Making Progress...

If the scale is right, I am 1lb shy of 10lbs lost in 2weeks. I think I've been working hard to lose weight, but I know I could work harder. I have a vacation to look forward to. Panama City Beach at the end of May. I would like to feel comfortable in a bathing suit on the beach. Not only that, but to be healthy and love how I feel. Would be nice to go to any department store and pick out a cute outfit instead of shopping at a sized specific store (a.k.a. Lane Bryant). Not only is it expensive to buy size specific clothes, but sometimes they don't carry young stylish clothes. I know I'm almost 30, but I still want to dress cute/sexy. I don't want to dress like a grandma at 30. Haha
I got some tips from Dr. Oz's Monday show on best times to lose weight. I'm giving it a shot this week.
Best time to weigh is 6:30am. Best time to workout is 6:35am. Best time to eat breakfast is 7:30am. Best time to boost metabolism is 8:00am and to do so, drink a glass of cold water. Best time for lunch is 12:00pm. Best time for dinner is 6:30pm (3 hours before bedtime). I'm on day 2 of this and I hope to keep it up. I only have time for a 20 min workout in the morning tues-sat because of work, so I use the elliptical machine at our house. I'm hoping to incorporate my biggest loser kinect game after work. I need to boost my exercise program. I have to keep this up. I'm ready for the new Kristin. ;-)
Until next time...

Wednesday Wonders

Well, its been a few days since I blogged. The weekend was pretty relaxing. Our nephew didn't come stay with us like we thought. Wish we could have seen him though. I went to church on Sunday and enjoyed it. Robert had a rough night and wasn't feeling like getting out of the house. Hopefully we can make it this Sunday. After church, I had lunch with mom and dad at baytown seafood. I got the grilled shrimp with grilled veggies. It was really tasty. I am trying to stay on track with eating better. Its been good so far. My goal is to workout 3 times a week. I try not to weigh myself alot because I don't want to get discouraged, but if the scale is right, I've LOST 3LBS. I wish it was biggest loser numbers, but I'm not complaining.
After lunch, I went to my parents to help Dad make his awesome salsa. His salsa is so yummy and addicting. Once you take a taste, you can't stop. I bring my own dish from home so I can steal some. Ha.
Robert got his cpap machine yesterday. He's not thrilled to wear it at night. Last night was his first night to wear it so I will find out how it was tonight. Hopefully, this is the answer to his health issues. He told me this week that he's been anxiety free for 2 weeks! That's amazing! PTL
Until next time...

Turkey loaf FAIL

After my biggest loser ultimate workout, I decided to browse through their recipes to see what they had. I saw the turkey loaf and was excited to try it since I had all the ingredients. I didn't really understand the instructions but went with it. Bad idea. As you can tell from the picture, it's not a loaf. So, I adlibbed it and turned it into tacos. Honestly, the flavor in the taco was not bad. Perhaps my biggest loser turkey loaf fail turned into something better? I had never made a loaf before so I didnt know you weren't supposed to cook the meat first. Ha I wasnt thinking. I wanted to suprise R with new meal. Guess I did.
On another note, Uncle R and Aunt K (which is us ;)) may get to babysit our sweet nephew Aidan this weekend. This makes me happy! Hopefully I will remember to blog about it before 6 months pass by. Ha

Here We Go Again

I am not a very good blogger. I keep thinking I'm gonna be a savy blogger who updates daily/weekly/monthly, but I don't.

Since the last post, Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and go. Now it's the year 2011. Remember in 2000 when people were saying the world was going to end? Well, we've proved them wrong. Guess it will be 2012.

It's been a year since I got the blogging idea to blog about Robert's health issues. We are still seeing doctors to get a diagnosis. I must say, he is ALOT better now than he was this time last year. What we are being told now, by a different neurologist, is that he has sleep apnea and its the cause of everything that has been going on with him. We couldn't believe this. Sleep apnea?!? After doing some research, it makes sense. So, now we are waiting for the doctor to contact R with his results and to get a perscription for a cpap machine. I am praying that this is the answer. I want my husband to feel better. :-)

As for me, it's time to change my lifestyle. My eating lifestyle that is. I have had a revelation this week watching a new show called "Heavy" on A&E and "The Biggest Loser". I have got to do something to be healthier. I keep thinking about a girl on BL that is my age and has been trying to have kids but keeps having a mis-carriage. I do not want that to be me. I need to do this for me. Plus, I want to feel better about myself. I want to be able to look in the mirror and smile instead of turn my nose up at myself. My best friend is on this journey with me. We are going to help eachother. We say we don't want to be "skinny"-just fit/healthy.
R bought a xbox 360 with the kinect a couple of weeks ago and I have started my biggest loser workout with that. I hate lunges/squats. IT HURTS! I'm on day 4 of NO carbonated drinks. It's really hard. Especially in the morning passing Sonic. I love a Route 44 Sprite Zero. I really need to keep up the determination/motivation. Technology these days is pretty awesome. I have apps to help with tracking calories/exercise. Makes it easier to have it on your phone, because I don't go anywhere without that. Ha.

Well, I hope to become a better blogger. I will try. :-)

First Air Boat Ride!

Yesterday, our park police took me and my other co-worker out on the air boat we were borrowing from another State Park. I was a bit nervous about it but I enjoyed it! The downside was feeling like a hood ornament afterwards, that's how my co-worker decribed it. She was right. Bugs were all over us and marsh weeds were too! I tried to snap a few photos while trying to hold on for dear life. :-)  I keep telling myself that I am not an out doorsy person. I've never been into the wildlife.  I think TPWD is bringing it out of me! LOL

Voted and Started my WW Journey

Yesterday, I took advantage of my day off to early vote. I feel like its my duty as a citizen to participate. The men and women didn't fight for that right for nothing. Every vote counts. I hope everyone goes to the polls!

Amendment XIX

(The proposed amendment was sent to the states June 4, 1919, by the Sixty-sixth Congress. It was ratified Aug. 18, 1920.) [The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied because of sex.]
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

So, the "skinny me" has started to cry out. I'm on day 2 of my WW journey. I think I am doing good so far. I need to add exercise. And, I need to remember for lunch next time to bring more food! I'm starving right this sec. I had a WW microwave meal with yogurt (6pts). I need some carrots or something!

Until next time...

Battle Scars

Being a domestic diva is hard work! This is from last week when I mis-judged the bread in the oven. I thought I enough space to grab-well, the rack got me. OUCH!

Easy Crockpot French Dip

I never thought I would be the one cooking.  While Robert and I dated he always cooked and I loved it. 
But, being married it's different.  I feel like it's my duty to have meals planned and cooked. The weekends I usually let him do the work, though. We like to grill on the weekends and I don't even know how to turn on the grill. Haha.
Anyway, I wanted to share this super easy French Dip Recipe.
4lbs Chuck Roast or Rump Roast-Chuck roast will shred rather than slice
1 can of beef broth
1 can of condensed french onion soup
1 can/bottle of beer of your choice-We had Miller Lite on hand
Salt/Pepper
French bread/Hoagie sandwhich bread
Provolone Cheese or cheese of your choice

I put a moderate amount of salt/pepper on the chuck roast
Put the chuck roast, beef broth, french onion soup, and beer in the crockpot and let it cook for 7 hours.
After the 7hrs, slice the beef in diagonal pieces.  We had chuck roast and slicing became shredding. Still taste the same.

We used Hoagie sandwhich bread since I couldn't find french bread.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Butter the bread and when oven is ready place on a cookie sheet.  Let bread get warm-a little brown-a little toasty.

When bread is done-you may want to drain some of the meat before putting on your sandwhich.  Too much juice may make your sandwhich soggy.

Time to make your sandwhich! Don't forget to put cheese on it! And, use the juice as your au jus dip. It's really yummy!  Here a some pictures.

TPWD is gonna make me become an outdoorsy person!

I was asked the other day by the park manager and one of the park interpreter's if I would be interested to get certified in angler education and archery.  At first, I didn't know how to respond. I didn't really know what angler education was until I asked. My expression probably gave them the hint that I didn't want to attend. Here's the definition of Angler Education:  Learn how to teach others fishing skills and share this new knowledge with your constituents. Instructional topics include knot tying, casting safely, regulations and ethics, and identifying game fish, baits and lures, as well as fishing holes.  My family thinks its hilarious that I am going to learn how to fish then be able to teach others how to.  I have been once in my 28 years of living and my wonderful Dad did all the work for me. I think I was between 7-10yrs old when we went. I remember we were living in Michigan at the time and Mom and I came across a snake and then we were both done with that adventure. I have a fear of nature. I don't like bugs, reptiles, tall grass or anything to do with nature. I really hope this will help my fear. Robert and I have talked about going fishing for awhile now, and after this course-he will NEVER do the bait or anything that I don't want to do. He's going to expect me to do the baiting and such. This certification will allow me to help with the summer camp we hold annually at the park. I have been wanting to help with the camp since I started to work for TPWD. I just don't want to canoe or come across any reptiles/bugs. Not too much to ask, right?!? So, the more I think about it-I remind myself what a great opportunity this is.  Not only for my personal benefit, but for my TPWD career. The plus side is that I will get to experience a state park that I may never have a chance to visit any time soon. The state park is Prairie Haynes and from what I've been seeing-the landscape is beautiful.  I hope to take lots of pictures while I am there. ANNNNND, its during the week of my birthday-mini vacay! :-)   I'm going to make the best of it.

Robert and I may go fishing this weekend.  I think I need a heads up of what I am getting myself into before I go full force next month. LOL

When it's all said and done, I will be certified in Angler Education and Archery!

Where is the Skinny Me?

Wow! Here I go again slacking on my blogging.  I have thought about it but got lazy. 

I guess today, I will blog that I need to make a change. I need motivation to get fit and healthy.  I still pay the gym and I'm not getting an use from it.  Now, that's just stupid.  I'm throwing $10/month away.  I've got to get on track and do something. I was doing so good before our wedding. I had lost 40-50lbs and I've brought it all on plus some.  What was I thinking?  I wasn't. I fell in a comfortable stage and let my control fall apart.  Now, I'm paying for it. I don't want to be like this forever.  I know there's a skinny me somewhere.
I have been eating like I did when I lost weight-I need to add the exercise part. I have been tempting to try the Zumba class at the gym and see how that goes. I like to dance and it seems that they have some type of dancing with it. I just don't want to look like a uncoordinated fool. haha My brother-is the healthy/fit one. It's really not fair. I wish I had his genes. To top it off, he's a personal trainer. Too bad he doesn't live closer to home so he could train me for free. Driving almost an hour each way would be too much. Well, I guess we will see where this goes. Hopefully, I can change my mindset and get moving. Wish me luck-I need it. :-)