tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34906755408882330142024-02-19T08:58:03.046-08:00Little Black Breechesbecause who gives a damn about fitting into the little black dress...Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) http://www.blogger.com/profile/17040183680228006616noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-31504454882098283822012-06-03T18:17:00.000-07:002012-06-03T18:17:14.257-07:00Updated!I have this thing with brown--I love it. I have brown half chaps and paddock boots, and my dabbling with jumpers means that if I want to show in brown, I'm good to go.<br />
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Of course, when one lives in a completely tack-store-deprived area, that means internet shopping, which equates to the ever-dreaded taking of measurements.<br />
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GUESS WHAT???<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_HPU6_ClInJLnDfbyYTxz1Fzabe8Aa9ISx9zbttYYdrDLUNSUr2vY09ck6fdKd6TzD6i-XxOcnCfQZhwFO3pz8J5FaHaW3vzXJrr9BHvmA7U5pd3C8cCH9tePgAm4xU6pWjGtZ9M6w/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_HPU6_ClInJLnDfbyYTxz1Fzabe8Aa9ISx9zbttYYdrDLUNSUr2vY09ck6fdKd6TzD6i-XxOcnCfQZhwFO3pz8J5FaHaW3vzXJrr9BHvmA7U5pd3C8cCH9tePgAm4xU6pWjGtZ9M6w/s1600/untitled.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_HPU6_ClInJLnDfbyYTxz1Fzabe8Aa9ISx9zbttYYdrDLUNSUr2vY09ck6fdKd6TzD6i-XxOcnCfQZhwFO3pz8J5FaHaW3vzXJrr9BHvmA7U5pd3C8cCH9tePgAm4xU6pWjGtZ9M6w/s320/untitled.JPG" width="241" /></a>My super huge mondo calves (17.5" upon last measure sometime last year), are a mere 16.5 right now!! Omg! I suspect it's mostly because I have been slacking at running due to an impossibly hectic work schedule, but still. It makes me feel happy inside, especially because I found these pretty things that would actually fit me:<br />
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So pretty.<br />
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Just because I want something doesn't mean it's going to happen, but it gives me hope. Maybe someday, I will fit into quasi-normal size boots. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_HPU6_ClInJLnDfbyYTxz1Fzabe8Aa9ISx9zbttYYdrDLUNSUr2vY09ck6fdKd6TzD6i-XxOcnCfQZhwFO3pz8J5FaHaW3vzXJrr9BHvmA7U5pd3C8cCH9tePgAm4xU6pWjGtZ9M6w/s1600/untitled.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-14513560276338464762012-02-06T17:48:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:58:54.574-08:00161<div><div>Thats my number :)</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Weight, that is.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I know, I know. A woman is never supposed to reveal her weight. Or age (21). Looks like I am breaking all of society norms.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>To me, even though I am happy with it, its just a number. In high school, at my fittest, I weighed 165, and I was THIN. But, I was running track, and my thigh muscles were beastly; and as we all know, muscle weighs more than fat.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I'm still happy though, since all this hard work has paid off! Slowly and steadidly.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I'm still doing about 4-6 days a week at the gym in addition to my 2 jobs and horseback riding. Depending on the day, I do a hard cardio program [I'll explain in a minute] then lightly lift. On days I focus more on lifting [only 1-3 days a week, since I HATE], I only do warm up cardio for 10min.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Cardio wise, I like to spend 30 min on the elliptical regardless. I have an old knee injury which hurts like a bitch if I run for more than 20 minutes, and since I like to do 40+ minutes of cardio, I always start off on the elliptical. Then, I go to the tredmill and vary the workouts. Like yesterday I did sprints; 20 minutes of 2 min sprints and 2 min. wlaking on incline intervals. It was a hella workout. Some days I just run as hard as I can for 10 minutes. Some days I set mileage, like 3 miles, no matter how long it takes.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Weights wise, I split my body into sections. I have upperbody-arms, upperbody-chest/back, core-abs/back then lower body-legs. And I rotate through them. Varying with free weights and machines.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I'd like to thank my "personal fitness guru", the Boyfriend. Without him, I would never go to the gym. Seriously.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I'm trying to decide if my recent weight losss of 2 lbs is due to the workouts, or my lack of food at my house. In case you didn't know, I is pretty po', and I've been putting off buying groceries to feed and house my horse. My pantry is looking pretty bare and my fridge has cleared out. All I have is milk, pickles and condiments. And I've basically been eating cereal for lunch and dinner everyday. Throw a can of soup in there and a can of V8 too. Otherwise, just coffee for me. Real balanced diet aye?</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I really need to go grocery shopping.</div><div> </div></div>Checkmark115http://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-22721100174124571302012-01-28T23:06:00.000-08:002012-01-28T23:06:13.702-08:00Month Wrap Up<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">So today is January 28th, which means that I've been part of the "Transformation Challange" for 15 days, 75 more days to go. Let's just say that my lifestyle has changed....A LOT. I have a personal torturer, er, trainer now. Not a cheap endevor at all, but I am using my "new saddle fund" to pay for it. I think it's the first thing I've done for myself in a long time. <br />
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I've lost 7 pounds as of Thursday. Tonight I went to the gym and did my new favoriate machine: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pL8G1aZ2RqP72aJJ84HNLQo7o7Z8L6GcFff1JPUt54vlryhSFqrLPkcTIj12OqFD9s5xikrhnZ-5X480aZVh_VqkK5lWwr2LpBVZXpnXgNem9_Sk9dlxzVX-yQvLDmPje2tXvYN9iyHy/s1600/pre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pL8G1aZ2RqP72aJJ84HNLQo7o7Z8L6GcFff1JPUt54vlryhSFqrLPkcTIj12OqFD9s5xikrhnZ-5X480aZVh_VqkK5lWwr2LpBVZXpnXgNem9_Sk9dlxzVX-yQvLDmPje2tXvYN9iyHy/s320/pre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">It's like an eliptical and stair stepper had a baby. It's a full body work out and I always feel it. I have started to cover the controls while I work out so I don't focus on how many calories I burned. There is a TV on the machine, so I go and enjoy "real" tv. Tonight I went, and before I knew it the show I was watching was over. I burned 650 calories! Watching TV! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">75 more days! (and then some....) If I can lose the weight (52 pounds from my start, 45 from now) I plan on keeping it off!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) http://www.blogger.com/profile/17040183680228006616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-74034562487419105482012-01-16T19:42:00.000-08:002012-01-16T19:55:01.360-08:00Tough Mudder ChallengeSo as if my hectic schedule with two jobs, working out regularly, a horse and full time classwork (plus graduation things to sort out) my mother convinced me to do the<a href="http://toughmudder.com/"> Tough Mudder</a> competition on April 14th. So I guess I get to train for that a bit, since I can't run 10 miles or do pull-ups. Fun new goals right?<br /><br />What is a TM you say?<br /><br />Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses, half a million inspiring participants, and more than $2 million dollars raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPs4Pv3PR1qCQnXG8_w231cStGcc0rB9_bmHfYS8KK7mFWwcoAJfQ2K5oPYoMQpn81BUUEOIRSzmbxNa5CKmYe-2M_kpwy7VdlBasJ3mfYfjCofrKU5CGB3o-pVLUqY0XORz6Reeak64/s1600/mudder.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPs4Pv3PR1qCQnXG8_w231cStGcc0rB9_bmHfYS8KK7mFWwcoAJfQ2K5oPYoMQpn81BUUEOIRSzmbxNa5CKmYe-2M_kpwy7VdlBasJ3mfYfjCofrKU5CGB3o-pVLUqY0XORz6Reeak64/s320/mudder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698441503710176802" border="0" /></a><br />Thats not scary at all.<br /><br />To date, Tough Mudder participants have raised more than $2 million to support the Wounded Warrior Project. These funds help support thousands of warriors returning from the battlefield by providing combat stress recovery programs, adaptive sports, benefits counseling, education and employment services, and other programs that aid in the healing of the mind, body and spirit of these brave Americans.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinH9o7LRZ8MGIteZW1nQOFOfqVjtWxGV2ZJYikMJlH36vOFZapyiMsWaNcPWrMvLDdTcqwFPZ24F3HhB7priJqSqqh6PMRO8WMO0QwHMG2TaxSl0FEAfbiiu_S8X_VKxb1t97Ru7hJLk/s1600/tough+mud2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinH9o7LRZ8MGIteZW1nQOFOfqVjtWxGV2ZJYikMJlH36vOFZapyiMsWaNcPWrMvLDdTcqwFPZ24F3HhB7priJqSqqh6PMRO8WMO0QwHMG2TaxSl0FEAfbiiu_S8X_VKxb1t97Ru7hJLk/s320/tough+mud2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698441660223131874" border="0" /></a><br /> I have to say, this looks like a ton of fun.<br /><br />Fire. Electric shocks. 12 foot walls. MUD.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzQ2LbyAjoj4cslsfbekzqKrJu6ywoj34z1_SiLjszbEPHaXUNZtjQPFNrgOcvYMtm5vR1n6R3sFxmNvvqGJiK1AEUhJcb9cRKKvaNbRV_4aebuxvGa3d1NCAF1W0jxaIKMS58-NPMyg/s1600/tough+mud.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzQ2LbyAjoj4cslsfbekzqKrJu6ywoj34z1_SiLjszbEPHaXUNZtjQPFNrgOcvYMtm5vR1n6R3sFxmNvvqGJiK1AEUhJcb9cRKKvaNbRV_4aebuxvGa3d1NCAF1W0jxaIKMS58-NPMyg/s320/tough+mud.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698441598023613090" border="0" /></a><br />Basically AWESOME sauce.<br /><br />I have a lot to do training wise since the courses are 10-12 miles long and I'm not a strong swimmer and I dont regularly run in mud. They say you shouldnt have to actually run more than 5 miles, so I will work up to that in the coming months.<br /><br />As of now, I can run for 30 minutes without stopping, but thats a 12 minute mile pace, or 5.2 mph. In essence, slower than grandmas molasses.<br /><br />I also cannot do a single pullup and we have to rope climb and do the massive monkey bars like house thing you see above.<br /><br />Lets get cracka-lackin'Checkmark115http://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-13959119479824221892012-01-10T16:10:00.000-08:002012-01-10T16:10:31.450-08:00Ok, Ok, OkSOOO.....I started this blog because I was dead set against losing weight. Then life got stressful and I continued to do everything in my power to NOT work out, and chocolate became my best friend again. :( I THINK that's the last time I blogged. NOT winning. :)<br />
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FAIL. <br />
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I decided during Christmas that enough is enough. That I need to seriously take a look at what I eat and that I need to start working out. I complain about how I can't stay on my horse, but honestly I'm 60 (60!!) pounds overweight!! No wonder I suck at it! <br />
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SO I joined a gym. <br />
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Have I gone yet? No, BUT with good reason! This Friday I go in for photos (gulp) measurements (GULP) and to weigh in (G-U-L-P!) because I entered into their transformation challenge. It was $50.00 to enter, but I am oh so motivated! The grand prize is $6,000. $6,000!! I could pay for board for a year with that. I could put that into a new horse. OH the money. And yes, while I know other people are starting this in better shape, I know that I have a lot to lose (literally) and I am OH so motivated by competition. <br />
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So, Thursday night I go to my first session with my personal trainer. I'm nervous/excited.<br />
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See Checkmark! Posting pictures of your super skinny belly motivate me as well. (BTW, I will NOT be posting pictures of myself UNLESS I drop the weight. You've all seen a whale before. Now imagine that with a pony tail.)Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) http://www.blogger.com/profile/17040183680228006616noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-78637552139107458052012-01-10T09:23:00.000-08:002012-01-10T09:55:10.894-08:00Oh Herro!Long time no blog fellow peoples!<br /><br />It seems everyone has been lacklusterly blogging in the dreary winter months. Come on guys, I'm bored here!<br /><br />On thing I haven't been doing is slacking at the gym. I downloaded a few handy apps to help me track what I've been eating and to record my runs and workouts. Honestly, they are really helping motivate me & I'm finally seeing results!!<br /><br />I downloaded "Lose It", "Runtracker" and "Evernote". The lose it records my calorie intake and losses through excercise and activity. Its not foolproof, but it is a good indicator of what is most likely happening during the day. Runtracker is awesome! It uses GPS to track your runs and speeds. Its super cool to see the GPS map of where you ran. I use Evernote to record my workouts to the T. I say how much cardio/distance, etc as well as record my weighlifting for the day.<br /><br />Lately, I've been going about 4-5 days a week (25-40 minutes of cardio + weighlifting) and riding twice a week. Also I clean houses for about 15 hours a week and let me tell you..vacuuming for 3 straight hours is TIRING. In addition, I clean 19 stalls 3 days a week. Basically, I've been working my ass off!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr85lW3HQh8qXtFbGHTEYoBTil6msE_F-PSWht0gLxy6dW1A9bPLycmXQbScrqiDPN023FEuGmZQLMHftvJ-5xtbqCrvIEoLjQ01aILgNAif-7fAMS3-mzpLRVdqozQcDqIojm6zdsBI/s1600/attachment.ashx.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr85lW3HQh8qXtFbGHTEYoBTil6msE_F-PSWht0gLxy6dW1A9bPLycmXQbScrqiDPN023FEuGmZQLMHftvJ-5xtbqCrvIEoLjQ01aILgNAif-7fAMS3-mzpLRVdqozQcDqIojm6zdsBI/s320/attachment.ashx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696063230860679586" border="0" /></a><br />oh heyyyyy there!!<br /><br />I've lost all 30lbs I gained last year and I'm finally at my goal weight of 160. Crazy to think at 5'7 I weighed 190 lbs...GAH!! How in the world did I ever get like that? Now, I notice if I gain like 2lbs...over Christmas I gained 3lbs and working that off was no fun.<br /><br />My biggest breakthrough was a few days ago when I did 20 minutes of cardio on the elliptical and then hopped on the treadmill, intending to only run for a mile, when instead I felt so good, I just KEPT RUNNING! I ran for 20 minutes striaght!!!! Which I haven't been able to do since I was in 7th grade in XC. Even in HS I couldn't do that. WINNING.<br /><br />I intend to keep myself at 160, since I feel that is healthy for me. I was 165 at my fittest (in track in HS) so even if I gain 5lbs, it would most likely be in muscle since I lift at least 3 days a week. Mostly though, I want to keep the belly fat off. 1) because my boy toy is SUPER rippped and I feel fat next to him, ha 2) I missed my abs! 3) Spring break is right around the corner!<br /><br />I turn 21 on Saturday/Sunday (midnight drinking, ha) and I know I will have a hangover, so lets just hope I can hop right back into working out and run off all those alcohol calories, because I know I will not be counting them that night!Checkmark115http://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-21097032738729312012011-12-05T15:27:00.000-08:002011-12-05T15:31:32.947-08:00Progress Picture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjMuhCAkzC_8j6qwf5sK-DGq3MyqFWEKn1z2AgBoV7dHUr0eeRGAaxRS-MfV4hAwZDdYy1wNoEPfwg1X3KkXvoP6y_ANxVAxGYB_tyPdp5nrA99r7gF8DMpwU8vbgkjDnpL3dShX_eP8/s1600/lbb1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjMuhCAkzC_8j6qwf5sK-DGq3MyqFWEKn1z2AgBoV7dHUr0eeRGAaxRS-MfV4hAwZDdYy1wNoEPfwg1X3KkXvoP6y_ANxVAxGYB_tyPdp5nrA99r7gF8DMpwU8vbgkjDnpL3dShX_eP8/s320/lbb1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682790217948922274" border="0" /></a>Here is me in stretchy pants in March of this year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz3UR1tmoMn7eap2E15aE3vyApUmeBw4ucOf6yj5JENIkNV55eOo6uTpKnRuFVTtLqaGHkcySJf-X9Obe1qf9YkrKj2w1-vg4jDknlvpF1A6l4HiDh93oXPi_Ak3b9jyoXJr1MWVNmzA/s1600/125.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz3UR1tmoMn7eap2E15aE3vyApUmeBw4ucOf6yj5JENIkNV55eOo6uTpKnRuFVTtLqaGHkcySJf-X9Obe1qf9YkrKj2w1-vg4jDknlvpF1A6l4HiDh93oXPi_Ak3b9jyoXJr1MWVNmzA/s320/125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682790419535274658" border="0" /></a>And last week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Definitely making progress.SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-5871933112228505382011-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:002011-10-18T10:36:46.206-07:00Changing ThingsI had the stomach flu over the weekend, so I'm looking thin at the moment, but I noticed something. As I'm reincorporating normal food into my diet again, I'm doing it in smaller portions. <div><br /></div><div>Making a concentrated effort to eat smaller portions and less of them takes a long time and is not the most fun thing ever. On the other hand, it works. I had one serving for dinner last night and did not feel the need for a second. If I'm eating and I realize I'm full before my plate is empty, I stop anyways. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fast food cravings pretty much quit as soon as I got the grease out of my system, then realized that any time I reintroduced it would make my stomach hurt. Normal food is more of a challenge, but I'm making progress. </div>SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-39601835185717508502011-09-24T08:47:00.000-07:002011-09-24T08:51:34.775-07:00Yankee Giving Lessons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOnAg4mOVuPVrmdtxQaR3HeDwnoKEccT3FEAQAgF7oGelaZ_tWnOAZSqeWWwHb6efi9VN11JqVcaNFT59nCWgGWHgmt8BVsbWGExC4mco2n3jpGm7gYBQ96UKbdeAszhdBeWLrFm_V0A/s1600/IMAG0026.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOnAg4mOVuPVrmdtxQaR3HeDwnoKEccT3FEAQAgF7oGelaZ_tWnOAZSqeWWwHb6efi9VN11JqVcaNFT59nCWgGWHgmt8BVsbWGExC4mco2n3jpGm7gYBQ96UKbdeAszhdBeWLrFm_V0A/s320/IMAG0026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655954002395157730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYdxVEQDqfMQRpGRC2YzUrsrCntarJ7Wd1OQmhEB8V0nvffG2zTsqP39tbg5vpPkNUPGRxaiaY5D-_ap9lObvz39O3e-cTdx6XR81KnxnpAT_qWbHHDl9ao7gTce_cZBXBQkC9L7gwsI/s1600/IMAG0030.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYdxVEQDqfMQRpGRC2YzUrsrCntarJ7Wd1OQmhEB8V0nvffG2zTsqP39tbg5vpPkNUPGRxaiaY5D-_ap9lObvz39O3e-cTdx6XR81KnxnpAT_qWbHHDl9ao7gTce_cZBXBQkC9L7gwsI/s320/IMAG0030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655953763747854578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HmibpLHT2n9aXpvRydNfYzSJmxKbKGZ_W71CRpn21BtOUX1EezbVS874KvmU0bxT-vltQZVSs4O6PrYyr-GPrY6k36tCb91VbItEY5rzPiwEC31PIBzNPwwRQDaB1mFqhCsSCkADBPw/s1600/IMAG0038-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HmibpLHT2n9aXpvRydNfYzSJmxKbKGZ_W71CRpn21BtOUX1EezbVS874KvmU0bxT-vltQZVSs4O6PrYyr-GPrY6k36tCb91VbItEY5rzPiwEC31PIBzNPwwRQDaB1mFqhCsSCkADBPw/s320/IMAG0038-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655953513831065426" /></a>Checkmark115http://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-71788801110354580302011-09-23T14:45:00.000-07:002011-09-23T14:49:14.816-07:00EncouragementSo I've been plugging along this year--I'm working to improve my diet, drinking lots of smoothies, running lots of miles. It's just that I see me in the mirror every day. Same flaws, same problems, same me. <div><br /></div><div>What's really helped me out lately is, oddly enough, a friend coming out and taking pictures of me in breeches with my horse. Yeah, I don't look perfect, but my legs are tighter (even if they wear the same size as before) and my position is so much stronger. I'll never be a super model, but I can get closer to being the rider I've always wanted to be. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, I made it back to my pilates class this morning and my teacher commented that I had lost weight. Nice... she's earning her paycheck. ;) </div>SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-39831465986730232212011-09-10T10:24:00.001-07:002011-09-10T10:38:24.800-07:00Feetsies Part Duex<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13Vq4MT7va3KUd3WqfqU1o4c4C-X_37IM-kFRKOsSa_RfTnaJDqcCNvz-ms691Blkyf5WmEkIB-3XVY49U8NCx9LZHZv6HLf9xe-1JMe9mWX8lWgp3J-zyHmBm8Enn5Tb9il_p-s7Kd0/s1600/SANY7873.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13Vq4MT7va3KUd3WqfqU1o4c4C-X_37IM-kFRKOsSa_RfTnaJDqcCNvz-ms691Blkyf5WmEkIB-3XVY49U8NCx9LZHZv6HLf9xe-1JMe9mWX8lWgp3J-zyHmBm8Enn5Tb9il_p-s7Kd0/s320/SANY7873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650784133090265666" /></a><br /><div>Look at my pretty new shoes!! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVd6JuLKHLRq4F-kTsmuWeZQfqAd1TIGU3MqEKVtJzfR7KbUuKpzo1rRIPs3Br4XM7njoWIHjBVkbEi9N7udTQiS865XLcndPmW2OAkfRIVQfoAeLXB-6gxphLzKeCMytJuQI0mz35qY/s320/SANY7874.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650786084408136962" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21yVhrF74ZHnBnng_bcxvIV48k7v-AHBIUH4KEhmK5yeYgsaHmK49lBuxtt1f492gJM7B7FA7eiULHXozFlePcaja3LAvDfr48_YLH-969TOaJSKD7mWoh-h0ypmE-8eClfMP0t-Bjqw/s320/SANY7875.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650786609786367170" /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Checkmark115http://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-64000546348261182592011-08-31T15:16:00.000-07:002011-08-31T15:39:37.173-07:00FeetsiesSo I have been working out a few days a week, riding, mucking stalls (LOTS of them) and walking around campus with a heavy backpack so one could say i've lost a few lbs :)<div>
<br /></div><div>However, my feet HURT. Bad.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Its not just like soreness, I think I actually pulled ligaments in my soles.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I have a theory.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I normally wear minimal shoes...flip-flops, sandals, chuck taylors, etc. My feet hate shoes of substance (and socks) and when I can, I go bare. Otherwise I am in my chucks (no socks) or flippies. I've done this since I was about 12 I think and I'm used to it. I am most comfortable that way and I stay "sound".</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Recently, my flip flops broke, and I've been wearing actual tennis shoes. Why not my chucks you say? As noted before, I HATE socks. In wicked heat (100 deg), chucks are NOT comfy at all. If its like, 75 or below, they're fine. The tennis shoes have the whole shibang-arch support and all that blither blather CRAP.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The result of wearing tennis shoes for almost 2 weeks? EXTREMELY sore feet. Like I can barely walk. For sure "lame".</div><div>
<br /></div><div>My theory is that since my body and feet are SO sososososososoooo used to me essentially going barefoot (the way people should go, I think) and then switching to extreme padding and fluff, my body reacted negatively.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I am a HUGE supporter of the barefoot movement and I personally feel that most running shoes are pieces of crap that only do damage to the body. Feet are not supposed to be supported like that, and in the long run I think they do more damage than good. However, I am NOT an expert at all, I just feel this way from personal experience.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Take my mom for example. Col. in the USAF, marathoner, tri-athelete, super-dooper-mega-fit-crazy and she has scores of problems with her knees, back, and hips that developed over time. I, too, have had numerous injuries to my knee, shins, and tendons on my left leg and am nowhere near as fit as her, and all my injuries are new and not related to running.. She is one of those people who has the latest running shoes and swears by them, yet she is always "lame" or not able to run well. I, on the other hand, CAN run even with fresh injuries with my flat shoes or barefoot, to an extent, only limited by fitness and strength at this point.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>See where I'm going with this? Here's a <a href="http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/">website</a> some skeptics might find interesting.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>So. Off to find some flip-flops so I can get back to working out!!</div>Checkmark115http://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-11915282339082246192011-07-15T19:05:00.000-07:002011-07-15T19:10:17.176-07:00So... DietsI know, when I started blogging here I was all "rah rah rah exercise" and not so much on the diet bandwagon. I try to eat well, but I don't believe in torturing myself over food.<br /><br />Enter crashing fall.<br /><br />Now, like it or not (mostly not), I am on the world's most ridiculous diet. I eat a minimum of three fruit smoothies a day. I'm all crazy-go-nuts on the dairy products, and I'm inhaling my potatoes. I think my only real carb intake right now is the occasion pasta when I'm tired of plant-y products.<br /><br />And yes, it's vegetarian. I mean, people tell me you can put meat in a blender... but yeah... just sounds nasty and I'm not that desperate yet.<br /><br />I do need to figure out how to make veggie smoothies. Any cool recipes floating around out there?SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-34428791341361000352011-06-20T17:33:00.001-07:002011-06-20T17:39:54.207-07:00Long Time No BlogIts been a while...<div><br /></div><div>as usual I am beyond BUSY.</div><div><br /></div><div>If any of you follow my other blog, www.tbeventer.blogspot.com, you all know I've been showing up the wa-zoo and have 2 jobs AND take summer school classes in attempt to graduate on time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been busy...wait I said that already...</div><div><br /></div><div>SO. The working out dieting...has gone by the permanent wayside I think. I get up at 5am or 7:30 to go to work, work till 4PM, go to my other job at 5PM, work till 7:30PM and then get home around 8...almost everyday. On the days I don't work both jobs, I have homework to catch up on and assignments to do as well as household chores like groceries to buy and bills to pay and cleaning to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>This leaves me a tired panda and highly unmotivated to go workout at 10PM...I don't know what to do anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't not work since I have so many bills to pay and I can't give up sleep or school but I NEED to get back to working out. Even when I was working out 4 days week I lost almost 12lbs in a month. I'm pretty sure I've gained that allllllll back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, with the tiredness, cooking has gone by the wayside...or I just throw together mac and cheese. Lovely right?</div><div><br /></div><div>ALSO I simply cannot buy fresh produce! I don't have enough time to sit and cook/prepare myself food evevrynight so half the time, my delicious, crisp veggies, fruit and meats gets thrown away. OFTEN. I've prolly thrown out $100 worth of food over the last month. $100 I can't afford.</div><div><br /></div><div>So yeah I'm pretty much in a MAJOR catch-22 right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh.</div>Checkmark115http://www.blogger.com/profile/08875106264738444238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-30044053233244704782011-06-07T15:38:00.001-07:002011-06-07T15:41:04.953-07:00Interesting ThoughtI'm still plugging along, but I've expanded my blogging horizons into reading about exercise and weight loss, too. Here's an interesting post about the effects of dieting that I thought I'd pass along.<br /><br /><a href="http://yelling-stop.blogspot.com/2011/01/fat-mice-and-laws-of-thermodynamics.html">Fat and Diet</a><br /><br />Huh. It makes me feel better about not wanting to diet.SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-6236286334330608022011-06-07T15:38:00.000-07:002011-06-07T15:39:11.148-07:00Interesting ThoughtSprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-19955876276901864742011-04-28T11:25:00.000-07:002011-04-28T11:31:04.330-07:00I'm TruckingWith a week on the beach, I promised myself I would run every single day.<div><br /></div><div>I then proceeded to never move faster than a leisurely stroll. I know, so useful. I ate out every day. It was great for everything but my fitness goals. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'm back to it. Went for a two mile run this morning with the dogs. At no point did I think I was going to die, so I guess that's progress. Of course, now I'm at work in tight black capris and a light hoodie because I felt so athletic and good about myself, but it's cloudy, in the upper 30s and raining. Whoops. </div>SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-68495041594257122772011-04-20T15:33:00.000-07:002011-04-20T15:33:25.572-07:00It's all in your head.Right. I know that I'm "not fat." I know this, because I am (in fact), not fat. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that I don't feel like a hippo after halloween when I haven't been working out regularly. In fact, it's shocking how my own brain can completely and totally convince myself that I've somehow ballooned into a sedentary beast, best suited for floating weightless in water (sea lion, anyone?). <br />
<br />
However, as much as I hate my brain for tricking me into those negative thoughts and images, I absolutely love, love, love it when it decides to flip the opposite way after I've managed to string two workouts together back to back... Because honestly, that's all it takes. <br />
<br />
Two workouts and I'm just sore enough to confuse lactic acid with actual muscle mass, and that slight after burn in the lungs makes me feel like I could climb a mountain if I wanted to (I don't actually want to).<br />
<br />
So that's where I am. Two workouts into <i>Turbofire</i>. I might be slightly obsessed, and I'd SWEAR that my pants are looser, but that's probably just as much an illusion as when I think they're about to burst off and I'll never zip into my breeches again.<br />
<br />
But here's to positive feedback :)<br />
<br />
Now if only my mare would keep her shoes attached to her feet, we'd go for a celebratory ride....Ginghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677667981067220682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-10254194322582294292011-04-14T09:32:00.000-07:002011-04-14T09:38:27.964-07:00I'm here, I swearIy yiy yiy. Just a quick update. The Dynamite? I was loving it. I had lost 5 pounds in the first week.<br /><br />Then, totally unrelated, I thought I was dying. I missed my period ("WTF" was my answer to that, since I'm on the pill...which doesn't help you lose weight) and got pains in my left side that were completely debilitating. A trip to the doctor (I thought for sure I had a tubal pregnancy) confirmed an ovarian cyst (has anyone had them? Statistics say 92% of women in their child bearing years have), the probable cause for the pain.<br /><br />So, off of the Dynamite diet because while the doctor didn't think it had anything to do with a flare, it can't hurt to cut out any chemicals while we figure it out. An appointment on 4/18 will take a second look to see if it's one that's going to flare with different chemicals at different times of my cycle, and then if it's still there, we'll do an MRI to determine if it's dermoid (look THAT up on Google, it's some freaky sci-fi type of stuff!).<br /><br />After that, I can go back to my diet (I was loving it).<br /><br />I think this post has set the record for parentheses, but I don't feel like going back to edit. I have a wicked cold right now, just pretty "blah" in general. It hurts to pee! (That's from the cyst, not the cold.)Codihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17693701164461232868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-87638116696346849782011-04-11T13:39:00.000-07:002011-04-11T13:39:37.980-07:00Back to it...Not to be a total OCD bride, but somehow I managed to pick out a dress that, while totally gorgeous and stunning, isn't necessarily the most *ahem,* forgiving.<br />
<br />
Let's just say that I'll look like Catherine Zeta Jones' slightly taller cousin in it if I manage to cut out the bottles of wine and wheels of cheese while also waking up early enough to do something other than eat peanut butter by the spoonful in the mornings.<br />
<br />
If I don't accomplish those things - I've unfortunately selected a dress that will not only provide ZERO support for an increased bust size, but also highlight any folds of back fat for all the world to see with the added bonus of making my hips look like a baby hippo (aw, cute!).<br />
<br />
You'd think that with nuptials approximately 9 months away, and a dress fitting looming in only 4... that I'd have my ass firmly in gear. Or that I'd at least be reacquainting myself with the large, scary trainer-man of my past... but NO.<br />
<br />
Nothing of the sort.<br />
<br />
Instead, I've moved back in with my parents (who cook <i>large</i> well rounded meals daily, and also have a massive wine cellar which is tapped every evening..), quit the gym, and allowed myself to foolishly purchase pants in a larger size (dammit!).<br />
<br />
This leaves me in a diminished state and not nearly as toned, firm, or confident as I was exactly this time last year.<br />
<br />
So, what does a desperate white female (DWF) do when faced with such a situation?<br />
<br />
She watches infomercials.<br />
<br />
Yup, infomercials.<br />
<br />
Then she googles said miracle product and manages to do a "thorough" online search to qualify the likelihood that somehow a skinny blond bitch (SBB) bouncing around to b-list hip hop will somehow be motivating enough for me to do 374 jumping jacks and 82 minutes of lunges.<br />
<br />
Even as I hit "purchase" I knew that I was doomed. When the SBB can't see that I've opted to take a 8 minute break in the middle of her "inferno" workout.. how am I supposed to be held accountable?<br />
<br />
Regardless, I've purchased it. I feel that if I don't stop for a snack in the middle of the first workout, I will have been moderately successful.<br />
<br />
But seriously, who wouldn't want to jump around with this crazy chick?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fitness-drinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/turbo-fire-shakeology.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fitness-drinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/turbo-fire-shakeology.png" /></a></div>Ginghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06677667981067220682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-3195175859995975482011-03-18T09:21:00.000-07:002011-03-18T09:25:14.476-07:00I Look AmazingActually, I look probably exactly the same as I did yesterday at this time, except now I have messier hair. <div><br /></div><div>However, I took the dogs for a nice two mile run this morning, then scooted out the door to pilates for an hour. It never fails. If I work out, I feel good about how I look. If I do nothing, I feel like I look like a fat cow. I KNOW that I pretty much look the same either way, but I'd just as soon feel emotionally good about myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I now have a water bottle that holds 24oz. I have two 8 oz cups of water in the morning, and with my water bottle, I continue consumption throughout the day. It is 10.30am and I've already had almost 50oz of water. Not only does it keep me hydrated, I also feel less hungry. </div><div><br /></div><div>That said, I take a ton of potty breaks. >.> </div>SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-51601400122498819972011-03-03T07:58:00.000-08:002011-03-03T08:02:09.101-08:00It's Getting WarmerThe weather still sucks, but it sucks slightly less than it did at this time last month. Part of me is totally thrilled--can't wait for summer!! The other part is terrified. Do I even want to wear summer clothes? Hoodies are incredibly safe and non-revealing. <div><br /></div><div>Yikes. I don't even want to think about swimwear. Nope, pretty sure there are sharks in every body of water that is more than a foot deep, so I will have to regretfully decline any related invitations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Salad, anyone? </div><div><br /></div><div>;-) </div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, so things are going relatively well. I was doing really well about eating, but then I ran out of salad and my legs are sore from pushing harder than ever in running. Yesterday, I made snickerdoodles and they are quite good. You should be proud, though. I gave about half of them away. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh. How's everyone else doing?</div>SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-48720309782357231222011-02-28T12:00:00.000-08:002011-02-28T13:57:11.831-08:00It's been a long weekI've been farmsitting for the last 12 days. This isn't a bad thing, in fact I love being the one to wake up and feed pony-beast first thing in the morning. 12 days away from home, though, makes it hard to eat well or feel organized. And, while it would seem convenient that the farm is only 10 minutes from my apartment, it actually makes things harder - I tend not to pack real changes of clothes, convinced that I'll come home often. I've been living the past week in hay covered sweats and snow boots.<br /><br />On the plus side, I started the Dynamite. Wednesday and Thursday were easy...well, duh, they're the days that you eat as much as you want. Thursday night, though, I got a call before dinner from a friend saying she needed to get her horse down to Fairfield (Equine Clinic) because his bladder was completely blocked by a stone. I hooked up and within an hour I was at her place and on my way to Connecticut in the rain and fog. We got to the clinic at around 11:15pm, put Daniel in a pretty heavy daze, and watched the surgery. After hanging 2 bags of fluid and waiting (forever) while he recovered in a stall, we loaded him back up and started the drive home. I hadn't eaten anything since 3pm on Thursday, so at 3am I stopped for gas and got a chai, a red bull (still had to make the drive), a banana, and a bag of chips. And no Dynamite. Oh well, sometimes things don't go how they're supposed to, and considering the emergency we were dealing with, a crappy diet was just not the end of the world.<br /><br />I've been doing well since that, though. Eating (basically) what I'm supposed to, and being probably too relaxed about the whole thing. I'm still having creamer in my coffee in the morning. My chicken for my salad last night may have had some chipotle taco seasoning on it. For the most part, though, I've been trying. The Dynamite makes it so that I'm not hungry between meals, and I even find myself having to remember to eat (the water could be doing that). Oh yeah, water. It's my downfall. I have a habit of going days without taking a sip of anything (horrible, I know). Now, I'm supposed to be drinking over 80oz per day! The last 3 days I've had about 60oz each, so...it's progress. Today my goal is all 80oz.<br /><br />We're on day 6 and I'm down 2.8lbs. Not as much as I'd like, but after the chaotic week, I'll take it.Codihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17693701164461232868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-28434268796465720222011-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:002011-02-23T10:16:19.240-08:00Holidays are the WorstLast week, we had an exciting mix of freezing rain, freezing temperatures, and snow. I only made it out to run a couple of times. In general, I refuse to run on snow on top of ice because, well, gee whiz, it seems dumb. <div><br /></div><div>So... then account for Monday being President's Day. I proceeded to stay home with my husband and eat copious amounts of crap food. Yikes! The goods news is that I now absolutely do not want anything to do with grease, sugar, and cheap chocolate. It seems that sticking to a healthier diet in general means that when I do splurge, I end up wanting some real, healthy food. Hooray! </div><div><br /></div><div>Last night was super veggie stir fry. I also have some beef, barley, and basil stew. Yum! Running again felt so good... I think I'm going to get used to this whole healthier lifestyle thing. </div>SprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490675540888233014.post-74279384289526183072011-02-17T20:20:00.000-08:002011-02-17T20:20:01.046-08:001 WeekWell, it's been one week on my Dynamite Diet. I have had a hard time sticking to 650 calories a day, esp. with Valentines Day (aka Chocolate), Parties, etc. STILL I've lost 1.5 inches from my waist and 1 inch from my hips. Not bad. My pants started to fall down today (they were already a little big) so I'm happy about that. I'm not following my diet to a T, but it's helping. <br />
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If you want to write on this blog e-mail me at <a href="mailto:rehabdenali@yahoo.com">rehabdenali@yahoo.com</a> <br />
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Sorry for my delay in posting comments! I should just turn moderation off!Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) http://www.blogger.com/profile/17040183680228006616noreply@blogger.com1