rome wasn't built in a day

I gained a pound.  Seriously, I gained one and I'm really angry about it.  I've been counting every morsel I put in my mouth all week, I've been under my calorie goal consistently, I've been walking, I've been working out, I haven't eaten out...and...nothing...actually worse then nothing although I don't know the word for it...

I get that I've only really been back on the wagon for a few days but I had hoped that if I didn't lose I would at least stay the same; gaining was never an option!  As I stood there on the scale this morning I went through every excuse possible in my head...the scale must be broken...I had a lot of sodium yesterday, I must be retaining water...I lifted more then usual this week so my muscles are making me weigh more...  But at the end they're all just excuses and the truth is I need to stay on track and give it time...which blows because I am NOT a patient person...  

Here's how my Thursday went...(I actually told a friend I was feeling skinny that morning)...

1. Walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  3896 steps.  I tried to wander around as much as possible at work because I knew I wouldn't get many steps that evening.  I had a thirty-one party scheduled and most people find it odd when you pace for no reason.  2 days accomplished.

My boss actually just got a Fitbit and we're "friends" so I'm hoping that watching how much she runs around will inspire me to get up more often.

2. Workout at least 5 times.  I didn't workout.  The thirty-one party took up the majority of my evening and by the time I got home I was just too darn tired to work up a sweat.  I should really try to exercise in the morning sometime.  2 workouts complete.

3. Eat out less then 5 times.  I did not eat out again!  In fact I stopped home in between work and the thirty-one show to make myself a quick taco from Wednesday nights leftovers.  1 meal out. 

4. Have a total burn of at least 3500 calories.  Per Angela's theory, I'm at a 3457 total burn for the week.  Per my previous way of thinking I'm at 1457 total burn for the week.

Don't forget about my giveaway!   Just comment on the post and get a chance to win this pretty J Crew Bubble Necklace!

Five for Friday ~ 4/27/12

1. You didn't complain once about going to my work event during a Flyers playoff game.

2. You enjoyed my "alcoholic" weekend.

3. You're always happy to hear I'm going/went to the gym.

4. You're super supportive of my thirty-one endeavor.

5. Every time I bitch about my weight you tell me not to worry "we're going to start eating better."

 April 2012

thursday things

I had a bunch of pictures in my blog folder to write about but none of them really warranted their own post.  So instead of holding on to them for a few more weeks I put together this post of random thoughts & events :-)

1.  Way back on Sunday 4/15 we went to the buffet at Harrah's for Bill's birthday.  It's a little pricey at $30+ a person without alcohol but for the amount of crab legs those boys eat it's worth it.  We had a lovely evening and there isn't a whole lot to say, mostly I just wanted to share this picture of Bill on I believe plate 4 of crab legs.

2.  I download a new app to my iPhone called PicFrame and I love it!  I've been making collages of all our events lately.  It's a great way to display photos without having to upload them all one by one!

4.  Last weekend was the employee awards dinner for my company.  It's not quite as fancy as the gala but everyone gets dressed up and has a nice dinner while watching co-workers be honored for years of service and what not.  It was held at the Borgata so once everything wrapped up a bunch of us headed over to Gypsy Bar for a few more drinks and dancing to the Amish Outlaws.

6.  My 31st birthday was also last week.  I used to love my birthday and really look forward to celebrating but for some reason this year I was sort of blah about it.  I wasn't upset or anything but I just didn't really care either way...weird.  Anyway, the 17th fell on a Tuesday so there was no ruckus partying that day.  Joe delivered an edible arrangement to my work (he really is the best), which I am now using as a planter, and we went to Steve & Cookie's for dinner.  It is by far my favorite restaurant and I always have the ragout of beef short rib however after trying Joe's double-cut stuffed pork chop I may have to switch it up next time.  Seriously it was out of this world delicious!

We celebrated with my friends that Saturday at Clancy's By the Bay.  Apparently it's the new place to be and be seen in our area because it was packed!  Luckily we snagged an alcove off the bar with couches and chairs because there was no way we'd have gotten seats at the bar.  I know Shana took a bunch of pictures but I have seen them yet so you'll have to settle for this one of Angela & I doing a shot for now.  It was a really great night and I'm thankful I have so many great friends because a bunch of them came out to celebrate.

7.  I've been seeing the J Crew Bubble Necklace pop up on a bunch of my favorite fashion blogs lately.  I thought it was super cute but there's no way I could justify $150 on costume jewelry with all the big wedding purchases happening around here.  Then one day one of those lovely ladies mentioned getting theirs on eBay.  I was intrigued and hopped over to check it out, low and behold there they were in tons of different colors and all for around $20!  I couldn't believe my eyes and immediately snatched one up in white!  It came the other day and I love it!  I told the ladies at work I hope they like it too because they're going to be seeing a lot of it!  I'm trying to decide if I should get another one in cobalt for pre-wedding events?!?!

 And... I've decided to do my first giveaway here at Dimples Does It!  I'm giving away one pink J Crew Bubble Necklace (purchased on eBay)!  All you need to do to enter is post a comment below on what you'd wear this super cute statement piece with and you're in!  I'll randomly choose a winner on Tuesday May 1st.

mmmmmmmm...tacos

1. Walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  10,067 steps!  It's crazy how easily I fell out of my healthy habits, I'm really having a hard time getting these steps!  I was at 7000 when I got home last night, Joe was at work & Nicole was out to dinner so I didn't have any walking buddies.  I paced my house for those last 3000 and it was tough!  I'm really hoping we get a speaker for TV upstairs soon so I'll be able to hear it over the treadmill because that would make this walking slightly more entertaining.  2 days accomplished.

2. Workout at least 5 times.  I met Mandy at the gym for Cardio-Kick-N-Step and it was tough.  I was red faced in no time and my legs are pretty sore today.  2 workouts complete.

3. Eat out less then 5 times.  I didn't eat out again!  In fact I cooked tacos for dinner!  It's pretty sad how rarely that happens lately, it seems like either Joe's cooking because he's off, we're eating out or I'm having leftovers because I'm on my own.  We're planning to sit down and meal plan this Sunday in hopes of cleaning out the pantry and increasing our weight loss.  I'll let you know how it goes.  1 meal out.


4. Have a total burn of at least 3500 calories.  I learned something interesting from Angela yesterday, apparently on MyFitnessPal when I'm hitting my daily goal for calories I'm still getting a burn of 500 because they do the calculations for you!  That means that with yesterdays burn of 646(+500) I'm actually at 2724 total burn for the week!  I'm a little sad that I know the secret now though because I could have been burning a lot more since I was shooting to have 500-1000 in my remaining total...maybe I can convince myself Angela's wrong...lol

that's more like it

1. Walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  10,039 steps, wahoo!  It definitely helped that I had a class over at the hospital in the middle of the day so I had to walk more then usual.  And we ran almost a mile during boot camp!  Then Nicole, Lou & Jack offered to walk to Rita's & ShopRite with me which got put me over.  1 day accomplished.

2. Workout at least 5 times.  As stated above, I went to boot camp!  It's so much easier to get my butt over there when I know Mandy is waiting.  Our normal instructor (Bryan) is out for the week so Diane (the step instructor) took over, she didn't yell quite as much but definitely made a run a lot more.  1 workout complete.

3. Eat out less then 5 times.  I had lunch in the cafeteria with Thea before our class.  While I could have just brought my bagged lunch to the hospital I decided the 420 calories of chef salad wrap was worth it!  1 meal out.
 
4. Have a total burn of at least 3500 calories.  I really tried to keep it under control and ended up with a 669 calorie burn for the day.  I just tried to remember my old way of thinking, when I'm out of calories I'm done eating...  Too bad Nicole had to twist my arm into that red velvet cream ice or I totally would have kept it at 1200 for the day.  578 total burn for the week.

not a good start

Remember those weekly goals I decided to start to keep myself on track?  Well, day 1 didn't go as well as I had hoped...

1. Walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  I only walked 4,077 steps.  The weather was crappy (cold, rainy, windy) and I just plain didn't feel like walking around outside in that.  Plus, I drank a bunch of wine so I decided it wasn't safe to use the treadmill.

2. Workout at least 5 times.  I had big plans to go for a run with Joe after work but the weather sidelined me.  I should just drive straight to the gym after work so I'm forced to do something instead of going home where it's easy to flop on the couch.
 
3. Eat out less then 5 times.  Wahoo, one I actually did!  I did not eat any meals out yesterday!
 
4. Have a total burn of at least 3500 calories.  I was doing really well with this one all day.  I kept my calories low and had only eaten 1215 for the day by the end of dinner.  But then I drank the wine...  My dad came over for dinner and to review the venue contract and we all enjoyed some wine with the Jambalaya Joe made.  I enjoyed a little too much...like 3 glasses.  That shot me straight from 1215 to 1611 and removed any burn I had.

I find it funny that according to MyFitnessPal I can go over my allotted calories and somehow still lose 4 pounds in the next 5 weeks! 

bailing on broad street

I need some advice.  I'm very seriously considering dropping out of the 10 mile Broad Street run this year.  

I haven't trained at all, I mean it, not one training run completed.  I know I didn't train for the St Pat's 10 miler either and I survived, but I didn't enjoy myself, in fact I hated every step.  I feel like all the excitement surrounding the Broad Street run will be lost on me.  The thought of getting up at 5am, driving to Philly and fighting the crowds to run a race I'm not prepared for is overwhelming.  There are only 13 days left until the race so it is definitely too late to try to train now.

They have a bib deferral program that would allow me to give up my spot this year and guarantee me a spot for next year.  I think I'm going to take advantage of this option and I plan on talking to Joe about it later today.  I feel bad because Kat is also registered but her sister is running too so she won't be on her own...

What do you guys think?  Am I being baby?  Should I just suck it up and run?  Should I listen to my gut and stay home?

Today Is The Day, or maybe Monday

I am having a serious issue with willpower lately.  I will make the quick excuse that my birthday was on Tuesday and therefore we have been going out for a lot of celebratory meals...but really, I just need to get my butt in gear.

I managed to get my butt to the gym a whole 2 times this week, which I am kind of proud of, however, I also gained 2 pounds.  That means I am now up 14 pounds since July which puts me safely back in the overweight BMI.  I would like to lose 8 pounds in the next 3 weeks so that my gala dress looks decent, and I'm shooting for 18 pounds by the wedding.  

I've just lost my mojo and I'm not sure how to get it back.  I'm trying to be optimistic, I've found a new gym buddy and we've got 3 workouts a week on the calendar.  Joe is also being extremely supportive about working out & eating right so I'm hoping it will all start to pay off.

source

I'm going to start weekly goals, I'm hoping that working with a smaller time period will be more attainable.  So, starting Monday (4/23-29) I'm going to:

1. Walk at least 10,000 steps a day.
2. Workout at least 5 times.
3. Eat out less then 5 times.
4. Have a total burn of at least 3500 calories.

And I'm going to tell you all about it!  Wish me luck!

Five for Friday ~ 4/20/12

1. You stuck with me during the mud run.

2. You asked me to come out to your work so people could see my ring.

3. You said it was nice to have a celebratory dinner out without the pressure of not getting engaged.

4. When you found out Shana's having a problem with her car air conditioning you spent the next hour researches fixes for it.

5. You replaced the brakes on my car, saving us hundreds of dollars that can now be spent on wedding things!

March 2012

We have a photographer!

Things seem to be falling into place so easily, who ever said wedding planning was hard didn't know what they were talking about!  Or, there's more to come that is going to knock me on my ass!  

Once we found a venue we got started on photographers.  I have recently classified myself as a "wedding enthusiast," I prefer it to crazy woman that's been wedding obsessed for years.  Because of said obsession I've been collecting wedding photographers in my google reader for years.  Every time I would see a friend with beautiful wedding pictures I would add their photographer to my group. 

Now that it was time for Joe & I to plan our wedding I had 10-15 photographers ready to contact.  I reached out to each of them to first find out if they had our date available, if they were free I asked for their base package pricing and then added all of this information to my wedding google document.

From there I narrowed down who was within our budget and started making appointments to meet with them.  A few suggested meetings via Skype because they are more then an hour from our home.  We met with one photographer this way and it went well.  In the end we met with 3 photographers before making a decision and cancelled appointments with 3 others that we knew would be more expensive.

We've decided to go with...Photography by Kim Angelo!

Now in honor of full disclosure I almost wrote off Kim and her husband before meeting with them.  I was not super impressed with her website, it seemed a little hard to navigate and some of the images didn't show up on my computer.  But her emails (and Facebook page) won me over, she was super friendly from first contact, very anxious to set up a meeting and understanding of our crazy schedules.  Plus she is running Broad St for the first time this year!

We met with Kim & her husband and they felt like old friends.  They answered all of our questions honestly and even pulled out their cameras when Joe asked what they shoot with.

We are booking their "Marry Me" package with a few additions.  For $2500 we are getting: Up to 10 hours of coverage, 2 Photographers, A Password Protected Online Gallery for One Month, A High Resolution Disk of all Wedding Images and An Engagement Shoot.  We were interested in an album but the $900 price tag scared us off, I'm confident in our design abilities so I think Joe and I will be able to create our own album without too much trouble.

The best part, they shot a NYE wedding last year so they know what they're in for!  That lucky bride got beautiful/warm weather and was able to do some photos outside!  Here are some shots from that wedding!

April Fools 11K

Wow!  I've been sitting on this one a long time!  It's been 2 weeks since we ran the April Fool's 11K so I guess it's about time I post about it.  

When I woke up on Sunday April 1st I was not feeling a run.  Luckily Joe & Shana had signed up as well so there was no way I could bail.  We headed for Atlantic City around 7am and I suggested we park at Caesars because the hospital shares a parking garage with them and I can park free.  Joe countered that we would get free parking at Ballys as well because they were sponsoring the race and we wouldn't have to walk as far, that sounded fine to me and off to Ballys we went.  

Unfortunately everyone else running the race had also decided that Ballys free parking was the way to go.  We waited in line to enter the garage, waited in line all the way to the roof & waited in line back down again because ALL THE SPOTS WERE TAKEN.  In the 20+ years I've lived outside of Atlantic City I've never seen a totally full parking garage.  I kept my mouth closed as we pulled out of Ballys and headed over to Caesars...  There were plenty of spots at Caesars and soon we were at check in.  It didn't take long to find Shana and then Angela & Callista who were running the 7K.

The race went really well!  Joe ran with me up until the last mile then took off to try to beat some girls wearing inner tubes, lol.  I can't deny it anymore, I really need to run with someone.  I enjoyed running so much more last year when Angela & I were training together and then this year I felt good and ran faster with Joe then when I ran the majority of the St Pat's 10 miler by myself.  I'm not sure how to solve this problem other then to find someone to run with that's close to my speed...

The course wasn't anything exciting, just down the boardwalk and then back.

I was shooting for under 1:20 and I came in at 1:13:57!

Meet the Bridal Party

You'll probably recognize most of these people from other posts as they are those nearest & dearest to us but I figured I'd put together a run down of who we're asking to stand up for us anyway.

Matron of Honor - Shana - sister of the bride.  I've known my sister for 28 years, you know, her entire life.  We've had good times and bad, most of the bad being when we were little & she was SOOO annoying...but as adults we're great friends and I couldn't imagine anyone else in this spot.  Not to mention I did a bang up job as her Maid of Honor so she's got big shoes to fill :-P

Bridesmaid - Sarah - I've decided to list all of my girls by time known and I've known Sarah a long time.  We met way back in Pee Wee cheer leading when I was 8 and she was 7.  We are very different people but our differences have never caused any issues between us.  We have so many memories of crazy antics spanning decades but we're also pretty good at spending the day on the couch watching reality TV.

Bridesmaid - Edra - I've known Edra almost as long as Sarah.  We met in Girl Scouts way back in elementary school.  She is a character!  We still still talk about our first camping trip when everyone brought subs for dinner and she had a thermos of lo mien!  Although she's recently deserted me to live in warmer climates whenever we get together it's like no time has passed.

 

Bridesmaid - Lorie - I met Lorie during college while working at TGI Fridays.  We were fast friends and have remained close for the last 12 years!  Even though we don't always get to spend a lot of time together, it's so unfair how life gets in the way, I've never doubted our friendship.  I was a bridesmaid in her wedding and am super excited to return the favor.

 

Bridesmaid - Janey - sister of the groom.  I haven't actually asked Janey to be in the wedding yet but I'm pretty sure she doesn't read my blog so I'm not ruining any surprises!

 

Bridesmaid - Nicole - You all know Nicole, mother of Jack & the best neighbor/friend a girl could ask for.  We've only known each other about 3.5 years but as my mother said the day we met "they're like the same person."

Bridesmaid - Kat - I met Kat almost 2 years ago through work and we hit it off right away.  She's always there with advice and has been a great resource in navigating the corporate world.  She's starting a new job next week and will be a little further away but I know it won't make a difference.

I don't know all the details about Joe's guys so I'll keep it brief and just tell you how he knows them all...plus he hasn't asked most of them yet (I'm pretty sure none of them read my blog)...

 Best Man - Tim - Joe has been friends with Tim since grade school and he's always said whenever we got married it would be Tim standing right next to him.

Groomsmen - John, Mark & Vic - 

Joe became friends with these 3 in high school, I believe on the golf team.  Joe & John were Vic's co-best men a few years ago and Vic & Joe will be John's co-best men at his wedding in May of 2013.

Groomsman - Sean - Joe met Sean while working at Circuit City during college.  He's a great guy and has dated a couple of my friends over the years.  Luckily he finally found the right girl and he & Amy are planning their wedding too!

Groomsman - Bill - Joe met Bill when we first started dating because he was dating (& is now married to) my sister Shana. The guys have always hit it off and Bill has been calling Joe his "brother" for years.

Groomsman - Bernie - Joe met Bernie when he started dating his sister Janey.