Weight Watchers: Before

AB and I tried Weight Watchers last year when the cumulative size of our waists had become ridiculous. I recall losing a little weight, but not sticking with the program nor keeping it off (although when I re-registered I discovered that last time I had lost ~12 lbs). Since then my battle with my weight has gone on at a steady rate; I run, I quit running, I diet, I quit dieting, I give up foods, I eat all of those foods in one sitting, let's try running again, rinse and repeat. I have managed to fluctuate within a 10lb range now for several years. Until recently.

This past weekend I was feeling particularly fluffy; I had been sick for the preceding week and hadn't done a lick of exercise other than walk my dog around the neighborhood (and it's more like a slow foot-dragging while he stops and pees on everything). I had also eaten my fair share of cupcakes and been on a few too many beer flights, so I stepped on the scale.

167.

Holy shit. Before anyone thinks "167? Please, that's nothing. And you're tall. Quit being a drama queen" I must point out that I have never weighed that much in my entire life. When AB and I started dating (and I was 28 at the time) I weighed 135lbs. For those who are mathematically challenged, that's a 33lb weight gain during our relationship. I was floored. I was also frustrated, sad, disgusted with myself, and thoroughly disappointed in how far I had let myself go considering I've never had a child, haven't hit menopause, only work 3 days a week, and have a body perfectly capable of physical exertion (not to mention how shallow I am).

The next morning was my first day at work (orientation) so I was required to wear business casual. It only took a few attempts to discover that my size 12 "fat pants" didn't even fit. I had no choice but to suck it in, zip it up, and slouch my way through the day in a pathetic attempt to hide the rolls that had very obviously formed along the sides of my abdomen.

When I got home from work I immediately hopped online and re-registered for another 3 month Weight Watchers membership. I know it failed the first time because of my lack of dedication and self control, but I honestly believe the fat pants experience sealed the deal. Since Tuesday I have been trying to make my 27 points/day allowance work and it's not easy (the more weight you have to lose the more points you get; I'm considered to be close to my "healthy weight range" so I don't get a lot to work with). I've also started back running and using the elliptical, so I pray the combined exercise and low food intake will help this issue out.

My long term goal is to get down to 145lbs. I think back to the times when I weighed that amount, and it was always a healthy weight for me; I wasn't starving but I was comfortable with how I looked and able to carry myself with some pride. It's also a weight that I spent more than a few years at so I don't think it's an unrealistic goal. I'd also be happy with returning to my size 8 frame. I build muscle easily (thanks Mom!) so I could give a little on the weight if only my waistline would cooperate (and I have no desire to spend money on new clothes in bigger sizes!).

This is probably more than most people wanted to know about my body's ability to pack cellulite like a wagon on the Oregon Trail, but getting it out there has always helped my dedication and commitment to something. Wish me luck?

The 3 C's: A List

I think I did this original post back in 2010...it's been a couple of years so I'll post a new one (hopefully some things have changed while I'm guessing some others haven't).

(C)ares:

• Once again, I'm the unit team captain for the Angels Among Us 5K in April. We did it last year (look under "Running" tab) and thought it would be fun to get a new team together this year. The only problem is that I quit running several months ago; time to whip out the C25K app on my phone.
• Stetson seems to be doing well with this second chemo treatment. The oncologist lowered the dose a little and dropped one of the antibiotics so he doesn't seem as lethargic this time around. Actually, he seems pretty "normal". The third one is coming up next Monday and then we'll be 3/4 of the way through.
• Penny has integrated well into our furbaby family. She has some traits that we could live without but hey, don't we all?
• My birthday is next month, and I still look the same as I did 2 years ago...well, except for that little bit of weight gain. Anyone else have fat that goes straight to their waist and face? Regardless, I don't feel any older so I guess that's a good thing. Also, most of my family seems to be fairly healthy these days. That's something to be thankful for considering how many ailing people I see at work.

(C)omments:

• This weather is whack. We came home to below freezing temperatures and ice on the ground, and currently the windows are open to the balmy 70 degree weather outside. 
• 2 years ago I was driving a car that got 11mpg. This year I'm driving one that gets 30-40mpg. Yeah, that's awesome.
• Whistler is awesome. If you like any form of winter activity, that is the place for you. Although, be prepared for the taxes in Canada; I swear they were about 20%.
• AB and I are considering going to New Zealand for our next vacation. Not only that, but we found a stables there that offers a Lord of the Rings Tour ON HORSEBACK! Are you kidding? That is awesome. It might be one of the awesomest things I've ever heard of (my standards have dropped over the past several years).
• Southwest recently became my favorite airline. The flight attendants have personality (well, most of them), the pilots don't mess around with getting places on time, the seats are new, you can charm your way into an armful of free snacks, and best of all- you can take 2 checked bags per person for FREE- including ski bags (last year we spent $200 to fly our bags one way to Utah- fail). Props to Southwest.
• My house is still not up for sale. I actually forget sometimes that I even own a house. I hope that thing is still standing; I haven't been to see it in over a year (ignorance is bliss).

(C)omplaints:

• AB and I have to PAY taxes this year- apparently we went up a tax bracket. Damn his 5 raises and my 1! What sucks even more is that we're paying more of our hard earned money to the government so that uninsured a-holes with iPhones, whiskey, and gold teeth can get their free surgeries and ER exams. Just saying. It doesn't make much sense.
• This whole gun control debate. As with everything else, if someone REALLY wants to get something, they will find a way...and it's usually NOT the every day responsible citizen who REALLY wants that something.
• I gained 6 pounds during vacation, despite skiing and walking EVERYWHERE. 6 pounds? Really? The best part (imagine dripping sarcasm) is that I've developed a mound of fat over my already protruding vertebra at the base of my neck. So now I look like a hunchback...except it's fat. WTF? I'm still trying to figure out how to disguise it in my scrubs. Low ponytail? Sweat it out in my NF jacket all day? Decisions...
• Healthy food is expensive. Seriously. Trying to shop only around the outer edges of a grocery store is hard. Plus, giving up dairy makes it even harder (acne experiment #247)