Yarn Along

The sweater is finished up to the armholes.  It's waiting a purchase of double point needles in the correct size in order to start the sleeves.  Many people have oh'd and ah'd over the pattern in the sweater ... it's not me, it's the yarn.  I'm curious to see if the sleeves will even match up with the pattern of the sweater since sleeves are a smaller circumference.  The sweater is the Wallaby Pattern by Cottage Creations.

In the meantime, I'm back to working on the baptismal gown.  Ripping it out was the right call.

Saturday is my first knitting class!  I'm taking a basic sock class at the local yarn shop, The Crazy Girl Yarn Shop.  Isn't that a fantastic name for a yarn shop!  One of my knitting goals this year is to make socks that fit my size 12 women's feet.  My husband gave me two knitting classes for my birthday.  So for the next ten Saturdays, I have at least 2-3 hours all to myself.  Hubby will either be home with the five children or taking them to a 4-H meeting (all five!).  Best present ever!

Hubby came across the newest Jillian Michaels book, Unlimited at the library.  I have most of her fitness books. They have been a tremendous part of helping me in changing my lifestyle, especially Master Your Metabolism.  Unlimited is an unusual book.  It's a self-help book written by someone who is not a therapist; though she was in therapy since the age of five, I believe.

I found it funny that early in the book she talks about quantum mechanics and string theory.  Yes, we are all made of energy and are connected.  Great way to describe the body of Christ at a sub-atomic level.  (My connection, not hers)  I'm confused on why she uses the language she does.  To me, swearing is not lifting up others.

There have been a few points that I've written down to work on for myself.  She does an excellent job in breaking down large goals into big size chunks.  I've felt that that has been one of my strong points, but I haven't realized how many people struggle with that. 

Join Ginny on Yarn Along.

This Momma has not been happy

This injury of my left foot has dampened my spirits.  I haven't ran since Thanksgiving Day.  I couldn't put any pressure onto my forefoot.  I am going crazy.  The thing is is that I could have focused my energy on cross training.  Why haven't I?  I gave into the temptation of dwelling in my pity ... until today.

This afternoon while Lots of Hair was napping, I did the first workout of Jillian Michael's Hot Bod in a Box.  Wow, did she kick my butt!  Trouble was downstairs with me cheering me on and counting with me.  I asked if she would be my personal trainer.  Her response, "Go, Mom, Go!"

My quads are sore and my arms are shaky.  Boy, does it feel good!  My mood totally changed this afternoon so much so that I'm a bit sassy.  =)

The x-ray results came back with no stress fracture and no dislocation.  I do have a small heel spur on the ankle; shouldn't it be called an ankle spur then?

It's been snowing here and I want to go out and run in it.  My foot feels pretty good.  I probably could have run on it today since the circuit training didn't aggravate it at all.  My goal is to try two miles tomorrow.  I have Gunner (my garmin) set up for a 4 to 1 run/walk interval.  If that's successful, I'll try a 5 to 1 ratio on Monday and keep it at two miles until those feel comfortable and pain-free.

How have you come back from injury?

My Weight Loss Journey

Eleven weeks ago, I started on a weight loss / get healthy journey.  I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I had little control over some areas of my life which continually made me unhappy.  I was depressed.  I needed to do something for me.  Food had become a comfort for me these last four years.  It has been a roller-coaster of a ride.

November 7, 2009, I started my journey at a 195 pounds and 38.8% body fat.  I joined Jillian Michael's online program.  Everyday, I was given a workout routine and meal plan.  I didn't follow the meal plan precisely, especially cooking for a family of seven.  I did count my calories.  I counted my carbs, protein, and fat.  Having the right balance of those helped me feel full for four hours at a time.  And yes, I did have some chocolate at times; worked into my calorie allowance.  Counting calories has been an educational experience.  I weighed all my food.  It's amazing what is considered a portion size.

 After four weeks of consistent exercise, I purchased a heart rate monitor.  (rewarding myself with something other than food)  I am a numbers person.  I like to see exactly how many calories I eat and how many calories I burn.  Simple math:  create a calorie deficit leads to losing weight.  It hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it.

As of today, I have lost 25 pounds!  My % body fat is at 32.0% down 6.8%.  I have lost over 5 inches in my waist and 4 inches in my hips.  I am down two sizes in my jeans.  I can see my ribs.  I exercise everyday except for the Lord's Day. 

I pray that I continue on this new lifestyle and never return to my previous lifestyle.  Yes, lifestyle.  I'm not on a diet.  I have a new lifestyle.

Follow my progress with the little tickers at the bottom of the blog.  I am getting close to my first weight loss goal; a realistic goal.  After I reach it, I will re-evaluate and make a new goal of more weight loss or changing my body composition (% body fat).