Yikes!!!

It has been awhile since I updated sorry!!! 1/2 half of the semester is in full swing so I got really busy!! Still am!

AM Wt.  168 lbs

I caught up with a buddy of mine and we went to this great sushi place. I haven't seen her in 4 years so it's so awesome getting the chance to hang out with her again

This one is taken in front of the restaurant. I was sort of anxious because I was in a middle of my program and the last thing I need was yummy food being paraded in front my face. But suprisingly, I ate minimally and I honestly haven't been doing my program.. so my weight kept on fluctuating between 170-168.. but that's just how my body goes all the time, so nothing out of the ordinary.

Anyway, I really want to lose more weight before I see the T's family for christmas. I want to look cute. I've been eating bad again or should I say -- I have only put in 50% in this program.

I hope everyone is having a great weeK!

French Toast

Phase 2 Day 5
AM Wt - 169.4 (no change, but lost 1/2" in arms and waist)

The exercise definately makes me hungrier as expected. I made some homemade chicken enchiladas last night and had 1 enchilada. I deviated from the plan therefore I reap what I sow.

I will be more precise today.

Lots of reading to do (not looking forward to it) and I've got endless papers to write. This course has 7 more weeks to go and I know it's going to be the longest 7 weeks of my life

I can't believe I'm almost there. After this, I'll be in 4th semester and graduating June. I can't wait. Then it's just the NCLEX to worry about.

I hope eveything is having a fantastic week!

Stay strong and focused!

Chicken Nuggets

Phase 2 - Day 3
AM Wt - 169.4 (-2.6 since Preload II )

Thoughts

The title depicts exactly what I'm craving right now. Ugh... real chicken or not.. I love chicken nuggets.  But if I really want to instill good eating habits I need to exercise LOTS and LOTS of discipline

I was just at the store this afternoon and you see all these halloween items from cookies, cupcakes, and decorations are everywhere. Even Christmas!

The big thing about the holidays for me is baking and it's that time of year again. I literally had to stop myself from buying baking ingredients because I honestly don't want them in my kitchen, because I know what's going to happen -- I will eat them

Anyway, exercised yesterday and I can honestly say it totally helped with the side effects of my program. No headaches since I started running.

Cakepops are Evil

Phase 1 - Day 2
AM Wt - 171.0 (-1.8 since Preload II)

Has anyone ever tried the Starbuck's birthday cakepops (the pink ones with white sprinkles? Wow. They are amazing. simply evil little things.

Despite my better judgement, I had one today. Yes, I'm confessing my sins for giving in and having one of these suckers.

 I know I pretty much screwed myself over by having this desert and I'm paying for it right now because I feel the sugar rush.

I ran for 30 minutes yesterday which really helped me sleep a whole lot better. I'm going to try my best to continue doing that during the semester. The workload is not as crazy, so I think I can squeeze in some workouts during the week.

I hope everyone is having a good one so far!

Feeling Crazy by the Minute

Phase 1 - Day 6 1
AM Wt - 172.0 (-0.8 since Preload II)

Okay little update. Celebrated my birthday along with my brother's last Saturday at this Fabulous... FABULOUS! Korean BBQ. Long story short the diet went off the door.

These were just a few of the snapshots of what we had. I didn't get the chance to take a picture of their awesome side buffet.

I rebooted and did the preload again that day and sunday. So I'm back in square one today.

 I noticed that the side reactions are minimal when I do something active. So I reactivated my gym membership and went for a run today.

I feel fanta-bulous.

Tomorrow is Day 2 of Psych clnical. I'm a little apprehensive because of all the talk about safety and making sure nobody gets stabbed, stranged, or hurt. I'm like.. WTF? I wasn't scared till this kind of talk started in the orientation.

On a lighter note, I passed PEDS! yay! I haven't gotten the final grades for the class just yet, but I'm hoping I got an A in the class

Happy Monday all!

Ah the long needed break!

Phase 2 - Day 4
AM Wt - 170.0 (-0.8 since Preload)

Pretty suprised this morning. I didn't expect the weight to stabilize at 170 especially having going off the plan for a day because there's no way I would be able to survive finals week and starting the program concurrently.

Today is the first day of a much needed respite. I'm off the visit the family I haven't seen them since June so I'm looking forward to it. This is somewhat of a belated birthday party I didn't get to do since I had finals week.

Anyay, I'm in a good mood and I'm planning on staying that way

First day of Psych clinical is Monday -- uhg. I haven't read the syllabus yet. But! I'm not going to worry about it today.

Exhausted -- Need to Push Through

Phase 2 Day 3

AM Wt - 170.0 (-0.8 since Preload)

Thoughts:

Last Final for the first half of the semester. Woo-yee. I'm going to go over there and take that test -- Gangnam Style! lol (I love that song! I don't understand it, but the beat is sick! haha)

Blood pressure this morning is 129/79 -- way high for my taste. I'm usually 117/78 so I'm a bit concerned. I've been feeling under the weather since Wednesday, so I stopped the program and ate normally yesterday. I figured my brain will thank me since it needs all the easy glucose it can get, without having to convert any from the reserves

Yes I'm such a freaking nerd. But that's just how I am so deal with it! jk :) hehe

Anyway, I'm hoping I didn't catch anything viral since I'm have the classic signs of "I'm-about-to-get-the-flu" symptoms. Frack! and I had my flu shot too, what a waste of $40.

Weight-wise I have a feeling it would have been much lower if I hadn't deviated from the program. Oh well, I'm not gonna think about it much, I've got bigger fish to fry this morning

Happy Friday Everyone! Stay strong and gorgeous :)

Rough Night

Phase 2 - Day 2

Am Weight - 170.4 lbs (-0.4 lbs since Preload)

Thoughts

The series of events yesterday probably was a huge factor that contribute to the headaches and mild anxiety at 2am. I had 2 major test yesterday (another tomorrow -- last one! woo-hoo!) so I was mentally drained and coupled with not being able to eat due to crazy schedule = headache.

I was clearly exhibiting signs some sort of hypoglycemia because I was cold but the headache was a bitch. A measly apple and some raw nuts was not enough to see me through yesterday. Even with the 6 oz baked chicken and asparagus for dinner. It's definately a side effect. Add the increase of heart rate and mild anxiety to that list

Is -0.4 really worth it? Perhaps.

I woke up this morning with a miniscle "hangover" I'm looking forward for breakfast to clear my foggy head and start my day -- Studying.

PS. The weight fluctuates from 170 to 173. That sounds about how my body "rolls".. lol  No cigar till I passed 169


Jewelz! my friend -- Vietnamese food is awesome! I like their soup noodle concoction called "Pho" and it's basically vermicelli noodles with some yummy broth and you can choose from beef, chicken, seafood. I usually order the bun noodle salad -- sooo yummy!

It's my all-time favorite sometimes they put an egg roll on the top with that spicy-sweet chilli sauce. Agh! You're making me hungry! hehe

Game Day 1

Game Day 1 - Phase 2

October 10, 2012

Weight - 171.8 lbs

Waist - 38 inches

Bust - 41 inches

L Thigh - 24 inches

L Arm - 14 inches


Thoughts:

The gain was justifiable. Last hurrah was yesterday and had some yummy Vietnamese food with hubby for birthday dinner. I also had 2 pieces of cheesecake. So go figure.

Preload Day 2

Measurements :

AM Weight - 170.8

Thoughts:

The weight fluctuated between 172.4 to 170.8 this morning. After stuffing oneself with food, I'd say that was to be expected.

Finished 1st loading phase yesterday. I have to say, it was a lot harder than I initially thought it would be --- eating stuff that I'm not supposed to eat.

 I felt icky after the McDonald's breakfast, so I was full through out the day. I didn't feel the need to snack till around 230ish in the afternoon, where I decided to eat about an four-2 inch pieces of left over porterhouse steak. I was drinking fluids and in addition to the coffee drink it filled me up.

I felt some energy to do stuff but I didn't workout because I am grounded to my desk cramming for the finals. I don't know if it's the drops or my contacts, but it's hard to concentrate all morning because honestly I'd rather do something else.

Heartrate felt fast. But it could be the coffee. I just have this weird I need to run and do something. I'm excited kind of feeling?!  lol

Today is my birthday -- turning the big 32. I'm sad. only because I'm here studying instead of doing something fun.

I'll get over it :)

Goals for today

Plan ahead with what time I'd take it and eat.. there's suppose to be a 30 minute before and after interval.

Drink water -- 3 liters. That sounds sooo much! hopefully I'll manage it today.

Preload Measurements

Phase 1 - Day 1

October 8, 2012

Weight - 170.8 lbs ( haha I actually lost 2 lbs from the last time I weighed in)

Waist - 38 inches

Bust - 41 inches

L Thigh -  24 inches

L Arm - 14 inches

Breakfast
McDonald's McGriddle with bacon, egg and cheese
1 hashbrown
1 large caramel frappee

I feel disgusting.

Lunch
PB
steak salad
1 cup of cottage cheese

Dinner
3 oz of porktenderloin

Final Stretch for Peds

2 major finals this week. 2 days off. Psych next.

For some reason, I have no motivation whatsoever to do anything -- which is scary. I got about 2 more days to study for one final and 1.5 days to study for another.

I hate school. I want to graduate NOW! haha

Following Rules

So.. clinic was cancelled TODAY!! Wooo-hooO!  More time to catch up on some reading :/

Actually I started off with the right intention, but I end up napping till noon, played online games and read like 20 pages.. hahaha.

Yea I crack myself up.

That seems to be my style.. Superb planning in details and execution.. start of great.. fall of the face of the earth the next day...when it comes to diet anyway. In other facets of my life, I'm a moving train.. unstoppable.

Anyway, I'm a stickler for rules and when I see others not following them I get irked. But when it comes to DIET rules.. well you just forget it because I will find a way to manipulate and bend it to my advantage.

I know! I'm crazy!

Anyway here are the diet rules I made that I ALWAYS break:

1. Eating after 6pm
2. stopping for fast food when I told myself I will not do
3. eating white bread.. white rice..
4. not drinking enough water
5. too lazy to even exercise for 10 minutes --- 10 freaking minutes!!! (since I'd rather do something else)
6. eat sweets after every meal
7. pick the diet coke instead of water -- it's tasteless! what can I say
8. pack my gym bag so I can go after school to the gym
9. more veggies
10. more fruits
11. keep a food diary -- I can honestly say, I have no idea what kind of food I eat in general -- it's called imposed amnesia lady
12. I am in Egypt -- in deNial

Honestly I admire those people with iron-clad decipline. I think that is totally the key to be successful in this diet ordeal.

I wonder if I am a hopeless case.

Start-overs.. how many has it been since?

Quiet frankly I've had so many start overs I've lost count. I'm been feeling a bit down lately only because I can't get my act together!!! Aggh!

I've been trying so many times to get my shiz in order but I give up on myself and find myself in this viscious cycle of starting over and failing -- every freaking week

I'm doing pretty well in school though. Been getting good grades on the last two major tests (I got another one coming up)

Still losing my hair (not sure if the prenatals are working-- lol)

I was a no show in my doctor appointment. I didn't feel like staying in town today so I drove straight home.

I have 2 weeks left in the 1st half of 3rd semester and I'm soooooooooooo over Peds.  I love kids but I can totally say that it is definately NOT my calling.

So onto Psych!

Last time I weighed in I was 1-freaking 72.  Ha! should I be suprised. Of course not, I knew it every single time I stop for fast food because I was too lazy to cook anything when I get home

I know I'm full of excuses and if I have the energy to whine about it all, why can't I put that to use in a positive way.

Blah. blah blah..

I'm done being positive.  I just wanted to wallow in my pity-party "woe is my why am I fat" monologue.

I promise I'll change the attitude tomorrow

I hope all of you are having a much better days than yours truly.

Back to studying.

I'm going bald

I am serious... I am most definately losing my hair...

AKKK!!!
 

I literally pull out a few strands every times I wash, stroke, touch my damn head.  It's such a sad story. :(

A friend of mine recommended prenatal vitamins. I bought some and hopefully it'll help cuz I aint gonna be bald on my graduation day!!

The mister found the bottle and asked me if there is a significant "reason" why I'm taking prenatal that he should know about lol.  I told him there were no stork deliveries and it was for my "hairloss"

In other news.. I got survived 2 major tests and 1 simulation labs. Got pretty good grades so I am happy. I got another big test coming up this Wednesday. Poop.

Diet wise I haven't weighed myself for weeks but I'm consistent with eating. I do one cheat day a week to get my chocolate fix in line.

No exercise. I really just haven't gotten any energy to do extra lately. But the goal is to control the weight by nutrition and see where it takes me

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

3-second breather... go!

Just finished my first Pediatrics exam this morning. Eh.. ok


having a little fun in Pediatrics

Not sure how I did and I won't know it till Sunday evening.. tap..tap..tap.. akkk!!

Been super busy but that's the usual in nursing school.

Diet wise.. I've been trying to eat better and currently working on the wonderful world of portion control. It's sucks when all I wanted is something fried or caffein-y to soothe my ever so stressful spirit.

One of my clinical pals has been on my case making sure I get healthy stuff from the hospital cafeteria. I love that she's keeping me focused and on track during school. I also been having some stomach problems.. I hope it's not ulcer. I've been having some pain every time I eat and I can't burp at will. I seriously hope it's not ulcer.. or GERD...

I'm so disordered that I kinda thought maybe this is a good thing. Maybe having a stomach pain will help me not eat so much? lol  I am so fracked up it's hilarious

In other random news. I worked a shift in the ER last week. I was in Cloud 9! It was sooo awesome and exciting. There were only 2 patients admitted in Peds so the clinic group had to be divided. I gladly "volunteered" to be in the emergency department that day -- sooo glad I did.

They brought in someone who had a cardiac arrest and I was able to be a part of the reviving team. It was an eye-opener and I've learned so much that day, like you can't just defib someone, you have to have the right cardiac rhythm (vtach or a-fibs). So you had to continue chest compressions and epinephrines to achieve that. CRAZY. I'm certified in CPR so they had me rotate with the chest compressions.

I can't forget how the person's face looked. It had a purple cast to it. Despite everyone's efforts that day, the person did not make it and the doctor made the call for time of death.

The person didn't look dead.. just sleeping or resting from the broken ribs from chest compressions.

I couldn't quite digest that the person just passed.

The next thing that came to my mind is that... I really REALLY should take care of myself.

I need to start eating right and lose these weight.

 I don't want to be in that same table being worked on for 20 minutes to revive me from a heart attack..

I really can't.

Binge Trigger

Dear Gertie,

I feel for you baby.

There never seem to be enough hours during the day and night to do --- everything.

So you find yourself staying up late til the wee hours of night and waking up with only.. what.. 3-4 hours of sleep everyday?

I know. How will you ever keep up without me? Those chapters will remain unread and the house chores undone because there really isn't enough of your energy to go around isn't?

My sweet.. sweet tired girl. 

How about you stop talking

Open me up and take a little sip

It won't hurt you

or derail you

It will only get you through the day. Isn't vanilla your favorite flavor?

Mmmm.. the cold, sweet coffee goodness and the double shot of energy is all you need. There is absolutely nothing wrong in craving me.

It's just a harmless sip to get your through the day. Don't think about the consequences. The sugar binges that I trigger after. Besides, you need the caffeine kick to get through the week.

It won't hurt your diet. I promise. It's just liquid goodness.

So come on sugar-pie.. take a sip. You deserve it.

You work too hard.




Dear Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Drink,

Frack you. I'm sticking to my unsweetened home-made ice.  The 2-minute bliss isn't worth the consequences.

You don't know what I deserve or not.  I'm calling the shots because I decide what's good for me and that ain't you.

Thanks for the offer but no.

Letter to Self

Dear Gertie,

I hope you enjoyed your summer. And that you took your time to savor every moment of being lazy and day dream for once in a very long time.

That you finally gave yourself that badly needed pedicure and revamped these chipped, faded, red nail polish toes you've had since god knows when

Doesn't it feel awesome to just let you mind wander about senseless and simple things about life and not having to worry about reading the next 300 chapters in your textbook?

I sure hope that this summer break helped you replenish that old spirit and you are ready for another grueling 16-weeks of blood, caffeine, and tears (when things go badly or happy)

I know you've been doing a lot of reflection and meditation about where you want to be in this journey. I know it's difficult but somehow you have to learn to trust yourself. Follow your instincts because I know it's always has been in the right place

I'm glad you found yourself this summer and that you finally know what you want and what you are willing to give up for the sake of the greater good.

Crack that whip pretty girl! And remember,

God won't put you to it, without seeing you through it

Why the Scale Isn't Always Right

Muscle weighs more than adipose tissue. So I shouldn't "flip-out" after weeks of lifting and doing intense circuit when I see that the scale bounced back to 172 fracking pounds right?

Right.

I'll keep what R. Colier's words of wisdom throughout the day.


Today's Food Options

• Perfect  Food (wheat grass and greens blend)
• 1 cup of Hanson's natural apple juice
• 3/4 kix with 2% milk
• lunch and dinner - tba

Progress Notes - Yesterday was all about grazing. I felt like an antelope sampling one small thing after another watching my back for the Big Snack Monster that seduces me to lose control. Today was a good day. I sampled and I stopped. Yay. It takes getting use to the idea of grazing since I'm so conditioned to eat 3 times a day. Heck back in the day I eat only 2x. I have noticed though that I'm gravitating over fruits and less on the sugary snacks. Halleluiah!

Today's Workout

• 30 min treadmill with 10 level incline walk/run
• 30 min step machine

Progress Notes - Workout yesterday was 30 min spin bike and some strength circuit in between. I only did 30 minutes. I'm heading out to the gym.. NOW.

Oh-la-la Wednesday

Today's Food Options

• 1 serving of wheat cereal with 1/2 cup of 2% milk
• 3 pcs on onion rings
• 1/4 cup of green beans
• 2 tbs of mac and cheese
• Slimfast chocolate shake
• 2 cups of Edename
• 1 cup of cantalope
• 5 crackers and hummus

Progress Notes - It's yet another humid day in the desert and it sucks. I really can't wait till winter when this time I freeze my ass off instead.

Food. I have tons of left overs in the fridge and since T had some gum surgery 2 days ago, he's in a liquid soft diet for the next 7 days.. Poor guy. He's living off my slimfast shakes and applesauce.

I'm thinking of maybe figuring out some sort of a more nutritional supplement for him other than sugar. Because that's pretty much what he's eating right now. I see constipation in his future LOL.

You would think his sudden change of diet is helping my cause. Since he's not eating much, I should too right? Hehe.. uh no. I seem to be ravenous and I literally have to stop myself because I seem to be hungry all the time! I remember using him as an excuse of my bad eating habits. Ha! I can't use that now.



Today's Workout

• 30 min step machine
• 30 min 10 level incline walk/run interval

Progress Notes - Don't you hate it when you're minding your own business in the machine and someone decides to take the machine next to you and they STANK like high-heaven?!

That was the experience today. Here I was looking at my timer, silently praying for endurance in the last 10 minutes so I can move away from smell of stale body odor.. *gag*

Goddamnit why won't other people learn how to deodorize?! Heck -- how about not wearing unwashed gym clothes!

Conversely, how about those people that over perfume themselves to the point of suffocating people around them?

Anyway that's my rant for today lol

Despite it all, it was a good workout. I'm actually enjoying myself and I am beyond feeling good about myself

Happy Hump Day All!

Diminishing Days of Freedom

Today's Food Option

• Slimfast shake and 1 medium banana
• 1/2 spring mix and 3 oz of london broil
• 5 wheat crackers and hummus
• 1/2 serving of pineapple shake

Today's Workout

• 30 minutes step machine
• 30 minutes in 15 level incline of treadmill (interval walk and run)

What my office looks like during nursing school --

Ah.. I can almost smell it...

School.

The days are counting and I'm sure in no time the Fall semester will be in full swing. The days of being lazy and not thinking about work is over.

I've been doing real well with diet and exercise. I went to the gym this morning and did an hour of cardio and keeping track of my food.

I should be reading my textbook but not today.

End of the Week

Today's Food Option

• 1 cup grilled corn
• 1 cup coleslaw
• 3 pcs of grilled chicken
• Diet coke
• 1 cup of spring mix
• 3 oz of steak

Progress Review - Yesterday's food choices was ok. I made sure that my portions have more veggie than carb ratio, which left me still a little hungry afterwards. My plan is to drink tea after dinner to calm my belly maybe with that I can curb myself from eating more only because I'm not use to the new portion

Today's Exercise

• 30 min Abs circuit
• 20 min cardio

Dang! Another one?!

Today's Food Option

• Banana
• 2 cups of Rainier cherries
• 1 serving of TJ's gorgonzola crackers
• 1/2 serving Trader Joes Bacon Spinach Salad  - this time I'm sticking with it and eat it damnit!
• 1cup of Spring Mix
• 3 oz Tilapia fillet

Progress Review - Yesterday was a B- in nutrition. I drank some frappe and those are just loaded with empty calories, which I had to balance out with exercise for the day. I almost.. almost ate a piece of red velvet cake, but as soon as I cut the slice, I grew some cajones and gave the slice to my hubby instead. He ate the whole thing and didn't offer a bite to me. Which is a blessing!

Today's Exercise

• 1 hour Zumba or stepper machine (30 min) and elliptical (30 min)

Progress Review - Changing it up a bit. I'm heading to the gym today

Daily Musings

Weighed in this AM and lost another lbs.. holy kaboodles! that's 2 lbs loss this week!!!!! I'm not going to get all crazy with it because its probably just water-weight. I will celebrate once I am out of the woods, so to speak. I'm still within the weight range of doom (plateau) but once I surpassed that, the party WILL start and I can truly accept that scale victory.

Till then lovelies! I hope y'all having a fantastic day <3

Lots of Love and Appreciation to All of YOU! -- Thank you

Okay here I was thinking of myself -- where the heck is everybody?!

 I thought..man.. I miss hearing from everyone and I have not heard from any of my blogging buddies for a while and was wondering what's everyone been up to.

This is what I was thinking about until I decided to -- DUH.. to check my comments tab and realized there were numerous comments waiting to be moderated..

OH my Kadoodles.

So I wanted to apologize to everyone. I wasn't ignoring y'all!

 I just didn't know my blog setting was set were all my comments were just file away in the blackhole of the blogging-world.

I love you ladies! I'm going to go through all the messages and answer any questions that was left unanswered.. Oh my goodness..


I am SUCH a freaking DORK!

Calorie Differential

Today's Food Option

• Trader Joe's Bacon Spinach Salad Iced caramel frappe - 300 calories
• Rainer cheeries (10 pcs) Roasted Gorgonzola crackers - 140 calories
• HM iced-tea (green-jasmine-black tea combo) sweetened
• 1 egg and 1/2 cup egg white egg sausage burrito - 300
• 1 cup spring mix
• 3 oz NY steak

Progress Review - Gave in to the call of caffeine. Spark indicates 1342 calories total including dinner for today. I'm gonna try to save today by making up thru calorie differential

Exercise for Today

• 30 ABS circuit routine
• 30 minute spin bike

Progress Review - Total calories burned today 588 calories. Which puts me to -1096 calorie differential between eaten and burned. I'm going to the simple concept of total calories in and total calories out.  If my calculations are correct, if I maintain a caloric differential of 1000 calories 7 days a week, I may.. and I say.. MAY lose 2 lbs per week. We'll see!

Late Post Tuesday

Today's Food Option

 

• Trader Joe's spicy thai pasta salad
• 1 cup of sliced mangos
• 1 cup of green beans
• 1/4 cup of mac & cheese
• 2 beef ribs
• a sliver of home-made red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting

Progress Review - Today is my baby-girl's birthday. She's 3.. how time flies. So we made it special by cooking some BBQ ribs and she was a happy doggy. Unfortunately not too great for my diet.. which I officially went off-plan today. On a positive note, my ratio of good food to bad food, favors the good.

 

 

 

Today's Fitness

•  other than sweating and cooking and cleaning the house.. nada

Progress Review - I'm not too worried about not working out today. I plan to get back on track tomorrow and my sparkpage indicates I have about 181 calories to reach my fitness goal hours for the week. Weighed in the scale and discovered I lost 1 lbs.. bam!



Exercise Schizophrenia

Food Options for today

• 3 fried eggs
• 1 cup of roasted yams (butter and brown sugar)
• 2 hamburger patties
• broccoli salad (broccoli, tomato, mayo, balsamic vinegar, fig campote, shredded chicken)
• home-made sweet iced tea
• 1 cup of vanilla ice cream

Progress Review  - I honestly could have done better w/o the ice cream and the roasted yam probably better off just roasted w/o butter and brown sugar.  These are all the items I've eaten all day.

Exercise for Today

• 50 minute spin bike (interval circuit)

Progress Review - I am an exercise schizophrenia. I switch off and on different exercise in the span of one hour. I get bored easily. To maintain consistency, I break down my fitness sessions in different parts just so I keep my interest going. First day of the week! I'm glad I start it off with a good workout

End of the Week Recap

Today's Food Options

1/2 Spicy Italian sandwich from Subway
4 oz of home-made Raspberry iced tea

nuts and grapes for snack

Slimfast for snack

Protein and greens for dinner



Progress Notes

Finished precepting and been loving taking the time to work out! I haven't weighed in and not planning to only because I want to focus on establishing my positive habits . Besides, a week of good habits doesn't necessarily mean instant results.

I get that :)

So I'm just going to continue what I'm doing. I'm feeling good and it definately affects my overall mood about myself, my body and my outlook

One thing I need to work on is drinking more water and totally eliminated process stuff

I'm going to start with just drinking more water consistently

Monday-monday..

Today's Goals

Breakfast - none (I had a early start in the am and did not have time to grab anything)

First meal - chicken bowl and egg roll (839 calories)

Snack - 1 cup of grapes

Dinner - side salad and toast

Exercise -  1 hour in the machine and 1 hour zumba


Progress Notes
  I went on an all-day hiking trip yesterday at the Kern River. I had a great workout and good time hanging out with my baby. Stopped by the brewery and had chicken ciabatta sandwhich and a side of waffle fries. Yikes. So I'm sure that meal pretty much cancelled out any workout done on that day.

I finally have free time and I'm soooo stoked about it all. I can finally give myself some me-moments and concentrate more in losing weight.

Scale says 169.8 this morning and I would say probably because of the sodium and alcohol consumed yesterday. I hope I can rebound from this and jumpstart my week

The Unthinkable

Yesterday I got the news that one of our nursing sisters husband passed away in a car accident.

They're a young couple in their late 20s with their whole lives ahead of them. He was a fire-fighter and she was an aspiring nurse to be.

They're barely starting their lives together and what a tragedy this all is.

One of her closest friends said that she'll still continue on and finish the program with us. I think that's so courageous and I can't imagine what she's going through right now.

Life is just so precious and how easy it can be taken away from us with a single turn of events.
This reminds me of what's really important and that all the stuff I rant about, I whine about... is meaningless and trite.

Family is what matters. Our parents.. our children... our husbands.

It's just so sad. May God give her strength in this time of her life.

In diet news, I spent the day cleaning the house and doing my spinbike-weights circuit. Food was somewhat on plan

Today's goals is pretty simple. On plan eating and exercise.

This Week's Food and Exercise Plan

Tuesday - 1 hour treadmill and 1 hour spin bike

1.  egg whites and 1/2 avocado
2.  8 oz Slimfast and handful of raw almonds/pepitas
3.  roasted sweet potatoes, 1 cup of bing cheeries
4.  8 oz Slimfast
5.  Roasted chicken and green mix with dressings

Wednesday - 1 hour spin bike and 1 hour strength circuit

1. 8 oz slimfast
2. pineapple and cherries
3. 8 oz SF
4. side salad and raw nuts
5. roasted salmon and veggies

Thursday - 12 hour shift

1. Slimfast
2. fruit/raw almonds
3. Slimfast and salad
4. Protein

Friday - 12 hour shift

1. Slimfast
2. fruit/raw almonds
3. Slimfast and salad
4. Protein

Saturday - 12 hour shift

1. Slimfast
2. fruit/raw almonds
3. Slimfast and salad
4. Protein

Sunday - all day hiking trip

1. Slimfast
2. fruit/raw almonds
3. Slimfast and salad
4. Protein

Damn Straight I am -- haha!

Discipline is hard to come by

Viscious cycle.

Why is it everytime I dropped some poundage I become complacent and end up where I began?
I've managed to lose a good amount, then I celebrate -- then here I am again.

Maybe I should stop using food as a reward

I really do hate it and quite honestly I hate myself for it

I can't seem to bring myself to stick with whatever I set out to do. 

Maybe I'm not just into it... Maybe I'm just not into me.

I make plans, I write stuff, I buy the right foods.

I don't follow plans, I don't reflect much on what I write about, I don't eat the right foods.

Maybe I make too many plans that is too overwhelming that its set up for failure. Bah. This sucks.

Daisy -- my babygirl

This is inspired from a fellow blogger who's in the process getting dog herself :). When Daisy came into my life was the best thing that ever happened to me. Honestly, she's like the daughter that I never have :)

The Mr. got her for me for my 29th birthday and I was so excited when we picked her up. At first we didn't know what type of breed we want, but we played around with either a boxer or a basset hound. I remembered looking around online and contacted the person immediately when I saw her.

Basset hounds are such characters and Daisy is no exception. There's always something hilarious and funny that she does every day. She definately helped me in rough days at school or just life in general. She seems to know what to do when I'm feeling like crap.

I'm sure she puts up with Mommy's craziness especially when I dress her up for Halloween lol.

Her birthday is on the 24th -- I'm thinking of throwing her a party and invite our neighbor's dogs... hmm.. we'll see though :)

Name:  Daisy

Breed: Basset hound

Tricks :  shake, speak, high-five, roll over, stay, goes up on hind legs

What she love:  being chased, giving kisses, begging for treats

Today's Goal

I did go to the gym yesterday :) And spent a good 2 hour workout.

Stepped into the scale and it read 171.2 lbs.  so that's a 3 lbs loss from 2 week. I'm not too crazy about it since I know I gained water weight during TOM, so this loss is just basically how my body fluctuates.

I'm quite sick of these fluctuations if you ask me :)

Ahhhkkkk!

OMG is this true?! haha

Recap from last week

I wasn't too great with putting in good workout hours last week but I did manage to do some awesome bike riding yesterday so I'm pretty happy about that.

Food wise- is a work in progress and I have not eaten any sweets for a while now which is Ah-mazing!

I'm going primal and doing an unofficial paleo. I always ask myself before I grab something -- is this food something a cavewoman would hunt or gather.. Well obviously cheesecakes would not make the cut! lol

from cubanassassin

So far it's working well with me because the "rules" as pretty simple : eat when you are hungry and make sure to eat foods that are hunted or gathered.

The only challenge that I find in this lifestyle is omission of rice. Bread I can do without. But I get the occassionaly cravings for rice.

from desperatemeasures

I bust out the pediatric textbook yesterday with the intention of reading some chapters.

A paragraph later I got distracted and watched Doctor Who instead lol I'm still on summer vaca dammnit! :)


Daily Goals

• 2 hour gym - 60 min treadmill and 60 min Zumba!
• spin bike
• nuts for snacks
• hydration.. hydration..hydration
• fruits and protein for any meals
• daily greens

TMI but incredibly funny



from allfunpix.com

The "workout schedule"

Well the plan was to do strength on days I'm working at the hospital -- it aint gonna happen. I get home close to 9pm and usually dead tired lol

So I think I'm just going to stick with longer sessions on days I'm off.

Foodwise-- I've been great. I haven't eaten anything high caloric and I'm sticking pretty well with my plan

Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead!

Daily Nom-nom

The list of stuff I ate so far today:

2 baked chicken drumsticks
1 cup of egg whites and cherry tomato
8 oz of 2% chocolate milk
1 banana
1 cup of seedless grapes
2 slices of pepper jack cheese
side salad with avocado

Going cold turkey over dairy is harder than it looks. But I did pretty good for the first day of making some major changes in the diet.

Energy wise - I have adequate amounts. I've been cleaning the house throughout the day. It's an effort though to get my brain into the gym. I have a feeling I'll skip today.

Big day tomorrow (new hospital orientation) and I should get a good idea what my schedule will be. My hope is to tackle all 60 hours in a week or two.

My 6 year old olympus camera finally croaked today :(  I'm shopping around to see what I can afford. Any recommendations?

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Cracking the Whip: Done being all Sissy About It

New week - new rules

• No carbs
• No sugar
• 2 hour cardio on off days
• Strength training on days I work at the hospital

You know how they always tell you when you diet you're not suppose to implement iron-clad rules because supposedly that's a surefire way to fail?

Apparently that doesn't work for me. In the the past months, I have but been very forgiving and very understanding and I frack up on my diet strategy. I did the "sensible" approach to food and not overexercise

So far that has brought nothing but stagnation and I think I need to be more aggressive with my outlook towards my weightloss goals

No more Miss Nice Gertie -- I'm onto you Mr. Fat!

from examiner.com

I have but another 2 months of vacation till Fall semester starts. I really want to put a dent on that weightloss scale because I'm sooooooooooooooo fracking tired of not fitting into anything.

My then 164 lbs scrubs barely fit -- not fun when you have to bend, twist, for 12 hours lol

Anyway this is a call to arms to all you fabulous peeps out there -- let's make it this a fracking awesome week ! <3

Who sucks -- me!

Not the type of week I was planning. I managed to gain 3.5 lbs of water since auntie M came to town. Quite frankly I am pissed only because I was hoping to do well for this week's weight in


I'm pulling the guns for next week and hoping for a good loss for my red team. That is if I don't get eliminated lol
I've been consistent with the 2x gym so I'm so happy with that and the diet is about B+

The goal is to improve the diet and maintain gym activity! I'm thinking even pulling in the hours after my 12 hour shift at the hospital -- is it doable? we'll see

I will probably do strength training on those 3 days I'm working and do 2x gym on my off days.

I got this great fitness plan from my favorite tumbler Muffintopless her link is in the sides bar. She's awesome

Enjoying the rest of the summer

It looks like it's not going to happen.

I guess I've made a good impression with everyone that they want me to go back. And I do want to and don't want to at the same time -- gee does that make sense of what?

I also got another hookup in another hospital for a precepting. I honestly do not want to do it. But I kind of got deep enough that I can't back out of it.

But I guess it'll be good for me in a long run once I graduate -- employment prospects
Solution :   Continue on till the end of July

I got home late from the hospital last night and ate a bacon-guacamole burger from Carl's Jr with a side of sweet potato fries.

I am so ashamed.

I'm hooping to the gym right now to make amends to the diet gods. So later chicas

I don't wanna clean and I mean it

Just finished working 48 hour straight at the hospital yesterday. Despite feeling super tired I had an awesome time in the last 3 days

The doctor allowed me to deliver a freaking baby! I was so nervous, but he was right there and he pretty much told me what to do --- AWESOME!

I've been getting some good practice on skills and honestly I've learned a million times more precepting than during clinical hours in school. Precepting is sooo worth it.

My "last day" is tomorrow (Wednesday), my nurse gave me the option of continuing on if I want to. And to be quite honest, I'm torn between wanting to and also wanting to enjoy the rest of the summer for some me-time

I don't get back till August, so not sure

This is my first day off since Saturday and the house is dirty and there are dishes and crap to clean -- ontop of wanting to go to the gym and everything else in between. I'm so not feeling like doing housework --yuck..

Some recap related to weightloss, I signed up for the gym last week and on the days I don't work in the hospital, I hit the gym 2x. I took Zumba and I had lot of fun doing that.

Diet wise - I've been ok except twice I've eaten a brownie. I'm working on that though.

I hope everyone is having a superb week!

This should be Day 11, not 10

I got ahead of myself and screwed on the what day this should have been. No biggie.. since the days are pretty much the same.

So Day 11!

My weight rebounded to 172 this morning... Oh-my-freaking-god! When I retain water, I retain good.
I'm not really too stressed about it -- since I know TOM is right around the corner.

What matters is that I'm consistent with watching what I eat and putting in the activity. I had kale chips yesterday -- it was yummy!

Making it was pretty easily too, just coat the washed and dried kale chips with olive oil, season with seasalt, garlic powder, and pepper. Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes under 350 degrees

You get this yummy crisp green chips! The beauty of it is that you can play around with whatever flavoring you like -- spicy or not.

Today's Goals

• Mindful eating
• Drinking more water
• at least 30 minute activity
• Review my skills - watch videos
• Clean the turtles
• Signed up at the local gym (I'm thinking maybe this would motivate me to put in more W.O time)

Day 9 of 80 - Summer

Yesterday was the my first 12-hour shift at the hospital. It was super and I mean SUPER busy.

 I was literally on my feet, running around getting all these preggers hook up to the ultrasound/toco monitors, getting their vitals and completing the continuous "flow" (no pun intended) of urine cups to be tested

I also had to remake the bedside once they're discharge home or transfered to L&D (labor and delivery).
But with all the craziness and chaos. I love every moment of it :) 

I'm usually the type that never likes to sits still. I like to keep busy and always trying to find stuff to do. I was feeling fine up until an hour before my shift ended. That was when my legs were just about ready to call it quits. Eh.. I'm sure I'll get use to it -- it's just my first day

Anyway, I woke up this morning with soreness, like I've worked out or something lol.

Today is going to be yet another busy day. I hope everyone is having a good week!

Love this!

Week 2

The week went by and all I got was a measly pound. Sounds like the usual.

Although I know losing weight takes time and a lot of patient -- and hard work. I must say I started the week not as strong as I would like to

I'm starting my precepting tomorrow -- ah looking forward to that 12-hour shift.

The goal this week is to work on eating properly and putting in the exercise

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week! :)

Day 2 of many - I'm ready to work!

Worked out this morning -- simple 30 min walk with Daisy. The weather is starting to warm up, it was about 81 degrees this morning!

Planning to do some bike riding (spin bike) and end the day with a good fitness DVD.

Total caloric intake for Breakfast and Lunch - 600 calories

Oh yea summer!

School is finally over for the summer. Man, it felt like F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!

The last 3 weeks has been intense for me, but I came out strong and may I say so myself... victorious :)

Not too shabby of a grade :) Ok-- it's a B. But in nursing rarely anyone gets a freaking A, so I'll take that B and skip happily home

As you can see in the picture above.. that is my weight this morning. I honestly thought I could have been a lot more since I haven't done anything since I started school. And I think that's just how it is and I'm just going to try to make it work.


Although I have some 12-hour shifts, three days a week in my future (I'm precepting this summer), I'm going to work hard and lose some weight before school starts again this August.  Why?

Because I have to. I feel so unhealthy it's kind of scary, so this picture should really hit the mark and enforce the importance of my health goals

I'm joining Dysfunctional Barbie's Biggest loser challenge. Very excited about it! :)

Till then I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

I will fight against the odds.

       I will make sacrifices.

I am not shackled by fear,

      Insecurity or doubt.

I feel those emotions – drink

     Them in and then swallow them away

to the blackness of hell.

I am motivated by accomplishment,

     Not pride.

Pride consumes the weak – kills their

     Hearts from within.

If I fall – I will get up.

If I am beaten – I will return

I will never stop getting better.

I will never give up --- Ever.

That is why I will succeed.

This is from muffintopless. I just tweaked it to apply in my own life.

I heard in the grapevine that many people in my class didn't do so hot in the test -- lots of D's floating around.

I got a passing grade and I'm so relieved considering how fracking difficult it was.

I didn't get the grade that I wanted, but honestly who cares.

The Mr. has been cooking in the last past weeks (I'm so spoiled) and been eating better. I plan to put in some exercise (major exercise) after the semester ends because quite honestly I am slammed to the brim with projects and test.

I have about 2.5 weeks of school left.  I should be good and will have more time and less thoughts of school work in my head by then

Daily Musings

It has been a hella-week and it's not over

Hi everyone!

Yea I know -- I've been slacking on the good ol' blog. I've been hustling and stressing over school but that's just something out of the norm in the life and times of Gertie (Oh god -- i'm starting to refer to myself as the third person.. yikes!)

Anyway, I recently surfaced from the school work and test for this week day hour. I have another one coming up the week after next. So barf!  I'll proabably be gone again and won't blog till that shit-nanegan is over.

The last test was such a killer. I wonder if teachers get a kick out of putting out mean and cruel test question just to see their students code in their seats during the exam lol.

I mean what the purpose of powerpoint lectures when none of it was going to be in the test? I'm just saying, sometimes I wish I didn't have attend lecture since I'm perfectly fine reading the book and studying on my own. That's my bitch and grip for the day

Weightloss. I didn't know washing dishes can be such a great workout lol I was sweating doing the dishes an hour ago. As you can tell, it's been a while since I had the time to do some cleaning. The mister does not like washing dishes, so the task is left for me to do. And since I've been busy it was not done. Thus, the kitchen stank like salmon left in the sun for 2 day. Even spraying febreze didn't work LOL..

 So don't believe that commercial they had! Maybe it's just my kitchen hehe.

But I'm happy to report that it's now sparkly clean and smell like vannilla.

Mother's day. I sent out a card for my mom. Not sure if I wanna drive down to L.A this weekend. I have so much stuff to do. But we'll see.

My sister wanted to do a portrait with all us (2 of my brothers, herself and I) plus the 2 grandkids. I honestly think it's a cute idea. But I feel fat and I honestly have no desire being in any picture.

She called me retarded. Whatever. I can take it further but I honestly don't have the energy to explain myself. Why can't people just understand me

I thought this picture is freaking hilarious and rings true.

Have a great week everyone!

I'm becoming a Vampire

It's 2300 and I'm wide awake lol.. so might as well study right? of course. Sleeping patterns has been out of whack lately (I'm wide awake at night and sleepy in the AM) -- the only thing missing is craving blood right? lol)

stress blows.

I'm happy to report that I did pretty well on my exam :) I actually did better than I thought --- the questions were tough.  Doing well means I have wiggle room just incase I frack-up on the next one coming in next week. Cardiac stuff, ECG interpretations..

The whole concept isn't difficult, it's the massive amount of information that I need to cram in my head is the problem.

I really should get back to studying.. hehe :)


Weightloss.. what weightloss. I've been doing really bad and I'm so ashamed. I can easily say I'll do better next week but it's easier to say than actual execution.

Hope everyone else is doing better. I need some good motivational kick in the butt!

from tracyhausel.com

I love this Shoes so much ---

that I bought a second pair (solid whites ) for clinicals -- Yowza! it's so well constructed and full of support that I glide instead of walking LOL They're called Reebox Zig Nano

But really they're super comfortable and works so well since I'm standing (and I'm serious) 6 hours straight in clinic.

Does that burn any calories?

Today I had my first exam for Med-surg. Didnt' get any sleep the night before so I'm dead tired. I think we get our grades this Sunday.. so till then I just have to sit and marinate and obsess over how well or how bad I did.

Anyway I hope you ladies are having a fabulous week so far!

OB sympathy belly

Honey,  does this belly make me look fat?

Hot Damn But the Woman is HOT

Weird Sunday Experience

This morning I had someone rang the doorbell at 6-freaking AM on a Sunday morning. At first I thought it was the mister, but it was some guy asking if a person named "JT" live here. I was like -- no there's no one with that name that lives here. He replied, "Oh okay -- it's probably the next house"

For the life of me, I wasn't wearning my glasses, so I didn't get to look at him clearly. I'm blind as a bat without them.. All I knew was he parked right in the front curb in some gold van, and he's wearing a red shirt and khakis..

But I'm like -- why would anyone knock at someone's door at 6AM to ask if so and so lives there? Should you know which house whoever you're looking for?

Anyway I'm getting all paranoid but could that be a possible burglar trying to scope the neighborhood to see who lives where?

It's scaring the bejesus out of me.

Any suggestions?

Lightbulb



source healthyladylumps

Kinda random but it totally put it into perspective for me.

Today was an interesting day. I got invited to a little lunch get together with a group of housewives in my neighborhood. It's kind of nice because living out here (in the boonies) is so very isolating.  It's so refreshing meeting new people and socializing. Apparently, they do this get-together every month.

And speaking of socializing -- I'm a bit rusty lol

I sometimes feel a bit awkward or worried about saying the wrong things and offending someone. Yikes.. I need to get out more! lol

I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Poop Friday

Encountered poop today at clinic. Didn't bother me at all, which is good because that's just one of those things you can't avoid when you're a nurse. lol

from sketchfu

I was working with this lovely lady. She's super sweet and very misunderstood I think.  I don't really understand why people would say she's disoriented, when it's so obvious that she really just can't hear.

God, this passed 3 days --- 3 DAYS! felt like a month has just passed. That's how dead tired I am.  There so much to do and so little time. Sucks ass if you ask me.

I got another week to study for my first Med-Surg Exam. I really wanted to do well in this class. I don't want to fracking fail.

I haven't worked out since Tuesday -- pretty bummed but I'm hoping once I get the groove of things I can start it again. I'm doing pretty good with avoiding sweets and I honestly noticed I haven't been eating as much as I use to.

Haven't stepped in the scale either, but I'm sure there's nothing significant in it. I've been doing P90x Kenpo and Yoga x -- love it. I actually felt sore afterwards, which means I probably worked out something I haven't in awhile and shook up some "cobwebs".

I hope everyone is doing better in their quest for health. Wish you all a fabulous weekend ahead!

from redbrickgirl

Tomorrow is the big day

from michelinamm

For some reason, I kind of like what the banner said. I have been eating less to no sugar at all this past week. I noticed I've been ultra sensitive to it where I find myself with a nasty headache.

Maybe it is a good thing that I've been getting these symptoms. It totally makes me think twice about buying or eating anything sweet.  

Breakfast today was a croissant sandwich with orange marmalade. It was super tasty.

I've been trying to stay focus and complete my flashcards for review. But I can't seem to concentrate. The weather outside is fabulous -- why in the world may I indoors?

This is one of those days I wish we live close to the beach. I miss the ocean.

I'm going to do a double feature in my workout today. I didn't get the chance to do anything yesterday because I was too busy fracking around online. Where is my focus damnit! :)

I end up buying a new pair of sneakers and some cute summer sunglasses.

I'm just so thrilled with the color! I love green! Too bad I can't wear colors in clinic-- I wouldn't think twice sporting this baby. Come to think of it -- forget it. The last thing I need is this cutie stained with poop and blood and everything else in between.

I've been eye-ing this for a while now. It was originally $99 and it went down to $49 so I jumped at the opportunity :)

In other news, I got real pissed this morning when I discovered our neighbor dumped their fracking garbage in our bin. I can understand if their bin was full but it was not. So why the frack did she do that?

I caught up with her and ask her if she did it. And suprisingly she admitted and said she should have ask me -- Uh... yea!

I told her to try not to put her garbage in our bins since we needed the space to throw the tumble weeds that's been accommulating in our side yard. I said it nicely of course.

They're nice people and we've exchange goodies once in a while. But does that make it okay for them to do that? Or am I just over-reacting.  Can someone tell me straight up? I won't take offense if it the case lol