woohoo!!

I finally got moving today!! Kinda ran/walked, but mostly walked 2 miles. It felt good too. I was sweatin' it up real good. I ate pretty well too. We went to our fave restaurant on the island, Moana Cafe in Paia and I had a wonderful turkey sammy. We always take pictures of our food because it's just as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Turkey sam with avo, rockin' salad and delish potato cake

Anthony's ahi tuna wrap

Yummy crabby cakes with amazing guava sauce business  

Also, thought I'd throw in a couple of pics of Bella enjoying her Yakima vacay

Here she is working hard with her Auntie Amber.

Entertaining one of her boyfriends, Sevi Warninger

Skankin' it up with the beautiful Winston Wyman

I'm so glad she's having a wonderful time with all her Yakima friends and family. We'll be here until next Thursday, the 3rd and while I plan on enjoying every last minute of it, I still can't wait to see my baby! Aloha for now!

 

let's talk....

This blog is all about honesty...so let's be honest please. I haven't gone walking or running since my last post. Yuck, how gross is that? I mean yeah, I've been strolling the malls and the beaches but no actual workout cardio. I'm starting to annoy myself with my non-committing.

On the plus side, I've said no to fries and yes to salads more on this trip than my entire life combined. WIN! However, I do love me some good, mayonnaise-y macaroni salad and it's real hard to say no to that when I only eat it in Maui. It's so much better on this island. So many calories and fat grams sliding down my throat...ah, yes...that's love.

I'll try to blog more later, once I get moving again. Until then, here are some pictures!

Amunz and I at the Old Lahaina Luau. I had to leave early because I was sicker than a dog. :(

Check out Anthony's new rash guard. So cute!

 

Here's Will with our bitchin' rental HHR

 

 

moving in maui

Aloha from beautiful Maui! We got here yesterday around 2:30 and it was wiiiiiindy. And pretty cloudy too but it's still Maui so it's ok. I didn't get a chance to do any moving because we just didn't have time. The condo is on the opposite side of the island from the airport so it took quite awhile to get there. Then all the settling in and the things of that nature. We went to dinner at the Hula Grill, which is one of our favorite restaurants ever in the history of the world. I got fish and chips like usual but it was not good at all, which is a really good thing because now that'll force me to order something else when we go there. We go several times during one stay so this is a big thing for me. I also said no to dessert....YES!


On this trip, we have me, Anthony, Jenny, Adam, Ethan, Will and Anthony's parents. A's parents are staying at another condo just about a mile away from ours.

We went to Costco today and I'm very proud of myself for bypassing the Maui chips and honey roasted macadamia nuts. I could eat a whole Costco size bag of those in one sitting. Before I left, my mom told me that those snacks are for fat people. She knows that's always the way to get me to quit eating. That woman's got skillz.


I had big plans to go for a walk this morning but I just never got into moving mode so I gave up on that idea. Then I laid down for a nap around sunset and got the sudden urge to MOVE. So move I did. Got my shoes on and my iPod and hit the ground. It was the perfect time of day to go walking. It wasn't too hot, there was a nice breeze and the sun wasn't beating down on me. On our way to dinner, Anthony checked the odometer and we figured it was about a mile and a half. Not bad.

Will took this pic early this am.

 

Oh look, it's my favorite baby Ethan!

bittersweet

Yesterday was equally awesome and horrible all in one day. Matt and Amber were in town kinda. They came over so Matt could go skiing at Baker. So I met Bams and her mama for lunch at Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse here in Federal Way. Anthony has been begging me to go there for the longest time, but the words "japanese" and "steakhouse" don't appeal to me in the least bit. But Bams says it's one of her faves and I trust her tastebuds so I went. OMG, it was SO GOOD! I've never had shrimp that delicious in my life. It was really fun too because they cook your food right in front of you and the chef puts on a little show. Usually, I'm not into that kind of cooking because I feel like the food won't be very good if they have to distract people with showy crap. But it was wonderful! Can't wait to go back.

After lunch, I went home and played with Bella all day. We played with her toys, took naps, and cuddled non-stop. I was going to meet Bams in Kent at 7pm so she could take her back to Yakima. I knew I would be bummed and miss Bella, but it was baaaaaad. I was so sad. I cried for about an hour before we left. Bella saw me crying so she hopped in my lap and licked my face, which only made me cry more. Ugh! Then I drove as slow as humanly possible to meet up with Amber. We said goodbye and then there was more crying for me on the way home. Anthony was in Tacoma all day playing with his remote control cars (don't ask!) so I didn't get to talk to him until about 10pm. As soon as he called, I started bawling all over again....I could barely talk to him. It was really bad. I haven't felt that sad since our family dog, Ratdog died about 4 years ago. It's completely ridiculous because I know she's going to have so much fun with her family over there. My parents spoil her as much as we do and she loooooves playing with her cousin Rokko so she'll have a blast. I'm just a highly emotional person. It'll be much better when we get to Hawaii and we're not in this empty house thinking about how something's missing. Get me on that plane!!

I didn't go to the gym because I wanted to spend every last second with Bella. People probably think I'm ridiculous to be that attached to a dog. But I'm not going to have kids, so Bella is my kid. And I think moms feel the same when they leave their baby with someone for awhile. I know it's weird to compare my dog to an actual human baby, but that's how I feel and it's the closest I'll get to having a kid so that's why I love her so much.

Going to the gym today. It's gonna feel good to sweat.

Laser eyes Bella before we left to meet Bams.

Empire State of Mind

This song is beyond inspiring and motivating to me. First of all, I love anything that has to do with New York City. My mom has promised me a trip to NYC next September if I reach my goals by then. Talk about motivation! She knows what gets me moving.

This is not the first time she's used New York as a reward for me. I was really bad kid when I was little so in 3rd grade, mom promised me a trip to NYC if I made it to my 18th birthday without getting pregnant, being hooked on drugs and flunking out of high school. Sold! So on spring break of 2001, just a week before my 18th birthday, I finally understood why people love that city so much. It was truly life-changing. I remember the exact second that changed everything. We got in around 5pm, so we checked into our hotel and decided to go to Times Square for dinner. As we were walking, I was telling mom that I didn't feel like I was in New York; it just felt like any other big city to me. I didn't even get to finish that sentence because we turned the corner to Times Square and I was blinded by the lights and the energy. I couldn't believe it! Of course, I'd seen it in movies and on tv the whole time I was growing up but that didn't compare to seeing it in person. The feeling was unlike anything else I've ever felt in my life. Right that second, I knew that there was a much bigger world out there outside of Moxee, WA. I'll never forget that moment. I know it sounds so cheesy, but my life would not be the same if it weren't for that second right then in 2001.


I've been there a total of 3 times. The spring break trip, then about a year later I got to go on a school trip and see all the behind the scenes stuff in the fashion world. It was an amazing trip, but the best one was the last one in September 2005. My parents won a vacay to NYC at an auction so they were planning on going. Of course, my dad had to drop out because work blew up on him so I was more than happy to step in and take his place. I was just doing him a favor, really. :) Mom and I went the week after Labor Day weekend and that was the perfect time to be there. Kids were back in school and there was hardly anyone in town. Of course, it's all relative since it's such a big city. The weather was perfect too. Early September so it was still about 75 every day. I was at my all time skinniest on this trip. And I'd spent my entire summer working overtime at Trendwest and saving all my money. Money + skinny Julie + the newest fall clothes = SHOPPING OVERLOAD! Omg, we had SO much fun! I bought whatever the hell I wanted and I fit into everything I tried on. I bought skinny jeans, several pairs of 4 inch heels, medium size jackets...anything that fit was MINE. Beyond amazing.


So September 2010...we're there again! And we'll be skinny and have a blast. I can't wait!

Here we are in Times Square 2005

 

Central Park 2005

cardio, cardio! hey hey hey!

I think I'm getting a little cardio-addicted. Much better than being addicted to chocolate I guess. I did 2 miles on the treadmill and another 2 on the elliptical. The treadmill was pretty slow today. Took me about 35 minutes for those two miles. My whole body was hurting pretty bad, especially my shins. I'm hoping that new shoes will help the shin situation. I'm also hoping that new shoes won't make my toes go numb after 5 minutes. Is that normal? I'm thinking it's not, but I don't know anything about treadmills or running. Er, walking fast.

The two miles on the elliptical only took 21 minutes. I can go a lot faster and burn more calories on that machine because it's much less painful. I'm usually never sore after the elliptical but my heart rate is pretty high so I feel like my heart got a good workout.

After the festival of cardio, I sat in the sauna for awhile. I got too sweaty and hot, blech. I hate sweating but I feel kinda good sweating out any crap that's in me when I'm in the sauna. I know I don't make sense sometimes....it's ok, I'm used to it. :)


My eating wasn't so good today. I had cereal for bfast, a sammy for lunch and another bowl of cereal and some popcorn for dinner. WTF? That's not a dinner. I'm getting lazy in the food department. I don't want to buy any food right now because I want to save my money for Hawaii. Boohoo....don't cry for me Argentina, that's not a shitty problem to have!

I'm going to try to make it to the gym on both days this weekend. Monday is reserved for packing and getting shiz together before we leave. Tuesday: MAUI.....ahhhhh!

sweat city

Today was a lazy day, which I looooove. I finally went to the gym around 3:30 and just did cardio. I did 2 miles on the treadmill and actually got my speed up to 4.0. (Is that mph? I don't know!) It was only for less than a minute, but I did it! I usually keep my speed between 3.5 and 3.7. The main reason that I can't go very fast is because it's so painful. My knees and ankles hurt really bad and so do my shins. However, it doesn't hurt near as bad as it did when I first started working out. Once I lose more weight, it'll be a lot easier. I wish it would all just go away instantly. I can't stand having to go so slow. My head wants to haul ass but my body tells me no way jose!

After my 2 miles, I did one mile on the elliptical and then sat in the sauna for awhile. I think I sweated out another 30 pounds. Ahhhh, feels so good! I sure love that sauna! I'm gonna hit it up next time I'm hungover. Sweat out the alcohol AND the heat forces me to drink water, which I normally hate. So no dehydration. I'm all over that.


Today was a good day.

yesterday

My leggies are still killing me from Monday's workout. Oh that Antonio....he does love to torture! I can barely stand up straight. Ugh! They hurt way worse today than yesterday. But yesterday was still pretty painful too. 

I forced myself to go to the gym yesterday and managed to walk a mile. My legs actually felt better afterward. Imagine that. I was about five minutes into an episode of the Office when my iPod battery died. So annoying...I need a new one desperately. Anyway, I just walked in silence for the rest of the time. But I kept my earphones in so no one would talk to me, ha! After my mile of torture, I sat in the sauna for awhile...till I felt like my ears and lips were burning off.

After gym time, I went down to Tacoma to my BFF, Rachel's house for some mojitos, fajitas and quality time with her and her fam. She makes the BEST mojitos! They make me quite happy. Her huz, Nate is on the same get healthy road as I am so we had some good talks about what we're eating and our workouts. It's so weird to talk about stuff like that with anyone. When have I ever cared about cardio and calories? After dinner, I got in some bonding time with their 4 year old kiddo, Rylan. I love kids who aren't afraid of being themselves and who have carved out their own little personalities and he is definitely one of those kids. He's such a cutie! And apparently he's very comfortable with me now because he farted twice in front of me. Ah, kids! :)

Ok, so more gym tomorrow, Yakima this weekend and MAUI on Tuesday!! Life is good.

love/hate legs

Today was my last appt with Antonio until I get back from Maui in December. He's going to Miami this week and he gets back the day I leave. Great timing huh? So we did legs and it was hardcore. Like a lot of things I'm experiencing on this road, I have a love/hate with leg days. I definitely hate legs because he makes me work extra hard and then I can barely walk out of there. But I also love that I don't have to do cardio on leg days. Kind of a crappy attitude to have, but I'm being honest. Right now, my legs feel like they're going to give out every time I stand on them. I'm really gonna feel it tomorrow...yeeee!

I plan on hitting the gym every day this week except for Friday. I'm going to Yakima that day and I won't have time. I'm also hoping to start doing 3 miles on the treadmill instead of my usual 2. Oh boy...

october progress report

I have a love/hate relationship with measuring/weigh in day. I hate it because I'm afraid that I've messed up big time. And I love it because whether the results are great or crappy, at least I know where I stand. This month, I definitely LOVE it. I only lost 6.5 inches, but it's ok because I don't expect to lose 20 every month. That's pretty unrealistic. Here's the awesome part: I lost THIRTY POUNDS!!!!! OMG, as I type those words, I still cannot even believe it. Looking at that just feels so beyond amazing, they need a new word for it. Wow. Don't mind me while I bask in my awesome-ness. :) I also lost 6% body fat. YAY! I'm sooooo on the right track!


Honestly though, I could NOT, in any way do this without the love, support, advice and ass-kicking pep talks from my friends, family and loyal blog readers. I realize that I'm the one who did all the hard work, but it definitely helps to have an army of people cheering me on every step of the way.


THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! From the depths of my usually cold black heart, THANK YOU!

10 things I'm looking forward to when I'm skinny

1. Tall boots...not tall heels, just the boot part. My calves are too huge for tall boots.
2. 4 inch heels again.
3. Being able to bring the laundry up the stairs without getting exhausted.
4. No mo' migraines!
5. Shopping at Forever 21. When you're fat, you can't buy cheap clothes. Cheap fabrics make you look fatter.
6. Running a mile without stopping.
7. Being comfortable when I sleep.
8. Not feeling out of place at the gym.
9. Not feeling self-conscience when I got out with a bunch of skinny girls.
10. Last but not least: skinny jeans!! duuuuuhhhh!

Where'd they find this picture of me in the future??

boring day

Went to the gym. Chest, shoulders and triceps today. Then 2 miles on the treadmill. Nothing too exciting.

Tomorrow: legs and measuring. Not looking forward to it.

core + treadmill + blisters from rockin' boots = PAIN

The gym was straight up hurtful today. We did core for only the second time. The first time, I was sore for 2 entire weeks. TWO WEEKS! Christ, it was brutal. I have to lay on the mat and do those leg kick/scissor kick thingies....ohhhh boy, horrrrrible. I'll be dying tomorrow, no bigs. Then I tried to do the treadmill but I have stupid blisters on the balls of my feet from wearing my awesome boots all weekend long and then again last night. Why do cute shoes have hate me so much?

I was really bad in the eating department today. Anthony and I went out to dinner and that part wasn't so bad, but afterward, he "surprised" me by taking me to Dairy Queen. If there's one thing I can't say no to, it's a peanut buster parfait. Ugh, it was so great at the time but I feel like shit now. It's so hard to remember the after-feeling when I'm in the middle of ice cream dreamland. 

I'm going to struggle with food issues for the rest of my life. I was reading an article in some fitness goddess magazine and it was talking about seeing food as fuel. Wha?!? This is a completely foreign concept to me. (Much like the rest of this road I'm on.) I have never understood the nutritional values of food or what a calorie is. I've always eaten because I looooove to eat. I love food. I love fatty food, fried food, sweet food...anything and everything that's bad for me. I don't quite understand the consequences of eating badly. I don't think when I eat, I just eat and I enjoy. It's incredibly frustrating to turn a leisure activity into an activity that requires effort. (We all know how much I loooove effort!) 

One of my best friends, Melanie loves healthy food and I wish I could be more like her. One time she said to me, "You know what I'm really craving right now?" (I'm thinking, pizza, a brownie, cupcake....nooooo.) Instead, she says, "A big huge head of lettuce!" A WHAT?!?! Have you lost your damn mind? A head of friggin' lettuce. I would really love to crave a head of lettuce some day.

Anyway, onward and upward. Tomorrow's a new day. (Jeez, I say that a lot don't I?)

back in the gym

I took a little mini-break over Halloween weekend so I went back to the gym today. I only had time to lift because I met my mom and dad for dinner. So since I wasn't doing cardio today, Antonio kicked my butt. We did back and biceps and man....I'm really no good at biceps. I have about zero strength in my arms. I never use my biceps, really. I don't lift heavy things...that's what Anthony and my dad are for! It's completely new and foreign to me. I struggled a bit through a couple of reps but Antonio made me push through the pain and the lack of any ability. Man, I'm so glad I have him. He makes me keep going when I know I would give up if it was just me on my own. Him pushing me through is worth the buttload of money I pay him.

I'm seeing him every day the rest of this week and I fully expect an ass kicking every day.

Happy Halloween!

I took a little detour on the road to skinny jeans this weekend. I had a lot of beer, some french toast, a brownie, and tons of rockin' Halloween candy. I'm seeing Antonio every day this week I'm planning on some major ass kicking.

Here are some pics:

Bella and Rokko got into character

 

Check out my eyelashes!

 

Mom and Dad as Matt and Bams

Billy Mays here!

Bams and MC skankin' it up

Family pic from the photobooth. Xmas candidate?

On a side note, a couple of people said my face looks thinner than the last time they saw me. YESSSS!! I'm on the right track!