Doreen's Fresh Start & Success Story! (Welcome Friends!)

[DoeWDW]

Thanks for all the encouragement & support, WISH friends!!

So far I'm on track for all my objectives. I'm avoiding the EVM like the plague. I keep telling myself that if I can walk 13.1 miles, I can certainly abstain from chocolate for a few hours at work. Walking 13.1 miles seems easier!

 

[mking624]

Great jobon scaling back the expectations! Anything that is reasonable for you to acheive is a lot easier so you can get there! I've found that the higher expecation/goal I put on myself, the harder time I have getting motivated to accomplish them. As you said...baby steps! Taking the baby steps makes it easier into transitioning to "adult steps." You're doing good, girlfriend!!!!!!!!!

 

[DoeWDW]

It's a beautiful sunny morning in PA!

I did claim victory over the EVM yesterday - I ate according to plan while at work. I earned smilies for devotions, pills, water, healthy eating and exercise. I admit I was up past 10 PM - got caught up in a Disney jigsaw puzzle and didn't notice the time. Five smilies for me!

When I got home, I needed a snack. Since I had nothing planned, I had 1C ice cream and 4 bites of the brownies DD made. No one was really hungry for dinner last evening, so at 10 PM I ate a bowl of frosted Mini Wheats. I know this isn't healthy eating so why do I do it? Because I'm tired when I get home. Maybe I should start delegating dinner on these kinds of nights to other members of my family.

Today is a new day and I'm ready to try again. Another 5 smilie day would be really nice!
1. Devotions - Paul wrote, "I am convinced that neither death, nor life . . . nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:38-39 (NRSV) Just like little kids who get separated from their parents, we tend to feel lost when we don't stay in a close relationship with God. He's always right there, though, just waiting for us to draw near to him.
2. Pills - taken.
3. Water - 2 bottles during work.
4. Healthy eating - B = yogurt w/ almonds, L = burger/no bun, snacks = orange and banana, D = something better than ice cream, brownie and frosted Mini Wheats
5. Exercise - today is a rest day on my calendar - instant smilie!
6. Bedtime - once again, I NEED to be in bed at 10 PM. I'm only hurting myself by staying up later. Keep in mind how good it feels to lay under the warm covers after a long day......aaaahhhhh.

I think I might even be able to earn 6 smilies today!

I've spent some time cleaning up my desk at work. Now I'm going to update my to-do spreadsheet. I'm going to face the busy work day with confidence (in spite of the little nay-saying voice in my head). I've done 2 half marathons - surely I can accomplish a day's work! I'm going to put my OC half marathon medal on my desk as a visual reminder of my strength and determination.

 

[sharoncity]

D = something better than ice cream, brownie and frosted Mini Wheats

That's a good one Doe! I've Definitely been there too!

You sound so positive and confidant today! I am sure it will be a 6 smiley kind a day! Keep that medal in view, because you most certainly CAN conquer all that looms on you desk. You have the ability and knowledge, so just apply them. It is gonna be a great day!

TTFN- Sharon

 

[lulu201]

I agree with Sharon--today IS going to be a great day for you. You're going after those 6 with confidence!

I think it's a good move to clean off your desk. I was reading in that Simplicity book about how cleaning up an area of clutter gives us a sense of control and peace. It almost inspired me to clean up MY desk!

Kick that darn EVM when you go by today and know I'm thinking about you and wishing you peace and joy for this rainy Wednesday!

Erin

 

[septbride2002]

I like your plans for dinner! You are going to have a great day today. Just put one foot in front of the other and work down your to do list! I have nothing but confidence in you!

~Amanda

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doreen!

You sound positive and ready for today! Woohoo! After today... only 2 more days till the weekend!

Congratulations on the 5 day yesterday! Keep up the good work!

 

[mking624]

Yeah! Five smilies for you!!

I can related to the frosted mini wheats...but mine was frosted flakes. Apparently my body decided that would be a good snack to have the other day.

I LOVE the positive in your post...keep lifting that bautiful head high...you're gonna do it!!

 

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

So how did the rest of the day go? I love having a clean desk.

I hope you are able to get to bed early tonight.

Take care,
Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday didn't turn out quite as well as I had hoped. I succumbed to the calls of the EVM in the afternoon, as another wave of weariness broke over me. I spent last evening taking a long nap and then still slept all night long. Dinner was a little better than the previous night, but not by much - frozen fish filet and tater tots, with an sf chocolate pudding w/ whipped cream for dessert.

I'm still weary today, thanks to the DZone. I could sleep even as I type this. But life moves on and there are things to do. I keep reminding myself that this is hormone-driven, not a character flaw. I just need to sail on through these days the best I can. My half marathon medal is still on my desk, to remind me of a time when I felt stronger. That stronger me is still inside, in spite of the hormone levels which are dulling my mind, body, and spirit.

Yesterday I earned smilies for devotions, pills, water, exercise (rest day ) and bedtime - 5 smilies for me! Today I'll try for 5 more.
1. Devotions - They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength . . . they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) Now, how did God know I'd need this particular scripture today??? He is amazing and I am grateful for His strength.
2. Pills - taken.
3. Water - 2 bottles during work.
4. Healthy eating - not sure about this one. I don't FEEL like eating healthy. I may resort to caffeine and sugar-laden soda to help me get through my long day today. I'll be at work for an extra hour for a big meeting. No, I think I'm going to skip healthy eating today.
5. Exercise - half an hour walk after work, from the train station to where my car is parked. Enforced exercise!
6. Bedtime - 10 PM.

Here I go, knowing that I can call upon the Lord for strength to help me through this long day. Do you think He invented Coke to help me stay awake???

Blessings to all this Thursday! and

 

[lulu201]

Hey, girl, I'm there with you today. Keep on walking. . .

Erin

 

[septbride2002]

It is comforting to be honest with ourselves isn't it? You know you are not up to the task of healthy eating, so for today you are going to let it slide. Tomorrow you may be able to pick up that torch again. Remember courage is also that little voice inside that says you'll try again tomorrow

~Amanda

 

[mking624]

My half marathon medal is still on my desk, to remind me of a time when I felt stronger. That stronger me is still inside, in spite of the hormone levels which are dulling my mind, body, and spirit.

What an awesome inspiration for you!! I always love having little things around me to remind me of when I was stronger....it just inspires me! I love that you have your medal there...not only signifying what you accomplished...but what you can accomplish AGAIN!! I have faith in you!!!

 

[DoeWDW]

"I've had the time of my life. I've never felt this way before. Yes, I swear it's the truth, and I owe it all to you!"

I heard this song on the radio this morning. Besides evoking images of Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, it also reminded me that EVERY DAY is an opportunity to have the time of my life, to experience the world anew, to feel joy at the big accomplishments and also the smaller special moments during each day. I'm going to have the time of my life today!! I'm going to take it all in with an attitude of gratitude and joy and awe and wonder.

Yesterday's smilies - devotions, pills, water.

Today will be better:
1. Devotions - Each day as we pray, we learn afresh to rest in God alone for complete healing and wholeness. - from the Upper Room devotional.
2. Pills - just paused to take them.
3. Water - halfway through the first of 3 bottles.
4. Healthy low carb eating - YES!! B = meat lovers breakfast pizza, without the crust (this was sooooo good!!), L will be a burger or a salad, D will be tackled when I get home, but it will be low carb with strawberries & whipped cream for dessert.
5. Exercise - I'm heading for the fitness club after work, no matter what.
6. Bedtime - 8 hours of sleep. I can sleep in tomorrow!!

None of these are negotiable today. The fact is that the scale is on the rise again and my clothes are NOT fitting. This HAS to stop. I can't afford a new wardrobe and I'm sick & tired of feeling fat. It's been 2 weeks since the half and it's time to get into gear and start lifting weights 3x a week and getting 3 good aerobic workouts in each week. I'm in one of my "just do it!" kind of moods and I know it won't last but, darn it, I want to be at a healthy comfortable weight again! For today, I'll stick to my objectives listed above.

It will be another stressful workday where I will be challenged to the limits of my abilities, so journals will have to wait for the weekend. Thanks to everyone for stopping by and sharing your friendship and support with me so freely.

 

[lulu201]

Good FRIDAY morning, Doreen! You've made it to the end of another work week. Sorry to hear that there won't be a work stoppage today in honor of the Friday holiday and all, but it sounds like you're ready to ride this wave and take care of yourself in the thick of things.

And this is the time we need to care for ourselves the most, isn't it? When we're deep into the DZone/Aunt Flo exhaustion and our bodies are saying "no, just give me chocolate, carbs, and a six hour nap!" we've got to say, like a good mother to a child, "no, sweetie, you need a good walk and some healthy foods." We've got to be the ones taking care of us!

So yesterday was a kind of eat-what-you-want day, and today will be more focused on self-care and healthy living. That sounds reasonable to me. Just remember that you're doing this for you. Walking past the EVM is a gift to yourself, not a punishment, right? And a walk on the treadie at the gym or a round of weights is a walk in the park compared to 50 mph winds on the top of the bridge to Assateague during mile 12, right? Remember, Doreen: YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, GIRLFRIEND!

OK, I'm off to my journal. Have a good day--
Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Doe,

I hope today is a wonderful day for you. TGIF!!!

 

[mking624]

Yeah, Doreen...you tackle the Friday!!!!!

I know what you mean about it having to stop. I can't afford a new wardrobe either...even my husband hit it home with me when he told me that we couldn't afford to keep buying me new pants/shorts. My mom was shocked about that and asked me if I was upset. I said no...because he was absolutely right. I was letting myself go, and was not only causing myself health problems, but I was also causing us financial problems. So I decided it HAD to stop. So I am totally with you on this, sweetie...YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!

 

[septbride2002]

Hey Girl! How is your Friday going? I hope your strong positive attitude is lasting you through today! I am going to have to get back on track in two weeks. I am trying to prepare myself mentally for it. And I will have to make sure my kitchen is ready for it!

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Let's see
1. Devotions -
2. Pills -
3. Water - finishing my 3rd of 3 bottles so I'll earn the tonight.
4. Healthy low carb eating - I was so full from breakfast that I didn't eat lunch - I was truly not hungry. PM snack was 1.5 oz cashews. D was leftover chicken corn soup (not totally low carb but not junky carbs) and strawberries w/ whipped cream for dessert. I claim the
5. Exercise - DH and I took a brisk 45 minute walk.
6. Bedtime - 8 hours of sleep, no problem!

This could be it! My first 6 smilie day!!!

 

[DoeWDW]

I finally managed to have a 6 day yesterday!! The scale is back to 155 again!

I'd like to do it again but I may trip up on food. I'm at work, trying to catch up (still working on yesterday's to-do list ) and I just didn't have low-carb food to bring with me. I'll do the best I can.

1. Devotions - One of my very favorite verses God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. -2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) My usual translation reads a bit different but it comes down to the same thing. God never meant for me to let my fears control me. He has told me over and over that I can do all things through Him.
2. Pills - gotta take them.
3. Water - am drinking already
4. Healthy eating - this will be tough but I'll do my best. All I have with me is a banana, an orange and a sf chocolate pudding cup. I may find some nuts or healthy trail mix in one of the EVMs but NO CARBY JUNK!!
5. Exercise - it's rainy so I'll do something at home. Maybe I'll break out my Pilates DVD.
6. Bedtime - 8 hours sleep.

I've already crossed one thing off my list of 7 to-dos. I'm ready to tackle the rest and head home!

EDIT: 8 AM
2. Pills - taken.
4. B = sunflower seeds from the EVM, a banana

EDIT: 11:30 AM
I'm home from the office and I made it without eating any junk food! YAY! I got lots done - amazing what you can do in 4 hours when the office is quiet and you're not being interrupted.

Now I'm off in search of a low carb lunch!