Oh! My Goodness!!

They fit!!!

I can fit into the Phase 1 "skinny" jeans!  

I'm not by any means close to my goal weight...I've lost 5 pounds in the last month... However, I've been busting my tail in contortions that Bob from the Biggest Loser weight loss videos have put me through and I'm starting to have all of the fat cells move around to create the illusion that I've lost like 8.5 pounds.  (On a 5'3" body.. that's almost a full size of clothing!)  

So the "skinny" jeans are relaxed fit... and are actually relaxed!  Not wanna-be's.  WHOO HOO!!  They're also a coveted size single digit but, I'm not going all that crazy 'cause I'm TOTALLY not there yet.  It just so happens that the tag and the actual size of the jeans don't match up but, who am I to tell people that?? 

(Shh.. my secret is save right?)

Off to celebrate with a Full Strength coffee!!  

Don't worry.. I gots lots of "cheat points" even after my freak out Wednesday over a piece of chocolate cake and brownie.  

I'm not speaking to my DVD player.

Just so you know....My long term friendship that played Disney movies and the occasional ooey-gooey movie night is being tried.  

Apparently upon my decision to get fit and pick work-out videos the DVD player decided it was in my best interest to play the stupid things and thus, I'm stuck with sore muscles and the inability to move.  

But, Rho - you say- don't you have to press play?!?!  Aren't you somewhat responsible for the picking the torture device of the day?  

I stand here not so kicking (because it hurts too much) but definitely screaming saying --

NO! -  I only place the DVD in the player.  It's the player's fault that it starts automatically and therefore I proceed to stay trance-like in different contortions and aerobic moves until the credits are off and I'm collapsed on the floor red faced and sweaty. (Can you say Eww?!?!)  

Hubby says... it'll get better and I do this every year.  My Small Group says it'll get better when I make the decision to keep it up or quit.  I must say the quit option is sounding REALLY good right now!

 *sigh*  

But, I'm not a  quitter.... at least not today.  I have dreams of size single digit this year and so I press through - albeit much slower than I normally do.   Please pray for my DVD player.  It needs all the help it can get.  Oh - and pray that I can find forgiveness so that the long-term friendship will be renewed.

Smile!!  It's almost Friday!

Guess what I've been doing?!?!?

.....Sleeping In.

I've spent the last 3 days (including today) sleeping during my early morning "wake-up".  I still allow enough time for my bible study but, it occurred to me that I was spending more time on the blog than in the word - which adds chaos to an already chaotic world.

So I decided to kill two birds with a giant stone or attempt to.  I'm working on knocking out the "I'm tired" phrase that starts around 4:30p.m. in my house as well as getting more focused on reading what I should do about my mornings instead of writing about how much they are controlling me.

I had about an hour to myself yesterday and Hubby managed to find some dollars in the 'ole budget for me to "shop".  Sadly, I only located one thing I just had to have!  *sigh* that's what happens when you WANT to spend the money you have.  But, that's okay.  'Cause I still got to walk in the mall for an hour.  

Oh, and get this.  I didn't stop at Starbucks.

  **gasp!!!**

Friends, take deep breaths!  The world is not ending.  There is good reason! - I was too lazy AND (hold on to your seats) I was working on resisting the 5 million calorie coffee I wanted.  Because... I've lost 4 pounds, since school started and the Venti Caramel Machhiato would probably put all 4 pounds plus one to grow on back.

Weigh-in Wednesday - Part 4

Sniff. Sniff.

Nothing.  Absolutely Nothing.

I'm disappointed, frustrated, and all together just numb.  I working my tail off and I got nothing.  I can't measure well so, I'm up, down, and just plain weird in my measurements.  I don't know what to do.  My next step is to start journaling what I eat.  I guess.  Maybe I'm not eating enough.  Maybe I'm eating too much.  Maybe I don't have enough water intake.  I don't know.  

Hubby is trying to be encouraging and things are moving.  It's just it's not a noticeable change (in my eyes or clothes)  I went with a friend yesterday to cruise the mall while the kids were at their morning camp.  No change in size.  Nothing wowed me - that was on me.

My dream right now is that while I'm in Ecuador, it'll be enough culture change that my body will freak out, move to the right places over night, and I'll be more positive about this exercising stuff.  Don't get me wrong.  I still LOVE my Zumba.  I just don't like the sweating part (which I do EVERYTIME I work out)  I'm on a rotation of Zumba-ing for 3 days and resting for 1.  THEN... because I'm working on being healthier... I'm "watching" what I eat (although, it's probably NOT close enough) AND I'm still STARVING!

I'm participating in a Summer Moms Bible study.  We're doing Victoriously Frazzled Female.  It's a play group that we have through the church and we thought it would give us something to talk about other than school stuff.  (A good bit of us are teachers)  The Relax in the Word part is to read Psalm 139.  It tells me I'm fearfully and wonderfully made.  

I'm struggling with that. 

 Obviously.    

Weigh-in Wednesday - Part 3

 As you can tell from the ticker on the side... the weight-loss thingy isn't working so hot.  The loss posted today was .4 lbs.  **Sigh**

The good side is that I neglected to post the amount of weight I went up last week so.. I may have technically lost some pounds.

 I'm trying to find the happy balance of food to exercise ratio.  I'm STARVING.  All the time.  Not because I'm not eating.  I'm just trying to find the perfect amount.   I did figure out that eating a Reese's peanutbutter cup after Zumba-ing is not the right thing.  

But, take yesterday...  I had a Slim-fast meal bar , strawberries, carrots, 90 calorie granola bar, and then topped it off with an english muffin with peanutbutter before the hunger growls quieted down for dinner.  I was drinking close to 60 ounces of water in there as well.  I know I need to throw breakfast in there somehow.  I'm perfectly content with my 2 cups of coffee, though.  Apparently- this particular liquid breakfast -ALONE- is not ideal.  EVEN if you use artifical sweetner and sugar free creamer.  So, I'm working on that.  (went to kitchen to grab a meal-on-the-go bar)

This whole weight loss thing is a baby step process.  Part 1 - Added Veggies, Part 2 - Added Zumba, Part 3 - Adding Breakfast.

The good news in this post...

I have lost about 4 inches around my body since the Zumba DVD's have arrived on my front door step!!! 

I will let all skeptical people know that, I did the measuring myself.  So, they all aren't completely accurate as in the places I'm measuring.  BUT, I'm remeasuring the inaccurate spots as best as I can so... that's a consistent measurement??!!  Right?!  

Did I lose the pants size?!  I'm going to say yes, even though I'm wearing the same pants.  They fit SOOO much better and I'm not squeezing myself into them and praying for the stretch fabric to instantly realize that I need the extra material.

And so... today is my "rest day" and that's what I'll do.  I'm going to go work on closets - maybe.

Weigh-in Wednesday - Part 2

2nd Wednesday in the quest for a new wardrobe.

I'm sad to say that I won't be changing my ticker.  I haven't lost any pounds this week.  I am a little sad about this but, I'm not discouraged.  A couple of things have changed this week.

1.  I started Zumba-ing.  

Adding exercise into the mix normally has you go up in weight the first week.  (At least this is what "the Watchers" told me 5 years ago when I decided to stop paying for the meetings.)  Something about water retention and muscle mass and shocking the daylights out of your body. 

2.  Speaking of water retention.

Need I say more?

3.  I just changed out all of the quick snacks for healthier choices.

Granted the healthier ones are still next to the hidden double stuffed oreos and M & M's but, I'm opting more for the healthier ones.  But, I'm on day 2 of that.  Remember last weigh in I was working on adding veggies in.  Now I have a large selection of fruits, veggies, and as my buddy Fuschia says "Delicious Shakes"  to help curb the huge appetite!  Which on a side note....  I'm amazingly hungrier after I zumba!  So I down  water like it's going out of style but still... We're talking STARVING!  Yesterday I had a couple of carrots to calm that down.

I'm still in love with my Zumba.  I decided to measure myself this morning.  There probably are some small discrepancies on the plus or minus side but, Oh! Well!  I also should've done that before the zumba craze but, Oh! Well!  (I'm in the summer attitude)  On the brighter side... things are fitting a little bit better.  So something is working.  It might be that my muscles are so tight that they seem slimmer but at this point any type of encouragement will work!

Today is my day of rest for the Zumba plan.  I soooo want to go and do a tape.  I'm going to follow the plan though.  The recommendation on the "plan" is for me to the spa or hot tub.  I'm taking the kids to Aunt D's pool.  That's close enough... Don't you think?

Zumba!!

It's here!!! It's here!!!

I opened the box yesterday!  

........Of 'course I couldn't go right out and exercise because our DVD player broke while we had the Indiana Jones marathon over Memorial Day.  So... after our many parties and meeting yesterday, we went to Target and then Wal-mart to purchase a new player (unplanned but, in the budget) so that I could ZUMBA!

While at Wal-mart I celebrated the new DVD set by purchasing a new Zumba outfit!  (A girl has to be stylish...even if it's workout clothes.)  So, last night while watching Hubby hook up the new player, I was dressed and ready to Zumba.  I did the 20 minute speed workout... Just a couple of things...

#1.  I've never had more fun in my life!  Granted first workout  means I wasn't hurting so I'm sure that might wear off.

#2.  I laughed.  Seriously - LAUGHED!!! While exercising... That's how much fun I was having.  Oh... and close friends--  We all know how Queen Rho feels about sweating, glistening, or whatever word is proper.  I, Queen Rho, not only laughed hysterically while EXERCISING.... I was also SWEATING!  No other prissy word would do.  

#3.  I am not as cute as the size  zero instructors that are on the tv.  I certainly can not move like they do.. and perhaps that's why I was laughing sooo hard.  However... if I end up with an inkling of abs like the size zero instructors it is worth it!

I've completed 2 workouts.  The 20 minute one yesterday and the cardio party today.  Tomorrow is the Toning and Abs DVDs.  Wish me luck!!!

Weigh-in Wednesday.

I can only weigh in once a week. Notice, I didn't say get on the scale. I said weigh in... which to me means post results. Since Wednesday is the only weekday that starts with "w". I've decided that this is the day I'll change the ticker on the side. Sooooo...today is the day. I'm posting my 1 pound loss.. Yesterday it was 1.5 but I fixed a cookie cake and blew the 1/2 pound away. (What can I say? I wanted to bake!) My Zumba has 4-6 days left to get here. During the waiting time, I decided to eat a little more healthier. (That means add veggies in the House of Rho) Last night was yellow squash and zucchini two of my most favorite summer veggies. I even have leftovers for lunch today!! I had a salad yesterday with my lunch AND I ate veggies on Monday too!!! (It was two days ago.. you know I can't remember that far.)

Oh! and I set a NEW goal within my weight goal. I want to lose 10 pounds before heading to my missions trip. The ideal 10 would be in my thigh area but, at this point on a 5ft 3 inch body, I'll take it wherever it feels to disappear. This is more for a comfort factor because the idea of me being 20lbs over a good weight in heat and jungle seems less and less fun. So, I got 24 days (see Ecuador counter to right) to lose 10, I mean,9 pounds.

On to the baking story..... Both of my children are summer babies. Why I couldn't learn through the first pregnancy that carrying through the HEAT of the summer is BAD is beyond me... but, I'm a firm believer I don't think clearly while with child. (One day I'll post about the roller coaster of those events!)

Anyways... Today is the day the class is celebrating Buggy's birthday. (Monster's was last week) Buggy decided she wanted brownies. In her mind this meant the fudgy, chocolatey, frosting heavy type that you find in the Publix bakery. In my mind, it meant, a 68 cent box of Betty Crocker mix that I add water, oil, and an egg to make the best possible imitation of the bakery kind. Throw in a can of whipped frosting and all is good. So, I get home call hubby for a pick-up order of box o brownie and frosting, get news that we are watching a friend of our's children, (No worries) and begin to strategize dinner plans. (I say strategize because of the the new addition of veggies and the pickiness of my children)

I start dinner - call Hubby for additional ingredients (he's still at the store) and decide that I'll straighten the house. Hubby's home. Finish starting dinner... Go to mix box-o-brownies and find out that I used the last egg on Saturday when I was doing my best Rachael Ray impression for breakfast with my parents, sister, and niece.

Okay... ask Hubby to borrow egg from neighbor, which he politely declines and goes back to the store for eggs. (This would've been my 2nd clue that this wouldn't work out right. The first being no brownie mix)

Okay... Eggs are here. Mix box-o-brownie -fudgy style as I'm trying to get as close as possible to Buggy's request. Place in PC bar pan for 18-20 minutes in the oven, promptly pull out only to notice that the edges are not pulled away and place back into the oven (3rd clue). Pull out what I think is fudgy brownies to cool for however many minutes I think is necessary or until I feel like frosting them.

Fix Cookie cake for kiddos and friends kiddos to eat after dinner that has won hearts and stomachs in the House of Rho (I might be stretching that a little bit...but, it was pretty good)

...........Fast forward to frosting and cutting of box-o-brownie.........

They are Rock Solid. So Rock Solid, I cut my finger trying to cut them. Yeah. THAT Bad. I get one out of the pan. They are crunch chocolate cookies that look amazing close to bakery style brownies. Hubby starts to giggle. I'm upset 'cause I've ruined Buggy's birthday snack that she requested for school.

.... So.... I send Hubby out for Publix Bakery Style brownies at Wal-mart. (Clue #4 or whatever number I'm on) which, oddly enough they don't have any? So, I'm now in bed with my bible ready for sleep and Hubby is on the phone explaining this to me.

....So.... I have the bright idea of sending him to Albertsons and as a faithful Hubby and father who doesn't like either one of his girls disappointed... he's off.

Yet... I receive another phone call... Still no brownies. But, they have a cake and we'll have to deal with it.

....So.... I'm sad as I drift off to Dreamdom. I've effectively ruined the one request my youngest child and only princess asked for.

I had NO idea that the particular brownies came from Publix UNTIL Hubby came back from purchasing the cake and read the box that was leftover from our Pool Day on Monday.

Soooo....... to sum up this bout of chaos brought to you directly from the House of Rho...

prices are estimated

..Box o Brownie - 68 cents

..Can o Frosting - $1.00

..Chocolate Cake - $20.00

..Gas for multiple trips - $35.00 (kidding - but that's what it feels like)

..Final Stop at Publix - $12.00

Smiling Princess Buggy...... Priceless!!!

Stuff to do...

...that I'm T-O-T-A-L-L-Y avoiding!!!!

1.  Laundry (Big Surprise)

2.  Grading Tests 

3.  Writing an article for Joy Journal (Which reminds me Fuschia.... you should submit some stuff)

4.  Cleaning (Forcing it to the bottom of the list)

God is opening some amazing doors right now for me.  Because of the decisions that I have to make, I'm not posting them.  Short version.....Life as I know it will change.   That I'm sure of.

I actually got up and sorted the mountains of Laundry this morning..A-N-D.. started one load before sitting down for a double dose of coffee in front of infomercials.  (I told you I was avoiding stuff)  I'm super motivated about one of them....Zumba.  It's a Latin workout video.  I did a search and can't find any negative feedback.  They've thrown off one of the 4 payments of $19.95 and threw in hand-shaker type weights and 2 extra videos.  I'm waiting for Hubby to wake-up so he can tell me it's not in the budget.  (Which is really good for me!!- This FPU stuff is gradual.)

We're spending today at Aunt D's house for the pool and grilling!!  (More avoiding)  I'm going to work on my summer sunburn!  Of course that means I have to put on a swimsuit which means------ I'll get back on the need to loose weight kick which means------- I want to order Zumba.....see the circle?!?!?

There are 4 days left of students.  3 of which are 1/2 days.  Can we say YIPEE?!?!? I did get my contract so, I'm employed for next year.  That's a HUGE Praise-A-Lou-YA!  There were 187 first year teachers that were not renewed in the county.  

Okay... I'm off to try to grade papers... Still avoiding #1. **giggle**giggle**  

****EDIT****

Much negotiation has been taking place since I posted.  Zumba has been ordered.  I had to forego my next month's blow money which essentially means no pedicures, random purchases, or new shoes for 30 days.  But....if I loose the dress size as "promised" while having fun dancing the pounds off.. it'll be well worth it.  AND if I continue to loose by the NEXT next month... my blow money will be used for NEW wardrobe!

...p.s.  I am still doing really well at avoiding the list posted above.  Including the papers. :0)