Weekend of hiking was great!

My feet are sore by my heart is happy. I got to get two good hikes in this weekend. On Saturday I hiked the Elfin Forest trail with Monie and then on Monday,(Memorial Day) Honey (pictured here) and I did the Iron Mt trail. Both hikes where in the early morning to avoid the hot sun and crowds. And boy did the crowds appear at Iron Mt on Memorial Day. We got there at around 8 in the morning and the parking was already getting full on both sides of 67.

It has been great doing these trails. I can remember earlier this year, huffing and puffing up the trail, now they are a breeze, WhooHoo I'm getting in shape! I'm still loosing inches as well as pounds, I can even feel the difference in the weight of my body, my steps feel lighter. I know my waist is getting smaller, I've had to get rid of a bunch of pants, they just fall down! Yeah! It is hard to believe that I let myself get so out of shape. It feels so good to be in shape and feel strong.

Blessings to you all!

Morning Fog is beautiful!

Sunday morning I hiked up Highland Trail before going to church. I wanted to beat the heat of the day, but got something even better. The low foggy clouds where hanging along the mountain, you couldn't see the top. I'm always a bit nervous hiking that trail alone, not many people hike it and it is very steep, if I should slip and hurt myself, it might be a while before another hiker comes by,(I do carry my cell phone with me). I also don't want to run into any large wildlife that is hungry! Yikes! I wasin luck, a group of hikers where preparing to go up just as I arrived, so I took off just before them and then knew I had people on the trail with me! ;-D
Anyway it was cool, damp and beautiful going up the Mt. The foggy was so thick you couldn't see very far, but it made it really quiet. Up near the top, it was misting and all the spider webs where making beautiful designs. I stopped and looked at them, each one had it's own pattern, so beautiful.

Anyone that wants to walk with me, CALL ME!

Spring Hiking is Awesome!

Picture- Hope hiking through the mustard plants on Bernardo Mt. I love spring!


Oh! to be strong! I love feeling as strong as I do. I know I can be stronger, but I know I'm so very much stronger than I was this time last year. Yesterday Steve and I hiked the Highland Trail, it is about 1 1/3 mile straight up with a 800 ft elevation. While going up, I didn't feel weak, couple of times Steve wanted to stop and enjoy the view (rest), but I just wanted to keep going. When we got near the top, I was hoping to get to the gate in a certain amount of time, so I took off running, now I never ever could have done that before. It feels so good!

I'm bummed that my bone spur on my shoulder is only getting worse. I'm loosing upper body strength just as fast as I'm gaining lower body. I went yesterday and had a Cortisone shot, hoping to get the pain under some management. I want to get through this summer with Hope, enjoy myself and then think about surgery next fall. My doctor gave me some exercises to try to strengthen my arms, I hope they work, cause I starting to feel like a weakling in the arm area. Pretty funny, I start out saying how strong I feel and then go into the weak stuff. weirdo!

I'm thinking of joining a woman's soccer team this summer, it would help keep me in shape. I've been running down at the Lake some mornings and trying to get anyone that will go with me on hikes up any hills or mountains around. Monie and Steve both did ones with me last week. Any takers??? I promise I won't run up the hills!! ;-D

As far as my weight goes, I got sort of slack there for a while, eating to much and not getting enough exercise. My weight went up a few pounds but I've taken it back off. I now would like to drop 5 pounds by June 1, might not be to realistic, but ya' got to have a goal!

Been to busy to post lately

Sorry for not posting lately. This whole senior year and college prep is way more involved than I anticipated. I am so glad that I started this road to better health at the beginning of the year, rather than waiting to do it after Hope went off to college. I do not think I could have functioned at the level I have been, if I'd been eating and lack of exercise like I had been.

Since I last posted I haven't been getting the great hikes, a few here and there, I miss it terribly. Miss you Dev! But I'm still trying to get in what I can. It is hard to get out and do strong hill type hikes, most of them are in more remote areas and I do not feel comfortable hiking alone in these areas. We have a great hike just across the street from me, but it is remote and I worry about either falling or coming to some sort of mishap while out alone. Rattlesnakes are starting to show up, so now I have to be extra careful with Nari. I think she is rattlesnake safe, last one we came across, she literally jumped from the snake and kept her distants, even with out the rattle of the snake.
But you just never know if she just stepped on one by accident...or me for that matter. I almost did that one day, it was in the street I was walking, just sunning it's self, I was talking with a friend and didn't even notice it, until my friend grabbed me and yanked me out of the way. Close call! But don't let my snake stories scare you off from calling me and asking me to go for a walk with you... I'll keep my eyes out!
So as far as my weight and measurements go... I've stayed at the same weight for the past month, but have lost a few 1/2 inches in a few spots. I haven't been following my eating plan as well as I'd like, I just have to get back in to the good habits. I still watch my portion sizes, try to limit the sweets and carbs but don't do it to the extreme it takes to loose weight. Really like to get at least 5 more lbs off this summer.

Anyone up for some early morn hikes? Late afternoon or early evening hikes, (it's stays light till 7:30)???

Still out there in the hills, when possible

Hope and Lee joined me on Friday for a hike into Blue Sky Reserve. The wild flowers are there, but not as spectacular as last year after the fire. We went half way up to the Ramona Dam, but none of where up to going the whole way. I have been sick for 2 and a half weeks, some sort of cold that just won't let go. I'm dying to get out and do some good hikes, my body just doesn't want to do it. Sunday evening LaVonne and I did a nice 4 and 1/2 mile hike up at Daly Ranch, probably would not have done as long and hard a hike, except we sort of got lost. It was all good, luckily we ran into a ranger that pointed us in the right direction.

For those of you wondering, my weight has sort of stabilized at the 20 lbs off. I still want to loose some more, but having been sick sort of slowed the process. Even though I'm not loosing weight, I'm still seeing my size getting smaller, I have gone down 4 sizes in my pant size. I even had to go out and buy new undies, they where to big. How cool is that! Hope and I went to the thrift store the other day and I stocked up on some shorts and work out pants.

Today's Eats
Breakfast- 1/2 cup granola with strawberries and blueberries and soy milk
Lunch - Fiesta Salad at Rubio's
Snack - 2 large chocolate chip cookies (and me bad-1 bag of peanut M&Ms)
Dinner- 1 chicken thigh and a slice of zucchini pie

Well I'm off to bed, but before I go, to make up for the M&Ms, I'm going to do 40 more sit-ups!!

Hit my 20 Lbs. mark today!

Can't believe it, I finally saw my scale hit 144, I didn't think it would happen this week. I've been busy and not getting as much exercise as I'd have liked and ate way to much chocolate this past week. I'm still watching my portions but not being as careful of the stuff I eat.

It was nice today at church 3 people noticed that I looked a lot thinner. It really helps when others notice, some times you start to wonder if you look any different. I know I'm loosing inches even if my weight isn't dropping, I did another measurement yesterday and I have lost 15.75 inches total. Just in my tummy area I've lost 4.75 inches and my waist is down 3 inches. I know I lost inches, cause most of my pants now are way to big for me. I'm still going to wait to go shopping for anything new, I am setting a new goal of losing 6 more lbs.

Yesterday Devonay and I hiked Gooden Ranch, east of Poway, it was an easy hike,about 4.5 miles. Not much for the hill climbing, so we just walked fast! Today Steve and I hike to the top of Bernardo Mt, harder hike, but Steve kept stopping to take pictures so I didn't feel like I was pushing myself. It was beautiful up there. Tons of flowers every where and big puffy clouds in the blue sky, nothing better!

Time to get serious again!

Okay, been sitting at this weight for over two weeks. I'm going to start tomorrow posting what I'm eating and exercising regularly again. It really helps to write down what I'm eating and doing, it is to easy to just let a few chips, M&M's or ice cream to just pass my lips. If I have to be accountable to this blog then that's what I'm going to do. I have set a new goal of 139, just getting myself into the 130's will be a challenge, I haven't seen those numbers for over 15 years.

Please pray that my body stays in shape, I've been dealing with a weak back and wobbly knees. I think I will start doing my core work too. I have to remember that!! Ask me next time you see me or e-mail and ask, please!

Yesterday Devonay and I hike Ellie Lane, up on Iron Mt. We didn't get to go as far as we'd like, I had to get back for a event for school. We did a 2 1/2 hour hike, saw all kinds of pretty flowers and there was water still in some of the small stream beds. We where able to look for some geocaches, I'm glad we did it, they usually always take you to an interesting spot. One of them took us to a site that said to look next to a bath, what? But sure enough, just off the trail, unnoticed by us, was a slow weeping water sourse that feed a spot that looked just like a bath tub. It was so cool, I just love little surprises like that.

2 Month Measurements & Weight

Meant to get this posted this weekend, but I got to busy! But, WOW! Check out how well it is going!! I have to say it has been a delight to get back to working out and eating right! I love the fact that my family has taken to the eating diet I've been following. On top of that I feel so much better. The bloating and stomach gas is gone, I'm not waking up during the night constantly , well the hot flashes are still waking me.

This week, so far I walked with Marty on Monday and Lee today. I want to get out everyday if I can, I just love getting out and walking or hiking. So if any of you want to get out and clear your head and get the oxygen into the brain, CALL ME!

My 2 Month Measurements and Weight Comparisons

Today's .......... 2Months Ago.............. Loss

Neck -14"..................15.0"....................... 1.0"
Arms - 11.5 ............. 12.75"...................... 1.25
Breast - 39.5 .......... 41.50" ......................2.0
Waist - 32.5 ............35.00"...................... 2.5
Tummy - 37.5 ........ 40.50" ..................... 3.0
Butt - 39.5 ..............41.50"....................... 2.0
Thigh - 21.5............ 23.00" ...................... 1.5

.........................................Inches lost 13.25
and weight
146 ..........................146....................... 18 lbs

Back up to Lake Ramona

What a fantastic day for a morning hike. Clear skies, semi-warm and a nice breeze. Devonay and I hiked from the Blue Sky Reserve parking lot, took about 45 minutes to get to the top, keeping a good pace the whole way. But, man oh man that last hill is a grunt. We kept hiking around the lake a bit, looking for shade to sit in, finally just plunked down on the trail. We both ate our apples and enjoyed the view. It is so quiet up there, I love the stillness.
Coming down I took it easy, after my experience on Mt. Woodson, I didn't want to knock myself out. Along with sore thigh muscles from doing a bunch of squats and lunges the day before, I knew my limits. Taking me a bit to realize just how hard I can push this old body.

The rest of the day was spent sitting in front of the computer. Blah! But this evening after going out to dinner I went by the Iceoplex and photographed our kids from school playing broomball. I'm sure I loooked quite funny out on the ice dressed and in high heels. Couple of times I had to yell out "Don't hit me!, I'm in high heels!" My feet took a bit to thaw out, but I'm warmed up enough now to hit the sack....Good Night!

Breakfast
1 lean sausage
1 scrambled egg
water

Lunch
turkey slice, cheese slice and some peperoni slices

Dinner
Wonderful creamy asparagus Thai soup and a wonderful green salad with feta cheese.

Snack during the day
1 cheddar cheese stick and some dried fruit. Also ate about 8 gummy bears.

Today's Eats:
Pre-Breakfast snack- Apple
Walked with Lee for about 45 minutes this morning.
Breakfast - 1 scrambled egg
Lunch - BIG salad, with turkey, cheese, lots of veggies, dessert- 1/2 dark chocolate bar
Snack- 1/2 cup potato chips (after my hike)
Dinner- 1 Brat and 1/2 cup"rice" mac and cheese

Got a great hike in with Devonay, we hike up to the top of Bernardo Mt. The views up there are great, all the way to the ocean. You can see most on Lake Hodges, just the dam area is out of sight. Coming down, I had a stepping stone roll out from under me and I fell. Not to bad, but banged up my arm and pulled a muscle in my arm.
This week end will be my 2 month mark, I'm really hoping to be down 20lbs total by then, I hope so! So stay tuned!!!

What I ate today...

Just wanted to post what I ate, so I'd start thinking more about it.
Breakfast
1 lean sausage
1 scrambled egg
water and vitamin

Lunch
Big green salad with spinach, apple, cranberries, dried cherries, tomatoes, feta and pinenuts

Dinner
Pretty much same as lunch

Snack during the day
1 dark chocolate candy bar, (WHY)

I'm still here!

I'm still trying to get in shape! I really had a bad time of it with my back. It took a little over a week to get to where I could go from sitting to standing with out pain. I haven't done any core work, so afraid I'll throw my back out again. But tomorrow I'll try doing some light stuff along with some stretching. I did get a few walks in this past week, I walked in the San Pasqual Valley with LaVonne, we did probably 4 miles. Then I walked with Honey on Friday morning down at Lake Hodges, that was probably only 3 miles.

I find that if I'm not posting what I'm eating here, I eat more!!! Maybe be not so much more as the wrong stuff. It really helps me when I have to think about what I'm eating and what kind of example I'm being to my friends. Even with the lack of hikes and not eating as well as I'd like, I've still been able to shed some more weight and inches. See new stats listed to the right. So I'm going to try to be better about posting, this past two weeks have been crazy. Hope and I had to finish up the school yearbook, I knew we'd get stuck with the job of finishing it and it'd be a full time job, and it was! I'm soooo glad it is finished and off to the printers! I hope it meets the expectations of the students.

Once I find the surface of my desk, I'd love to start walking, hiking exercising and fellowshipping with some of you. Let me know if you want to go out for a walk. Please, don't think that just because I love to hike the mountains that I wouldn't just as much enjoy a walk around the park! CALL ME!

High on Hiking

This week has had it's highs and it lows. After the previous week, of great hikes. I thought I'd keep it going. But the weather and my body decided differently. On Monday it rained to much to really get out. But, on Tuesday both Devonay and I where ready for a good hike. Problem was we didn't start out early enough, ended up starting out at 2:30. We met at the Poway Lake parking lot and spoke with the Ranger. He said the gates would be locked at 5:30, would we have enough time to get to the top of Mt.Woodson and back in three hours? The trail map says it's a 5 hour hike, but we figured the 5 hours was for people that don't hustle, so we set off to see how far we could go. We did hustle, watched the time closely, we made it to the top in 2 hours. There where a few spots where we were huffing and puffing but it felt good to put my body through the stress. Then we realized we only have 1 hour to get back down, so off we ran, yes ran. We ran probably 3/4 of the way down, I had forgotten to wear my knee brace, dumb! But really dumber to run with out it. I was feeling okay until we got pretty near the last 1/4 of the trail, that was when we had to slow up and take it easy. Slowly but surely more and more muscles told me I had over done it. I was feeling pretty wobbly by the time we got to the bottom. But we made it in 45 minutes! That night I slept like a baby, I was soooo tired!
The rains and sore muscles kept me off the trail the next day, but I was looking forward to good weather and happy hiking.
Thursday morning I had to go in to Hope's school and get some photos for the yearbook, as I was waiting for some of the teachers to get out of class, I started photographing stuff in the chem lab, I squatted down to take a counter level pictures of some beakers and I felt this sudden, painful twinge in my lower back. That was it, I've down since. I've never had a back pain so painful, I could hardly shuffle back to my car. I came home up ice on it, heat on it, and took Ibuprofen, I've been really slow ever since. You have no idea how frustrating this is!!!!
I've been eating well most of the time. I'm trying to follow the theory I shared earlier of eating proteins and carbs separate. I can't always do it, it sometimes makes it difficult to plan meals. But if I took a bit more time and actually planned the meals I'd have a better chance of succeeding. I did eat some chocolate this week. I had some M&M's and then I baked Hoe a gluten free chocolate cake, I had a really small piece. But last night Hope and Steve made me a Valentine's dinner, yummy. Hope mad chocolate dipped long stem strawberries, WOW!!! They where good, I ate 3, but I could have eaten 4, but I gave my extra on to Hope's friend Dalton, so I did show some restraint.;-}
My weight is still hovering between 149 and 150, I'm on one of those frustrating plateaus. I'm hoping that by early next week I'll be able to start my walking again, but as of this morning, I still have a painful area in my back and right hip. I'm going to really try to let it heal!!!

Early Morning Hike Between Rain Showers

This morning Steve joined Devoany and I on one of our hikes. We didn't do a long hard one, just one to get the blood pumping before a day spent at the computer. Lucky for us the air was crisp, the puddles were manageable. We had a few really light sprinkles, but other than that it was awesome. We could see the snow on the mountains and big dark clouds off in the distance, but where we were was pleasant. We hiked up to the top of Raptor Ridge, not to long of a hike about 3 miles total. On our way down the steeper part near the top, Nari suddenly jumped back from near the edge of the trail, she had been in a rocky outcrop, I thought she was jumping back from a snake, she has done that before, but on further, quick examination, I realized that she had put her nose in to a large bee hive. When I got her away from it, there was still a bee on her neck, but it didn't get through her fur to sting her. She may have gotten stung on her face, but so far I don't see any evidence of it.

Steve and I had a good breakfast before leaving, had scrambled eggs with pepper jack cheese melted on top served with salsa and some lean sausages. After coming home I had 2 tangerines and then a small handful of nuts. That is where I'm at now writing, so stay tuned, have a blessed day!

Woo! Hoo! I'm in the 140's, just barely!

Today feels like a mile stone! The scale read below 150, it was 149.5. It feels so good, I've lost 14.5 lbs in the past 5 weeks, but more than that, Ive gotten stronger, healthier and slimmer! And if you look at my measurements, they tell the tale even more. I've lost overall 10.6 inches, Wow, that is noticeable. If you notice my neck these days, it is 1 inch smaller that new years day, too cool! It really bugged me to see my neck in photos, always having more than enough for a double chin. Now I know I'm not where I want to be yet, but it is getting there. My pants fit better, my shirts aren't as tight and as strange as it might sound, my shoes are getting really loose. At first I thought I just was wearing socks that where thinner, but all my socks are to thin now, I'm sliding around in my shoes. Can't wait for the pants to be to big!

This past week was fun, Devonay and I did a couple of really long hard hikes. First on Sunday, as I posted before we did the hike up to the Olivehain Dam, then on Tuesday we hiked every trail we could find at Torrey Pines State Park, did about 9 miles of good steep climbs, (see picture) going down to the beach twice. Then on Thursday we did Ellie Lane, which is a very strenuous hike up around Iron Mountain. At first we where both a bit pooped out from the previous hard hikes, but as usual or second wind kicked in and it was a blast! On this hike we set out early anticipating the rain later in the day, it was lovey with the clouds building all morning, getting cooler and cooler, especially as we got hotter and hotter from trekking at a quick pace. This hike took us along 9 miles of major ups and downs. Boy was I glad to get back to my car and sit!!! I've worn a knee brace the last two hikes, seems to really help, I don't have pain, even though the next day I can feel the need to really stretch out the legs.

Eating has been good! I am trying to follow the idea of not mixing the carbs with the proteins. Not always successful, but I do see a difference in the way my hunger is abated while following that plan. I must admit, with a family to feed, a teenage with friends stopping in for meals, it is not always possible to follow. As well as my desire to have things like berries on my granola with 2% milk. And hardest is my trail mix, love the dried fruit with the raw nuts, but if you follow Suzanna Sommers book, she says to not mix fruit with anything. Well, so far I say bah, humbug!

We are eating a lot more salads, steamed veggies and good proteins and a lot less carbs. I notice that the loaf of bread I bought at the beginning of the week, is still sitting on the counter and only two slices are missing from the package. I don't crave carbs as much, well at least not the starchy things, I do still crave chocolate, but I've been able to really moderate it. I'm not into total denial of all yummy things!

Check out my new stats on the side bar. Also I plan to change the slide show in the next day or two, so check out the pictures from the last couple of hikes. Any of you thinking about doing something like I am, I totally encourage you, it feels so good to be back in control!
Hope to see you out on the trails! Come join me, seriously, call me or e-mail me!

Super Hike and Super Bowl!

Last week was tough for me, my knee was still hurting most of the week so I didn't get a good hike in until Friday. Honey and I did about 3+ miles down at Lake Hodges, not much for elevation, but a good fast hike. What a beautiful part of the country we live in, we need to get out more and see the beauty God as given us!
Sunday, Super Bowl Sunday, I met up with Devonay between church service and the game. We hiked up to the Olivehain Dam,(see pictures above) above Lake Hodges. We started down at the parking lot on Harmony Grove Rd., it was a 7 mile loop, there is about a 700 foot elevation, done with switch backs most of the way, it is strenuous but not difficult. We passed many families with small children working their way to the top. So, girls if you want a beautiful view along with a good work out, this is the place. Devonay and I kept praising the Lord for such a sweet spot to be hiking. There is shade at least half of the lower part of the trail and an awesome flowing, and I mean really flowing stream at the base of the hike. Devonay and I decided to do the botanical trail at the base on our way back to the car. When we got to the stream we realized we'd have to rock hop across the stream, it is quite wide. So I had to confess to Devonay that I had no sense of balance. We must have looked hysterical, here I am not able to navigate a bunch of rocks in a stream and her with her purple cast holding my hand. I kept having this horrible fear that I'd take her down into the water with her cast. Thankfully we got across. SO heads up to anyone that wants to hike places that you need balance, you either leave me at home or help me, please!

As far as eating goes, things are good. I did fall of the wagon a bit with some milk chocolate chips in the house, but other than that I've kept to not eating big portions and not snacking all day. It seems to be paying off. I can feel that my body is changing shape, my neck feels thinner, my legs are totally get thinner and toned up, the muscles are taking over the fat space! Now the tummy is another story, I don't know if it is just the last to start burning off or am I doing my sit-ups wrong or WHAT?! But I'd like it to be different!

That has brought me to a book I'm reading now. It is written by Suzanne Sommer, I like the theory she is sharing. The book states that if you are "thick" in the middle, if you are a woman with thickness around the reproductive areas, such as the stomach, hips, thighs and buttocks, then you have raised insulin levels. That means your cells are filling up with sugar and will eventually not accept any more! That means any sugar you eat from that moment on will be stored as FAT! She basically says that you you should eliminate sugar and foods high in starch. At each meal choose either a combination of proteins, fats and veggies or a meal of whole grain carbs and veggies. East as much as you want until you are full. Eat fruit alone on an empty stomach. She writes about how hormone imbalances affect weight gain and how to maintain your weight though what you eat. I've just started the book, done some skimming to see what it's about, but I'll let you all know if I think it's a good idea. I'm going to at least try the idea out. But I can already see where our eating habits will have to make some marked changes and will my family go for it? I made a breakfast this morning that was the protein and veggies, Hope thought it was to heavy for a breakfast. I sauteed onion, bell peppers and diced tomatoes then made wells on it, added eggs to poach and when they where almost finished I added shredded cheddar cheese on top. Served it with some lean sausage. It will be interesting to see how long that meal hold me over today.

Bum Knees and Hormones getting me down!

After my hike with Devonay on Sunday, my knees haven't been the same. I keep hoping every morning that they will feel fine, but alas they still feel really tight. To top that off I started my period Saturday night...no wonder I felt so bloated! So Monday and Tuesday I did my core exercises, I can do a ton of sit-ups now... without loosing steam.
Food was an issue for for a few days, I was craving chocolate. I made Hope some gluten free brownies, I do hope she got a few! :-( But beyond that I did okay. No big portions at meals, not a bunch of snacking. I still try to eat my meals early in the evening. I've been getting used to the feeling of being hungry when I finally get to bed. It feels good to feel hungry, I know I'm not stuffing my face!
More later...

Been busy the past few days!

All is still going well with my healthy eating! I didn't abandon my ways, just been busy with other stuff and haven't written.
Friday morning Honey and I did a quick hike up Highlands Trail, we didn't have time to get all the way to the top. I was bummed I had to turn us back, it was so close. The weather was a bit drizzly, but that helped keep us cool. That trail is so steep, you totally feel the strain in your calves and thighs. At least I did, Honey seemed to just glide up the hill and coming down I think she had a great advantage, she wasn't carrying an extra 40 lbs on her frame, so she probably didn't feel like she was going to just slide down from gravity. It really is that steep!

I spent the rest of the day getting "things" done. I can't totally remember what I ate, but I think I was totally doing okay! It's hard to remember the last meal, let alone what I ate three days ago.

Saturday, I didn't do anything but sit at my computer looking at old photos from old files I had forgotten about. Then I had the bright idea that I'd upload a bunch a pictures of kids from the past few years. The day was lost before I knew it! But it has been worth it, so many kids have been contacting, even parents. Now the parents are thanking me, some of the kids can't believe I upload the pictures to Facebook. Hey, that's the way they looked 4 years ago, I can't change that! He he he!!!

I knew I was going to a pot-luck dinner that evening, so I had salads for both breakfast and lunch, I wanted to be able to have fun eating what ever I wanted. What is great is, I didn't even over eat!! That is such a great feeling, I had no desire to eat tons of food. That would have been what I would have done in the past. But I ate a pretty balanced plate. I even asked for them to cut my piece of B-day cake in half.... that is totally a new me!

Today Devonay and I did a BIG walk! We walked 11 miles and I'm feeling it in my knees. Pray for me that I don't mess them up! We started out at the staging area down by Via Rancho and the 15, Sikes Adobe Home area, we walked up San Pasqual Valley and then up to the top of Raptor Ridge. That last mile up is the only hard part, if you want to call it hard. We stopped up top for about 15 minutes, had a well deserved break, snack and some Gatorade. My dog Nari came with us, she seemed to be dragging the last few miles up, so I stopped and gave her some of my Gatorade, it seemed to totally perk her up.

When we left the top, Devonay and I jogged down to the bottom, about a mile, it felt so good to be running! But half way home my knees really started to hurt, we had to slow way down. By the time we got back to our cars, all I could think of was a hot bath! Which I didn't get, just a hot shower, oh! well, I'm still thankful for that!

Today's Eat's:
Breakfast - granola with blueberries and lowfat milk
Snack after church- 1 dunker cookie, 1 brownie
Lunch - what lunch? I did have 1/3 apple, some green grapes and 1 bag of nuts& dried fruit on the trail.
Dinner - pasta with a tomato and garlic sause, a bit of Parmesan cheese
Dessert- 1 brownie

Man I didn't eat very well today, I need to get more greens and fruit. I'll make that a priority for tomorrow.

High on Iron Mountain!

Yesterday, the clouds where beautiful! Wow, I love to watch them, all day they kept looking different. We expected to get some rain while hiking up to the top of Iron Mt., but just got wonderful cloud cover. Devonay and I set out at a good pace, we decided to time ourselves and see if each time we do an area, can we best our times. We made it to the top in 1 hr and 4 minutes, that seems to be a pretty good time since it is such a big elevation gain. We stayed up top for a bit, had a picnic snack, our usual fruit, nuts and water. We meet a couple of young men, one of them made the hike with his 6 month old daughter in a front pouch-pack. Turns out they are in a East County hiking group, we exchanged e-mails so they could send us info on hikes. Sounds like they are serious hikers, but I might be able to keep up after a few weeks of chasing Devonay up these trails. When we came down the trail, we started to run, how fun is that? We ran about a third of the way down before I started to feel twings in my knee and called a halt to it. It was actually easier to come down at a run then walking. It was like doing moggles while skiing, sort of just glancing off each of the rocks stead of hitting them hard.

The view up there where great. The San Vicente Lake below was like glass, not a bit of a breeze. Yet up at the top a breeze was setting in and I was actually getting cold before we started down the Mt. Looking west you could see all the way to the to Coronado Is of Mexico as well as seeing the tall buildings over on Coronado Is. here in San Diego. (see picture below)

Hope and I started a class together at Palomar, "Screen Printing" So every Monday and Wednesday nights we'll be going to class. We want to learn the screen printing technology so if ever Hope wants to go into business with it, we'll have the info. I'm there to learn the part of the equipment, she's there to learn how to get the design to the equipment, team work!

Everyone, have a blessed day! Remember to Thank the Lord for your good health!

The Day's Eats:

Breakfast - 1 hard boiled egg, a large handful of berries and water
Snack on the trail - Apple, 1/2 Lara Bar (Chocolate/Coconut) and water, lots of water!
Lunch - 1 LARGE macaroon cookie! (thanks Devonay! ;-) )
Snack before school- 1/2 bag of nuts and fruit
Dinner - 2 taquitos with avocado and salsa, 5 tortilla chips with some salsa, more water
Dessert - like I needed this ! LARGE Macaroon Cookie!

See my new weight and measurement post on the side bar. My weight hasn't changed much but my measurements are getting smaller. Must be building muscles and getting rid of the fat!

Ladies, let's take a hike!

Seems the hiking bug is contagious! Well that is a bit of a stretch, but yesterday we had four of us walking at Blue Sky Reserve. Devonay encouraged her sister to come and La Vonne joined us as well. We left Blue Sky and headed to Poway Lake for a shorter walk because the ladies where not prepared for the grunt walk all the way up to Lake Ramona. It was a beautiful day, we actually walked from 1-3pm, which I normally would never do. But, being winter it isn't as hot, so it is doable. The lake was beautiful, glassy , with the clouds reflecting off the water a few swans, seagulls and a fisherman out in is boat. Nice views!

The rest of my day was hectic, crazy and no time to see straight, so the hike was my moment of peace! I'm still enjoying the feeling of getting my strength back. Each day I wake up with anticipation of how I will conquer the desire to eat anything and everything! It hasn't been to hard actually. I think that by taking the time to do all the hikes that I've been doing, really doesn't leave me time to hang out in the kitchen. Actually, I think Steve is getting ready for a few more regular meals. But I made a deal with him at the beginning, I let him pick one meal a day that he could fend for himself, that way it would give me time to get out and exercise as well as not eat 3 big meals a day. Steve picked breakfast, easy to make oatmeal, cereal or even toast and fresh fruit. Now I don't have to think about that one extra meal and I can grab a light breakfast, except yesterday's breakfast. It was Hope's first day back at Palomar, she had a 8 am class and I wanted her to leave the house with a good breakfast in her, so I cooked breakfast for everyone. I did forgo the toast and have fruit instead!

Today's Eats:
Breakfast - 1 slice bacon, 1 friend egg, 1/4 cantaloupe
Lunch - Rubio's Fish Taco and water (and a few of La Vonne's chips and beans)
After Hike Snack- 1 bag of nuts and dried fruit (210 calories)
Afternoon Craving!- 1 square of milk chocolate
Dinner - 1/2 Chipotle Burrito in a Bowl, 1 small slice of bread w/ butter
Dessert - 1 square of milk chocolate

Eat Right, Exercise and Give your Life to God!

To Busy to Eat!

Yesterday I didn't have time to walk, but I did do my home core work. I'm trying to figure out how to do the sit-ups that will help slim my waist and not just make me look bulky. Karen, you got any ideas for me?

Speaking of Karen, yesterday I photographed her "BootCamp" exercise class. I had taken this class last summer for a month, she really knows how to whip you into shape. Anyone interested in a great personal trainer or wants to join her classes, she teaches in Escondido and Ramona; here is her contact info:
Karen Gantzer
Fit 2 the Core
760.420.0979
klgantzer@gmail.com

Later in the day I took Hope and another senior girl friend down to Oceanside Pier to do a photoshoot of senior pictures. I knew with the coming weather pattern, we'dd get some good sunset pictures, I was right, it was beautiful! We sure are lucky to live in such an awesome place.

Today's Eats:
Breakfast - small bowl of granola with strawberries and low-fat milk
Lunch - 1 hard boiled egg, 10 potato chips
Dinner - 1/2 Chipote Burrito in a bowl
Dessert - 1 square of milk chocolate
I just didn't really have time to eat! I'll try to get more greens and fruit in the coming days!

I'm back!

I'm finding that I am having a much easier time now, the cravings aren't as strong, I'm getting into shape, I'm feeling stronger. Food doesn't pull at me like it did two weeks ago. Saturday I helped our Art Gallery have a garage sale, someone brought doughnuts, usually I would consume at least two, this time I took a small corner off of one and wasn't tempted the rest of the day. I came prepared, brought my water, energy bar, a tangerine and a small bag of nuts and dried fruit. I didn't need anything else. It felt so good to not be out of control!

Today I was thinking about my motives for doing this. Am I doing it for my health, for my desire to look better or have I considered that my body is a temple of the Lord's? I think that if I consider that I want to take better care of what is God's property, that would be a much better reason. I'm going to try to get that perspective in my mind as well as my heart.

I went up to Lake Ramona,(see picture of the lake at the bottom of the page) this afternoon with Devonay. She just had wrist surgery last week, but was willing and happy to hike all the way up with me. What a beautiful afternoon. It was so quiet up there. And I got to see an amazing sunset all the way home. What was really great was I didn't feel as tired and shaky near the end like I did last week, I must be getting in better shape!
Today's Eats:
Breakfast - 1 slice whole grain toast with butter and honey and 1/4 cantalope slice.
Lunch - small piece of home-made pizza
Hiking snack - 1 apple and 1/2 small bag of nuts and dried fruit.
Snack after the hike- some tortilla chips and salsa ( while watching the rest of the sunset!)
Dinner - 2 chicken tenders, breaded and baked, 3/4 cup fresh streamed green beans and 2 slices of home-made bread, yummmmm! I had a very small slice of friendship cake as well. oh! well!

Head is clear, bod is shrinking!

I am amazed at how much betterI have been feeling! You don't realize how food affects you, until you change what you're eating. I have so much more energy, I don't feel foggy and I'm not craving chocolate and sweets as much.

YEAH! I'm Still Going Down!

This is just a quick morning post to have a Whoo Hoo moment with myself! I weighed in this morning and I ave lost 3 more lbs, so that brings me down 10lbs. total! Wow! Yeah! I'm still losing inches, but by smaller amounts. I'm okay with that as long as it is going down. My tummy area is still the same, that is the most frustrating!!! It is the one area of my body that really bugs me to start with. But I know that is where I store my fat, now I'll need to work harder on it!

Got go do some sit-ups! Post more later!
See my 2nd Week stats on left side bar.

Today's Eats:
Breakfast - small bowl of granola wit cranberries and lowfat-milk
Lunch - No time, but i ad a really good nut and fruit bar with about 12 oz of water
Dinner- BIG taco salad, I put in fresh corn off the cob, black beans, taco meat, onion, tomato, cilantro jicama, yum-yum!

Back on the road again!

Whoo Hoo! I'm walking again! Steve and I walked, fast, 2 miles this evening down at Lake Hodges. What a pretty time to walk, the sun had already set, the birds where making there way to shore. As it got darker and darker the water looked black, yet you could see the glistening V shaped trails of the ducks paddling toward home. There are still tons of sea gulls that are staying on the lake, they came after the big rains around Christmas and haven't left. Must be some good eats on the lake!

Speaking of eats; here is my intake for the day!
Breakfast -1 fried egg, 1 slice of bacon and 1/2 english muffin
Lunch - Ugh! I didn't get one, but I ate a small snack pack of raw nuts and dried cranberries.
Snack - 10 potato chips
Dinner - Large spinach and lettuce salad with tomatoes, monterey jack cheese, cranberries and pine nuts with a raspberry dressing.
I did drink tons of water as well!

I forgot to add, this morning while making parts for Steve, I once again used the time wisely and did all kinds of exercises. Now mind you I have to be creative, there is only about 3 feet at best between the machines I'm working on so I create some interesting exercises. Thank goodness no one is watching me, I'm sure they would think I'd lost my mind! I also did some tummy work, that is sit-ups for those of you that want to work that area!!

Tomorrow will be two weeks, stay tuned for my new weight and measurements!!

Knee problems again...getting me down!

Yesterday I ran for the first time in awhile. I got up at 6:30 so I could go down to the lake and have a run before church. I guess I pushed myself a bit to hard. I did a walk/run for about 2 miles in half hour. I didn't really feel any pain in the knee until later that afternoon. The pain isn't in the same place it was bothering me earlier in the seek. This time it is in the front, just below the knee cap. I hurts when I turn my leg while walking. Big bummer! I get sort of depressed when I can't get out and I want to eat!

Today I couldn't go for a walk because the knee is still bothering me so I did my core exercises. I was pretty sore yesterday after doing them for the first time the day before. It is amazing how out of shape we become when we slack off. My biceps where quite sore from the push ups and I could feel my stomach muscles for sure! But as I sit here this evening writing, most of the discomfort has gone away, we'll see how I feel tomorrow morning.

I helped Steve make some of his parts today. While working on the machines I usually have a 30 second to 50 second wait between putting new parts into the machine. So I used that time to do some exercises, like heel lifts, toe lifts, squats, and even picked up some heavy pieces of metal and did some arm curls. I'm sure Steve thought I looked crazy, but why waste the time just starring at a part being made over and over again.

Today's Eats:
Breakfast- Hard boiled Egg, water
Snack-5 M&Ms
Lunch- Usual Sandwich +1/4 Avacado and some tomato
Dessert- Some cookie dough, about 2 cookie worth
Snack- 8 potato chips
Dinner- Stir fry of chicken, veggies and rice noodles

Not a great day for eating, I really had a chocolate craving!

Does any One Even Read My Blog?

I'm lonely out here in the land of blog, would love to know if any one is reading this stuff. Leave a comment now and then!
Thanks!

Time for my CORE!

Today I decided to start working the core muscles. I can see the need in my tummy for sure. As much as I don't like to do sit-ups, that is where I started. I tucked my feet under the club chair and went for it! Then I did some lunges, push-ups and other assorted exercises. I did three sets and then knew I should stop. Don't want to be so sore that I never want to do it again.
I spent the rest of the day just hanging out at the house and getting stuff done.

Steve and I headed over to the coast for a sunset photo shoot. I love to photograph the changing colors, it happens sometimes to fast. But this evening we where both amazed at how long it took the sun to set. We waited and waited for the sun to sink below the horizon, it seemed the disk of the sun flattened out and spread on the horizon, it just wouldn't go away. Very weird! The picture above was taken about half hour after the sun went down. What was really cool was the moon came up just as the sun was going down, so depending which way you looked, you had a wonderful view. I'm so glad we decided to go today.

Todays Eats:
Breakfast- 1 Tangerine, 1/2 blueberry waffle with minimal butter and syrup (that is unusual for me!) and water!
Morning Snack- 1 Tangerine
Lunch- my usual sandwich ( see previous post)+ I had a dessert- 1/2 chocolate mousse cup
Dinner- Steve and I shared a Chipote salad burrito in a bowl. I skipped the rice and had a few beans, but mostly lettuce, salsa and some steak. I have to say, it wasn't enough, I was still hunger, that is probably why I had the following.
Dessert- 1/4 more of the Mousse in a cup +5 M&Ms

Have a blessed day!

Back to Lake Hodges... but feeling good!

Once a week my friend Honey comes up to Escondido for her daughter's Great Books class, so she and I walk during it. We headed down to our usual place with Nari in tow. Nari has not been happy with me going off on these big hike with out her, but I didn't want to have to deal with a dog, new surroundings and me! Plus I took her to the Vet this week and they think she might have airborne allergies and they have her on Benedryl, she's a bit dopey.

What a beautiful day, the fog was just breaking up, hanging on the edges of the surrounding hills, some blue showing through here and there. The temp was great too, enough crisp in the air to start out with mittens on, but ending with sweatshirts off.

It is amazing how much easier my walking is, I don't even feel it. Now, my shins where a bit sore after the previous day's hike up to the summit of Iron Mt., but other than that all is good! We walked at a fast pace, easily walking 3 miles, usually I would be tired and ready to turn back when we get to the boat docks, but this time I asked if we could walk further.

Today's Eats:
Breakfast- 1/2 C granola with blueberries and lowfat milk
Snack- celery and carrot sticks
Lunch- 1/2 turkey, cheese, avocado, tomato sandwich and 1 meringue cookie
Oops- 11 M&Ms ( I couldn't stop myself ;-(
Dinner- small serving of lasagna
Dessert- 1 meringue cookie

Tomorrow I start working on the "core", never my favorite thing, but I know can see it is necessary, that tummy isn't going anywhere with out some sit-ups!

Iron Mt is for strong women!

I need to thank Devonay for keeping me hiking all week, THANK YOU Devonay!! What a great way to start loosing some weight and inches. I've never hiked so much in one week, except when I did Mammoth Mt. in high school.

We started off just walking down at Lake Hodges as I always have, then each day we bumped up the level of hiking. So, today we made it up to the summit of Iron Mt. and in good time to. Devonay was kind enough to carry my camera in her backpack, she said she wanted to start putting more weight in it to work on her core strength. It felt weird having a friend carrying your stuff, but I guess that is what a friend will do! Thanks again! Sometimes I think she regrets carrying my camera, cause she is the focus of my shutter bugging, after a while I think it gets annoying having someone "clicking" at you. I'll try to remember!

What a great hike, you get to work those "gluts", as well as your calves,(an I spelling that right?). I was a bit worried starting out, but it was not as difficult as everyone makes it out to be. Maybe, I'm just getting in better shape! :-D I really recommend this hike, the trail is easy to follow, (at least if your not totally adsorbed in listening to some ipod , hehehe) and the trail is well maintained. There aren't huge boulders to climb, a few places where you have to be light footed, but nothing extreme. The view is worth it. Bring water and go potty be for you go!

When we got to the top, we ate a snack, looked for a Geocache, (Devonay found her own kind, ask her) and we met a young honeymooning couple. I had fun taking their pictures, I'm e-mail them to them, I hope they didn't think I was a crazy lady, I made them pose, change poses, take of hats, fix their hair, yeah, they probably did think I was crazy! But it was fun!

When we where coming down, I started to feel the pain! My hips, gluts, and shins, but that is to be expected this early in the game. I'm sure my shins will be sore tomorrow, but that's okay I'll take it a bit easier cause Dev won't be available to hike.

My next goal is to start working on my core, I need to be doing some strength training, sit-ups that sort of thing. If anyone has any great ideas, I'm all ears. Remember I'm still dealing with bone spurs on my left shoulder, so I can't move it as well as I like, at least with out pain.

Today's eats:
Breakfast- 1 scrambled egg, one lean sausage pattie and 1/2 English muffin with butter and honey, water
Trail snack- 1 string cheese and lots of water!
Afternoon snack- 1 low fat lemon yogurt, 1/2 cup raw carrots and celery and about 10 tortilla chips ( I was craving salt), More water!
Dinner- pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions
Dessert- 1 Meringue cookie

If anyone wants to start walking in the mornings or work up to some really fun hikes with me, CALL ME!

Big Hike Today!

What fun! Today Devonay and I decided to push ourselves, well maybe she didn't have to but I did. We hiked from the Blue Sky Reserve parking lot, on Espola Rd, near Old Coach Rd., took the trail up to Ramona Lake by passing Poway Lakes for the mean time. The beginning of the hike is in a low tree covered area, but then about a mile in you break out in to open space, it also start to climb. You start feeling it the rise in the elevation right away, but what fun to be on eye level with Poway Lake, cool way to view it from across the valley. There is a 1000 ft elevation rise on this walk, the trail is 6.5 miles long if you do it all the way up and then around part of the lake. We found a really nice spot for a small picnic snack. I ate my breakfast up there. I think next time I should eat some breakfast before such a strenuous hike. The views from up there are worth the walk, it feels so weird to be looking down on Poway Lake.

Coming down was actually harder than going up, it was probably my legs where already tired. The rest of the day I was physically tired but I felt really rejuvenated, energy, wanting to get things done around home! :-D When I wasn't eating right and not getting exercise I was so lethargic , I had no desire to do anything, so I just ate more to get pepped up, but in the end the sugar and chocolate just did the reverse.

Here is what I ate today;

Breakfast, at the Lake - string cheese and a pear, and water
Lunch- 1/2 turkey, cheese and avocado sandwich on wheat sourdough
Dinner- I made a lasagna with rice noodles,(for Hope's sake) and used non-fat ricotta cheese and low-fat mozzarella. I had 1 meringue cookie (I just looked at the package and found out they are only 40 calories each, awesome!)
Tomorrow we plan to hike Iron Mt., I'll keep you posted....have a blessed day!

Getting in to my stride!

Today was great! I started the day with a rigorous hike down on the south side of Lake Hodges. Devonay and I wanted to hike up San Pasqual Valley, but the trails where closed, habitat restoration still going on since the With Creek fire came through this area. Even on the west side of the freeway, over by the RB Rec Center quite a few of my favorite trails where closed. But we set off on a fast pace and just took any trail that was open. Luckily the trails closest to the lake where open, it was so beautiful. We got to see all kinds of fowl on the water. We walked for 1 hr and 40 minutes, enough to bring up a sweat, but nothing really hard.
Okay! I know you all want to know how I did the first week!! Roll the drums... I'm happy to say the weight is coming off and so are the inches. I know this first week seems like I dropped quite a bit, but that always happens at first. From now on is when it is going to take more will power to keep up the good work.
So here are my stats:
--------Last Week------- This Week
Weight: --- 164---------------- 157 (WooHoo!!!!) that's 7 lbs

Neck --------15----------------- 14.75
Arm --------12.75 ------------- 12.
Breast ----- 41.50-------------- 42.25 (What!, started my period, you know!)
Waist------- 35.---------------- 34.25
Tummy ---- 40.5-------------- 39.
Butt-------- 41.5--------------- 41.5
Thigh------ 23 -----------------22.25

So, as far as inches go I lost a whole 4 inches, I'm not adding back in the breast measurement, cause we know that is just a fluctuation, it'll be gone in a day or so! This is a pretty good beginning, I wasn't expecting to loose so much at first, but hey I'll take anything I can get! I know I'll have to really knuckle down and keep up the will power.

I want to know if any one thinks my eating is a reasonable amount, I feel that I'm eating plenty, I'm not used to eating this much less, but I am quite sure I was over eating before. Speaking of eating here is what I ate today.

Breakfast- string cheese
After walk- apple and a handful of almonds
Lunch- 1 good slice of turkey meat, 1/4 cup cut-up raw veggies,1 hard boiled egg and 1 meringue cookie
Dinner- a good sized hamburger pattie 3/4 cup sliced baked potatoes in olive oil and a large salad.
Dessert- 1/2 homemade gluten free crepe with sauted apples and some whipped cream, yummy!

Resting my knee still!

Having to wait to do some hard walking is killing me! But I'm hanging in there. I still have cravings for some of my junk food, the best thing I can do is stay busy. It helps to not be at home sitting at the computer, like I am now.

I have to be honest, I can't remember anything I ate during the day except dinner. I know I didn't eat junk or anything bad. Dinner was an experiment for me. I made homemade re fried beans, they where awesome if I might say so myself. They tasted just like the Rubios pinto re fried beans. I also made Chili Rellanos, gluten free of course! They actually tasted great, I don't think you would be able to tell the difference. So the days eats where not remembered, but the fact i didn't get to walk was! Tomorrow Devonay and I have a big walk planned, can't wait!

Settling in to the New Way

It is Sunday so I decided I'd make breakfast for the family. I'm not sure if I shared with you that part of Steve helping me, is his getting his own breakfast. But this morning I knew, they wouldn't get to it, then we'd get to church and I'd hear grumblings next to me, as well as have a couple of grumpy family members by the time we get home from church.
So breakfast consisted of an egg and cheese omelet, 1/2 english muffin topped with butter and honey. One of the things I'm learning to do is not put as much butter and honey on my toast, as well as eating 1/2 instead of a whole english muffin. Size does count and before I was eating big portions, I'm having to consciously make my portions smaller.

I spent the rest of the day hanging out with my computer and helping Steve do a few light chores around the house. Just dying to get out and walk! So finally I called La Vonne to see if she'd like to come walk, Yeah! Rik was already coming over to mountain bike with Steve so she came with him and we had a nice easy walk on the pavement down at the lake we did alittle over 2 miles. I took an easy pace, protecting my knee, it didn't hurt at all. I'm going to get up that Mt with with Devonay soon! :-)

Lunch was another one of my avacado sandwiches, (they will probably be my staple for a few days thanks to the Barnes bringing avacados to church, I got 3 of them!)
Before my walk I had a hand full of nuts. Afterward I had at least 1 cup of raw veggies with a bit of dip, (I was careful!)
Dinner, I made blackened shark and rice, again I watched my portions, probably could have had a smaller piece of fish, cause it was cooked in butter, but boy was it good!
Dessert- 1 Meringue cookie

I'm feeling lighter and my fogginess is sliding off of me. I have more energy, I'm not as moody.

Please pray for me, I know this is were I start say to myself, " You deserve a break from this, you'll come back to it right away and everything will be okay" and YOU know that isn't true!!

A Day of Rest

With my knee still feeling the twing, I decided to stay off the trails today. But probably got too much walking anyway, I went shopping with Hope to get some scrap booking stuff at Michael's. We where in awe of all the wonderful things available to scrap book with. I think they need a new name for it cause we aren't using to many scraps, far from it by the prices they call for. Thank goodness for 50% off coupons!

I also stopped by the "new" Henrys, picked up tons of veggies and fruit, YUMMMMM! I picked up a Detox and Cleanse kit, it is made by Michael's Naturopathic Programs, it was on sale for 19.99. I've used it before, seems like I get a bit of help getting my body cleansed of toxins as well as I usually feel like I have more energy. Now that could be in direct relationship to the fact I'm not eating as much sugar!

Food for the day!
Morning snack - Banana
brunch- Avocado, sprout, tomato, cheese, turkey sandwich on cracked wheat sourdough and water
Dinner- 1/3 cup bean dip with about 8 chips, chicken enchilada,a bit of rice and more beans and some taco salad.
Dessert- 2 Meringues cookies

Oh! least I forget, the CHARGERS wone their game, Woohoo woo hoo!!:-D

Don't Overdue It!

Yesterday I over did it! I was feeling so good, Devonay wanted to hike, like really get a good hike in. So we meet early in the COLD, FOGGY morning down at the parking lot by the 15/Via Rancho exit. It was cold enough for me to wear my mittens, at least till we warmed up. Now, I haven't been out regularly for the past few months, but I thought I couldn't hurt myself just walking. But on our way up "Huff & Puff", at least that is what my husband calls the hill, I felt this sharp twing behind my knee. We slowed down,"baby steps", Devonay kept saying, but I knew we still had 2 and 1/2 miles to just get back to the cars.
When we got back, I promised to ice it and take it easy...ah! the Tweed's usually don't! And I didn't, as soon as I got home the phone rang, someone offering us firewood, "of course I'd love to come right over and fill my truck up!" So off Steve and I went, well it wasn't split wood, so we had to carry these very large logs and hoist them in the truck. On our way home we swung into Home Depot and rented a log splitter. So now we had to unload the truck, split the logs and stack it in the old chicken coop. Before I knew it, it was time to make dinner.
So to end the day I put my leg up with ice and a few Ibuprofen. It's still tight today, so I didn't get out, big bummer! I think I'll have to stay off it at least one more day and then do some easy stuff, sorry Devonay!

As far as eating, well you stay that busy and you don't have time to eat! But I had a half of an English Muffin with butter and honey, then string cheese after the walk, then a great spinach salad again. Later I got the munchies, I had some almond, only a hand full. Dinner was a small bowl of homemade spaghetti.

Went to bed a bit hungry, but I like that feeling instead of bloated and full feeling!

Hungry First Day...Now let's eat smart!

After my humiliating moment of posting my pictures and stats, I was motivated to get in shape! My morning flew away and I didn't have time for a regular breakfast, so by the time I had time, it was closer to lunch time. I made myself a yummy spinach, feta and apple salad with pine nuts and cranberries with a balsamic and olive oil dressing. It was so tasty, I went out on the deck and sat in the sun to eat it, just getting some sunshine I think helps the mind! After a long walk with a few friends I came back very hungry, dangerous part of the day, love my afternoon snacks. Hope happen to be in the kitchen getting a piece of our homemade banana bread, so I had her cut me a very small slice. Later I was still really hungry so I measured out 1/4 cup of a nut mix, usually I would just take the bag to my office and munch with out thinking. Dinner was a big taco salad, I put in tons of veggies, even spinach.
I'm not count calories, but I'm watching how much food goes over the lips! Today I'm going on a long hard hike with Devonany, we are going to do the north east side of Hodges. I'll let you know how we did! Off to get my breakfast!