Monday, November 19, 2012

Week Six Challenges

Sunday - Rest Day (as usual)

Monday - Yoga or pilates - your choice :)

Tuesday - Walk or run today.

Wednesday - Weigh in!! How are feeling about where you are?

Thursday - Write what you are Thankful for. You can do a top 10 or a general statement. Happy Thanksgiving :)

Friday - How can you eat left overs in a healthy way? Think of ways to use up those left overs!!

Saturday - Relax, especially if you had to work the Black Friday craziness.

Carolyn's Progres Week 5 do over

Sunday - I had to work early this morning. I wanted to thank all of my friends and family for their former and current service!

Monday - Did my challenge :) Back it! Slacker status needs to end!

Tuesday- I weighed in at 135 today. I haven't lost any weight the past week or so. I did some pilates today to make up for being such a slacker. I almost didn't work out - I had an early shipment shift at work. I'm glad I did thought :)

Wednesday - I will be writing my post about San Diego weather (El Nino!). I didn't work out today - I was having an off day. I WILL work out tomorrow!! As thank you to Brad who brought dinner home :)

Thursday -Did my yoga for the day :)

Friday - I am sore from yoga today. This is serving as a reminder that I'm still not where I should be with working out. I didn't work it today.

Saturday - I didn't really see anyone I didn't like so I wasn't able to compliment anyone in that way. I did go to a BBQ in the park and did some walking around :)

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Motivation for today!

I definitely needed this for today. I'm tired and I'm not looking forward to work but I did my Yoga. Did you do your workout today?

Monday, November 12, 2012

Week 5 (the do over week)


Sunday
Veterans Day!!! Thank a veteran today for their service to our nation

Monday
go for a walk/run today 2 miles or more any speed

Tuesday
Weigh in day!!!! I`m starting to think I need more accountability so if I weigh myself and have to tell a friend then I may be more apt to get it together.

Wednesday
Look up a weather phenomenon that`s typical in your area and post  about it.

Thursday
Do some yoga today that will quiet and relax you

Friday
Rest Day.....Lets rest and ready ourselves for the weekend push!!

Saturday
Try to compliment someone who really kind of gets on your nerves today.....this is a tough one

Week 5


I bet you are all wondering what happened to week 5. Lets just say we took a week off due to craziness. For those of you who don`t know, Carolyn and I work retail and this is our busiest time of year. We both had crazy weeks. So I will be posting as if this were week 5. Sorry Everyone!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Carolyn's Progress Week 4

Admittedly, I did not work out this past week. I am however down to 135!! The scale is keeping me motivated.  I worked weird hours this past week which is getting me ready to work a normal hour full time job. I have two interviews this up coming week - so keep those fingers crossed!

I also am excited because I bought a groupon for 30 yoga classes for $20. I am so excited to try 3 new studios. I am probably going to start on Wednesday or Thursday. We ate a ton of food last night so I didn't want to pass out from eating so much sugar. Groupon is a great way to try new studios :)

How is your weight loss going?

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Carolyn's Progress Week 3

Sunday - Brad and I were going to go mini-golfing but every time we said "mini-golf" a horrendous drizzle would start (that's what Brad calls the "rain" here, its not like real rain).  We did enjoy the day together despite the drizzle. We ate some Mexican food, ice cream sandwiches, and ran errands. I love Sundays :)

Monday- I felt like I did a lot today minus working out. I did scrub the bathroom walls for about 20 minutes, I suppose I'll count that as a work out. I went grocery shopping (and saved $50 with coupons and buying sale items, go me), came back and unloaded said groceries. I then went to work from 5:30-10:20ish. It was a pretty productive day!

Tuesday- I worked from 7-11:45. I was exhausted. My back was killing me - I have no idea if I slept wrong or if I seriously worked it scrubbing those walls or from standing over clothes but I was sore. I came home from work and took a two hour nap. I wanted to work out I just have no energy today.

Wednesday - My shift was cancelled today, so I slept in a bit. I wasn't going to work out and I realized what a slacker I've been. Its not a good feeling admitting you really aren't working on your goals only to then realize you have to publicly admit you aren't working on your goals. I texted Jess about how unmotivated I was - I realized I need to do yesterday's challenge. I walked 21 minutes on the treadmill, burning 246 calories. I did 10 pushups and 20 crunches. I really need to work on making moving a habit!  I also need a scale, on the to do list for tomorrow.

Thursday - I used the treadmill again today :) Also got some good stretching in. I finally bought a scale. I've lost 6 pounds since starting and am finally under 140! So excited :)

Friday- I didn't do a traditional work out today. One of the women I worked with in Manchester was visiting her daughter in Carlsbad so I met up with them for lunch. After lunch we went for about a mile walk along the beach, it included stairs :) It was so good to seen someone from back home - feel free to visit people!

Saturday - I didn't work out today - but we did go camping for the night! I know many of you are shocked I slept in the woods (on an air mattress whatever).  Brad made sure everything was set up so I'll go camping with him again :) It was also good to hang out with Katie and Brian!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Week Challenges 4

Sunday - As always, a rest day :)

Monday - Download a calorie tracker, like My Fitness Pal (which is free). Track your calories this week.

Tuesday - Try a new recipe! A great place to look is this blog called Sunday's Dinner. (Yes, I just shameless plugged my other blog.)

Wednesday - Happy Halloween! Try not to eat more than a piece candy today :)

Thursday - Find a ridiculous weight loss item - supplements or equipment. Post a picture and find support as to whether or not it actually works - write about it!

Friday - Write someone a letter or card and mail to them using a stamp and a pen :)

Saturday - Reflect how your calorie tracking went and write a post about it.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Carolyn's Progress Week 2

Sunday - Brad and I went to the beach today :) We watched hilarious family and engagement photos being taken. We also watched the sun set - I can't believe we are so lucky!! We went for a walk on the beach and had an awesome day.

Monday - I cleaned for about 2 hours and did  2 loads of laundry. I almost didn't do any working out but I was like I have 10 minutes before the clothes are dry - I have to do something!! I did the arm 10 minute arm work out, this time with weights. I have a feeling my arms will feel it tomorrow.

Tuesday - I didn't work out today. I was consumed with more laundry. I also was very tired and super hungry all day. I feel like I ate but I tired to eat healthy snacks - carrots, almonds, and 10 chips (yes I counted lol). Tomorrow will be more productive.

Wednesday - Today I spent 2.5 hours looking for and applying to jobs. Its a job in and of itself! I did find some exercise moves to meet the challenge of the day. Madonna's Hard Candy Jaw Breaker work out. This link will take you to the video which goes over the proper way to do the moves. I did the Side Sit-up, Single Leg Bridge up, Swivel Hips, and Lunge back with Side Kick. I was definitely sweating. I ended with a 10 minute Pilates  Arms and Slim & Sleek Stretch. I'm proud of myself, I almost didn't work out today!

Thursday - Holy sore legs batman. That Madonna work out really worked my legs and I didn't even do as many reps as it said to. I didn't go for a walk today, not feeling great about that but I just wanted to rest.  I did work this morning and I'm working the same hours tonight (yay split shifts). Tomorrow is my day off, looking forward to sleeping in :)

Friday - I heard back from another job I interviewed with - more disappointing news. I'm not really sure what else I need to do and it certainly is hard taking constant rejection. I ran errands and didn't work out. Brad and I are going to hit the driving range tomorrow so I'm looking forward to that.

Saturday - Brad and I didn't make the driving range, we had a friend surprise us with a visit from OC. We ate Pho for lunch, if you've ever had Pho you know food coma is sure to follow. It was great to visit with people and relax. Maybe golf tomorrow?

Sunday and the People I Love

AAAAAAHHHH Fall Family Photos
And Out Takes:


that`s my jacket and sunglasses! I love my boys.
 

Week 3

Sunday
 Spend time with someone you love. It`s worth it!

C: Done and done. Sunday is Brad and Carolyn day :)

Monday
Try a new Vegetable Day!!!

C: I went to the grocery store and have tried everything... 

Tuesday
walk/run for 20 minutes then drop and give me 20 sit ups and push ups

C: I didn't do this today :( I'm going to do it tomorrow. I worked late last night and worked early this morning - for some reason I was really sore.

Wednesday
SCAVENGER HUNT!!!!! One week from Halloween means crazy costumes are plentiful. Find the craziest one you can and take a pic then post it. Try to see if you can find someone wearing one.

C: I haven't been shopping where there are costumes :( we aren't really doing anything for Halloween.

Thursday
 Get into the yoga pose that is hardest for you and see how long you can hold it.

 C: Back Bind is hard for me - I held it for like a second lol.

Friday
NAME that TUNE.......play a texting game with someone where you text them random lyrics from any song you choose and they have to guess the song, next line, or who sang it......can`t wait for this one!

C: Can we redo this one? I wasn't excepting to have someone to visit. Sorry I know thats lame.

Saturday
Splurge Day Saturday....allow yourself something you have denied yourself since we started.

C: chocolate covered pretzels :)

Jess`s Health Article

My health article also derived from the Fitness Magazine. I attempted to run out and buy the one Carolyn was telling me to get (you know, the one with the sleep article in it) and instead ended up with the NOV/DEC 2012 issue. This is where I discovered  DRAGON- BOAT RACING. So this woman, Heather Swift, who is 43 years old and overcame breast and ovarian cancer started dragon-boat racing after a terrible mountain biking accident. She paddles 10 hours each week with her team. She looks amazing and her story made me want to jump up and try this water sport. Plus there is a drummer involved. The basics of dragon-boat racing are that 10 to 20 people paddle a large boat on a 200, 500, or 2,000 meter course while a drummer in the front sets the pace.And the boats are pretty cool looking. This just sounds like a good time. If you want to see some of this dragon-boat racing here is a link:  http://www.bostondragonboat.org/
Happy Dragon-Boat Racing!!!!!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Carolyn's Health Article - Sleep

If you know me well, you know I love me some sleep. I love napping, I love sleeping in... I'm boarder-line having a sleep love affair. As a psychology major, I learned a lot about the brain (as one would hope) and a lot about sleep. I've always known how important it is and how it can serve as a marker for changes (like depression). I also learned that depriving someone of REM sleep can cause psychosis, that's how important sleep is!
If you have free time on your hands take the sleep quiz. 
The article I read was in Fitness Magazine. The most interesting thing I read was seeing the benefits of nightly hours of sleep. A person who gets 8-9 hours of sleep each night has a lower BMI, are less likely to be sick, be less likely to feel depressed, and lowers their risk of stroke. Too little sleep causes things like weight gain, depression, higher blood pressure, and even a shorter life span. Too much sleep can cause (or be a symptom of) depression and cause a short life span as well. The article also went through some sleep myths such as its is okay to exercise before bed or snuggle with your pet.
I couldn't find the article on their website but the issue is still in stores. The moral of the story is sleep matters. So go to bed on time tonight :)

If you are nerdy like me, this link will give you more information about sleep basics.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Jess`s Progress Week 1

Sunday:  "It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby, complaining wife."
              Proverbs 21:19
I originally chose a different Proverb but felt like I needed to work on this more. You may have to ask my hubby how well I did with this. Oh and Carolyn would know as well since I usually call her to vent but I think I did pretty well.

Monday:  I had only water all day except for my coffee. I may have not been able to do well with the proverb challenge without it. Guess I need to work on no coffee.

Tuesday:  Ran 3.1 miles in 36 min (11:43 pace) outdoors then I started P90X. I could only do 35 min of the first day. Not sure why I made this one of my goals?! It was upper body. UGH!

Wednesday: I didn`t get to this challenge either. I was obsessed with finding a dress to wear to the navy ball.

Thursday:  I saved this challenge for Friday because today I did P90X Plyometrics for 60min. and thought I was going to die afterwards. 

Friday:  Fracas (FREY-khus) n  a noisy,disorderly disturbance or fight; riotous brawl; uproar.
 To be honest I chose this word cause my son was playing a team that we all despise at his soccer game today and I really thought a fracas was going to break out amongst the parents.  I didn`t . It turns out that people have less to say when they are the visiting team and they loose horribly.

Saturday: Navy Ball Day.....I refreshed myself on the wobble dance but didn`t get to teach anyone cause only 3 of us did it while everyone else watched. I did teach a few people how to do the Gagnam style dance....that was interesting to watch....is it racist against myself to say that most white people have no rhythm and no idea how to dance?!Resampled952012-10-139521-24-3195922.jpg

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Week 2 Challenges

Sunday - Rest Day!

J: Thank you for this rest day. The Navy Ball had us out till 2:30.....I just love babysitting sailors while walking the streets of Manch-Vegas at midnight and 2 am.

Monday - Today is meatless Monday, make a healthy recipe for dinner that does not include meat.

J: Meatless Monday didn`t go so well for me. I had my monthly friend come to visit and eat everything in the house except meat. Then the boys in my house had leftovers for dinner while I ate mashed potatoes. I may try this challenge a little later in the week.

Tuesday - Make a list of ten things you like about yourself. Post them somewhere that you can see them. Be positive!

J: This is not as easy as it sounds. I could only think of 8.

Wednesday - Try a new exercise! Use a fitness magazine, google, or whatever - just try something new.

J: I didn`t get to this because I was feeling very sick......FAIL!!!

Thursday - Go for a walk or run today :) As long as you get that heart rate up, distance is up to you.

J: Worked at the GAP today doing signs so I probably walked 3 miles when all is said and done.

Friday - Find a health related article(s) and write a post about it.

J: DRAGON-BOAT RACING Yeah......check out my post on it!!!

Saturday - Make a bucket list. Whether you've always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon (me!) or have a movie marathon write it down. Try planning with your friend/partner/sibling/whoever if there are things you've always wanted to do with someone.

J: I want to go to Italy before I die. I want to volunteer as a missionary somewhere to help little children and their families. I want to run a marathon.There are many more things but I thought you would like those the best.

Carolyn's Progress week 1

Monday - I did 20 minutes of Pilates. I'm used the DVD 10 Minute Solutions: Rapid Results Pilates. I like these because each segment is only 10 minutes, which makes it more manageable.  Today I did Arms & Shoulder Shaper and Slim & Sleek Stretch. I was up at 6 to be at work for 7, I ate cereal early this morning. I then came home did my 20 minutes and was super hungry. I made a scrambled egg with mushrooms, onions, and cherry tomatoes with hot sauce and a slice of Swiss cheese. Mushrooms also have a little vitamin D in them - which I always test as having a deficiency for. Information on Vitamn D!

Tuesday - Today was a little tough for me. I've been working hard at landing a full-time job and I received an email that one of the jobs I interviewed for I wasn't selected. It certainly is discouraging especially since I don't love my part-time job. Part of the reason I wanted to do this with Jess was because I didn't want to sit around on the couch and feel sorry for myself (even though I am REALLY good at it). So I went for my mile walk and felt like I at least accomplished my goal for the day.

Wednesday - I didn't work out today :( I worked weird hours between yesterday and today, I honestly didn't get enough sleep. That being said, I've eaten pretty healthy today and I do feel good about that!

Thursday - I did 20 minutes of Yoga today. Its from the same line of the 10 Minute Solution: Yoga. I did Yoga Burn and Yoga for Flexibility & Relaxation. I also did my challenge today of drop and give me 20, I really need to work on those push-ups! Since I didn't have to work today, I also volunteered with the Alzheimer's Association here in San Diego. I love going there because everyone is so up-beat. Volunteering is a good thing :)

Friday - I didn't work out today but I did a lot of cleaning :) We had friends over with us today to do some birthday celebrating.

Saturday - Lazy Saturday.  Went easy with eating and drank lots of water. I'm trying really hard not to drink soda but I did have some sprite with dinner - its just so hard! next week will be a soda free week!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Hi Everyone! As you may have noticed, October is breast cancer awareness month. It is the second most common type of cancer in women after skin cancer; so stop using tanning beds, please :). Below I copied and pasted information about breast self awareness:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:
1. Know your risk
  • Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
  • Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
2. Get screened
  • Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
  • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
  • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
3. Know what is normal for you
See your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:
  • Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
  • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
  • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
  • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
  • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  • New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Add exercise into your routine
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Limit postmenopausal hormone use
  • Breastfeed, if you can 
This website has helpful information :) Knowing your body is helpful in preventing things like cancer!

I also have a former co-worker Sharon, who is doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Her wonderful mom is still battling and shes walking to support her. Sharon's Page - if you can please consider making a donation :) 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Joining in on the blog

We can't believe how many views, facebook likes, and encouraging words we've gotten about our blog. It feels good to know we have everyone's love and support. We're also excited that some of you want to join in on the challenge of getting healthy.
We decided that for now, we will be the only ones able to write posts. Feel free to follow along with our weekly goals and post comments on how you did. You can also start your own blog :) we would love to link to other blogs of what you guys are doing!
Also, we aren't doctors or personal trainers. Please make sure you check in with the doc before starting a diet or exercise program. Just keeping it safe.

Thanks again everyone!!
Jess and Carolyn

Sunday, October 7, 2012

The reason for our breakdowns

This dress is the reason I called Carolyn crying. I wore it in my friend`s wedding October 2010. I was going to wear it again for the Navy Ball this Saturday but when I tried it on a few days ago I could not zip it up all the way. This started a chain reaction of try ons and failures through every dress I have in my closet. I even tried on the dress I got the last time I weighed this much (in 2009) and it did NOT fit. That`s when I started crying and called Carolyn.

 This was taken while I was getting ready for my friends wedding two weeks ago. When Jess called me crying I immediately said "I feel the same way!" I'm sick of buying medium shirts so my arms will fit in them. Its on like donkey kong :)

Week 1

October 7-13 2012

Sunday
Find a Proverb (a book in the Bible) you like and write it on a note card. Keep it with you or tape it somewhere you will see it everyday. Try to follow it`s wisdom every day for the rest of the week.

C: Proverbs 12:25 - Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. That's how I feel about this challenge of ours, we're going to encourage each other :)

Monday
Drink only water for your beverage choice today....YAY WATER!!!

C: I drank water all day BUT I had coffee. I have to wake up early, put your judgey face away. 

Tuesday
Walk/ Run  2 miles at any pace and record your time. (We will use this again in a few weeks)

C: I walked a mile, got my heart rate up to 137 and burned 111 calories :) My resting heart rate is pretty high, but my blood pressure is good. Holla walking!

Wednesday
Find a gadget you`ve never seen before and take a picture of yourself "trying it out". This may require a random stranger to point and click. Your call!

C: I didn't get to this challenge :(

Thursday
DROP and GIVE ME 20!!!!!! Push ups and sit ups

C: I did these. Man my arms are weak!!

Friday
Find a new word and use it the rest of the week. See how long it takes before people notice your brilliant choice of words.

C: Abjure: v. to reject, to abolish. I didn't really get to use my word. I thought I was more likely to reject things... turns out I'm pretty easy going. 

Saturday
Look up a trendy dance, via the internet, then learn to do it and try to teach someone else how to do it as well. (Navy Ball day.....this could get interesting)

C: Brad agreed to learn the electric slide, but I wasn't feeling well most of Saturday and we went to a Murder Mystery Dinner on Saturday night. Brad is such a good sport :)

A year ago


Yes I know what your thinking.....those girls have BIG sunglasses!!!! One year ago we were together and decided to take the boys apple picking. What are we pointing at?!

Carolyn's Introduction and Goals

Hi, I'm Carolyn. This is the heaviest and unhealthiest I've been ever. I've moved to California recently and while I am not eating all that unhealthy, I'm not moving at all. In speaking with Jess, we decided we needed to stop being lonely and unmotivated.
Jess and I have different ideas for working out. I have Sjogren's Syndrome, more information on Sjogrens, which in sum is an autoimmune disease which currently affects my joints. Its chronic and I will always have it, but my doctor has told me I need to work out to keep my joints healthy and less likely to be in pain. My doctors have advised me against running. Maintaining a healthy weight will also reduce my joint stress :)

Goals -
  • Get my weight down. Realistically, I will lose 2lbs a week until I am down to 125-130. 
  • I will start off doing 20mins of yoga or pilates and increase to 40-50 minutes by the 5th week. I will do this 6 days a week.
  • I will find exercises to strengthen the muscles around my knee.
  • I will find a yoga studio after Thanksgiving and complete a taught yoga class once a week, I will do all the poses and not break. 
  • I'll drink more water :)

Jess`s Personal Goal

In the next 11 weeks I want to:
  • Fit into a pair of my old jeans (you know the ones I fit into less then 5 months ago)
  • Run the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot (5k) in 30min or less
  • Start and complete P90X FINALLY!!! (been trying to do this for the last 3 years)
  • And maybe it would also be nice if was accidentally mistaken to be my 16 year old son`s sister instead of his mother (one can dream)

How this Works

After a desperate call to Cali., where I cried to Carolyn about how I was fat and lonely and I wanted her to come home NOW, we decided together that we needed to stop "moping" around and do something with ourselves. So we decided to blog together to keep ourselves accountable.

In the next 11 weeks we will be posting daily challenges for each other broken up into different challenges each day.  Their are mind, body, soul, and food (we don`t like to use the dirty diet word) challenges each week. Every week Carolyn and I will be taking turns posting the challenges for each other. Then every Monday we will post our results for the week prior. We each have goals we will be working on to achieve in the 11 weeks. Please feel free to join us in our quest to get healthy. Oh and one more important thing to note, sometimes our challenges may be a little ridiculous cause that`s just who we are. Enjoy, and Happy Healthing!!!!!!!