Weekend getaway revelations

I type this as I’m flying back south after a weekend visit to Chicago. Less than 48 hours there, but an interesting trip for me. The reason for this trip was the wedding (the bachelorette party from last month) & as a bonus I got to see my dad for Father’s Day!

It started Friday after work. First flight was fine. Delays all over at the next airport which wasn’t affecting me initially, but eventually my flight was 40 minutes late leaving. Whatever. I wasn’t in a time crunch & I wasn’t going to be bothered by something I can’t control. Holy cow other people were super pissed though so I enjoyed dinner at my gate & some late evening entertainment! I landed really late, got my Lyft & made it to the hotel by 1:30am so not too bad. Yay!

Saturday morning after being up over 20 hours & with the time change I only got a few hours nap we’ll call it. Since it was 8am & I didn’t have to be ready for the wedding shuttle til 3pm…I went to the hotel gym. I know? Who the fuck am I?? I have become the weird person who works out AND LIKES IT on vacations. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I then went to breakfast at the restaurant & enjoyed a leisurely meal before I went back to nap some more & get ready. I pondered the pool but it was indoors and didn’t have good chairs to read or sleep on.

As I sat there eating breakfast I realized how much I have changed. I came all by myself on this trip (not even meeting up with my BFF as my wedding date), hadn’t spoke to anyone (outside of hotel or airport interactions) since I left work Friday & was actually doing things (not just hiding in my room) AND I WAS OK WITH IT. Ding ding. Wow big girl moment! I dare say I felt quite at ease and comfortable with my own company. I am always surprised when people tell me they won’t do things on their own cause it makes me then wonder how little I would be doing if I hadn’t adopted the just do it mentality 5+ years ago? Honestly I didn’t always feel comfortable or I’d feel very self conscious doing things solo especially if it was a couples or group type thing but I just kept pushing myself to go rather than miss out. Eventually I just ignored the feelings & did whatever it was. But this was the first time I honestly could say I was comfortable with being by myself.

Finally!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The wedding Saturday by the way was amazing! It was outside at an estate in a very upscale area and all top notch. I got to see the girls I met last month all gussied up plus several friends I hadn’t caught up with since I moved so it was very enjoyable. The bride & groom were a beautiful couple and I am so happy everything was perfect for them! Except the bloody heat & humidity. It was sweltering sitting there for the ceremony so I can only imagine how the wedding party felt standing. Seriously I never want to hear anyone bitch about Florida heat again! I mean if you are in the center of the state or some shithole area by all means but you brought that on yourself honey. I live on the Gulf & we have breezes and there’s never been a triple digit day. Now the Chicagoland area…they are having severe heat watch or whatever they call it & it’s like the face of the sun trying to breathe. I don’t miss any of that! I’m so happy to be on the plane headed south right now 🤣

I was a bum this morning. I considered working out again, but that would make 4 days in a row when I get home which I’ve learned doesn’t work for me. I need a recovery day if I want my workouts to be effective. My parents picked me up at the hotel & we went for Father’s Day lunch on the way to the airport. I was so happy to see my Dad today as I haven’t gotten to spend it with him in the 5 years since I moved. Plus I haven’t seen him since November for his birthday. We talk on the phone and stay in touch regularly but it’s just not the same. The parents are going on a vacation next week but I encouraged Dad at least (mom’s working) to come visit even for a few days after that so maybe.

All in all it was a great trip! I realized I’ve had a lot of personal growth which is good to see. I’m happy to be heading home though. I upped my gym membership this month & I’m having my food delivered again this week. I need to get back on track for my weight goals. I was so close and the last 2 weeks its gotten ugly. 😖 All on me & I know it so time to get serious again. The 4th of July is mygoal now!

Sticking to the program

I have really been trying to stick with my food & exercise program which is going pretty well! This is the middle of week 3. Weeks 1 & 2 showed great progress…I lost 7 pounds & was very active. Unfortunately I was also body sore from throwing myself in with such gusto & constantly moving for steps. lol I tried to level out my schedule. Now week 3 hasn’t been so great…I’ve actually gained a 2 pounds & while I am still being active to meet my weekly goals, it’s not as much activity as the previous weeks. I also had a couple snacks (nothing crazy, but still) from the food diet. Bad me!

Activity wise I am going to the gym 3 days a week. I have to say I am really enjoying it! I was afraid the extra visit a week would get tedious or burn me out & I would start to hate it (that’s happened before), but I haven’t felt that way at all so I am very surprised. Perhaps it’s just working into my schedule that I don’t notice the change? I also really enjoy the gym atmosphere (it’s a good social place for me) & the workouts themselves constantly change so it stays fresh. Using my FitBit (gosh I love that little gadget!) I set some goals weekly for myself which I find is working better for me than daily goals. By having weekly goals instead it allows me a little slack if I need a light day (either to recover or if I am too busy) & then I can go hard again. My weekly step goal is 70,000 & for active minutes is 300. I like having active minutes cause when I am riding my bike or working out I am still getting “credit” per se without having to walk around so I can do other activities. I have been meeting my goals so perhaps at week 4 I will do an increase.

The food portion is going well. Obviously having meals prepared & delivered to you ready to go doesn’t get any easier. The 1st week I had a national company, but the shipping charges were as much as the food so it was ridiculous & unsustainable for more than a month or maybe 2 if I really stretched the dollars. I did more research & found a local business that offers a lot more pricing & varying food options plus weekly delivery is $6 versus $150. YAY!!! The food is really good! I have no restrictions, not a picky eater (obviously!) & said I just wanted a balanced meal plan so I let them pick everything. Sticking to about a 1200 calories per day. I thought I would be starving compared to the monster portions I was eating before, but I am not. I have even skipped meals if I go out or I’m not hungry which I know isn’t good, but eating just cause I should eat doesn’t seem right either. I’ve definitely been getting more vegetables and items I normally wouldn’t be eating which is good. For the gym challenge we have to keep a food journal so that part has been very easy for me & obviously my food choice are spot on. I am told every week to cut the alcohol out (hahahaha!!!), but let’s be real…I want to make changes that are going to last & start having overall better long term habits. Can I go without booze for this 8 week challenge? Sure. But I am not going to live the rest of my life that way so might as well learn how to balance it.

Imagine that…eating balanced meals with regular exercise has me feeling good, losing weight, plenty of energy, my skin is better, my mood is better. I guess my trainers might actually have a clue what they’re doing. Yeah, they love me. hahaha!!!

On track now!

I decided January was pretty much just me getting ready for 2018 to start February 1st. So I’m a little delayed 🤷🏼‍♀️ Being sick wiped me out for several weeks and I finally started feeling better last week. But it gave me time to think and decide on a plan of attack moving forward.

My diet has to change. The weight has to go. 40 is coming & I refuse to start it like this! In January I upped my gym member ship to 3 days a week which was a good start, but my food intake is wildly out of control. 😭 So starting this week I am having pre-made meals delivered to home. The fat kid can’t be in charge cause obviously I have no control! I’m on day 3 of reduced calories and better eating…no one has died. Honestly though I feel better. And I’m not hungry. Amazing what properly planned meals can do and it makes it very simple which is also nice.

The Wednesday night kickball is going well. The team I was put on is really fun & we have a good time playing. It’s nice to meet a whole new set of people. The cornhole on Tuesday ended with us winning the finals!!! And we eliminated Joe on the way to the end which was an added bonus to the night. YAY!! 😝🏆 Not sure if we’ll play next season & have a month off so in the mean time I’m attending track workouts with my gym group on Tuesday nights. Gotta get those steps in!

Work is going ok. I’ve had some duties taken from me recently which I got upset about originally, but upon further thought it was stuff that wasn’t my job to do & now I’m freed up to do my actual job. It’s really improved the stress level for me having things simplified. Now my coworker is freaking out with all the added duties she has but hey…it wasn’t my choice. Hearing how cranky or unhappy she is makes me realize how bad I probably sounded. Glad it’s not me anymore!

Mom was just down here to celebrate her birthday. We went to Disney for a few days & had a really good time! Did the Aloha dinner and also did a tour at Magic Kingdom (take the Keys to the Kingdom tour–amazing!!). Our relationship has really improved. I’m hoping my parents will be back to visit again in the next few months. Dad is having knee replacement next week 🤞

It’s been a busy week so I’m looking forward to the weekend!

Hello weekend

Ahhh…made it thru the week. 😜 Which was soooo long it seemed. Granted I started off with a few late nights but it just felt like I couldn’t catch up. Work just drug out. A lot is happening there, but it’s staying under control. The gym I just can’t back into. My energy level is blah. I know my diet it crap and I’m feeling it! Changing my food around and trying to make better choices. I can’t get away from the sugar sweet junk though. 

I was happy on Thursday night to get to talk to Will. He’s still out west for work a few more days before he flies to the Midwest to spend a week with his kids. Then he’s finally coming back here!! Yeah I’m a little excited. We had good conversation (seems like we always do) talking about everything & nothing. I am looking forward to actually getting to spend some time together and see where it goes. 😊

Kickball last night was awesome! Our team won, but I also made a HUGE play when we really needed it & I’m not gonna lie…it felt great!!! It’s such a good time with friends and hanging out.

This weekend is pretty laid back. I’m hoping to get some beach time today if the weather allows it. Want to do some reading as well. Have a friend’s going away party tonight. Not sure about tomorrow yet. Maybe a movie? See how it goes.

Happy weekend all!! Do what makes you happy 😁

Getting back in the swing

Life is rolling along. Getting back in my routine more which of course I love! Unfortunately I’m still feeling body sore from Canada so the gym hasn’t been a full fledge go ahead but I enjoy going for the socializing and the stretching & doing whatever I  can.

I’ve spent the last 2 nights at cornhole. Which means I’ve been up late and need sleep! But I’m actually playing pretty well so I’m pleased about that. It’s been nice to see friends and catch back up. Looking forward to kickball on Friday!

The dating scene….hmmm. So Will & I continued to text some and even spoke twice (it’s a challenge when several time zones apart) the past few weeks. I don’t think he gets back to town here for another 1.5 weeks but who knows cause I haven’t asked lately. Part of me is happy taking it slow but another part of me is also feeling like a side thing. You know…for when he’s back in town & needs somebody to hang out with or something to do. He’s no more settled or committed to living in this area than when I met him mid-May. I understand the work travel and even going back to see the kids (which he’s been doing a lot so that makes me wonder if something is up?) takes up time, but living like a nomad has to be old. Wouldn’t you want to get settled if this is where you are going to be living? I’ve done it & it sucks after awhile. I know he’s having stress and issues with work so I’m just stepping back to see what happens. We haven’t spoke in a week now so that’s kind of weird? I did last week invite the other guy (Mark) to a trivia night I went to with my friends. There was something I just couldn’t really put a finger on, but I decided that night it just wasn’t for me. I’m not sure we have much common or anything to build on. I like to go out, travel, do things. He’s created a little happy space at his home where’s he content to be. Which is cool cause that makes him happy but that’s probably also the age gap too. I have dated up to 10 years older in the past which I haven’t noticed to be an issue, but perhaps as I get older I see the differences more now? Mark is probably closer to 15 years older & it’s definitely noticeable to me.

Today was national daiquiri day so I went out with coworkers for happy hour. Had some laughs. Ran some errands and am calling it an early night. I feel like my sleep pattern is out of whack. I’m not eating great. So it’s no shocker I feel blah. Time to get myself rebooted!

Hump day ho hums

Blah the rain. Yes we needed it. Yay we are ok longer a high fire risk. The grass is green & growing. But come on…since last Thursday night it’s been on/off & starting Monday pretty much all day rain. ☔️ So over it. I miss the sun. I miss my activities. I would like to not be wearing my raincoat all the time. 🙄

Monday started out with me driving to work & a low tire pressure light going on. On the tire I just replaced 6 weeks ago. Work was a bit of a shit show cause apparently people didn’t do things while I was gone which made meeting the deadlines that day insane. I left work & hauled ass to the car dealership so they could look at the tire. Turns out another nail (WTF??!!) and the computer needs to be adjusted cause it was the other side that was flat (not the side it was saying). Again wtf??? Thank goodness again for that extra tire warranty cause that’s another $400 I didn’t have to shell out when they ordered the tire. 🙏 I then headed to the gym where my face & jaw was starting to hurt so much I half assed it just get it done. I apologized to my awesome trainer…she knows when I’m not right & isn’t a jerk about it. I had taken a pain pill at work early, but I can’t drive on them so couldn’t take another. Got home, made dinner & went to bed! 👊

Tuesday more rain. More of the same work crap (still catching up). But changed my dinner plans when cornhole cancelled! My favorite local event is going on…restaurants offer fixed menus for a low price for 2 weeks. Usually these are upscale or places I never go so trying to get to a few new ones again this year. Except my frigging tooth pain is really putting a damper on things!! Nevertheless I was determined last night to eat & it was fabulous. Had a good time catching up with my gf & her bf. One of my favorite stores is having their semi annual sale so I stopped there & can you believe I found exactly what I have been looking for?? On sale??!! That never happens so it made for a much improved day!! And I got a cute new dress for peanuts at the thrift store on lunch break. Day improving. 👍

Today again it’s raining. Yeah shocker. 😂 I’m hitting the gym after work & then home. I need an early night to catch up. My tooth is still hurting & it’s been a week so I’m thinking there is something else wrong? I have a follow up dental appointment tomorrow.

Good news…William & I have continued to stay in touch. He’s back in Seattle, but coming home Sunday so we’re doing dinner that night. Date #2!! I’m trying not to be too excited or get ahead, but I am looking forward to seeing him & spending actual time together. It’s been almost a month we’ve been “talking” yet have only met that one time. Which is really weird for me (I’ve never done anything like this before) although I like it! How crazy is that? Things are moving slow which is good right now cause I have a lot of my own stuff going on. Fingers crossed 🤞 

Day 3 of the military diet plan

FAIL!!! ABORT!!!! 🚨🚨🚨

Yup I didn’t make it. I got home late Saturday night after hanging with friends & by 2am my face was REALLY hurting & I was hungry & I was like “wtf am I doing here???”. So I had a few pieces of linguine & a little ice cream. Woke up the next morning & still weighed the same so I said screw it & made myself a cheesy omelette with avacado & some blueberries in Greek yogurt. I can tell you that definitely was NOT the menu for day 3. 😂

Honestly I don’t know how people lose 10 lbs doing that for 3 days?? I mean even if it’s only temporary that’s still impressive. I LOST NOTHING. Nada. Zero. Zilch. In 2 days of following the diet so I highly doubt on day 3 some major miracle was going to happen. Maybe if you’re used to eating 4000 calories a day then I can see this diet being a huge change to your system. Or if you have a good amount of weight on you to lose something will happen? 🤷🏼‍♀️

I did like the meal plan. It was quite simple to follow. Even the food was ok. I will definitely try it again when the timing is better. Maybe all the drugs I’m taking for my wisdom teeth didn’t help the situation?? Or maybe these things just don’t work on my system?? I don’t know. I guess I’m curious to see if it will work at all. And I did try new things! I have never been a fan of grapefruit but I ate one! Or just plain tuna from the can I was unsure of but I liked that.

So that’s the sad results of my diet plan. Sorry guys. And I’m really looking forward to my dentist follow up on Thursday. I’m hoping there is nothing wrong cause I don’t think this pain still is right?!

Day 2 of the military diet plan

It’s going. I’m not hungry as others stated they had been. More just boredom wanting to eat I’ve realized. And is it the food I even want? Nope. Again just boredom. Which is good I’m recognizing it so I can try to control it. But I’ve been good—no cheating or giving up!

Again the only thing I subbed out today was instead of vanilla ice cream at dinner I had 4 oz of applesauce. I have been trying to drink more water which I know hasn’t been enough yet.

I weighed the same this morning as when I started. I did go for a 4.5 mile walk today so hopefully that makes a difference. I’m going out with my friend in a bit (just water & no food for me) so a little more activity tonight.

Looking forward to weigh in tomorrow morning and the last day!

Day 1 of the military diet plan

I made it! Actually I feel pretty good. I thought I’d be starving. To be honest dinner even felt like a lot of food. Granted I really haven’t done anything today (expect for the Walmart excursion I napped & watched tv) so that’s probably a big factor. There were times I wanted to cheat & snack but only cause I was bored (a favorite reason why I mindlessly eat). 

I don’t drink coffee or tea so just drank water & honestly need to drink more still. And instead of the vanilla ice cream I had Greek yogurt instead (not even the allotted amount cause I felt full). For my dinner meat I chose shrimp (got a great deal last weekend so loaded the freezer up).

I’m curious to see how I feel on day 2. I hope to hit the gym in the morning if I feel good. And I may go out with friends tomorrow night so I’ll have to really be aware of not mindless snacking!

So long wisdom teeth

So as of Wednesday I am officially wisdom teeth free. It hurts. More than last time. I don’t know if it’s cause I was in pain for 2 months prior (and had an infected tooth) so there was a “relief” when the teeth were out?? This time I had no prior pain, but I am hoping it will fix the ear issues on my right side like my left side has felt since. And when I say it hurts not so much the tooth spot but more like my whole jaw area opening my mouth. I read that can happen during extraction if they have your mouth too open for too long? But it’s made for a good 2 day start into the new diet I wanted to try. 😂  My mom bless her heart came down Tuesday & flew back home this morning so she could take me Wednesday for surgery & check on me yesterday. I love her. 😍 I know we’ve had some very rough times, but I feel like our relationship is in a really good place! I wish my dad would have come just so I could have seen him but he wasn’t feeling good so didn’t want to fly. Which I totally understand but I miss him too. I have been trying to talk more on the phone with him so that helps. 

Which leads me to the new diet I’m trying. Why not right?? It’s called the military diet & is 3 days long. Supposedly you can lose up to 10 pounds (which I don’t believe will happen for me) although most people said they lost 7-8 lbs. I like that it gave very specific directions of what to eat & since I’m not eating much anyways I thought now would be a good time. Here is the Day 1 menu: 

See what I mean that it’s pretty idiot proof to follow?? 😜 That’s what I need! The only thing I’m swapping out is instead of vanilla ice cream I’ll have plain applesauce (yeah have had a lot of that lately 😂) which it’s actually less calories (I compared). And I don’t drink coffee or tea so just more water (I have been working on that the last few weeks).  I don’t know what to expect? Losing 5 lbs to restart my system & then let my body “adjust” to that would be great! But realistically I have no idea. I’m not exercising as much or even moving which is the key to this restart. It looks like they lower your calories to minimal (1000-1200 day) & if you’re still keeping the same output obviously weight will come off. Oh wow genius moment there I know! 🤓 These dental drugs are amazing! Hahaha!!!

The next 2 days of the diet look similar (I’ll keep posting). Obviously this isn’t something you live on & then the “off” days I’ll need to stay observant of what I eat, how much, etc… like I have been doing. It’s something to try & only 3 days so I can stick it out! I went shopping this morning (that was fun cause I took all my drugs before I left) so I have all the food I need.

Now to just get my sleep pattern back on track. 😴 This is day 3 of not working which feels so weird. Having had the long weekend & only working Tuesday & not going back til Monday feels like a vacation for me now. Except not going anywhere or NEEDING to do anything. I would like to work on getting my bathroom unpacked (yeah I’m slow) & reorganized so that can be my goal. 😎