As of today, John and I have been married for 6 years. It's been an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I am so blessed to be his eternal companion. My mum has all 3 boys until Wednesday, so we're enjoying so peace and quiet for a few days.
Christmas went very well this year, which was a very nice change from last year. We spent time with family and I got to see 2 good friends, so it was a good time.
So yesterday was my last day of my 90 day Individual Worth project. I ended up losing a final total of 22.8 lbs in those 90 days. As I've mentioned in the past, I fully intend for the change to be permanent. I am SO SO SO grateful that I decided to do this as my project. I have felt so much better about myself and it has helped my bipolar so much as well. Several people have told me that they can see that the weight loss has made a difference in me emotionally as well as physically. I'm taking today off as John and I are having a nice supper and then going out to have a New Year's party with a few friends, but our goal in January is to exercise every single day. I have 2 Jillian Michaels DVDs and my Zumba game for the Wii, so I'm really looking forward to this new challenge. John is letting me put together an exercise program for him, so I'll be basing it off of the 30 Day Shred.
Anyway, I think that's about all for now, mostly I just wanted to get in the final info for my 90 day project. I hope you all have a wonderful 2012.
Any goals for 2012? Mine is to reach my goal weight, and I'm over halfway there:)
The goings on of our geeky little family and the musings and soapbox moments of the lone female in the group.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmases 1 & 2 of 2011
We're now half way through our Christmases. Apparently we can't have just 1, we need to have 4. We had our first with my mum and step-dad on Saturday. The boys loved it. John and I got a Blu-Ray player and a cutting board with a strainer in it (which I've been wanting for quite a while). I also got a new dress and John got a new tie to wear to Church on Christmas. Caleb got an Optimus Prime voice changing helmet, swimming lessons with a towel and goggles, a Batman cave and Easy Bake cake mixes. Ty got a box of Duplo blocks, a Cars art kit, an Oilers jersey, a sock monkey and I think something else that I can't remember. Brettley got a glowing Sea Horse (think aquatic Glow Worm), a twisty bug toy, a tray for his Bumbo and a jacket for next year. The boys also got matching church outfits to wear on Christmas day.
Yesterday evening my dad came over and we opened gifts with him. Caleb got a Mario Kart K'nex set, a Lego Optimus Prime and a Yoda lightsabre. Ty got 2 Ben 10 action figures, an Omnitrix and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on Blu-Ray. Brettley got his present early, which was the Bumbo. Caleb and Ty got the Angry Birds board game together. They each opened a present from us as well. Caleb got a big box of Transformers, Ty got some jeans and Brettley got a container of bath toys.
Caleb and Brettley had been really sick over the weekend. Caleb had an ear and throat infection. Brettley had the nastiest cough and congested chest. He spent most of Saturday puking up mucous, it was so gross. They are both so much better now. Caleb is back to school after missing most of last week. It was so hard watching Brettley go through that and knowing all I could do for him was to let him ride it out.
On the note of my weight loss, I've now lost 21.3 lbs since October 1st. I had a rough week last week and gained some weight and ate some things I shouldn't have and it set me back a fair bit. After the next 0.1 lb I lose I'll be the lightest that I've been in a very long time. I'm so happy with what I've accomplished and looking forward to having more success in 2012:)
Yesterday evening my dad came over and we opened gifts with him. Caleb got a Mario Kart K'nex set, a Lego Optimus Prime and a Yoda lightsabre. Ty got 2 Ben 10 action figures, an Omnitrix and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on Blu-Ray. Brettley got his present early, which was the Bumbo. Caleb and Ty got the Angry Birds board game together. They each opened a present from us as well. Caleb got a big box of Transformers, Ty got some jeans and Brettley got a container of bath toys.
Caleb and Brettley had been really sick over the weekend. Caleb had an ear and throat infection. Brettley had the nastiest cough and congested chest. He spent most of Saturday puking up mucous, it was so gross. They are both so much better now. Caleb is back to school after missing most of last week. It was so hard watching Brettley go through that and knowing all I could do for him was to let him ride it out.
On the note of my weight loss, I've now lost 21.3 lbs since October 1st. I had a rough week last week and gained some weight and ate some things I shouldn't have and it set me back a fair bit. After the next 0.1 lb I lose I'll be the lightest that I've been in a very long time. I'm so happy with what I've accomplished and looking forward to having more success in 2012:)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Dear Wheat
Dear Wheat:
I no longer like you. Well, I do, and I will sorely miss you in spaghetti, lasagna, pizza and toast under poached eggs. However, you're just not worth it. I go a few days without you and do great with my weight loss and feel good as long as I eat other kinds of carbs. As soon as I bring you back in, you make me gain weight and feel yucky. So we're not going to be seeing a lot of each other anymore. I hope you can understand.
Sincerely:
The Nikki Who's Over Halfway To Her Goal (Booyah!)
I no longer like you. Well, I do, and I will sorely miss you in spaghetti, lasagna, pizza and toast under poached eggs. However, you're just not worth it. I go a few days without you and do great with my weight loss and feel good as long as I eat other kinds of carbs. As soon as I bring you back in, you make me gain weight and feel yucky. So we're not going to be seeing a lot of each other anymore. I hope you can understand.
Sincerely:
The Nikki Who's Over Halfway To Her Goal (Booyah!)
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Weight, Personal Progress and Calling
You might notice that I now have a Lose It button up top. I'll be posting in there at least once a week with my progress. Also, I changed my ticker today because I couldn't resist after accomplishing my goal weight for 2011 that I made when I started everything in October.
So I realized that I haven't updated on my Personal Progress in a while. I have accomplished 18 goals and 1 value project and passed off my Virtue value. I am currently working on 2 goals and 2 projects. I have lots more fun goals and projects to look forward to in 2012, including doing temple work at least once per month.
I also got a new calling this past Sunday. I am now the ward bulletin editor and website administrator. It is almost all done at home, which will be very good for me right now. There's also a side project with the calling that I'm still working out in my head and with the bishopric, so more news to come on that one in the new year.
Well, off I go. Caleb is home from school today because he and Ty spent yesterday evening puking. On the plus side, I was able to deal with it, which is a HUGE step for me.
So I realized that I haven't updated on my Personal Progress in a while. I have accomplished 18 goals and 1 value project and passed off my Virtue value. I am currently working on 2 goals and 2 projects. I have lots more fun goals and projects to look forward to in 2012, including doing temple work at least once per month.
I also got a new calling this past Sunday. I am now the ward bulletin editor and website administrator. It is almost all done at home, which will be very good for me right now. There's also a side project with the calling that I'm still working out in my head and with the bishopric, so more news to come on that one in the new year.
Well, off I go. Caleb is home from school today because he and Ty spent yesterday evening puking. On the plus side, I was able to deal with it, which is a HUGE step for me.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Christmas Questions, Advent and More Weight Loss
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I like wrapping paper for Christmas. Birthdays and everything else can be gift bags, but there's just something about wrapped presents under the tree that I love.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I'd like the smell of real, but not the short life or clean up, so we're all about the pre-lit artificial ones.
3. When do you put up the tree? I try to wait until the first week in December, I usually fail and it goes up shortly after Remembrance Day. I made it to December 1st this year, though.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on or around January 8th so that it's up for Ukrainian Christmas.
5. Do you like Egg Nog? I love the light stuff, but won't be having much this year as it's very high in calories.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmm, Tinker Toys always seem to stand out to me.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad, every single year.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Caleb, he's always the easiest.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, my mother in law got me 3 parts to the Willow Tree set and I love it.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I usually mail them all, but I only mailed a small amount this year. I love getting them in any form, though.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing is really standing out, except maybe Caleb puking all over the place last year and having a disorder relapse...Wasn't the best gift, ha ha.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Forgotten Carols, all the way.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually October, but have started in September a time or two. I'm usually done by December 1st. I just have John's stocking left to do right now.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I remember
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas and favorite Christmas dessert? Stuffing, stuffing and stuffing. I also greatly miss doing the appetizer dinner at my mum's house on Christmas Eve. My favourite Christmas 'treat' is Almond Roca.
16. Lights on the tree? How can you have a tree without lights? I like the coloured ones while I have kids at home, but will probably switch over to clear many years down the road.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I have several and none are traditional. Christmas Carroll, Christmas Candy...Mary, Did You Know?...Breath Of Heaven...Old City Bar...
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? This will be our last year of travelling. We are very much looking forward to doing Christmas in our own home after this year.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s? Sure can
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have an angel because that's what I grew up with.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We usually do pajamas on Christmas Eve night and the rest Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Having people dictate the kind of festive greeting that I'm allowed to give. You wish me what you celebrate and I'll wish you a Happy Christmas because that's what I celebrate. How difficult is that?
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I'd love to eventually do teal, red and silver or something like that.
24. Handmade ornaments or store bought? I like both.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I just want my in-laws to like what we're giving them. I put a lot of thought into it and I'm very excited about it. As long as we all enjoy the day and remember our Savior, then I'm good.
************
We have done 2 advent days in December so far. On the 1st, we put up and decorated the tree. Yesterday we made 2 different kinds of chocolate covered cookie balls. Today the kids are writing letters to Santa.
I knew the weight I'd gained yesterday was water weight...I have now officially broke my pre-Ty pregnancy weight!!! I have 3 more pounds to lose by the end of December to reach my goal. I'm hoping to do that by the 16th instead, but we'll see how it plays out.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I'd like the smell of real, but not the short life or clean up, so we're all about the pre-lit artificial ones.
3. When do you put up the tree? I try to wait until the first week in December, I usually fail and it goes up shortly after Remembrance Day. I made it to December 1st this year, though.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on or around January 8th so that it's up for Ukrainian Christmas.
5. Do you like Egg Nog? I love the light stuff, but won't be having much this year as it's very high in calories.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmm, Tinker Toys always seem to stand out to me.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad, every single year.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Caleb, he's always the easiest.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, my mother in law got me 3 parts to the Willow Tree set and I love it.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I usually mail them all, but I only mailed a small amount this year. I love getting them in any form, though.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing is really standing out, except maybe Caleb puking all over the place last year and having a disorder relapse...Wasn't the best gift, ha ha.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Forgotten Carols, all the way.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually October, but have started in September a time or two. I'm usually done by December 1st. I just have John's stocking left to do right now.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I remember
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas and favorite Christmas dessert? Stuffing, stuffing and stuffing. I also greatly miss doing the appetizer dinner at my mum's house on Christmas Eve. My favourite Christmas 'treat' is Almond Roca.
16. Lights on the tree? How can you have a tree without lights? I like the coloured ones while I have kids at home, but will probably switch over to clear many years down the road.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I have several and none are traditional. Christmas Carroll, Christmas Candy...Mary, Did You Know?...Breath Of Heaven...Old City Bar...
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? This will be our last year of travelling. We are very much looking forward to doing Christmas in our own home after this year.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s? Sure can
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have an angel because that's what I grew up with.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We usually do pajamas on Christmas Eve night and the rest Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Having people dictate the kind of festive greeting that I'm allowed to give. You wish me what you celebrate and I'll wish you a Happy Christmas because that's what I celebrate. How difficult is that?
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I'd love to eventually do teal, red and silver or something like that.
24. Handmade ornaments or store bought? I like both.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I just want my in-laws to like what we're giving them. I put a lot of thought into it and I'm very excited about it. As long as we all enjoy the day and remember our Savior, then I'm good.
************
We have done 2 advent days in December so far. On the 1st, we put up and decorated the tree. Yesterday we made 2 different kinds of chocolate covered cookie balls. Today the kids are writing letters to Santa.
I knew the weight I'd gained yesterday was water weight...I have now officially broke my pre-Ty pregnancy weight!!! I have 3 more pounds to lose by the end of December to reach my goal. I'm hoping to do that by the 16th instead, but we'll see how it plays out.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
2 Months In...
It has been 2 months since I started what was supposed to be 90 days of eating healthy and exercising regularly. I've missed a fair amount of exercising due to illness and what not, but I've rarely messed up on staying in my calorie range. Like I said, I started it only intending to endure the 90 days. However, with so much progress I've decided to make it permanent. When I eventually get to my goal weight I will adjust my calories to maintain the weight instead of losing. I have gone from 20-22 jeans to 16s. As of this morning I have officially lost 16.6 lbs in 2 months, which is 6.6 lbs more than I'd originally expected to have lost by this point. I have lost 26.6 lbs since my heaviest point in June. The very best part, though, is what it's done for my mood. If you have me on facebook then you've probably noticed the difference. Cynical and negative Nikki has been disappearing. I've been so much happier and positive. Life just feels great. Not manic great, just happy great (I did take a step back to evaluate that this morning). My house work has been getting tackled way more.
It has started to bug me when people act like you can't lose weight by just counting your calories and exercising when possible. They act like you need some miracle diet or something and that what I'm doing is so basic that it must not work. But it does. I use a free app to count my calories and use exercise equipment that I already had (WiiFit Plus, recumbant bike, glider), and have actually been spending less on groceries, so it's been saving me money. No costly shakes or special foods. No costly gym fees. If you have enough will power, this is the greatest way to lose the weight.
Anyway, I will be making a change in January to my exercise. I will be doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred every day that month, just to kick it up a bit. It's going to kick my butt, I fully accept that going in. In fact, I'm hoping for it. My goal by the end of the month is to lose 3.5 more pounds. Pretty sure I can manage that one. Also, just for the record, I'm 0.4 lbs from my pre-Ty weight!!!! So what started as a personal progress value project has become a life changing experience for me. I love it and have no intention of looking back. Life is great!
It has started to bug me when people act like you can't lose weight by just counting your calories and exercising when possible. They act like you need some miracle diet or something and that what I'm doing is so basic that it must not work. But it does. I use a free app to count my calories and use exercise equipment that I already had (WiiFit Plus, recumbant bike, glider), and have actually been spending less on groceries, so it's been saving me money. No costly shakes or special foods. No costly gym fees. If you have enough will power, this is the greatest way to lose the weight.
Anyway, I will be making a change in January to my exercise. I will be doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred every day that month, just to kick it up a bit. It's going to kick my butt, I fully accept that going in. In fact, I'm hoping for it. My goal by the end of the month is to lose 3.5 more pounds. Pretty sure I can manage that one. Also, just for the record, I'm 0.4 lbs from my pre-Ty weight!!!! So what started as a personal progress value project has become a life changing experience for me. I love it and have no intention of looking back. Life is great!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
I Love To See The Temple
Our temple is reopening this week. It has been closed for renovations. I've missed it. I never realize how much I take the temple for granted until easy access is taken away. That's why I'm so grateful that one of my projects for Personal Progress involves going to the temple every single month in 2012. I might even fit my dress by then, too!
The spirit that I feel as soon as I step onto temple grounds never fails to amaze me. It's like the hugest breath of fresh air that you could ever imagine. I think of how blessed I am to be a member of this church and how much good it has done me, I can scarcely remember life before my baptism. I'm so grateful, SO grateful and I can't imagine living without the church in my life ever again.
The spirit that I feel as soon as I step onto temple grounds never fails to amaze me. It's like the hugest breath of fresh air that you could ever imagine. I think of how blessed I am to be a member of this church and how much good it has done me, I can scarcely remember life before my baptism. I'm so grateful, SO grateful and I can't imagine living without the church in my life ever again.
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