A date like no other...

I'm back! And I am happy to report I have reached a WW milestone...25 pounds lost!  I had not been able to go to my WW meetings regularly due to Xavier's soccer season, and then his joint birthday party with his cousin, but I was thrilled to finally go back and learn that even with several months of no meetings I met the 25 pound goal!  That in itself was very encouraging and motivating.  I was rather pleased with myself that some healthy habits have taken root in me.  I had thought I should get to blogging again starting with that, but something else happened to spur my writing.

The day of Xavier's last soccer game was one to remember.  Much goes on for the last soccer game of the season, especially for a team mom.  I had laid out what needed to be done that day for things to go smoothly. The first of which was picking up the trophies I had ordered for the boys.  That in itself is a whole other story very much in the vein of my UPS rant on Facebook, so I won't go into it now.

I was running on time.  I arrived at the trophy place, inspected and paid for the trophies, and then went out to my car...my treasured PT Cruiser...to find it had a flat tire.  I was like "REALLY? Right now???" I had recently changed the tire on our Tribute with the assistance of a coworker, and previous to that had changed the tire myself on the PT once before a while ago.  So I sighed and got to work.  I have never called AAA for a flat despite having it.  I hate calling places and I hate waiting so I always figure it is best to do it myself if I can.  And there is also something about a flat tire that makes me all "I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR!" *laughs*

My beloved PT Cruiser

So I change my own tire, and then try to get the spare tire cage that is under the car to come back up.  I am in a hurry and it won't come up fast enough so I thought "Screw it, I'll see to that later!"I was already late for the game and that was killing me and I had the snacks for half time so I couldn't let the boys down!  So I speed off as fast as my spare tire will let me (which is over its printed max speed) and I arrive in time to watch some of the 2nd period and have the snacks to hand out at half time!  I was thrilled and the rest of the day went off without a hitch.

The next day it was time to see to the tire issue.  I had already known my car was in need of a new set so I had that arranged.  When I came to pick up my car from the tire place I was angry that they had left the spare in my trunk.  Dom was with me and I exchanged some angry words with him about the tire place and he then saw to placing the spare back in its cage to find that there was no cage hook!  It had fallen off when I failed to secure the empty spare tire cage under the car.

Naturally I call a local Chrysler dealer for the parts department. Turns out they don't sell just the hook of course and that the whole piece would be $180!  No thank you!  I am not sure where the salvage yard idea came into play, but that was the new plan and I made sure Dom was willing to help me as I know he is handy with cars and had done some light repair work on his own.  So I let the issue rest for a few weeks til I was on break and this weekend I kicked off what I have affectionately called the "Spare Tire Hook Scavenger Hunt!"

I was leery of going to a scarp yard...I likened it to an automotive graveyard.  And here I was looking for the dead body of my very own beloved PT Cruiser, to pick at it like a vulture.  I was surprised when arriving at the 1st scrap yard at how much that mindset left me.  I was immediately curious about the "culture" of those who frequent these places, and the stories of all the cars in the yard.  They must have stories, and there was no way to know any of them really.  I figured many of them had tragic stories, especially based on the terrible condition of several of them. 

As Dom and I walked the yard, finding the rule, or the sorting pattern... (laughs) the cars might be in, I found myself thinking about Mad Max and the Thunderdome, and game shows, and all sorts of other things to make the hunt entertaining.  I commented to Dom on this new experience and how after all these years of being with him, that we were now on a date at a salvage yard and I was enjoying it.  He rolled his eyes at me like he often does and I laughed as I got my exercise in speed walking the salvage yard hunting for a wrecked PT that would give me the part I needed!

Unfortunately day one of "Spare Tire Hook Scavenger Hunt" ended in failure.  I was bummed but we would go again on Sunday to two new yards in the area.  One claimed to have a PT in the yard, but it had been there nearly a month and could very well no longer be there.  Turned out it wasn't.  I realized we were quickly coming to the end of my game and would come up with no part and I would have to buy the $180 part from the dealer.  I was given renewed hope when we were met with the immense size of the final yard.  I felt hope right off.  The place was huge and we began the hunt anew.  We quickly set into finding the sorting rule of this new yard and soon found the first half did not hold our prize.  We quickly moved on and I walked ahead looking for the Chrysler section as we had learned the yards seem to sort in similar fashions, but there was no telling where they would place a PT Cruiser.  It is classified as a "wagon" but none of the yards had a "wagon" section or any PTs so, we could not be sure where one would be.  We eliminated obvious sections, like imports, and had found the Chrysler section was rather small and limited to Neons and Seabrings. 

So I round a corner and I see a Chrysler...I get excited and knew this was it, it was now or never, would I be paying $180??

NOPE!!  I walk very slowly through the Chryslers and if a ray of sun could have come from the cloudy sky and shone down on the wreck of my prize it would have been perfect!

I had only seen the black PT and practically sprinted to find Dom.  I was thrilled!  There should have been confetti shooting off!  I shouted for him when I reached the main walk and led him to the recessed prize.  He smiled and said "You found two!" I was like "WHAT?"  I had been so excited I did not notice the white one.  I had already checked the black one and saw the hook was still in place.  I checked the white one and it was there too.  So we took them both!

THE HOOK! (All I needed was what is on the left, and all the dealer sells is on the right.)

I thanked my husband for all the lovely dates we had at salvage yards this weekend after our victory.  He laughed and rolled his eyes at me again and once the hook held my spare tire securely in place once more, we drove off and knew that if I should ever need a part for my PT again we knew just the place to look!

"I Got This"

Not sure how many noticed I didn't blog last week...that was on purpose.  I was too angry to blog.  I was only down another .2 on the WW scale for an official weight of 201.2.  I had fully expected to meet my 10% last week and was fuming that I hadn't.  As the leaders and coaches always say, when you don't get the results you had hoped for, it is time to look back on your week to see where you could have done better.  Well, as you all know I HATE tracking, so there is no tracker to look back on besides what is in my head, so that is what I did.  As I sat in that meeting, steaming, I forced myself to reflect on the week.  My eating was not unusual, but my activity wasn't as high as it should be.  So I resolved to be active 5 days a week...and to allow the treadmill to control what I do.  What that means is, rather than just manually adjusting the treadmill, that I submit myself to it's programs (it has like 12 or 15 built in) and just do it!  So I made the treadmill my trainer and started with program one, each subsequent night doing the next program, each one becoming a bit harder.  Program 4 from last night had me jog for a bit which was good as I know a bit of running shakes the weight of me.

So today I weigh in and the scale reads 200.  The gal weighing me in looks at me and says "So close!" and I was like "Close??" Then I gave her that what-you-talking-bout-willis look and called her attention to my card. "I weighed 222 when I started, 200 is 10% of that!"  She laughs and says "It is!  Congrats!  I meant you are close to not being in the 200s!"  So we had a laugh and she congratulated me some more and I went to sit and wait for the meeting to begin.  The leader kicked things off with rewards as she always did, and when she asked for 10% I raised my hand and her praise was wonderful, along with the rest in the room clapping for me, I really was touched and I finally have my lil keyring to hold my WW charms!  I looked at the one charm I have been holding for TWO YEARS and slid it on first with a grin.  Sometimes she asks members who hit milestones to share, but she didn't today as the meeting had started late. I am glad she didn't because I am not sure what I would have said.  I know if I was built for tracking I would probably have met this goal long ago, but my advice to any who do this is that it is truly a lifestyle change and there is no time frame on when you can do that.  You have to do it in your own time and be patient with yourself in order to succeed.

So with that goal met it is time to create another.  I have been thinking about this for the past few weeks, knowing my 10% was right around the corner.  I am not so sure I want my next goal to be a number on the scale.  According to medical guidelines a female for my height should weight about 150 pounds.  I have not weighed that since I was 16!  Then there is my wedding weight...170.  I felt good at that weight but still had concerns about my body.  So rather than focus on a number I have decided to make my major "problem area" my target.  My legs.  I have never liked their shape and weight loss alone isn't going to change that.  Since my husband has experience weight lifting, I have asked him to outline for me what I need to do to sculpt my legs.  I have already made peace with the fact that muscle weighs more than fat so I will see the scale go up more than likely...but in the end things will settle out and I will have legs I don't feel I need to cover all the time.  Once I have sat down with my husband to outline what must be done, I will make my new WW SMART goal!

I wanted to thank those who take the time to read my blogs and leave me notes on Facebook.  Your virtual support means the world to me.

Summer Reading Program Book Review

"I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down" by Jennifer Hudson

Two weeks ago I took my son to the Summer Reading Program kick off in Rancho Cucamonga.  The event was very well done and I was surprised to see that they not only had a Summer Reading Program for the kids, but for Teens and Adults as well. Being the nerdy bookworm that I am, I did not hesitate in signing myself up.  The question became 'What will I read?'  I ushered my son into the library and we set off to finding some books for him first.  Once we had selected a few nice dinosaur books, I set him down to start reading so I could have a look at the books for adults.  I already knew I didn't want to pour over shelves of books so headed right for the new releases to see what caught my eye.  It wasn't too long before I saw Jennifer Hudson's book and grabbed it without a second thought.

Regular readers of my blog know I always write about my weight loss journey, and how long and slow it has been, but with the help of Weight Watchers I am making those fundamental changes in myself that will ensure long term success.  Those changes do not come over night and I know myself, I am very stubborn and must do things my way at times. 

So back to Jennifer.  I will admit I was never a big American Idol fan.  I think I may have watched the season she was on, and saw "Dream Girls."  She is clearly a talented individual and I am not the sort to hate on someone for their success.  Hers is a name I have known for some time, and when she became the spokeswoman for Weight Watchers I began to pay a bit more attention to her.  I knew of her book, but prior to the reading program I was not inclined to read it as I am not one for autobiographies or biographies.  I tend to favor fantasy and fiction generally.

I really enjoyed reading her book.  It was written in a conversational tone as if I was her girlfriend and she was sitting near me just sharing her story.  Everyone has their journey and Jennifer is no different.  Her overall success, personal and professional, is inspiring and I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about the struggles and successes of a celebrity.

Nearly There

I am happy to say that though I feared weighing up at my WW meeting due to a week that had more eating on-the-go/eating out than I may have liked, I weighed in at 201.4.  That is 1.4lbs away from my 10% WW goal.  I have found myself rather introspective about how close I am to my goal, and how badly I want to meet it and leave it far behind me.  While the road to weight loss has been a VERY long one, I am finally making the life changes I need to make sure that as I lose, I keep the weight off.  As of today I have officially lost over 20 pounds on Weight Watchers.  It pleases me to say that, and I shush the voice in my head that says "Is that all?"  20 pounds is a significant number and as my BBF Sooz pointed out to me in a recent phone conversation, maintaining a (then) 15 pound weight loss for 2 years is a big deal.  Her words have stuck with me and remind me that while I am still not where I would like to be with my weight loss that I have accomplished something...today that is 20 pounds lost, sure it took me 2 years, but as with many things in life weight loss that lasts is a learning process.  I know "quick fixes" don't have the staying power I want for positive changes in my life.  I HAVE to hit my goal next weigh in.  Participating in Meetups has helped give me some new ideas on changing up my exercise and getting me outside as well.  I enjoy a 6 mile walk with some friendly Meetup folks once week and my family and I will be cycling the nearby Pacific Electric Trail in the late afternoon/evening once a week.  I build in physical activities to my outings whenever possible and focus on choosing Power Foods whenever I can.  Slow and steady wins the race right? ;)

Summer Home School, Meetups, Fontana Days, Weight Watchers, Decluttering...WHEW!

Today I did the 57th Annual Fontana Day's 5k walk.  I have done this walk for the past few years with teachers form my school and it is a lot of fun.  It was a great day for a walk and I feel like we finished faster than we did last year!  I don't recall our last year time, but this year was 51 minutes.  I know before my son was born I was able to do a 5k in 45 minutes, so that is my goal for the coming years, 45 minutes or less!  I was thrilled to be able to finish the walk before my WW meeting.  I knew I would weigh up because of "that" time of the month, as well as the water I had drunk during the walk.  But I didn't stress it, I expect a big drop next week!  My official WW weight this week was 204.8.  I am not discouraged though, there are reasons for the gain and I have some activities planned for the week that will keep me busy.

I have really enjoyed the Meetup groups I have joined.  Two in particular are standouts for me...IE Kids Club and Energized! Outdoor Adventures.  Both of these groups are active, have family and dog friendly events that interest me, and are in my area, not to mention the really nice people I have met.  My schedule this past week was quite full thanks to these two groups and my son and I had a blast.  He wakes up each day to ask "Where are we going today Mommy?"  I know I am spoiling him and have to let him down easy when we don't have a Meetup to go to, but I remind him that we cannot do something every day, nor do we have to and that quiet time at home is just as valuable.  He is finding that a hard lesson to learn, but I am sure one day he will understand. *grins*

Decluttering is at the top of my list as well this summer. I have managed to get our living room the way I would like to see it remain, open and free of toys and trash.  Our dining table has become Xavier's workspace and it is really working out well.  I am training Xavier hard to clean up as soon as possible, not to let things linger, and while he fusses some at it, each day is easier.  Overall he is an obedient child, I just have to stay on him, because like many kids, if you don't stay on them they will get away with whatever you let them.

Overall I am pleased with the way the summer has started and I am feeling like I am getting a lot done, which feels great.  I plan on focusing a bit more on clutter this week as I become a bit more selective of which Meetups we go to.

What a week

This was the last week of school and it was quite a whirlwind.  On the whole it was upbeat, things went smoothly at school, the kids had fun, and the week wrapped up right on schedule with little to no headaches.  I tried to keep the learning going right up til Wednesday til we entered what a friend called "Movie Mode."  I had to laugh at that, I knew exactly what he meant, but I in no way was showing my students movies all day long.  Wednesday was "Water Wednesday" where the 3rd grade teachers had a massive water fight arranged for the 3rd graders in our grassy field.  I spent the whole morning filling water balloons and shouting at kids - "HEY! NO WETTING MRS. RUIZ!  THAT IS THE ONE RULE TODAY!"  *laughs*  They had a lot of fun and were sad they couldn't just throw water balloons at each other all day long.  Thursday was awards and their pizza party.  For awards I get all gussied up.  I have my moments where I take it up a notch for work, but my days are so busy and the wind in Fontana is so frequent... *grins*  I usually dress in what is most comfortable and won't leave me looking ragged and wind blown at the end of the day.  But on awards day I toss that mindset out and for the gold!  Still no make up tho, I have never been one for make up, but everything else looks great!  So I show up that day and I get several compliments!  The biggest one being how people can tell I have lost weight.  I loved that. 

I figure my weight loss hasn't been very apparent because I haven't bought new clothes in AGES.  Perhaps after I hit my 10% I can get a few new things.  I was just thinking my favorite stores are Torrid, J.Jill and Lucy.  I haven't gotten something from J.Jill in forever and a pair of linen pants I have from there has finally given way...I love linen...Anyway, I lost track of how many compliments I got on Thursday from students to colleagues to parents to friends, it was awesome.  So naturally that day went very smoothly as well!  Friday was "Fun Friday"  The kids got to bring their electronics and/or favorite toys from home and enjoy them with each other for one final day.  The kids clearly had a great time and that made me smile.  I was able to check out of my room that day and not have to return for our official last work day after the Memorial Day holiday, I was thrilled!

So on to weight loss!  I was finally able to enjoy another WW meeting yesterday.  I didn't blog about it because we had Xavier's final soccer game and pool party that completely absorbed the rest of my day, but the meeting was awesome and added to my pretty awesome week.

I weighed myself at home with my two scales and for the most part they seem to be right on.  For a couple days this week I saw 203 so I was excited, but come weigh in morning my scales averaged out at 204.5 again.  I was bummed I would see little or nothing at the WW scales, but I went anyway.  I have ditched WW meetings before when I figure I will weigh up, but I have come to realize that is counter productive.  So yesterday morning I get up early to make some preparations for soccer, fix a date shake...which is so TASTY!  They remind me of a Starbucks Frapaccino.  Anyway, I get to the WW meeting early, so I can claim my spot, and weigh in without waiting in a huge line and I get the leader, Cindee.  She is as perky as ever and I step on the scale.  She then says cheerfully "Oh! Yay!  You are down two!"  I look at her and ask ".2?"  She laughs and says "No!  2 pounds!"  I stare at her in disbelief a moment then smile, take my things and go sit.  I look at the card she made my weight notation on and sure enough it says 202.4.  I could not believe it.  I weighed this only once before on my 2+ year journey on Weight Watchers...January 29, 2011.  I went right back up after that, it has taken me over a year to get that close to my 10%.  It would be awesome to achieve my 10% this coming week. 2.4 in one week is possible, but will take a lot of effort.  I am off for the summer now and have some things planned to do with my son that will keep us both active, so part of me thinks it is quite possible to achieve this long time goal, I am excited!

So my plan is to keep a close eye on my eating, choose power foods whenever possible, keep blending, and keep active!  I think with all that a 2.4 loss this week is totally doable!

Summer is Near!

It is amazing how the lack of my WW meetings leaves me feeling a bit unfocused.  I was unable to attend my WW meeting this Saturday due to another soccer game.  I really do miss those meetings.  It does wonders for centering and grounding me.  That said, my unofficial weight Saturday was 204.5, which is more or less the same as the week before.  I am feeling 204 is my new plateau and I have to be careful to not let it creep up over that. I ate out a few times this week for various reasons, and my weight seems unaffected for the moment, but I will not take comfort in that.  I have to be sure to get in my exercise as I haven't this weekend.

Smoothie making has been a frustration.  Even though I follow the recipe they still come out tasting nasty.  I think my hubby discovered the right base for the fruit ones, so I am feeling better about that.  I made a kiwi-berry one tonight which was acceptable, could probably use some tweaking.  This week we figure out what the base is for a good veggie smoothie.  Our theory at the moment base on some of the recipes we have seen is apples...lots of apples.

I am coming into the last week of school which is awesome.  I am looking forward to my summer.  I usually travel to at least on teaching conference, but am opting out this summer due to expense.  I really am trying to keep my spending under control and paying for airfare to a conference out of state doesn't fit well into that plan.  I will opt for some virtual conferences, there is still much to learn that way, and from the comfort of my own home!

I also have plans for my son...it will be Summer Home School for Xavier!  Yay!  I finally feel he is at an age where I can really use my official teacher skills to help him maintain what he has learned.  Yes I know I have been his teacher his whole life, but I don't think he has been ready for prolonged periods of study until having been in school a full day.  I have cleared a space for him in the house that is his workspace.  As I often tell parents, a child needs their own space to work and study, away from distraction and well equipped with the materials they need to learn.  We had Xavier's study-things sort of jumbled at the kitchen table where we also eat.  Since I am in a decluttering sort of mood (more on that later) I hit the living room hard, had him clear out all this toys (which he has been leaving ALL OVER THE PLACE) and the dining table we never use has become his study space.  It will have his computer there as well once I get it worked on.  I have already begun working out a schedule for him in my mind:

• 7:30 am - wake up and eat
• 8:00 am - Workbook time! (1st grade review - Math & Language Arts)
• 8:30 am - Reading time
• 9:00 am - Computer time (academic sites)
• 9:30 am - PE!  To the park for soccer drills and practice with Coach Mommy!

I have joined a few MeetUp groups, one of which is for parents and kids to do fun things in our area.  They are very active and I have already signed up for some "field trips." So that on top of a major decluttering project and various other random things sprinkled here and there make for a busy summer!  I had a great class of students this year, but I am ready for a couple months to do my own thing, and give my son the full one on one Mommy-teacher time he needs.