Week 7

Well, I am supposed to be reporting a weigh-in, but I have learned that there is one week a month I skip that. It's not that I'm off-plan or anything. It's cuz for some reason that monthly cycle that us females have to endure always throws things out of whack. By the week after I'm usually good to go. So I don't step on the scale--I just hope for great results next week...so stay tuned :)

Let me know if you are interested in staying up to date with how things are going with my program and my clients! :) I send out newsletters throughout the month with health tips and other information. If you are looking for a program to help you loose weight or just become healthier and then keep it off let me know! :)

Baseball and Weight Loss!

Well it's a day late, but it's time to check in with my progress from last week! I had an awesome week! I had two favorite parts. First was going with my brother and husband to the ALDS Game 2 for the Rays vs Rangers....GO RANGERS! That game was awesome. I had finally just gotten my voice back, only to loose it again. Oh well it was way worth it.

The second favorite part was weight in yesterday to be down 4.2lbs!! WooT! I have decided that I'm not going to resume the c25k until I am at goal (and hopefully that's by February!). The program states to not exercise too hard as you will exert too many calories. I really think that is why I was struggling for a few weeks. So no running and in a couple more weeks I will start the walking program (gunna wait till week 3 like we're supposed to do!).

Today I am changing my hair color again. I'm going darker, trying to get it near my natural hair color so that come time for my dad's wedding it won't look over highlighted :). I can't believe that is a month away. We have also gotten through the "no trying" period the DR recommended after the miscarriage so, here's to hoping and praying for God's perfect timing! Now I feel I have rambled on about random stuff....time to go dye my hair!

Weigh In

So even though I hit the reset button yesterday, I forgot to weigh in. Well maybe it was more like I didn't want to know, I was afraid! Today I stepped on the scale to see 184.8. Not happy about that, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Looking forward to what Monday will say! Now it's time to finish menu planning from the leanest and lowest carb meals! :)

Square 1

Frustration....that was how I felt last week. It was a great week for everything going on, but I kept seeing the scale slowly creep up. I had been following plan and exercising, so why the heck was I gaining slowly instead of loosing? I have absolutely no clue. So I hit Friday depressed about it and decided I didn't care. I took the weekend off mentally...from almost everything but the insanely busy 5 days I had. Today I'm back at square one. I have decided to stop the couch to 5k program for a few weeks and see if that's what was causing the issue. I'm re-reading my quick start guide and going to stick with the leanest lean and lowest carb veggies. I need this weigh to come off! I had high goals set that I have had to reset once and now I might have to adjust them again which frustrates me. By the new year I want this weight gone. I want to be optimally healthy and know that I can do this!

It's also time to reset my priorities. Today I've felt a little under the weather so taking a little bit of a mental health day to rejuvenate myself. I have a few things I need to get through daily, and need to make them my priority over other things. The computer will need to be shut, and the TV off--they can be a reward for getting things done. Mondays are going to be days that I set my goals for the week including weight. I'm going back to weighing in on Mondays--I think that will keep me accountable more on the weekends. It's time to practice more what I coach towards. Let's go!

The Complex Simplicities of Life: What is your Idol?

The Complex Simplicities of Life: What is your Idol?: About two weeks ago I hit this feeling that something was missing. I didn't feel plugged into anything, in fact I felt alone. I spend most d...

What is your Idol?

About two weeks ago I hit this feeling that something was missing. I didn't feel plugged into anything, in fact I felt alone. I spend most days at home working on learning about how to support my clients and how to better myself, yet I'm sitting at home alone! So I saw a friend post on Facebook about the upcoming Ladies Bible Study. It is both in the mornings and evening. I struggled to figure out if I could make that work. I might have a sub job on a Tuesday (kind of unlikely but it could happen) so that would mean I miss that week...and the evenings meant time away from TJ--but maybe that's what I need?! So since my friend was in charge of the evenings, I decided that's what I needed. So I signed up two days before it began! Monday I get an email from her asking if I would be interested in leading the discussion at my table. Woah! I had to stop for a minute...that meant I would be the one they were looking to to guide through the discussion, and I'm not really an outgoing person around people I just met. I was nervous and felt slightly uncomfortable, but I also felt God has placed this on my heart to go and led her to ask me to lead the discussion. So I said yes! Last Tuesday we met for the first time and did some ice breaker things which was really fun! I only have 4 other ladies at my table (the smallest of the bunch) but that's ok! This is the first ladies bible study we are all doing, so its awesome!


So now getting into the study. It's from The Living Room Series and called No Other Gods by Kelly Minter. I really didn't look into what we were doing, I just knew I needed to go. So here I am this first week digging into the study and it hits home. The first day or so is about what really is an idol...which it's not just a statue you worship! It's anything that you put before God...allowing Him to be the God in your life. It could be your cell phone, facebook, blogging, twitter, fantasy football...anything. So what was my realization? It's ME!!! I'm my idol! I want what I want and don't allow God to speak and live through me....so the next 7 weeks are going to be interesting. I had a great conversation last night with my mom and hope that every week maybe we can talk a little more about it. She's a very very wise and Godly woman!

STOP FOOLING YOURSELF!

Here I am, checking in 2 weeks after my last check in...ugh. I blame that little thing that comes around once a month and totally destroys everything in its path! It wasn't a great couple of weeks on plan, but really all I had extra was a few chocolate chips here and there...yet that can do tons of damage to the weight loss efforts. I had gone up a couple pounds, but as of today I am -1lb from where I was last check-in! Back on track and not going in the freezer where those little devils are hiding. A friend of mine shared an excerpt from a book, which made me start thinking....how an I sabotaging my efforts! It's not worth it. This weight is not worth it to live my life the way it's meant to be lived. It's been a struggle of mine since high school and it's got to stop! How am I going to teach my family some day how to eat healthy. Am I really taking care of my "temple"? Things have got to change, I've got to start making better choices.


Here's the excerpt:

"STOP FOOLING YOURSELF" excerpt from the Beck Diet Solution book....

"Dieters have an amazing ability to delude themselves about food. They might be very rational and reasonable in other ways, but not when it comes to dieting. Think about the times you've dieted and were supposed to limit what you ate. Did you give yourself a "fake" excuse to eat? Here's a list of some self-deluding thoughts.....do you see yourself in any of these?

It's okay to eat this because...

It's not a whole piece
I'll eat it only this one time
It's not that fattening
I'll make up for it by eating less later
It won't matter
I paid for it
It'll go to waste
I'll disappoint someone if I don't
everyone else is eating it
I'm celebrating
No one will see me eating it
It's just the crumbs
It's free
I really want it
It's a special occasion
I'm upset, and I just don't care
I'm craving it, and I'll probably just eat it eventually

These thoughts delude you into eating when you shouldn't. After all....A CALORIE IS A CALORIE, NO MATTER WHEN, WHERE, OR WHY YOU EAT IT!

How to stop fooling yourself.....

There's usually a thought that precedes eating. Pay particular attention to the thoughts that start with the phrase.....It's okay to eat this because......

Then say to yourself -- I might not care right at this moment, but I'll care in a few minutes and then I'll be really unhappy and I SURE will care when I'm not losing weight!

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

See if this helps you identify those sabotaging thoughts!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor day!!! This is the first Labor Day in 8 years that I have had off. The only thing that would make it better is to have my hubby at home with me. Next year he's gunna have a job where he gets holidays off too! We're gunna make that happen!

It's also weight day! Well, I would say this week was a good one. I didn't meet my goal of loosing 3lbs, but I did loose 1.6lbs! If you remember I had actually started on Monday back up to my beginning weight from a bad weekend, but I went with my lowest weight from the week so that I could push myself this week for a loss. I'm at 183! This week I need to try and make up some of the 1.6 so I'm shooting for at least a 4lb loss. It's gunna be tough, but if I don't make it hard I won't keep working hard! We are heading to my moms later today so I decided to make cauliflower "potato" salad so that we have a green option that is healthy. I'm also marinating some sweet peppers we got from costco so that if I have some munchies, it's veggies NOT chips! That's going to be the struggle!

How did you do this week?

Week 1

Well, week one was great till the weekend when we went tubing with friends in San Marcos. I had lost 3 lbs before the trip began. I thought that I was doing pretty well, only a little extra beef jerky or snack, but I think it was the beer. So I didn't want to weigh in till today. Today I am at the same point I was before we left, so my week 1 weigh in is 3 lbs! I have my work cut out for me to be down by Monday...hoping for another 3!! Back on track and avoiding what isn't on my plan. Last night I even got the scale out to weigh it all! WooT! Looking forward to what this week holds for me and can't weight (lol) to be skinny by Christmas!

And so it begins!

Alrighty...well here we go. First day back on plan and no looking back! It's time to make a change and start living my life they way I know it should be! It's been an up and down summer, and now is the time to make that change! Let me know if you want to join me! I will be updating at least once a week!!!!

So where am I...unfortunately I'm at 187.6 lbs. YUCK! This is going to change! My first goal is 160 lbs (-27.6) by Oct 3rd--my husbands birthday!! My second goal is 145 lbs (-15) by Nov 7--my dads wedding week. And the final goal is by the end of November to be 140 lbs or less!!!! This can and will be done! Tomorrow I start getting back into my exercise routine too. Not sure if I'm starting the C25K program yet or easing back into things with a walk and some toning exercises. We shall see how I feel.

I'm trying to think up a contest for whoever wants to join me on my program. TJ and I can coach you through becoming healthier by giving you the tools you need to succeed! Feel free to email me (Kendra@TeamOgroske.com) or check out www.TeamOgroske.com! I am in this to win it!!!

It's now or never

I have a problem...and it involves food! Ugh. I have tend to be like a yo-yo and go back and forth even though I know I have an amazing program in front of my face. So here it is, I'm done. I'm fed up with myself and it's time to make this permanent. One joy in my life is helping people become healthier for life, and I forgot about myself in the mean time. I did great, and then life happened. At first it was a blessing as we were looking forward to our growing family, then it was a tragedy and I lost sight of the bigger picture....a healthier me. I've thrown in the towel and saying I'm done making excuses. This is it....here we go. TJ and I are on the roller-coaster towards being optimally healthy for good! We have goals in front of us...the first being my dads wedding. The time is now.

If you are interested in joining us on our journey, let me know. This isn't just about loosing weight (and I need to do that). It's about learning healthy habits for life. Not going back to where I was, or even where I am right now. I'm actually sitting here watching Man v Food and disgusted. The host for 3 years competed in challenges, and even though they aren't saying anything he has obviously gained significant weight and my guess is his health problems are why he doesn't do the challenges anymore. We have a problem in America...I wanna help!

Just what the Dr ordered

I have the best husband on this planet! The last week and a half has been rough on us both. To be honest I'm not sure what he's going through. I've been dealing with a lot of physical pain and emotions on and off. Part of me just isn't really sure what to do. I know there is a grief process, but I don't really feel angry or feel at fault. Something tragic happened and there isn't a way to explain it or place blame. Our God is a great God and He knows what's best. I can't comprehend His ways, and never will be able to, but for some reason this baby wasn't meant for this earth and I will meet him/her someday in Heaven. That doesn't make it easy either. It's hard to go out due to everywhere I tend to go there are big baby bellies, strollers, newborns, you name it and it just reminds me of my loss. I haven't gone back to work due to the physical pain, and now that it is starting to go away I'm dreading seeing them again. I just want to go back to work like nothing happened, which I know it's going to be possible. Same thing with going to church. I need to get back to life and not have everyone coming to comfort me. I appreciate the prayers and notes, yet the in person consoling it what starts to tear me up. I know this is part of the process, just dreading it all.

So, here I am sitting in a hotel that is beautiful and away from everything with my loving husband. It was just what we both needed--to get away. Yes, I know we just got home from vacation, but this was needed after all we have been through. Later today we are both having facials and then a couples massage--much needed relaxation. We also have had amazing friends an family...there when we need it and give us space too. We have been blessed by having meals delivered so that we don't have to think about that yet and couldn't imagine what we would've done with out that! Thanks Steph for coordinating all the meals.

Soon it's back to reality--possibly going to work tomorrow. It's not going to be easy, but at some point I have to come completely out of the cave of my bedroom. I know through God I can get through this and become even stronger. It's time to stop trying to do it on my own and realize only through Him can this be done. Thank you for your prayers!

Starting Over

Well, it's been a while since I've posted last and a lot of things have happened. The summer was going along and very very hot! I went to the TSFL Convention in Orlando and spent some time with my dad, and then three days later returned back to dads to go on a cruise! The cruise was awesome (I'll write about it later), but towards the end I started having a bad feeling that something was wrong with my baby. We made it all the way home without having any problems and then came Monday (yesterday). I started bleeding heavier and by 3:30 I had lost our baby. Nothing can describe the pain both physically and emotionally you go through loosing a child. I was at the Dr's office when everything happened and they sent me home with medicine. By the time I got home I was in immense pain from cramping. Didn't know that this would be coming. They called in some pain meds (hydrocodone) but that didn't even take the edge off so we went to the ER around 7. They gave me fluids, zofran, and dopamine. That helped, but still was in some pain. They did an exam and cleaned out some clots stuck in my cervix and also did an ultrasound. They sent me home around 11:30 and told me to up the amount of hydrocodone to I could sleep. Today is better, but still in some pain from the cramping. I am told this could last through Friday. I am hoping it's gone by the end of the day tomorrow cuz I really want to go to Leadership Summit on Thursday and Friday--only time will tell. My mom spent the day with my husband and I bringing him dinner cuz I didn't want to eat. It was comforting just having her here even though I didn't know what she could do to help me. My grandmother and grandfather are coming over tonight with dinner which will also be good. I hope that I feel well enough to partake in our ritual of playing Oh Heck! :)

So where am I now--well I gained quite a bit of weight in 3 months so I'm at 187.6. I started back on my program today eating wise and hopefully next week can begin the Couch to 5 K program again. My goal is to loose 32.6 lbs by Nov 11--my dads wedding. That would put me at 155 with only 15lbs to go. I hope I can get my body in better shape by the time we can start trying to have a child again. I know God has a plan for us to be parents and this baby was just too good to be here on earth with us. Our baby is now with our Heavenly Father and He is taking real good care of him/her till will we see them someday when we are all partying in Heaven.

MIA

I'm back!! In case you were wondering where I went, I had to stop my c25k training and following my weight loss program cuz I'M PREGNANT!!!  Yup, that's right! WOOHOO! I am so excited! I'm 8 weeks and yesterday I got to see and hear the most beautiful thing in the world--my baby's heartbeat! It brought tears to both my husband and my eyes. We couldn't believe it! I'm still sitting here with a big grin on my face remembering that thump-thump-thump and seeing the little flutters! Now I will try to remember to blog about my journey and how things are going. I am still trying to exercise at least 4 times a week--my goal is trying to walk 30 minutes everyday. It has gotten WAY to HOT to do this outside so we recently went back to our gym (it had been 368 days since we had been) and I walk on the treadmill. I've also had to change my eating habits! One great thing is I had learned to eat 6 small meals a day, which is what you want to aim for as well. My biggest thing is now I have to think and prepare 6 meals which include fruits and grains! It's definitely an adjustment, but oh so worth it!

So how am I feeling....well it seems that so far I am one of the lucky ones. I have had some days of really bad nausea to none at all. I am extremely fatigued most of the time too, but all this I hear is normal. Luckily I have not had much morning sickness yet--only one trip to the bathroom. Next week I start traveling for two and a half weeks, so I'm sure that's when things will start for me, just my luck. I'm heading to Tampa, and then to Orlando for a conference with the program that I coach people through. Then back to Tampa for a few days with dad, fly home for 3 days, then fly back to Tampa for our CRUISE! I'm so excited about the cruise, but also worried about the motion sickness, morning sickness and whatever might strike me while at sea! Needless to say I'm equipping myself with ginger tablets, sea-bands, and every pregnant woman's wonder drug--Zofran.

I am all ears for any tips, tricks, names, etc you might want to send my way! :) We can't wait to meet our bundle of joy!!

Week 2 Day 2

Well, just got finished with my day two c25k run. That was a tad bit harder. Maybe it was because I had to take a different route as there was two huge dogs on the path as I got near. My dogs almost started fighting each other cuz they wanted to go over there. That is my biggest fear running with them. If we don't see anything we are good, but as soon as a bunny or bird or other digs enter the picture I have no clue what they will do, just hope they don't turn on one another! But we survived! My last one for the week will be Sunday morning before we head to Nana's for Father's Day. I definitely feel alot better after running. It gives a burst of energy which is awesome! Next week the 30 minute workout changes again. Right now it's 90 sec jog, 2 min walk sandwiched with a 5 min warm up and cool down. Next week the middle 20 minutes is 90 sec jog, 90 sec walk, 3 min jog, 3 min walk, repeat...I'm a little nervous about that! Hopefully It will go better than I think it will. Not sure how I will double what I'm running right now, but all I can do is give it my best. The program is 9 weeks long, so I should be able to run a 5k by the second week of August (if I workout on the cruise and my convention)...so maybe by the end of the month :) If you want to try c25k there are free podcasts out there you can download. I downloaded the app on my phone for $2.99 I think and I like it cuz I get to listen to music too. The app/podcasts tell you when to jog and walk. It also keeps track of how far you have run, and your pace. I like it for sure. I got the green app and TJ has the brown app. With TJ's you can run your ipod, a runkeeper app, and the c25k all at the same time. Mine I had to upload 100 songs into the app from my ipod and get the GPS enabled to track how far I'm going and the pace. Let me know if you have any questions!

Week 2 weight in & new blog look!

Well, I'm a day late to weigh in and I have bad news. I'm up 1.4 lbs to 172.4. I wasn't as great as I should've been and made excuses to have a little extra cuz I was running. The extra though if I need it needs to be an extra meal from my plan...not just whatever I want! Bad bad me. So here's to changing that this week. I  made it through week 1 of Couch to 5k, today I started week 2. Now it's 90 seconds of running and 2 minutes of walking. So far so good. The pups didn't fare to well in the 85 degree weather so from now on they will stay home unless it's a week day morning or TJ takes them at night when he runs. I'm also going to start sandwiching meals around the runs. So eat and then wait about 1/2 and hour, run, and then eat within a 1/2 hour of getting back. That way I get the extra nutrients that are the right kind instead of wanting to snack all day long later! I still have to start saying no to myself. If everyone else is eating something it doesn't mean I have to have it o even be eating! Stick to the plan and live for optimal health. The debate needs to go through my head of whether what I want to do it to help me achieve optimal health or not! That should make my decision pretty clear and steer me away from the things I shouldn't have.

On a completely different note, I hope you like the new layout. I wanted to make it a little more cherry and bright instead of darker. I loved the scene, but a little dreary at times :) Please feel free to share my blog around! I love following blogs to, I usually find out some pretty neat stuff and even things to help me along my path!

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

October is the goal!

Well, TJ and I decided yesterday we want to set a goal for us to run the 5k. The c25k program is 10 weeks long so by the end of September we should be ready to go. We turned to October to give wiggle room and see what we could find. There is a 5k/10k LiveStrong race in Austin in the middle of October, so that's what we are shooting for! We wanted to not just do a 5k, but do one that raises money to make a difference. Last year my step-mother passed away from cancer and they were plugged into the LiveStrong program. Ever since she was diagnosed we have all tried to do our part and buy their clothes and wear the bracelets to remember the horrible disease called cancer. We have also lost my husbands grandfather and my grandfather that I never met to cancer. Keep a lookout for ways to support me for that race.

We are also going to be doing a walk to help raise money for Alzheimer research. You can find more information or donate here: http://2011walktoendalz.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=456146&lis=0&kntae456146=22CF1946518A4643929AF6E9C675448A&supId=329621708

Thanks for supporting causes that have touched me family.

Week 1 completed

Well I just did my last run for c25k for the week. I finally made it to 2 miles (I didn't take the dogs this time) and didn't cut short any of the runs! I'd call that a success for week one! My only problem is my knee is hurting a little bit :( I hope it's just due to being active again, but only time will tell. My run days are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday (depending on what's going on) so I have a two day break now, which is probably best. Next week though I work Tuesday morning which means the run will be around 11-noon and a little bit warmer...its good for me right? So I know we aren't supposed to weight everyday, but hey I like to see how I'm doing and how things affect me. Funny thing is every time I run, the next day I weight more! Then the day after I drop like a pound...kind of yo-yos around all week. Now I understand the once a week thing to keep you positive! So next week, I'm gunna try to not weight everyday--maybe a 1/2 week one on Thursday just to see if I'm on track. I wonder why I weigh more after the days I workout?! Kind of weird to me.

Anywho, today we are going to a TRAXXAS event in out community with our nieces and my brother and sister-in-law. I'm excited to see what they are about (I might even want to see if it's a place I would like to work when they move here--if they have openings). Camille loves cars and they are a company that is tops in radio controlled cars--gunna be fun! Then tonight we have two options: either the Allen Wranglers indoor football game (last of the regular season), or going to Wales Manor Winery for a concert (that is being filmed) and wine. Hmmmm not sure what I want to do!! LoL.

Day two...

Well I did day two of c25k today. I went .4 of a mile longer than Tuesday so I'm gaining a little! It seemed a little harder than the first day but not too bad. Still shortened one of the runs by like 3 seconds...not to shabby if I say so myself! The dogs love it...Sammie just wanted to keep running and pulls me faster on the walk parts! HA! Sabrina is the best partner right now for me but I'd hate to just take one. I think I need to get up a little earlier though and hope maybe it's like 5 degrees cooler. It was about 75 when I left today, not too bad. I can't wait for weigh in day on Monday. Thanks to Amanda and BBBW (Bye Bye Bye Weight or Bye Bye Baby Weight) I'm going to start taking a pic every Monday to see the changes...gunna be fun! So far staying on plan this week has been going well so I know Monday is gunna have some awesome numbers!

Date Night

So the hubs and I have decided that once a week we need to have a night or day spent together just hanging out doing something--no computers, no TV (maybe a movie) just us having a good time. That being said I have to stop making that my excuse to let my guard down!!! Last night we went out for sushi and the to Top Golf. I should have gotten the hibachi dinner with chicken and veggies, but not I ate the sushi with rice. Then at Top Golf I should have had just water, but no the game was on and a beer (or 2) sounded good. It was a light beer, but still. Now I have my work cut out for me the rest of this week. Luckily I have till Monday till I weigh in. I started my Couch to 5k yesterday and did pretty good! The pups came with me and seemed to enjoy it, they actually didn't really like the walk parts--they kept pulling me! :) I only shortened one walk by like 5 seconds so I thought that was pretty good. I ended up going 1.87 miles. By the end of the week I want to make sure it's at 2 miles! I'm going to start doing some toning exercises too. I think I'll do that on the days off from running. That means every day I'm doing something towards running/toning. I need to get some good running shorts to that are cheaper. Any thoughts? Hope you enjoy reading and be sure to share with others!

Minus Monday Week 1

Since I decided to be honest with myself again and kick this last 26 lbs (at least to start with) I'm going to blog at least every Monday with my total loss for the week. So I weighed in at 171...which means I lost 3 lbs. However, I'm still 2 lbs above my lowest. This week it's kick it in gear a little more and I want to loose at least 3 more again. Tomorrow I start the c25k (couch to 5k) training. It's 3 days a week of interval training with running (which will be jogging for me). I'm also adding toning exercises that a fellow blogger (Escape from Obesity) wrote about to help her tone. I have downloading a couple apps to help with tracking and training. There is a c25k app from Bluefin to help guide me when to start and stop the jog, target weight (gives me how much I have to loose as a notification red number), WT&body but healthycloud, and Nike training--gives exercises. The only paid app was the c25k. Time to chug some water and get my week planned out! Tonight we are going to Spring Creek BBQ to help support a friend of ours daughter for her mission trip to Kenya...gunna be careful to keep the sauce off, and pick the green veggies! It's really funny that eating the way you should really makes you feel sooo much better! Can't wait till I check in on Monday again!

Week 1: -3lbs

Countdown:

44 days till Convention

54 days till Cruise

Running a 5k?!?!

Well, so far the week is going pretty good. Had a couple of moments where I chose the comfort part instead of optimal health, but baby steps it is sometime. The great part is I've felt so much better that I wanna start running. Let me give you some background here. I HATE RUNNING! I played softball all the way through high school and played volleyball (and part of the tryouts was I think a mile run) but always hated the running part! (Notice that those two sports are active, but not running all the time). Well, this new energy and wanting to be healthy with the six pack abs (that I once had in high school) has got me thinking. I've looked for workout programs to get the belly flab down and everyone stresses the cardio! So.....I'm gunna start couch to 5k. I'm looking for the best app that coaches me through it and I'm gunna take it easy. Part of the program I'm on says not to work out your body too hard so I'm going to be careful, which might mean adding an extra meal/snack in there. I'm very excited and hopefully by the end of the program I can find a 5k to run in! What an accomplishment that will be!! I'm excited needless to say. My weigh day is Monday so I'll know the official loss for the week, but right now I'm back down to 171 which means I've lost 3.2 for the week. Still have 2 more lbs to get back to where I was before I fell off the program. I'm going to do this!!! So now I'll have something more to blog about. Can't wait!!!

(for more info on my program check out www.TeamOgroske.com or email me Kendra@TeamOgroske.com)

Funk

So I'm still in this funk, and I've hit 60 days till cruise, so it's time to step up the effort! I need a good workout plan. Preferably one from home, but I do have access to a gym through the summer (too darn hot to not have the option of a treadmill). I have two goals for this summer: be a better Health Coach helping others towards optimal health, and shed the last pounds left! TJ and I just had some major motivation when we went to the Old Navy sale this weekend. I bought some SMALL, yes I said small tops and a size 8 skirt. They were both a little snug, but the size up was too big! TJ bought size LARGE shirts and swim trunks! I don't know when we were both in those size clothes, it's been before we knew each other (we met in 2003). So, the motivation is for those clothes to look perfect by cruise time! I know we can do this, but that means we have to be strong and not let our eyes sink us into something we don't really need. So here is the 60 day countdown--I have 34 lbs to loose...yes I'm being honest which means I have gained 5 lbs from my lowest weight. This is going to happen, I'm ready for optimal health! If you missed it, here's our before and half-way pics. :)

I also plan to begin blogging once a week if not more. Please follow my blog and help me be more motivated! :) I need to get more creative and have some weight trackers or tabs...gotta figure that part out!

Half-way Pics!

Thought you might like to see pics of TJ and I at our half-way points!

 

 

Confession

Well, it's that time again. I haven't been on in a while and that usually means I'm ashamed at what I have to write! I have been really great getting up in the morning and starting my day off right with the Lord, and I'm almost done with my study of Paul (which means I need something new for my mornings!). I have had my days where I overslept, but tried to at least read the scripture for the day and prayed on my way to work. Where I have been slacking is my weight loss. I haven't been following my plan, which bums me out. I still have 25 lbs to loose and afraid that maybe its more. I don't want to weigh myself right now. Tonight is my step-dad's 50th bday and there won't be anything healthy about that so tomorrow I'm back on my horse. I have 25 to loose by July 20th when I go to the National Convention for Take Shape For Life...the cruise is the following weekend! Lots of things going on but it will all be worth it!

So I've been trying to figure out why I can't get myself on track. Stress and depression. Not severe depression but just really bummed about the struggles of trying to start a family. I need to get over myself cuz it's only been 6 months and many people I know have tried long and are still trying to find out there are more complications. I pray for us all! I need to turn this over to God and allow Him to work in my life. I feel certain he wants me to be a mother, I just need to find some patience! The hard thing is to not feel like a failure, like there is something really wrong with you. I keep feeling like it's our month and then hello aunt flow. I have  my yearly in October so if we haven't conceived by then I figure that's when I'll ask the Dr about the next steps. Hoping it doesn't come to that, but I also know there are alot of things out there that help. One of us might just be lacking in some vitamin or something...never know. So here's to the next 5 months...please be praying for us! Thanks!

Reset!!

The last few weeks has sent me on a whirlwind. I can't get my brain to completely shut off and totally stressing myself out. On top of that I'm not in my daily devotional and not staying on plan with Take Shape for Life. So today I'm hitting the reset button! I'm getting myself back on track. As soon as I finish this post, I'm grabbing my bible and doing my daily study. I've started off the day with my Medifast Hot Cocoa made with coffee and when it's finished, only water till I've had 64 oz. My timer is set to eat every 2.5 hours and on plan! I can do this!!! I have 11 weeks to loose 25 lbs, and it will be done! I really hope I have it done in 8 weeks!

Ok so that vent is over...now what else do I need to reset. Well, the last 6 months have been exciting as we are starting to try to have a family. Now I have hit frustration and stress about it, which not only isn't good for you, but also hurts conception! ARGH! So, it's time to stop tracking everything and just have some fun. My obsession with The Bump 411 app, needs to cease--only use it when have a serious question. I know God has a plan and someday I'll see that the timing is perfect. It's time to turn it over to God and trust Him! Will you please pray for me!?

The last part stressing me out is the job front. I've enjoyed my 7 years at Starbucks, but I'm so ready for it to be over. I really hope that come mid-June, when my stock options are fully vested, that we can cash that out, pay off bills, and I can turn in my two week notice. The stress there is just not worth it! I love going to Rountree to sub and be with the people there. Part of me really wants a full-time job there, and part of me really likes to be able to pick and choose my days. I haven't looked really anywhere for a teaching job, due to everything going on in the teaching world, guess I should get my act together, cuz you never know! The last job hat I wear is a Take Shape For Life Health Coach, which I feel I'm slacking off on. This week I have today (Monday) and Wednesday off which I plan to try and organize my life back together. I wish my phone would sync to Outlook so I don't have to put it in two places, but hopefully that's coming with an upgrade soon to the iPhone4 (or 5 depending on it's release). If you know of people looking for a health way to loose 2-5 lbs a week send them to my website (www.TeamOgroske.com). I'd love to help them on their journey!

Ok, so there is my rant for the day. Thanks for reading, and praying.

*Smacks the Reset button!*

Camping!!

Ok so this weekend was the first time that we went camping together. I went during 8th grade on a wilderness trip, but other than that I have never been! I must say I had a BLAST! The first night sleeping was tricky, especially with the dogs. We have learned we need to get another bigger air mattress so that they can get under the covers with us. I guess they got cold?! They behaved really well, which makes me really happy that we can do this more often with them and it's fairly inexpensive, especially with Take Shape For Life! I have 5 meals already for me so we're just really cooking one meal a day! It was AWESOME! I even lost 2.6 lbs last week! WOOT!

In other news, I'm excited that slowly but surely I am gaining clients and helping people become healthier! If you know anyone (or maybe it's yourself) that is wanting to shed little or lots send them to www.TeamOgroske.com. There's alot of information and stories about the program! I am hoping by the end of the summer that I will not longer have to work at Starbucks! I love it there, but I'm ready to say farewell! Not sure how the job hunt is really looking for next year. There is a possibility at the school I sub at, but won't know more till May. Maybe I won't need to work ;) and will just sub again.

In other news for me, still hoping that someday soon I can say we are adding to our family. Trying to not get frustrated and just let God be in control. It's hard when you tend to be a control freak for things to not happen when you are ready. I think about everyone I know is also posting about having a baby whether its they just had a baby, are in their pregnancy, or just found out they are pregnant. I need to ignore it, be happy for them, and just allow it to happen at some point! I know I'll be a mom someday, just not sure when God has that planned :)

Health Coach!!

Ok, so you have been hearing about me loosing weight, probably too much you're sick of it, so I decided that I would become a Health Coach myself! It's a program that I love and support. If you know me at all you know that I love helping people. Being a Health Coach means that I can now help people achieve their weight loss goals and keep it off! The program is awesome! I eat 6 small meals a day and drink plenty of water and the weight is falling off both TJ and I! I have lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks and TJ lost 28 lbs! So can you do me a favor?? If you or anyone you know might be interested in learning more about the program, please visit our website at www.TeamOgroske.com. You can also email me at Kendra@TeamOgroske.com.

Beach Body Here I Come!!!

Ok so, had a not so great week last week eating healthy...now I'm POed at myself. I have 144 days to have the beach body I want! So with that being said, it's hardcore Medifast for TJ and myself. TJ also created a sticker chart for us to keep track of how we are doing toward our goal. We want to exercise 4x per week, 2 days of leg toning, 2 days of arms, 4 days abs, and eat right every day. Of course we realize we're not going to be perfect everytime. Once we hit 70 stars we are going to reward ourselves with something--an not pigging out on something unhealthy! So we can either do yogurt or a prize to be determined. I finally exchanged a pair of jeans I got for Christmas and I got the size smaller than I am now...so I have something to shoot for!! I have a few size 14's I'm squeezing into, so I got a 12. I hope to be in those by the time we go to CA at the beginning of April. I know it stinks, but I hope by July I'm down to a 10 or maybe even an 8!!! I'm shooting big, but it's Go Big or Go Home! :)

Also, what's with everyone I know either having babies or becoming pregnant! I am soooo excited for them, yet it just makes me want to have kids even more!! AHHHHH!!!! Then after the feelings of excitement for them, I hit then ugh why couldn't that be me moment. Then I have the "It's in God's hands and it will happen when it's the right time for us" yet that is soooo much easier said than done! I really need to give it to God and just let it be. He has the perfect timing and I know one way or another someday TJ and I will be parents.

And on to the job front---we're still looking. As you all know school districts are struggling which puts a damper in my efforts on getting into a job as a teacher. Praying that something pans out soon, but also realizing it might be time to think about what else I could do until the school districts rebound. Not sure our bills can take another year (especially if we add to the family) of me subbing and working at Starbucks part-time. It's time to find a full-time job, darn! :) If you hear of anything let us know. TJ and I are both open to about anything. (BTW he's looking for a job in HR). Now it's nap time.....zzzzzz

Back on track with Medifast!

Ok so week 1 of being back on track has come and gone. It was tough as I really wanted sweets and things I shouldn't when I wasn't at home (or even to eat the bad stuff at home). I lost 4.6 lbs and I wasn't completely strict on it. There is good and bad to that: I lost weight is the good, the bad is mentally then I start making excuses that I can still loose and eat some things I shouldn't. I really need to get completely on track and buck these last 30 lbs. I'm going to do my best, but not stress. I really need to set my mind that where I am isn't the lowest I can go. I am happy with the weight I have lost, but need to get to that point again where I am not happy cuz I know I can still loose. It will happen, I know it!!!!

I still haven't started back up on my bible study. I keep saying I'm going to get it out and then I get distracted and forget all about it. That is my next goal to achieve and stick to it.

I also need to find a good stress reliever. We are members at a gym and I think they have Zumba now and Yoga, so thinking about checking those out too. I need to get some exercise too. I'm so proud of TJ for starting Couch to 5k, I just need to find my motivation (and maybe visit the dr about this pesky knee pain). We're on a mission, just need to jump on the bandwagon now to get going!!

Slacker!!

Ok so, just logged back into my blog since October...ugh way to go me (thank you Casey for your blog to remind me of mine!)! I thought I was going to keep up with it this time, but nope. Also I'm still not through with my bible study (which was only supposed to be 90 days). I'm on day 48, so it's time to start again and finish this time! Time to set that clock 30 minutes earlier and make the time I need to make for God. I wonder how many times I will have to learn the lesson of setting God first and it should be the most important thing I need to do first in my day.

I've also slacked on my weight loss. I gained about 10 lbs back and started back on Medifast this week. In just 3 days I've lost 5 lbs which feels great. Medifast is so awesome and I highly recommend it to anyone that is trying to loose any amount of weight! TJ has started couch to 5k along with hitting the Medifast program hard again. We will loose the weight and get in shape!