I came very close to hitting my first goal in 19 days! 0.4 pounds to go. I set it at 10.6 pounds so I could end on an "even" (non-decimal) number. Silly, but true. So, I'll just go with it.
So far, I've lost 10.2 pounds. My clothes are fitting better. This week, I was able to wear a pair of pants that I haven't worn in at least a year or more. Same for a shirt. It was snug, but it fit and wasn't uncomfortable. There was another shirt I tried that did button, but it was obviously pulling - so I'm thinking the next 10 should allow me to get into some more clothes :)
I'm going to set the next goal at 10 pounds again - then a short 3 pound goal. Why? That's going to give me my first 10% weight loss of 23 pounds.
D has also lost quite a bit - he has 2.5 pounds to go to the first 10, and he's lost inches this week too - especially his waist. I only lost 2.5 inches this week, but that's fine - again, the clothes are fitting :) He said he's noticing a difference in his shirts more than anything.
We have 19 days to go until we start in for the wedding. I've lost 10.2 in 19 days - hoping to lose the same in the next 19!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
wow
Okay - just had an interesting phone call from a friend. I have to preface this by saying I showed some incredible restraint in not being snarky.
She called to complain that, for the first time ever, she has to PAY taxes - and it's a good chunk of change. I then had to listen to her complain about how many deductions she couldn't take because she and her husband make too much money. Yes, I said that correctly - she can't take any deductions because she makes too much money. Can you see how I had to hold my tongue?? Wow. To put "too much" in perspective - she makes $30K MORE than I do - and her husband makes the same. So combined, they make around $188K PER YEAR. After taxes, they probably pull in $10K a month!!!
I don't make a lot of money. In fact, D and I have been surviving on my salary for the last 3 years due to his work being so hard - read: lack of jobs. However, in that time - thanks to Dave Ramsey - we've been able to pay off a significant amount of debt and save up to pay cash for our wedding.
This same friend often complains about a lot of things about $$. How much daycare is going to cost, how much formula and diapers cost, how much the matron of honor dress she bought (we found one for $50 online that fits) - I hear all about it. I've sent her coupons for diapers, wipes and formula to try and help - and I'll continue to do that. But I don't have too much sympathy anymore for the "we don't have money calls."
Here's the reason they don't have any money and why I hear all this - they don't budget like we do. If they actually sat down and did a budget, they could save up enough money to buy a home, with cash, in about 4-5 years. She told me they'll have to take the $$ out of their house savings account (this is what they are using to save money in for a DOWN payment - and then will still have a mortgage!!!) - it's $5400. Um - you're pulling in $10K a month - cut down on your expenses for one month and just pay it.
I'm so glad D and I are on the same page with money. She and her husband are NOT. His motto is "I work hard, and I make lots of money so I should be able to spend it however I want." Okay - I get that. But you still have debt and a car loan and a mortgage. All of that could go away in 2 years or less if they just would live like normal people (read - like D and I that don't have a lot of money and have to budget each month).
So - this entire thing makes me 1) grateful that D and I are together and even though we've had struggles, are on the same page with $$, 2) grateful that D and I don't waste money and 3) grateful that D and I have a plan to get out of debt so we will no longer be "slave to the lender."
It was a frustrating conversation, but I'm almost glad it happened. In a few short years, D and I will be on much firmer footing with half the salary that they have, and I can guarantee we will be a lot happier and in a lot better financial shape.
She called to complain that, for the first time ever, she has to PAY taxes - and it's a good chunk of change. I then had to listen to her complain about how many deductions she couldn't take because she and her husband make too much money. Yes, I said that correctly - she can't take any deductions because she makes too much money. Can you see how I had to hold my tongue?? Wow. To put "too much" in perspective - she makes $30K MORE than I do - and her husband makes the same. So combined, they make around $188K PER YEAR. After taxes, they probably pull in $10K a month!!!
I don't make a lot of money. In fact, D and I have been surviving on my salary for the last 3 years due to his work being so hard - read: lack of jobs. However, in that time - thanks to Dave Ramsey - we've been able to pay off a significant amount of debt and save up to pay cash for our wedding.
This same friend often complains about a lot of things about $$. How much daycare is going to cost, how much formula and diapers cost, how much the matron of honor dress she bought (we found one for $50 online that fits) - I hear all about it. I've sent her coupons for diapers, wipes and formula to try and help - and I'll continue to do that. But I don't have too much sympathy anymore for the "we don't have money calls."
Here's the reason they don't have any money and why I hear all this - they don't budget like we do. If they actually sat down and did a budget, they could save up enough money to buy a home, with cash, in about 4-5 years. She told me they'll have to take the $$ out of their house savings account (this is what they are using to save money in for a DOWN payment - and then will still have a mortgage!!!) - it's $5400. Um - you're pulling in $10K a month - cut down on your expenses for one month and just pay it.
I'm so glad D and I are on the same page with money. She and her husband are NOT. His motto is "I work hard, and I make lots of money so I should be able to spend it however I want." Okay - I get that. But you still have debt and a car loan and a mortgage. All of that could go away in 2 years or less if they just would live like normal people (read - like D and I that don't have a lot of money and have to budget each month).
So - this entire thing makes me 1) grateful that D and I are together and even though we've had struggles, are on the same page with $$, 2) grateful that D and I don't waste money and 3) grateful that D and I have a plan to get out of debt so we will no longer be "slave to the lender."
It was a frustrating conversation, but I'm almost glad it happened. In a few short years, D and I will be on much firmer footing with half the salary that they have, and I can guarantee we will be a lot happier and in a lot better financial shape.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Back down and then a little more
Third morning after cheat day (Tuesday AM) - down 0.2 from Sat AM weight :) Hoping for another loss tomorrow.
Had my final dress fitting tonight. Consultant could tell that I had dropped some weight - she said the dress was looking much better! The seamstress was very adamant that I NOT lose much more! I think she was concerned about where the seams would fit on the side. I'm not that concerned. The dress is a corset back - so it can be done snug. Plus - the good news is I'm losing inches more on my belly than anywhere else - so that doesn't affect the dress as much in terms of where the seam is located. I'm still shooting for at least 10 pounds - anything else before the wedding will be a bonus :)
That's the quick update. Tired tonight - LONG day at work and then straight to the fitting. Didn't actually get home until almost 7:45 or so. Ugh. But- worth it :)
Had my final dress fitting tonight. Consultant could tell that I had dropped some weight - she said the dress was looking much better! The seamstress was very adamant that I NOT lose much more! I think she was concerned about where the seams would fit on the side. I'm not that concerned. The dress is a corset back - so it can be done snug. Plus - the good news is I'm losing inches more on my belly than anywhere else - so that doesn't affect the dress as much in terms of where the seam is located. I'm still shooting for at least 10 pounds - anything else before the wedding will be a bonus :)
That's the quick update. Tired tonight - LONG day at work and then straight to the fitting. Didn't actually get home until almost 7:45 or so. Ugh. But- worth it :)
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Easier to get "back on the wagon"
First day after an okay "cheat" day - we weren't really craving anything, so eating was more for "we're hungry and need to eat" vs "let's stuff ourselves" - we actually had really simple meals yesterday.
Today was much easier to get back on track than I was anticipating. I'm not really craving anything in particular - not even sugar :) I have been reading some other blogs, and one that struck me was her "secret" to dropping 35 pounds - she quit eating sugar - basically her idea was that it's an addiction and, like any other addiction, it can be broken. I'm thinking she's right. There is some research to indicate that eating sugar creates a temporary situation in your body where you crave it even more, so it's a positive feedback loop. The more you eat it, the more you crave it. So, if you quit eating it, you no longer have the "drive" for it and the craving ceases. I'm finding this true with kicking the soda (coca-cola) addiction. I'm not sure when I even had one last - but it's been several weeks. It feels good to be off of it. I have more energy and I don't have the "crash." I was craving it one day last week - I was just overly tired and wanted the "pick me up" that I knew it would provide. I texted D and he immediately sent me motivation to NOT do it. I felt better about myself for not getting one. It wasn't easy, but I made it through the day and didn't crash.
I don't normally weigh myself after cheat day - there's just no reason. I will get back to it tomorrow just to see where I am - if I'm close to pre-cheat weight or not. Hopefully I will be - I'm usually within a pound or so. We did walk today - it's gorgeous out and too pretty to not take advantage of the brief break in the weather. It's supposed to be rainy and crappy again tomorrow :P We'll try to walk Wed this week, and then again either Thursday, Friday or Saturday. We're trying to get in three sessions of walking a week. Right now, we're only doing one loop of the neighborhood - which is still pretty intense with the hills we have in here. After this week, we're going to try and lengthen them at least one day to that plus the very back of the neighborhood - which should take us to about 45 minutes total. Pending the work I have to do at night, that may be a "weekend only" kind of walk - we'll see. I'm just about over work right now and have put myself on a goal to become a published author and be financially stable with that career in 3 years - then I can retire and be fully vested and just get out of the classroom. The stress and work load associated with my job are overwhelming, and I'm just not sure it's worth it anymore. The ultimate goal is to become expats and live in the Caribbean - more on that later.
Right now - feeling good with the walk. Still super happy that I've lost 4 inches :) and I'm 4.2 pounds from the first goal - so 60% there :) Then, I'll set another 10 pound goal - with the goal to do that before we leave for the wedding. If I get in 20 pounds of weight loss - that will be close to 10% (23 pounds would be 10% if I want to be super technical) - but I'm okay with the 20 within the next 4-5 weeks.
Overall goal - I need to lose 66 pounds from my last starting weight. I've seen blogs where others have lost a heck of a lot more - so that is really motivating to know others have done it the same way we are - eating clean, exercising and just generally being smart about portion sizes. Size goal is to go from my current 18 (which honestly - I was pushing into size 20 - and now my 18 jeans are fitting a WHOLE lot better - no super-suck-in to get them zipped) down to at least a size 12 - shooting for a 10. Not sure how I will get to a 10 - that's really super skinny for my frame, so if I can get to a 12, then most, if not ALL, of my really pretty clothes will fit and I think I will be very confident with how I look and feel at that point. So - 3 sizes to go - already gone from a 20 to an 18, so if you do 4 sizes total, I'm 25% towards that goal :)
Today was much easier to get back on track than I was anticipating. I'm not really craving anything in particular - not even sugar :) I have been reading some other blogs, and one that struck me was her "secret" to dropping 35 pounds - she quit eating sugar - basically her idea was that it's an addiction and, like any other addiction, it can be broken. I'm thinking she's right. There is some research to indicate that eating sugar creates a temporary situation in your body where you crave it even more, so it's a positive feedback loop. The more you eat it, the more you crave it. So, if you quit eating it, you no longer have the "drive" for it and the craving ceases. I'm finding this true with kicking the soda (coca-cola) addiction. I'm not sure when I even had one last - but it's been several weeks. It feels good to be off of it. I have more energy and I don't have the "crash." I was craving it one day last week - I was just overly tired and wanted the "pick me up" that I knew it would provide. I texted D and he immediately sent me motivation to NOT do it. I felt better about myself for not getting one. It wasn't easy, but I made it through the day and didn't crash.
I don't normally weigh myself after cheat day - there's just no reason. I will get back to it tomorrow just to see where I am - if I'm close to pre-cheat weight or not. Hopefully I will be - I'm usually within a pound or so. We did walk today - it's gorgeous out and too pretty to not take advantage of the brief break in the weather. It's supposed to be rainy and crappy again tomorrow :P We'll try to walk Wed this week, and then again either Thursday, Friday or Saturday. We're trying to get in three sessions of walking a week. Right now, we're only doing one loop of the neighborhood - which is still pretty intense with the hills we have in here. After this week, we're going to try and lengthen them at least one day to that plus the very back of the neighborhood - which should take us to about 45 minutes total. Pending the work I have to do at night, that may be a "weekend only" kind of walk - we'll see. I'm just about over work right now and have put myself on a goal to become a published author and be financially stable with that career in 3 years - then I can retire and be fully vested and just get out of the classroom. The stress and work load associated with my job are overwhelming, and I'm just not sure it's worth it anymore. The ultimate goal is to become expats and live in the Caribbean - more on that later.
Right now - feeling good with the walk. Still super happy that I've lost 4 inches :) and I'm 4.2 pounds from the first goal - so 60% there :) Then, I'll set another 10 pound goal - with the goal to do that before we leave for the wedding. If I get in 20 pounds of weight loss - that will be close to 10% (23 pounds would be 10% if I want to be super technical) - but I'm okay with the 20 within the next 4-5 weeks.
Overall goal - I need to lose 66 pounds from my last starting weight. I've seen blogs where others have lost a heck of a lot more - so that is really motivating to know others have done it the same way we are - eating clean, exercising and just generally being smart about portion sizes. Size goal is to go from my current 18 (which honestly - I was pushing into size 20 - and now my 18 jeans are fitting a WHOLE lot better - no super-suck-in to get them zipped) down to at least a size 12 - shooting for a 10. Not sure how I will get to a 10 - that's really super skinny for my frame, so if I can get to a 12, then most, if not ALL, of my really pretty clothes will fit and I think I will be very confident with how I look and feel at that point. So - 3 sizes to go - already gone from a 20 to an 18, so if you do 4 sizes total, I'm 25% towards that goal :)
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Week in review - illness and blown tire :P
An eventful week (unfortunately) - I got a 24 hour stomach bug - still had to work which didn't make it any easier. D had to bring me meds to get me through the day and the night. Then, yesterday, one of the back tires blew out. So - we have to get new ones. I was really hoping we could get through April before replacing them - they need to be done, but we just didn't have the money to do it. So, it puts more pressure on D to get more jobs in to help with the wedding expenses. Ugh.
On the flip side. Weight loss is going better. Overall, I've lost 4 inches this week :) My waist is down - which is probably the most significant change. I'm done 6.4 pounds total so far - which is really good. I'm 4.2 pounds away from the first goal - which is 10.6 pounds - the 0.6 is so I can be on even numbers for weight loss from now on. That was in about 10 days - so hoping I can continue to lose that much every ten days :)
D is also losing - about 8 pounds for him and 2 inches overall. He gained some inches in his legs, but okay with that since we've been walking.
Weird though - today is cheat day - and we usually have a plan of what we want to eat and what we're going to make for meals - we have NO clue this week :P Nothing really sounds good. The only thing we figured out was breakfast - but we had everything here already so it was easy (french toast). Lunch and dinner - we still have no clue. The weird thing is neither of us is really craving anything in particular - so I'm guessing it's a good sign that we are getting used to the eating plan and don't want the "bad" foods anymore :)
On the flip side. Weight loss is going better. Overall, I've lost 4 inches this week :) My waist is down - which is probably the most significant change. I'm done 6.4 pounds total so far - which is really good. I'm 4.2 pounds away from the first goal - which is 10.6 pounds - the 0.6 is so I can be on even numbers for weight loss from now on. That was in about 10 days - so hoping I can continue to lose that much every ten days :)
D is also losing - about 8 pounds for him and 2 inches overall. He gained some inches in his legs, but okay with that since we've been walking.
Weird though - today is cheat day - and we usually have a plan of what we want to eat and what we're going to make for meals - we have NO clue this week :P Nothing really sounds good. The only thing we figured out was breakfast - but we had everything here already so it was easy (french toast). Lunch and dinner - we still have no clue. The weird thing is neither of us is really craving anything in particular - so I'm guessing it's a good sign that we are getting used to the eating plan and don't want the "bad" foods anymore :)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Partner is required
Okay - a partner - whether trying to get finances in order or losing weight/getting fit - is critical. I SO did NOT want to get out of bed this morning. I'm on break from work. I knew it was cold outside. It just wasn't going to happen. My dog has passed a few years ago, and if HE were still here, once the alarm went off, he would have me up and going. Our current dogs are NOT morning animals! D got me up, out of bed, made me get dressed and go for a walk. I do feel better after doing it, but that "memory" of a feeling was not going to cut it this AM :P
So, as in all things - a partner - someone to motivate you, keep you on track, bounce ideas off of and just share - is really necessary. We've done the Financial Peace University together and Dave says the same thing - you have to have an "accountability partner" when you are budgeting and working with money. I think the same applies for weight loss. I'm also not just shooting for losing weight. I need to get healthier. I was placed on blood pressure meds about 4 months ago. I do NOT want to be on them for the rest of my life. So, losing weight is important, but more importantly, increasing my cardiovascular health by increasing activity is also necessary.
We did our walk this AM. We've had a pretty good pace the last two days - about 25 minutes for 1.5 miles, but the neighborhood is incredibly hilly, so for it not being flat, I'll take the time that we've been doing. I remember way back when - we first started walking the neighborhood and it took us almost 40 minutes to do that section. So, progress. I've also noticed my breathing is getting better. On the really big hill, I'm controlling it pretty well and not breathing incredibly heavy until about 1/3 of the way up. I'm not really breathing hard until we almost get to the top. So, hopefully that's a good sign. I REALLY need to find my heart rate monitor. I found the chest strap, but I can't find the wrist monitor :P
So - weight progress this week - since Tuesday when we re-started - 3.8 pounds gone. I'm setting smaller goals. My first goal is 10 pounds. Then, it's going to go to 13. That would be a 10% loss with those two goals - 23 pounds total. But, I think I need the "quick win" of the ten pounds to stay motivated, then set a new goal. We are also using the LoseIt! App - this is great and it's free. I can log all my food and exercise and just monitor a little better. It adjusts the calories for your weight - but I'm not even concerned with that. I've just found - as I know many people who are losing weight or have lost a significant amount of weight - that food journaling really helps with weight loss. Since the app is free, it just seems reasonable to use it. I can also track my weight on it - which helps. I can actually see a graph of my progress - which is very encouraging. I think they set out to make it similar to the weight watchers app, but it's free - no meeting fees or any other fees. I wish I could export the graphs and post on here - I'll have to see if there's a way to do that :)
So, as in all things - a partner - someone to motivate you, keep you on track, bounce ideas off of and just share - is really necessary. We've done the Financial Peace University together and Dave says the same thing - you have to have an "accountability partner" when you are budgeting and working with money. I think the same applies for weight loss. I'm also not just shooting for losing weight. I need to get healthier. I was placed on blood pressure meds about 4 months ago. I do NOT want to be on them for the rest of my life. So, losing weight is important, but more importantly, increasing my cardiovascular health by increasing activity is also necessary.
We did our walk this AM. We've had a pretty good pace the last two days - about 25 minutes for 1.5 miles, but the neighborhood is incredibly hilly, so for it not being flat, I'll take the time that we've been doing. I remember way back when - we first started walking the neighborhood and it took us almost 40 minutes to do that section. So, progress. I've also noticed my breathing is getting better. On the really big hill, I'm controlling it pretty well and not breathing incredibly heavy until about 1/3 of the way up. I'm not really breathing hard until we almost get to the top. So, hopefully that's a good sign. I REALLY need to find my heart rate monitor. I found the chest strap, but I can't find the wrist monitor :P
So - weight progress this week - since Tuesday when we re-started - 3.8 pounds gone. I'm setting smaller goals. My first goal is 10 pounds. Then, it's going to go to 13. That would be a 10% loss with those two goals - 23 pounds total. But, I think I need the "quick win" of the ten pounds to stay motivated, then set a new goal. We are also using the LoseIt! App - this is great and it's free. I can log all my food and exercise and just monitor a little better. It adjusts the calories for your weight - but I'm not even concerned with that. I've just found - as I know many people who are losing weight or have lost a significant amount of weight - that food journaling really helps with weight loss. Since the app is free, it just seems reasonable to use it. I can also track my weight on it - which helps. I can actually see a graph of my progress - which is very encouraging. I think they set out to make it similar to the weight watchers app, but it's free - no meeting fees or any other fees. I wish I could export the graphs and post on here - I'll have to see if there's a way to do that :)
Friday, February 21, 2014
Re-start
Long time since blogging...
The financial part of the F and P is going better. We've had some rough spots with D not working as much as he used to - so we've been dealing with living on one paycheck for quite some time.
We are paying cash for everything - this is the Dave Ramsey plan - and we did FPU together which was perhaps the best thing we could have done for ourselves and our relationship.
We are getting married :) Just about 5 weeks to go!
On the weight loss -well, we've had to drop the gym because of money - so we are starting over. Eating a lot cleaner on the slow carb plan - NO carbs really at all - even starchy veggies are out. The only problem I have is with the beans - we have to eat them to get the protein and fiber, but I'm still not a fan :P I've given up my beloved coca-cola :P and I've realized I can live without it and feel better without it. Will update my measurements and weight - even though I don't want to do that. I did take pics of me this AM (will not be posting those until I get to the 'after' pics) to help me really see how far I need to go with this. I cannot believe how bit I am!!! This, perhaps, wasn't the best day to do that due to my snit (see below) - but oh well, done now.
I've been in a snit the past two days - so thought writing might help. It started Wed evening - had to take my dad to the hospital for PVCs - he's fine, but that really shook me up quite a bit. I'm not ready to be an "adult orphan." Very nerve-wracking for me. Thursday went by and I didn't really pay much attention. Normally, I enjoy being outside and working in the yard which is all we did on Thursday - was still in a snit. D made me walk - which was good - but I figured after all the time out in the yard raking and moving leaves and trimming and blowing leaves, then walking SURELY my weight would reflect that this AM - NOPE! Very irritating/frustrating/de-motivating. So, he made me walk again this AM. I think I'm doing better, but man was I a bitch this morning!!!
So - perhaps blogging more often would be helpful to me. We'll see. On the good side, since doing the FPU course - I added up how much we paid off in debt - just about $10K in 9-10 months. We still have a ways to go - so after the wedding, we can put a good 1/3 of my paycheck towards debt and work on becoming completely debt free! I only have a small line of credit at the bank, and then under $4K on a credit card (the last one that has been closed down forever). If all goes well - both of those gone by July. Then, onto attacking SM and kicking her to the curb for G.O.O.D! D has some debt as well - and I know we are behind on some things dealing with the house, so once we are done with the wedding, we will sit and prioritize things we need to get rid of and determine the best way to do so. Really hoping that his work picks up very, very, very soon! It would help relieve a lot of stress from both of us...
The financial part of the F and P is going better. We've had some rough spots with D not working as much as he used to - so we've been dealing with living on one paycheck for quite some time.
We are paying cash for everything - this is the Dave Ramsey plan - and we did FPU together which was perhaps the best thing we could have done for ourselves and our relationship.
We are getting married :) Just about 5 weeks to go!
On the weight loss -well, we've had to drop the gym because of money - so we are starting over. Eating a lot cleaner on the slow carb plan - NO carbs really at all - even starchy veggies are out. The only problem I have is with the beans - we have to eat them to get the protein and fiber, but I'm still not a fan :P I've given up my beloved coca-cola :P and I've realized I can live without it and feel better without it. Will update my measurements and weight - even though I don't want to do that. I did take pics of me this AM (will not be posting those until I get to the 'after' pics) to help me really see how far I need to go with this. I cannot believe how bit I am!!! This, perhaps, wasn't the best day to do that due to my snit (see below) - but oh well, done now.
I've been in a snit the past two days - so thought writing might help. It started Wed evening - had to take my dad to the hospital for PVCs - he's fine, but that really shook me up quite a bit. I'm not ready to be an "adult orphan." Very nerve-wracking for me. Thursday went by and I didn't really pay much attention. Normally, I enjoy being outside and working in the yard which is all we did on Thursday - was still in a snit. D made me walk - which was good - but I figured after all the time out in the yard raking and moving leaves and trimming and blowing leaves, then walking SURELY my weight would reflect that this AM - NOPE! Very irritating/frustrating/de-motivating. So, he made me walk again this AM. I think I'm doing better, but man was I a bitch this morning!!!
So - perhaps blogging more often would be helpful to me. We'll see. On the good side, since doing the FPU course - I added up how much we paid off in debt - just about $10K in 9-10 months. We still have a ways to go - so after the wedding, we can put a good 1/3 of my paycheck towards debt and work on becoming completely debt free! I only have a small line of credit at the bank, and then under $4K on a credit card (the last one that has been closed down forever). If all goes well - both of those gone by July. Then, onto attacking SM and kicking her to the curb for G.O.O.D! D has some debt as well - and I know we are behind on some things dealing with the house, so once we are done with the wedding, we will sit and prioritize things we need to get rid of and determine the best way to do so. Really hoping that his work picks up very, very, very soon! It would help relieve a lot of stress from both of us...
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