Six weeks ago...

Six weeks ago I weighed 183 pounds. (I'm 5'9). I had already lost 15 pounds through healthier eating, but had stalled because let's face it, my habits weren't amazing, and I wasn't very active.

Six weeks ago, I joined a gym, keen on getting back into the fitness swing of things. It had been about five years since I'd been at the gym (when I got married, ate like a pig, and gained all of the weight I had previously lost back - and then some).

Six weeks ago I decided to REALLY start following my Weight Watchers plan.

I started my own, personal "Summer Slimdown", seeing what I could do in the last six weeks before September hit. Today, I am pleased to share my results.

Today, I weigh 169.4. I have also lost several inches. I am very proud of what I have done so far, but I'm not done yet! I have at least 12-16 pounds to go, but at least now, I know that I can accomplish my goals. I'm officially the thinnest I've been in five years, and that stupid BMI is forced to stop calling me "unhealthy"!

So what's up next? "Thinner By Thanksgiving". Hoping to lost at least 6.4 pounds in the next 5 weeks. Hold me to it!

And here are a couple photos...183 vs. 169.4!!!

I'm a (Weight Loss) Nerd...

So, you all know by now that I'm in the middle of a weight-loss plan (this message was brought to you by Captain Obvious). A few people have asked me what I'm doing, how I'm eating, if I'm following a plan, etc. Well, I'm following Weight Watchers (the old plan, because I hear that the new one makes everyone angry and full of rage), working out at the gym, running...you know, the usual. But, there is one BIG thing that I find is really helping me, and it's my little secret. But I'm going to share it with you, even though it makes me sound like a big, giant nerd. Here it is:

I make up challenges for myself, and give myself little goals along the way. Okay, that part in and of itself isn't nerdy. Lots of people go into a weight-loss or fitness plan with small goals in mind. "I want to lose 10 pounds by summer", or "I want to run a 5k". So what is so geeky about what I do?

I name my challenges.

Oh, yes.

And I don't include other people in them. I name them...just for me. Lame?

For the past six weeks, it's been my "Sizzling Summer Slimdown". And next up is "Thinner Thanksgiving". (I'm Canadian, so our Thanksgiving is in October). After that will be "Fat-Free Florida" (our vacation in November), and then "Ho-Ho-Hold the Pounds". I TOLD you I'm a geek!

So there you have it. My silly little secret.

Loving my New Work Out Shirt...

(Love LMFAO)

Want your own cute workout shirts? Check out Ruffles With Love on etsy!

Guest Post (Mine)!

I am thrilled to announce that I have a guest post featured on Fitness Unscripted's blog. (Good news - it features PICTURES, something that my own blog is seriously lacking. I'll work on that, I promise). What is Fitness Unscripted, you ask? Well, I'll tell you:

Have you heard of Mama Laughlin? If not, you should. Go check out here site.

Basically, she's a mom of two who lose 60 pounds after her first child, got back to her size after her second pregnancy, all the while writing a very honest, real, and humerous blog for all to see. She has a ridiculous amount of followers, which is not surpising. She's an inspiration, and deserves the attention!

Anyway, a couple of the ladies who follow her blog decided to make a facebook group dedicated to health and fitness (and, of course, weight loss), and that lead to the creation of a new blog! It will feature posts from members of our group, during our various transitions. Cool, eh? (I'm Canadian, so yes, I say "eh" a lot!)

Please check it out!

I crave change...

Okay, that post title isn't exactly accurate. In truth, I'm just a tad uncomfortable with change. Some might say that I don't "adapt well" to it. It's not that I intend to be inflexible or anything - it's just that certain things cause me unhealthy amounts of extreme anxiety, and change just happens to be one of them. (No worries, though. I'm being medicated for it...)

So why the post title? When on earth could someone like me POSSIBLY crave change?

When it comes to the seasons. I crave a change in the weather.

Do not misunderstand me. I adore summer. I was a summer baby, and I've never really grown out of it. It's definitely my favourite season. But, aside from my summer loving, my favourite time(s) of the year is when that magical time happens - that first hint of a new season approaching.

It's when summer heat starts to give way to crisp, cool autumn days, and you can just smell it in the air. You begin to anticipate the warm colours of fall, the leaves falling from the trees, and visions of apple cider dance in your head.
It's when you're sick of all that autumn rain, and you first detect that snow may be coming. You imagine the twinkling of Christmas lights and Hannukah menorahs, envision snowmen lining the streets, and laying warm and cozy on your couch, in front of the TV, hiding from nature's next storm.
It's when you just can't take one more cold day, and the first promise of spring appears, and you can finally begin ditching your winter coat.
And it's when you realize, as you're cranking your a/c one day, that the long, glorious, pool-filled days of summer are fast approaching...

To me, it's bliss. Pure bliss.

Why crafting is just like weight loss...

I know, I know. That title makes no sense. Or does it? While they may seem like two completely things - crafting and weight loss, that is - I believe that there are some definite similarities. Sure, one involves sitting on your big ol' behind and using the least amount of muscle as possible, and the other involves getting that big behind to be, well...less big. But, look beyond those stark differences, as I ask you to consider these three things:

1. Both seem like a good idea...at first.
I could spend HOURS planning my weight loss program, my exercise regime, my caloric intake, and imagining what I'll look like when I'm finally "at goal". And I could spend just as many hours drooling over felt play food and holiday decorations, daydreaming about how much my daughter will appreciate her next gift from Santa. Yup, both seem like great ideas...until you realize that all of the planning and preparation will not result in the much-coveted final "product" until you first engulf yourself in a whole lotta time-consuming WORK! Then, you are tired just thinking about it all!

2. Both lead to huge amounts of procrastination
Just like I often don't WANNA go workout, I often have trouble getting inspired to craft. "But I don't WANT to work on the playhouse tonight. I want to sit on the couch, eat potato chips and whine on my blog!" I mean sure, once I get going (either with exercise, healthy eating, or crafting) I very easily get "on a roll" and don't want to stop, but until that point, I find myself trying to find every excuse in the book to avoid doing both.

3. Both have incredibly worthwhile results
Just like seeing the scale go down those last pesky ten pounds, finishing a craft project gives you the feeling that you've really accomplished something. And in both cases, you've got something great to look at afterwards! The only problem? You can't help but start to wonder about future projects...and the cycle begins again...

So, you see, crafting and weight loss can definitely be compared. Especially if you're a nerd like me, who appreciates a good over-analysis. Now, stop reading, and go do something! I have some scizzors and glue waiting for me...

I am uninspired...

That about sums it up. Every time I come up with a great blog topic, I forget what it is by the time I come to sit at my computer!

So...I want YOU to give me a blog topic. Nothing is off limits (mostly). Let me know what you want to hear!

Things NOT to Do in the Summer (when it's hot as heck)

1. Decide to go for a run. In your long, black shorts. Without bringing water. In an area with no shade. With no sunscreen.
2. Clean your house, unless you have primo air conditioning. It's just not worth the sweat.
3. Your makeup. Just don't even bother...
4. Drink hot beverages. Yes, I'm talking to you, you weirdo. What is wrong with you?
5. Wear pants. You're making me hot just by looking at you!

Actually, I love summer. But this year's temperatures are a little too much, even for me!
How are YOU coping with the heat?