You know those times when you feel like you've hit a wall? Well, I hit that again the other day. I'm not sure what happened for about a week, but I was feeling so very weak! I gave into a lot of temptation! However, something happened again where I felt great, and was so motivated!
First, I went to Olive Garden and, oh, how I wanted pasta SO bad! Heck, it's Olive Garden, who the heck wouldn't?! But no, I stuck to 1.5 bowls of salad (not the big plastic bowl, I ate about 2/3 of that thing!) 1 bowl of soup and 2 breadsticks! At the O.G. I'd say that's pretty damn good!
The very next night, was the challenge of Outback Steakhouse! Really? Outback? I met my party there, and what was sitting on the table? The YUMMY bread as well as a bloomin' onion! *sigh* Well, I held it to one slice of bread and 2, count it TWO pieces of bloomin onion! Yeah...you try that! Oi! Along with my Rib Eye steak (lowest cal on the menu!) I enjoyed a nice side of veggies! Mm, broccoli!! So, that was not an easy weekend, b\y any stretch!
Then, my dad and I have a traidition, one week we go downtown, then the next we go to MOA! Let me say, somehow, we both are on diets, yet somehow, I eat more when I am with him than when I'm not! Hmm...Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't do terribly, but, I could have done MUCH better! I know...I'm getting coal for that!
As for workouts, ya know...they're going! My run is getting SO much better! When I'm doing my leaps, I feel like an idiot, I'm not gonna lie, but boy oh boy is it helping! I've taken two minutes off my run so far!! Heck to the yes!
My new goal, is to get my arms nice and...well...nice! It's a definite trouble spot on my body, but I know I can do it, with my help! :)
Other than that folks, that's really about all. Christmas is in a little over a week, and there is SO much prep to do! Wrapping, cooking, enjoying! I hope you all have a very merry Christmas, I'm thinking...New Years Resolutions....
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Two steps forward, one step back!
I am SO frustrated right now! Shocker of shockers, I've hit another pleatu, and have been at this point for the last 2 months about. I am getting SO frustrated with this, and with the holidays coming around, it's not making things any easier!! With my newest decision of joining army ROTC, there is a WHOLE new source of frustration, that was not in the original plan.
I now not only have to figure out all our money sources, but I also have to figure out, how the heck I'm going to get into the U of M! There is such a long process I'm honestly a little scared. Of course I have back up plans, when do I NOT have a back up plan? But ya know, I'm getting a little SICK of having to USE my back up plans!
All this stress is now starting to effect my weight again! It's not like I've gained 10 pounds or anything, I'm just going up and down the same 2 or so pounds. I think I'm doing all the right things, but when you want to go into a business that, a certain weight, is required, it gets really frustrating and again, more stressful!
I love this time of year, but when it comes to dieting and such, it's making my life a living a hell!! I work out like a mo-fo, watch what I'm eating, and nothing!! I wish I could say "Oh, I'm gaining muscle!" but I don't know if I am, or if I'm just not going anywhere!! I need something, I don't know what, but something.
I now not only have to figure out all our money sources, but I also have to figure out, how the heck I'm going to get into the U of M! There is such a long process I'm honestly a little scared. Of course I have back up plans, when do I NOT have a back up plan? But ya know, I'm getting a little SICK of having to USE my back up plans!
All this stress is now starting to effect my weight again! It's not like I've gained 10 pounds or anything, I'm just going up and down the same 2 or so pounds. I think I'm doing all the right things, but when you want to go into a business that, a certain weight, is required, it gets really frustrating and again, more stressful!
I love this time of year, but when it comes to dieting and such, it's making my life a living a hell!! I work out like a mo-fo, watch what I'm eating, and nothing!! I wish I could say "Oh, I'm gaining muscle!" but I don't know if I am, or if I'm just not going anywhere!! I need something, I don't know what, but something.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Ode to Norman
If you have talked to me in the last 8 or 9 months, you've probably heard me talk about Norman, who I consider my work-out guru! However, I don't think I've ever really told you all about him. So, Norman promised me something to blog about today, so, I am! I'm going to take you guys a little deeper into the odd camaraderie I have with dead Norm.
I remember the first day I met Norman, and I knew right then it was fate. I was sitting, signing my papers for Golds. We were talking about the personal trainer route, and for the longest time Colin had been saying "Cara, you need to get a trainer! I want you to get a trainer! It will change your life! I promise!" So I decided to take advantage of this deployment, and get a trainer! As I was making this decision, I will never forget, Norman walked up to the table and said "welcome to our dysfunctional family!" That was it! I knew right there that I had found a person, who was rather like minded!
For our first session, I don't even remember the exercises we did. All I remember, is the next day, I was in SO MUCH PAIN!! I could not move an inch!! I'm sure it wasn't even that bad, well, to nows standards! Little did I know, that was the beginning, of the beginning!
Through the past 8, 9 months, I feel like I have grown strong, both physically and mentally. I never ever would be able to do that alone! We have done crazy tire flips (not with your average car tire mind ya, this is a BIG ass tire!!) I'm doing 90 to 110 pounds on the lat pull down, 3 sets of 20 push-ups (man push-ups mind ya!) tons of running man sit-ups, 25 second arm hangs, and just more general endurance than I ever thought possible! Today, it was totally new, and still, I seem to hurt minorly! :)
I am so thankful everyday that I have a kick ass trainer like Norman! I'm down from a size 16 to a size 10, I'm down almost 65 pounds, and I know that I would never be able to do this on my own! It's not everyday you get to come across a person who motivates you to a point that has never been done before, but can also be considered a friend!!
So, to Norman, since you can't be yelling at a Marine, I challenge you to help me become an airborne ranger!! We are talking hardcore Army my dear friend! To let up in the least would be a mistake, so, let's take it to the next level!! :) http://www.stewsmith.com/linkpages/airborne.htm
I remember the first day I met Norman, and I knew right then it was fate. I was sitting, signing my papers for Golds. We were talking about the personal trainer route, and for the longest time Colin had been saying "Cara, you need to get a trainer! I want you to get a trainer! It will change your life! I promise!" So I decided to take advantage of this deployment, and get a trainer! As I was making this decision, I will never forget, Norman walked up to the table and said "welcome to our dysfunctional family!" That was it! I knew right there that I had found a person, who was rather like minded!
For our first session, I don't even remember the exercises we did. All I remember, is the next day, I was in SO MUCH PAIN!! I could not move an inch!! I'm sure it wasn't even that bad, well, to nows standards! Little did I know, that was the beginning, of the beginning!
Through the past 8, 9 months, I feel like I have grown strong, both physically and mentally. I never ever would be able to do that alone! We have done crazy tire flips (not with your average car tire mind ya, this is a BIG ass tire!!) I'm doing 90 to 110 pounds on the lat pull down, 3 sets of 20 push-ups (man push-ups mind ya!) tons of running man sit-ups, 25 second arm hangs, and just more general endurance than I ever thought possible! Today, it was totally new, and still, I seem to hurt minorly! :)
I am so thankful everyday that I have a kick ass trainer like Norman! I'm down from a size 16 to a size 10, I'm down almost 65 pounds, and I know that I would never be able to do this on my own! It's not everyday you get to come across a person who motivates you to a point that has never been done before, but can also be considered a friend!!
So, to Norman, since you can't be yelling at a Marine, I challenge you to help me become an airborne ranger!! We are talking hardcore Army my dear friend! To let up in the least would be a mistake, so, let's take it to the next level!! :) http://www.stewsmith.com/linkpages/airborne.htm
Friday, December 4, 2009
A quicky, but a goodie!!
I am happy to report, while, the weight is staying rather pleatuish lately, I HAVE GONE DOWN ANOTHER SIZE!!! :D I started at a size 16, and am now down to a 10!! Not only that, but I can breathe, and move and function in them!! This folks, is the smallest jean size I have ever been in, in my entire life!! And it's just gonna keep on going!! WOOP!! *doin' a happy dance, which burns more calories!*
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Reflections and the Ghost of Christmas future
Well, today is not so much about weight loss, rather it's about the past 25 years of my life, and what lead to today! One chilly December 3rd night in 1984, the world was introduced, to ME! Who would have thought, in a mere quarter of a century, so much could happen!
People have come and gone in my life, some have made an amazing impact! Of course Colin and my parents, of course my sister with the rest of my family, and of course my friends. However, there is ONE man who has stuck by my side since I was born. He never would let me be harmed, and he has guided me my whole life. This man is my poppop, my mum's dad.
He passed away when I was in 4th grade, and I knew, even though I didn't even cry at his funeral, that there was gonna be an ultimate void in my life. He was the one adult who sat and played Power Rangers with me! He taught me to play poker when I was in kindergarden, and let us put bows in, what hair he had left!
While he taught me a lot when he was alive, little did I know I would learn more from him after he died. About seven months ago was the first time I went to go visit his grave since he died. When I got there, something happened and life just became a little more clear. My poppop was a Sgt in the US Army during WWII. According to my mum, he sure loved his Army! When I was struggling with Colin's deployment, I talked to him. When I was having a hard time with my diet, I talked to him. With every visit, and every "conversation" we had, I found a whole new strength.
Finally, about 3 weeks ago, I had my workout with the Marines, and it was terrible!! Naturally, I went to visit him! As I walked up to his headstone, I just started to cry! I felt like a failure and I felt I was never going to meet the expectations I had for myself! I stayed for almost an hour. Later that day, I had my ROTC meeting. Coincidence? I don't think so! I think life is a giant pot, and poppop has his finger in, swirling it around!
I can't talk about the influence that my poppop has had, without talking about my grandpa! My dad's dad. I was about a year old when he died, so I never got to know him. He too was in WWII, and after his service, he also became a police officer. He, in my mind, is a prime example of service. My dad loved his dad, and I know that, even if I never had the chance to really meet him, he's right next to poppop, saying "Ya know Robert, no granddaughter of ours is going to be a Jar Head!"
As for the future, who knows what it may bring? Sure, I have goals, but I never shut the door on life!! There are SO many great things that lay down the road, school, the Army, a family, and experiencing everything life has to give!! How could you NOT be excited for the future??? Baby, it's so bright you should be wearing shades!!
So, here my friends, is to another 25 years of a healthy, strong, happy life! I know that, through time, things are going to change, but my husband, my family and friends will always be here, and I hope, in 25 years, I'm still getting all your wonderful facebook messages! Love you all, and thank you for helping to shape the person I am today!!
People have come and gone in my life, some have made an amazing impact! Of course Colin and my parents, of course my sister with the rest of my family, and of course my friends. However, there is ONE man who has stuck by my side since I was born. He never would let me be harmed, and he has guided me my whole life. This man is my poppop, my mum's dad.
He passed away when I was in 4th grade, and I knew, even though I didn't even cry at his funeral, that there was gonna be an ultimate void in my life. He was the one adult who sat and played Power Rangers with me! He taught me to play poker when I was in kindergarden, and let us put bows in, what hair he had left!
While he taught me a lot when he was alive, little did I know I would learn more from him after he died. About seven months ago was the first time I went to go visit his grave since he died. When I got there, something happened and life just became a little more clear. My poppop was a Sgt in the US Army during WWII. According to my mum, he sure loved his Army! When I was struggling with Colin's deployment, I talked to him. When I was having a hard time with my diet, I talked to him. With every visit, and every "conversation" we had, I found a whole new strength.
Finally, about 3 weeks ago, I had my workout with the Marines, and it was terrible!! Naturally, I went to visit him! As I walked up to his headstone, I just started to cry! I felt like a failure and I felt I was never going to meet the expectations I had for myself! I stayed for almost an hour. Later that day, I had my ROTC meeting. Coincidence? I don't think so! I think life is a giant pot, and poppop has his finger in, swirling it around!
I can't talk about the influence that my poppop has had, without talking about my grandpa! My dad's dad. I was about a year old when he died, so I never got to know him. He too was in WWII, and after his service, he also became a police officer. He, in my mind, is a prime example of service. My dad loved his dad, and I know that, even if I never had the chance to really meet him, he's right next to poppop, saying "Ya know Robert, no granddaughter of ours is going to be a Jar Head!"
As for the future, who knows what it may bring? Sure, I have goals, but I never shut the door on life!! There are SO many great things that lay down the road, school, the Army, a family, and experiencing everything life has to give!! How could you NOT be excited for the future??? Baby, it's so bright you should be wearing shades!!
So, here my friends, is to another 25 years of a healthy, strong, happy life! I know that, through time, things are going to change, but my husband, my family and friends will always be here, and I hope, in 25 years, I'm still getting all your wonderful facebook messages! Love you all, and thank you for helping to shape the person I am today!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Holidays- a diet's worst enemy!
Happy post- Thanksgiving everyone! I hope all your holidays were fun and cheerful!!
Personally, my Thanksgiving was filled with food and fun, and more food! I was able to eat my favorite...Pumpkin Pie!! And I loved and savored every single second, which is how food should be eaten I do suppose! However,
Okay, so it could be SO much worse, I could be back up to my starting weight and feeling bloated and still full from the weekend! What is it about this time of year, that brings the food lovers out in all of us! I know it does for me! For foods that normally wouldn't pass these lips "Oh, it's only once a year, what will it hurt!?" However, what if I did that for every single holiday? So here, my friends, is a "well it's only once a year" list!
January- New Years! Mini sausages, champaign, and tons of munchy things. What's a few extra cheese and crackers? After all, it's only once a year!
February- Valentines Day! Oo, can we say chocolate everyone? Creme filled, solid milk and dark, big pieces in a BIG heart! Then of course, don't forget our romantic dinners by candlelight! With soft music and 2000 calories! However, it's only once a year!
March- For me, anniversary time!! If you're like us, the first question "oh, where should we go eat for our anniversary?!" Usually, a place that specializes in delicious steaks and desserts! But again, it's all good, it's only once a year!
April- Easter time! Bunny rabbit stew? No, I'd say not, but Ham, and casserols, and stuffing and eggs, MM, that, a good Easter dinner, makes! Why are we worrying though? It's only once a year!
May- Well, what on Earth holiday is in May you might ask? Well folks, can we say, Mother Day?! Oo, those mother's day buffets are divine! But it's for mom, and it's only once a year!
June- If it's not for mum, it must be for Dad! For June is father's day! Let us remember our dads, by shoving our faces! It's fathers day, it's only once a year! (I should tell you too, June 1st, is national donut day!)
July- God Bless America....with burgers, brats, potato salad and blowing things up...including our bellies!!
August- Can you believe summer is almost done? Well, let's celebrate with one last camping trip! I bring the smores, you bring the beer, they'll bring the weiners and buns!! We only get to go once a year though! It's a special occasion!!
September- man, back in school already! However, it's time for our Labor Day BBQ!! Beans and potato salads, burgers and brats, beer and friends! It's cool though, it's just one last hurrah!!
October- Spooks and ghouls come out, to Target, in the candy section! Did you ever know how many more candies appear on the market around this time?! It's so easy to buy ONE bag and be like, "well it's Halloween! What would Halloween be without Candy corn?!" After all, it's only once a year!
November- duh! We all just went through the infamous Turkey day! Sure, turkey is great for you, just, when you add potatoes, gravy, casserols, stuffing and of course, PUMPKIN PIE!! But we're with family, and it just doesn't happen that often!!
December- Who are we kidding folks? The entire month is one big food festival! People making cookies, parties to go to, and everyone to shoving their own specialties at you!! It's SO great! And it's Christmas after all, it's only once a year!
Think about this, for every special occasion, we add an extra, 700 calories to our day! That's at least an extra 8,400 calories a year! AT LEAST!! 700 is pretty gracious if you ask me! So this holiday season, don't skimp, just think about what's going into your mouth! If you can't resist, most gyms are open the morning of the Holiday! Hit it up for a bit! You'll feel MUCH better when you eat that pumpkin pie!!
Friday, November 27, 2009
My decision...
So many thoughts, so many concerns, so many choices!
Well, I'm going to cut to the chase, I have made my decision as to what I'm going to do. I, Cara Ann Berg Rainey, am going to be in town for the next couple years. I am going to be a grad student at the U of Minnesota, and be part of the ROTC program!
Why did I make this decision? Well, let me start by saying there were three people I really had to talk to, to feel as if my decision was the right one.
First and foremost the most important person to help, was Colin. When I told him about the ROTC idea, of course he was behind it! It wasn't until I told him what I was going to do that he got really excited, which helped me know I made the right one. Our first conversation was about an hour long and he helped me sort through all my options, and helped me take a look at all my options (see previous post). I am so lucky that he is supportive as he is. The next couple years are going to be hard, financially and physically and mentally! So, knowing that we would get to spend the next two years together is an awesome and amazing thought!!
The next person I really needed to talk was Norman. For the last 9 months, I have been working like a mo-fo to get in shape for the Marines!! So, I needed to make sure from him that, in his mind, it wouldn't be giving up. Basically, these are the points I got out of our conversation. First, it wouldn't be giving up, because I will still be going into the military! Next, who is to say, I can't be a bad ass soldier? Why can't I take all the standards of the marines and bring them over to the army? Talk about an awesome leader! To be able to physically challenge the soldiers I will lead, to keep them with Marine physical standards and army mental standards! Next, he made the point that, the army can give me a marriage, which I would not have as a Marine. So, there was a lot more to it, but I'm trying to keep it SOMEWHAT short for ya'll!
So, those two are my emotional and physical gurus, who I look to for advice in the matters of life and, well, physical challenges. My last person I looked to was the man who got this ALL started, Ret. Col. Bob Ayotte. To think, if he and my dad had never run into each other in Cub months ago, who knows what would be going on! Because of this man, I have a feeling my marriage will be a very successful one, and I will more than flourish as an Army Officer!
Isn't it funny how ONE day can change an entire lifetime? Never take one for granted folks! You just never know what moment will change your life forever!!
Well, I'm going to cut to the chase, I have made my decision as to what I'm going to do. I, Cara Ann Berg Rainey, am going to be in town for the next couple years. I am going to be a grad student at the U of Minnesota, and be part of the ROTC program!
Why did I make this decision? Well, let me start by saying there were three people I really had to talk to, to feel as if my decision was the right one.
First and foremost the most important person to help, was Colin. When I told him about the ROTC idea, of course he was behind it! It wasn't until I told him what I was going to do that he got really excited, which helped me know I made the right one. Our first conversation was about an hour long and he helped me sort through all my options, and helped me take a look at all my options (see previous post). I am so lucky that he is supportive as he is. The next couple years are going to be hard, financially and physically and mentally! So, knowing that we would get to spend the next two years together is an awesome and amazing thought!!
The next person I really needed to talk was Norman. For the last 9 months, I have been working like a mo-fo to get in shape for the Marines!! So, I needed to make sure from him that, in his mind, it wouldn't be giving up. Basically, these are the points I got out of our conversation. First, it wouldn't be giving up, because I will still be going into the military! Next, who is to say, I can't be a bad ass soldier? Why can't I take all the standards of the marines and bring them over to the army? Talk about an awesome leader! To be able to physically challenge the soldiers I will lead, to keep them with Marine physical standards and army mental standards! Next, he made the point that, the army can give me a marriage, which I would not have as a Marine. So, there was a lot more to it, but I'm trying to keep it SOMEWHAT short for ya'll!
So, those two are my emotional and physical gurus, who I look to for advice in the matters of life and, well, physical challenges. My last person I looked to was the man who got this ALL started, Ret. Col. Bob Ayotte. To think, if he and my dad had never run into each other in Cub months ago, who knows what would be going on! Because of this man, I have a feeling my marriage will be a very successful one, and I will more than flourish as an Army Officer!
Isn't it funny how ONE day can change an entire lifetime? Never take one for granted folks! You just never know what moment will change your life forever!!
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