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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Skills Lab and Week 1 Weigh In

Two weeks in nursing school -- wow.

I honestly don't think what's being taught in nursing is difficult. What makes it difficult is the fact that there's never enough time to do complete and do everything in a regular pace.

I am manage my time and I'm pretty good at it. I am super organized. But I feel like I'm constantly chasing after the clocks.

I know it's not me --- it's just there's a lot of stuff to cover.

Anyway, the weightloss gods granted me the honor of losing 2 lbs in the past 2 weeks. Which leaves me puzzled because for one I only worked out a total of 40 minutes last week. My diet was wholesome, I was eating high fiber bread and desserts.

The only difference was I wasn't eating the same portion like before -- lol I never had time to eat -- I usually grab an apple and yogurt and that's it till dinner time

Oh and wheatgrass juice, I drink that every morning.

Heck I'll take it!

Skills Lab -- Oh my freaking god. What irks me is that the instructors won't do a demo -- they just refers us to the videos. I guess I was expecting this program to be of what I was use to in my pre-req class --- being spoon fed lol.

Definately lots of independent learning, which I'm managing but my own self time suffers because I'm just consumed with nursing school. I breathe, eat, live nursing school  -- but i love it.

Been having trouble sleeping as well. My mind is going 100 miles per hour, going through skills checklists, lectures and everything else in my head that I can't get a good night sleep. I haven't since school started -- it really sucks.

Any tips of how to deccelerate at night? Someone told me sleepytime tea really works. Suggestions I have so far are sleepy time tea, tylenol, or shot of tequila LOL

Margarita anyone?

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Yowza! I'm Busy!

Hi Everyone!

First off, thank you - thank you for the awesome comments from the previous post! :) All the encouragement really helps a lot and I appreciate it ladies! :)

I finally had a bit of time to surface up for air every since school started. I've been submerged in school work since Monday.

My mind is in overdrive right now and I figured I need to tone down a bit and relax before I start doing it all over again. I got through clinical lab for week one and lecture by the end of the week.

It really is a humbling experience, it's like when you think you know -- you really don't know.

My professors are just AWESOME ---- they're super helpful and I just love them. The fact that everything (stuff to learn) is being thrown at us at 100 miles per hour, they made it a bit easier by being friendly and approachable.

I haven't had any good night's sleep in the last three days -- probably from all the excitement and rush to get stuff done. Any tips of how to manage anxious nerves and slow down?

I know with this speed -- I'll burn myself out in no time.

Anyway, last weekend was super fun my fiance's brother and his son was here for a visit. We went to the Tehachapi Rodeo and Six Flags Water park --- I had a fabulous time!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. The goal for the week is to be consistent with the diet and put in some exercises as much as I can.

It's really tough to put in personal hours during the week, because I really can't afford to lose time that should be for reading and skills practice.

But it's just the beginning and it's all about adjusting right now -- especially waking up at ungodly hour :)

Much all to everyone!!



Thursday, August 18, 2011

Last Week of Summer --- Monday is the Day

a new chapter in my life called nursing school begins ...hey! I like that :)

In the last couple of days, I've been doing a lot of reading mainly my ADN manual and the syllabi for Professional Nursing and Fundamental of Nursing

As much as I try to keep my cool and not freak out...  I see a lot of work and studying in the next 16 weeks --- which I think is doable.

Diet wise, I haven't really put much thought in it lately, much less stepped on the scales.

I've been cleaning and setting up the guest room for my (future)brother-in-law and his son. They're due tomorrow, so I need to make sure the house is clean and 6-year old proof.

It'll be hectic tomorrow because my fiance and I will be in town for groceries, drop off Daisy for grooming, and  do some clothes shopping. I'd like to finish by noon tomorrow, so we can do some yard work (our front lawn looks like a jungle! lol)

I feel good in general and looking forward for the semester. I can finally "test" my diet/fitness schedule and see how well it works with my school schedule.

During orientation, the dean mentioned not to worry if our uniforms feels too big, because she said, we're not going to lose any weight in the semester, but in fact, may gain weight. I started laughing to myself because she said exactly what my concerns are.

But I truly believe that if I am prepared and plan specifically ahead, the outcome may be different. I really just need to push myself and follow through the guidelines I set up.

I just wanted to thank all you ladies for following and commenting. I truly enjoy hearing from you *hugs*

And for those who are passerby's and anonymous visitors say hello once in awhile, I do like to know you all out there!

Weekend is almost here... yay! I wish you all a fabulous day :)

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Food I Miss

I can name a dish or two that in a perfect world (where people don't gain weight by eating bad) I can eat in careless abandon.

I suppose I'm just in my moment of fancy, wishing I can eat anything and everything I want and not suffer the consequences.

I really hate being told what to do. Eat this.. not that. Blah!

Although I know what is best for my overall health, I still look over my shoulder and make goo-goo eyes over sweets and desserts at the bakery department of the supermarket.

Only because maybe I want to prove to someone I can still do it and no diet nazi is going to tell me squat.

Is that human nature at work here?

Is it really true that when told what to do, we tend to be inclined to do the exact opposite?

I think you see it most prevalent in kids. Eat your vegetables -- it's good for you and they will not. But if you tell them it taste good, there's a good chance they may eat it?

I don't have kids, so I can't attest to the accuracy of that statement. But I was a kid once and having my mom tell me something is good for me, is not enough reason to convince me to eat it.

I never like drinking milk when I was young, and she constantly tells me I should. Well Mom I made up for lost time since then! :) lol

So what about diet food --- is saying that this "healthy" items are good for my cause (to lose weight) enough to convince me to stick with?

Probably not. I have to make that conscious decision to proceed with it or not. There has to be free will.

No one can ever make anyone do what they do not want to do.  For anything to be successful, one must make the conscious effort and commitment to make all necessary changes and actions to achieve them.

So why do I still eat the junk? Because I'm not 100% committed to my diet.

But that's okay. I'll get there soon. This is not an overnight operation and I'm well aware that I didn't gain 40+ lbs in 24 hours, and I'm sure as hell will not lose them in 24 hours.

I'm not trying to rationalize past bad behavior. I am acknowledging it and learning from it. Because when you know where you've been, then you will have an idea to where you want to go

Friday, August 12, 2011

Role Call

I'm happy to report that I've lost 1.8 lbs this week... Wassssssupp! :) And the funny thing about it is I didn't really try as hard. I did not do any back breaking fitness routine and I've been eating "normal" no extreme low carb.

The only difference that I can think of is that I've been eating my carbohydrate meal and I've been drinking my iced water with lemon in the morning (which definately moves the GI track in the right direction). The rest of my meals for the day are protein and veggie combos.

And of course I get an occassional oreo mint cookie. lol

In other news, I've been making progress with reading Unlimited by Jillian Michael's. It's a great book about self-realization, no b.s about it --- my kind of book. I'm sort of taking my time with it because it's one of those books that you relish every paragraph, so you can get the most of it.

I wanted to briefly talk about a topic that I'm currently reading and it's about personal labeling. How we limit ourselves by assigning roles and labels that WE THINK we're supposed to be playing

Interesting huh?

Supposedly at some point in our lives, we assign a role "based on the patterns we have been playing out since childhood ie. the victim, the martyr, the hero, the dumb pretty one, the smart ugly one, the nice guy who never gets the girl, blah blah blah..."

I love Jillian, she cracks me up.

These roles are from the experience and memories, which defines our self-image. And self confidence interconnects with how we see ourselves. So if we believe that we have a negative life story, then we automatically assume a negative future.

Like self-fulling prophecy. For example, I've been overweight my whole life and if I continue to embrace the story of my "past", I will play out that same scenario for the rest of my life until I wake up and say I am done with this.

It's all about thinking thin and fake it till you make it---Thinking like a RN, while being a student nurse.

I think this is a way to break the chains that prevents us from moving forward and embracing our true calling.

I feel like I can conquer the world --- dont' you?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Warning --- Information Overload!

Will self-destruct in 5 seconds...Blaaaphth! hehe opps.

But seriously...today was hectic! I was actually having some seconds thoughts of logging in today because I have an endless to do list for school, but somehow I feel like I need to detach (even for a moment) and relax -- so here I am!

Besides, Rach's excitement in hearing about my orientation is infectious -- so I couldn't wait to let you all know what happened today :)

The orientation started at 8am this morning, which I had to wake up around 6:00am and I was on the road by 6:45am. It was a 5 1/2 hour orientation --- the longest one I have in my whole life lol

It's pretty much the meet and greet session, hospital policies, safety, patient confidentiality, uniform, textbooks, and all other pertinent information we all need to know for clinicals and the program.

We had free lunch (yay!) from Subway

Some 3rd semester nursing students made a presentation about being a member of NSNA (National Student Nurses' Association) and brought some yummy cupcakes (almond and strawberry flavored cakes with either chocolate or vanilla frosting) for the group.

Oh NSNA you had me at strawberry cupcake with chocolate frosting --- I'll sign up on whatever you want me to sign up for that cupcake!

I must have signed my name on 20 different pages of paperwork -- My hand was starting to cramp!

Filling out the forms and putting the title student nurse seems surreal. I truly cannot believe that I am finally here.

It seemed like it was only yesterday I decided to shift gears in my career path and started taking my pre-requisites. I thought to myself (in that moment) how far I still need to go and how long of a wait I had to do from applying and getting accepted in the RN program.

That day finally arrived and the reality sinked in while I sat there at orientation.

It feels like a page is turning and a new chapter in my life is about to begin.

I am beyond humbled and grateful to be given a chance to seek my dreams. I have my fiance and God to be thankful for that.

The ball is on my court now and it's up to me to make use of this opportunity to better myself and the life of those close to my heart.

I am ready to work hard.

When it comes to Life, I truly believe that there is no such thing a luck. Luck is merely being prepared when opportunity knocks on your door.




Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Swimming Up From the Bottom

Wednesday is the mandatory orientation for my nursing program. Exciting!! 

The days are flying by and before I know it Fall Semester is here. My uniform finally shipped yesterday, so it'll probably arrive Friday.

I feel a lot better this week and my energy level is improving everyday. I did the Ripped in 30 DVD yesterday and it totally kicked my butt. It's been a while since I've done circuit training with Jillian Michaels -- I feel fantastic.

I started this morning with a cold 16 oz of iced water with a dash of lemon. The motivational fish finally took the bite and I'm slowing getting my groove back as far as weightloss

The great thing about the human psyche is that when we're down, we never stay down --- we eventually pick ourselves up. And that is something to look forward to when I find myself on the bottom of the proverbial barrel

I just needed to be consistent and push myself to the right direction. It usually resolve itself in time.

My weekly goal this week consists of :
- Fruit instead of  Processed Sugar
- 1 Fitness DVD instead of computer chair warming
- Home made smoothie instead of ice cream









Monday, August 8, 2011

Secret to Success -- Diet Staple?

 What is the secret to every weightloss success? There's so many opinions and different strategies out there that it is so easy to get lost because each and every one of them contradicts the other in so many ways. But I think it all comes down to what works for the person and her lifestyle.

In my weightloss journey, having a failure proof nutritional strategy is a lot more critical than having a fitness routine. Exercise comes easy for me and I manage to be consistent with it.

Food, on the other hand, is a total different story. When it comes to food, I tend to be a little undisciplined and unpredictable.

My tastebuds are synonymous to a 8-year old diagnosed with A.D.D. I'm constantly looking for the next best palate thrill. I get easily bored with the same type of food --- I strive for variety.

And this is my ultimate diet downfall.

Having a diet staple is indeed a life-saver.
  1. It is versatile enough to keep my palate interested.
  2. It makes food shopping easier because I have a consistent list of foods that I know I can work with
  3. It also prevents me from buying junk food that will sabotage my weightloss efforts.
When junk food isn't hanging around my fridge or pantry -- I won't be eating it. And it is something that worked wonders for me so far.

My diet staple consists of :

MorningStar Veggie Burgers*
Kirkland Mahi-mahi or Salmon*
Lean Ground Beef or Turkey*
Chicken breast (Stater Brothers has the 99 cent/lbs every week -- love a good deal)
Knudsen Lowfat Cottage Cheese*
Milk 2% or Skim milk
Lowfat Yogurt
Egg whites
Kirkland Stirfry Vegetables*
Romaine Lettuce*
2 types of Fruit ie. peaches, cantalope (whichever is on sale I try to stay away from bananas though)
zucchini
cabbage
kale
100% Oat bran
la victoria green taco sauce
thai sweet chili sauce
Braggs liquid aminos - low sodium alternative to soy sauce







Saturday, August 6, 2011

My Body is On Strike

Just to let you know Amber --- you're not the only one who's been MIA.  I had been feeling a little under the weather in the last 3-4 days (mostly feeling fatigued, minor aches in the heel joints, headaches off and on, and weird stomach phenomenon)

I know it does sound like the flu, but I feel like I'm a walking hangover everyday and I didn't drink. I managed to put some exercise, but I can tell you, I'm not a hundred percent this week (although I did try)

I just couldn't get my old mojo back. Hopefully this next week will be closer to success than the last.

The No Sugar Project is also a bust and I have to say I'm disappointed, but not defeated. I really just need to get back in the old state of mind where I really want to make a difference in my body and right now... it's challenge.

And despite the setbacks this week, I'm am not giving up. I'm putting myself in line and going back to work.So let's start over shall we?

Start Date : August 6, 2011
Current lbs - 160.6 lbs -- yea I know back to square UNO.
Waist - 134"
Arms - 12.5"
Thigh - 22.0"
Bust - 40.0"

Follow Up Date : August 20, 2011
Nutritional Strategy - manage sugar, 80:20 ratio vegetables and protein
Fitness Strategy - 30-60 minute circuit training with target body strength


What about you? How keep the motivational fire burning? How do you set your mind into gear to help you stay focus and on plan? How do you deal with setbacks?

Monday, August 1, 2011

Brunner's Med-Surg --- Largest Book I have Ever...

Owned. Holy Kumquats it's huge! It's like the Godzilla of all textbooks --- all of its 2240+ pages. FedEx delivered it this morning, so I have one more textbook I have yet to receive.


I'm in a 3 week countdown till first day of school and I'm really trying to enjoy the last days of freedom till I'm all school work and not much time for play.

 My fiance's brother and nephew are coming over in 3 weeks for a weekend visit, so it should be fun. We're heading out to Six Flags Waterpark for some fun which means I have to wear a swimsuit --Eek!

I've been shopping around for something descent and flattering. The vintage 1950s bikini really caught my eye because the bikini bottom is high-waisted, so it sort of hides the jiggles better than the modern bikini cuts

Zen Garden Two Piece
I found this one at modcloth.com but I can't really see myself paying $80 for a stinkin' bikini. So I'm still thinking about it.

The goal this week to establish fitness and food routines for the school year. I am happy to report that this is Day 2 of 21 Sugar Free. Auntie M is on her way out the door, which explains the stable hormones and less sugar cravings.

Happy Monday and this is going to be a great week!