  I'm not getting enough sleep at night and that sets me up for disaster every day.  I've got to get better about going to bed earlier.  So that's going to be my focus this week.  Getting everyone in bed earlier, so I can get to bed earlier!

Forty before Forty

I think I thought about making a "30 before 30" list.  Actually I may have made one.  I can't remember.  I can assure you I probably didn't achieve most of the items.  So I'm not sure why I think this is a good idea, but here I am.   I'm getting better about setting realistic expectations for myself.  Would I love to visit all 50 states before I turn 40? Of course!  Is that realistic? Not even a little.  But I can make a list (mostly of all the things we've been talking about doing anyway) and check them off no matter how mundane.

SO... I'll turn 40 on Sunday, July 27, 2025
6.5 years

Here's a list of things I'd like to achieve/experience before that date.  

1. Pay off our debt!  (excluding our mortgage)(We are getting really close and this will be the only way we can afford most of this list!)  November 2019
2. VEGAS!!! Patrick & I have never been! (We've been kind of thinking about doing this for Patrick's 40th birthday)(He also keeps telling me they're going there on a guys trip so we'll see)
3. Go tent camping.  (We already have the tent, just got to get it on the calendar.)
4. Host a real dinner party and actually cook all the food.
5. DISNEY WORLD!!! We can't wait to go back!
6. Update our Master Bathroom
7. Perfect (and use) a skincare routine.
8. Cut the Cord- ditch satellite. (I can not wait for this!  Hopefully this will be soon!) August 2019
9. Update our Kitchen.
10. Write our will. (Need to do ASAP)
11. Try Indian food.
12. Update Hall Bathroom.
13. Read 20 "must read/classic" books.  (List coming in a separate post)
14. Clean out/Organize Garage.
15. Take an Adults Only Vacation. (Either just Patrick & I or with friends)
16. Paint trim on the stairs. (For real, been needing to do this for about 6 years.)
17. Go on a Girls Trip. (hopefully more than one, but one big one involving an airplane)
18. Drive-In Movie
19. Try Something New & Intimidating. 
20. Family Road Trip. (Would love to road trip to the Grand Canyon)
21. See a Broadway show. ( I'll settle for one that comes to Birmingham.)
22. Run a Race (10K or more)
23. Summer Road Trip with the Kids. (Really want to make this a yearly tradition)
24. Finish the kids Baby Books. 
25. Visit a Winery.
26. Do something that scares me.
27. NFL game (Preferably in New Orleans or Nashville)
28. Full Day at a Spa.
29. MLB game.
30. See the Northern Lights. (this could also be a road trip)
31. NHL game.
32. Take a Fall Drive. (When the leaves are in peak color)
33. Save $10,000. 
34. Landscape our yard. (Our neighbors will definitely appreciate this one.)
35. Ride a Roller Coaster.
36. Make a tshirt quilt. (Either my shirts from high school and college or the kids baby clothes.)
37. Go on a hike in every season.  (4 times each year at least)
38. Watch the sunrise from a special place.
39. Pull off a Big Surprise. 
40. Go Whitewater Rafting. (This is something I've always wanted to do!)

• Watch a metor shower
• Buy myself something expensive (Shoes or purse)
• Date night at a fancy restaurant.
• Spontaneous Weekend trip.
• Go to a Dermatologist.

I'm not sure how I'll update this.  I'll probably update this specific post and also post updates individually along the way.  Will blogs still be a thing in 2025?  I hope so!  

Life Lately

Not much going on around here lately.  Besides the new job.  Which I'm loving!  I start my regular hours next week.  I'm really excited!  

We've tried to get outside as much as we could between the rain and freezing temps!

This girl has become very opinionated about her clothes.  She wants to wear "fancy" dresses all the time.  Preferably pink.

I'm still trying to clean and get organized.

John and Hope and the kids came to lunch last Sunday.  The girls are really starting to enjoy playing together.  AveryAnn gets so jealous having to share her Granddaddy though.

It's always a good time when we're all together.

Finally put my discount to use.  I got a pint of the Pineapple Passionfruit sorbet and it taste just like the passionfruit daquiri we fell in love with in Punta Cana.  It's so good! (Definitely not Keto)

Barrett is running the Mercedes Kids Marathon in a few weeks and he got his prerace packet yesterday and this mask was in it.  He wore it the whole time he rode his bike.  I love this age so much!

Miss Priss is also getting quite the attitude.  She was trying to make her mean face last night and she couldn't stop laughing.  Patrick gets the mean face most often and it's hilarious.  She definitely thinks she's the boss of the Horton house.  

We're really enjoying these days lately with the kids.  They are both at such fun ages.  We're looking forward to the weekend!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 3

Remember all the things I talked about in my first Wednesday Weigh-In post this year?  All the things about when I gained weight.  Well I have evidence this week.  So last week was a bit of a whirlwind.  I applied for a job (not really knowing what I was applying for) not thinking they'd call me and they contacted me the day after I applied and wanted me to come in for an interview.  So I went.  It went well.  They didn't really have a job for me but thought I could be used and said they really liked me.  I still thought it wouldn't turn into anything.  Well by Thursday night I had an offer of exactly what I asked for and Friday morning I had a new part-time job.  At an ice cream shop.  I know what you're thinking.  My best friend said "Um, are you sure this is a good idea?  Isn't this like an alcoholic going to work in a bar."  And to an extent she's right.  But I'm working in the offices that are away from the shop so I can't even smell the ice cream.  Yesterday was my first day and it went really well.  Except I had to count money in front of my boss and I was so nervous I counted it wrong.  Do you know how hard it is to count some one's money with them watching you?  Its hard.  It was much better after that.  I'm really excited to learn everything.  Barrett is so excited I work at the ice cream shop.  It's really sweet!  I love that the owners (my boss) are young entrepreneurs and appreciate a flexible work environment.  I'm by far their oldest employee but I think it works well for the role I'm in.  But enough about that, this is about my weight...

All that to say, the scale is the same this week.  I'm a little bit relieved because when I weighed yesterday I was up 0.8lbs.  So to at least break even this week was nice.

165.0lbs

I'm not exactly thrilled but I'll take it considering the emotional roller coaster that was last week.  

I also manage to get in 4 workouts last week.  I went to HIIT during the day last Tuesday and Thursday but I'm not going to be able to do that now.  So I've got to figure that out again.  I also met a friend and walked one day and went to HIIT on Sunday.  MY goal is going to be to go to HIIT Sunday and Thursday and then squeeze in an at home workout one other night each week.  I hate working out at home but it's better than nothing and if I only have to do it once a week, I can handle it.

So, there you have it, the good, bad and the ugly.

Also, I'm proud of myself because I have yet to have any ice cream.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 2

I'm feeling great this week.  Sure I want crap because I like it, but I don't like feeling like crap so that's what helps me stay the course.  Last week I did pretty good with Patrick gone.  We survived mostly on hot dogs.  One of my goals for 2019 is to try one new recipe each week.  Last week I made Fried Cauliflower Rice.  It was pretty good.  I don't love to cook.  If it's got more than 5 ingredients or 5 steps I'm out.  I bought my cauliflower already riced frozen at ALDI.

This week I made Sausage Egg Muffins.

I needed something easy and quick I could eat for breakfast and the recipe I made up (based on a few is saw) made 18 muffins.  So I've been having one of those for breakfast this week.  Patrick and the kids can also grab one if they want, so that's nice too.

I'm down 3.2lbs this week.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping for more, but you have to start somewhere.  I'm also frustrated because I've already lost these pounds once (actually 3 times now if we're being honest).  I got to workout yesterday for the first time in months.  It was a "hurts so good" situation.  I'm trying to workout during the day now since my work hours are flexible.  My goal is to get in 2-3 workouts per week.  So I'm 1/125 for the year.  (I've got to pick it up in this area).  I'm meeting a friend to walk/jog today. Slow and steady!  Consistency is key. We got this!

Back to Reality

We're finally back to our routine around here and I have to admit, it feels pretty good.  The kids are back in school.  While I'm not loving the early wake-up, I am enjoying our more structured days.  I just function better in the routine.  Patrick was out of town all last week for a class so I was flying solo for our first week back.  I thought it was going to be a lot harder than it was.  I'm used to having the kids by myself often but rarely do I have to do the whole bedtime routine alone that many nights in a row.  We survived and we were all so excited to see Patrick Friday afternoon.

Last week consisted mainly of getting back on track with Keto.  The first few days are always the worst.  I was miserable through Wednesday but I could feel the difference by Thursday and Friday I felt great.  It really is amazing how much better you feel when you cut out the crap.

I saw this meme and I had to save it and post it.  I've never read truer words.  

She has started insisting we take her baby and her carrier with us now.  I kind of love it.  

I managed to read a book.  I really liked this book.  It was getting rave reviews in a group I'm in on facebook but my sister said she only thought it was only ok so I went into it with low expectations.  It was definitely "chick lit" but it was different than your average "boy meets girl, they fall in love, obstacle splits them, then they end up together" story.  It was a page turner and a great way to start off the new year.

Also, I, along with everyone else with a Netflix account, watched "Tidying up with Marie Kondo" last week and suddenly feel the need to tidy my entire house.   So I started with Barrett's dresser and mainly just folded his clothes so we could see all of them.  I cleaned out the things he couldn't wear and I love that now we can see all of his shirts.  

I did my dresser too.  I didn't get rid of enough stuff but I also don't buy and keep a whole lot of things I don't wear.  There are so many areas in this house that I need to purge, I'm hoping I can tackle that this year.

I'm sure you've all seen the aging thing on facebook.  I thought this one was too fun to miss out on.  The first picture was 2006, right before we got engaged.  I'm pretty sure I was wearing zero makeup. I look so youthful and well rested.  My most recent profile picture is actually from a year ago.  I look even worse now, if we're being honest.  There's no telling how much makeup I was wearing that night to cover the fact that I haven't worn sunscreen like I should and I also don't get enough sleep.  But It was a fun look back.  I don't think I've aged badly by any means but I do wish I'd worn more sunscreen over the years.

Afternoon coffee has been my go to "treat" while I'm Keto.  When the weather is nice I like to have it iced, it feels more indulgent that way.  But this day was rainy and cold so I enjoyed it hot.

Sunday we went to Madelyn's birthday party.  It was at a jumpy place and the kids (and adults) had a blast.  AveryAnn was a little unsure at first (like always).  She was also a little intimidated because some of Madelyn's friends from school were there but she eventually warmed up and had a great time.

These two sat in those chairs and ate cake, ice cream, chips and dip for 30 minutes at least, could have been an hour.  They took their sweet time and enjoyed every single bite.  

It was a fun weekend!  We're looking forward to our 3 day weekend next week!

End of Christmas Break

I decided my word for 2019 was going to be JOY.  So cliché, I know, but it can truly change your outlook.  I'm trying to change me "have to" to "get to".  I don't have to work out, I get to work out.  I don't have to eat healthy, I get to eat healthy.  I don't have to cook, clean, do laundry.  I get to.

New Years Day was declared "Family Day" at our house so we headed out.  Our original plan was to go to the McWane center but they were closed so we hit up the zoo.  We had a great day.  It was overcast but not cold and not crowded.  The kids loved that Patrick was there with us.  

After the zoo we hit up Post Office Pies for some pizza.  Barrett will finally eat pizza.  We rarely go out to eat as a family of 4.  We get take out or just go the two of us. So this was a fun little treat for them.  At one point Barrett looked across the table at us and just said "thanks for today" it was so sweet and made me day.

He took our picture.

My mom gave Barrett a crystal growing kit.  So we grew some crystals.

The next day I took them to McWane because we'd been promising it all break.  It was packed but we still had fun.  Barrett loves this wind simulator.

And the Itty Bitty Magic City.  

AveryAnn was a little unsure at first but she finally warmed up.

We rode the little train that's up stairs and they loved it!

She crashed under the tree that night.

We had a low key weekend before we went back to school on Monday. 

Monday night was the National Championship game and we were ready to cheer on the Tide.  It didn't end like we hoped.  In fact it was pretty terrible to watch.  But we still love our team!

Patrick was out of town and this is what our bed ended up looking like.  AveryAnn is suddenly scared of the dark.  She woke up screaming around 9:30 and woke Barrett up.  While I was rocking her he got up and walked down the hall, I thought he was going to the potty but he was sitting in the living room, he thought it was morning.  So the only way we were getting any sleep was this way.  I still didn't get much sleep but at least they did.  

Now we're back to our routine and it feels good!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Back to Reality

Hello there old friends.  (I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in the world that still blogs just because and not for a paycheck.)  I'm back on the Keto wagon.  I'm a little bit disgusted with myself and I need accountability again.  It's so easy to fall into bad habits again.  I can pin point most of my weight gain over the years to major life changes.  Moving to college, I lost all that weight and then some before I graduated. Getting married, I gained a lot of weight my first year of marriage. I lost all of it our third year of marriage.  Getting pregnant, well duh, but I gained entirely too much weight with Barrett and it didn't all come off before I got pregnant with AveryAnn.  I lost most of my pregnancy weight last year doing keto and working out.  Which brings us to now.  I was 12lbs from my goal last spring.  Then summer came, and I was so overwhelmed.  I was having an issue getting my medication for ADHD and it took a toll on me.  Then Barrett went to Kindergarten, AveryAnn started 2K and I lost my job.  Patrick has been working 12-14 hour days so I basically quit working out.  All the emotion, stress and worry has taken its toll on my health.

I've gained 24lbs from my lowest weight last year.

That makes me so angry to even have to admit.  Of course you can look at me and tell.  I'm only 5'2" so every pound shows.  Not that that matters at all because it really doesn't.  The thing that matters is that I feel like crap and I don't want to feel like that anymore.  So I'm starting fresh and bettering myself.  I know this is not how it's supposed to be and I have control over this, so its up to me to fix it.

So here we are.

168.2lbs for this years starting weight.

I'm still working towards my goal weight of 135lbs.  I've said before if I get to a place where my muscle tone is where I'd like it and it's above 135lbs I'll adjust my goals but based on my previous weight and muscle tone etc I feel like 135lbs is realistic.  Like I said in the beginning I'm back to eating Keto and my goal is 125 workouts for the year.  Ideally I'd like to work out 2-3 times a week but I know there are some weeks that I won't be able to do that and other weeks I would be able to work out more.  So by setting the number of workouts for the year I should be able to meet that goal.  So who's jumping back on the wagon with me!?!