Developing a New Talent!

I have always loved good music.  I have always wanted to be able to play an instrument, but didn't have much of a chance as a kid to learn.  Since I have an awesome husband who knows how to play the piano, and an awesome mother-in-law who gave us a piano for Christmas 2 years ago (and we are finally able to have it now that we live in the East and closer to them), I have started to learn how to play the piano.
Brad taught me the basics with some music flash cards and a keyboard that we could tape the letters of notes on the keys.

I've been practicing very hard the last 2 weeks-- everyday for 30 minutes to1 hour (though not always consecutively).  I thought I had learned "A Child's Prayer" and played it for Brad, to which he told me that I did a good job and it sounded like the song, but I wasn't playing what was on the music sheet.  Oops!  Apparently, I had accidentally "transposed the song into the key of C."  Now I'm not sure what that means, but the reality was that I forgot where middle C was (since we're not putting tape on the piano keys-- I thought F was middle C), and I though that middle C was the bottom line of the top staff (but it's really supposed to be one line below the top staff).  But with all of my confusion, I somehow did something magical and  transposed the song that was supposed to have sharps into a key that could be played perfectly with no sharps or flats.  Yeah... I'm that awesome!

I tried learning the same song the "proper" way, in the right key and playing the notes that were actually on the sheet and re-adjusting my brain to where middle C really should be.  And failed miserably.   Brad recommended that I get a song that is just in the key of C and practice something fitting for my very beginner level; so now I'm learning the melody line for "We'll Bring the World His Truth" (sometimes called "Army of Helaman"). Here's a video of my attempt... I know I screwed up in a few places, but I still feel really proud of what I've been able to learn in a few weeks!

 
I'm very excited and grateful to have this chance to learn something new and beautiful.  It's important to me to keep learning and developing new talents.  Musical abilities has always felt like a weakness to me, but I know that through diligent study and practice, prayer, and faith that my Heavenly Father can "make weak things become strong unto me." I want my children to know how much continuing to learn throughout your life means to me, so I am taking on a challenge to learn something new.  I also want my home to have beautiful music-- so I'm trying to help make that happen.

It has been a goal of mine this year to be able to perform something musical at the Neeley family Christmas Eve "talent show."  Every year the Neeleys all get together at Uncle Steve's house on Christmas Eve and play music and act out the First Christmas.  All the Neeley's have a musical talent that they share-- singing, piano, violin, flute, etc.  It's very beautiful and a tradition that I LOVE, and would like to incorporate into our family as we start to establish our own traditions for the holidays.

Sales Shopping Win!

I need a dress for my uncle's wedding on July 30th.  So I participated in a couple research studies to get some personal spending money and get a new dress.  I originally thought I would end up using most of my money on 1 nice dress that I really REALLY liked, and maybe a couple accessories or new shoes if I got a good deal.  But then, this weekend, Brad took me shopping for said new dress-- and I ended up getting 4 new dresses and a skirt.  Here's the loot.

From: Dressbarn
Original Price: $39.99
I paid: $34.28
Savings:  $5.71 or 14.3%

From: Dressbarn
Original Price: $59.99
I paid: $21.84
Savings: $38.15 or 63.6%

From: Mikarose
Original Price: $36.99
I paid: $15.99
I saved: $21 or 56.77%

From: JC Penny's
Original Price: $80
I paid: $15.97
Savings: $64.03 or 80%

From: Macy's
Original price: $59
I paid: $17.70
Savings: $41.30 or 70%

I love my new clothes!  Losing weight can be expensive-- but these beautiful new clothes and my self-confidence, energy, and awesome body are worth that and more.  Especially when I can get new clothes at such awesome deals!

Non-Scale Victory!

 I got a huge metaphorical pat on the back this morning for the efforts I've been putting into trying to be healthier.  Back in March, I started going to this place on BYU's campus called Y-Be-Fit.  They measured tons of stuff-- cholesterol, body composition, weight, bmi, strength (upper body, lower body, and core), and VO2max.  In July, I will get to repeat all of the tests to see my improvement in each of those areas.

But today, I participated in a research study, and one part of it measured my body composition using a BodPod.  It's accurate at measuring body fat %age within 1-2%; they even use it on The Biggest Loser to measure contestants' body fat %age (even thought that's not the measure used in competition).  I pulled out my results from March's BodPod test, and compared.  My body fat %age dropped 7%age points!!!  And, even better-- my "fat free mass" (which is basically everything except fat) increased! 
*(I should also recognize that I was breastfeeding Naomi when I took the first BodPod test, and now she is fully weened.  The test administrator said that breastfeeding can inflate the body fat %age by up to 2%.  Even if that's true, I still went down 5%, and that's still awesome!)

Score!  It's a HUGE deal for me.  It proves that I'm doing this the healthy way; I'm doing it right.  I'm losing fat weight and gaining lean body mass.  I'm getting healthier everyday and I feel amazing.  I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father for answering my prayers to guide me to make healthy decisions, learn more about how to be healthy, and have the strength to make the right choices.  Also, my wonderful husband has been very supportive of my efforts and choices; he even tries the new foods I buy.  And thanks for all the support from friends and family-- there have been lots of times when I've hit a rough patch and feel like I'm struggling when one of you will notice and comment on how much I've improved and it really gives me the boost I need to keep going strong.

My Hubby Spoils Me Too Much!

Yesterday, Brad let me go shopping for some new clothes, which, for the record, I've really been NEEDING since most of mine were falling off and the only thing I felt I could wear were his gym shorts and some on my older t-shirts.  I could literally take off my jeans without unbuttoning them!  It was a bitter-sweet realization that i've lost enough weight and inches to need new clothes :-) , but that I looked ridiculous in my current clothes :-( .  I was having to wear yoga pants under my regular pants so they wouldn't fall down...

It started off FANTASTIC!  Mod Bod was having a parking lot sale-- the ad online said $25 for whatever I can fit in a bag.  I got to the sale 30 minutes early and find out that it's actually $15/bag!  My "allowance" was 1 bag, but since it was only $5 more to get DOUBLE, I got 2 bags!  The first I filled with cute swim suits-- 3 beautiful tankini tops and 4 bottoms, and a lace cami.  The second bag, I filled with a 6 Tee-shirts and a 1 piece bathing suit.  I LOVE my new swim suits!  I would venture to say that they are my favorite swim suits I have ever owned.  And it's awesome to have more than one because the munchkin and I go to the pool so much already! The best part-- I calcuated my savings after I got home.  I spent $30 on what would have cost over $340 retail! Seriously, I saved 91% on that shopping trip! And I love every piece I bought.

We had a yard sale that afternoon, and got rid of a bunch of stuff and made a decent amount of money.  We needed to go food shopping, but Brad said we needed to get non-food stuff first because it was so hot outside.  I've been putting off getting new clothes because I wanted to meet my next weight loss goal first... but since my clothes are falling off, we decided that getting new clothes 2 lbs early was ok.  We got some cute new flip flops (not because my feet have shrunk with my weight, but because I've worn a hole in the heel of my current ones), and stopped to just try on shorts and pants at a few stores.  True to form, nothing fit my ridiculous body-- small waist and huge hips and thighs.  I either couldn't get them over my thighs, or they fit in the thighs and I was swimming in the waist, particularly with a huge gape in the back of my waist that I affectionately call a duck tail butt.

Eventually, we find the one and only store that has ever carried pants to accommodate my excessive "junk in the trunk." Luckily, they were having a sale, too!  And I had an awesome coupon that would save us up to 30% if we calculated right.  I ended up getting 2 pairs of capris (had to get some with a drawstring built into the waist, otherwise I'd have a seriously case of duck tail butt), 2 pairs of straight leg jeans and 1 pair of boot cut jeans in a size (get this!) 14!!!  I have no recollection of EVER wearing a size 14 in my life.  Saving report: We saved a little over 40%.

It was a great day for shopping. Seriously, all purchases combined-- we saved 67%.

Brad spoils me too much, but I like to think I make it worth it for him, because I really saved him some moolah.  :-) 

I'm at it Again!

But this time, I had a running buddy!  Brad joined me in my 2nd ever, his first ever 5K.  He set a personal goal to finish in 40 min or less-- his official time was ***39:57***

Way to go, Brad!  I'm so proud of you!

My time for my first 5K back in November was 59:29.  My goal was to beat that time; and my official time was ***49:30***

Yep, you read that right-- I beat my last time by 9:59!

And it was snowing the whole time.  I pushed Naomi in the stroller while she was bundled up like a human burrito with a bottle.  Munchkin has now been in two 5Ks with me, and she can't even walk yet!  Way to go, Munchkin!

Oh, and on a side note: Brad has lost 19lbs since February.  And I've lost 21lbs.  And our munchkin has finally gained weight-- she's 17lbs even, at the 3rd%ile!  The Neeley house is definitely feeling good right now!

I Like to Move It, Move It!

I've started participating in races... I might be crazy, but here's the story.

November 14, 2010 I participated in my first ever 5K.  It was a benefit for a family friend who was diagnosed with Stage IV Melenoma (today, after many chemo treatments, he is in remission!).  Since it was November, and quite cold out, I mostly speed walked.  I ran for the first minute, then had to walk the rest while pushing Naomi in the stroller.  There were a couple times when I wasn't sure I could make it; it was very hard to breath.  But when I saw Brother Teemant running, I knew that I could do it, if I would slow down, use my inhaler, and let my pride and embarrassment over needing to use my inhaler go.  I finished with a time of 59:29.

This past weekend, I participated in my first ever BYU Splash and Dash.  I was in the Beginner's heat, so I did a 1/4 mile swim and 3K.  I'd also lost over 17 lbs. between these races.  The swim was first; I shared my lane with a woman who has competed in this event the last 3 or 4 years.  She beat me soundly in the swim, finishing her 8.5 laps before I had reached 5 laps.  I was the last one out of the pool with a swim time of 12:58.  It was a running clock, so it kept running while I was changing from my swim suit into my running clothes.  My stuff was in the locker room; but apparently most people just put on a pair of shorts and t-shirt over their swim suit by the door where they ran out of the pool area and started the race.  Oops.  I changed as fast as I could, and met Brad by the start of the 3K and we stared out.  About 2-3 minutes later, I told Brad I couldn't keep going or I was going to wet myself-- who knew swimming could make you have to pee so bad?-- and in my haste to start the 3K, I didn't use the bathroom.  So we turned around, I used the bathroom, and we started the 3K section over again.

My action plan was to listen to my body, and most importantly, my lungs.  I took my inhaler right after getting out of the pool before changing and starting the race.  I started the race at a light jog, setting distance goals for myself along the way.  Brad was at my side to coach and push Naomi in the stroller.  I would look ahead and tell Brad my goal, "I'm going to jog from this turn to the next crosswalk," and such.  If I couldn't breath, I allowed myself to stop and use my inhaler, no matter who could see me.  Breathing was more important than being embarrassed that I couldn't run without stopping.  According to Brad's time which he started when I started the 3K the second time, I finished it in roughly 28-29-ish minutes.  The official time on record is 45:57.  My total official time was 58:53 for the whole thing. I had the second to last place time for swimming (3rd to last if you count the person who did the swim, but didn't finish the whole race), and I was dead last for the whole thing.

But...
I FINISHED!!!  I never thought I would compete in something like this.  It was so much fun!  So what if I was dead last?  I had a great time; I accomplished something that even only 3 months ago, I NEVER thought I could do in my life.  It feels so good.  I feel strong.  I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven who has heard my pleas for help to become healthier.   I know my prayers are heard and answered.  And I'm looking forward to improving upon my times in future events when financial circumstances allow.  And this is me after the race, about 17 lbs lighter than my 5K in November.

I've got a long way to go, but I know I can do it.  With prayer and a loving Father in Heaven, and a wonderfully supportive husband-- I can do anything.  (And no, the 17 lbs lost wasn't because I chopped off part of my leg... I guess the angle is just weird...oh well!)

Getting Domestic

A good friend is helping teach me to sew and make really awesome stuff.  So far, I've had two projects-- making the munchkin a pair of pants and making munchkin a peas in a pod toy.  I finished her pants yesterday, and I think they look fabulous.

I think it's like a flannel fabric in dark blue, with yellow ribbon with flowers on it around the cuffs of the pants and the waist band.  The onesie was a gift from Brad's Aunt June when Naomi was a newborn.  (it's a size 3-6 months, and she's 11 months old in this picture).

For my second project I've been working on the peas in a pod.  The peas are done, but the pod is about to go in for attempt #3-- I've made it too small twice!  But here's a picture of two of the peas (one has gone missing already) and the too small pod...

and a non-sewing project... I'm decorated some letters to put in naomi's room that spell her name.  Found some white ones at hobby lobby on a 50% off sale,  so I painted them all pretty like, and hung them in her room.

I'm quite pleased with my projects lately. 

Beautiful Munchkin!

I LOVE this picture!  Munchkin looks so much like her daddy in this picture, too!

She just threw her toy out of the crib.

A Little Bit of Bragging

I want to take a moment to revel in a little bit of success.  I'm going to brag for a bit.  Two months ago, I looked like this...

and today, after losing 17.3 lbs in the last 9 weeks, as well as 5 inches around my waist and 3 inches around my hips, I look like this...

I also competed in BYU's annual Splash and Dash. This is right after I got home after the race. I did the Beginner's biathlon, which is a 1/4 mile swim and a 3K (Standard would have been 1/2 mile swim and 5K, and the Elite would have been a 1 mile swim and 10 K). More to come in a later bragging post that details the race.

I will give a lot of credit to an online program called MyFitnessPal.  It's like a guided nutrition plan that I make.  I can input my weight, goal weight, lifestyle, and body measurements.  Then it helps me figure out how many calories I need each day.  Each day, I log the food that I eat so I know how many calories I'm getting and from what macronutrients (carbs, fat, protein).  I can also choose to watch certain nutrients like fiber, sodium, cholesterol, iron, etc.  I can also enter what exercise I get each day to track my calorie burn. I even got a heart rate monitor!  I've stared Zumba, and for the first time ever-- I'm enjoying exercise.  I look forward to it; it's not just a chore.  I feel healthier; I feel happier. I'm losing 1-2 lbs per week, but it's staying off and I haven't gotten discouraged or hit a plateau.  And since I'm happier with me, I'm a better wife and mom for my family.

I'm worth feeling strong and beautiful.  I'm worth the effort to lose my excess weight, even at a slow pace.  Even better, I'm worth it even when others discourage me.  This is the healthiest approach I've ever had to weight loss.  I've always been afraid to count calories and weigh myself, but not anymore.  I'm not obsessive; ok, maybe I am, but in a healthy way, right?  My weight on the scale can't tell me my worth.  I know I am a daughter of a loving Father in Heaven.  I know my body is sacred, a "temple" for my spirit.  I know that as I strive to be healthy and take care of my body, the Lord will continue to bless me in my efforts to be healthier.  I've never prayed for weight loss and health like I have the past 2 and a half months.  It is a great source of strength to me.  I know that with help from Christ and from the tools I have been shown that I can eventually make it to a healthy weight.  I look forward to that day, but I'm smiling NOW.  I'm not waiting to be happy until I am at my goal weight range-- I'm going to be happy all the way there.

I love this quote:
"love yourself no matter what you weigh.  If somebody comes up to you and tells you you’re fat or if somebody comes up to you and tells you your beautiful — that has absolutely nothing to do with who you are and everything to do with who they are.  And remember that.” -Kai Hibbard (Biggest Loser Runner-up, Season 3)

Mindful Eating Day 5

Goal: Nurture your needs without using food.

Journal: What emotions trigger you to eat for reasons other than physical hunger? When you eat mindlessly, what are you really hungry for? What activities can you do that will nurture your needs without overeating?

Now, I've been thinking about this one a lot, lately.  And I've kinda decided that I'm more of an "emotional not-eater" than an emotional eater.  Any time I feel upset, sad, angry, frustrated, depressed, hurt, or any other negative feeling-- I also have an urge to stop eating, or *gasp* throw up if I've already eaten.  (I've never actually intentionally purged.  Way to go, me!)  My stomach just wants to be empty when I feel those feelings.  It's in knots and nothing can make it feel better until those feelings go away.  About the only thing I can stomach is water or plain lettuce to nibble on.

What am I really hungry for in those moments?  I don't know.  Maybe just peace?  Comfort? Validation?  Maybe I just feel my emotions in my stomach and if they are negative, then I want them out.  I want them to go away.  Similar to wanting it out of my stomach?  I've turned lately to exercise to help me not feel those negative feelings anymore.

When I overeat-- I think it's mostly out of boredom.  Exercise can help fill that void, too.  it can give me what I'm really "hungry' for-- something interesting to do.  And it can give me a boost of endorphins, too, and make me feel happier!

Mindful Eating Day 4

Goal: Eat three real meals today.

Journal: Compare the differences between merely eating food and eating a real meal. How does the eating experience contribute to feelings of satisfaction?

Wow. This was kinda tough.  I didn't realize how routine and thoughtless me meals were.  I usually wake up, feed Naomi and play with her to keep he happy and entertained.  By the time it's 11am or 12noon, I realize that I'm hungry and haven't eaten anything all day.  So I go for something quick and easy-- cereal.  A mix of Special K Chocolaty Delight and Special K Fruit and Yogurt cereal with some 1% milk.  But Since I was more hungry and trying to think about what I really wanted that "morning" i decided I wanted some extra fruit and yogurt; so I made a smoothie, too.  What a difference making that smoothie did for my breakfast.  It was delicious!  I felt pumped enough to try doing some old workout DVDs that I hadn't used since before I got pregnant.  It felt so good!

After my workout, it was a little after 2pm.  I was supposed to be at work at 3pm.  But I needed to wake up Naomi from her nap, feed her, take a shower after working out, and eat a lunch before work.  Luckily, Brad came home right then, so he made me lunch.  I asked him to make me a tuna sandwich-- lots of protein after a good workout. I did need to eat it while driving to work... but I did put thought into what i wanted and why... does that count?  Sometimes it is just tough to eat a sit down meal! 

When I got home, it was time to start prepping dinner before I run off to my workout class at BYU.  Feed Naomi.  Go workout. Come home, and finish dinner.  Since Brad is studying like mad for a test, and Naomi is seriously craving attention since I've been gone for most of the last 4 hours, I eat in the living room while trying to entertain Naomi, and Brad's trying to study.

Yikes!  And this describes most days.  I don't think I really enjoyed my meals.  Breakfast was great, but I should have eaten it sooner.  I should have eaten lunch in less of a hurry, and at home instead of in the car on the way to work. And dinner would have felt better if it was on a table with the whole family there instead of spread across the house trying to get everything done.  While my stomach got full from my meals, I wasn't fully satisfied except after breakfast.  By the time 10pm rolled around, I was feeling hungry again, but didn't eat because of our running family biggest loser challenge.  I was cranky and tired.  I think if i can plan meals ahead better, the whole family could enjoy happier, more satisfying meals together.  I'm going to try and be better at this.

Mindful Eating Day 3

Goal: Eat your favorite foods and get rid of restriction.

Journal: Which foods do you periodically overeat because you have subconsciously restricted them in your mind? How would allowing yourself to eat these foods in moderation allow you to truly enjoy your food?

Hrmmm, that's an interesting question.  I think I've come a long way in this in the past few months even.  Chocolate is probably the one the one that I overdo the most for this reason.  Ice cream. Oreos.

Back in August 2010, I made a "contract" with my husband to motivate me to be healthier.  One of the stipulations was that I get to have 3 desserts/sweets per week.  It's really been about the perfect moderation.  It's enough that I watch what i eat, but at the same time, I don't feel super restricted and crave those things all the time.  if I want one, I just have to think-- do I want to use one of my dessert allowances for the week on this, or would I rather wait a day or two, or until next week?  It's never a matter of "I can't have that," but rather, "do i want this now?  or later?" Today I had my first dessert or the week-- chocolate covered pomegranates.  I LOVE those!

It was really hard the first month or so.  But now, I'm really comfortable with where I am.  Allowing myself to enjoy these sweet desserts occasionally has helped me to enjoy them MORE and be healthier.  It's great!  When I eat formerly "restricted" foods in moderation, I can enjoy it more precisely because it isn't over-indulgence, and it doesn't leave me craving it all the time.

I've also learned to enjoy more variety in my food.  I've learned that vegetables really do taste good. I like them.  And fruits, too.  I've tried new recipes.  And some of those foods I was eating all the time, when i've gotten a craving for them and decided to eat it-- I realize that it really didn't taste as good as I remembered.  Then I'm never bothered with craving it again.  It's very freeing to live and eat with out total restriction, but with goals and moderation.

Mindful Eating Day 2

Goal: Study the Lord’s Law of Health in Doctrine and Covenents 89

Journal: How does good health affect your ability to house the Holy Ghost? How does being filled with the Holy Ghost beautify you?

I think good health affects all other aspects of your life, especially your mental and emotional health.  I sometimes, okay, maybe often times, have trouble feeling good about myself because I am not considered "healthy and fit."  By all measures, I am considered obese despite all efforts to be healthy through exercise and healthy eating.  Since I'm not physically healthy, I spend a lot of energy thinking about how to be healthier, instead of listening to promptings of the Holy Ghost.  There are things I cannot physically do because I'm not healthy which I'm sure block me from being used by the Lord to help others and receive promptings from the Holy Ghost to do so.  Having a healthy body helps you to be healthy emotionally and spiritually.  If we are not following the lord's commandments to have good health, then we miss out on opportunities to have the Holy Ghost with us and give us "great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures."

I want to be better following the counsel of the Word of Wisdom so that I can receive the promise that I "shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint."  that promise means a lot to me as a person with asthma.  I have never been able to run even a half mile without needing my rescue inhaler.  I hate running because of it. I had to use it today at my HIIT class after an intense cardio segment.  I wish I could get rid of it, and not need it anymore.  I want to have better cardiovascular health so that asthma will have less of an effect on me and not stop me from exercises. But I'm not even sure if it works that way.

When I think of the Word of Wisdom, I always remember the "No strong or hot drinks, and No tobacco" commandments.  Bu there are others that I sometimes forget, like eating fruits and vegetables that are in season, and eat meat sparingly and "only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine."  That would take a lot of will power and time to change.  I'm working on eating fruits and vegetables in season.  Being a vegetarian during summer will be much more challenging, though I have noticed in past summers that I don't really feel like eating meat when it's hot unless it's fish or chicken or turkey.

This is a quote from the WSR page from someone's journal about this same challenge and I really liked it. 
Parley P. Pratt:

“[The Holy Ghost] quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being” (Key to the Science of Theology, 9th ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1965], p. 101).

 I think that when the Holy Ghost dwells in us, it can make us appear more beautiful because having the spirit is a beautiful thing.  It fills you with light and happiness.  I have been praying a lot lately that I will be blessed for my efforts to work out and develop healthier eating habits.  I haven't really seen much improvement. at least by the number on my scale.  But perhaps I should instead be praying for the Holy Ghost to guide me in making healthier choices and to just be able to feel the Holy Ghost in me and have thanksgiving in all things that I eat. 


Actually, I think that's my new goal-- to eat with thanksgiving. Every time.

Mindful Eating Day 1

Goal: Take the eating attitudes quiz and look over “What Kind of Eater Are You?”.

Journal: What strengths did you discover in your eating attitudes? What specific habits do you have that you want to continue? What habits do you have that you would like to change throughout A Week of Mindful Eating?

Eating Attitudes Score: 24
*A TOTAL SCORE ABOVE 20 POINTS INDICATES HEALTHY EATING ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS.
*A TOTAL SCORE UNDER 20 POINTS MAY INDICATE UNHEALTHY ATTITUDES AND EXTREME EATING BEHAVIORS.

My Strengths
I can stop eating when I'm full.
I have never thrown up after eating (I may have thought about it, and attempted it, but never have).
I'm definitely not "too thin."
I don't buy into fad diets.
I have lots of self-control around food.  I can force myself to eat when I know I should but don't want to, and I can say no to foods I know are not good for me.

I want to continue to be able to listen to hunger cues to guide my eating.  I want to continue eating 3 healthy meals each day.  Skipping meals will not help me be healthier in the long-run; I want to always be able to remember that.  I want to continue following the healthy habits I'm beginning to learn about and truly develop them into habits-- like drinking lots of water, eating fresh fruits and veggies everyday, and eating treats in moderation.  I want to continue to be able to stop disordered eating thoughts before they lead to actions.

Where I Would Like To Improve
I would like to become less emotionally expressive in my diet.  When I am upset, I tend to hate food and want to not eat or work out a ton to burn off all calories I have eaten.  I want to stop being obsessed with food.  I want to be able to express my unhappy feelings without wanting to throw up and think about never eating again.  And I want to be happy with myself, how I look, and what I eat. Most of all, I want to be a healthy example for my daughter.

What Kind of Eater am I?
I think I'm a mix of many of these; lately I think I really resemble the "Careful Eater."  Would it make sense to be an "Emotional Not-Eater"?  Below are the descriptions as taken from the WSR Calendar for the Week of Mindful Eating Challenge.

Careful Eater: Appears to be the perfect eater, yet anguishes over each food morsel and its effect on the body. On the surface, this person seems health and fitness oriented, because he/she is vigilant about what is put into the body and is highly conscious of nutrition.
Unconscious Eater: This person is often unaware that she/he is eating, or how much is being eaten. To sit down and simply eat is viewed as a waste of time; eating is usually paired with another activity to be productive.
Chaotic Unconscious Eater: This person often lives an over-scheduled life--too busy, too many things to do. The chaotic eating style is haphazard--gulp ‘n go when the food is available. Chaotic eaters are often so busy putting out fires that they have difficulty identifying biological hunger until it’s fiercely ravenous.
Waste-Not Unconscious Eater:This person values the food dollar and his/her eating drive is often influenced by getting as much as you can for the money. This eater is inclined to clean the plate and is especially susceptible to all-you-can-eat buffets and free food.
Refuse-Not Unconscious Eater: This person is vulnerable to the mere presence of food regardless of whether she is hungry or full. Candy jars, food at meetings, and food on the kitchen counter will usually not be passed up by this individual.
Emotional Unconscious Eater: This person uses food to cope with emotions, especially uncomfortable emotions such as stress, anger, and loneliness. While emotional eaters view their eating as the problem, it’s often a symptom of a deeper issue. Emotional eaters can range from grabbing a candy bar in stressful times to chronic compulsive binges of vast quantities of food.
Professional Dieter: This person is perpetually dieting, often trying the latest commercial diet or diet book. Professional dieters know a lot about proportions of foods, calories, and “dieting tricks”, yet they are always
on another diet because the original never worked.
Intuitive/Mindful Eater: Intuitive eaters march to their inner hunger signals and eat whatever they choose without experiencing guilt. They honor hunger, respect fullness, and enjoy the pleasure of eating.

Letter of the Challenge vs. Spirit of the Challenge

In an effort to be healthier and have some fun with my in-laws, we're doing the Neeley Biggest Loser Challenge.

These are the components of my eating plan goal.
Eating Plan
1. Do not eat after 8pm
2. Do not eat more than 3 dessert per week; do not eat more than 1 dessert in a day.
3. Eat at least 1 veggie and 1 fruit per day (fresh).
4. Eat at least 3 times per day.

Looking at my goals, they all seem really good and healthy goals.  But one goal in particular is becoming a challenge to keep mostly because of the times when I exercise.  I go to BYU's fitness classes (it's like a gym membership, but much more affordable and at BYU instead of a gym) almost every day that they are offered.  The snag is the times they are offered-- one of my favorites is HIIT (high intensity interval training), and it's held at 7:30pm-8:20pm.

I've been doing some research on exercise and what you should eat before and after exercise and how to really build muscle and lose fat.  And I learned that you should eat some quick absorbing carbs for energy 30 minutes- 2 hours before doing strength training.  After exercising, you should eat lots of protein and some carbohydrates to help build and repair muscle (most importantly after strength training).  Here's some articles that explain it:
(the quick, simple version)http://ezinearticles.com/?Use-the-Metabolic-Window-in-Your-Quest-For-Heart-Health&id=1472353
or (the research based explination)http://www.utexas.edu/features/archive/2004/nutrition.html

My problem: one of my goals is to not eat after 8pm.  I made that goal with Brad before the Neeley Challenge and before I started a more intense exercise regimen.  It is a good goal, because eating late at night usually results in greater weight gain because the metabolism slows down at night.  But now that I'm working out later at night, specifically the HIIT class at 7:30-8:20pm, I'm in a tough spot.  I want to do the healthy thing and eat some protein and carbs to help my muscles grow and repair after working them out, but it's after 8pm.

So, I'm left with 3 options that I can see-- do I...
(1) keep the "letter of the challenge" and not eat after my HIIT class and get my 10 points for the challenge but not give my body the nutrition it needs to build and repair muscle,
(2) keep the "letter of the challenge" and eat after my HIIT class and lose my 10 points but give my body the nutrition it needs to build and repair muscle, or
(3) keep the "spirit of the challenge," which is to be healthier, and eat after my HIIT class and also give myself the points even though i technically broke one of my goals because I was doing the "healthy" thing.

What do you think I should do?

Reflecting on Week 1 of Neeley Biggest Loser Challenge

So, after my first week in the family challenge, I'm not the biggest loser yet.  Not even close.  though I stuck to my plan really well, it hasn't produced the results i'm looking for yet.  then again, it's only been 1 week.  so i'm gonna keep going.  I'm just feeling a little frustrated right now.

I got 185 points out of a possible 195.  And I GAINED 1/2 a pound.  But i think i'm more upset/jealous of other members who have lost 4-6 lbs this week.  Seriously?  I worked out harder than ever.  6 times instead of the required 4, and for a minimum of 40 minutes or more each time.  i'm eating healthier-- filling myself up with fresh fruits and veggies and water instead of unhealthy junk.

SO why does my body insist on doing the opposite of what i want it to do-- and get rid of all the unnecessary weight?  part of me is thinking-- maybe i'm not eating as healthy as i should... maybe i can make a food journal for everything i eat, check my calories, stop eating meat and sugar all together.  but that only leads me down a road i don't want to visit again.  in high school, i developed some disordered eating habits.  like only eating celery and lettuce because some one told me they have "negative calories" because it takes more calories to digest it than they contain, and working out for 2-3 hours everyday after school until the school gym closed.  i'm purposefully stopping myself from writing it all down and counting calories, because i am afraid i could go back down a road that ultimately is unhealthy.

anyone have any tips on how to get my body to do what it should when i eat healthier and exercise more-- lose weight instead of starting to hoard it?  i'm serious.  has this happened to anyone else, or am i crazy.  i'm really frustrated right now.

I'm Going to be The Biggest Loser!

So, the Neeley's are doing a little tradition that I've recently joined in on-- a Biggest Loser Challenge.  We set goals for health, fitness, and diet.  Depending on how we do at achieving our goals each week, we get awarded points.  Who ever gets the most points after 6 weeks wins.

Wins what?  Confidence.  Hopefully better health.  And a pot of cash (composed of entry fees paid by all family members). 

Here's my goals for each week:
1. Do not eat after 8pm.
2. Do not eat more than 3 desserts in 1 week; do not eat more than 1 dessert in a day.
3. Eat at least 1 fruit and 1 veggie per day.
4. Exercise at least 5 times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes.(*The challenge goal is 4 times for at least 20 minutes, but I'm raising my personal standard.)
5. Drink 2L of water per day.
6. Communicate daily with a Neeley Biggest Loser participant for encouragement and motivation.
7. Get at least 6 hours of sleep per night. 

And if you get your Ultimate Fitness Goal, you get bonus points. 
My Ultimate Fitness Goal after 6 weeks is:
1. Lose 8 pounds.
2. Be able to do 15 full sit-ups at a time.

And my motivation...
Being a fit and healthy momma for my very mobile munchkin; and shrinking that post-preggo belly pudge!

(I went to a Pilates class a few days ago, and I was embarrassed because I was the only one in class who couldn't do a full sit-up.  Not a single one.  Thanks, Munchkin.  I sacrificed my body for you to come into this world, and I hope you will appreciate it someday.)

Fight Cancer, Save a Life

On December 4, I'm going to register to save a life; and I'm inviting you to join me.  I'm going to go to Midvale, Utah, where the tutoring company I work for is holding a drive to get people registered on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry.  They are going to swab my cheek, and in the 8% chance that they call me because I'm a match, I can save a life. 

When I was in high school, the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore years, I lost both my great-grandma Harkins and my step-grandfather Bob to cancer, within just a few weeks of each other.   My grandma (dad's mom) has had a recent battle with breast and skin cancer, currently, she's in remission.  Just this past February, my husband lost a dear uncle to leukemia. Cancer has really taken it's toll on my family in many ways.  This past Saturday, I ran my first 5K to benefit a family in my previous church ward who's husband/father has Stage IV Melanoma.  Last week, another friend found out that her 6 month old son has leukemia.  I love all these people so much. 

 That's my Great-Grandma Harkins and my mom, the summer before she passed away form cancer.

I want to do what I can to save a life from cancer.  I can't say I won't be scared if I ever get a call telling me that I can save a life.  I know I've heard that donating bone marrow can hurt; but that pain can't be worse than losing someone you love. Please join me on Saturday, December 4.  Get registered to save a life.  Maybe you're not in a place in life where you can donate now; don't let that stop you from registering-- because when they give you a call, if they do, you'll likely be somewhere else in life.  You might be able to when you are needed.  And if you're not, you can say no, and no one will think less of you. All you have to do is get a cheek swab.  It's painless to register.  I'll even carpool with you if you want to join me.

My husband's cousin-in-law was able to donate blood stem cells a few weeks ago to save a man's life because she was on the registry.  She registered 8 years ago, and just got a call.  I know that person's family must be so grateful for her sacrifice.  She blogged her experience here: http://deshazerland.blogspot.com/

Here's the info I got from work on the Registry Drive:

The Huntington Learning Centers in Utah are hosting a bone marrow drive and fundraiser to encourage more Utahans to register with the national bone marrow registry.

On Saturday, December 4, 2010 we will be hosting a Bone Marrow Donor Drive and Fundraiser in partnership with the Rich Cronin Hope Foundation from 11am-4pm at our Midvale office.

The fight against cancer goes on and it touches may of our lives or the lives of our family or friends. Cancer  affects mothers, fathers, children, and it does not o overlook victims  based on social status, race, or age. The mission of the Rich Cronin Hope Foundation is to register people to be on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Without people registering, there is no chance for many who need a donor to find one. In addition to registering people to save a life, we will be raising money for this wonderful foundation.

We would love if you would confirm a number of people that are willing to come out and be registered onto the National Bone Marrow Done Registry on December 4, 2010. The person that brings in the most registrants will win a gift basket! You can confirm these on the attached page and return to me via email or fax. Registering is quite simple (AND COMPLETELY painless-we just swab the inside of your cheek!) and takes roughly 15 minutes of your time. Please help us reach our goal of 150 new potential donors added to the registry through our drive! Anyone in good health between the ages of 18-60 can register!

Being a registered marrow donor means being registered to save a life.  It means providing the potential to save another person's life from your own.  It means potentially providing a person with the opportunity to win THE GOOD FIGHT.

Thank you in advance for your support!

When: Saturday December 4, 2010
Time: 11am-4pm
Where:Huntington Learning Center   

719 East Fort Union Blvd.      

            Midvale, UT 84047

New Look, New Acomplishments

This past Thursday, I got a haircut. It was quite a big change... but I LOVE it!
My good friend Sandy came to Utah over the weekend to visit before she moves to England for awhile. She is such an amazing woman; she made a big difference in my life when I was a young, confused, angry, and very sad teenager. And she continues to be a blessing in my life even when we don't see or talk much. Thank you, Sandy!

Saturday, I finished my first ever 5K! It was a benefit race, called Five to Fight Cancer, to benefit the Leo Teemant family. They are a family that lives in the church ward that Brad and I lived in last year. Such am amazing and wonderful family! One of their children were in our nursery class last year when Brad and I were nursery leaders at church. The father was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma, and was told he had less than 1 year to live. The family's story can be found here: www.fivetofightcancer.com

I can start crying anytime I think about them. They have a baby that's only 5 months old, and two other children, about 5 years and 3 years. It makes me wonder what would happen if something like this were to hit my family. If I or Brad were to die young, would our children remember us? What would they remember? Would Naomi remember how much we love her?

As I was about half way done, my asthma was making it very difficult for me to keep going. Utah air is dry, and it was a particularly cold morning when the race started. Cold, dry air is the WORST for my asthma. I didn't know if I could finish, but as I'm struggling to breath as I fight my way up a hill, I see Leo Teemant run past me. He just had his last chemo treatment 1 week ago. And I just start crying. This amazing man is fighting for his life. To stay with his family on this earth for just a little while longer. He is so strong and courageous. I could finish the race for him. Instead of trying to go faster and go into a full asthma attack, I get out my inhaler and decide that I will finish the race. I may not finish very fast, but I will finish without killing myself. I walked most of the race, stopping when necessary going uphill to use my inhaler, and walking/jogging in downhill areas. I finished with a time of 59:29. It felt amazing! I never thought I would do any kind of race, but I'm so glad I did!
Oh, and there was also a craft sale that same morning; all proceeds went to the Teemant's to help pay for medical expenses. I finished crocheting 4 scarves. Two of them sold for $20. I still have the other 2, and would be willing to sell them. Any money made from them will be given to the Teemants. Pictures below.This one was my favorite. I made it from leftover yarn from a few years ago when I made a Steelers' scarf for my then soon-to-be father-in-law. The yarn was inexpensive, but very soft. It is also the first time I made crocheted flowers. I was very pleased with them.The yarn for this and the other 3 was exquisitely soft! A wonderful woman donated this very expensive yarn to me for the purpose of making scarves for the sale. It was my second favorite, and is still available to buy! All proceeds will go to the Teemant family.
This one sold first. Made of the same exquisitely soft, very expensive, donated yarn; just a black instead of cream color, with a matching red crocheted flower.

There is a 4th scarf, not pictured, but still available. It's the super soft, expensive, donated yarn, but in a rich purple color and 2 cream colored crocheted flowers sewn on the end. Very beautiful, soft, and still available to benefit the Teemant family. I'll try to post a pic soon, when I get one.

Recapturing Beauty FINAL Challenge

This was held in the Wilk. Talk about a powerful challenge! When I arrived with munchkin in her stroller, I felt surrounded by beauty. All these incredible women who were going through the same challenges I was for the past 10 days, all of us rediscovering or "recapturing" our beauty. I could jsut feel the excitement! I got my t-shirt, and munchkin and I sat at the outside of the group, mostly so munchkin would have room to wiggle around on the floor and play.

We were given 10 dots, and on them we wrote the "labels" that we felt we or others put on us. Then we put the labels on us. I can't tell you how... ashamed... I felt. Munchkin was looking at me all confused and started trying to take them of of me. They started reading the children's story You Are Special by Max Lucado. But I saw munchkin the whole time. Looking at me funny and trying to take off my dots. I kept telling her, "no, munchkin. Don't take off mommy's dots. They need to stay on her."

wow. What was munchkin seeing? I was her beautiful mommy, devaluing herself. She knew those shouldn't be on me. She tried taking them off. But I wouldn't let her. Man, how often have I refused to let go of a negative label? Do I really "need" it? What am I teaching Naomi by defeneding my negative self-image? Do I want her to learn to do the same thing?
NO!

I want to teach her that she is beautiful. because she is. I want to teach her that her worth can't be taken away from her. that she will always be beautiful. even when she's small right now. even when she hits puberty in 3rd grade, like I did. even when she has acne. even when she is told that she isn't by stupid boys, or magazines, or tv shows, or anyone else. But how can I teach her that if I don't believe it about myself? what kind of hypocrite will I be if I expect her to always know that she is beautiful, if I can't show her how to believe it? That's why I'm beautiful now.

After reading the story, we went one by one and removed the labels. Thank you, WSR, for such a great challenge. We need to let go of those labels and stops justifying them, defending them, believing them, I let munchkin take off the ones on my face, slobber all over them, and drop them. They will never stick to me again. Because I'm beautiful. Because I know I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. He loves me. Because Jesus Christ is my Savior and He died for me. He loves me.
I am BEAUTIFUL!

Recapturing Beauty Day 9: Connect

Take a nap, go for a walk, get a massage, take a bubble bath, or anything else that helps you appreciate and connect with your body.

Wow. I really am kinda brutal to my body. Not just mentally and emotionally, but physically too. I keep myself so busy and I don't get many chances to relax and "connect with my body" in a positive way. I carried munchkin to the library and my back was killing me! Then we had bowling, and I could hardly throw the ball because my back hurt so much. But I have a wonderful husband that would give me between bowling shoulder rubs. Such a sweety!

That evening, before bed, I did yoga for about 30 minutes. It always makes me feel SO GOOD! It's relaxing, challenging, and enjoyable. I use the Wii Fit to do the yoga, but I don't use the weighing feature on the game anymore because it always made me feel terrible about myself. Now I enjoy doing an activity that in high school I thought was only for vegetarians and hippies. Boy, was I wrong!

My great hubby then gave me a back rub as I fell to sleep. Seriously; he's the best! He can always remind me that I'm beautiful when I forget. Thanks, babe!

I am trying to stay beautiful.