The Homestretch…

By MJ

Well, the walk is NEXT FRIDAY! So far we have raised over $4800!! Thank you all so much.

This week has been a roller coaster. I’m frustrated, and overwhelmed trying to get ready – trying to figure out how to make our stuff fit into 2 duffel bags, how to get the airmattress, pump, and lantern, plus clothes, spare shoes, and toiletries into 2 bags. How to pack lightly while preparing for OHIO weather, which as most of you know.. is quite unpredictable. But all that aside… I’m on Day 3 of eating well.

I’m doing well, standing up to temptations – including a box of delicious looking brownies sitting on the counter, and a box of Nilla Wafers in the cupboard (2 Weeks from tomorrow and I will not have these temptations to worry about – because I’ll be in my own place, where I can control my environment!!)

Here’s what past few days have looked like:

Sunday:
Breakfast: 1 piece French Toast, scrambled eggs
Lunch: SmartOnes mini pizzas (1 serving)
Dinner: Subway 6 in Grilled Chicken, marinara, cheese, apples, and milk.
Snack: popcorn

Monday:
Breakfast: zone bar
Lunch: Salad with Light Ranch & Strawberry/Banana Smoothie (yogurt) at Bob Evans
Snack: Popcorn
Dinner: Lean Cuisine Microwave Dinner (chicken & fettuccine)
Late Night Snack: 2 mini bags of reduced fat Cheezits.

Tuesday:
Breakfast: zone bar
Lunch: Smart Ones Mac & Cheese

So that’s where I am now. Doing some paperwork to get these final donations entered, and paying bills. Going for a 4 mile walk later.

Thanks for reading…

10 days to go!!!

Catching Up

By MJ

Sorry I haven’t been here lately. Life has been crazy.

I’ve been starting a new project for school, OAT Baseball. I’m excited about it, luckily MOST of the work is done from last year, but I still have plenty to get ready.  In addition at school we’ve been studying the Olympics, so it’s been rough trying to keep caught up with current events.

So in real Pear News. Food has been going decently well. I weighed in on Monday morning and was down over 2 pounds. That makes me happy and helps me stay on track. I also went on my first TRULY 3 Mile walk. I’m short (5’3″) so my nike+ sensor hadn’t been calibrated on my last walk. Yesterday I calibrated it and went a FULL 3 miles. It took almost exactly an hour.

The Zone has been working out well as far as food. While the Zone does not require food to be “pieced” I like eating that way. What do I mean? I mean – I can grab some strawberries, a few shrimp, a few pistachios, and a glass of milk. I don’t have to worry about making a full entree, I can grab and go. Like this morning, when Mom woke me up at the moment I was supposed to be leaving for work, I was able to grab enough odds and ends to make a proper meal. (yogurt, apple, cheese, & banana)

Events. Mom and I have been planning several new events. Details will be coming soon. I’m excited. But still exhausted, so I’m now heading to bed.

Thanks for reading!! =)

Oh yeah.. Now I Remember

By MJ

I had forgotten why I loved walking (jogging) outside. Today’s walk reminded me. It was a very brisk 36 degrees when I left the house. My goal was to walk my “easy 3 miles” that was the training for today. Well when it’s only 36 it’s kinda tough to take a light stroll, so I’m sure I pushed myself a little more than I was supposed to. But the views were gorgeous. I have a park right by my house and I hiked down to the walking trail. The exhilaration that comes from walking in the cold makes me understand why the Winter Olympians might be willing to deal with the crazy weather to compete. The cold wakes you up- it makes you feel alive- it gives you energy — it makes you want to move! (and it’s always great to get the benefit of sweating without being hot!) Of course I was also listening to my favorite band, Great Big Sea- and my favorite songs of theirs. The park was near empty so it was very quiet. In fact so quiet that I almost missed the 6 deer that were munching near by. That’s right – SIX. Can you see them all?

Yes, I know it's blurry - I was moving...

I was pleased with my first day of official training – 50.05 mins, 3 miles.
Food wise – today was ok. I didn’t eat anything I wasn’t supposed to, however I didn’t eat everything that I WAS supposed to. My stomach is kinda feeling weird right now.. but I’m hoping a good night’s sleep will cure whatever it is. My feet are a bit tender. I injured the soles of my feet on Dec 26. This is the first time since Jan 2 that I’ve tested them out. I think I’ll be doubling my socks from now on.
I think I’m long overdue for an “early to bed” night. So goodnight.
p.s. I’m so excited – I’m up to 39 fans on Facebook for my PinkPear Page!

Success comes in all shapes….

By MJ

So I had a pretty lousy day at work. If you want to know details – shoot me an email. But I was determined that I was NOT going to let this sabotage me.

I left school as soon as I could (to the shock of most of my co-workers.) I quickly made it to my car to have a Zone Bar (my afternoon snack) then popped a piece of gum.  I drove PAST the Arby’s, I drove PAST McDonalds. I got home, vented to my parents a bit. Sidestepped the brownies on the stove, ignored the ice cream in the freezer, and put my chicken in the oven. I then sat to watch the Olympics and even took a short nap. When it came time for dinner, I resisted the urge to take a “little extra” rice.

After letting my dinner settle I hit the bike for 30 minutes. Went another 7.3 miles but this time I only reduced the level once (for a much harder workout than yesterday).

I am proud of myself. I did not let my work issues trick me into comfort eating, or slacking on the bike. My stomach is still a bit queasy when I think about work, and I am still pretty irked, but

WORK WILL NO LONGER SABOTAGE MY LIFE.

So with that, I need to go finish my lesson for tomorrow and watch Greek!

Food note: Today I only ate what I PLANNED to eat – YAY! Go Me!

Collecting the Pieces

By MJ

In order to be successful in this life changing endeavor, I need to have all my ducks in a row…

Today I signed up for the Biggest Loser competition. They made me weigh in with my shoes on! I also weighed myself at home and will be reporting(and recording) that number since I will have my scale to compare it to on a weekly basis. You can visit my weight log page to see my progress.

Schwinn 220

I also talked to my Dad and we ordered a recumbent bike. Why? I wanted some machine at my house that I can just “go burn a bunch of calories” when I feel like it. Sure, I have a jump rope, but I’m in NE Ohio (brrr) and our ceilings are not high enough for proper jump roping… Plus my hopes is that both Mom and Dad will find themselves using it as well. I’m hoping Dad’s back will allow him to use it, and Mom can read a book while she pedals if she likes. I would have loved an elliptical (I used to have one) but they are too expensive for my budget right now. And I wasn’t sure if Dad would be able to use it or not. So it should be arriving tomorrow… a fun project for Dad and I to put together.

I will be creating a food log page of some sort. But for now, let’s say today was no where near perfect. But there is something to be said for NOT having bad stuff in the house — you can’t eat what’s not there!!

It doesn’t look like I’m getting a snow day, so I better head to bed.

Look Like Cinderella

By MJ

One of the steps to becoming a Cinderella aka Princess aka My Best Self is to “Look Like Cinderella”

“…Start with your hair and feet while your body catches up. Become a stunning blonde or a sultry brunette. Get your brows done. Your pores minimized. Your wrinkles eliminated. Treat yourself to the most fabulous shoes you can afford.”

Well I started with my hair, I try to do my brows regularly (so now I’ll won’t just TRY, I will do them regularly). I thankfully do not have to deal with wrinkles yet, at least not that I care about. My pores… well.. I’ll work on those soon. Shoes really aren’t my thing (I’m sure this will all come out as training starts) but I have bursitis in my left foot (plus high arches and wide feet) which makes shoe shopping a nightmare, so right now I’m going to skip the shoe step — but will reserve it for getting myself some good training shoes!

So that leaves my hair. Those who know me know that I don’t ever do much with my hair. Sure, way back when I’ve had my hair permed (once it came out ok!) I’ve done highlights, my hair turns naturally blonder in the summer and my highlights just kept that look into the winter. However for the last 3 or 4 years I’ve done nothing. I’ve let my hair go natural. I have however started noticing some grays popping out!!! (Did I mention I’m only 31!!) Anyway I decided to be daring and try something I’ve NEVER done, with a color that is pretty out there — especially conservative me. So check it out below — my before and after pics.

I plan to keep it red at least until the 3Day. =)

AFTER

BEFORE

The Cinderella Pact

By MJ

This all started a few weeks ago when I caught part of a Lifetime movie – “Lying to be Perfect” which is based on the book “The Cinderella Pact” by Sarah Strohmeyer. It got me thinking..

I need to find myself some good friends who will support and encourage me to not only lose weight but to better myself in all aspects. To become the person I was meant to be. If YOU are one of those willing to support me on this journey, please feel free to comment on my posts, send me messages.. either anonymously or through registering.

In the book, Strohmeyer includes a “Guide to Indulging Your Inner Cinderella,” I am trying to accomplish some of these along my journey.

To understand what some of these mean, you must read the book – and I highly recommend it.

– “Take that photo of you as a little girl off your mother’s refrigerator. Tape it to your bathroom mirror. Admire how happy she is, how sparking. Be her, again. ”

– “Buy a tiara”

– “Believe it. Be it.”

– “Remember that you do NOT need a prince to be Cinderella.”

– “Find your fairy godmother.  Or godsister. Or godgirlfriend.”

– “Stick with the program!”

– “Act like Cinderella.”

– “Look like Cinderella.”

–”Unveil your inner Cinderella.”

So I am currently taking applications for a Fairy god????? and I am making this pact with myself. This is it. I have wasted too much time and cannot afford to waste anymore. I hope you will all come along for the ride and perhaps change yourselves for the better along the way.