Posts by rivergrrrl

Hey folks, here's my report -- week one of February Fab -- (14 weeks to go!)

Weight -- down 1.5#

Inches -- down 2 ( 1 on waist, 1 on booty, started weights and yoga again...exercise the miracle drug!)

Also did some hiking in the Tennessee hills, and some bush-whacking, leaf-blowing, flower-planting, and debris hauling (my mom lives on a big hill, so each time a bag is full you must drag it to the curb just about straight up from the back yard.)

I am eating about 95 percent clean, though SO got some coffee ice cream last night, I did have a serving and enjoyed every bite.  It wasn't low-fat, low-sugar, or low-anything.  Worth all 220 calories.

Thanks all for the smoked salmon ideas.  We will try them this weekend.

I have clients or a meeting just about every night this week.  It's OK though as we need the $$.

Speaking of which, I'm off for my walk and to make today's deposit.

Hey, how about some cold weather exercise ideas?!

1) Bundle up and collect 35 different kinds of leaves

2) Do a "10 -hill" minimum bike ride.  (Believe me, you'll be warm by hill #1!)

3) See how fast you can fill 5 leaf bags (good to do w/ hubby)

4) Put Halloween candy upstairs and run up there to get the bowl for every trick or treater at the door.

5) POWER DOGGIE WALKING!

Warmly,

RG

(Peeks in, waves howdy to pals and those not yet met...)  Hey, it's RG.  Stamping my feet and putting hands in my jacket to get warmed up.  Walking the pooch it was 29 degrees this AM!!  Brrrrr)

Glad to see many new folks as I skimmed through the posts.  My thoughts are with KK, coming so far and finding yet more challenges on her wellness road.  I find it a bit unfair but send her healing white light in my thoughts!!  Boots, congrats on the move and new job, 2BB I hope your hubby takes it easy and feels better.  Safina, if you go to the gym for 7 days in a row, it will become a habit. You can do it!  Vstar, do you need to take a baking hiatus for awhile?  I love to bake too, but find I sample too much.  

Well it's fall so that means back on the wagon time.  Wedding, honeymoon, and the stress of owning too many properties in the down market have taken their toll.  Y'know the drill, getting out of the habit of weighing and measuring food, a few special treats with the SO, partaking in the appetizer and extra bread when dining out (bread, my downfall...) Getting busy and not accounting to yourself on line.  Aaah, call me Cleopatra, Queen of DeNial. 

Following our trip to Key West, I was up to 210 (up 14# from my low, I'm shocked and dismayed how fast it comes back), and last Friday weighed in at 205 after 2 weeks of getting a grip and starting the fall bike racing season.  After a pitiful performance the first two races of the season, and almost quitting, yesterday I managed to get a 3d place podium.  The women in 1st and 2d were 15 years younger than me so I'll take it.  It's amazing what every 5 pounds can do to get you spinning up the hills. 2BB do you still keep your "weight box?"  While racing, I kept visualizing how much more difficult it would be to race with a 5-pound bag of flour strapped to my back (or to my a**, in my case, LOL) 

So friends, join me in my "30 pound plan." (or make it a "15 pound plan," or a "7.5 pound plan", whatever works...)  15 weeks, and that'll take us to Fabulous Feb. Fifth.  Goal of 1.5# a week would be nice.  Track the food.  Exercise 5 out of 7 days.  Discipline through the holiday time.  1400 - 1750 calories, more on big workout days.  (Hey this all sounds familiar!)  No high fructose corn syrup, no simple sugars, 54/24/22, carbs, protein and fats.  Save room for a few holiday treats and toasts.

My exercise plan is to GET OUTSIDE whenever possible.  I have been bike racing on the weekends, and training two nights a week for that.  Friends talked me into training for the Thanksgiving 10K, so that's two mornings a week.  One night of yoga, and I've got my five days scheduled.  Core strength and flexibility/weights class in the gym will start Nov. 1st for 10 weeks, so that's covered, too.

Post your plan, your menus, let's start a "healthy soup" recipes shareathon.  I have a butternut squash I plan to bake up with some veggies and turkey sausage.

I will be eating honeycrisp apples in support of the challengers, as well. Yummy.

Carry on!

-RG

Hey can any ol' prodigal member post here?!  Hello possums, it's erstwhile RG.  About 3 weeks away from SO Mike and my wedding.  Check out the little website I built, it's been working pretty well to organize the guests, info, etc.  Where has the summer gone???

I have skimmed through and look to have missed some things, I'm sorry I haven't been able to post more often.  Time is a thief and mine has been taken up by other tasks this summer.  I do appreciate everyone's "can do" attitude, getting positive with setbacks, and getting organized with goal setting.

We have both been working alot, getting settled in our new home, getting used to the "coupledom" thing (mostly me), ha, and, sadly, working to sell Mike's house in this horrible marketplace.  We are switching realtors as I write this.  So $$ has been tight the whole six months we've been here, but we are managing to get it together.  My little garden is beautiful, tomatoes just starting to come in, and we eat fresh herbs of some kind almost every night.  I am "creative pesto" grrrl these days, we freeze it in ice cube trays, then throw a few squares in w/ veggies, pasta, or protein.  I have been riding to the farmer's market to supplement veggies every few days, the asparagus and zucchini have been outstanding this year.  A Whole Foods opened nearby recently, and we have gotten some great organic chicken, tasty tilapia, and some homemade chicken sausages to grill and eat in different formats through the week.  (I tend to go, straight protein, pita sandwich, casserole, and omelet for what's ever left by the end of the week.  Oh yeah, with some grilled fish tacos thrown in from time to time for good measure.)

We've been riding around 100 miles a week average, have done two "centuries" this summer, 100 miles in one day.  One was a benefit for Breast Cancer research in June, the other just for fun in July.  During the second, we crossed the Ohio River twice, once by bridge, the other by ferry boat.

With everything going on, I try to post my calories but don't beat myself up too bad if I don't.  I have been strict with portion control, watching sugar intake, and getting my workouts and measurements in.  I'm not trying to lose any more right now, it's a bit too much stress, so am working on toning in the waist, core, and arms with gym workouts.  I fluctuate around 194-197.  It's OK, though sometimes I get a little bummed out 'cause wanted to be at the 175 holy grail by now.  Ah well.  Have also been swimming a couple times a week with a friend, and did 2 5K races this summer for good measure.

Friends, it's funny.  I am NOT a shopper.  I do not enjoy shopping, going to the dressing room, comparing and contrasting items, or spending money generally.  In fact, I am known to be FRUGAL (cheap, to some.)  LOL.  If I can't buy it at Target, it pretty much doesn't exist for me.  And of course I still have some of the old trepidation from the days of trying to shop for a 290 lb person.  As you all know, it SUCKS to shop for clothes when you get up to sizes you know are not "normal" for you!

My SO, OTOH, is a shopaholic.  He even pays (GASP) rrrrrrETAIL sometimes.  He knows all the spots for kewl and high quality goods.

So let's just say my wardrobe, for casual stuff, is a bit...wanting.  I've plenty of nice work clothes, tailored and purchased over time to fit me, and because I'm tall, they have accomodated 30-40 lb. weight swings in the past.  However, everything else I own is either 3.99 shorts, or free tshirts I've accumulated from 10K runs, volunteer events, and bike rides.  Oh yeah, and sweats/yoga pants.  SO is vocal in his dislike for these items.

SO has had enough of this.  So with all the wedding pre-dinners, family gatherings, visits, and photographs coming up, last night he became my personal shopper and got me all decked out at the Eddie Bauer store.  Can I just say he found me the best pair of jeans I have ever worn?  My measurements these days are 36-30-40, and their jeans have a bit of spandex in them for comfort as well as makes them look like you're a fashion model.  He also found me great fitting capris in white, black and navy, some blouses and sleeveless numbers, and a pretty flowered skirt with lime green t-shirt.  Whoo hoo, now I won't have to buy clothes for another 5 years, ha!(good motivation to stay on the CC bandwagon, no??!)  And all the summer stuff was on sale, making me quite happy to put up with all the dressing room crap.  And the clothes were well made for we gals with some "junk" in the "trunk."  Yay Eddie Bauer!

So hope everyone got a laff or two from my update.  I will post the wedding photos when I have them, it will be at sunset on August 30th.  We are walking in to "blackbird" by the Beatles, and the song of celebration (sung by my brother) will be "You are so Beautiful."  We have written our vows, the preacher's been hired, and all our friends and family will gather round as we light a unity candle and pass the flame from person to person.  Then of course some supper, a few drinks, some dancing, singing, and pickin' and grinnin', and we'll be hitched.

Best to all, know I'm here lurking even if not always on CC or posting every week.

TTFN

Fondly,

RG

(*RG, dressed in black, sneaks into the storage area of G4G Hall, dragging burlap bags marked "confetti", "wildflower seeds," and "black oil sunflower."  Working quickly, she replaces gunpowder and iron shot with enviro-friendly materials, in anticipation of 2BB's crew.  Quickly replacing everything to look normal, she sneaks out the back, smiling over the "sustainability" shots from the cannon to come, hoping all will be shot over the nearby meadow that will then be planted from Ol' Betsey's ordinance.)

(sneaks back out to her office, whistles and acts "normal") 

Hello, kittens.

RG here, hope all is well -- you're all finding some motivation amidst the chaos.  I wish I had more time to journal and muse here whitcha, but alas I am in the midst of many work and volunteer projects and the warm weather takes me outdoors and to other activities and responsibilities.

I helped lead "The Ride of Silence" this past week; a slower bicycle ride, in silence that bears tribute to those who have been injured or killed in car/bike accidents this past year.  Our town was named one of the most UN-Friendly Bicycle Cities in the US recently, so we also used the event to advocate for more support with the local governments.  We had about 200 riders show up on the city square.  I met some nice ladies, new to cycling, that just finished running the Flying Pig Marathon.  I've been seriously considering making a commitment to train for it in 2009; perhaps I've found the friendly group I need to help me get ready!  A woman called "Hope" (her real name), and I exchanged contact information, I'll help her learn to ride/race and she'll help me get ready for the running race.  I'm thinking the half marathon (13.2 miles) to avoid injuries and guarantee success.  (I've tried to train for a full marathon 3 times previously, and have always quit due to injury, or fear, or both.)

SO came home with a surprise 2 weeks ago; membership to the local Sports Club only a mile away from our home.  Also he brought a promise to help me weight train and work on intervals together.  We've been going to do our workouts every other day -- if I have someone to help me "pump iron," I don't get so bored and stick with it.  Happy to report my weigh in today is 199.3, pretty psyched.  I can really feel the difference on my bike when climbing the hills of Southern Ohio. Plus it doesn't hurt that my 45-year-old waist is shrinking from the ab work, combined with my yoga, bicycling, and swimming early in the morning 3 days a week. (there's a pool at the club, too, YIPPEE).

I've been "cycling" on my calories, too, anywhere from 1500 to 2100 depending on how much I'm working out.  In my 8-week plateau I was inclined to cut way back to 1200 but I resisted (just about the hardest thing ever -- can't seem to ever get rid of that tape that plays in my head -- "Starve to lose, Starve to lose..."), and made a choice to EAT TO LOSE, and decided to bump up the exercise and really take a crack at reducing sodium and it seems to have worked for now.  Still have my 175 goal far ahead in the sunset, don't know if I'll make it there by our wedding on August 30th but I'm going to try.  I'm also trying not to be so "wedding-centric," it's only one day after all.  I would love to be shopping for a cute bathing suit for our trip to Key West on September 20th.

September 20th is also the 3rd anniversary of my commitment to health.  9/20/05 I started this journey (for the umpteenth time) at 290 pounds.  Just FYI to all you sistah slow losers.  And I've had some big set-backs along the way in the last 3 years.  I so wanted to just throw in the towel after my 22-pound gain in 2007.  Seemed like just a few beers, rich desserts, and grilled cheese sammiches, and one two many nights sitting on the couch, and BLAM! the fat suit was back...  But I managed to get my s*** together and remember that health is the primary reflector of a life well-lived.

Do you ever feel the real you is trapped inside a fat suit?  So easy to put on, so hard to take off.  Then once you take it off, being OK with showing your real soft, creamy center to the world.  What a head trip!

Let's see, do I have any new fun food facts?

- Sun-dried tomato:  can get a big bag at Costco, great in meat loaf, salads, and tossed with steamed veggies

- I have re-created a healthy Shepherd's Pie recipe with ground turkey, and Yukon gold potatoes.  I'll post the recipe in the proper section here on CC.

- It's the season for fresh herbs -- we have oregano, rosemary, and thyme in our porch pots, I've been using them almost everyday for cooking.  Yummy on omellets, especially.

- Favorite snack -- oatmeal with cranberries.  I keep a tub in the fridge and warm up 1/2 cup at a time.

Well, friends, TTFN, I will try to get here once a week, I'll post my nutrition and other stats next week for my monthly accountability report.

Welcome to all the new posters and lurkers, and big love to the originals of the G4G Gang!

Slimmingly,

RG

Happy trails vstar and molly -- remember it's the journey, not the destination!  Have fun with those workouts, explore, make each one a mini-adventure, and then tell us all about it!

Sorry I have been so remiss in my postings, working on a big case that doesn't look like it's going to resolve anytime soon, but called in some experts today and feel much better about everything.  Hmm, why is it hard to ask for help sometimes?  I'm not a bible-studier like Forksie, but I like that idea that you have to surrender sometimes and ask for help.  It's always how I learn, at least.

We had some chicken/veggie steamed potstickers for supper, with a heaping pile of veggies.  I laughed at SO chasing his dinner around with chopsticks.  Finally I relented and gave the boy a fork.  Yippee, I've got 50 grams of fiber in for May Day (there's a joke in there somewhere, but I'll relent...)

Our wedding is Aug. 30th, thanks for asking!  A big picnic with BBQ, lots of family and friends, and a view of the Ohio River.  We picked carrot cake the other day, and don't have a certain "color," multi-colored tables, twinkly lights, Tibetan prayer flags fluttering (I am a wanna-be Buddhist), and flowers on the table.  My friend's band, The Sloes (google them if you want to hear their tunes...) will play, and my brother and a few others will sing.  And I have a red dress, ooh la la.  SO will wear a silk shirt and shorts.  Shoes and gifts optional for all.

Still have tons of work tomorrow, plus get out the April billing.  Please post your vacations so I can live vicariously! LOL

- RG

Good job, 4SQ.  Are you eating enough calories with all your exercise?  If that's the case, you'll probably tone, tone, tone, then drop some lbs once your new fitness level evens out.

I'm lurking most days, finally a chance to post.  Met 3 friends about 6 pm last night, and we did our 30 mile cheerful ride, to downtown, across the river, and back home again.  Takes a little less than 2 hours, so a decent workout plus some time to enjoy the scenery.  We happily pedaled past a big traffic jam of frustrated looking people burning the "liquid gold" in their tanks.  I'm a big supporter of "riding to the ride," though do have a bike rack on my car and all that.  It's really fun to just ride down the driveway on my way to the workout, then pedal on back home.  Tuesday I did my jog up the hill to yoga class, then after class strolled on back home.  I've also been taking the bus when I have business downtown, our goal is to save $1500 this year by using alternate transportation (partly because SO has such a killer commute!)

Twas a gorgeous day in southern Ohio, I took some time to water the plants outside and check to see what's coming up in the beds at the new house.  The white lilacs began to bloom today, and the purple are not far behind.  Hydrangeas are starting to leaf out, as well as the lavender.  I planted some purple petunias, johnny jump-ups, and pansies (they look like kitty cat faces to me) in the porch pots, everything looks pretty happy.

Hey vstar and Jella, I'm at 201 and coming up fast for the sprint!!  I'll race ya to the high-protein snack box, and meet you at the competitive water slurping hose.  But seriously, I'm excited but not worried.  All things in the fullness of time.  I was stuck at 203 for 3 1/2 weeks; but now that my workouts are more intense again, I bumped my calories from 1450 to 1750 (give or take an energy bar or 2 on workouts longer than 2 hours), the plateau seems to have become a downhill once again. (my annoying bike analogies...LOL)

Glad to see all the G4G gang checking in.

Hey, what's the deal with all the gall bladder problems on CCC?  Does lack of fat in the diet cause these problems?  I'm curious about that, does anyone know anything about it?

Eating wise, still struggling to get that protein percentage where I want it; and to keep the sugar percentage under control.  I don't eat artificial sweeteners (they give me headaches), so as the month goes gotta be careful with the carbs/sugars that go down the hatch.  But I figger the energy is needed/burned during workouts, but may have contributed to my plateau as well.  It's all such a science experiment.

Boots -- have fun on your trip! Will you get to stroll on the Santa Monica pier?  Has anyone gone on Ebay yet to bid on the Ferris Wheel up for sale?  Hey, that's what the G4G room needs, a Ferris Wheel!!

All right, enuff rambling from me, back to work!

Adventurously,

RG

PS, Thanks Jella for the atta-grrrl.

Yay my soul sistah Foxie Forksie checks in...so glad you're "healthy, wealthy and wise..." We miss ya, thanks for the visit, c'mon back when you're able.

SO declared this weekend "work free," so we rode bikes, ate some meals out, took naps, and left the laundry for another day. Oh yes, and slept in, and snuggled with the pets and each other.  DIL-to-be and her family came over, we played some songs on the piano, SO chimed in on the guitar, we all had a great round of "Puff the Magic dragon," "Yankee Doodle," and "Happy Birthday."  3- yo Nicholas (who calls himself Ye-Ye) enjoyed his first visit to Pawpay and Noonah's (me) new house.  Kid's got a pretty entertaining language he's made up for himself.  And was such a good boy at the restaurant.

(I skipped over motherhood and went straight to nana-hood.  It freaked me out at first, but two years in it's starting to get pretty fun.)

Went out to the bike race (freezing) and cheered on teammates.  Worth every shiver!  So I guess we ended up walking 4 or 5 miles by the end of the event, I was helping the photographer and the finish line officials.

I liked hearing about everyone's active weekends, and don't forget that EXTRA sunscreen (I had skin cancer in 2003, and am a fanatic about it.)  I lather up before I put on any of my workout clothes.  Also check out some of the new clothing that's out there (Nike, Columbia, some other brands) that have sun-screening properties in the fabric, as well as wick the sweat away, and have kewl pockets for snacks and cell phones.  Be PROUD of those farmer tans, makes you into an athlete, living out loud.  I love it!

Vstar, intensely interested in your golfing stories but have never been able to understand what people love about it so much.  Though I have tried, driving range was kinda fun, but I tend to agree with Mark Twain -- "Golf is a waste of a perfectly good walk." But lots of cool people I know love golfing, so please educate me.  Do tell, do tell.

KK, as your friend I must tell you to run, run like the wind from ANY gel sit.  Your soft creamy center parts will never forgive you.  Get a seat from a reputable bike shop from the company called Terry.  They are women-specific.  Make sure you are balanced on your sit bones -- those pointy ones you can feel when you bend over, reach back, and give your hiney a squeeze.  These should be balanced on the squishy part of the seat.  Take your bike to the shop and pay $40 for a "bike fit."  They will adjust your steed so it is most comfy for the riding you are doing.  Then ride more.  The soreness will go away, I promise.  Maybe build up to 40-50 miles a week, once you get a good seat and good bike fit.  After 4 - 6 weeks, any soreness will be a dim memory.  Also start practicing standing up in your pedals as you gear down to climb the hill.  It will stretch out your bod and take the pressure off Virginia.

Well, today I'm at 202.  Even after the big food day on Saturday.  Got some new britches, cargo pants, that I'm working into, a snug 14 since they're so low-slung, my goal is to wear them well by the end of April.

Shout outs, Boots, green eyes, Jella (I think we call 'em "coolers" here BTW), 2BB, and the Walkin' Woman 4SQ, and Anniversary Waltzer Molly, and Pastry Chef HB (post your recipes!)

Have a good week everyone --

Original Post by kaufmkk:

  Then I thought I'd follow Molly's example and took a bike ride.... I haven't been on my bike since last Autumn.  I rode four miles to my parents farm and then the four miles back for a total of eight miles.  I've only been averaging six miles on the recumbent bike at the gym so this was pretty good for me.  How do you manage 16 miles, Molly?  My tush was SORE by the time I finished!!!

Rivergrrrl, I need help with shifting!  I don't know what I'm doing although after my ride today and going up two hills, I might be getting the hang of it! 

The roads I took are country roads and segments are graveled.  Most of the route is flat except for two fairly good size hills.

After my ride, I decided to head to town (by Jeep!) to look for some bike supplies, such as a bottle holder for my water, and an odometer.  I walked around the mall for over an hour -- bought a cute size 14 skirt -- seems like 14 has been the magic number for some of us lately!  When I got home, I checked my pedometer and saw that I got in 14,000+ steps (I try to average 10,000).

 

All things bike -- my favorite thing to talk about!  Checking in, friends, have been sewing curtains, installing shelving, and pulling weeds over the weekend, and work is ever-looming in the world of self-employment.  Glad to see all of you, nonetheless.

KK -- I don't know how many chain rings your bike has, I'm guessing three? (Big, medium, and little.)  You want to mostly use the medium ring, and work on spinning your pedals 75 - 95 times a minute. (you can test this by looking at the second hand of the clock for 10 seconds, and counting how many times your knee comes up.)  Take the number you get times 6; that is your spin number, or "cadence."

As you go up a hill, (ALL THE WHILE KEEPING A CONSISTENT PEDAL STROKE) use your right hand to shift your gears down, or "easier", until your legs are spinning at that magic number again.  This will make your use of energy most efficient, and keep your body in the fat-burning zone.  If it is a REALLY steep hill, use your left hand to shift down into your Little chain ring.

If you stop pedaling, sometimes it makes your chain fall off.  Don't panic, get off your bike, put the chain back around the little or medium ring, then lift your back wheel up a bit while you spin the pedals with your other hand.  The chain should go right back on.  (Can be messy though, I recommend you carry some wet wipes in your pack with your cell phone, a few bucks, and a small first aid kit.  I will save the "how to change a bike tire post" for later this spring. LOL).

When you crest the hill, use your right hand to shift up, or "harder" a couple of clicks, and then use your left hand to shift from your little ring to your medium ring if that's where you ended up.

I would not use your big chain ring until you are completely bored with playing around with the little and medium ones.  Most bikes will have anywhere from 12 to 18 gears, just in those two rings, so for general introductory riding, you'll be fine for a while.  The big ring is mainly used for speedy descents, and going really fast on the flats in a group of riders, or peleton. (like in the Tour d' France.)

Hope this helps!  We are doing a 70-mile ride along the Ohio River this weekend, and I'll be doing my first bike race of the year this coming Sunday.

Have a good day everyone!

- RG

Hi friends -- I'm having a heck of a time posting each day, but have been working to log the calories and get the month buttoned up, such as it was.  

It's been a busy few days, I've taken on another four divorce clients; my intention was to do less of the family law work, but we haven't sold SO's house and frankly, we need the $$.  Two of them should be easy, the other two contested, I will need all my persuasive and mediation skills.

I taught an "Introduction to Road Cycling" class to a group of 15 over the weekend, mostly teens ages 14 - 20.  They were very enthusiastic and are beginning preparations to ride 540 miles from Cincinnati to Niagra Falls, on Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Freedom Trail.  We teach them a concept called vehicular cycling, or in other words how to ride a bike as a vehicle on the road for the maximizing of fun, predictability, visibility and safety.  We got most everybody up the first big hill, a couple of the girls weren't familiar with how to shift their gears so we had a few walkers about half-way up.  The evaluations came back very positive, we are planning to meet one more time to do a bike maintenance refresher so everybody can change a tire, adjust their chain, shifters, and brakes, and know what to do if "stuff" happens out on the road during their tour.

SO and I went on a "one day" vacation to the wine festival downtown, and stayed at the Hyatt, very chichi and neat to get away from all the work still to be done in the new house.  Then Sunday morning we volunteered at the water station for the Heart Mini-Marathon, passing out water to 5000 runners, then joined the walkers for the 10K event.  Whew we were beat when we got home around 1 pm.  An hour's nap was just the ticket.  Then the rest of the day installing the kitty door to the basement, doing laundry, finishing instructor's paperwork for the Cycle Club, and then organizing my March billing paperwork for the bookkeeper.

I'm loving all the energy and support G4Gers, a pleasure to read, do a little lurking, and experience with you all!

Too bad we don't all live closer, we could freecycle outfits.  Got a range of 12-14-16 and M-Ls around here!  Let me recommend Target for those of you with the "generous" hips; Isaac Mizrahi's slacks are cut very well in that area, and nothing is more than $25, less if you stalk the sales rack.  For work outfits, more of "investment" type clothing, I go to the Jones of New York outlet.  Course, I'm very tall so I like the brands that are long in the legs and torso.  I got nothin for you petite gals, sorry, except a scissors and a sewing machine. LOL!

HB, I like your work to slowly and steadily get your game plan together, and try again if you fall off the wagon.  Keep at it, it will all come together! I am pretty steady doing my 11-minutes a mile 10Ks, now, in April I'm going to work on shaving off another 30 seconds off my average.  And of course, back on the bike.  Will all this rain it's been challenging, but teaching from the back of the bike all weekend was alot of fun.  I must plan for some long 60-100 mile rides on the weekends though if I'm to be ready for my first triathlon in May.

KK -- go on that cycle ride!  You won't regret it.  Hey, my SO is about 180, I'm hovering at 203, works out fine. (Also I'm 2 inches taller than him), but it's all good. Put out your vibe that you're ready for that relationship, it will come right to you. Damn the torpedoes!

Vstar, 2BB, MM, mabear, greeneyes, Jella (hugs for the pup), safina, 4SQ, Bootsie hang in hang on spring has sprung and we're working on getting healthier everyday. NO REGRETS folks; we've had enough of that noise.

(trundles off to work, look up weight stats, drag out the evil tape measure, and get going on being GREAT in April '08!)

Industriously,

RG

Hey friends, can the prodigal c'mon back?  How sad, Forksie has gone on internet walkabout?  Here's hoping her path diverges to the road less traveled by, the one where we learn the most.

But I see 2BB, and 4SQ, and Miz Molly, and Bootsie, and vstar, and also safina, and KK and GreenEyes through my magic mirror, that's wonderful and a comfort to see our group is still the G4G gang.  (Sorry if I missed anyone, and glad ta meetcha if I haven't introduced myself yet...) I love the G4G thread and hope we can keep it going, growing, loving, changing for when our girl forksie comes back.

I am in my new office (which is also a room in my new home); SO is teaching karate and will be home soon so we can have supper.  We are enjoying the cohabitating, though it's still quite new and enormous for us.  (Wedding will be the end of August, we didn't really plan to live together yet here we are...) My house is sold, and cleaned out, still need to go over and dig up some of my perrenials and bring them over to the new yard. 

We're still working our young American butts off combining our households, helping the dog and kitties to get along, going through old stuff to save, throw, or donate.  I'm a freecycler now, a good program that keeps stuff from the landfill, and helps those who need it.  Dropping off a loveseat and ottoman to a nice gal east of here on Thursday night.

I have no idea how much I weigh.  My clothes fit like I've lost 5-6 pounds I'd say. Wouldn't that be something to get below 200 when I wasn't paying attention.  The scale being what it is though, my bet is for 201. (LOL)  My dedication and analysis and daily reporting have gone all to heck.  I spend about 2 hours everyday packing, unpacking, moving and going up and down stairs with boxes of stuff.  I have been tracking the calories; usually between 1550 and 2000 for the last two weeks or so.  I have been jogging occasionally with Murphy our 12-yo aerdaile, she seems to enjoy it and I do too.  I haven't ridden my bike on a significant ride in a coon's age, though rode all 3 of my bikes (one at a time, that is), from my old house to my new house (all of 2 blocks...).  I can't wait until it's warm enough to do my grocery shopping via my 3-speed with its spiffy basket in the front.

Well I've rambled enough.  Once I find my USB cable for my camera I'll post some photos of us moving in the snowstorm 2 weeks ago.  EPIC!

Health and well-being to all, I'll be back to my daily posts soon, I hope.

Organizationally,

RG

Hi friends -- hey, good news, thanks for your thoughts and support.

WE HAVE OUR NEW HOUSE!!

I have no calorie report today. I literally had so much on my (metaphorical) plate and mind I forgot to weigh in.  I'll update over the weekend.

So tomorrow go running 4 miles in the morning, then lots of packing and hauling and cleaning for the rest of the day. Oh and I'll make some curtains for downstairs, and probably go to Lowe's 3 times.

Talk soon!

Love ya,

RG 

Quick report for 2/27/08

Calories = 1631 Burned = 2420 Deficit = 739

Exercise = 35 minute walk (yikes, just barely got it in...)

Fun food fact -- I "heart" the microwave and whatever comes out of it.

Stats:

Daily Fiber Intake - 46 grams

Nutrition = A (now that's a miracle, for sure...)

Miss y'all, soon I'll leave an epic post but for now it's, thankyaverymuch, you've been great, I'll see ya next time.

Busily,

RG 

Hey folks, ten til ten, where did the day go? On the phone and computer all day, getting insurance finalized, finding a piano mover, following up on a case for a client with lots of technical research, grabbed a salad for dinner with chicken and baby tomato, now trying to figure out what needs done tomorrow. I'm still loving that Bolthouse Farms yogurt dressing, so delicious and creamy but all natural ingredients.

(waves at all the folks checkin in from all over, that's so great!)

Thanks Forks for all the latest and greatest news updates. Hey that kraut is worth waiting for if you make it, I have set it up in ball jars and eaten it through the winter before. (neighbors always give me lots of cabbages from their garden.)

We're on for our closing this Friday, 1:30 pm. Sell my house, then buy the new one. I need to be moved by 3/15. Many friends have offered to help us, how wonderful and kind.

Report for 2/25/08

Calories= 1757 Burned = 2440 Deficit = 683

Exercise -- Day off today, though did some cleaning, pet care, and some packing.

Fun food fact -- baked up some red skin potatoes to keep in the fridge with vegetarian chili and to chop up with salad.  Baked some tilapia filets and chicken breasts, too. Stocked up on light english muffins, natural peanut butter, and frozen veggies, too. Trying to eat easy and basic since will be living in two places for a couple of weeks. So my food facts may not be too fun for a while but I'll give it a try, LOL. 

Stats: 

 Fat - 16.9% (35 grams)
 Protein - 23.1% (107 grams)
 Carbohydrates - 60.0% (279 grams)
 Alcohol - 0.0% 
 Other - 0.0%

Daily Sodium Intake - 2,316 mg
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 107 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 7 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 46 grams

Have a good evening friends, keep on thinking SPRING!!

Wearily,

- RG