December 29, 2010 - Boot Camp 2011

Hi All!

I have a special treat for you (and me).  Next month I will be attending Boot Camp at http://www.indybootcamps.com.  I am to write 3 posts regarding the experience, but I have decided to write all month on it so y'all can watch my progress.

I checked out the web site and other web sites that the owner (Tod Esquivel)  has and he is a busy guy!  Check out his sites here:
www.indybootcamps.com
www.indysbiggestloser.com
www.indybridalbootcamps.com
www.indybootcampsdiet.com 
www.indyfitkids.com 
www.indyfitseniors.com
www.goldmedalcoaching.net

I am looking forward to dropping inches and meeting a few goals earlier than expected!

I also am hoping I do not have a repeat of what happened last time I tried a Boot Camp!  Click here to read.
 
Til Next Week,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

December 28, 2010 - Resolutions

Hi All,

I heard this comment last night at a Boxing Day party; "After this week I am no longer going to eat as much sugar."  I thought to myself; "Why after this week? If you are putting it off now, you will put it off again. We all do it.  There is never any reason to eat 5 cupcakes or 2 slices of cake, etc. when you are trying to be healthy."  It's always tomorrow, isn't it? 

It dawned on me after I heard this comment that the same ill-conceived thoughts invade my brain lately in regards to maintaining my weight loss and losing more weight. In addition, these thoughts impact the other areas where I am seeking to improve.  This is not how I got started nor how I kept going.

So my New Year's resolutions to walk more, eat less, and take ALL my vitamins start now. Not January 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. Right now on December 28th at this particular time. If I lapse by eating pancakes for breakfast, I will forgive, move on, and keep at it. No more; "Well the day is blown anyway."

In order to accomplish my resolutions I need to revert back to what works for me. I need to surround myself with others that support and offer guidance in how to live a healthy lifestyle. I cannot do this alone. I can say to myself; "You can do it." I firmly believe this. However, I also need to hear it from others that will tell me the truth and kick me in the butt when needed (preferably individuals I pay, that works better for me).

As you all know,  Kristi's Army fell apart when the Weight Loss Clinic Social Worker left for a new job and Dr. Pita moved to a sunnier climate. It also hasn't helped that Dr. Pins and Needles moved to the far North side.  PT Bruiser and I cannot fight this alone.

I am struggling to fill the gaps in my Army. I tried two new doctors. The  first physician immediately put me on a weight loss pill.  The second physician suggested weight loss surgery (I BARELY meet the qualifications). Neither one listened to me so they are not part of the posse. I am seeking solutions that are lifelong and non-invasive.

Sooooo...I am adding another goal for 2011. I will keep my eyes and ears open for additional Army members. I will quit thinking I can or have to do this on my own. I cannot. It takes an Army.

Til Next Time,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

December 25, 2010 - New Look

Hello All,

I have a new look to the blog! You will notice that I have a mascot now. The turtle represents that I always finish, even if I am last!  LOL

For the new year, I have several new trackers. Obviously, I am still working at developing habits to be physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy. The blog is one thing that I do that really helps keep me on track. It gives me a chance to be creative and holds me accountable. Many times I try to be humorous and other times I am more somber and introspective.

For my Facebook friends, I will still copy my posts to Facebook, but the trackers are only accessible via the blog, for now.

Til next week,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

December 15, 2010 - Not Dead

Hello All,

Not dead. Just not inspired.  Soooooo...I am going to revamp the blog.  Updates to the look/feel and trackers within the next week.

Later,
Me
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

November 20, 2010 - Heal with Heels!

Last week, after the 5K with hills, I went to a fancy-dancy shindig at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.  This year I did not wear a long gown. I wore a cocktail dress instead. Of course, with a shorter dress I was not going to get by with flats. I had to wear heels to complete the look!

I normally stay faaaar away from high heels due to the health of my knees, but last summer I got a bit envious of some cool shoes my friend the Food Nazi purchased at Banana Republic. I traipsed around in her new shoes for about 10 minutes and realized my knees are not bothering me near as much. Later that week I bought myself some very conservative one and a half inch sandals that I adore.  Definitely, being 70 pounds lighter made heels easier to wear.

After the 5K I stopped at the outlet mall on a mission for some heels for my dress.  When I got out of the car I immediately felt the typical calf pain I feel after these races. Basically, I need to work some additional strength and flexibility in my lower legs. I had awful heel pain as I walked to the store.

I was immediately drawn to a pair of 3-4 inch heels at Famous Footwear. I trotted around the store until I fell in love.  All the way home I wondered how I was going to wear the heels all night.

On the way to the car, I scuffed the bottom of my shoes as much as possible on the pavement.  As I walked to the entrance of the ballroom I practiced racewalking by putting one foot in front of another (much like a super model) to keep my balance in the shoes.  I am sure I looked like a loon, but I FELT like I looked pretty daggone good. LOL

As I walked around making my silent-auction bids, I noticed my heels were not hurting as much. In fact, they were not hurting at all!  Weird.   The pain that travels up my calves after a 5K was gone. Completely!

 Soo....
If you are ever looking for me after a Run/Walk event, I will be the idiot in workout clothes and 5 inch heels.

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

November 14, 2010 - The Hills of Brown County

Quick story....

I did a 5K in Brown County. Most of you like to go to Brown County for the scenery and the rolling hills. Try walking or running them!

Fortunately (or unfortunately), I know several of the roads in Brown County. My sister lived there and had a shop in Nashville.  I also worked there several summers.

After checking in, I took a very quick glance at the course map. Honestly, I thought it was going down Jefferson, turning before the hill out of town and swinging back the North side of town.   Ummmmmm...no

The course traveled out of the High School lot and turned north on Main Street. I know a sound escaped my mouth that signaled impending doom. Before we started down the short 45% hill I was saying to myself; "Please, please, please do not have us going straight." I knew what was next.  Going straight would have meant that we would be walking 45% up a hill that is about two-tenths of a mile.

When the deputy pointed us to turn before the Fairgrounds I was ecstatic. I even told him so, but I did mention I did not want to walk up the hill we just finished. He laughed and said he would see me in a few minutes.

I did not know what to expect walking down the road next to the Fairgrounds. I do not believe I ever drove down it in my life. I can say that the traffic the deputies were letting through were playing chicken with the runners.  Sheesh... 

Because the road is on the side of the hill, it slanted but we did not have anymore hills to climb.  However, because the road slanted I was having trouble with my inner foot. The slant was forcing my food inward and rolling my ankle. By the time I got back to where we were to walk up the hill again I was limping a bit.

Well, I was last (or so I thought anyway). The deputy laughed because I was grumbling about the hill I was going to have to climb.  I noticed they were letting one lane of traffic through; I asked him which side of the road to take. I think he took pity on me since I was limping. He had traffic completely stop so I could walk down the middle of the road.  LOL

All in all, my pace was about the same. The hill added about 30 seconds to my pace which I believe is expected.

Lesson learned?  Deputies in Brown County are nice AND I was reminded that the hill would have been impossible a couple of years ago.

Later,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

November 7, 2010 - Peaks and Valleys Part 2

A long time ago I wrote a blog entry about a book that was recommended-Peaks and Valleys.   The blog entry is here: http://kristiasher.blogspot.com/2009/03/march-18-2009-peaks-and-valleys.html

At the time, I was not appreciating the book very much.  Now, I have a new perspective. I DO highly recommend this book.

You see, for about 6-7 months, the dark cloak that sometimes darkens my eyes and weighs heavy on my shoulders has been covering me more often that anytime in the past couple years.  It would lift and things would be bright again for a short while.

When the world seems a little brighter, I start to plan.  I plan big. I feel I must make up for lost time. I have more and more things I want to get done, things that will make life easier, tasks that will take me to new and exciting places.  I guess it is this planning that I think will make the cloak burn up and go away.  However, it never does. It lands upon my head again.  Obviously, the plans made when life seems a little brighter do not work.

I am currently in the middle of one of those lulls right now. Getting out of bed is a chore. Exercising is a drudge (even though I feel better doing it). Work is boring. All my "fun" activities are dreadful.  I do not want any human contact.

Yesterday, while cleaning, I came across Peaks and Valleys. I began to read. Now, I get it. Ultimately, valleys are good. It is when we are in a valley that we must plan, watch, and learn. It is inevitable that the dark cloak will return. Embrace it. Learn from it for next time.

While on a peak when must do more of what got us to the peak, but do not overextend. Get to bed on time. Do not commit to too much. Ultimately, save energy.  Getting off balance might cause falling off the peak a bit quicker.

Lessons for us all.

Later,
Kristi



Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

October 17, 2010 - You Get By with A Little Help from Your Friends

Hello All,

As I mention over, and over, and over again a supportive social network is important to me. Sometimes, it may sound like I am picking on my Army too much, but that is how I find my amusement during the day. LOL

It is nice that I work with some of my biggest supporters and fellow platoon members...SOMETIMES.  I would like to point out that they only say it is nice to work with me SOMETIMES, too.

Lately, I have not been the most pleasant person to be around.  I am being moody and having immense trouble caring about life in general, plus not wanting to get out of bed (there are two extremes either no sleep or 14 hours of sleep).   Last week I had a particularly bad morning, but did manage to drag myself into work (after stopping to buy a shirt because I spilled my breakfast all over me on the drive to the office).

Well, Jasmine (not her real name) and I were discussing something to do with work (I do not remember what it was now) and the topic switched to my addiction to Diet Coke returning. Here is the conversation...

Me; "Yeah, I don't know what the deal is lately. I feel like I NEED Diet Coke. I am definitely not drinking enough water, too."
Jasmine; "You know you feel better when are not drinking them, right?"
Me Thinking; "Oh no, she is channeling Dr. DeadToMeNow."
Me; ***EXTREMELY heavy sigh*** "Eh, we all die anyway."
Jasmine in a threatening voice; "Some of us sooner than others."
Me Thinking; "I think she is plotting to kill me now."

Soo....later in the day I put my Healthy Choice Pot Pie on 50% in the microwave and headed downstairs to get a Diet Coke out of the machine. I decided to get 2 Diet Cokes and of course a glass of ice.  I love my DCs cooooold!

When I returned to the break room my lunch was on fire.  Apparently, that microwave does not really use the 50% setting.  After assuring all of my co-workers that I was not attempting suicide by microwave, I decided to salvage as much of the Pot Pie as possible.

Portia encountered me as I was leaving the break room. Apparently, my TWO Diet Cokes sent her over the edge. The next thing I know she took my nice crisp glass of ice and poured WATER into it!!! She then forcefully pulled one of the cans of Diet Coke from me and put it in the fridge (I didn't let it go easy). I was informed that my ice would still be nice if I hurried up and drank the water in my glass.

What did I do?  I drank the water and then the Diet Coke.  I also cooked another meal. You CANNOT salvage a Pot Pie once it burns.

Lesson learned?   It is nice to have great friends that want to help you take care of you, even when you do not want to take care of yourself.

Til Next Time,
Kristi

October 12, 2010 - My Fat is MOVING!

Hi,

As you all know my weight loss has slowed, in fact I gained weight (10 pounds). However, I have not quit exercising, but I have not been as vigilant on my journaling of food. I HAVE to journal what I eat or I start to overeat again.


Because of the slowness of the weight loss (expected since I have lost so much) PT Bruiser is going to measure me once a month in order watch my muscles "develop." 
PT Bruiser measured me last week. The last time I was measured was in March.  Here are the results:

Chest: Down 2 inches
Bicep: Down 1.5 inches
Thigh: Down 2 inches
Waist: Down 2 inches
Hips: UP 2 inches

WHAT?!?!?!

My fat is MOVING!

To quote Portia: "If fat is going to move, let it move to Illinois."

Til Next Week or Something Exciting Happens,
Kristi


Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com/

October 7, 2010 - Boot Camp-What Not To Do

Hello All,

I know, I know 2 postings this week. What a shock, but I could not pass up the opportunity to describe the first night of Boot Camp.


As I mentioned in the past, I love Groupons. One of the reason I like Groupons is that you can try new experiences and restaurants at a fraction of the cost. Normally the savings on the services range anywhere from 55-75 percent.

Advertisement: If you have not signed up for Groupons please do so by clicking on this link. I will get credits….http://www.groupon.com/r/uu2163593

Recently, tAmMY and I purchased a Groupon for a local business that offers a twice a week Boot Camp. Originally, tAmMY wanted to do the Boot Camp in August. My Guardian Angel was looking down upon me and made sure we did not attend until the weather got cooler in October. This week I started the Boot Camp.

Well, before I started Boot Camp I attended an assessment. I passed the assessment with flying colors. Sure, she gave a meal plan, but she was happy about my strength and conditioning when I told her everything that I was doing.

Earlier this week, I had a stomach illness. I am not sure if I had something that was being passed around at work, if it was hormones, or if it was something I ate. I was originally to attend on Tuesday, but called and said I would attend on Wednesday instead.

So, even though I was a bit shaky I attended Boot Camp, but I must admit I was not feeling the best, but I did manage to eat something a couple hours before the class. The class was on the steps of the War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis.

I wore my Heart Rate monitor.

On the way to where everyone was assembled I was warned by my Heart Rate monitor that exercising was a bad idea when it beeped that I was in a Moderate Workout Zone. I was strolling! Five minutes into the class the monitor beeped that I was in Vigorous Workout Zone. Ten minutes into class the monitor beeped that I was passing the “suggested” Heart Rate. Fifteen minutes into the class I “tossed my cookies”, “puked”, “blew chunks.” I considered dropping dead right there, but I did not want to traumatize tAmMY, plus my Sister has plans this weekend and she would be mad if she missed them because I “kicked the bucket” and caused her to miss the Flyball Tournament (in reality, she would miss my funeral to attend the NAFA tournament).

As I was hurling everything I ate on Wednesday over the side of the railing, these were the irrational and illogical thoughts coursing through the synapses of my mind.

“My Heart Rate Monitor says I have burned 300 calories at this point. I just lost whatever calories I ate today. I am waaaaay ahead on calories burned for the day!”

“Sheesh…I am like the contestants during the first week on the Biggest Loser.”

However, the following thought is what got me back in the game...

“Well, in College I could vomit during a drinking binge and get back to drinking. At 40 I should be able to vomit while exercising and get back to the circuit!”

So, I went back to it. I impressed myself. Granted, I was smarter the second half of the class and took it easy, but I did finish by burning over 600 calories. Just think if I lost 1,150 getting sick I am down a half pound!!!

As for tAmMY, I hate her. Her hair was still perfect when we left.

Til Next Week,

Kristi



P.S. Okay, I don’t REALLY hate tAmMY, but I needed a punch line and she can take it. LOL


Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

October 6, 2010 - Combatting Allergies

Hello,

I have absolutely no creative bone in my body right now, but hopefully you will find this story amusing.

This year my allergies are off the chart!  Normally, I can suffer through a week of some sniffles and swollen eyelids. This year my symptoms were unbearable!  So, I looked online at a certain Integrative Health Physician's web site and found his views were to teach the immune system to unlearn it's "pointless habit" of being bothered by seasonal irritants.

Note: The snarky person in me thinks this is all well and good to say if you live in a state like Arizona. Sheesh.

Since I did not have a lot of time to teach my immune system to unlearn it's automatic response. I wrote a letter.

Dear Immune System,

Cease and desist in your efforts to cause me to be unable to see and unable to breathe.

Sincerely,
The rest of the body

Of course, my mandate did not work. I had to pull out the big guns. I had to contact Dr. Pins and Needles.

Of course, Dr. Pins and Needles was extremely excited to see him since I was absent from his life for a couple of months. I did not visit in the past 2 months because I was in too much of a funk. It is sort of a Catch-22 you have to feel like feeling better to feel better. (sigh)  You also have to feel like driving 45 minutes there and back.

Dr. Pins and Needles starts placing needles everywhere.  I had needles right next to my eyeballs, at my nostrils, and across my forehead.  He then tells me Portia is in the other room and mentioned to him that I have not been doing that well. So...he starts placing needles in new places based on PORTIA'S comments.

Ouch!!!

Grrrr...

Outcome?

My season allergies are healed, but now my body has a response to Portia going to the same Acupuncturist.


Til Next Week,
Kristi


Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

September 16, 2010 - Must Keep Moving

Good Day,

Last week my summer blahs lifted.  When the funk went away I started putting some plans in place for my next fitness goal. My new goals are not necessarily supported by my friends and some members of my Army/Posse.  Let me show you a funny example from a Facebook conversation.

Me: No one tell pt bruiser...here is the schedule for the big events for the next 15 months. Nashville half marathon in April, Philly half marathon in September, Phoenix full marathon in January.
May: ummm....sounds like she's not going to like all the wear and tear on your knees.
Sister: lips are sealed. of course, all she has to do is R E A D. Then, she may R u n n o f t
Ed Note: Sister is making a reference to a joke from; "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?"
Me: So then she may not like it when I throw the Savannah one in there because it is the inaugural one?  '
Ed Note: Obviously, I was still looking at the list of upcoming half marathons. 
May: I'm thinking no she won't. 

Ed Note: Isn't it nice how pragmatic May is?

Me: She's very pretty.
Ed Note: See what I did there? PT Bruiser can sometimes be distracted by complements. I sensed she would be logging on to Facebook soon (before she went to bed).

PT Bruiser: Good try with the pretty bit, but, excuse me, missy! We did not ok this on Tuesday. I shall have a chat with you next Tuesday and I want to hear your side of the story as to why you feel the need to spend all this extra time smashing your knees on the cement. Wasn't your knee swollen on Tuesday as well?! Seriously!! You are such a trouble maker!!!

Ed Note: Hmmm...the complement didn't work this time. Next time I will have to plan a new tactic. 

Me: Ahhhh..it was all worth it for the chuckle I just had. LOL!

PT Bruiser: That's what I thought! Trouble maker for sure!!

In reality, I DO want to walk the Marathon in Phoenix in 2012. Why do I want to do it?  Because I know I cannot do it now. It is a hard to reach goal, for sure. This is exactly WHY I want to do it.

Setting a goal to do 100 push-ups or 100 sit-ups is not something that I can work toward. The timelines are loosey goosey. I can change them all the time. However, by planning to do something that has a definite date that is outside my control I cannot manipulate it. It is what works for me.

PT Bruiser and May are concerned about my knees and rightly so.  Here is the deal, I will do it even if it hurts, but not to the point of lasting damage.  I walk in pain most days with my knees. However, as most of you know once you get moving the pain subsides. You just have to move.

Well, Portia could not let this go without offering her opinion. You see Portia wants me to set a time goal. For example, if my per mile pace is 16:00 then I should work toward reducing it to 15:30.  Portia also thinks the shorter distances will burst me out of the weight loss plateau because my cardiovascular fitness has also plateaued. Yeah, this is a goal, but I need a BIG goal.  So, after speaking with Portia the following are the new goals.

1) I am timing (using racewalking) my per-mail pace tomorrow as a baseline.
2) I will conduct a training program that will reduce my base pace including intense cardiovascular training.
3) I will train for the April Half Marathon planning to racewalk it.  After the race I will reevaluate if the Marathon would even be possible based on my pace in the Half Marathon.
4) I will continue the training to lower my pace, including attending another Racewalking seminar to tweak my technique.
5) I will walk another half marathon checking my pace again. However, I will begin training for the Marathon July 1st.
6) After the second half marathon I will determine based on physical fitness and my current pacing if I will even be able to complete the Marathon.

While all of this is going on my cross training will include strength training and intense flexibility training with their own goals. This will aid in my pace and greatly reduce the chance of injury.

I do still have a goal to lose an additional 60-70 pounds, but I am more interested in continuing and maintaining the gains I have made over the past couple of years with a healthy lifestyle. I will have to strictly stick with it to meet the goal to walk the Marathon 15 months from now.

I do not expect anyone to understand why I feel I must do this, but I must. About 6 months ago I bought the domain http://www.mustkeepmoving.com for this reason. I have to keep moving or the funks will win and the pain in my knees will be constant.


Til Next Week,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

September 10, 2010 - People Who Get It and Those Who Don't

Good Day All!

Recently, I went on a tubing trip with a few friends. We were the most ill prepared on the river that day. We joined our tubes with rope (bungee cords are better), did not have a tube for the cooler, and TOTALLY did not have enough beer. However, my friend tAmMY is really good at flirting and managed to get some beer from some first responders from Illinois.  Of course, lumberjacks would be perfect, but you can't go wrong with those that can save you!

After floating down the river with these fine folks and only managing to lose a towel (which was found downstream later across the river), my hat (some fish is wearing it now), and countless self esteem points (from constantly falling down in the mud) I had a conversation with one of the guys as we were walking to the car.

Firefighter; "See that girl over there? She is awfully large. She needs to do something about that."
I instantly got a bit irritated since I did not feel I needed to be judging this girl.
Me; "She might be trying, may not know how, or just is working on other things in her life right now."
Firefighter; "Well, that's something you will not have to worry about."
Me; "I've lost a lot of weight so I know what it is like to have a weight problem since I have quite a bit more to lose."
Firefighter; Chuckles "I've lost 107 pounds. It's not easy changing your life is it?  Takes awhile and doesn't happen overnight."
Me; "Nope. It sure doesn't. Seems like sometimes it gets harder, not easier."

Earlier this week I attended a Medical Support Group meeting at the Weight Loss Clinic. This was the second week of the group of about 40 women. 

At this point in my story I must state that I absolutely positively despise gaggles of women. Yes, yes I know I am a woman, but high numbers of women all situated in one place causes an exponentially high rate of whining and back biting. Drives me nuts.

Before the lecture by the physician started I had the following conversation with another one of the attendees.
Her; "Hi!! You weren't here last week were you? Are you a new patient?"
Me; "I am a new patient of Dr. BurstMyBubble. I saw Dr. Pita for about 2 years before he left."
Her with wrinkled brow; "Oh, well. How much weight have you lost?"
Me; "Well, the most I lost was 75, but I gained 15, but lost 5 again and I keep going up and down the other 10 since I started taking some unrelated medicine.  Learning that I am going to have a rougher way to go"
Her; "You have been working on this for over two years and that is all you have lost?  That seems like a long time."
Me; "Well, I guess it is for some people, but I am in no hurry. I am more interested in being healthy not losing weight necessarily. As long as I keep exercising and eat right I will eventually lose excess weight."
Her; "Well, Dr. BurstMyBubble can speed that up if you want. I think that is what I would ask her if I were you."
Me Chuckling; "Well, I am in not too big of a hurry. I am not on a diet. I am trying to eat better and exercise to be healthier."
Her; "My goal is to take off this weight. I will be able to exercise and do many things once I get the weight off. I will lose the weight first."
Me Thinking; "I hope you do. I hope you do."

In my humble opinion the Firefighter gets it. The lady from the Support Group meeting does not.

Til Next Week,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

September 1, 2010 - Amassing an Army

Hello All,

In the past, I have referred to my main supporters of my effort to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle as 'Kristi's Army." My army is the most important part of my weight loss adventure and new lifestyle. I must surround myself with individuals that not only encourage healthy living, but practice it themselves.

As you all know, I lost three of my main supporters causing me to wobble. I miss all three of these individuals for various reasons, but primarily because I sometimes feel I am starting over.  I feel like I am more apt to fail. You see, with all three of these people I spent many hours exploring what I need to do and how to accomplish it.  They all knew not to take my intellectualizing crap.  They were my Generals.

Fortunately, I have several Colonels left in my army. PT Bruiser, Miss Tappity Tap, and Dr. Pins and Needles are all ready and available at a moment's notice.  My Colonels will be promoted and new individuals enlisted. 

My Army only accepts the "best of the best."   I have already fired one new physician (not the one at the Weight Loss Clinic) for not listening and trying to put me in a box without understanding that one size does not fit all. 

I hope all that read this understand that you are also part of my army. You are with me in the trenches every day. We are in the foxhole together. You are on the front lines. You also try to follow the healthy lifestyle every day, but need lifted up by the troops to get through the battles.  The e-mails you send get me through the fire.

In order to fill vacancies and expand my army I am trying a few new things this Fall. I am taking a Boot Camp class, a Yoga class, and an online Metabolic Exercise class.  I also hope to take another Racewalking Seminar.  Over the next few months I will share with you all the outcomes of these endeavors.

For now I leave you with a quote from Napoleon Bonaparte

"Victory belongs to the most persevering."


Til Next Week,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

August 26, 2010 - Ode to PT Bruiser

Today is PT Bruiser's Birthday....

So...here is an "ode"

There is a gal named Kristi Sue
Once so unhealthy she did "moo"
Pita says; "It's a trainer you need!"
So to PT Bruiser I must heed
Without her I would not know what to do


Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com/

August 18, 2010 - My How Time Flies!

Hello All!

What happened to August?  I did not realize how long it has been since I posted. I knew a week was missed (nothing to say), but TWO weeks!  Eeek!

Well, per request from my friend Kathy, I owe you an update/review of my BodyMedia Fit.  Well, I like it.  It tells me many things.  For instance…

How well I am sleeping….sorta freaky

It tracks your physical activity and steps taken…this is freaky, too.  Ultimately, all I am concerned about is the total, but it is nice to know that every step I take to go to the bathroom is additional calories burned.

When you buy the arm band you can have it automatically upload upon charging to the BodyMedia web site (for an additional fee).  Answering a few questions helps you develop goals. Notice in the following that my target to burn is 3410 calories and consume 2410 calories.  That is a lot of calories to burn a day, I set it that high so that it would encourage me to workout vs. cut back on calories. Right now, I am only meeting my actual goal once or twice a week.  However, I am consistently burning more than I take in on a daily basis.

Currently, I do not document my meals in the BodyMedia tool. I use SparkPeople and normally put the total for the day on the BodyMedia site. On this particular day, I did not do that.

I really like the BodyMedia fit. It definitely keeps me on track.  When I track my food I find that tracking calories in vs. calories out is definitely teaching me what I need to do to continue to lose weight. I also find that the BodyMedia tool is accurate. If I total my calorie deficit at the end of the week it does match to the pounds lost.

The main problem I see with the BodyMedia Fit is that it is not waterproof.  Unfortunately, my BodyMedia Fit cannot be worn in the pool.  For true heart rate measuring I would not rely on the BodyMedia fit anyway.  I use heart rate monitoring to improve my heart health. The BodyMedia fit is not intended for this, so the waterproofing does not bother me.

Dr. Pita’s replacement (she does not have a nickname, YET) questions the ability of it to track correctly when it is extremely hot because it does measure sweat in some of the calculations.   She believes it might be telling me a higher calorie burned count. I believe her nickname might become Dr. BurstMyBubble.

Finally, it is very pricey. Depending on if you buy the optional watch that can by synced with the arm band during the course of the day, it can total around 175.00 dollars for both. If you choose to use the web site, it has a monthly fee. 

For me, it is an encouraging tool and keeps me motivated. I can use the watch and see how I am doing during the day which encourages me to take not only a few more steps, but do activities that burn more calories.

Before you make the leap to buy the BodyMedia Fit, try using the SparkPeople food tracker and activity tracker (including steps taken during the day) to see if it meets your needs. The SparkPeople tools may not be as accurate, but it can get you close to determining your calories burned vs. calories eaten. I found it enlightening that some of the activities I do on a daily basis do not burn as many calories as I originally expected.

For more information check out the following:

http://www.sparkpeople.com

http://www.bodymedia.com

Hope this helps!

Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

August 1, 2010 - Pain

Hello All,

Several years ago I spent about 7 hours on the floor of my garage with a dislocated patella. It was 15 degrees outside and I was about 30 feet from my cell phone.  Needless to say, I sat on the concrete floor in agony.  When I got to the hospital I proclaimed; "I am a 10!"  I was of course referring to the pain scale.  The nurse mentioned that I was not crying. I told her that it hurt too much to cry. The staff immediately gave me Demerol (good stuff).

Before I left, the ER the physician asked me if I thought that I might have fainted at some point. I informed him that I was relatively certain that I was awake the entire time. I knew that if I fell asleep that I might not wake up due to the temperature.  He asked how I dealt with the pain while waiting for someone to find me.

For as long as I can remember, I have always used visualization to alleviate pain. You see, I HATE to take pills. I especially hate to take aspirin or ibuprofen. When I first started having knee trouble I learned how to concentrate the pain away to a dull ache. Many times, this was the only way I ever got any sleep at night.

If my knee hurts, I slowly visualize the pain moving down my leg until finally I convince myself that my big toe is throbbing. Once my big toe is throbbing I focus on a point past my toe.  This probably works because I basically put myself in a trance to get rid of the pain.


My self-taught visualization technique works on most types of physical pain except headaches and migraines. I believe that it does not work on headaches because I cannot concentrate enough with my head hurting.


There is one type of pain that I have yet mastered the ability to alleviate - emotional pain. I find emotional pain gut wrenching to the point that I want to sleep all the time. As I strive to live healthier, emotional pain is happening on a frequent basis. I believe a lot of the reason that I am experiencing it now more than ever is that I am trying very hard not to mask it with food or other unhealthy activities (including sleeping too much).


Granted, there may be some truth to the fact that I am wired a bit differently, but the situational emotional pain that everyone experiences is being confronted in a different manner. Now, I try to exercise or do something self nurturing.  For the most part, I am getting better at these type of techniques, but I still have some education ahead of me for mastery.

For the chemistry-based pain I will finally admit that the Rx I was given makes it bearable. I no longer think that the trash can has dead bodies in it (yes, I still find this funny) or feel the need to write down EVERY thought that crosses my mind. I also have thrown out a lot of papers and stuff that I felt I needed to keep.  I still reiterate that I had no idea that other people did not have these same thoughts (sorry Sister, I was convinced most people would have thought you and Sam were being held at knife point in the woods! LOL)

I do know that if I do not work on how to alleviate the emotional pain I will gain weight. I also believe this is some of what has slowed my weight loss down considerably. As a lot of these "issues" have come to the surface.

As I do not want to take the Rx for the rest of my life, nor gain the weight back, I am working toward alternatives to the medicinal treatment of emotional pain. So far, I have tried acupuncture (works), exercise (works if the pain is not too great), keeping up with my Omega 3s (not sure if it works or not), and talk therapy (works).  Of course, the passage of time helps as well.

I am currently enrolled in two new things to try.  Even though I DEPLORE support groups I am being pushed to try one by Miss Tappity Tap now that Dr. Pita is gone (another reason he is dead to me now. LOL). I also, am going to try a formal class of yoga.

I share this story on pain, as I believe there is a lesson here for us all. I am not sure what I/we will learn, but I am sure there is something to it other than personal growth.

Maybe the point I am trying to make is that to move forward we have to learn to deal (CORRECTLY) with the pain that can detour us from living the lives we were meant to live.

Til Next Week,
Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

July 22, 2010 - Skinny Songs

Hello All,

I have been in a very prolonged funk. Because of this my exercise and eating plans have not been followed that well or is it that because I did not follow my exercise and eating plan that I got in the funk?  Chicken or egg?  LOL

Whenever I get like this I eventually start to care again and try to find something to help perk me up. I have just the thing...SkinnySongs.

Skinny Songs is a compilation of original songs to help with weight loss motivation. For the complete story checkout the web site at http://www.skinnysongs.com   The following are the tracks...

Track 1: Skinny Jeans Track 2: Thin! Track 3: I’m A Hottie Now Track 4: Use It To Lose It Track 5: The Incredible Shrinking Woman

Track 6: Think I’ll Go To Saks Track 7: You Da Boss Track 8: Objects in The Mirror Track 9: Who The Hell Is That? Track 10: Blowin’ You Off At

 My favorite song currently is; "Use it to Lose It".  Just checkout some of the lyrics.

"You say you don’t want no gut (no gut)
Don’t want to have no big butt (uh huh)                                   
Well then get up outta your rut
Come on y’all, let’s make that cut (hey!)         

That’s it now, get off your duff
No more fat, we have had enough             
Gotta do a little huff and puff
so that you can strut your stuff"

LOL LOL LOL LOL

These are the PERFECT songs for a workout!

Now if someone would only write the following songs for me.

Blues:   Don't Be Blue, Eat Your Salmon
Love Song: Ode to Spinach
Reggae:   Exercise is Normal
Old School Rap:   Go to Bed Early, So You are not So Surly
Pop:  Vitamin D For Me
Ska:  Walk, Walk, Stretch, Walk, Walk, Stretch
Bluegrass:   Brewin' the Green Tea
Country:   My Water Jug is Half Empty, Will You Make it Full?

Til Next Week,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

July 14, 2010 - Quinoa

Hello All,

Look!  I posted on the exact day I plan on every week!

Well, I am still using the BodyMedia fit to great success. I am going to give it a thorough review next week, but this week I must share my thoughts on quinoa.  You see, in the past week three people asked me about how I fix quinoa.  It is important to note that I am just an average cook. Basically, I can keep from burning things.  Now, that is in comparison to my sister who is an excellent cook. 

The first time I had quinoa was in a restaurant.  I also heard more about it on the "You Are What You Eat."    On a whim, I bought (for five dollars) a package of organic quinoa at the local grocery store.  I must admit it can be hard to find. Most times you can find it in the health food section or with the rice.

Although it looks and tastes like a grain, quinoa is actually an herb from the beet family. However, you will find it tastes similarly to brown rice.  The best thing about quinoa is that it is high in fiber and high in protein.  One time, I told the doctor that I was binging on quinoa, he stated that a quinoa binge is exponentially better than stuffing myself with donuts.  LOL

After tracking down quinoa make sure that you follow the actually instructions for cooking on the package. DO NOT follow the instructions in a recipe. All quinoa is not the same. Quinoa is not difficult to make, but you need to make it according to the specific instructions.

The most important part of making quinoa is to RINSE IT.   I recommend cheese cloth or a strainer with VERY small openings.  I tried rinsing it through paper towel one time.  Obviously, my common sense was turned off that day.  The experiment ended BADLY!  It was a huge mess, but it did provide me with some amusement at my own expense. 

Once you rinse quinoa, you just need to mix it up with something.  I have a couple of ways that I make it.  While I do not have exact measurements of anything, I believe you can do this to taste.   Also, you might want to add salt. When I turned about 8 years old my mom had to quit salting food, due to my dad's health.  Therefore, I normally do not add additional salt to food.

Pesto Style
quinoa
olive oil (you can use half olive oil and half low-sodium chicken broth to cut calories or extend higher quality oil)
minced garlic
feta or goat cheese
tons of basil
pepper
halved cherry tomatoes
lemon juice

Parsley Browned Butter Version (not a low-fat version)
quinoa
browned butter
minced garlic
tons of parsley
zuchinni
diced tomatoes (with juice)

Corn and Black Bean
quinoa
corn
black beans
cilantro
garlic
diced jalpenos
chunks of a white cheese
chili powder
a smidge of sugar
cocoa powder
canola oil (cut with low-sodium chicken broth)
cinnamon

I recommend that you can use it in place of any grain.  For some really good recipes, check out Eating Well.

Til Next Week,
Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

July 10, 2010 - My New Toy

It's been 10 days already?  Sheesh....

Well, I have to tell you what I bought.  It is a BodyMedia Fit. It tells me how many calories I am burning, how well I am sleeping, and how many steps I am taking.  It knows all sorta of voodoo.  I LOVE IT!!!!

When I upload the information online I can read all of the data and then subtract the calories eaten to understand my deficit for the day. So far, it has been right on!  My deficit is equating to the exact amount of weight lost.

So now, I can have several goals such as burn 3000 calories, take 10,000 steps and get 8 hours of sleep all tracked via my new toy.

Cool huh?

I will let you know how this works out!

June 30, 2010 - Quick Update

Hi,

No worries.  I just have not felt like writing the past 10 days.  That happens....

1) Today I decided to stick with the Weight Loss Clinic where I was seeing Dr. Pita (today was my last visit).  Primarily, because the clinic does support lifestyle changes not just weight loss. This is what I am more interested in at this time. I saw the new doctor at another place and do not believe he listened to me when I was mentioning how much I currently workout and the diet plan did not include foods that I felt were necessary for some of my individual needs.  It also dawned on me that I need to keep some of my posse the same.  I will see the other doctor in a month.
2) Still sad about Dr. Pita heading to bigger and better things, but a doctor-patient relationship is like any other relationship when they change it is difficult. Especially, when the physician has helped you more than any other.
3) My current fitness goal is to get back to doing the 12 week better body workout and train for a racewalk event.

Stay tuned....this  "living a healthy lifestyle experiment" is STILL just getting started.

Til Next Week,
Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

June 19, 2010 - Kung Fu Quotes Irritate Me When I Am Cranky

Good Evening All,

For some unknown reason, I have been in a prolonged funk for about 2 months. I am sure it has absolutely nothing to do with the my lifestyle coach/physician/health mentor/weight loss doc/sometimes buddy moving across country (sigh).  Anyhooo....I have a plan in place that I actually am quite excited about starting.

I am going to start training to racewalk a 5K, which in someways is similar to training to RUN a 5K. I purchased Groupons for a Boot Camp and a Yoga class. I am also meeting with the lifestyle folks at my new Doctors office next week.

Earlier this week, I had my second to last appointment with Dr. Pita.  He mentioned that I have a hard time being complacent. YOU THINK?!?!?!  Of course, anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT. Sheesh...he did have a good point. I beat myself up a lot if I do not believe I am giving it my all.  This has made my summer funk even worse. Personally, what I am learning is how to deal with these funks and learn that being complacent is perfectly normal as long as it does not turn into a reversal.

I asked what are some of the things that I need to do to keep going.  He gave some good advice that I wrote down on a card that I will share in my next post.

Well, here is where the appointment went EXTREMELY wrong.....

Dr.Pita; "When is your next appointment with 'New Doctor'"?
Me; "Three weeks."
Dr. Pita; "If he wants to be a member of your posse you need to go every two weeks."
Me Thinking; "Please don't start. I can't take it. I already do not want to go back.  I was so upset after my last visit."
Me: "OK"

After the appointment, for the next several hours, I was very disheartened. I started thinking my new posse is not going to be near as helpful as my existing and I got very, very sad.  I do not expect anyone to understand, as very few do, but it is not the weight loss that concerns me it is all the other "stuff" that goes on that I need to keep under control.

Soo...I sent a message to Dr. Pita...(edited to fit in the time allowed)

Me; "Do you know anyone else I can see if my new posse does not work out?"
Pita; "Grasshopper, Teachers appear when the student is ready."
Me Thinking; "SERIOUSLY?!?!?  SERIOUSLY?!?!?! You are using Kung Fu?!?! Are you high?!?! Sooo...not in the mood for this crap right now. PAY ATTENTION. I am in a PANIC!"
Me; "I take that as a no."
(hidden message was "bite me")
Pita; "I recommend (censored for privacy)."
Me Thinking; "Better. Sheesh...Hmmmm....since I was being bitchy I will play along with the 'grasshopper' thing'"
Me; "Master, This Grasshopper will fly. Just need to insure there are some leaves on which to recuperate and gather nourishment, as the journey has only just begun...."
Pita; "Exactly!"
Me Thinking; "Hmph! That was one of the most creative sentences ever! Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Dr. Pins and Needles will like it."

LOL

Til Next Week,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

June 13, 2010 -

Hello All,

Note: If you have just started to lose weight or just begun a lifestyle change be forewarned that this blog post is NOT inspiring.  LOL

I knew before starting to live healthier that it was going to be hard, and I was prepared for it, but it does not stop the disappointment.   There is discouragement when the scale doesn't move, when the dress size does not get smaller, or when you do not recognize the changes in yourself.

I am not alone in these struggles.  For instance:

-I have a friend that has lost over 50 pounds on Weight Watchers three times.
-I know another person that had weight loss surgery that gained over half the weight back the year after she lost all of the weight.

Let's be fair though, it is not just about weight loss. There are also alcoholics that hop on and off the wagon. There are many of us that meet the definition of recidivism.

I never started this, nor have I been primarily concerned about "losing weight", but it is something I want and need to do. However, losing weight is a positive side effect of living healthy.  Weight loss is one of the most noticeable affects of weight loss. It is also what gets you both positive and negative attention from others.

One of my rules to myself all along has been I would do this slow and steady in order to create lasting changes. I also never wanted to use anything that I would/could not use the rest of my life.  Primarily, this was the use of weight loss drugs or weight loss surgery. My opinion was; "what does that teach you?" You cannot use both to KEEP the weight from coming back.

 A little more than a year ago is when Dr. Pita and I had a volatile discussion regarding a suspicion he had regarding my moodiness. I bartered with him that I would do whatever it takes to not go see another doctor. Six months later I was not any better (according to him). I blamed myself because I could not choke down the 6 fish oil pills and the other lifestyle changes that accompanied his all natural ideas.  In my mind, I failed.   I went to the other doctor.

I must say that it was one of the best decisions I made. My closest friends say that there is a huge difference. Remember when I mentioned that I thought someone was under my truck or when I thought the water was poisoned?  LOL!!! I do not have those thoughts anymore.  I have been a different person these past 6 months. However, I have "lost" my ability to obsess.

I no longer obsess about my weight every day, meeting my exercise requirement for the day, or documenting my food. Let me explain a bit further, even if you do not understand, there is a HUGE difference is documenting and OBSESSING about documenting. The obsession, I believe, is what helped me lose the weight. I do not believe the obsession helped with the exercise. My external goals help keep me exercising.

Since I quit documenting as faithfully, reading everything I can on healthy lifestyles, and listening to exercise podcasts every day my weight loss stabilized. I also have been more prone to carb binges. Therefore, I gain 5 pounds, I lose 6, I gain 7, I lose eight, etc. My weight fluctuates the same 10 pounds back and forth. 

I have not focused on this up and down of 10 pounds primarily because I feel good. The new pill is working, healthy eating is more of a norm, and I am exercising.  I do still have funks, but I can snap out of them a bit quicker and know how to deal with the residual.

Since Dr. Pita is leaving (no he has not moved, yet)  I had to find another doctor and I did. I chose another doctor that believes in natural remedies first, before giving a pill.  My first visit went well. We were both on the same page. He is no Dr. Pita, but he also does not know me as well.

Thursday I saw the new doctor, he decided I need to take a pill that curbs cravings to sweets and carbs because of the medicine I currently take. He thinks it is worse because the medicine I currently take is triggering something in my brain. I walked out of the office crying.  I cried until I got to work. I was devastated. It took me until today to realize why I was so upset. Again, I feel like I failed.  The binges were something I am having trouble controlling.  This is something I need to learn how to resolve! How can a medicine permanently help that?  I was prone to binges before the other pill.

After a lot of thinking and researching, I have made my decision. I will take the pill.  I will take the "new pill" as long as I take the "old pill."  You see, I will somehow learn and take whatever I need to in order to live my life without the "old pill."  However, if I cannot I will continue to take it, because I do want to live a better quality of life than I was a few years ago.

For now, even though I may not like it, I will take the two pharmaceuticals.  I also will remind myself that it is not a sign of failure, it is just something that will help me reach my ultimate goal of learning to and living healthy.

Til Next Week,
Kristi

June 3, 2010 - Dr. Pins and Needles Referral

Hello All,

I have a funny story to share.

My friend "Portia" is having a bit of trouble with her hip.  She attended Physical Therapy and it still did not get better. Eventually, she decided to try the services of Dr. Pins and Needles.

As you all know, I was quite skeptical of acupuncture until I tried it. Now I believe that it works not only for pain, but for moodiness as well. I am still not sure what Portia believes, but here is the conversation (as best I remember it) that we had immediately after her appointment.

Portia: "I told Dr. Pins and Needles that you would call me when I am done."
Me; "Well, yeah"
Portia; "He gave me a hickey."
Me; "He gave you a what?!?"
Portia; "A hickey."
Me; "???"
Portia; "He put suction cups on my neck and down my back. Now I have a hickey."
Me; "Ohhhhh...that will probably go away by tomorrow."
Portia; "He says it is toxins, not a bruise."
Me; "It does go away very quickly."
Portia; "He said I am irritable.  Do YOU think I am IRRITABLE?!?"
~~~tick, tock, tick, tock, and the sound of crickets~~~
Me; "Ummmmm, No?"
Portia; "Are you saying I am irritable?"
Me; "No. I know people who are really irritable"
Portia; "Well, I am not telling my husband because he will agree with him."
Me; "Probably"
Portia; "Hmmmm...he mentioned that you have great energy because you feel the needles. I didn't feel the "energy"."
Me; "You mean to tell me that you did not feel that zip of "electricity" when he stuck the needles in certain points?"
Portia; "No."
Me Thinking; "I must Google tonight and find out if irritable people can feel their 'Chi'."

Til Later,
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

May 24, 2010 - Censored

Hello All,

Well, it has finally happened. I was censored, repressed, but above all stifled. PT Bruiser has put a gag order on the truth and my creative genius. It is all because SHE did something rather silly when we were exercising at the gym.

I did reminder her that the blog is not about HER it is about ME and my adventure at trying to be healthy, she did not go for the explanation.


You see, SHE only wants me to write nice things about her. She is forgetting that bad press is better than no press at all.

Now, I do agree sometimes I need to be censored, but the self-edit button in my head will just not activate!

I provide you with the following two examples from this past week.

Example #1
Recently, I was stopped by the handy-dandy neighborhood Sheriff Deputy a half mile from my house. My offense was that I did not come to a complete stop at a stop sign where I turned right.

After Mr. Officer informed me of the reason for stopping me, I proceeded to tell him; “I don’t think I have EVER stopped there in my life.” Fortunately, I just got a warning ticket. It helps to appear innocent and flip your hair.

Example #2
I was discussing with Dr. Pita some plans regarding his impending move and my switching of physicians. The snarky fear-filled remark to what he said was; “Eh. You are dead to me now anyway.” The self-edit button should have clicked in before I said that quip. The comment came back to haunt me when I needed his help later. (sigh)

Moral of the Story
I apparently need to have a seven-second delay somewhere between my head and my mouth.  LOL
Til Wednesday,
Kristi
P.S. I was the EXACT same weight as last time I got weighed. THIS is priceless.
P.P.S. While typing this entry I got a survey call about my Dr. Pita visit that was on my birthday....so much fodder for the blog on Wednesday.

May 12, 2010 - God's Gifts

Hello,

Earlier this evening I finished a book that the doctor has encouraged me to read for, oh....about a year now. The primary reason it took me so long to read this book is because I read the book 10 years ago and thought it was a waste of time. I could not relate to any part of it.

Since I continue on this journey of personal growth and lifestyle changes I decided to humor the man and read the book. This time, I learned something.

God bestows a set of gifts on only a select few.

The ability to:

• Taste the depths of hell without external catalysts.
• See the rainbow in each drop of rain.
• Experience deep soul-stretching emotional pain.
• Feel the breeze on a windless day.
• Swim upstream.
  
• View imaginative movies in the mind's eye.
• Dance to the music when none can be heard.
• Live to learn.
• Learn to live.
• Fight the status quo.
• Find the humor in the inane.
• Process thoughts a zillion times faster than any man-made computer.
• Pity those that do not understand.
• Appreciate that the gifts are a blessing, not a curse.

Fortunately, society does not understand these gifts or it would try harder to take them away.

Til Next Week,
Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

May 5, 2010 - Down by 2 (Points that is)

Hello All,

Well, I had an appointment with Dr. Pita today. I was down 1.5 pounds.

(the sound of clapping)

Please...hold back the applause. Really...it is too much.

We were discussing the obvious changes that are causing me to be scared and sad. The following is what turned out to be an amusing conversation.

Me: "You know, I am feeling a lot better. I do not think I have ever felt like this. However, I am sad."

Dr. Pita: "What?!? You are feeling better, but you are in a funk? I do not think anyone has ever said that before."

Me: "You know, I would rather die than go back to the way I was 3 years ago."

Dr Pita: "Good! Use that as motivation."

Me Thinking: "Yeah, that helps a lot Mr. ICanWearTheSamePantsIWoreInHighSchoolandCanControltheCrazies"

Dr Pita: "You know, that is great motivation when you start to get down or things start to slip. You need to remember that."

Me Thinking: "I have turned into an almost-but-not-quite-there, green-tea-drinking, fish-eating, veggie-loving, marathon-walking health nut. I know at any moment it can all fall apart so take your rah, rah, rah crap and shove it." I then put my head in my hands.

Dr Pita: "Look at me!"

Me Thinking: "Nope! Not listening! Not listening!"

Dr. Pita: "Look at me! You need to put your shoulders back and chin up. Biochemistry is impacted by what we do, too."

Me Thinking: "Fine!"
Me: "Uh huh... You know, for years I tried to get help and no one helped me. I saw Social Workers, Counselors, Physicians...nothing. I saw so many Social Workers I COULD BE a Social Worker."

Dr. Pita: "No doubt"

Me: "Seriously, I mean it."

Dr. Pita: (heavy sigh) "I know."

Me Thinking: "I want this to be over."

Dr. Pita: "Fear is a powerful thing. Do you know what F-E-A-R stands for?"

Me Thinking: (churn, churn, churn) "Daggone it!! What is it? What is it?"
Me: (heavy sigh) "No."

Dr. Pita: (Makes the universal sign for a point scored) "YES!"

Me: "Oh, brother."

Dr. Pita: "False Evidence that Appears Real"

Current score:
Dr. Pita: 3 Me: 1

I am starting to think I am going to lose the game before he leaves. Daggone it!!

Til Next Week,
Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

May 1, 2010 - ME on the Biggest Loser

All,

I have been promising this video and picture. Since I have only been writing self-reflective type things for the past two weeks I think you all deserve some lighthearted fun.

Don't blink! You might not see me! I have included a picture after the video. If you stop the video at 29 seconds you will see me. For those that read my blog on Facebook you might need to go to my blog at http://kristiasher.blogspot.com to see the video.

Presenting the video:


The proof:







Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

April 28, 2010 - Permission to Be Sad

Hi,

I am trying to accomplish something difficult. For a little over 2 years I have worked to change my lifestyle to one of healthy living. The failure rate in this type of endeavor is over 90%. For this reason alone, I give myself complete permission to be sad and scared for the future this week.

I have accomplished a lot in 2 years. I am healthier not only physically, but mentally and spiritually. I did the hard work, but I did not do it without the gentle prodding of professionals.

My healer and teacher must move on to share his knowledge with others. However, for me this is a loss. I am losing my lifestyle mentor. Not only that, I am losing a physician that could "out think" me. I am losing my Dr. Pita.

I am scared. I am scared that when the training wheels come off that I will fall and not get back up. I am scared that my commitment to changes will eventually wane. Ultimately, I am scared of what challenges tomorrow might bring.

For now, as I plan the next steps, I will just ponder the following quote from the movie Cast Away.

"I told myself that I have to just keep on breathing…for tomorrow the sun will rise…and who knows what the tide will bring in.”

Til Next Week,

Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

April 21, 2010 - Heartfelt Thanks to Dr. Pita

Hello All,

Several years ago, I was at lunch with a few work colleagues when someone mentioned that they respected and trusted all of us. The admiration was strong enough to warrant the phrase; "I will always allow you in my foxhole. Of course, we might all be too fat to fit in the foxhole." It was one of the nicest things anyone ever said to me.

Note: He was referring to a foxhole seen in World War II movies and we were eating a big plate of cheese fries at the time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

We meet many people at work and play in our lives. A lot of people that you meet you enjoy the time you spend together, but you move on with the rest of your life. You may have a distant memory of that person, maybe they left a slight impression.

Occassionally, there are people that you meet that you are truly a better person for having met...Dr. Pita is one of those people in my life.

Earlier this week, I found out Dr. Pita is leaving the health system and the State for sunshinier (yes, I know it is not a word) pastures. I can honestly say, while I am not suprised, I am a more than a little sad...for selfish me. For him...I say; "Good Luck and Congratulations!"

For those of you that have read my blog from the very beginning, you might think one of the following, depending on if you understand my satire:

*"Why is she sad? She is always complaining about these professionals!

*"Ooooo...this is not going to go well at all."

You see, I am sad because Dr. Pita helped me immensely. I *maybe* gave him a *little* grief sometimes regarding his diagnoses and opinions, but I always ended up doing what he said in the end. Why? He was normally right and my way did not work. As many of you know, I also got results.

Just because he is leaving is no excuse to quit working on any of my "assignments." I will transition to a new physician that will make me mad sometimes when I do not want to listen, but I will continue on this journey. As even those that had Bariatric Surgery will tell you, even when at a "perfect" weight or living a "perfect" lifestyle; checkups are required and are essential for lasting changes.

I could make a huge list of all of the things I have learned from Dr. Pita, but I do not want to bore you even more so than normal. Go back and read the older posts! LOL

I could also type for hours regarding the true appreciation and respect I have for Dr. Pita, but the keyboard could not handle the tears .

Soooooo....

What I can say is this; "Thank you Dr. Pita. You and your family are always welcome in my foxhole. There is a lot more room than there used to be..."

Til Next Week,

Kristi

Originally published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

April 7, 2010 - Birthday Musings

Happy Birthday to Me....Happy Birthday to Me....

Feel free to sing along.

Yes, today is my Birthday. The big 4 0. It was forty years ago today that I ruined my sister's life. She had such a blissful childhood for 8 years and then *poof* I was born. If you know my sister, please offer her your condolences.

Okay, enough celebrating, back to the musings....

I attended my first Emotional Eating Session last week. Yes, this is another one of those things I swore I would never do...LOL A lot of the class will be based on being more mindful of when, how, where, and what we eat.

At the beginning of the class the leader asked us to explain how we might overeat. I shared that it was not uncommon for me to stop at multiple fast food places on the way home. For example, I remember a time not too long ago that I stopped at KFC to get some wings. I then spilled my soda, so I stopped at McDonald's and purchased another soda, and since I was there I felt compelled to pick up a cherry pie. I still had time to kill, before my evening activity, so I stopped at Burger King and picked up some Macaroni and Cheese. Hmmmm... I do not have a binging problem...LOL

During the course of the class we were given 4 jelly beans. We ate two jelly beans really slowly to learn how to enjoy our food and appreciate what we are eating. She went on to explain that we need to quit eating in front of the television, computer, or in the car. Eeeek! These are all my favorite places to eat!

She hit on a point. I work with a bunch of people from a different culture. I have NEVER noticed any of them EVER eat and work at the same time. Interesting...none of them are overweight either...even MORE interesting.

Now, the leader continued speaking on this topic, but I have to tell you those 2 jelly beans in my hand were CALLING to me.

FINALLY we got to eat the remaining jelly beans.

Nope...I do not need to work on Emotional Eating AT ALL.

Til Next Week,

Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

March 31, 2010 - Year 3: The Year of PT Bruiser

Hello All,

No, I am not Chinese, but I am naming this year the "Year of PT Bruiser." Why? Because after reviewing my blog posts over the past couple of years it is time I focus my animosity toward PT Bruiser and away from Dr. Pita.

If you are not a longtime blog reader you may not realize that I have been at this "learning to live a healthy lifestyle" for two years. This is the start of my third year. Change is hard, isn't it? Personally, I think I am doing quite well.

Now, the reason I am focusing my inner anger toward PT Bruiser is that I really need to kick my exercise up a notch. I am in a lot better shape than a couple of years ago, but I do believe that in order to be in better shape (e.g. cardiovascular, mental, bone health) I need to push myself even farther. Well, of course PT Bruiser is a big fan of this and is being quite mean about it. She even was "gruff" with me the last time we worked out! How rude.... I am sure she can wear the same pants she wore in High School, too!

As far as Dr. Pita goes..he is more like a Project Manager at this point. He makes sure that the weight loss moves along, I stay healthy, and I have not gone insane. Some day he may even let me only see him once a month (I am not counting on this, because I believe that I am paying for a child of his to go through college). I will continue to hold a grudge for awhile, because now I am considered "Complex Care" through the insurance company. Grrrr.... Pray for us both.

I thought it might be fun to do a recap on some of the different "things" I have tried and how far I have progressed over the course of two years. What I would like to note about this list is that I never tried anything that was a "quick fix." Many people want a quick fix when losing weight or trying to be healthy. I do not believe that it happens overnight; it is more of a life long process.

1. Unlike when I received my first test results, my blood sugar and cholesterol levels are in a normal range.


2. I lost A LOT of weight the first few months. Now, it is much slower and I plateau a lot more, but I am much stronger and my clothes fit differently.


3. My cup has enough stones for 75 pounds, but I am striving to get the diamond stones for the next 10 pounds.


4. My real age has come down to my real age.


5. My more active lifestyle is alive and well, but I have yet to do some of the things on this list.


6. I am used to the changes in my body, but still get a little shocked about bones that I have not seen in awhile. Nothing quite as funny as when things "shifted."


7. Dan and Portia have come to terms with the whole "milk thing", but I posted a nasty note when someone used our fridge that wasn't an Angel.


8. Dr. Pins and Needles is now on the North Side, so I am not able to visit him as much, but I do still believe that acupuncture is a great intervention for the doldrums.


9. It is obvious I have come to terms with walking long distances as I now enjoy the 5Ks, but there was a time that I did not like walking on the treadmill at the gym.


10. I still have the love of my life, but I get sick of him sometimes. I am currently in one of those periods right now.


11. It is hard to live a healthy lifestyle; I could write this post at least once a month. I did finally agree to take some medicine that does not impact the liver/kidneys and it has made a HUGE difference. No one tell Dr. Pita, the Social Worker or Miss Tappity Tap, but they may be right.


12. I broke up with my future husband, he of course does not know it. We are over because he is a big IDIOT!


13. Dr. Pita did not have to twist my arm too much to do another half marathon (primarily because of my way worked I would not be paying all this money to see him). Of course, now I love doing half marathons now, but PT Bruiser and I agreed to one a year break.


14. Calvin is no longer in trouble with me now that my knee has healed, but my sister wants 30 dollars from him for duffle bags that he has destroyed. She needs to give him a break. He is trying to OPEN the bags, but does not have thumbs!


15. I still take fish oil, even though it almost got me arrested.


16. There are many things that tried that did not work for me at the time including visualizations, working through several books on eating mindfully, and trying to not let the scale be something that I worry about too much. However, I do believe that it is important to learn WHY we overeat as well as watching WHAT we eat and HOW we exercise.

I am ending the list here. I am bored with this. Remember, I can be a bit moody and am easily sidetracked!

Watch for a major change to the blog this year...

Til Next Week,

Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com