what to blog about...

The superbowl? Nah... didn't really care this year. The weather? it has been exceptionally nice... Oh! LAS VEGAS!

MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, NV!

Sweet. We were there from January 23-27th... had a blast. Drank too much, ate too much, but that's what Vegas is about right? We gambled a little (very little), and won nothing. One thing about Vegas is you walk and walk and walk and walk... Then walk some more. We went up and down the strip, just kind of looking into hotels and you think the next hotel is so close, but it's farther than it seems!
We ate a lot of Mexican while we were there because our hotel (Bally's) had a Mexican place in it with some good cheap food. I'm not the type of person to go to a fancy restaurant and spend $50 on something I can't pronounce, so it seemed reasonable to eat cheap.

Inside the Mirage- a dolphin pool, and lions and tigers, oh my!

Las Vegas is full of weirdos... people are trying to hand out a bunch of "business cards" of prostitutes. It's crazy. And I see people walking around with their kids? I am not sure Vegas is a place I'd take my children until they're adults. Too much weird stuff. I think parents probably have to answer questions before they're ready! ha!

Getting back to work is hard after vacation... Yuck. Well, that's about it for my blog post. It's been a while, and it will probably be a while before the next! Adios.

running pet peeve #1

Sweaty ear phones. Seriously, running along at a good pace on the treadmill, probably about 2 miles into the run and all of a sudden the earphones are all sweaty and gross. Inside my ear. What? Disgusting.

Anyway, not much you can do about that unless you wear a sweatband, which I'm definitely not going to do. Today I worked out twice. Yep, twice. Had the day off, so I went this morning and worked with my trainer lifting weights, etc... Then this evening went for the treadmill. The weather is miserably cold today so I decided against any type of activity outside, except sprinting to and from my car. I was also a little afraid of going outside after the gym as I was all sweaty and thought my head might freeze off. What a great story that would be!

Anyway. I'm drinking wine now as a reward. Sounds legitimate, huh?

Week 2 done.

I missed one run, but that's OK. I ran 4.5 miles on Saturday after work. Outside. In January. In North Dakota. Whaaaaaat! I can hardly believe it. It felt amazing. about a 50 minute workout. I felt like it was 60 degrees when I was done.

Getting the right amount of clothing on is a tricky situation. I wore my new outdoor running pants, which worked awesome... a long sleeved t shirt and then a hooded zip up sweatshirt. That was pretty good for that day. My arms were kinda warm but I think any less and I would have been cold. I also wore a stocking cap. The last few runs I used little gloves but my hands got pretty sweaty fast so I ditched those this time. My only complaint would be that my cheeks and my neck get cold... I hate wearing a scarf because it never stays right, and I don't want to wear something that covers my mouth otherwise I can't breathe right. I'll be on the lookout for something a little more impressive.

Well, fabulous Monday, I'm just enjoying my coffee.

Week 2 of training

I am just starting my second week of training for the half marathon. Today's run was not so great. Yesterday's run rocked my socks off, and last week's were pretty good too. I worked today, so that's probably part of the reason why today's run suuuuucked.

I actually walked for a few minutes during today's run. My legs were screaming at me to stop, so I listened. It's hard when you work all day on your feet dragging patients out of bed, etc. and then to have to go to the gym after work? That sounds like insanity to me. But even more insane is the thought of getting up at 4:30 to run. Yuck. That definitely doesn't sound appealing.

I have joined a weight loss challenge at my gym, too... hoping that will get me going in the right direction. The past couple of days have been pretty good. Just really trying to watch what I eat and not snack so much. Seems easy, right? Until you're at work and have a bazillion salty and sweet treats in front of you. People are always bringing something. But, that's a soapbox for another day. I did say no to the chocolates today. Pretty impressive, right?

I really need to start adding pictures to my blog but I don't know what pictures to add... I'm not losing weight fast enough to add skinny pictures, and who wants to see my sweaty self after a run? So not exciting.

Well, here's a picture from my New Year's Eve weekend... had a fun time filled with dancing and drinks. Two of my favorite things (guilty as charged).


Me and the hubster

 Not the greatest picture, but... oh well. Jarrod always squints, and I look sweaty. End of story. Peace!

Not quite new year's...

What's my resolution? Well I wouldn't quite call it a resolution but more like a goal. I really want to run a half marathon. I set out to accomplish this goal last summer, but a string of ridiculously hot, humid weather bummed me out and I quit. Now, trying to run a half marathon is going to consist of a few challenges.

1. Running.
2. Long runs.
3. Not dying.

I'm reading a book right now (you can order it here, if you'd like) and it's really getting me motivated. In the book she talks about wanting to take naps on park benches during long runs, peeing in bushes without anybody seeing, and other funny things to get you really into running.

So I'm on week on. So far I have gotten in 3 runs. Monday and Wednesday I ran 35 minutes, about 3 miles each time. Today (Friday) was my "long run" of the week, 45 minutes and I managed to get in 4 miles. I think the gal that wrote that book must have been a pretty slow runner, because in a couple weeks my long run is supposed to be 4 miles. I don't know. I'm just going to try and follow it and not die, and not quit. So I'm really going to try and blog about my training... If I have the energy :)

Candy

This time of year the candy and treats... are... everywhere... Seriously. I work at the hospital, and patients bring it to thank us for the care we give, other nurses bring it because they don't want it at home, and sometimes it just appears randomly out of nowhere (OK, the carolers brought it.. but seriously, a giant box of candy?)...

I ate way too much of it yesterday and today it has left me feeling pretty crummy. But today is a new day and I'm not going to let a little chocolate get me down.

So I'm telling you this, candy: Today I will not give in to your temptations. Yes, you look and taste pretty delicious but despite what my taste buds are telling me, you are not worth it. Love, Katie.

Ha... I hope I can follow through on this. It really is annoying the amount of candy that's around where I work. Ugh.

a new plan...

So Weight Watchers has unveiled yet another adjustment to their classic "points" program. Last year it was the new PointsPlus, and this year is PointsPlus2012. So, my daily points allowance went from 29 to 26. Boo. But, it has given me kind of a new start so I'm trying to be on track better.

Spent some time last Sunday baking a couple of goodies with Sarah that would be WW-friendly. We made Pumpkin Cheesecake and peppermint bark fudge.

The pumpkin cheesecake I've made before and I find it to be delicious! The sour cream topping is soooo good, and the cheesecake is really creamy, for being so light. The peppermint bark fudge, however, I really wasn't crazy about... I thought it had a really "gummy" texture, and just kind of reminded me of overdone brownies. I don't know. It is good for a quick chocolate fix but I don't think I would make it again. I'd rather have the real thing. Yummmmyyyy fudge... But, I guess that's better to have in the fridge because it's not so tempting and at least if I eat it I know how to count it correctly.

A confession.

So... I'm up. About 8 pounds or so. IT IS SO FRUSTRATING!! I don't know why I can't control myself a little better. You'd think after 2 years of doing this I'd have it down... But sometimes life gets the best of me. So here is my committment... One day at a time, healthy eating, exercising. I told my trainer today that I really need to work hard so I hope that happens in our workouts. I'd also like to get in the gym a little more often.

This is the holiday season, of course, involving tons of food. Ugh. People are bringing crap to work every single day and I can't say no sometimes!! So, now that you know... keep me on track. I can do this. Today, and then tomorrow.

Good, good news!

So I didn't sleep very well last night. Anxiety about this day maybe or just in an unfamiliar place. So, I woke up a little early and hopped on the treadmill. Pounded out 3.0 miles on that baby! It feels so good/bad all at the same time. But proud of myself for not just saying, ah forget it today... I needed that.

My mom's tests went pretty well today. They went down and took biopsies again in her esophagus but didn't have to 'resect' anything (meaning: they didn't see any really concerning spots... they always take biopsies)... So that's wonderful news, but we still need to hear about the biopsies. We should know by about Tuesday or so.

She also had a chest CT today, which showed a nodule that has not grown in over 1 year. YAY! this means it is most likely not cancer, because cancer grows... and fast. So, another CT of the chest in a year and we'll be cleared from that scary thing.

It is definitely a day to give thanks. Appropriate, as Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Smiles today, folks :)

Here again...

I'm down in Rochester, MN with my mom again for about the 6th time. It all started a year ago last June when they found what they call "high grade dysplasia" in some of her cells of her esophagus. Since that time, we've been making trips down here about every three months, last time the time gap was 6 months, so she can have procedures done to find/remove these cells. Given enough time, these would eventually progress into cancer.

Ugh. I seriously hate that word so much. I see it all the time in my work and in my life. Generally speaking, I see two ways that people cope with cancer. Either their tough side comes out and they fight hard, or their weak, inner self comes out and they give up. Sometimes even the toughest people can't stand to fight, because the cancer is just that strong.

So far the news has been fairly good, the spots they find have not been cancer yet (high grade dysplasia is the next step before cancer). We are hoping this time that they won't find anything but... as the doctor so eloquently put it "It's sort of like rust on an old pickup... you think you've found the last spot and then it pops up somewhere else."

I so cherish this time I get to spend with my mom but emotionally it gets exhausting for me. My mom is my best friend in life and I am so afraid that one day we'll get the worst news ever and I won't know how to handle it. Being in the medical field also challenges me because I see these things all the time and know the challenges that cancer patients face. Ugh... I am just praying things go well.

We do make the most of our time away from "the boys" (it's just her and I that make the trip)... We went out for steak dinner tonight and then sat in the hot tub when we got back to the hotel. Just winding down before tomorrow. We always go out to eat the night before, because sometimes she's not able to eat much for a couple weeks after the procedures.

I guess if I want anyone to get anything from this post today, it's this: cherish those that you love... Life is only lived once, and there's certainly no guarantee for tomorrow. Peace :)

Selling my elliptical

So, I'm selling my elliptical.... Any takers?

It's really nice, and works well. I just can't justify the space that it takes up anymore. I go to a gym to work out and have found that it keeps me much more accountable than having this at home. Also, I mostly bought it for winter months so I wouldn't have to go out in the cold... But it seems like that's when I need to get out of the house the most. These ND winters can really drag you down...

I put this on Craigslist. I'm a little leery of Craigslist (kinda sketchy!!) but hopefully it will sell... Would be nice to have some extra $$$ in my pocket!

On Kathy Lee and Hoda today (on the Today Show) they said there was a study that found 20% of women would rather lose their ability to read than lose their figure. Seriously? That's a little wacky. Apparently they feel their looks are all they've got anyway... ha. I'm blessed to have both  ;) (sarcasm)

A new adventure ( I hope )

I applied to work for Weight Watchers the other day! It would only be part time, maybe a couple meetings a week. I'd start as a receptionist, and weighing people in. Kind of exciting. I haven't actually had a call or an interview, but my leader has been trying to get me to do this for a while now (even though I wasn't within my weight range until a few weeks ago). 

It's exciting and stressful all at the same time. I will be looking forward to helping people reach their goals, but then at this job you have to make sure you maintain your weight... So, incentive for me to keep it together and help people all at the same time.

Should be an interesting change in my life. Sometimes I think about my job (RN) and how I take care of people every single day of my life. It's exhausting. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and can't really imagine myself doing anything else... But you get kind of tired of always worrying about other people all the time. Sometimes I forget to take care of myself. Physically, yes I do, by working out and eating right, etc. But I think emotionally a lot of my time is invested in other people. Even when I'm not at work, I feel like I want to make sure everyone else is feeling ok, if they need anything, or what I can be doing for them.

I think it's a good resolution to start thinking about myself a little bit. I'm going to do what I want to do... for the rest of tonight anyway. Like watch some Grey's Anatomy. Ten minutes away! See yaz!

Another year older...

Happy birthday to me on Saturday the 24th. I turned 25 years old. I celebrated, and boy did I feel old the next day, ha!

I am weighing in tomorrow, pretty excited about that because I feel like it's going to be a good one. OK, it should be because I totally cheat and weigh myself every day. Unless I do totally bad in the next couple of hours, I should lose at least a couple of pounds... I am getting soooo close to my goal weight I can hardly even wait!!! I will try and update tomorrow after weigh in.

I'm just working this week, working out with my trainer, and looking forward to my niece's birthday party this weekend! She's turning 2! I can hardly believe it. Love those little girls sooooo much. They are ridiculously sweet.  :)

The final countdown

I weighed in today finally, after not weighing for most of the month. Down 2 pounds baby!! I am now at my lowest weight ever of 159.4, which is a total of 93.2 pounds lost, and 9.4 pounds until I get to my goal weight. Can't believe how close it is. It's just within my grasp and I am going to get there.

I will get there.

I went to a different weight watchers meeting today, with a different leader. I have to say that I love my leader, Krissy. She lost over 100 pounds and she is such a ball of energy! It just makes me so much more excited when I go to her meetings! Next week I should be there. Just have to stay on track the rest of the week and hopefully get some workouts in. I ran on the treadmill today, about 30 minutes. I didn't run the whole time but it felt good to get sweaty! :)

I feel like running on the treadmill is such a mental battle. I have to make sure I change the options so I don't see the time elapsed/time remaining, or the miles. Put my headphones on, crank up the tunes and get going. I hate watching the clock, it makes me obsessed, and say "I can't do it." but your mind is so much weaker than your body. Your body can do amazing things if you just let it. :) Inspiration for the day!

SIZE 8?

That's right. First pair of single digit sized pants bought the other day. Now I'm sure they just run big but that's OK. I'm still pretty proud that I could fit in them... Feels amazing. Never worn a size 8 in my life and NEVER going back there.

I told my mom today that I will never ever be fat again. I promise myself to never go back there. It has been nearly 2 years since I started this journey of weight loss, and I feel like I have made the permanent changes necessary in my life. I want everyone to keep me on track, focused on my goal :)

Breakfast time!

Today's breakfast: Kahlua flavored coffee from my beautiful Keurig coffee maker, a banana, and oatmeal... I never used to be a fan of oatmeal for a couple of reasons... One is when you make the correct serving size, it ends up to be a terribly small bowl. I found this recipe from Hungry Girl (http://www.hungry-girl.com/) and adapted it to my liking.

HUGE OATMEAL BOWL
1/2 cup old fashioned oats (quick/instant oats don't work)
1 cup water
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Add above ingredients to a pot on the stove, stir and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes. When it's all said and done, you get a huge bowl of thick, creamy oatmeal. I add some cinnamon, splenda, and sugar free maple syrup to my bowl just to sweeten it up a little bit. So good. You can add other things, too. It seriously makes the world's largest oatmeal bowl. I guess the trick is to add double the liquid you would normally add and cook it for twice as long.

I'd post a picture, but most of the time I find food pictures gross looking unless you're a gourmet chef, which I definitely am not!

Enjoy the day peeps... It's a chilly one here in ND which means fall is coming! Love fall but definitely not looking forward to winter. :(

Body PUMP!

It's really a love/hate relationship that I have with weight training. When I was running more, I would occasionally be sore through my butt/thigh muscles. Now that I've been doing more intense weights and things like that, I am sore almost every day. Some people at work have asked me why I'm limping, HA... I'm just so sore I can't walk right.  and I walk a lot at work. Miles upon miles.

I did Body Pump last night, and today I'm not as sore as I was the first time I did body pump. Maybe I didn't do enough weights or maybe I just didn't put enough effort in... Or, I'm just getting used to the weight training. But really, body pump is pretty intense. If you haven't done it before, I highly suggest it. It really makes you feel powerful. My class was led by a woman, and it was a group of women so I didn't have to feel intimidated!

Training day again tomorrow. I have to feel good about what I'm doing, even on my fat days. :)

On another note, I went to a wedding this weekend and had a blast! Literally danced all night. So happy I can do that without getting a side ache! Had a fun fun time with some old friends I hadn't seen in a while. Although it is always a little disappointing to get back to the real world after a fun weekend!

Retail therapy

It has been an insane weekend/week at work, so today I plan on buying me some things to make me feel better. Here's what's on my list:
1. Something to go with my leggings
2. a pair of shoes to wear with my skinny (!) jeans
3. Possibly some other miscellaneous items

I'm a little nervous about the skinny jeans. I haven't had them on in public... yet. They kind of remind me of when I was gaining weight and my pants got too tight. HA! Not exactly sure why anyone wants to put themselves through that, but I guess I bought them more or less just to say I have a pair of skinny jeans. haha.

Wish me luck.

I have to admit...

I'm a little disappointed in myself. I was doing really great running at the beginning of the summer. Ran my first 10k, running 4 times a week almost. I stopped when it started getting really hot. We had quite a few days this summer where the head index was 110. High humidity. Yuck. Not good for a runner. I got a little lazy.

It's so hard to get back into running after being able to run long distances. I feel so disappointed when I only go a couple of miles. Yesterday I did 3.6 but I walked some. I have to tell myself that it's better than nothing. I have found, though, that my miles are faster than they were before. I ran one mile yesterday in under 11 minutes which I've never really done. I guess maybe that's why I get so tired so fast too. It's hard to control your pace when you're outside, though. I listen to music, and it makes me feel good. I feel like I'm going at a decent pace but maybe I should try slowing it down a little bit. At least for a while.

A friend of mine posted a quote on Facebook a while back that said something like this: "No matter how fast you're going, you're running laps around that person sitting on the couch!" Not exact, but close enough.

Here's my committment... Back into running! At least until the snow falls... yikes, I can't believe that's coming.

Update on life...

Well, I was with my parents all week helping my dad recover from back surgery, and here was my gift from them...

Ain't she a beauty?!?!

A KEURIG!!!  YAY!!!! I've been wanting one of these for quite a while, and for a few good reasons... I enjoy coffee, but hate the hassle of making a full pot and rarely drink more than 1 cup at home anyway... Plus, Keurigs are super cool and you can make all kinds of hot or cold drinks! I hope mine works well...

MY FIRST CUP!!! Sorry for the fuzziness, I took this picture with the cell phone... I hope this cup of coffee gets me amped up for my work out this morning. I have 45 minutes until it starts. Got to get amped up. The last workout with my trainer was terrible!! I was just so tired and didn't do very much.. Waste of money, that's for sure...









Well, anyway... I'm off to get the rest of my coffee buzz... yummmmmm...