Rut

I am in a rut! Dang Grandma's Christmas chocolates and slush! So today is my Healthy Lifestyles update and I have to say that I haven't lost anything, I'm the same. But it's been two weeks since the last time I updated so it's frustrating because in 2 weeks I would have hoped to lose at least 3-4 pounds. It's my own fault for not sticking to the guidelines I set for myself.

But ya know what?! I didn't gain right? And I can pick right back up and get back to the guidelines I set. Ok, you helped me out blog...Guess what?! I hadn't been eating sugar and over Christmas I ate my grandma's delectable homemade chocolates and slush (mixture of fruit juices frozen and then Sprite is poured over it...only at Christmas) and I ended up getting acne worse than a teenage prepubescent boy who eats cheetos and ding dongs! I guess it goes to show the less sugar is better for me! Now if I can just get rid of these nasty markings on my face, it's almost as if I need a good detox!

P.S. My sister and I are going off of DIET COKE starting January 1st! But it gets better, we have a huge competitive side between the two of us so we're going to see who lasts the longest or breaks the soonest! I have a feeling she breaks...she always does LOL!

Georgia O'Keeffe

I wish I could have these amazing paintings done by Georgia O'Keeffe in my office!  I love the imagery they produce in my mind and the calming sensation they bring.  She is such a beautiful artist.

       


Red Canna, c. 1923

       




From the Lake No. 1, c. 1924

Dear Blog World...Where Are They?!

Dear Blog World:                                                       

I just got back from my Singles Ward Christmas Party.  Let me just say, it was painful!  Trying to hold a conversation with others was like pulling teeth, and I know what it is like to pull teeth because I used to do it dangit! I was a dental assistant!  Out here in single's world is no fun!  What happened to going on dates, real dates?  What happened to good natured fun?  What happened to courtship, oh courtship, where art thou?!

I would really like to meet someone from the male species who thinks education is just as important as I do.  It would be great if he could be well rounded as well and know how to read and spell...it's not too much to ask right?  But seriously, an interest in traveling, reading, or learning would be nice.  I went to school to help support my future family and also to set a good example for my children but at the same time, coming from a traditional LDS point of view, isn't that partly the Priesthood holder's responsibility?  So where are these priesthood holder's who have goals, are close to or have an education, and value a traditional LDS relationship?  Blog World, Where Are They?!

P.S. Can he be yummy looking like the guy in the picture?

Healthy Lifestyle Dr. Visit

Early, early, early (I am not a morning person!) this morning I had my monthly check up with my Doctor.  He is monitoring my weight loss and helping me find the balance I need (since I have a medical condition).  My blood pressure was such a huge difference compared to a month ago and when he saw how much I lost he was so excited.  It was so funny that my Dr. was excited for me!  But, he said that I shouldn't try and lose more than I did in future months (on average) because that is when people start gaining it back.  For me, like the title says, this is a "lifestyle" change and so I can't risk gaining it back.  He said I should try eating about 1400-1600 calories a day instead of my restricting 1200 calories a day, whew thank you!  I am hoping that within the next couple weeks I start seeing a physical difference in myself but IT IS A GREAT START!

Holiday Reading

I have three books that I am going to be reading over the holiday break!  I haven't actually read a book/novel for ages.  Now, I don't have to worry about textbooks and work has slowed down a bit that when I get home I won't be so exhausted.  Take a look at them, I highly recommend all three!

1.

  

The Kitchen Boy

Robert Alexander

A recollection of the Romanov family and their kidnapping/murder by the Bolsheviks in the point of view of the literal kitchen boy.  It has a great historical background and is very touching.  Part non-fiction/fiction, it combines the actual memories of the kitchen boy combined with ideas and theories of what happened to the Romanov family during this civil uprising. 

2.     Hurry Down Sunshine

            Michael Greenberg

The author, Michael Greenberg, recounts the early memories he has of his "enlightened" daughter, Sally.  After he and her mother separate, changes occur in Sally and her problems become more evident.  Until at the age of fifteen, he realizes "that Sally has been struck mad".  It is a realistic memoir of a young girl diagnosed with BiPolar Disorder and the ups and downs not only she goes through but what her father goes through with her. 

In my opinion, this is a book written with such honesty concerning a topic that is hidden in our society.  It was refreshing to read something so upfront and candid about the struggles of mental disorders.

 3.   The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

         Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

My sister, her mother in-law and sister in-law all recommended this book.  Guernsey, is a small island located between Britain and France in the English Channel. 

"As her quirky, loveable characters cite the works of Shakespeare, Austen, and the Brontës, Shaffer subtly weaves those writers’ themes into her own narrative. However, it is the tragic stories of life under Nazi occupation that animate the novel and give it its urgency; furthermore, the novel explores the darker side of human nature without becoming maudlin."

I love books that have some relation to World War II, I have always had an interest into this era.  Plus, it brings some refreshing quotes from literary greats Shakespeare, Austen, and the Brontes sisters, all who I feel in love with in high school.

New Set of Numbers and My Humble Christmas

It is that time of the week, a posting of my numbers in my Healthy Lifestyles goal.  I accidentally skipped last week, it was quite busy at work!  So this is a combination of both last week and this week, including the dreaded Thanksgiving!  But I also put up some meager Christmas decorations, I wasn't going to put any up but my sweet Gma Ruby let me borrow a tree to decorate and I pulled out my wreath and lights.  So first off,

Week 3 Healthy Lifestyle:
-15 lbs total
        *-9 first week
        *-7 second and third week (combined)
-2 inches off chest
-1.5 inches off rib cage
-3 inches off of hips!

I have now entered a new set of double digits.  Right now my realistic goal is to lose 10% of my weight, no time schedule, just to lose it.  Then once I reach that goal, I will set a new one.  There is no race, I want to do this right and I think time is on my side when it comes to the battle I am in.

Here are some fun pics of my decorating too!  Thanks Gma Ruby:)