I pretty much hate the term "diet," and it's probably because whenever I feel like I am "dieting," the worse I eat. It just feels like so much pressure! So I am really REALLY working on trying to change my thoughts / feelings about food. I don't want to "diet" to lose weight. I want to start eating healthy and enjoy eating healthy! I want to be healthy! Don't get me wrong...dropping 15 lbs sounds absolutely great, but I am not trying to stress over the scale. So this is how I am doing it...
I eat breakfast EVERY DAY! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, people! (and good thing because I am ALWAYS hungry in the morning). Breakfast changes daily, though. Sometimes I will have a slimfast, sometimes yogurt, sometimes cereal or oatmeal. I like switching it up so I don't get bored, and I always feel good after eating any of the above. I feel like I am starting my day off on the right track!
A little while after breakfast, I do my workout. My workouts also change daily so that I do not get tired of doing it. I wish I was the person that could go run 3 miles in 90 degree weather, but I am not...at least not at this point in my life. Instead, I have a workout video game. Yep, you read that right. I use the xbox kinect to "play" Your Shape Fitness Evolved, and I LOVE it. There are so many "activities" like jump rope or running, specific body part workouts for your arms, abs, back, legs, etc, and workouts that include bootcamp, boxing, yoga, and different dance classes. All of the variety allows me to workout each day, focusing on different body parts, and never getting bored.
Lunch and dinner get a little more tricky. I am doing my best to incorporate more veggies and fruits while limiting all of my carbs. (Definitely not eliminating carbs since I am such a huge fan, but I guess I can limit my intake!) It gets challenging because I have to make my dinner before heading to work, and it's a time thing. I have been getting better, though! Yesterday I made a pork loin and peas for dinner. Tonight, I plan on making a chicken breast to put in a salad! Hopefully I can keep it up! (It's a bummer because work has free meals for me, so it is hard spending so much more on groceries (especially "healthy" groceries) to take my own.)
My biggest accomplishment is my avoiding ice cream! Work has ice cream in the freezer, and I have ice cream at home. I refuse to give up my ice cream because it is my absolute favorite snack, but I realize I cannot have it every night. I have gone 3 days without any ice cream, and I am super proud of myself!
Over the past 2 weeks, I am done about 4 pounds (after having lost 5, and gained 10 earlier this year)...basically, I am back where I started in January. I would like to lose 10-15 lbs still, so I am working hard to stay accountable and focusing on my goal! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
one class down!
So I know you have all been on the edge of your seats waiting...I officially finished my summer class! One class down, only 3 years and a few classes to go ;) It is nice to have one class at SIUe done. I am pretty happy I had a pre-req that I had to take. Definitely good practice before the real deal...which is starting soon! We have registration Aug 15th and 17th, and classes start the next week! Classes will include Cognitive Assessment, Developmental, and Stats. Plus, I will have my practicum and graduate assistantship to keep me busy ;) My plate will definitely be full, but I am really excited to be a student again. I am a nerd at heart, and being in grad school learning about all these things that really interest me is hopefully going to feel very rewarding!
So along the same lines, I am done with CHS (full-time) Aug 1! That means 3 weeks (with one day already down this week)! There is a lot changing at CHS, and I am ready to move on to other options! I don't plan to pick up too many shifts in Aug (if any) but I am planning on picking up as many as possible once school starts. I will definitely need the money. Plus, part of me will miss being there. Some days those boys really make me laugh...and having a real conversation (which can be few and far between) can be rewarding. I can't lie...having a kid be honest and opening up about where they are and what is going on with them can feel awesome because you know if they are coming to you, odds are, they are listening a little better than they did in group!
Other things are going on, too! In Aug, I am going home for Lauren's bridal shower! I am really excited to celebrate my soon to be sister! Also, I am going to try and take a quick trip up to MN to see one of the best friends I have had in my life. It's been awhile because life keeps taking us in different directions, so I think it's time to take some control and just fly up there! I am hoping it works out! This weekend, Dan and I may start registering, which I am pretty excited about! I'll be sure to tell you all about it!
So along the same lines, I am done with CHS (full-time) Aug 1! That means 3 weeks (with one day already down this week)! There is a lot changing at CHS, and I am ready to move on to other options! I don't plan to pick up too many shifts in Aug (if any) but I am planning on picking up as many as possible once school starts. I will definitely need the money. Plus, part of me will miss being there. Some days those boys really make me laugh...and having a real conversation (which can be few and far between) can be rewarding. I can't lie...having a kid be honest and opening up about where they are and what is going on with them can feel awesome because you know if they are coming to you, odds are, they are listening a little better than they did in group!
Other things are going on, too! In Aug, I am going home for Lauren's bridal shower! I am really excited to celebrate my soon to be sister! Also, I am going to try and take a quick trip up to MN to see one of the best friends I have had in my life. It's been awhile because life keeps taking us in different directions, so I think it's time to take some control and just fly up there! I am hoping it works out! This weekend, Dan and I may start registering, which I am pretty excited about! I'll be sure to tell you all about it!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
procrastinator
Um. I procrastinate. I always have, I think, but having some time off school, I think it has worsened! Reading for class is taking ENTIRELY too long. My 2 page extra credit paper (yep...only 2 pages...) took me fooooorrrreeeevvvveeerrrr. Pretty sure I could have gotten that done in 30 minutes when I was in my prime. (haha...but really). I have my third of four tests of the summer on Tuesday, which I am not really worried about. Thankfully it is multiple choice and fill in the blank, and I have always been a fairly good test taker (when it comes to class exams...not standardized tests!) What I am worried about, though, is our actual paper. I am trying to be a suck up (because my professor is a professor in my grad program, and I would like to make a good impression) so I chose the more difficult paper option of reviewing a published psychological assessment tool. Um. Let me just say...reading a test manual is more complicated than I anticipated. And I thought research journal articles were challenging. This test is due in a week and 2 days. I have my title page done. No good. No good at all. (And I know what you're thinking...go write it now! stop procrastinating!) Well, my brain feels fried tonight from reading part of the manual plus a 50 page chapter in my text book.
By the way...this is all for one class. Grad school may just be the death of me. Hopefully I get back in the swing of things. QUICKLY!
By the way...this is all for one class. Grad school may just be the death of me. Hopefully I get back in the swing of things. QUICKLY!
Monday, June 11, 2012
I suck at titles
I have been doing a horrible job updating this blog, and I have no idea what I covered in the last update, so I apologize for any repeated information!
-I started my summer class! It isn't the most thrilling information, but it is nice getting back in the swing of things. I officially start grad school in about 10ish weeks (?), so I am happy to be getting some practice with doing homework and studying again! Plus, I got an A on my first test! Good start, I'd say!
-Building off of that, I have 8 weeks left at CHS as a full-time clinician! Lots of stuff is in the works at CHS, so I have no idea how things will be/what I will be doing when I am back to part-time, but I am ready for the transition.
-Dan and I have chosen a photographer, and we are getting our engagement pictures taken in September! I am really REALLY excited about this because I love engagement pictures! They are just so adorable and really show the love between the couple. Plus, I am pretty excited about getting some new pictures of us to hang on the walls! What is even better is that Dani and Luke have the same photographer (it's someone they work with), so they are getting their pictures done the same day and we will be able to get some all together. I am so lucky that I get to experience all of this with my best friend! I am even more lucky that we are the type to want to share all the fun and not fight over who should be getting the attention! (For example -- we are sharing a veil and headpiece, our dresses are very similar, and there is a good chance our bridesmaids will be wearing the same dresses! just different color).
-Like most girls, I have this constant struggle with my body / weight. Since I started college, I gained 10 lbs, which I know isn't a ton, but when you're 4'10, it's obvious. At least, I know the difference. I have been trying to lose this weight on and off for a few years, now, and it has been a struggle. I give up continuously. For example, I got pretty serious at the beginning of the year, especially after I found out I would be in a wedding this summer (then I got engaged!). I had lost 4 lbs, which for me, was a huge accomplishment! I don't remember ever actually noticing the scale going down. Then I went on vacation and got lazy all of May and ALL of the weight came back. Plus a pound. I am pretty disappointed with myself. I need to continue to hold myself accountable. I am not a girl that can "diet." I like sweets and fried food and anything else that is bad for me, and I refuse to completely give all of that up. (There is no use in being skinny and miserable). But! I am willing to try and limit some of that, and I am willing to work out, so I need to stay on top of that. No more giving up because I don't want to keep restarting this process! Justin's wedding is in less than 3 months, and my engagement pictures are shortly after -- NO MORE EXCUSES!
-I started my summer class! It isn't the most thrilling information, but it is nice getting back in the swing of things. I officially start grad school in about 10ish weeks (?), so I am happy to be getting some practice with doing homework and studying again! Plus, I got an A on my first test! Good start, I'd say!
-Building off of that, I have 8 weeks left at CHS as a full-time clinician! Lots of stuff is in the works at CHS, so I have no idea how things will be/what I will be doing when I am back to part-time, but I am ready for the transition.
-Dan and I have chosen a photographer, and we are getting our engagement pictures taken in September! I am really REALLY excited about this because I love engagement pictures! They are just so adorable and really show the love between the couple. Plus, I am pretty excited about getting some new pictures of us to hang on the walls! What is even better is that Dani and Luke have the same photographer (it's someone they work with), so they are getting their pictures done the same day and we will be able to get some all together. I am so lucky that I get to experience all of this with my best friend! I am even more lucky that we are the type to want to share all the fun and not fight over who should be getting the attention! (For example -- we are sharing a veil and headpiece, our dresses are very similar, and there is a good chance our bridesmaids will be wearing the same dresses! just different color).
-Like most girls, I have this constant struggle with my body / weight. Since I started college, I gained 10 lbs, which I know isn't a ton, but when you're 4'10, it's obvious. At least, I know the difference. I have been trying to lose this weight on and off for a few years, now, and it has been a struggle. I give up continuously. For example, I got pretty serious at the beginning of the year, especially after I found out I would be in a wedding this summer (then I got engaged!). I had lost 4 lbs, which for me, was a huge accomplishment! I don't remember ever actually noticing the scale going down. Then I went on vacation and got lazy all of May and ALL of the weight came back. Plus a pound. I am pretty disappointed with myself. I need to continue to hold myself accountable. I am not a girl that can "diet." I like sweets and fried food and anything else that is bad for me, and I refuse to completely give all of that up. (There is no use in being skinny and miserable). But! I am willing to try and limit some of that, and I am willing to work out, so I need to stay on top of that. No more giving up because I don't want to keep restarting this process! Justin's wedding is in less than 3 months, and my engagement pictures are shortly after -- NO MORE EXCUSES!
Friday, May 18, 2012
moving right along!
I can't believe that May is almost over! Time is FLYING by, and life keeps moving right along. Dan and I spent 6 days in Las Vegas, and it was pretty great! It was HOT, but we did a lot of fun things. We went to Cirque du Soleil, which I highly recommend! Also, we saw the Bellagio fountains, Mirage volcano, and many other free "shows." If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, Las Vegas is not the place I would recommend, and I don't know that Dan and I will be one of those couples that goes back every year; however, I do want to go back from time to time! It was lively and fun, and I enjoyed it a lot!
Next week, I start my summer class at SIUe. I am pretty excited to ease my way back into the swing of school, but I am nervous to be working full-time and taking a class. Suddenly my time off isn't going to be about me relaxing, and I have gotten so used to that in the past year! I definitely need to just push through the summer so that I can step down from my full-time position. Not that school won't be busy, but I think I am ready for a new challenge! (always need something new to complain about, right?!)
Wedding plans have not progressed too much. Dan and I met with msgr and Epiphany about the wedding, and we are currently supposed to be picking our readings and vows ;). Also, while Dan's sister is in town in June, 5 out of 6 of my bridesmaids and I will head to Champaign to pick out the bridesmaids dresses! I am pretty excited about this! It should be a lot of fun to have all of my girls together :) (side note - I have been watching a lot of "say yes to the dress-bridesmaids & bridezillas, and I am SO grateful that I am lucky enough to have such wonderful women standing up with me! I can't imagine the extra stress of crappy bridesmaids!) Along the same lines, my wonderful MoH is getting married next September, and we both found our dresses at the same shop! AND! We are sharing a veil and slip for our dresses. I am so happy that we can save some costs and have some shared items. I think it makes them more special! So lucky to have her!
Next week, I start my summer class at SIUe. I am pretty excited to ease my way back into the swing of school, but I am nervous to be working full-time and taking a class. Suddenly my time off isn't going to be about me relaxing, and I have gotten so used to that in the past year! I definitely need to just push through the summer so that I can step down from my full-time position. Not that school won't be busy, but I think I am ready for a new challenge! (always need something new to complain about, right?!)
Wedding plans have not progressed too much. Dan and I met with msgr and Epiphany about the wedding, and we are currently supposed to be picking our readings and vows ;). Also, while Dan's sister is in town in June, 5 out of 6 of my bridesmaids and I will head to Champaign to pick out the bridesmaids dresses! I am pretty excited about this! It should be a lot of fun to have all of my girls together :) (side note - I have been watching a lot of "say yes to the dress-bridesmaids & bridezillas, and I am SO grateful that I am lucky enough to have such wonderful women standing up with me! I can't imagine the extra stress of crappy bridesmaids!) Along the same lines, my wonderful MoH is getting married next September, and we both found our dresses at the same shop! AND! We are sharing a veil and slip for our dresses. I am so happy that we can save some costs and have some shared items. I think it makes them more special! So lucky to have her!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Planning, planning, planning!
Wedding planning is in full effect! (I think!) We decided on a date! ahhh! June 1, 2013 (6 years to the day that Dan and I graduated high school together! -- still can't believe I am lucky enough to marry my high school sweetheart!) After deciding on a day, we put our deposit down for Epiphany for the ceremony and Bone Student Center for the reception. We are so excited that these big things are out of the way, and so far, I love our choices! I think it will be perfect for us :)
Also - I found and purchased my dress! It seemed kind of fast at the moment, but I know myself, and if I didn't make a decision, I would end up trying on a million dresses and being overwhelmed. I LOVE my dress! I am so stoked for it to come in and actually have it fit me. It really is a shame I will only be able to wear it once ;)
We have also got some small things handled - I have ordered the gifts for my bridesmaids! (Which I am really really excited about and I hope they love, as well!) I ordered Aidan and Jake's gifts (cute little picture frames thanking them!) I also ordered the bubbles for after the ceremony and our favors! (It was a big order so that I could get free shipping! -- Any way to save some $$, I will take!) Oh! I bought some invitations at Michael's that were on clearance! I ended up with 120 invites for $80...thankyouverymuch!
Now I feel like we kind of sit back and wait for awhile :)
While we wait, we are headed to LAS VEGAS! I cannot wait to spend 6 days away from real life. Work has been overwhelming, and life will only get more hectic when I begin my summer class. At this point, I cannot wait to become a full-time student again! (I have always been a nerd and liked school...but I am over working full-time where I am at, so this change couldn't have come at a more perfect time!)
Monday, April 2, 2012
I'm getting MARRIED!
On Saturday, my boyfriend of almost 7.5 years became my fiance! My future hubby got down on one knee in Forest Park by my favorite fountain! I am so happy that we are officially starting this chapter of our lives! That means this blog may center a lot around wedding planning :) don't like it? tough stuff, cream puff!
I am so excited that I just want to do it all right away. I know it's a marathon and not a sprint, so I am sure I will be forced to slow down eventually. So far, I have gotten cards and ordered a small "gift" to use to ask each of my bridesmaids :) And I am thinking of going to look at dresses with my mom, future mother in law, and MoH next time I am home!
More importantly, though, we need to pick a date! This is going to be the most challenging due to my future school schedule. It is my understanding that my Spring classes will get over at the beginning of May and Summer classes begin at the end of May. During that 2 week break, I will still have my practicum, so I won't really have any time off until the end of July prior to Fall classes beginning. I don't think I want to wait that long, so I will have to look into details. I can't wait to pick and know when we're getting married!
I am so excited that I just want to do it all right away. I know it's a marathon and not a sprint, so I am sure I will be forced to slow down eventually. So far, I have gotten cards and ordered a small "gift" to use to ask each of my bridesmaids :) And I am thinking of going to look at dresses with my mom, future mother in law, and MoH next time I am home!
More importantly, though, we need to pick a date! This is going to be the most challenging due to my future school schedule. It is my understanding that my Spring classes will get over at the beginning of May and Summer classes begin at the end of May. During that 2 week break, I will still have my practicum, so I won't really have any time off until the end of July prior to Fall classes beginning. I don't think I want to wait that long, so I will have to look into details. I can't wait to pick and know when we're getting married!
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